Chapter 469

The two exotic flying heavenly azure-cloud-patterned little donkeys were very happy, trotting along with a 'tap-tap' step.

No named entities.

Behind the little donkey pulled an extremely plain black-lacquered carriage; Zhao Xiu sat motionless like a wooden statue, perfectly upright in the carriage. His face was as still as water, his posture utterly rigid, not a wrinkle on his clothes.

Named: Zhao Xiu.

Calm and magnanimous, the incident months ago when someone splashed horse blood all over his gate seemed as if it had never happened.

No named.

The carriage entered Nine Bend Creek Hall, proceeding forward along the winding forest path.

Named: Nine Bend Creek Hall.

Zhao Xiu finally turned his head, glanced at the Three Ministries Hall shaded by greenery beside the road, and slightly furrowed his brow.

Named: Zhao Xiu, Three Ministries Hall.

Out of the instinct of the Imperial Secretariat's intelligence chief, Zhao Xiu is full of curiosity about worldly affairs. Although the Secretariat's main duty concerns the two enemy states of Great Wei and Great Wu, he has a team under him dedicated to espionage within Great Jin.

Named: Imperial Secretariat.

Within Nine Bend Creek Hall, the master of over a thousand buildings and courtyards has already grasped ninety-nine percent.

Named: Nine Bend Creek Hall.

Only the true master of the Three Ministries Hall has remained undiscovered.

Named: Three Ministries Hall.

The apparent owner of the Three Ministries Hall is a royal merchant in Anyang City who supplies tribute silks and brocades to the imperial family. Yet how could a mere royal merchant possess such a manor in Nine Bend Creek Hall?

Named: Three Ministries Hall, Anyang City.

Even many powerless princes still stare longingly at the holdings within Nine Bend Creek Hall.

Named: Nine Bend Creek Hall.

No matter how Zhao Xiu's people investigate, they cannot determine who actually uses the Three Ministries Hall on a daily basis. In Anyang City, Zhao Xiu's subordinates cannot cause too much disturbance, so the true master of the Three Ministries Hall has remained a mystery to him.

Named: Zhao Xiu, Three Ministries Hall, Anyang City.

He was burning with curiosity.

No named.

Zhao Xiu disliked this situation where he couldn't have full control.

Named: Zhao Xiu.

Gazing deeply at the Three Ministries Hall, Zhao Xiu let out a barely audible cold snort, then casually produced a superb Bixi pearl the size of an egg yolk, holding it in his hand and examining it carefully.

Named: Three Ministries Hall, Zhao Xiu.

The two newly acquired little donkeys ran lightly, circling around one exquisite luxurious mansion after another, until they reached a pale silver bamboo grove. Following the winding path, they looped twice, crossed a clear-bottomed bamboo bridge over a stream, and the carriage stopped before a three-story pavilion named Listening Wind Pavilion.

Named: Listening Wind Pavilion.

Several wisps of faint mist sprayed from the silver bamboo grove, plunging the entire forest into a layer of deeply concealed, mysterious restriction.

No named.

Zhao Xiu alighted from the carriage, straightened his back, and looked around.

Named: Zhao Xiu.

The white-haired driver stood trembling beside him,

No named.

A middle‑aged man dressed entirely in rich brocade, dignified and splendid, greeted him with a beaming smile from the front of the small building, bowing deeply and respectfully to Zhao Xiu: "Sir, your esteemed presence honors this humble abode; please!"

Named: Zhao Xiu. Also "Sir" is generic.

"Hmm." Zhao Xiu nodded slightly, smiling as he followed the middle‑aged man, walking slowly into the Listening Wind Pavilion.

Named: Zhao Xiu, Listening Wind Pavilion.

The old man who drove Zhao Xiu's carriage chuckled as he sat on the driver's seat, pulling out a long pipe, stuffing a metal bowl the size of a fist with dried, yellowish tobacco, striking a spark with his fingers to light it, and began puffing away with a "pat‑pat" sound.

Named: Zhao Xiu (the driver serves Zhao Xiu). Also "large pipe" is generic.

One after another, green smoke rings drifted slowly from the bowl, turning into large and small green circles of light that merged into the bamboo grove's magical ward.

No named.

Soon, the entire ward of the Listening Wind Pavilion lay firmly under the old man's control; even the formation master who originally set up all the wards, if he personally attempted to intrude, would surely alarm the old man.

Named: Listening Wind Pavilion. Also "formation master" is generic.

