[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-roaring-dragon":3,"chapter-the-roaring-dragon-the-roaring-dragon-chapter-7":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Roaring Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2281863,4463,"Chapter 7: This House Is a Bit Noisy","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-7",7,"\u003Cp>The noise by the river continued, over a dozen constables arriving from all directions, using pleasure boats to drag the carriage from the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the inland river wasn’t deep; the two steeds were unharmed, though the carriage frame was smashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless students and townsfolk gathered around, blocking the street completely, while three figures stood on a nearby side alley:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Xie?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xie Jinhuan? Xie Jinhuan? Where is he?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t he run off?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Constable Xiao Wang, seeing Xie Jinhuan had vanished, grew tense, wondering whether he should immediately return to report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before long, a figure leapt down from a rooftop and landed before the three:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, I was just watching the spectacle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the man and the bird return, Xiao Wang sighed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middleman rushed forward anxiously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You young man, I told you to wait here—why did you wander off? Master Hou spent precious time coming over himself; if you delay him, you won’t be able to bear the consequences.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Apologies, please, Master Hou… uh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan had tangled with a Celestial Succubus; his current situation was grim, his mind full of turmoil, and he hadn’t paid attention until he looked up—and was stunned to find that Master Hou, standing in the alley, looked utterly bizarre!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood no taller than one meter sixty, thin as a monkey, holding a white paper fan, dressed in a black jacket, with sly eyes, a pointed nose, monkey-like cheeks, and a pair of tiny mustaches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the sixteen-foot Succubus earlier had been the pinnacle of beauty, this steward was unquestionably the gutter oil of aesthetics—different directions, yet equally unmatched in absurdity!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Xie Jinhuan, with his iron will, was momentarily stunned, setting aside the celestial succubus for now, glancing left and right, wondering if he’d accidentally slipped into an underground resistance station.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meiqiu, perched on his shoulder, also widened her beak and bulged her eyes, her gaze clearly asking—Is this a monkey spirit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Hou gently fanned himself, seemingly accustomed to his terrifying aura, and said impatiently:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You want to rent a house? The Princess’s estate owns many residences—what kind are you looking for?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only Princess who had established her fief in Danyang was Princess Changning, a first-rank noble and the eldest daughter of Prince Dan. Xie Jinhuan hadn’t expected his landlord’s background to be so immense—or her steward so bizarre. He suppressed his thoughts:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just need a temporary stay—somewhere to sleep will do. Preferably in Qingquan Alley.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Hou, with a keychain hanging from his waist, led the way, fanning himself:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qingquan Alley is a prime spot—step out and you’re in the priceless Taoxian District, with food, drink, and entertainment all convenient. There’s even a brothel street inside—those girls are fresh as dew, Zezeze …”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brothel street…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan recalled the bandits’ conversation, but now he had no interest in seeing Hu Ji. He asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much is the rent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The smallest one-yard courtyard: fifty taels per month, one month’s deposit, three months’ rent paid upfront.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifty taels?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan halted, stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he’d never held a job, he wasn’t ignorant of prices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His father, an eighth-rank County Constable, earned only fifteen taels monthly, plus a little rice, firewood, and cloth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifty taels a month equaled three months of his father’s income; with deposit and advance payment, he’d need two hundred taels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This rent rivaled mansions near the imperial capital!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Xie Jinhuan took down the money pouch donated by the monk and checked it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside were scattered silver and copper coins, plus one official banknote—totaling less than thirty taels…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing he’d killed three men and still couldn’t afford one month’s rent, Xie Jinhuan was stunned by Danyang’s housing prices. He tucked the pouch away and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does Yang County Constable live here too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Hou pointed his fan toward two lanterns glowing deep in the alley:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s his. Yang is a veteran of the government office; the Prince’s mansion assigned him this house—no rent. Unlike you. You seem short on funds. I’ve got a two-yard mansion nearby, a bit noisy, never rented out. If you don’t mind, I’ll give you twenty taels a month—no deposit, pay monthly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twenty taels was still no small sum. Xie Jinhuan chose nearby housing because he had little money, but now it seemed cheaper to stay at an inn—twenty taels would cover a month easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Constable Xiao Wang, aware the rent was exorbitant, now offered help:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Xie is only passing through, assisting the government office with a case—he won’t stay long. Master Hou, could you lower the rent a bit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Hou snapped: “Minimum two taels. No less.