“Princess, what’s wrong?”

　　Princess Taylor hesitated for a moment. Thinking of the incident with the ferocious beast at Linhefang today, she still felt uneasy and instructed:

　　“I’m leaving the palace for a while. You all return to the bedchamber, no need to follow me.”

　　“Yes.”

　　Ethan Reed was a bit puzzled, but dared not ask more. After a slight bow, she quietly withdrew with the palace maids.

Chapter Five: Night Mooring Tavern

　　After leaving the residence on the south bank of Wende Bridge, Ryan Bennett held an oil-paper umbrella, standing amidst the dazzling streets and alleys of the capital. He looked around, wanting to find a place to have a drink and dispel his slightly troubled mood.

　　There were many people and prying eyes in the capital, but no acquaintances. His third uncle had also warned him not to visit brothels.

　　Ryan Bennett thought for a moment, then headed toward the outskirts of the city. Relying on his memory, he arrived at Linhefang near the water gate.

　　The water gate was where ships entered and exited the capital to load and unload goods. The people gathered here were from all walks of life, with the majority being porters who made a living by physical labor.

　　It was already late at night. Most of the stalls in the small market near the dock had closed, and the area near the houses destroyed by the beast was even more deserted. Only the gambling dens and distant alleys still echoed with lively noises.

　　Ryan Bennett walked along the street and arrived outside a tavern in the middle of a small lane.

　　The tavern was pitch black and silent inside. The banner with the character ‘汤’ swayed in the night wind.

　　Knock, knock—

　　Ryan Bennett stood at the tavern door and knocked twice on the barred gate. There was no response from inside, so he knocked twice more.

　　A moment later, the sound of a door opening came from the tavern’s backyard, followed by a woman’s drowsy voice:

　　“Are you blind? Didn’t you see we’re closed? If you want a drink, come back in the morning…”

　　“It’s me.”

　　“And who are you? Speak clearly, or the neighbors will think I’m sneaking a man in. If you’re looking for a lover, go to the alley up ahead…”

　　“I’m Xiao Zuo.”

　　“Zuo who? I don’t know you. Get lost, my man will be back soon…”

　　“……”

　　Ryan Bennett saw that she didn’t recognize his voice, so he thought for a moment and said:

　　“I’m the tall, handsome young man who came to your tavern for a drink this morning and called you ‘Auntie.’”

　　“Hm?”

　　The proprietress clearly remembered this and stopped talking. Instead, the sound of footsteps going back and forth could be heard.

　　A moment later, the tavern’s main door was unbolted. Emily Foster peeked out, then showed a hint of surprise and delight:

　　“Master Zuo, what brings you here? You weren’t hurt during the day, were you?”

　　The door opened, and Emily Foster revealed half her figure. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall. Though her clothes were tightly wrapped, they could hardly conceal her ample chest. Her face was bare of makeup, but under the soft white moonlight, it was as fair as mutton-fat jade, and her full lips added a natural charm.

　　Ryan Bennett smiled: “I wasn’t hurt. After finishing my business, I wanted to find a place for a drink. I wonder if it’s convenient for you, Sister Foster?”

　　Emily Foster had just crawled out of bed and wasn’t even properly dressed, so it was definitely inconvenient, but she couldn’t refuse outright.

　　She glanced at the sky outside, looking a bit embarrassed:

　　“Um… I had already gone to bed, and there’s no food left to go with the wine…”

　　Ryan Bennett didn’t want to make things difficult, so he reached out his hand:

　　“That’s fine, Sister Foster, just give me back the silver and I’ll go drink elsewhere.”

　　Emily Foster was taken aback, then her expression turned cautious as she looked him up and down:

　　“What silver does the young master want?”

　　“This morning, things were urgent, so I gave Sister Foster a hundred taels and didn’t have time to get change. A pot of wine and two plates of side dishes cost at most three qian of silver. Sister Foster, you owe me ninety-nine taels and seven qian in change.”

　　?

　　Wasn’t that a tip?

　　Emily Foster blinked, seeing that Ryan Bennett looked serious and wasn’t joking. Her expression became conflicted, her hand covering her chest, lips moving hesitantly. Clearly, she was embarrassed to just keep it, but also reluctant to part with it. After a moment’s thought, she muttered softly:

　　“Oh, I thought that was a tip from the young master.”

　　Ryan Bennett grinned: “Sister Foster runs an honest business. If I rashly tipped you a hundred taels, not only would you not accept it, you’d throw me out as a scoundrel, wouldn’t you?”

　　Like hell I would, I’d be happy as can be…

　　Emily Foster wasn’t a black-hearted woman after all. After a moment’s struggle, she turned and took out the still-warm banknote from her clothes, bit her lip, and handed it to Ryan Bennett, putting on a generous air:

　　“Thank you for your help during the day, young master. Consider that meal my treat.”

　　This seemingly generous but clearly pained expression amused Ryan Bennett. He took the banknote and looked around:

　　“Then thank you for your hospitality, Sister Foster. All the shops on the street are closed. If you could recommend a place that’s open at night, I’ll just use this hundred taels as wine money.”

　　What?

　　Emily Foster was no fool. Hearing this, she immediately understood Ryan Bennett’s meaning.

　　Although she was a bit annoyed at his teasing, no one can say no to money. After a brief hesitation, she stepped aside with a smile:

　　“It’s late, and there aren’t any taverns open on the street. If you really want a drink, well, since you’ve already woken me up…”

　　Ryan Bennett took the opportunity to enter the tavern, smiling:

　　“Then I’ll trouble you, Sister Foster.”

　　“Sigh, it’s just business. There’s no such thing as trouble. Please, have a seat, young master.”