Chapter 75: Secret Handover

The sky finally brightened, a new day arrived. The two women, exhausted from half a night’s work, went back to sleep. Miss Liuyun especially, bundled up tightly and dressed properly, burrowed under the covers. Her recent embarrassing wardrobe malfunction had truly traumatized her.

Qin Wan’er was also quite worn out. She had just finished painting three photorealistic portraits after much effort, only for Liu Liwa to insist on revisions, especially for the facial close-up. Originally painted exactly like Miss Liuyun, Liu Liwa strongly demanded changes. The revised version bore only a sixty to seventy percent resemblance. Liu Liwa’s aim was clear: so Wen Jun would admire the pictures without fantasizing about the model.

Liu Liwa carefully tucked away the three portraits and strolled toward the front hall. Wen Jun liked visiting brothels early in the morning.

For two consecutive days, no customers had come to the Intoxication Pavilion, all intimidated by Wen Jun’s fearful reputation. This resulted in the staff’s first ever two-day weekend. Patrons, on the other hand, had a rare chance to rest and recharge. The only ones suffering were the ladies, especially Miss Yanhong, whose rising popularity had been abruptly halted.

The lobby was deserted and eerily quiet. Since Wen Jun was coming again today, everyone wanted to maintain cleanliness. As established throughout the ancient history of the Celestial Empire, the timeless method to ensure cleanliness was simple: close for business. Liu Liwa had seen it happen before. Once, a city-wide sanitation inspection targeted public restrooms, causing every toilet in town to shut down for half a day awaiting the inspection team. The result? Every restroom passed the sanitation check, but the hospital’s urology department overflowed with patients.

Liu Liwa pushed open the doors, stretched comfortably under the rising sun, and gazed at the quiet, historic street. His heart swelled with emotion. This simple street wasn’t just scenery to him—it symbolized freedom.

He looked around and saw no one. For a moment, he felt like making a reckless escape. But where in this vast world could he possibly belong? Labeled with a lowly status register and branded a criminal, who would dare take him in? The new emperor’s ascension promised amnesty; he saw his chance. Better to stay quietly at the Intoxication Pavilion, saving silver for freedom. Besides, he wasn’t alone anymore. What would happen to Qin Wan’er if he ran?

“I want a lady…” a slurred whisper suddenly sounded near his feet. Liu Liwa looked down. It was the drunk from last night—he’d really slept by the doors. Liu Liwa had tossed him a silver tael yesterday and had no desire to deal with him today. Just as he opened his mouth to shoo the man away, he froze. Why did that drunken face seem so… familiar? The man winked. “Supervisor Wen?” Liu Liwa gasped in surprise.

“Shhh!” The drunk pulled Liu Liwa into a crouch by the wall. Wen Jun pushed aside his messy hair and whispered urgently, “Keep your voice down, brother! Don’t let anyone hear.”

Liu Liwa nodded, equally hushed. “Supervisory Commander, why this disguise? Last night…?”

“Heh.” Wen Jun pulled out the silver tael Liu Liwa had given him and balanced it in his hand. “Didn’t expect you to be so compassionate, brother.”

He glanced down bitterly at his tattered clothes. “I am an Imperial Court official commanding a garrison. Parading openly through the streets for three days straight, escorting troops to a brothel? What would people think? But yesterday you mentioned giving me… what was it?”

“Photobook Series.”

“Right! The Photobook Series.” Wen Jun nodded quickly. “After hearing you describe its wonders, it was like hearing a sesame paste peddler’s voice! I couldn’t stay still!”

Huh? Liu Liwa blinked. That sounded weirdly familiar. Wen Jun explained, “Sesame paste is a famous dish from my hometown. I loved it as a child. But like women… I haven’t tasted it in years. Stuck at home yesterday, itching to come here but unable to openly walk into the Intoxication Pavilion, I disguised myself and waited right here. You hand me the Photobook Series dressed like this, no one will learn my secret. No gossip either.”

Liu Liwa understood. In the end, Wen Jun was terrified his inability to “stand upright” might be exposed. If this mighty military man couldn’t perform… he’d be too ashamed to live. So, for three pictures, he had to resort to a spy-style handover. The truly annoying part? The guy actually pocketed that silver tael!

“You really went the extra mile!” Liu Liwa praised quietly. He scanned the area—still deserted—then stealthily handed Wen Jun the three portraits. Wen Jun took them, trembling with excitement. But to avoid detection, he merely stuffed them inside his clothes and rose, eager to rush off and admire his prize. Liu Liwa quickly stopped him and patiently explained how to view them. “Supervisory Commander, these aren’t just simple portraits. Don’t just stare at them. You have to get into the scene—immerse yourself. You must project the woman on the paper as your most cherished lover.”

Wen Jun seemed to almost understand, nodding numbly. He’d heard officials talk about appreciating art and immersing in its ‘mood.’ He hadn’t expected the same applied to viewing… erotic images.

Liu Liwa didn’t care if he understood. He’d said his piece and delivered the products. Still, he felt obligated to disclose shortcomings to his client. “One thing, esteemed Supervisory Commander—please forgive us. With our limited resources, lacking even basic oils and pigments, the image quality might be slightly lacking. And the lady’s attire… rather simplistic. Please forgive us.”

“Oh. That’s fine. I understand,” Wen Jun muttered absently, hand pressed protectively over his chest as if guarding a priceless treasure. He’d kept vigil at the door for half the night, like a man who pre-ordered an inflatable doll online, anxiously awaiting delivery.

Liu Liwa wasted no more breath. He watched Wen Jun disappear down the street, scampering away with both the Photobook Series and Liu Liwa’s silver tael. The retreating figure looked nothing like a battle-hardened general, but just like… a pathetically eager man.

The newly risen sun was warm, the air crisp and fresh. With nothing else to do, Liu Liwa stood outside the Intoxication Pavilion and performed a set of calisthenics. He felt remarkably refreshed and clear-headed. He suddenly realized: this life wasn’t so bad. Those big dreams—endless horizons, boundless freedom—felt strangely unreal now. Better to stay grounded. Everything depended on perspective, and what the heart decided. People often said, “The heart points the way, the body follows.” But the heart usually yearned for things impossible, unreal, out of reach. In a flash of understanding, Liu Liwa had an epiphany: his place in the world mattered less than his mindset. Where he was physically, his heart should follow. Accept life as it is!

Refreshed and mentally clear, Liu Liwa stood outside the Intoxication Pavilion… and consciously stepped back inside. He realized: Where you are and what you do doesn’t truly matter. Happiness is what counts.

Stepping through the doors, the Intoxication Pavilion bustled to life. Chambermaids were already helping the ladies wash and dress. Another early riser was Young Master Ye, his stamina well-forged by alcohol. After two days of drinking and sleeping, he approached Liu Liwa with a concerned look. “Ah, drinking really ruins things!” he sighed at once. “Quick, Young Liu, keep telling me about that ‘The Hero Nearby’ plan!”