Chapter 23 – Not Paying Doesn’t Count as Prostitution, at Most it’s Mutual Affection!

“Greetings, Your Majesty, long live the Empress!”

“All my courtiers, please rise!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Speak if you have something to report, otherwise the court is dismissed!”

At this moment, an official stepped forward, saluting and loudly declared, “Reporting to Your Majesty, this minister wants to impeach the new top scholar, the director of the Imperial Academy – Lin Beifan!”

Everyone turned their heads towards him. This person was Yao Zheng, the representative from the Department of Censors who had previously impeached Lin Beifan.

Everyone had an expression of interest, thinking that they were in for a good show!

Lin Beifan just sneered. You censors have barely recovered, and now you’re eager to strike again? Such a low level, it can’t lead to anything big!

The Empress on the throne became confused. “Minister Yao, why are you impeaching Lin Beifan?”

“Your Majesty, during Lin Beifan’s vacation, he did not strive for success, did not think of the Empressr’s grace, and was openly visiting brothels and engaging in prostitution. The impact was extremely bad. I request that Your Majesty investigate!” Yao Zheng spoke loudly.

The Empress had no expression. “Lin Beifan, is there such a thing?”

Lin Beifan stepped forward. “Reporting to Your Majesty, the matter is true!”

Yao Zheng was pleased. “Your Majesty, you see, Lin Beifan admitted it himself. I request that Your Majesty investigate!”

The Empress still had no expression. “Lin Beifan, do you have anything to say?”

“I do!” Lin Beifan turned to look at Yao Zheng. “I want to ask Minister Yao, what’s wrong with visiting a brothel? What’s wrong with engaging in prostitution? Which law of the Great Wu Empire states that engaging in prostitution is illegal?”

“According to our Great Wu’s law, it is indeed not illegal to engage in prostitution, but we do not encourage it. However, as the dorey of the Imperial Academy, you have to set higher moral standards as an example to countless students. Others can go to brothels, but you can’t! Others can engage in prostitution, but you can’t! Otherwise, students will follow your example, and it will be inappropriate. The reputation of the Imperial Academy will be ruined by you! Therefore, strict investigation must be conducted, and no mercy shown!” Yao Zheng proudly declared.

Everyone heard this and couldn’t help but nod in agreement. The Empress also nodded. “Minister Yao, what you said makes sense!”

Yao Zheng became even more pleased. He coldly sneered at Lin Beifan, wanting to see how he could respond.

Lin Beifan didn’t change his expression and asked, “May I ask Minister Yao, what’s the definition of prostitution?”

“Prostitution is defined as the act of engaging in sexual intercourse with another person for money, goods, or other benefits!” Yao Zheng, having prepared for this moment, immediately responded.

“That’s right!” Lin Beifan spread his hands. “I went to a brothel but didn’t pay anything. How can it be considered prostitution?”

Suddenly, everyone was stunned!

Thinking back, Lin Beifan did indeed visit the brothel without paying, and he ate and drank for free.

According to the definition, it can’t be considered prostitution!

Yao Zheng was speechless. “This, this…”

“Not paying doesn’t count as prostitution, at most, it’s mutual affection!”

Lin Beifan chuckled, “Besides, I was just drinking in the lobby, always keeping myself in check and behaving properly. Where did this accusation come from? The courtesans and clients present can vouch for me!”

Yao Zheng was at a loss for words again.

“So…” Lin Beifan raised his head and chest confidently, “I didn’t pay or engage in any sexual behavior. How can that count as soliciting prostitution? Yao, please provide some real evidence when accusing others, don’t just talk nonsense.”

Everyone couldn’t help but think, “Damn, he managed to turn it around!”

Even the empress rolled her eyes, thinking that this guy can really spin a story!

However, Yao Zheng, the person involved, became infuriated, pointing at Lin Beifan with a trembling hand, “You’re using sharp words! You’re twisting the truth! If you didn’t go to solicit prostitutes, why did you go to the brothel?”

“Yao, what you’re saying is illogical!” Lin Beifan chuckled, “As far as I know, you pass by the brothel every day! Do you want to go there and solicit? That’s why you go there every day?”

“That’s nonsense!” Yao Zheng was angry, “How can I have such a dirty thought? My mansion just happens to be located along the street with the brothel, so I have to pass by every time!”

“That’s right! By the same logic, I was hungry at the time and the brothel was right in front of me. Is it wrong for me to go there to eat and drink? Who says you can’t go to the brothel to have some drinks? Can’t I go there to warm the hearts of the girls from the Hundred Flowers Brothel?” Lin Beifan spoke confidently.

Everyone listened with crooked mouths and eyes. “You have the nerve to say that you’re going to warm the hearts of the girls from the Hundred Flowers Brothel!”

Yao Zheng was almost breathless with rage.

“What a shameless person!”

At this point, the empress spoke up, “Alright, my two courtiers, stop arguing. It’s just a small matter. Sir Yao, as part of your duty, you pointed out Lin Beifan, but you don’t have any evidence. You may leave.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Yao Zheng retreated, feeling aggrieved.

“Lin Beifan, you may be young and handsome, but as a role model for students in the imperial academy, you should be more self-disciplined! Therefore, no matter what the reason, don’t go to the brothel again to avoid a negative impact!”

“Your Majesty is wise!” Lin Beifan also retreated.

This round was a draw for both courtiers. Yao Zheng didn’t gain any advantage, and Lin Beifan didn’t suffer any losses. However, their hostility towards each other became more intense.

As Lin Beifan watched Yao Zheng’s back, his eyes glimmered and he chuckled.

“My fellow courtiers, is there anything else to report?”