"Zhou Mama, your Hu Yu House is truly lively tonight."
Ankang Princess said with a playful smile.
Princess Yuan An Princess, who was standing nearby, was somewhat surprised to see her Imperial Sister interacting so effortlessly with such a person.
She had always thought that Ankang Princess was a more introverted person, but she didn't expect her to converse so easily with strangers.
However, personality is actually closely related to one's physical condition.
In the past, Ankang Princess was weak and listless all day long, so she naturally didn't have the energy to talk much with people.
But now, Ankang Princess is healthy and full of energy, so she has unconsciously become much more lively and cheerful.
When Zhou Mama heard Ankang Princess say this, she immediately gave a bitter smile and bowed even lower, making the view in front of Li Xuan even more captivating.
"To disturb the two young ladies, this servant truly deserves death and cannot atone for her sins."
Zhou Mama's tone was utterly humble.
But from the perspective of customer service, she was impeccable.
However, while Li Xuan found it amusing, the two princesses were extremely displeased.
Princess Yuan An Princess snorted coldly, turning her head away and no longer looking at Zhou Mama.
Ankang Princess also couldn't help but twitch the corner of her mouth.
"This is too big…"
She grumbled inwardly, but still couldn't help but glance down at her own chest, her little mouth pouting as she felt unhappy.
But this mood only lasted for an instant.
Ankang Princess knew she was still young and had a promising future, so there was no need to be so disheartened now.
She then looked up and said, "Zhou Mama, there's no need to be so overly polite. Please stand up and sit down to talk. We just happen to have some things we want to ask you."
Although it was an ordinary sentence, Zhou Mama keenly sensed that the other party's identity might not be simple.
Their appearance, tone, demeanor, clothing, plus the robust guards beside them, clearly indicated they were not ordinary people.
There was a reason Zhou Mama specifically sought them out.
She had clarified with her own staff that the fire on the fourth floor was extinguished by the guards of these two ladies.
Moreover, the method of extinguishing the fire was astonishing; it was said that with just one palm strike, a water dragon appeared and directly dispersed the fire.
A fire that a group of them couldn't do much about was resolved instantly by someone.
Zhou Mama, operating Hu Yu House on Flower Street, had seen quite a lot.
Someone capable of such a feat could be considered a rare master in the capital.
And those who could employ such masters as guards were naturally even more extraordinary.
Zhou Mama was now at her wit's end.
Not to mention the previous explosion on their stage, Aymu's disappearance, and Third Young Master Hou being severely injured by the blast.
This incident, Aymu's escape, would bring her unimaginable debt burden, and with Third Young Master Hou being affected, she still had to provide an explanation to the Hou family.
Now, Third Young Master Hou was directly burned to charcoal, and if the Hou family couldn't find the cause, they would surely vent their anger on her.
By then, she wouldn't even have a chance to rebuild her business.
She couldn't even imagine what the Hou family would do to her.
So when Zhou Mama discovered the extraordinary nature of these two young ladies, she immediately latched onto them to build rapport, hoping to find an opportunity to break free from her predicament.
"Thank you, two young ladies, for your magnanimity! This servant is endlessly grateful!"
Zhou Mama timely squeezed out two drops of tears, seemingly overjoyed by their forgiveness.
Ankang Princess was startled but didn't say much, only pointing to the chairs in front of them and inviting Zhou Mama to sit down.
After Zhou Mama sat down, she dabbed her tears pitifully, looking utterly haggard.
"Zhou Mama, it was just a fire, why are you so frightened?"
Ankang Princess knew Third Young Master Hou had died, but she still asked deliberately.
"Alas, the two young ladies do not know."
Zhou Mama's expression became even more sorrowful.
"That fire earlier, by ill fate, happened to burn to death the Hou family's Third Young Master, Hou Chi Si."
"Oh, that's the one who was affected by the stage explosion last night."
"My stage had an accident, and I had to take responsibility for getting him treated. But unexpectedly, I hired a doctor who treated him well, yet he was burned to death by a fire late at night."
"This Lord Hou's fate is truly bitter!"
Hearing Zhou Mama's words, Li Xuan was amused.
If he hadn't endured the humiliation last night, hiding under someone's skirt and listening to the full conversations of those Flower Street mamas, one wouldn't have known how kind-hearted and responsible Zhou Mama supposedly was.
Even Third Young Master Hou was forced upon Hu Yu House by other mamas to be cared for.