On the third floor of the Listening Wind Pavilion, a large round table inlaid with eight treasures stood squarely in the center, while several side tables around it displayed various rare treasures. No lamps were lit on the third floor, yet the radiant glow of the jewels on the tables already bathed the entire hall in brightness.

Named: Listening Wind Pavilion.

Beside one of the side tables stood an elderly man with a flowing long beard and an ancient, refined demeanor, his hands behind his back, surrounded by several men of varying heights and builds, all laughing as they commented on the rare treasures displayed on the tables.

No named.

A group of lovely, graceful maidens, their glances full of endless charm, stood to the side with smiling faces, brimming with allure, quietly awaiting the guests' summons.

No named.

"Master Gu, what a delight!" Zhao Xiu exclaimed as he reached the third floor, bursting into laughter: "Someone as refined and noble as you is rarely seen in everyday life."

Named: Gu Haoran, Zhao Xiu. Also "third floor" is generic.

The long‑bearded elder turned with a smile, clasped his hands toward Zhao Xiu, and said, "Ashamed, ashamed, what nobility? Well, Sir Zhao Xiu, this is Mr. Wan Hong, and this… is his eldest son, Wan Xi."

Named: Zhao Xiu, Wan Hong, Wan Xi. Also "Mr. Wan Hong" refers to the same person.

Gu Haoran gestured to a shorter elder beside him, whose whole person glittered with pearls and jewels, appearing prosperous and dignified, yet whose demeanor was cautious and restrained, even a bit constrained—this was Wan Hong.

Named: Gu Haoran, Wan Hong.

And Wan Xi was the middle‑aged man who had greeted Zhao Xiu and led him up to the third floor.

Named: Wan Xi, Zhao Xiu.

Wan Hong stepped forward two paces, bowed with some difficulty, and said to Zhao Xiu, "Sir, I am remiss, I am remiss; I ought to have personally come to meet you, truly a lapse on my part."

Named: Wan Hong, Zhao Xiu (as "Sir Zhao").

Gu Haoran chuckled, shook his head, and waved his hand: "Sir Zhao, it was I who asked Mr. Wan to introduce the origins of these rare treasures to me; please don't take offense, for indeed, the treasures here today are far from ordinary."

Named: Gu Haoran, Zhao Xiu, Mr. Wan (Wan Hong).

Zhao Xiu smiled, nodded, and his eyes swiftly scanned the several side tables.

Named: Zhao Xiu.

Then his smile grew even brighter, his demeanor became gentle and affable. As Gu Haoran had said, the treasures displayed on those side tables were all rare marvels; even Zhao Xiu could not easily obtain them.

Named: Zhao Xiu, Gu Haoran.

Zhao Xiu gave Wan Hong a deep look; as a merchant, to possess such strength—well, coming here today was indeed worthwhile.

Named: Zhao Xiu, Wan Hong.

"Please, Sir Zhao, please!" Gu Haoran laughed, taking Zhao Xiu's hand and leading him to the round table; after some mutual deferrals, Zhao Xiu ended up presiding, while Gu Haoran sat beside him as a companion.

Named: Zhao Xiu, Gu Haoran.

The other gentlemen, together with Wan Hong and his son Wan Xi, all smiled and took their seats around the round table according to rank.

Named: Wan Hong, Wan Xi.

The maidens approached like butterflies around flowers, carrying seven‑treasure glazed liquor pots, and filled the crystal decanters before Zhao Xiu and the others with amber‑colored exquisite wine. The lingering, fragrant aroma instantly became palpable, filling the entire three‑story pavilion, so intoxicating that one could feel drunk without drinking.

Named: Zhao Xiu. Also "seven‑treasure glazed liquor pot" is generic.

Gu Haoran raised his cup, smiled, and nodded to Zhao Xiu: "Sir Zhao, Wan Hong and I have been acquaintances for some time; this time he has come to me seeking aid. I reckon that in Anyang City, perhaps only you possess the ability to help him, so I have ventured to send you this invitation. Come, come, let us drain this cup."

Named: Gu Haoran, Zhao Xiu, Wan Hong, Anyang City.

Wan Hong and his son Wan Xi immediately rose to their feet, smiling but silent, merely raising their cups and gazing at Zhao Xiu with humble expressions.

Named: Wan Hong, Wan Xi, Zhao Xiu.

Zhao Xiu glanced at Wan Hong and Wan Xi with a hint of reserve, pondered briefly, then smiled and nodded to Gu Haoran, lifted his cup, gently clinked it against Gu Haoran's, and the two laughed as they drained their drinks.

