Chapter 16: Gathering Intelligence at the Pleasure Quarter (Fourth Watch, Seeking Continued Reading)

“Let’s go take a look!”

Zhou Chen was not shy at all. Though he hadn’t achieved much in his past life, he often spent money helping poorly clothed young women on the streets.

Since it was early morning, the Snow Moon Pavilion was open but not very busy.

As soon as he entered, a brothel madam in her thirties, still exuding charm, came forward. Seeing Zhou Chen’s youthful and handsome appearance, her eyes lit up.

“Oh my, is this your first time here, sir?”

A fragrant breeze enveloped him as the madam linked her arm with his, beaming warmly, and led him inside.

“Hm?”

Suddenly, Zhou Chen sensed a familiar aura. Looking up abruptly, he saw County Captain Zhang Long descending from the second floor with three constables.

Those three constables had accompanied him earlier to hunt the ferocious tiger; they seemed to be Zhang Long’s trusted men.

“You know County Captain Zhang?” the madam asked curiously.

Zhang Long was a prominent figure in Qinghe County.

“Before, when County Captain Zhang went to Great River Village to eliminate the ferocious tiger, I was fortunate enough to guide him. I witnessed the captain’s formidable presence firsthand!”

At those words, Zhang Long seemed to sense something and glanced at Zhou Chen.

Noticing Zhou Chen was briefly startled, Zhang quickly averted his gaze and left the Snow Moon Pavilion with his men.

“That kid seems pretty good with archery!” Zhang Long suddenly remarked.

Zhou Chen was skilled in tracking, which Zhang had already seen. Since Zhou Chen had money to spend here, it was obvious he had earned quite a bit from hunting.

“You’re right, boss. That kid’s archery is indeed impressive. He’s recently become famous in Great River Village!” Zhao Hu chimed in.

“Not long after we left Great River Village, that kid went hunting and bagged two wild boars. It’s said he only used four arrows, each piercing precisely the boars’ eyes!”

“He’s also hunted plenty of sika deer and other game. They say he’s incredibly strong—able to carry a 400-pound wild boar down the mountain all by himself!”

“He must have some martial arts training, quite advanced. He should have cultivated his energy and blood essence by now!”

Zhang Long nodded, not surprised. Judging by Zhou Chen’s physique and complexion, he had his suspicions.

“Boss, are you planning to recruit him?”

Zhao Hu asked, intrigued.

“That’s right. His tracking and archery skills are impressive, and he’s still young. Even if he doesn’t know martial arts, he possesses divine strength. He has great potential!”

Zhang Long didn’t hide his intention. As County Captain, he needed to recruit reliable subordinates. Though Zhao Hu and the others were decent, their talents were mediocre.

“I’ll go call him over!”

“Wait!”

Zhang Long raised his hand, resting it on Zhao Hu’s shoulder, and said calmly:

“It’s his first time at Snow Moon Pavilion. What kind of trouble would it be if you went to spoil his fun?”

Zhao Hu looked awkward and scratched his nose.

He had overheard the madam’s words—if she said it was Zhou Chen’s first time, then it must be so.

“This can wait!”

Zhang Long walked away with Zhao Hu and the others, saying:

“You go quietly investigate Zhou Chen’s background. Don’t let anyone find out.”

“Yes, boss!”

Hearing this, Zhao Hu felt even more ashamed. No wonder he was only a subordinate—he was too reckless.

He had only heard gossip about Zhou Chen but knew nothing concrete. Rushing to recruit him was a joke.

What if Zhou Chen had problems? That would be like inviting a wolf into the house.

Zhao Hu accepted the order and hurried off.

Watching his back, Zhang Long shook his head in secret.

What a reckless fellow! Truly a tiger!

Zhang Long thought of Zhou Chen. Their brief encounter had left a good impression—cautious and measured in approach.

For instance, after killing the ferocious tiger, no other ghosts appeared. Zhou Chen must have been curious about that but waited until they reached the village to ask, clearly wary of provoking Zhang Long’s displeasure.

Once back in the village, Zhou Chen naturally had more hesitation.

Putting it aside, Zhang Long went to the county office with the remaining constables.

Inside Snow Moon Pavilion.

Zhou Chen, with his lightning-fast nimble hands and subtle manipulations, quickly had the madam, the alluring Sister Hong in her thirties, utterly delighted.

[Charm Points +1]

“Sister Hong, it’s my first time here. Don’t cheat me, alright? Though my pockets are tight now, you have to give me a discount…”

Zhou Chen smiled at Sister Hong.

“This is all the skill I’ve got left. It’s decent enough!”

“I can tell you’re no rookie!” Sister Hong shot him a knowing glance. This kid looked honest but was definitely experienced.

Though it was his first time at this place, he had surely been to many others.