Otherwise, Third Young Master Hou would probably still be lying on Flower Street groaning right now.
Although Third Young Master Hou was burned to death after being moved to Hu Yu House for care, it was still better than lying on the street indefinitely.
Of course, Third Young Master Hou might not have thought so.
Ankang Princess had heard the detailed account from Li Xuan earlier, so she naturally couldn't believe Zhou Mama's nonsense, but she wasn't so tactless as to expose her face-to-face. She just smiled and continued to ask the questions she was curious about:
"Zhou Mama, I heard that this fire tonight was not simple; not only was it a strange green fire, but water couldn't extinguish it."
"Some people even say it's ghost fire, that the female ghosts from Flower Street have come for revenge."
"Zhou Mama, do you think this is true or false?"
Zhou Mama's expression immediately became unnatural.
"Young lady, don't scare me. How could there be ghosts in my Hu Yu House?"
"Those ghost stories are just jokes from guests after drinking; they shouldn't be taken seriously."
Seeing Zhou Mama's reaction, Li Xuan narrowed his eyes.
From her tone and expression, Zhou Mama's reaction seemed fine.
But Li Xuan clearly saw that before Zhou Mama answered, her pupils suddenly constricted.
Although she quickly returned to normal, Li Xuan knew Zhou Mama was lying.
"Could it be that Flower Street is really haunted?"
Li Xuan pondered inwardly. He had never considered the possibility of ghosts existing in this world.
"No, it's too early to say whether it's human or ghost."
Without personal observation or seeing relevant records in official documents, Li Xuan decided to remain skeptical.
Ankang Princess saw that Zhou Mama avoided discussing ghost stories and did not press the issue. Instead, she turned to inquire about Third Young Master Hou.
Regarding this, Zhou Mama spoke freely, even proactively mentioning details that Ankang Princess hadn't asked about.
In short, Third Young Master Hou was a typical scion, who brought his cronies to Hu Yu House for entertainment every day.
Compared to the time he spent at home, Third Young Master Hou spent more time at Hu Yu House.
And he played quite wildly, injuring many of the girls in their Hu Yu House.
If it weren't for Third Young Master Hou being generous with money, Zhou Mama would not have been willing to entertain such a guest.
Zhou Mama recounted her grievances, while Ankang Princess listened quietly from the side.
"Oh dear, this servant has been talking endlessly. I mustn't delay the two young ladies' rest."
"I have already sent someone to tidy up the rooms on the third floor. Please, two young ladies, go there to rest."
"Something happened on the fourth floor, so it's better not to continue sleeping there."
"Tonight has been eventful at my humble establishment, and there has been much disturbance. All expenses for the two young ladies will be charged to this servant, as an apology. Please, I beg you, allow this servant an opportunity to make amends."
Zhou Mama said, rising and bowing. This time, she did not flaunt her assets.
Through the previous probing, she already clearly understood that the two young ladies in front of her had no interest in her.
Ankang Princess turned to Princess Yuan An Princess beside her and asked, "Sister, are you still sleepy?"
"Not sleepy anymore, I lost all desire to sleep a while ago."
Princess Princess Yuan An grumbled in dissatisfaction.
Zhou Mama apologized repeatedly to Princess Princess Yuan An, but Princess Princess Yuan An merely turned her head away, not paying much attention.
Princess Princess Yuan An would not show a good face to anyone who caused her trouble.
Moreover, she was somewhat displeased with Zhou Mama, who constantly flaunted her cleavage for no apparent reason, as if showing it off to someone.
This point made Princess Princess Yuan An very unhappy, and consequently, her attitude towards Zhou Mama was not very good.
"I'm not sleepy anymore. If Zhou Mama is also free, why not join us for a chat?"
"It's our first time visiting Flower Street, and we're both very curious about things here."
When Zhou Mama heard that Princess Ankang was still willing to speak with her, her face immediately lit up with a smile.
Although the other young lady was not kind to her, it was good as long as one young lady still favored her.
Furthermore, Zhou Mama was well aware that Princess Princess Yuan An's behavior stemmed from a young girl's minor emotions and was not a major issue.
Sure enough, as Zhou Mama subtly offered several compliments, Princess Princess Yuan An's small face gradually showed more smiles.
Previously, Princess Princess Yuan An was always surrounded by cautious eunuchs and palace maids, whose methods were completely different from Zhou Mama's.
