TFSRITA Chapter 154

The title of Marquis wasn’t supposed to be hereditary, but Ji Jiaxun’s mother was a princess, so asking for special privileges was no big deal. As a result, Ji Jiaxun was already referred to as “Young Marquis.”

The original owner’s maid, Lan Hua, whispered, “I’ll go check.”

Yan Qing nodded slowly.

A few minutes later, Lan Hua returned, kneeling before Yan Qing. “Miss, the Young Marquis… he’s not in the estate.”

Just as expected!

Yan Qing lowered her gaze, staring at her pale, delicate hands beneath her wedding veil, and asked, “What about the guests outside?”

“They’re still celebrating in the front courtyard. The Marquis is entertaining them, and the Princess has already retired to rest,” Lan Hua replied.

Yan Qing smiled in satisfaction. To the astonishment of her maids, she lifted her veil, stood up, and said coldly, “Let’s go.”

Lan Hua was stunned and stammered, “Go… where?”

“To find the Young Marquis, of course,” Yan Qing said, pushing open the door and striding out.

On their wedding night, how could the groom be absent?

The capital’s curfew started late, and at this hour, the city was still brightly lit.

Today marked the joyous occasion of the wedding between the Princess’s only son and the heir of the Pingwu Marquis. People from all around came to share in the celebration. Even if they couldn’t enter the estate, standing at the gates might earn them some rewards.

Yan Qing exited through the back door, avoiding the crowd, and surprisingly encountered a few people along the way.

Ji Jiaxun’s favorite place was none other than the Cuihong Brothel.

So Yan Qing went there directly.

That street was the only one in the capital exempt from the curfew. Its bright red lanterns lit up the entire street, giving it the appearance of a grand celebration.

As Yan Qing passed by, she could hear some women calling out, “Young Master, come on in! Let me be your bride for the night!”

The Cuihong Brothel was the finest establishment on the street. It was located just a short walk in and stood out with its luxurious décor, making the other brothels nearby look shabby in comparison.

Yan Qing stopped at the brothel’s entrance.

Lan Hua was trembling, her voice shaking as she said, “M-Miss! Are you going to…”

Yan Qing glanced at the group of strong young men behind her, then at the wooden stick Lan Hua was clutching, and nodded. Looking at the brothel, she saw the curious gazes of the women nearby and passing guests. Their expressions were bewildered as if they were witnessing a madwoman.

It was understandable—Dayan was known for its liberal customs, but a bride in her wedding gown visiting a brothel was shocking, even by their standards.

Yan Qing took a deep breath, grabbed the stick from Lan Hua, and marched inside.

Before she could get far, a middle-aged woman hurried over to block her path. “Oh dear, madam! What are you doing here? This is no place for you! Please, take my advice and go home…”

Yan Qing frowned and stepped back. In a commanding tone, she said, “Clear the way!”

The young men behind her immediately responded in unison, “Yes, ma’am!”

They stepped forward, pulling the woman aside and blocking the brothel’s patrons and staff from interfering. A path was forcefully cleared through the bustling main hall.

Yan Qing looked at the stunned madam, who was now restrained, and asked, “Which room is Ji Jiaxun in?”

The madam’s face froze, and she let out a nervous laugh. “You must be joking, madam. Who doesn’t know that today is the Young Marquis’s wedding? Why would he be here?”

Yan Qing’s delicate face remained stern as she stared her down. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll search every room until I find him.”

Every room? That would mean seeing a lot of unsightly things!

The madam’s heart skipped a beat. This new wife of the Young Marquis was truly formidable!

But upon reflection, she realized this wasn’t someone to mess with. As the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister and granddaughter of the famed General Song, Yan Qing had imperial favor on her side. If something happened here at Cuihong Brothel, the establishment would be doomed.

The madam dared not resist further and reluctantly pointed the way.

Satisfied, Yan Qing ordered her men to release the madam, lifted her heavy skirt, and ascended the stairs, stick in hand.

In the private room, three beautiful women sat in a corner, playing a melody together.

The noisy commotion outside seeped into the room, but the soothing music softened its impact.

Several young men lounged about, some holding women in their arms and laughing, others reclining in chairs as they were massaged.

Only one person stood out. Half-lying on a couch, with one long leg hanging off the edge and the other bent, Ji Jiaxun propped his head on his hand, a frown etched on his handsome face. His bright eyes glimmered with dissatisfaction.

Despite his scowl, his fair complexion, delicate features, and rosy lips made him look anything but intimidating. His expression carried a mix of arrogance and indolence, fitting for someone of his age—seventeen or eighteen at most. His luxurious clothes and exquisite jade accessories hinted at his noble status.

“I’m not going back! Are you all scared of her or what?” Ji Jiaxun snapped, his youthful voice sharp yet lively.

“Of course not!” Shi Yibin chuckled, stroking the face of the woman beside him. “We’re just worried you’ll end up in trouble.”

Ji Jiaxun sneered. “Trouble? I don’t care. I won’t touch her even if I’m forced to marry her!”

“Big bro is the best!” Zhang Zhong toasted him, raising his cup with a grin. Then, looking at another young man by the window, he said, “Hao Lin, why are you still staring outside? Come join us!”

Qi Haolin glanced back, his expression conflicted. “Ji, you’re in big trouble.”

The group of privileged teenage boys, barely adults but brimming with youthful confidence, all turned to look at him in surprise.