Chapter 140: with translation of chapter title

Jiang Xiaomu carefully placed the mermaid's tear into a specially made brocade box.

After finishing all this, he hurried out of the Treasure Pavilion, even forgetting to say goodbye to Hawei.

At this moment, his mind held only one thought: to quickly resolve the trouble posed by Prefect Zhao.

Returning to Mu Yu Lou, Jiang Xiaomu didn't linger; he merely exchanged a few hurried words with his sister before rushing straight to the Governor's Mansion.

All the way, he pondered how to present this pearl to Prefect Zhao for the best effect.

Prefect Zhao was admiring flowers in the rear garden; upon hearing that Jiang Xiaomu requested an audience, he ordered someone to bring him over.

Upon seeing Prefect Zhao, Jiang Xiaomu hesitated not at all, immediately dropping to one knee and holding up the brocade box with both hands.

"Your Excellency Zhao, I, commoner Jiang Xiaomu, have come today to present a rare treasure as a token of my reverence for you."

Prefect Zhao took the brocade box with interest and slowly opened it.

When the mermaid's tear appeared before his eyes, even the well-traveled Prefect Zhao couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air.

The pearl emitted a soft glow that seemed to possess a kind of magic, making it impossible to look away.

Jiang Xiaomu read the situation, seeing that Prefect Zhao was already deeply captivated by the mermaid's tear, and immediately began his performance.

He cleared his throat, imitating Hawei's tone, and spoke somewhat exaggeratedly:

"Your Excellency Zhao, you truly have a keen eye!"

"This luminous pearl is called the 'Mermaid's Tear'; legend says it formed from the tears shed by a deep-sea mermaid when she wept."

"It possesses miraculous effects: not only can it prolong life and preserve youth, but it can also ward off evil and misfortune, bringing safety!"

"Oh? This treasure actually has such miraculous properties?"

Prefect Zhao's eyes full of curiosity as he asked.

Jiang Xiaomu continued to embellish.

"I, a commoner, endured great hardship to obtain this pearl, solely to present it to you as a token of my humble devotion!"

"Boss Jiang truly has your interests at heart!"

Prefect Zhao stroked the pearl, his face breaking into a satisfied smile.

"This sentiment, I have received it with gratitude!"

Jiang Xiaomu seized the moment and began laying on the flattery again.

"Your Excellency Zhao is wise and valiant, incorruptible in office—a parent to the common folk!"

"To serve you is my honor!"

Prefect Zhao, buoyed by Jiang Xiaomu's flattery, was in high spirits, and his earlier plan to take a stake in Mu Yu Lou was cast to the winds.

He played with the mermaid's tear, unable to put it down, utterly immersed in the pearl's charm.

Seeing his goal achieved, Jiang Xiaomu secretly rejoiced and hurriedly took his leave.

He walked out of the Governor's Mansion, let out a long sigh, and felt he had finally escaped disaster.

After leaving the Governor's Mansion, Jiang Xiaomu felt a great weight finally lift from his heart.

Although fifty thousand taels of silver pained him, it was worth it compared to the safety of Mu Yu Lou.

He rubbed his slightly tense temples, deciding to first return to Mu Yu Lou to rest before making further plans.

Returning to Mu Yu Lou, the hall remained bustling, patrons clinking cups and shouting, incredibly lively.

Jiang Xiaomu weaved through the crowded throng, about to go upstairs, when a certain figure suddenly caught his attention.

It was a blind man, dressed in coarse cloth, wearing a wide bamboo hat that nearly covered his entire face.

He sat alone in a corner, a thick wooden staff placed beside him.

Though blind, the man's movements were unusually agile.

A drunkard accidentally bumped into him, and he almost instinctively swung his wooden staff.

He precisely deflected the drunkard, then smoothly returned the staff to its original position, the whole motion fluid and without hesitation.

Jiang Xiaomu couldn't help but marvel inwardly; the blind man's reaction speed and perceptual awareness of his surroundings were almost superhuman.

He found himself staring a few more times, curiosity rising in his heart.

At that moment, the waiter brought a pot of wine and several small dishes, placing them before the blind man.

The blind man reached out to feel the wine jar and dishes, then picked up his chopsticks, seized a piece of meat, and accurately placed it into his mouth.

"Good wine! Good dishes!"

The blind man praised, his voice hoarse, tinged with the vicissitudes of life.

His low voice was not conspicuous amid the hall's clamor, but Jiang Xiaomu heard it clearly.

He watched the blind man with interest, speculating about his origins.

Suddenly, the blind man slowly lifted his head.

Though his face remained hidden in shadow beneath the hat, he seemed able to "see" Jiang Xiaomu, turning his face toward him.

An invisible pressure instantly enveloped Jiang Xiaomu's heart—a pure killing intent, icy and bone‑chilling.

Jiang Xiaomu's heart tightened, and he instinctively clenched his fists.

This killing intent was all too familiar to him; only someone who had endured countless life‑and‑death battles could possess it.

Could it be an assassin sent by his enemies?

Although his mind was filled with doubt, Jiang Xiaomu kept his composure outwardly.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing the blind man closely, trying to find any clues.

The blind man remained motionless, yet the killing intent did not wane in the slightest; if anything, it grew stronger.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment, the hall's din fading in Jiang Xiaomu's ears.

How long the standoff lasted, Jiang Xiaomu did not know.

He only felt each second drag like a year, breathing grew difficult, sweat soaked his clothes and clung to him, bringing waves of chill.

All his senses were focused on that blind man, his nerves taut.

Finally, the blind man slowly turned his head, as if nothing had happened, and continued drinking and eating.

That killing intent also vanished without a trace, as if it had never appeared.

Only then did Jiang Xiaomu wake from his dream, exhaling a long breath.

He lowered his gaze and saw that his clothes were completely soaked.

He steadied himself and looked again at the blind man.

However, the table was already empty, leaving only a few plates of leftover dishes and an empty wine jug.

Jiang Xiaomu felt uneasy and doubtful, wondering just what background this blind man had.

Why did he emit such strong killing intent? Could it really be aimed at me?

He could not figure it out, so he could only temporarily set the matter aside, planning to return to his room to rest first.

Jiang Xiaomu returned to his room, but he could not calm down no matter what.

He sat cross-legged on the bed, trying to circulate his inner energy to calm his mind.

"Thump thump thump!"

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Brother, are you in?"

The voice of his sister Jiang Xiaoyu came from outside the door.

"Come in."

Jiang Xiaoyu pushed the door open and entered, holding a bowl of steaming hot porridge.

"Brother, you haven't eaten much all day; I made you some porridge."

Seeing his sister's concerned gaze, Jiang Xiaomu felt warm inside.

In this strange world, his sister is his only relative and also his motivation to keep living.