Zhou Mama's ability to make a name for herself on Flower Street meant these were basic skills, and dealing with the relatively naive Princess Princess Yuan An was child's play.
Before long, the three women were chatting animatedly.
Mostly, Zhou Mama shared interesting stories from Flower Street with the two young ladies.
She quickly figured out the two princesses' preferences and immediately began to cater to them.
At first, Princess Ankang wanted to elicit information from Zhou Mama to satisfy her curiosity.
But when she came to her senses, the topic had already been guided by Zhou Mama.
Looking out the window again, the sky was already turning a fish-belly white, and it would soon be dawn.
"Oh dear, I didn't realize it was this late."
Zhou Mama heard the gradually rising clamor from the street.
These were the diligent common people preparing for a new day's work.
Ordinarily, at this time, brothels like theirs would be catching up on sleep, but because of last night's fire, many of the girls were still awake, reluctantly working overtime.
"Are the two young ladies hungry? I'll have someone buy some breakfast from East Market Street. Our breakfast here is also exceptional; you must try it when you come."
As Zhou Mama spoke, she beckoned a Hu Yu House attendant and told him to buy several portions of various breakfast items from the street.
Zhou Mama was very enthusiastic towards the two princesses, yet she never made them feel uncomfortable; it merely seemed like a natural affinity between them.
This was also her cleverness.
The three had been chatting happily, but after Zhou Mama sent the attendant to buy breakfast, she suddenly sighed for no reason.
Princess Princess Yuan An immediately teased, "Zhou Mama, are you perhaps feeling bad about the breakfast money?"
Zhou Mama immediately straightened her charming face, cast a seductive glance, truly embodying a myriad of charms.
Then, she let out a chuckle and continued, "Young lady, please don't look down on me. Although my Hu Yu House business isn't large, I can still afford two portions of breakfast."
Then Zhou Mama's smile gradually faded, revealing a hint of melancholy.
"It's just that in a few days, this Hu Yu House will cease to exist. I can't help but feel sorrowful, and I've disturbed the two young ladies' enjoyment."
Upon hearing this, Princess Princess Yuan An immediately asked with some surprise, "I saw that your business was quite good last night, so why is it closing down?"
Li Xuan chuckled inwardly. Zhou Mama had been building up to this for a long time; it was finally time to get to the point.
"The two young ladies might not know, but Lord Hou, who died in the fire here last night, is the son of the current Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel."
"Now that he has died here, I will certainly be held accountable."
"By then, I'm afraid I'll no longer have the opportunity to chat with the two young ladies as we are now."
Zhou Mama was so sad that she was on the verge of tears.
However, both princesses remained very calm.
Zhou Mama wiped away her tears, but inwardly, she was utterly perplexed.
"Hmm?"
"Why aren't they surprised at all? And I even bought them breakfast, so aren't they sad for me at all?"
Princess Princess Yuan An held it in for a long time, then finally said indifferently, "Oh, so that's how it is."
Zhou Mama was so angry that she cursed inwardly, "Oh, you big-headed ghost of an oh! Was our pleasant conversation just now all fake? Can't you have some sympathy?"
"The girl is quite pretty, but why is she as cold and heartless as those men?"
Zhou Mama saw that Princess Princess Yuan An was unreliable, so she couldn't help but turn her hopes to Princess Ankang.
After all, from the beginning, Princess Ankang had been much easier to talk to than Princess Princess Yuan An.
As a result, Zhou Mama saw Princess Ankang merely smiling at her, not even uttering an 'oh,' which was even worse than Princess Princess Yuan An.
"I'm crying so sadly, how can she still smile?"
Zhou Mama's tears immediately became much hotter, and she cried more genuinely.
Princess Ankang laughed heartlessly for a while, then belatedly offered a few comforting words, though they seemed rather perfunctory.
"Zhou Mama, don't be too sad. The dead cannot be brought back to life. Please accept our condolences and move on."
Zhou Mama immediately cried even louder, thinking, "I'm not even dead yet, and this rotten girl is already cursing me to die!"
But the next moment, she realized that Princess Ankang was talking about Third Young Master Hou, which made her so angry that she immediately stood up and hastily left with a single sentence:
"I've lost my composure."
Zhou Mama knew that these two young ladies were unreliable and simply gave up.
She had initially thought they were beautiful and kind official ladies, and that after gaining their favor, she might receive some protection, but she never expected them to be two young women who only cared about entertainment.