Named: Zhao Xiu, Wan Hong, Wan Xi, Gu Haoran.

Around the round table, six other men, together with Wan Hong and his son Wan Xi, suddenly burst into laughter, their faces lit with joy, each raising their cups and downing the wine in one gulp.

Named: Wan Hong, Wan Xi.

The atmosphere at the round table instantly enlivened.

No named.

Gu Haoran, whose personal name is Gu Haoran, is the chief academician of the Secret Archives' Hall of Literary Splendor in the imperial palace of the Great Jin Divine State, the foremost among the palace's four arts attendants; he daily accompanies the Great Jin Divine Emperor, writing, painting, playing the lute and chess, and sometimes even transcribes the emperor's spoken edicts, making him a paragon of nobility in Anyang City.

Named: Gu Haoran (also Gu Haoran, same person), Great Jin Divine State, Imperial Palace (generic), Hall of Literary Splendor, Great Jin Divine Emperor, Anyang City.

Gu Haoran holds no actual authority, yet his influence is immense, his connections extraordinarily wide; even a powerful left minister like Linghu Qingqing would grant him a modicum of favor.

Named: Gu Haoran, Linghu Qingqing.

Thus in Anyang City, people say that if one can smoothly gain entry to Gu Haoran's household, there is scarcely anything that cannot be accomplished.

Named: Anyang City, Gu Haoran.

Did Wan Hong and Gu Haoran have some acquaintance in their youth?

Named: Wan Hong, Gu Haoran.

Hehe, Zhao Xiu naturally does not believe that; within Gu Haoran's mansion he has his own eyes and ears, so he knows exactly when Wan Hong came knocking, what price he paid, and there is nothing he fails to understand.

Named: Zhao Xiu, Gu Haoran, Wan Hong.

Even Zhao Xiu has a clear understanding of Wan Hong's background.

Named: Wan Hong, Zhao Xiu.

Just to the southeast of Anyang City, in the most fertile and prosperous region of the Great Jin Divine State, lies a state called Zhongmeng Kingdom, whose ruler is a prince of the Great Jin imperial house.

Named: Anyang City, Great Jin Divine State, Zhongmeng Kingdom, Great Jin (the state itself), and "imperial prince" is generic.

The backing behind Wan Hong's firm, the Four Rivers Source, is the beloved crown prince of the Zhongmeng Kingdom, who also stands the best chance of inheriting the throne; consequently, the Four Rivers Source thrives, its wealth astonishing.

Named: Wan Hong, Four Rivers Source, Zhongmeng Kingdom, and "crown prince" is generic.

Six months ago, this ill‑fated crown prince was suddenly exposed for having an affair with a newly taken consort of the Zhongmeng king; after a bout of open and covert strife within the royal family, the crown prince died unexpectedly, and the prince who had been on the worst terms with him seized his position as heir.

Named: "crown prince" (generic), Zhongmeng Kingdom, and "prince" (generic).

The Four Rivers Source had long served as the treasure trove where that ill‑fated crown prince amassed his wealth, attracting the envy of countless people.

Named: Four Rivers Source, and "crown prince" (generic).

Now that his patron has fallen, Wan Hong's entire household faces grave peril, with the constant threat of ruin and annihilation.

Named: Wan Hong.

Wan Hong is also a ruthless and decisive man; as soon as his backing collapsed, he immediately fled with funds, and overnight the vast Four Rivers Source became an empty shell—its stores and enterprises spread across dozens of neighboring countries were swiftly liquidated, turning astronomical sums into his private fortune.

Named: Wan Hong, Four Rivers Source.

At this moment Wan Hong has sought audience with Wan Haoran, presumably to beg for his life.

Named: Wan Hong, Wan Haoran.

According to Zhao Xiu's own inclination, he would like to swallow Wan Hong's entire household in one gulp; he has the power and confidence to do so without leaving a trace.

Named: Zhao Xiu, Wan Hong.

However, first out of respect for Gu Haoran's dignity, second for his own reputation, and third because Zhao Xiu knows that a sudden windfall is inferior to steady, long‑term profit.

Named: Gu Haoran, Zhao Xiu.

If he were to devour Wan Hong's whole family and gain a sudden fortune, even the elders of the Zhao clan might reach out for a share.

Named: Wan Hong, Zhao family (generic? "Zhao family" could be considered a named entity? It's a clan. Might be considered a named entity (family). But it's generic "Zhao family". Not sure if we need to include.)

