The next day, Xiahou Ba and his two companions arrived at Zhang Fei's residence. After paying their respects and attending a banquet, they said they wanted to go out for a stroll. Zhang Fei sent his servants as guides to take care of them.
After going out, the three of them went their separate ways. Xiahou Mi went towards the north gate. Along the way, he saw the people in the streets with happy faces and the sounds of hawking everywhere. He did not see any soldiers patrolling, only the occasional yamen runner passing by.
"The peace and prosperity of Xiangyang is not inferior to that of Xuchang!" Xiahou Mi sighed inwardly.
Cao Cao managed Xuchang for many years, and as it was the imperial capital, it became prosperous today. People said that Liu Biao was a man who just sat back and watched over the emperor, but he was pleasing to the people in his territory, loved the people and nurtured scholars. Jingzhou was rich and prosperous, and his reputation was well-deserved.
There were many teahouses and restaurants along the way. Xiahou Mi's appetite was aroused by the aroma. If he had not just eaten and drunk his fill in Zhang Fei's mansion, he would have already gone into the restaurant by now.
We went all the way to the north gate and saw that there were only defenders on the city wall guarding the city. There were only fifty soldiers standing guard at the gate, and the rest of the troops were not visible. The people walked calmly and did not interfere with each other.
Xiahou Mao was bored, looked up and saw that the sun was setting, yawned, and suddenly asked the person accompanying him: "Are there any prostitutes in Xiangyang?"
The guide understood and laughed softly, "Xiangyang is the largest city in the south of the Yangtze River, where the most talented people in the world gather. How could it not have brothels? Not only are the women in the south of the Yangtze River pretty and charming, but foreigners from South Vietnam are even more popular. I wonder if you have heard of 'Black Pearl'?"
"Black pearls?" Xiahou Mao's eyes lit up when he heard this. He frowned slightly and said, "White, purple, and gold are the most common pearls. Are there also black ones?"
The man chuckled and said, "This Black Pearl is a prostitute from South Vietnam, Sindhu, etc. She has dark and shiny skin and a charming aura. She is really..."
"No need to say more, take me to see the Black Pearl!" Xiahou Mao took out a thumb-sized pearl and said, "I'll give you a white pearl as a reward."
The man led Xiahou Mi through the streets and alleys and came to a street in the northwest. From a distance, they saw a three-story building that was very eye-catching. It was hung with colorful lights and decorated with flags that had never been seen before. It was written on it: Between Water and Clouds.
Entering the building, there are carved beams and painted buildings, and it is full of exquisite things. Although there is a strong smell of wine, there are only tables and chairs occupied by diners. There is no woman to be seen, let alone the slightest smell of makeup.
While he was observing, the waiter came over. Seeing that Xiahou Mao was dressed in an unusual way, he bowed and asked, "Sir, do you want to stop by or stay the night?"
Xiahou Mao said unhappily: "Is this a brothel?"
The waiter understood and pointed in the direction of the corridor: "Young Master, you may not know that there is a backyard in this temple, which is specially used to entertain distinguished guests. However, only you and one of your followers can enter, and the rest of you must stay outside."
Xiahou Mao was immediately filled with anticipation, and waved his hand, saying, "I will go to the backyard, and you will wait here. All food and drink will be charged to my account."
The attendant was overjoyed, thanked Xiahou Mao, and found a seat to rest. Xiahou Mao, with his confidants, walked towards the backyard with his hands behind his back.
Turning around the corridor, in the shade of a bamboo forest, one can faintly hear the sound of a woman's laughter, mixed with the sound of musical instruments, and the atmosphere changes.
Xiahou Meng quickened his pace and walked through the bamboo forest, only to see another two-story courtyard with a pool in the middle and several women playing the piano, singing, and dancing on the waterside pavilion.
As soon as he reached the door, two women came up to him, put their arms around Xiahou Mi, took him to the hall, and served him tea.
Xiahou Mao couldn't wait to ask, "I heard there is a black pearl here, please ask her to accompany me."