Zhou Mama felt she had misjudged them. She went to a secluded spot, wiped away her tears, and inwardly cursed her bad luck several times.
Watching Zhou Mama's crying figure depart, Princess Princess Yuan An asked in confusion, "It's just a mere Third Young Master Hou. The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel isn't a high-ranking official, so what's she crying about?"
Princess Ankang chuckled and casually said, "She probably didn't sleep well last night."
When Princess Ankang realized that Zhou Mama was guiding the conversation, she became vigilant, and when Zhou Mama brought up Third Young Master Hou's issue, she clearly understood what she was trying to do.
Therefore, she did not fall for Zhou Mama's trick at all.
As for Princess Princess Yuan An...
Princess Ankang felt that she, too, had probably realized it and was feigning ignorance.
People who live in the imperial palace are naturally extra sensitive to topics related to self-interest.
Princess Princess Yuan An probably also figured out what Zhou Mama was trying to do at the last moment.
How could Princess Princess Yuan An, merely based on a single encounter, get involved in their affairs for a brothel madam?
Although Princess Princess Yuan An spoke lightly, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was not a minor official.
The Official Personnel Department, also known as the Heavenly Official, was in charge of the appointment, evaluation, promotion, demotion, transfer, and conferment of honors for all civil officials in the country.
And the six ministries each had a Minister and a Vice Minister as their main and deputy heads.
Therefore, this Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was a high-ranking official with significant power and held a crucial position in the Imperial Court.
Previously, Princess Ankang, due to limited information, did not know much about these common facts of the Imperial Court.
But as she had read a large number of books in Thousand Stars Pavilion over the past few months, she had long since understood such common knowledge.
Of course, both of them were noble princesses.
Even if Princess Ankang was not favored now, she would not be afraid of an Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
But not being afraid is one thing; there was absolutely no need to get involved in a brothel madam's affairs and oppose the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
Seeing that Princess Ankang was clear-headed, Li Xuan also obediently lay in Princess Ankang's arms.
When they were talking earlier, Li Xuan stared intently at Zhou Mama, wanting to see what was on her mind.
Sure enough, under his scorching gaze, even with layers of disguise, Zhou Mama's thoughts were easily seen through by him.
"Hmph, under my Fiery Golden Eyes, nothing can confuse me."
Li Xuan stared in the direction Zhou Mama had left in a disheveled state, his gaze not retracting for a long time.
Seeing his appearance, Imperial Sister Ankang irritably pinched his little ear.
"Li Xuan, I saw you looking at Zhou Mama very intently just now."
"Then let me ask you, what color clothes was Zhou Mama wearing?"
Li Xuan's pupils immediately constricted, realizing he couldn't recall these details at all.
"Clothes?"
"Did Zhou Mama wear clothes just now?"
"Why can't I remember anything at all?"
"It's like my memory has disappeared."
"Charm!"
"This must be a very clever charm!"
Li Xuan really wanted to argue like this, but looking at Imperial Sister Ankang's gentle smile, he knew all explanations were futile.
"You little pervert, let's see how I'll teach you a lesson!"
Li Xuan resignedly closed his eyes, offering no resistance, accepting Imperial Sister Ankang's torment.
Imperial Sister Princess Yuan An, standing nearby, watched enviously, wishing she could also join in the bullying.
...
A murder occurred on Flower Street, and it was impossible for the authorities to remain indifferent.
Not to mention, the deceased was the son of an Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
Early in the morning, Wannian County officials arrived at Hu Yu House to investigate the scene and collect the body.
Third Young Master Hou's charred body was taken to the county yamen for an autopsy by the coroner, and more people from the Hou family arrived.
In front of the officials, they took Zhou Mama into custody, confining her to a room on the fifth floor, and fully took over all affairs of Hu Yu House.
The authorities wanted to investigate the case, and their Hou family wouldn't just sit idly by.
Steward Fan had already regained consciousness, and A Biao, who had left last night, also brought a thin, shifty-eyed man.
Presumably, this was the tooth-seller who sold Aymu to Hu Yu House.
Imperial Sister Ankang and the others sat in the private room, enjoying a lavish breakfast and watching the lively scene below.
When Zhou Mama left in a huff that morning, she forgot to instruct the servants.
As a result, the servant who went to buy breakfast foolishly bought various kinds of breakfast and delivered it directly to them.
If Zhou Mama knew, she would probably be angered again.
Dr. Fang stood downstairs, undergoing questioning from the officials.
