Adult Tang Dynasty: I, the Scoundrel, Fully Support the Empress - Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Eight Hundred Points—Unlocking the Secret of Refined Salt!

Back in ancient times, strict curfews were enforced every night due to the prevailing belief that agriculture should be prioritized over commerce. The nights were dull and lifeless, and doing business was practically forbidden.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that if someone from a prestigious family went into trade, they’d be looked down upon and ostracized. In some cases, they weren’t even allowed to have their ancestral tablets placed in the family shrine after death. That was how low merchants were ranked in society at the time.

Things started to change during the Tang Dynasty. As the empire sought to expand its treasury, the status of merchants gradually improved. Curfews were lifted, and night markets flourished. But that was still far off—at this point in history, strict nighttime restrictions remained in place.

Still, not everyone was content to spend the long nights in boredom. Some people always find ways to entertain themselves. That’s how the so-called “Ghost Market” came to be.

Despite its name, this market wasn’t a black market filled with illegal goods. Instead, it referred to places like high-end brothels and gambling dens. Business-minded individuals were sharp enough to recognize that members of the elite would get restless at night. So, once the curfew went into effect, these underground establishments quietly opened their doors, catering to the wealthy and powerful. Prices were significantly higher than during the day, but for the privileged few, money was no object.

Of course, not just anyone could get in. These places operated on a strict membership basis. If you didn’t have the right credentials, no amount of wealth or status could get you through the door. The reason for this was simple: secrecy. If word ever got out, even the most well-connected proprietors would find themselves in serious trouble.

“Wait, this is the Ghost Market?”

When Cheng Chumo and his friends realized where they were, their jaws nearly hit the floor. They had heard rumors about it, but none of them had ever seen it for themselves. And now, here they were—brought in by none other than Su Yang.

Excitement buzzed through the group. They had always heard that the Ghost Market was like paradise on earth—where anything was possible as long as one could pay for it.

“Look at you guys, all wide-eyed like a bunch of rookies,” Su Yang teased, flashing a mischievous grin. “Tonight, I’m going to show you what real luxury looks like.”

At first, even though they were surrounded by the pleasures of the Ghost Market, Cheng Chumo and the others felt uneasy. Coming from strict military families, they had been raised with rigid discipline. Their daily routine revolved around training and studying at the academy—there was no room for indulgence.

“What’s with the stiff faces?” Su Yang laughed. “Afraid someone’s going to eat you?”

He wasted no time summoning a few talented performers to entertain them, determined to help his friends loosen up. “Relax, enjoy yourselves. No one’s going to find out about this night—I promise.”

That assurance was all they needed. The weight lifted from their shoulders, and they finally let themselves enjoy the night. They watched the dancers, drank fine wine, and reveled in the forbidden delights of the Ghost Market.

By the end of the night, they were having the time of their lives—some even outdoing Su Yang himself in their indulgence. It was hardly surprising. They were young, full of energy, and had spent their whole lives under strict rules. Now that they had a taste of freedom, there was no holding back.

Cheng Chumo, in particular, was having a blast, surrounded by four or five women at once—proving he had inherited his father’s legendary wild streak. Even Qin Huaiyu, usually the most reserved of the group, was starting to let loose.

Then, suddenly—

Ding!

Congratulations, Host! You’ve successfully corrupted noble heirs!

Ding!

You have earned a reward—500 points!

Su Yang’s eyes lit up. Just as he had predicted, breaking these privileged brats out of their rigid family rules was an incredibly lucrative strategy.

With this latest haul, he had racked up a total of 800 points—just enough to unlock the technique for refining high-quality salt!