Chapter 677: Repeated Encounters with Old Acquaintances

Dusk settled, and the drum tower inside the city had just struck the hour of Xu.

This prince of the Ying Wangfu wore a cloud-silk cloak, his jade pendants swaying before and behind beneath the lantern light.

The two guards behind him were clearly no amateurs.

Since persuasion failed, ensuring his safety was the priority.

Whenever they passed dim alleys, they gripped their sword hilts and scanned the surrounding lane mouths with hawk-like eyes.

The layout of a capital city in Shenzhou generally followed strict principles.

The *Zhouli: Kaogongji* records: "Artisans build a capital nine li square, with three gates on each side. Within, nine north-south and nine east-west roads, each wide enough for nine chariots to run side by side. Ancestral temple on the left, altar of soil and grain on the right; court in front, market behind—each occupying a hundred paces square."

In essence, a capital of nine li squared, with three gates per side.

Nine roads run north-south and nine east-west, each wide enough for nine chariots to travel abreast.

The royal palace has the ancestral temple to its left, the altar of soil and grain to its right, the court ahead, and the market behind—all each occupying a hundred paces square.

Later capitals expanded in size, yet still followed similar rules.

But after the Great Xuan dynasty was founded, the tradition of "court in front, market behind" was broken. In front of the gate, brothels, shops, and teahouses stood side by side; with the court lifting the curfew, the area gradually became a "gold-sinking pit."

As they crossed the street and neared the front gate, noise and light surged toward them.

While shops elsewhere had shut their doors, at most hanging lanterns at their entrances, here rows of towering lantern racks blazed with candlelight, music blared, and laughter of men and women rang out.

The street teemed with people: martial artists arm-in-arm, merchants accompanied by servants, and many others in civilian dress but wearing official boots, gesturing to one another in invitation—clearly government officials.

"Hurry, hurry!"

The Ying Wangfu prince was already impatient, face flushed.

The two guards had no choice but to quicken their pace.

The three of them stood out sharply; no sooner had they stepped from a dark alley than a crowd gathered to greet them.

"Your Highness, the Hai Prince."

"Your Highness, you haven't been here in ages…"

"Yes, Qin Xiang has been talking about you nonstop."

This young master was clearly a regular; many gathered around, eyes gleaming.

The look of men spotting a fat lamb.

"Make way!"

The two guards instantly bristled, shoving back the crowd.

"Gentlemen, apologies—we're headed to Piaoxiang Tower tonight!"

"Hai Prince" clearly relished this attention; he laughed heartily and led them deeper into the alley.

The crowd did not grow angry; instead, they bowed respectfully with reminders.

"Hai Prince, hurry up—the Wang Young Master and others have already arrived."

"Yes, it's been two years since the 'shulóng' was this lively…"

Hearing this, the "Hai Prince" up ahead immediately lifted his robe and broke into a run.

After he passed, the men who had greeted him immediately dropped their smiles, faces filled with mockery.

"Aren't they just been confined to their quarters? How'd they get out again?"

"Obviously they sneaked out—didn't you see they didn't even take a carriage?"

"Hey hey~ watch your words—he's our big moneybag. Tomorrow, set up a gathering…"

They huddled in the corner whispering, unaware that Li Yan had already passed by, hat pulled low.

Every word they spoke had been heard.

Li Yan felt a flicker of disappointment.

Clearly, this prince was neglected, unwanted.

Relying on him to infiltrate the Ying Wangfu was unlikely.

But since things had come this far, he might as well follow and see.

As he pondered, the three ahead halted.

Li Yan looked up and saw that the so-called "Piaoxiang Tower" was a three-court compound; the street-facing side was a two-story building with a plaque reading "Qingyin Yaji"—utterly devoid of any brothel aura.

The front hall's entrance stood wide open, yet a wooden screen blocked the view from the street.

The second-floor chambers had windows covered in crimson gauze—letting light through, but not shadows—excellent privacy.

Li Yan, an old hand, instantly recognized the true nature of the "Piaoxiang Tower."

It mimicked the top-tier "Qingyin Xiaoban," yet openly operated as a brothel in the bustling market—a middle ground, neither grand nor shabby, perfect for luring those who craved refined elegance yet were lust-driven lambs.

"Hai Prince, the Hanmei Pavilion has been prepared for you."

Seeing the prince and his guards, the lead servant hurried forward, bowing deeply.

His face beamed with deference, yet as he raised his hand, half a tiger tattoo peeked from his sleeve.

Li Yan's eyes narrowed.

Men of the Huwei Tang!

Zhao Wanfang and Luo Mingzi had both briefed him on the capital's situation.

Beyond the Xuanmen, the city had three main gangs.

In the East City was the Tie'an Hui, controlling the docks from Dongbianmen to Chongwenmen along the canal.

