Chapter 13: Replace the Batch

“This lackey actually came here—truly, none of the Embroidered Uniform Guard are decent... except for my senior brother.”

Ding Baiying had followed all along and, seeing Wang Lu wandering hesitantly through Huanghua Alley, couldn’t help but sneer.

Wang Lu was naturally searching for the Warm Fragrance Pavilion. The name was easy enough to remember, but scanning the various shop signs along the way, he had yet to spot it.

As Wang Lu moved forward, the once bustling street would fall into brief silence whenever he passed. The brothel madams dared not approach to solicit, and the clients quickly hid upon recognizing his uniform.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard served the Eastern Depot, but to common folk and officials alike, they were like vicious dogs—everyone feared them and sought to avoid being bitten.

Wang Lu ignored these reactions. In his eight years as a guard, he had never actively harmed others; the moral compass of the modern era still lingered in his mind.

Yet, he bore a share of responsibility for the misdeeds his colleagues committed.

Though climbing the ranks often meant abandoning one’s conscience, Wang Lu remained somewhat naive, unwilling to go along with the corruption.

Where others used unscrupulous means to rise, he had his own way.

Though he had yet to achieve any notable merits over eight years, Wang Lu was not overly anxious, for his true battlefield was just beginning.

His confrontation had been confined to the storyline of “The Embroidered Spring Blade.” Not deeply versed in history, Wang Lu focused on unraveling the conspiracy concocted by the Donglin Party in league with the Prince of Faith.

He walked to the end of the street, where his gaze was drawn to a three-story building.

This building was unusual—no one stood outside to attract business, yet inside came sounds of clinking cups, mingled with the lascivious voices of women and men.

Wang Lu’s eyes dropped to the sign above the door: Warm Fragrance Pavilion.

He stepped inside, the decadent atmosphere causing him to hold his breath.

Inside the main hall were eight long benches, half already occupied. The men, each with a woman on either side, drank and feasted under their attendants’ care.

The warm light caught the clang of Wang Lu’s black armor, drawing the attention of several at the door.

“Brother Chen, a man from the Embroidered Uniform Guard has arrived.”

“Keep your voice down and see what he wants.”

As the two near the entrance whispered loudly, a flamboyantly dressed woman emerged, waving a fan as she approached Wang Lu.

“Sir, what is your honorable business?”

Attracted by Wang Lu’s flying fish-patterned jacket, the woman’s previously frivolous tone softened.

Wang Lu stepped further inside, resting on his sword calmly: “I’m here to sell insurance.”

The madam’s smile froze into awkwardness. “I’m dull-witted and don’t understand your meaning, sir.”

Wang Lu moved closer, lightly embracing the madam’s waist. “What do you think II'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.