Jason Brooks stepped forward and whispered something in his ear. Henry Howard's eyes immediately widened in shock and delight. "What! Go to a brothel and visit prostitutes? Great! That's my favorite thing."

Jason Brooks saw that he only listened to half of what he said and snapped, "I'm not telling you to visit prostitutes, I'm asking you to help me with something. Stop letting your imagination run wild, okay? Besides, you're just pretending to be my lackeys—such pleasures aren't for you."

Henry Howard shook his head. "If it's not for visiting prostitutes, then I'm not going!"

Jason Brooks's face darkened, and he said sternly, "Fine! I'll go by myself. If I can't handle things and get caught, don't blame me for exposing your runaway marriage."

Henry Howard's original surname was Lin. He was the son of a wealthy family in the capital and had been engaged since childhood to the daughter of a government official. Two years ago, on their wedding night, he found his fiancée unattractive and ran away, becoming a sailor and changing his name. But once, after drinking with Jason Brooks, he let his secret slip.

The runaway marriage was Henry Howard's Achilles' heel, like a rabbit's ears—Jason Brooks had tugged at it countless times, and it never failed. Henry Howard had no choice but to surrender, raising his hand. "Fine! I'll go."

Jason Brooks's face instantly brightened, and he beamed, "That's more like it! We've been through thick and thin together. Last time at Longmen Wharf, if it weren't for the brothers helping out, I'd have been beaten to a pulp. Of course, you all have to help me again this time."

"You brat, there you go talking nonsense again. Last time, you almost beat someone to a pulp! If we hadn't stopped you, someone would've died. Whatever, just tell us—when and where do we meet? We need to go back and sleep."

"I don't know the exact time yet, but it'll be in the next couple of days. I'll let you know."

"Alright then! We'll wait for your notice." Henry Howard yawned and left with the other two sailors.

"Damn it, now that you guys are gone, where am I supposed to sleep?"

Jason Brooks originally wanted to return to the Huanfu residence, but remembering that his brother's house was small and Luo Luo was injured, it would be inconvenient for him to go back. Suddenly, he thought of another place. He looked up at the big tree overhead, and through the dense branches and leaves, he seemed to see a huge bird's nest.

Jason Brooks couldn't help but laugh to himself. "Since the owner hasn't returned yet, this old black crow will occupy it for a night. Haha! This is what they call a cuckoo occupying a magpie's nest."

……

Ruyi Brothel was one of the top ten brothels in Huaiyang City, located on the south bank of the Chu River. It was a sprawling estate covering ten acres, with dozens of pavilions and towers. There were beauties playing the flute to attract guests, charming girls singing sweetly, and a bevy of lovely ladies—delicate, alluring, and enchanting—a place long famed for pleasure and indulgence.

Ever since a month ago, when the famous courtesan Chu Yulian from the capital came to Weiyang to make her fortune and took up residence at Ruyi Brothel, its reputation soared once again. The sons of wealthy families and renowned scholars all flocked there, drawn by her fame. Even though half an hour with her cost a hundred taels of silver, admirers still came in droves. The legitimate second grandson of the Huanfu family, Jade Harper, was one of them.

At the beginning of the month, Jade Harper had already paid three thousand taels in advance. Although it was a hefty sum, his time slot on the appointment card was still not the best—he was scheduled for odd-numbered days each month, one hour each time. If he missed it, it was forfeited, and no refunds were given.

So even though Jade Harper had been scolded harshly yesterday and had sworn never to visit brothels again and to study hard, today he still snuck out. If he didn't show up, his appointment would be wasted—how could he bear that?

At noon, the main hall of Ruyi Brothel was filled with laughter and flirtatious voices. The brothel girls were drinking and having lunch with the guests. Jade Harper was restless, getting up from time to time to look toward Lianxiang Pavilion, where Chu Yulian lived. Chu Yulian was eating, and once she finished, it would be his turn.

The madam saw how anxious he looked and teased him with a laugh, "Jade young master, I forgot to tell you—Yulian is having her period today, she can't receive guests."

Jade Harper's face changed dramatically, and he jumped up, shouting, "Wha—how can that be? It's my turn today!"

"I'm just teasing you. Look how anxious you are! At least let my girl finish her meal!"

The patrons burst into laughter, and Jade Harper blushed furiously, having no choice but to sit down awkwardly.

At that moment, a group of seven or eight guests arrived at the entrance of Ruyi Brothel. The leader was in his thirties, with a bronze complexion, thick brows like brushes, a face full of pockmarks, and a big gold tooth showing—a perfect picture of a nouveau riche. Behind him was his attendant, a bearded man carrying a sword, his face cold and silent.

These two, master and servant, were of course Jason Brooks and Henry Howard. The others behind them were their fellow sailors. Jason Brooks had picked up some makeup skills in Qizhou—though just the basics, a slight change in appearance made him look completely different.

The sailors all stayed outside while Jason Brooks swaggered into Ruyi Brothel with Henry Howard. The greeter at the door saw their splendid attire and dared not neglect them. A young attendant hurried over, "May I ask, sirs, which lady would you like to spend time with?"

Jason Brooks waved his hand. "Tip first!"