They operated shipping lines and dominated the East City's "Five Trades"—carriages, boats, inns, porters, and brokers—each member tattooed with an iron anchor on the left arm, skilled with ropes, iron hooks, and shoulder poles; their techniques were brutal and their stances solid.

Their public businesses included "Shunfeng Shipping" and "Tonghe Warehouses"; secretly, they ran the "Shuigui Tang."

This gang originated from the Caobang and later allied with the East City Military Command.

In the South City was the Huwei Tang, controlling the area from Yongdingmen to Tianqiao.

Founded by dismissed officers from the Commandant's Office, originally hired to protect wealthy merchants' escorted goods, later absorbing refugees from the southwest to form a gang.

All members bore tiger tattoos on their arms and wore copper tiger-head badges at their waists.

Originally only a security escort service, now they meddled in every kind of business.

In the West City was the Tongtuo Meng.

More a merchant guild than a gang, founded with joint backing from Shanxi and Shaanxi merchants, primarily to protect their commercial interests.

Though these three gangs occasionally clashed, they mostly kept to their own territories.

After all, the bosses were merely frontmen; what they did was dictated by the powers behind them.

Li Yan waited a while longer in the dark alley, watching more people arrive at Piaoxiang Tower, then stepped toward the entrance.

"Sir, please stop."

As he reached the door, the same servant blocked him.

"You're unfamiliar—first time here?"

The servant smiled broadly but signaled behind his back; his companions immediately gathered around, hands drifting to their waists.

Li Yan frowned, glancing around.

Everyone else was greeted warmly by servants—only he was stopped.

Oddly, this place charged high fees; others wore silk and brocade or were attended by servants, but he carried only the Duan Chen Dao at his waist, and beneath his cloak, a flintlock pistol holster—naturally drawing suspicion.

"What's the problem?"

Li Yan glanced coolly. "I'm from Ezhou. You won't let me in?"

"Apologies."

The servant still smiled. "Our shop serves only regulars."

Li Yan remained calm, smiling. "A shop that turns away customers? Just serve me a flower tea."

He pulled a five-hundred-silver-note from his robe.

"Ordering flower tea" was brothel slang.

At upscale establishments, first-time guests paid exorbitant tea fees.

In modern terms, it was a financial vetting process.

Of course, no tea cost five hundred taels—it merely proved one's wealth.

"This…"

The lead servant hesitated. He wasn't a brothel pimp—he was sent to oversee the place.

If Li Yan didn't know the term, he could've been turned away. But to use "flower tea" meant he was either a martial artist or a regular—turning him away and letting him spread rumors would make Huwei Tang violate the underworld code.

Seeing more officials and wealthy patrons arriving, the servant finally gritted his teeth. "Fine. Since you're a fellow of the road, I'll lay it bare—this place is backed by Huwei Tang. Tonight, several big shots are here. If you want to play cards, go ahead. But if you try to stir trouble, you're declaring war on Huwei Tang!"

Li Yan grinned. "Understood. The rules are clear."

"One distinguished guest!"

The servant bowed and called loudly inside.

An invitation—and a warning: a dangerous man has arrived, keep watch.

Li Yan frowned slightly, then strode through the entrance.

He'd planned to find a chance to approach the Hai Prince, but now he'd better keep low.

Around the screen, the view opened wide.

The central courtyard featured a raised, carved beam ceiling; below, a winding stream with floating cups created an elegant scene.

Behind the stream stood a stage, where an old man and a young girl performed ballad singing.

First- and second-floor private rooms echoed with laughter and drinking.

"Sir."

An aging madam approached, saw Li Yan's appearance, and immediately covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed, "Sir, is this your first time here? Do you have a girl you're familiar with?"

"No, could you recommend one?"

Li Yan smiled casually, glancing around, responding with ease.

"Of course, follow me."

As the madam spoke, she moved to lead him toward the left-side room on the first floor.

Seeing this, Li Yan immediately frowned, "The front hall is too noisy—I prefer quiet."

He remembered clearly that this Piaoxiang Tower was a three-court mansion, and the Prince of Haijun had already gone to the rear.

"Oh dear, what bad luck."

The madam looked troubled, "The back courtyard is full—today is Hu's girl's coming-of-age night."

"How convenient!"

Li Yan clapped his hands and laughed, "I've heard this Hu girl is breathtakingly beautiful—I came specifically to see her."

But the madam still refused, shifting the topic with a smile, "Please forgive me, the back courtyard is truly full—every guest here is noble. We can't ask someone to vacate their room; I couldn't possibly bear the responsibility…"

Just then, a voice rang out from behind: "Hahaha, Liu Aniang, you're truly blind as a bat!"

Li Yan turned his head and immediately felt a pang of unease.

The newcomer was someone he knew well.

It was Dong Cunshan of the Bagua Sect, whom he had met in Chengdu.