The officials seemed very familiar with Dr. Fang and were not impolite to him.
After questioning him and finding no suspicious points, they proceeded to question other guests in the establishment.
A middle-aged man who looked like a constable arrived at Hu Yu House and whispered endlessly with Steward Fan, one couldn't tell what they were discussing.
"Sister, do you think they can find out anything?"
"I heard the officials say that someone really witnessed a female ghost on the street last night."
"Someone also saw emerald green ghostly flames drifting around the street, then shooting into Third Young Master Hou's room with a whoosh, which caused the fire."
Imperial Sister Princess Yuan An spoke as if she had witnessed it herself.
She had gone downstairs earlier, and Imperial Sister Ankang had wondered what she was doing; it turned out she was gathering information.
Compared to the case assigned to them for this month's competition, the current case clearly interested these two Imperial Sisters more.
"Ghosts?"
Imperial Sister Ankang mumbled, saying to herself:
"If there really were, that would be good."
Her eyes appeared somewhat sorrowful.
Li Xuan looked up, meowed at Imperial Sister Ankang, stood up from her embrace, and affectionately hugged and rubbed against her.
"Hehe, I was just saying it, Li Xuan doesn't need to worry."
Imperial Sister Princess Yuan An, who had been speaking happily, felt a sourness in her heart when she saw this scene.
This person and cat always showed affection in front of her, completely disregarding her feelings, and she was almost unable to bear it.
"No, starting tomorrow, I must bring Bai Xiao wherever I go!"
Imperial Sister Princess Yuan An bit her red lips and made up her mind.
And just at this moment, Steward Fan walked alone to the outside of their private room.
He gently knocked twice on the open door, then bowed respectfully from outside the door towards those inside.
"This humble one, Fan Changming, specifically came to thank you all for saving my life."
Steward Fan was likely referring to the Flower-Clothed Eunuchs helping them put out the fire earlier.
Imperial Sister Ankang and Imperial Sister Princess Yuan An had previously overheard Li Xuan recount the events, so they understood what he was referring to.
"Steward Fan, why don't you come in and talk."
Imperial Sister Ankang invited Steward Fan in.
Steward Fan thanked them again, then took a step forward and stood inside the private room.
He did not move further in, but stood by the doorway, half-bent at the waist, appearing very respectful.
If Li Xuan hadn't witnessed his aggressive attitude towards Dr. Fang last night, he would have truly believed him to be an honest person.
"Steward Fan, there's no need to be so polite, we were also trying to save ourselves."
"It's just that we heard this morning that your young master has already..."
"Please accept our condolences."
Imperial Sister Ankang said.
Steward Fan's face also darkened, but he still thanked them: "Thank you, two young ladies."
However, Imperial Sister Princess Yuan An, standing nearby, couldn't hold back and immediately asked:
"Steward Fan, I heard that the fire last night was caused by ghosts, is that true?"
Steward Fan slowly raised his head, his expression complex.
Li Xuan was also very curious about his answer.
Last night, he and several other girls from Hu Yu House were in the room taking care of Third Young Master Hou, who was injured by the explosion.
Logically speaking, if it was just a fire, there was absolutely no reason for Steward Fan to leave Third Young Master Hou alone in the fire.
But the result was that Third Young Master Hou was burned to charcoal all by himself in the fire.
This was also something Li Xuan had never understood.
He was also very curious why Steward Fan left his own young master alone on the bed and ran away by himself.
"The two young ladies have shown great kindness to me, Fan, if it weren't for this gentleman warning us that the green flame was poisonous and helping to extinguish the fire, I and the other Hou family servants would have been in grave danger."
"Therefore, there's no need to hide what happened last night from the two young ladies."
"To be honest, last night I indeed saw a female ghost outside the window, with several balls of ghostly fire swirling around her.
I saw the female ghost point at me from afar, and a ball of ghostly fire slowly flew towards me."
"That ball of ghostly fire extinguished halfway, and I originally thought someone was playing tricks, but when I turned back, I saw my young master suddenly burst into flames."
Li Xuan was stunned when he heard this.
No wonder Steward Fan didn't take Third Young Master Hou out of the fire, it turned out he was the source of the fire.
And from Steward Fan's words, it seemed there really was a female ghost causing trouble on Flower Street.
At this, not only the Three Little Ones, but even Imperial Sister Princess Yuan An, who was the most curious, couldn't help but collectively gulp.
"There really are ghosts."