Originally, Jiu Yue planned to go out and investigate at night, but she worried that Ma Dachun might send someone to monitor her. If they discovered she had slipped out, it would alert their suspicions.
So, Jiu Yue patiently waited in her room for Qiu Dongfang’s news.
By the third watch of the night, Jiu Yue was so bored she could’ve dug a hole through the wall when she heard movement outside the window again.
Instinctively holding her breath, she crept to the window and listened. After a few rhythmic taps, she opened it and helped Qiu Dongfang inside.
“Why so late?” Jiu Yue couldn’t help but ask. “Did you run into trouble?”
Qiu Dongfang pulled off his mask, looking mildly offended. “Are you doubting my skills?”
Jiu Yue raised a brow. “Are your skills that impressive?”
“Of course—” He almost laughed, then abruptly remembered the previous night when Jiu Yue had pinned him to the ground. After a pause, he changed the subject. “Never mind. Let’s focus on the matter at hand.”
“I spent five whole hours watching and finally found a lead.” Qiu Dongfang dipped his finger in water and began sketching on the table. “You’re currently here. You’ve already been to Ma Dachun’s room, right? It’s here.”
He pointed to a spot, and Jiu Yue recalled. “Yes, I went twice. Ma Dachun only returns at night.”
“Do you know where she went this afternoon?” Qiu Dongfang asked.
Jiu Yue shook her head.
Qiu Dongfang moved his finger slightly east. “She was here.”
Jiu Yue studied the location and realized, “That’s Yi Yao’s room.”
Earlier, when Ma Dachun was absent, Yi Yao had taken her there. Now, the spot matched Qiu Dongfang’s marking.
“Yi Yao?” Qiu Dongfang didn’t recognize the name. “All I know is that I saw Ma Dachun leaving that room at night. And when she did, I faintly heard a child crying inside. Those children might be hidden there.”
Jiu Yue stared at the drawing, then quickly shared her earlier suspicions.
After listening, Qiu Dongfang stroked his chin thoughtfully. “If what you say is true, Yi Yao is likely working with Ma Dachun in this scheme… Did she have any clients tonight?”
Jiu Yue shook her head. “Tonight, Ma Dachun was brainwashing me, and Yi Yao stood guard outside.”
“Got it. I’ll dig up more on Yi Yao. You hold on a little longer.” Qiu Dongfang narrowed his eyes. “I suspect those children will be moved out soon.”
Jiu Yue fell into contemplation.
If they wanted to expose Ma Dachun’s crimes to the world… these children would be the key.
Ordinary people might not understand the power struggles of the elite, but they knew the innocence of children.
At this thought, Jiu Yue’s expression darkened.
At dawn, hearing the laughter of the girls outside, Jiu Yue immediately opened her eyes. After stretching, she resumed her fragile, helpless act from the day before and cautiously opened the door.
Before her stood a group of brightly dressed women.
Leading them was Yi Yao.
“Ru Yan, you’re awake.” Yi Yao stepped forward, taking her hand. “The sisters were curious about the girl Mama brought in yesterday. Perfect timing—Xueliu, take Ru Yan and introduce her to everyone.”
With that, Yi Yao placed Jiu Yue’s hand into Xueliu’s.
The girl’s palm was soft and smooth, free of calluses.
When Jiu Yue looked up, she saw Xueliu’s slightly forced smile.
Glancing subtly at Yi Yao, Jiu Yue caught the warning hidden beneath her pleasant expression.
“I have matters to attend to today. Ru Yan, stay with Sister Xueliu.” Yi Yao patted her cheek affectionately before leaving in a hurry.
Jiu Yue turned her gaze back to Xueliu, feigning timidity.
Once Yi Yao was gone, Xueliu’s smile relaxed, but her eyes held a mix of pity, resignation, and numbness.
“Sister Ru Yan, it’s still early. Let me help you freshen up.”
Jiu Yue nodded silently.
Xueliu then addressed the others. “Alright, Yi Yao has left. Sisters, return to your rooms and prepare. We’ll gather in the garden after breakfast.”
The colorful crowd dispersed.
Xueliu led Jiu Yue to her room.
Unlike Yi Yao’s plain quarters, Xueliu’s room embodied the classic brothel aesthetic—sheer drapes, delicate ornaments, even the candlelight was arranged to flatter one’s appearance.
Xueliu sighed wearily. “Don’t mind the decor. No men have been here. Mama insists on this setup, saying it’ll help me… adjust.”
In other words, desensitization training.
Jiu Yue: “…”
Was that old witch reincarnated from a Japanese warlord? How vile!
Lowering her head to hide her fury, Jiu Yue sat before the mirror as Xueliu carefully styled her hair. Mistaking her silence for nervousness, Xueliu spoke gently to ease her.
By the time they finished, Jiu Yue had softened slightly.
Xueliu smiled. “Yi Yao mentioned you barely ate last night. You must be hungry now. Let’s get you something.”
Jiu Yue agreed.
After breakfast, Xueliu seemed convinced that Jiu Yue had warmed up to her.
In truth, it was Xueliu who had grown more trusting.
So when Jiu Yue casually asked about Yi Yao’s early departure, Xueliu answered without suspicion. “On the third of every month, Yi Yao leaves early and returns late. We’re used to it.”
…
“The third of every month?” Qiu Dongfang frowned. “I didn’t catch that detail… But I’ve confirmed that aside from the working girls, everyone in this brothel is… unusual.”
“You mean they’re trained fighters?”
“Exactly. If we’re forced into a fight, remember—take Ma Dachun’s head first.” Qiu Dongfang said. “I’ve reported to His Highness. If things escalate, Mo Jin’s team will handle the aftermath.”
Jiu Yue’s eyes gleamed. “Then tonight, I’ll probe for the hidden room. You keep watch.”
“Deal.”
That afternoon, Jiu Yue and Qiu Dongfang strategized in her room. Meanwhile, Xueliu had gone to rest. Later, pretending to have just woken up, Jiu Yue went downstairs and splashed water on her face.
She had intended to observe the kitchen staff’s skills but instead caught sight of a familiar green robe darting past the corner.
Her eyes sharpened. Following quietly, she saw Yi Yao’s door sway slightly—she had just returned.