And this slow, steady way of gradually extracting benefits from Wan Hong's household—this dignified, composed conduct—suits his identity, matches the impression he has always given people, and is even more to his advantage.

Setting down his wine cup, Zhao Xiu said lightly: "Mr. Wan Hong, you can relax… Wan Xi, are you interested in taking a post in the War Ministry?"

Wan Hong laughed, while Wan Xi overjoyed rose to his feet, solemnly kneeling before Zhao Xiu in a deep bow: "Your Excellency Zhao's favor is an honor for us commoners!"

Gu Haoran also laughed brightly.

When Wan Hong sought him out through connections, he had already explained his terms.

After Gu Haoran took the tribute due to him, he also relayed Wan Hong's terms to Zhao Xiu.

And Zhao Xiu also explained his terms and requirements to Gu Haoran.

Under Gu Haoran's coordination, all mutual understandings were already reached.

All the performances now are merely the final step in completing the procedure, equivalent to signing a business contract; everyone just stamps and signs it to finalize all results.

Zhao Xiu nodded and said in a deep voice: "Wan Xi has considerable reputation and outstanding talent, which I have long heard of. This year I still have one special promotion nomination slot, which I will give to you… The post is not high, it's the Grass and Forage Chief Clerk in the Transport Depot of the War Ministry, still lacking a sixth-rank officer."

Zhao Xiu said with a slight smile, calmly: "This post is very relaxed, yet extremely important; don't look down on the sixth-rank clerk position—under you at least you oversee tens of thousands of pastures large and small, with millions of herders and soldiers under your command."

Zhao Xiu raised his brows and said proudly: "The important thing is, no one in the War Ministry dares to touch you; you can rest easy."

Zhao Xiu glanced at the ecstatic Wan Hong and Wan Xi, then lightly laughed: "Even a state ruler, unless he personally holds a key post in the War Ministry, otherwise not only would he not dare move a sixth-rank clerk, he wouldn't dare touch a ninth-rank subordinate official."

Wan Hong and Wan Xi were overjoyed, and both knelt before Zhao Xiu in obeisance.

After fleeing Zhongmeng State, they had constantly feared retaliation from the Zhongmeng ruler and the crown prince.

Now, having attached themselves to Zhao Xiu and gained connections in the War Ministry, the Wan family's lives and property are considered safe… Although the price they paid is a bit high, thinking about it, those costs never really belonged to them, so while they feel a pang, it doesn't cut deep.

Thus, goblets clinked around the round table; Zhao Xiu also loosened up a bit, feasting and drinking heartily with the entourage.

The other six men at the round table were all retainers of Wan Haoran—basically a bunch of cultured freeloaders who sponge off his mansion. They can't lift heavy loads, but they're versed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and especially gifted with eloquence; they can talk the talk, making the pavilion's atmosphere lively yet refined.

Just as Zhao Xiu was reveling, from the southwest of Anyang City came streaks of faint light speeding outward, quickly landing on the heavily guarded palace halls outside the city.

The next moment, countless cavalry galloped out, bearing messengers who raced madly toward the city.

Before these messengers entered Anyang City, within the imperial palace a towering bell‑tower loomed, its low bell toll like muffled thunder, wave after wave spreading throughout Anyang.

Zhao Xiu and Wan Haoran rose at once, a hint of shock in their eyes as they looked toward the imperial city.

This is the highest‑level bell toll of the Great Jin Divine State, sounded only when facing all‑out war or a threat to imperial rule.

This bell has tolled only once before, six thousand years ago; Anyang City has not heard this highest‑level toll for a full six thousand years.

Zhao Xiu and Wan Haoran simultaneously produced their emergency contact seals from their sleeves.

But there was no news, no news.

The highest‑level bell in the imperial city had already tolled, yet they had received no word.

Zhao Xiu drew a deep breath and glanced at Wan Haoran.

Wan Haoran looked with astonishment at the seal in Zhao Xiu's hand.

As a pure‑and‑noble official, it's understandable that his information isn't very timely; much intelligence simply doesn't need to be passed to him.

But as Chief of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Zhao Xiu now likewise has received no word… this!

"Lord Zhao Xiu, you should hurry to the imperial city. Your important post in the War Ministry is nothing like this idle old man like me."

Wan Haoran at once spoke up to remind Zhao Xiu.

Zhao Xiu nodded solemnly, swept his wide sleeves, gathering all the rare treasures on the several tables into his sleeve, then, with a stern face, he shifted his body, leaving a few afterimages, and in an instant arrived before the Listening Wind Pavilion.

"To the imperial city—make haste."