Zhu Piaoling's face slackened into a dazed expression.
"So her name is Chen Yuanyuan," he murmured softly. "What a truly beautiful name."
A wave of regret surged through his heart. Faced with such a stunning girl, he could not help but feel an impulse to buy her, secure her freedom, and bring her back to his princely estate.
But then he remembered the Dao Xuan Tianzun, present right there on his chest.
The trafficking of human beings was strictly forbidden in Gao Family Village, especially the sale of women and children. Anyone caught violating this rule by the Dao Xuan Tianzun would face certain death.
He sat there, stewing in melancholy.
Just then, the voice of the Golden Thread Dao Xuan Tianzun echoed in his mind.
"Zhu Cunji, it is time to unleash your financial might."
Zhu Piaoling blinked. "Huh? Has the Dao Xuan Tianzun taken a liking to her?"
The Golden Thread Dao Xuan Tianzun replied calmly, "Yes. Secure her freedom."
Zhu Piaoling pondered inwardly.
If the Dao Xuan Tianzun has taken an interest in her, then my own foolish daydreams are meaningless. Still… there is one small grievance I must voice.
With a dejected expression, he protested aloud, "Dao Xuan Tianzun, do you not strictly forbid human trafficking?"
Li Daoxuan explained, "Trafficking for personal gain is absolutely forbidden. However, if the purpose of the transaction is salvation, then it is permissible."
Only then did Zhu Piaoling truly understand. So that was the meaning behind it. Purchasing Chen Yuanyuan was akin to Tie Niaofei rescuing eighteen women from pirates. The key lay in the intent. The purpose had to be saving lives.
Once freed, they would not be taken into his household. Their liberty would simply be restored.
The Dao Xuan Tianzun was still the Dao Xuan Tianzun. In terms of moral conduct, he far surpassed a wastrel like himself.
This realization struck Zhu Piaoling deeply. Most women in the Pear Garden were unfortunate souls. When encountering a brothel, one should think only of liberating them all. It was no different from seeing women bound aboard a pirate ship. One should rescue them first without hesitation, and only afterward consider what came next.
Zhu Piaoling felt as if enlightenment had dawned upon him.
"The Dao Xuan Tianzun's guidance is profound. I understand."
Since joining the Dao Xuan Tianzun's sect, he had never truly distinguished himself. Now that the Dao Xuan Tianzun had issued a direct instruction, this was a rare opportunity to accumulate merit. His blood stirred with excitement.
He sprang to his feet. "Where is the madam? Where is she?"
Moments later, the madam hurried over, her face wearing a practiced smile.
"My lord, how may this humble one serve you?"
Zhu Piaoling let out a sly laugh. "The girls of your Pear Garden are all delightful. I have taken a fancy to every one of them. I intend to buy them all."
Imitating Tie Niaofei's bold bearing, he added, "Name your price."
He had assumed such words would immediately elevate him to the status of an honored guest, with silver exchanged and the girls handed over without delay. Instead, the madam gasped, a strained smile appearing on her face.
"My lord, what are you saying? That cannot be done. These girls were raised by me from infancy. They are like daughters to me. How could I sell them?"
Zhu Piaoling snorted. "So you plan to play tricks with me? Do you think I cannot afford them?"
"It is not a matter of silver," the madam replied politely, though her tone subtly changed. "Our Pear Garden is a foremost establishment in Suzhou. The officials who frequent us are countless. Why, the Prefect himself is drinking upstairs on the second floor at this very moment."
Her voice grew heavier as she continued, "Here, even with boundless wealth, one cannot buy people at will. If you were to purchase all the girls favored by other esteemed guests, they would certainly object."
Zhu Piaoling fell silent.
The Golden Thread Dao Xuan Tianzun laughed inwardly.
Heh. She is putting on airs now.
Though unspoken, the message was clear. Wealth alone held no authority here. The Pear Garden was shielded by powerful officials. These women were, in effect, possessions of the local gentry. Without sufficient status and influence, money meant nothing.
Zhu Piaoling's mood darkened.
Within the Dao Xuan Tianzun's domain, he was usually easygoing and cheerful. Yet at his core, he was the heir of the Prince of Qin, ruler of the most powerful princely fief in the realm. When had anyone dared treat him with such disregard?
He merely wished to purchase a few courtesans, yet this woman dared posture before him, even implying that these girls belonged to officials and could not be sold to him. A reckless thought surfaced. What if he simply seized them by force?
His anger cooled quickly.
No. I cannot cause trouble. My current identity makes that impossible. If things spiral out of control, it could cost me my life.
"So you believe my status is insufficient?" Zhu Piaoling rose abruptly. "Very well. I will not waste words with you. Later, you will see what I am capable of."
The madam remained composed. "My lord, what are you saying? I would never belittle you. No matter who enters the Pear Garden, I extend courtesy and hospitality. I would never slight a guest based on status."
"Let us go," Zhu Piaoling said coldly, turning toward the exit.
His guards followed at once.
Shi Lang exclaimed anxiously, "Wait. My letter of introduction is not finished yet."
He hurriedly grabbed the letter from the table. It lacked only a final signature. Clutching it, he chased after them.
The madam watched their retreating backs and sneered.
"A wandering adventurer, is that it? With a bit of silver, he dares act arrogantly in my Pear Garden, even boasting he will buy all my girls. Such empty bravado. Still, these wandering types can become troublesome if they cause a scene. I should prepare."
She quickly went upstairs to the private room where the Suzhou Prefect was drinking. The guards at the door stopped her.
"What is it?" one demanded.
The madam explained hurriedly, "Just now, a wandering adventurer entered the Pear Garden. It seemed he intended to cause trouble."
The guard went inside to report. Soon after, he emerged with a disdainful snort.
"Our master says there is no need for concern. If any ignorant ruffian dares stir up trouble here, immediately send word to the Prefect's yamen. Bailiffs will be dispatched to seize him and administer fifty heavy blows."
The madam was overjoyed.
"Many thanks to the Prefect for his protection."
Zhu Piaoling stormed out of the Pear Garden and turned into a side street, fury boiling within him. Shi Lang followed behind, wanting to ask him to sign the letter of introduction. However, sensing Zhu Piaoling's foul mood, he dared not speak and merely kept pace.
After a long walk, Shi Lang noticed a stone table with four stone stools beneath a tree. Zhu Piaoling walked over, sat down, and suddenly shouted, "Writing implements."
A guard hurried forward and presented them.
Zhu Piaoling took the letter of introduction from Shi Lang, swiftly wrote his name, Zhu Piaoling, and handed it back.
"Go to Anqing at once," he instructed.