Even a seasoned veteran like her was powerless against him.

“You sure know how to do business—wanting quality and a low price. Where in the world does that happen?”

Sister Hong teased.

[Charm Points +1]

“That beauty of yours is overrated. My skills are worth at least ten taels of silver. How is this cheap?”

Zhou Chen smiled meaningfully.

“Alright, alright. I’ll have Miaotong accompany you, and just charge a symbolic fee—two taels!”

Sister Hong gave in, a little overwhelmed, and shouted:

“Miaotong, come greet the guest!”

Most girls at Snow Moon Pavilion rested during the day because business was slow, but some customers preferred or could only come during daylight hours.

So the pavilion still operated during the day, though not as lively as at night.

Before long,

a coldly beautiful woman stepped out gracefully, dressed in a pale yellow long gown. Her skin was as white and delicate as creamy jade, flawless to the touch.

Her black hair cascaded behind her like a waterfall, her figure slender and alluring, making hearts race.

“Not bad!”

Zhou Chen withdrew his hand, satisfied.

“Sister Hong is truly honest!”

Then Zhou Chen took out two taels of silver and slipped it into Sister Hong’s ample bosom.

“You little scoundrel!”

Sister Hong shot him a glare and fled to change her clothes.

Zhou Chen’s skills were too impressive.

“I am Miaotong. I greet you, sir. May I ask your name?”

The woman in the yellow dress bowed gracefully, her waist like a willow branch, eyebrows like distant mountains, exuding a gentle frailty that stirred pity.

“My surname is Liu—Liu Yong.”

Zhou Chen took her soft, fair hand to help her up, then boldly wrapped his arm around her slender waist, smiling faintly.

He had spent two taels; today he intended to earn them back.

Earn charm points.

He had already gained five from Sister Hong.

The pace was quick, perhaps because Sister Hong was new and hadn’t encountered someone like Zhou Chen before.

His heart brimmed with anticipation.

“So you’re Master Liu!”

Miaotong smiled faintly, raising her delicate, pale hand in invitation.

“Master Liu, this way please!”

Zhou Chen led her to the room, which was elegantly and simply decorated, faint incense lingering in the air.

Miaotong helped Zhou Chen sit and poured wine with her fair hands.

Zhou Chen lifted the cup, took a light sip but didn’t swallow. Being out in the world, he had to be cautious.

[Virility Powder: Temporarily stimulates male vitality, enhancing experience…]

“Damn!”

Zhou Chen was speechless. He hadn’t expected the wine to be drugged.

But on reflection, it made sense. Many lacked stamina, and Snow Moon Pavilion added ingredients to the wine to enhance the customer’s experience, increasing the likelihood of repeat visits.

“Is this wine drugged?”

Zhou Chen spat it out coldly.

“You have sharp eyes, sir. The wine does contain a secret herbal medicine, but it’s harmless—just to improve your experience. Please forgive us!”

Miaotong was earnest and apologetic.

She had encountered this before; it was not a big deal. Many regulars knew about it.

Saying that, Miaotong finished the remaining wine in Zhou Chen’s cup.

“I see. Definitely not poison, but I don’t need it!”

Zhou Chen’s expression softened slightly, but his heart was delighted.

He had discovered a new function of the Charm Treasure Manual.

[Virility Powder Ingredients: Morinda officinalis, Cistanche deserticola, Cuscuta seed, Dipsacus, Dog spine, Gecko, Cynomorium, Dodder, Tiger bone, Qingyang herb…]

The Charm Treasure Manual could not only detect poison but also analyze formulas, even allowing improvements using charm points.

However, Zhou Chen only tested the virility powder and was unsure if the manual could identify other types of poisons.

After all, the name “Charm Treasure Manual” wasn’t entirely serious; perhaps it only worked on poisons related to intimacy.

“Maybe I can sell medicines for a profit…”

Seeing he could refine formulas, Zhou Chen’s mind began to race.

“Sir, this wine was not drugged. I’ll compensate you thrice over!”

Miaotong returned with another jug of wine, speaking softly.

“Forget the penalty wine. I want to punish you myself!”

Zhou Chen had to return home before dark; he had no time for dawdling.

He scooped up Miaotong and tossed her onto the couch.

He also noticed many props in the room. He had to admit, the people of this world sure knew how to have fun.

He wondered if these props contributed to gaining charm points.

“I’ll test them all one by one later!”

But Zhou Chen had not forgotten his main purpose for coming here—to gather information.

Brothels often had the most reliable gossip.

These women met many clients, of all kinds, and knew far more than ordinary people.

After some intense questioning, Miaotong’s eyes grew watery, her body slack, breath faint.

Zhou Chen began to inquire:

“Miaotong, I’m planning to do business in Qinghe City. What should I be aware of? Are there people I mustn’t offend?”

…