Back then, Li Yan rescued the group from the Wang Imperial Censor's mansion; Dong Cunshan went to Chongqing for reinforcements. Though he missed the Wang Fu battle, the garrison troops he brought arrived just in time to hold back the Chengdu rebels.

They had met only a few times, but they were comrades in life and death.

Before the man could speak, Li Yan hurried forward and bowed, "Li Cheng of Ezhou, honored to meet Master Dong."

Dong Cunshan, a shrewd man, smiled without changing expression, "Little Brother Li, it's been a long time."

Then he turned to the madam, his face darkening, "What's going on?"

The madam hurried to smile apologetically, "Master Dong, the back courtyard is full—this gentleman wishes to…"

"What's the big deal!"

Dong Cunshan sneered, "Little Brother Li, come with me—I'll have fine wine and dishes prepared."

"Of course, you know our chef's skill, Master Dong."

The madam laughed, as if the earlier exchange had never happened.

After Li Yan and Dong Cunshan left, the madam finally exhaled and whispered to the side, "That man's identity is suspicious—be careful."

The page boy outside the door, equally shaken, replied, "Should we investigate…?"

"Investigate your ass!"

The madam cursed, "Have you lost your mind? Didn't you see Dong Cunshan of the Bagua Sect treating him with respect? If there's trouble, blame it on the Bagua Sect—turn a blind eye, get through tonight first."

"Those young lords are quarreling—who knows what nonsense they might pull…"

…………

Elsewhere, Li Yan followed Dong Cunshan into the back courtyard and entered the eastern pavilion with the eunuch.

The pavilion was filled with warm incense; a purple sandalwood screen separated the outer noise.

Beside the zither table sat a young girl with a snake-knot bun, her fingers brushing the broken-tail zither, producing a sound like shattered jade falling on a plate.

"You may leave—I won't be listening to music tonight."

Dong Cunshan waved his hand, dismissing the girl, then turned to Li Yan.

But he did not speak immediately—only after the eunuch brought a full table of wine and dishes did he rise, close the door, and say gravely, "Brother, what's happened?"

"The capital is rife with dark winds—best not show my face."

Li Yan smiled faintly, "So even Brother Dong has this taste."

"Hahaha…"

Dong Cunshan stroked his beard and laughed, "You've got such a reputation in brothels—why mock me?"

He sighed, "In Chengdu, my meridians were damaged. Though healed, my martial path is finished—I'll never advance further. So I've decided to make up for all the suffering I've endured."

He knew Li Yan didn't wish to speak, so he did not press further.

Clearly, the battle in Chengdu had wounded not just his body, but his spirit.

In the past, he would have demanded to know exactly which "dark wind" in the capital Li Yan meant.

"Let's not speak of painful things—Brother, I toast you."

Li Yan raised his cup, clinked it with Dong Cunshan's, then smiled, "Brother Dong, this Piaoxiang Tower is unusually lively tonight—who's the girl coming of age? The rumors are wild."

"The girl's surname is Hu—she's from Guandong."

Dong Cunshan replied, "I've never seen her myself, but those who have say they were utterly bewitched—and the tales grew stranger and stranger. Bah, how beautiful could she be? It's just brothel trickery—every year before selecting the Flower Queen, there are always a few like this."

"Tonight's excitement is because several young lords from the capital are competing—everyone's here just to watch the spectacle."

"The auspicious hour has arrived! Miss Hu is stepping out!"

As they spoke, the eunuch's voice rang out from outside.

Dong Cunshan immediately rose and pushed open the window.

Li Yan also walked to the window and looked out.

The back courtyard was cleverly designed: directly north stood a two-story embroidered pavilion, its eaves soaring, adorned with several gilded silk lanterns that bathed the terrace in a crimson glow; the railings were carved with entwined peonies, their lacquer bright and fresh, clearly tended with care.

The eastern, southern, and western pavilions surrounded it; opening their doors and windows offered a clear view of the pavilion.

There, at the pavilion's railing, two maids lifted the curtain, and a crimson shadow slowly emerged.

The girl wore a crimson embroidered gold-silk robe, its collar slightly open, revealing snow-white skin; a silver-bell-adorned sash tied at her waist, chiming softly in the night breeze.

Merely seeing her figure made many swallow hard.

As her slender fingers lifted the sheer half-mask, a face of dazzling beauty appeared.

Her brows like distant mountains veiled in ink, her eyes like autumn waters gleaming, her lips like crimson dots, naturally alluring even without smiling.

Particularly, a faint scar marked her left eyebrow—not diminishing her beauty, but adding a touch of martial spirit.

These unique qualities blended into an unmistakable charm.

The young lords in the surrounding pavilions stared, spellbound.

And Li Yan, too, fixed his gaze on the pavilion.

But he was not looking at the girl—rather, at the woman bowing behind her.

Another familiar face, long unseen.

Wang the Widow, who once served as the Horse Immortal's guardian in Li Family Fortress…

(End of Chapter)