Ming Dynasty: Empress Ma and I swapped clothes!

Chapter 104 A Trip to the Qinhuai River

Ma Xiuying didn't find the Empress's status as unusual as she had imagined, but she valued the Empress's powerful backing immensely.

With this support, I can rely on this.

That's why he had the confidence to live a good life during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty.

If he loses his life, forget about living a good life; he might even face the prospect of being hanged.

He was born to live a good life. He doesn't care about the kind of life that's predictable, terrible, and without any hope of advancement. Let whoever wants to live that kind of life go. He'll never have anything to do with it.

……

Here at the Imperial College.

On this day, it was Ma Xiuying's turn to switch bodies with Ma Wenxiang.

Her perspective is completely different from Ma Wenxiang's.

As empress.

She was considered an elder among the sons of noble families in the Imperial Academy, especially Li Jinglong, with whom she was related by blood.

But when she saw Li Jinglong's broad shoulders and thick waist, yet his "mantis legs," she realized that he was actually forming cliques and factions within the Imperial Academy.

He led a group of underlings, ordering them around and occasionally plotting to do something earth-shattering.

Although these were just absurd childish squabbles, they still affected the livelihoods of the people in the capital, causing Ma Xiuying to frown.

She stepped forward, stopping Li Jinglong and his group who were about to cause trouble, and said in a deep voice, "This is not the right way. As sons of noble families, you should set an example for all scholars in the world. Only in this way can you walk the right path and pass on the glory of your family."

As she spoke these words slowly, everyone in the Imperial Academy looked at her as if she were a fool.

Li Jinglong, who used to be her friend, reached out and patted her cheek, his brows furrowed, and said, "Brother Wenxiang, are you crazy? How old are we? We're only teenagers, of course we should be having fun. Didn't you just tell me that yesterday?"

He paused, his tone tinged with disappointment: "Besides, who are we? We are sons of noble families. Sons of noble families should do what sons of noble families should do, otherwise how can the Emperor feel at ease?"

"Not to mention, if the older generation doesn't step down, how can we hold power? Otherwise, if the Duke holds the reins of the army and his son holds the reins of the capital's defense, that would be a sign of a massacre."

"Brother Wenxiang, you said yesterday that we would be carefree playboys and live happily ever after. Why have you suddenly changed your tune today? Could it be that your family is pressuring you too much?"

With just a few words, Li Jinglong's sharp eyes seemed to have seen through the truth.

Upon hearing this, the other privileged sons of noble families in the Imperial Academy also chimed in with their agreement.

"Brother Wenxiang, we are both wanderers in this world."

"Don't worry, Brother Wenxiang, we can handle things at home easily. We're not unlearned, we just don't study like those pedantic sages."

"Furthermore, as Brother Wenxiang said before, even if you master the art of slaying dragons, there are no dragons in the world, not to mention there are people who are only superficially interested in dragons. As a person, you should do what suits you to achieve twice the result with half the effort."

"Brother Wenxiang, don't spoil the mood. After school today, let's go for another drink. If that doesn't work, how about we go to the brothel to enjoy the moon and admire the beauties?"

Hearing this, Ma Xiuying was actually somewhat persuaded, and even started to consider it.

When she was empress, as a woman, it was naturally inconvenient for her to frequent places like the Jiaofangsi (a brothel for courtesans).

But now.

With Ma Wenxiang's youthful appearance, how could she not go?

At least it will broaden my horizons and let me see what the Ming Dynasty's Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) is really like.

So Ma Xiuying readily agreed: "Okay! I'll definitely go with you after school."

The Empress is determined to visit the brothel.

No one could stop her, as Ma Xiuying said.

……

"Is this the Qinhuai River?"

The capital city was shrouded in deep darkness, the Qinhuai River was filled with the fragrance of perfume, and the painted boats on the Qinhuai River in front of me were shimmering and sparkling all night long, as if they were the only place to go during the curfew.

Rays of light shone everywhere, and the candlelight that ordinary people would never use seemed to be just an embellishment here.

And the guests and friends who came from the past were all from official families.

Although the curfew prohibits nighttime travel, there are actually many loopholes here. There are always ways to circumvent the policies. This has been the case since ancient times, and there has never been any significant change.

At this moment, Ma Xiuying, along with Li Jinglong, Tang Ding, Feng Cheng, and other privileged second-generation nobles, were enjoying the scenery of the Qinhuai River.

This group of people could be described as regulars here.

Among the people present were familiar faces, chatting and laughing, and courtesans soliciting customers, their eyes sparkling with spring-like beauty and their faces glowing with tenderness.

It is evident that their popularity in this area is extraordinary.

Ma Xiuying blinked. At this moment, she was standing with Sun An, looking at the situation before them together.

"What a beautiful Qinhuai River."

Even Sun An was shocked by what he saw.

"In Beiping and the Central Plains, the North has never seen such a beautiful scene."

Sun An spoke from the bottom of his heart.

After hearing this, Ma Xiuying pursed her lips, and the important matters in her mind were naturally put aside for the time being. She then began to pay attention to the beautiful scenery of the place.

It must be said that the Qinhuai River is truly a place of decadence and lingering pleasure, where many women sing and dance, displaying such enchanting and charming manners.

Even Ma Xiuying, a concubine in the palace, couldn't help but feel her heart race upon seeing this.

However, the boy's body had never been exposed to such fiery energy before, and over time he became unaccustomed to it, and couldn't help but blush.

Upon seeing this, Sun An jokingly remarked, "Brother Wenxiang is indeed still a young man; he has truly never been to a place like this before."

Ma Xiuying rolled her eyes at him. Although she had the physique of a man, she had the delicate features of a woman. She couldn't help but say, "Of course. Before, in Ma Family Village, even food and clothing were hard to come by, let alone such a good thing."

"It is by chance that I am able to see such a sight today."

As Ma Xiuying spoke, her gaze remained fixed on the scene before her, yet there was no trace of infatuation in her eyes, as if she were merely appreciating the surrounding song and dance.

He always gave off a strange feeling that was inexplicable. Most people might not have noticed it, but Sun An had known him all the way through his life.

The two of them were quite familiar with each other, but today, Brother Wenxiang seemed a little strange.

Fortunately, Sun An wasn't too concerned about the matter. As the group entered the brothel and looked at the lively scene around them, Sun An temporarily put the matter out of his mind.

soon.

He also strolled around the Fuchun Courtyard with Tang Ding, Feng Cheng, and the others.

It's impossible for him to do something so absurd. If he dared to do it, the elders in Beiping would surely teach this rebellious son a lesson in the future.

However, if it is merely to broaden one's horizons as mentioned before, so that one will not be completely speechless like a block of wood when talking to others in the future.

Such behavior has always been welcomed by nobles and dignitaries, which is why this profession exists.