The woman's smile froze immediately, and she hurried over to report the news. Not long after, the madam came over and said with an apologetic smile, "Sir, you came at an unfortunate time. Black Pearl was just redeemed by Master Zhang this morning, and she no longer accepts customers."
"What?" Xiahou Mao was furious and slammed the table and said, "However much money he gave you, I will pay you double!"
The madam said in embarrassment: "This... The contract documents have already been delivered, and there is nothing I can do."
Xiahou Mao was in high spirits and was not willing to give up. He shouted, "I don't care if it's Master Zhang or Master Wang. If he dares to snatch my people, send him to see me immediately."
The madam looked Xiahou Mao up and down and said, "This gentleman looks unfamiliar to me. His accent doesn't sound like someone from Jingzhou. How should I address him?"
Xiahou Mao snorted slightly, put his hands behind his back and said proudly: "My father is Xiahou Dun!"
"Oh, so you are General Zhang's cousin!" The madam was surprised and delighted, and hurriedly pulled Xiahou Mi to sit down. "Your entourage arrived in Xiangyang yesterday, and it caused a sensation in the city. Your visit to Shuiyunjian today is really a great honor to our humble home. You can choose from all the girls here, and we will serve you wholeheartedly."
Xiahou Mao shook off the madam's hand and said, "I only want black pearls."
"This... Young Master Xiahou," the madam said in embarrassment, "The contract has been signed. Even if you offer double the price, we dare not return. The laws in Jingzhou are very strict. No matter who it is, it will be difficult to escape punishment."
Seeing that it was getting late, Xiahou Mao was anxious and angry. He threw the tea bowl to the ground and shouted, "What law stipulates that there is no Black Pearl to accompany you today? Do you believe that I will call my brother-in-law to smash your restaurant?"
The madam was at a loss when suddenly a lazy voice came from above her head, impatiently saying, "Madam Wang, who is making so much noise here and disturbing my rest?"
The madam hastily apologized: "Mr. Zhang, I'm really sorry..."
"You are the one who stole my woman?" Xiahou Mao heard that the man's surname was Zhang, and pointed upstairs and shouted, "Boy, you dare to come down and talk to me?"
The man was sleepy, his clothes were messy, and he smiled faintly. He walked down the stairs lazily and looked at Xiahou Meng with a squint: "What can I do for you, sir?"
Xiahou Mao said in a deep voice: "Hand over the black pearl, and I will give you double the money."
The man curled his lips and smiled: "I have redeemed Black Pearl. She has changed her ways. Money cannot compare to this. Please find someone else!"
Xiahou Mao was furious. He took two steps forward, pointed at the man and shouted, "Don't be so arrogant, kid. Do you believe I will skin you alive?"
"Want to fight?" The man put his hands on his waist and tilted his head to look at Xiahou Mao: "Do you believe that I can get two hundred brothers to hack you to death?"
"Calm down, gentlemen!" The madam hurried forward to try to stop the fight and whispered a few words in the man's ear.
The disdain on the corner of the man's mouth suddenly turned into surprise. He looked at Xiahou Mao again and said with a fist: "So you are Master Xiahou, the son-in-law of Prime Minister Cao. I am so sorry for not recognizing you. I am so sorry!"
"Humph, are you scared now?" Xiahou Mao raised his chin proudly, "Why don't you hand him over?"
Master Zhang nodded and said, "Of course, if you are willing, I will return the original price. However, the contract document is upstairs. Please come upstairs to hand it over."
Xiahou Mao looked around proudly, nodded slightly and said, "Lead the way."
The two men went upstairs to the side room, where they saw a banquet on the table, with cups and plates in a mess and the smell of alcohol in the air, but there was no woman in the room.
Xiahou Mao was just wondering when he saw Master Zhang close the door and suddenly kneel on the ground, crying, "Please avenge me!"
Xiahou Mao was so shocked that he took two steps back and asked in confusion: "What grudge do you have, and what does it have to do with me?"