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gūjī?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three stumbled; even Meiqiu froze in shock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You already slashed the price, then slashed it again—what’s the difference from giving it away?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had this house been confiscated after a family execution?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or did it leak when it rained outside?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan, filled with suspicion, followed Master Hou deeper into the alley. Soon, a white-walled, blue-tiled courtyard appeared before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The house was brand-new. Two white stone steps flanked stone drums carved with auspicious beasts. The black lacquered gate was thick and heavy, locked with a brass padlock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening the gate, a spacious front courtyard came into view: a white stone path ran down the center, with stables, kitchen, guest rooms, and a tea hall on either side. Directly ahead stood a moon gate of white walls and blue tiles, revealing a refined rear courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire residence was covered in blue-glazed tiles, with carved beams and painted rafters—elegant and grand. Even the paving stones on the path were meticulously laid. Aside from a few fallen leaves, not a single flaw could be found.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan wasn’t unworldly; just by looking at the kitchen walls, he knew the house was untouched—no stove had ever been lit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Hou, you’re sure this place rents for two taels a month?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Hou frowned: “Still think it’s expensive? I’ll knock off three copper coins more. No deal, then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can knock off more?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan knew cheap things were usually shoddy, but he couldn’t imagine what loss Master Hou could be suffering. He stepped into the courtyard, glancing around:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where’s the noise? Are there invisible guests?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Hou was remarkably honest, pointing his fan behind him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right behind the main house is the Princess’s Wuyi Pavilion. She often hosts banquets there at night—some music and chatter are inevitable. If you can tolerate it, take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan didn’t believe a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if his landlord was loud, she couldn’t host banquets every night—and even if she did, how loud could clinking cups and plates really be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a grand mansion, renting for one tael and seven copper coins a month…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There must be invisible ghosts…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan already had a female ghost with him. A haunted house would actually help conceal her. He pulled out a handful of silver coins:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, I’ll take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Hou produced the lease. After Xie Jinhuan signed, he took it, his sly eyes narrowing slightly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm~ Your handwriting’s quite good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan had known since childhood to win at the starting line—handwriting, a personal calling card, was never neglected. Since age three, he’d copied master calligraphers’ scrolls; his father’s official documents were all written by him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the compliment, Xie Jinhuan was about to demur—but Master Hou continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve got my Spring Festival couplets sorted. Don’t move out too soon—stay till after the New Year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan ignored him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Master Hou, the middleman, and the constable departed, locking the gate behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two-yard courtyard fell utterly silent, leaving only the rustle of wind through bamboo leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shush-shush-shush~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan stood alone in the courtyard, Meiqiu hopping around him, heading to the rear house to search for any possible ghosts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rear house had a main hall and east and west wings. The master bedroom was spacious—enough for five people to play cards without crowding—but no bedding or pillows, just the frame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan found no trace of filth. He grew more puzzled—after all, he already had a giant ghost beside him, so why bother searching? He lay back on the bed frame, thinking about what to do next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t undo the Soul-Sealing Spell himself, nor could he seek a healer—asking about the cause would expose him…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Succubus was alive; he couldn’t just discard the sword, nor could he keep digging graves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing he could do now was ascend to the First Rank as fast as possible and bury this goddess back where she belonged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for his father’s whereabouts—he’d have to wait until he escaped Danyang alive to investigate…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How the hell did I lose my mind and dig up the Spirit-Sealing Tomb with this little power?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While still mulling over his regrets, the flaw Master Hou mentioned suddenly manifested:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dang-dang-dang~…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dreams shattered in the clouds of Wushan, jade quilt cold, I lie alone in clothes…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As night deepened, pipa music and a singer’s voice rose from behind the main house—judging by the source, they were on the second floor, directly above his bedroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pipa was melodious; the singer’s voice was sweet and supple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan initially thought it was a bonus—but soon, the pipa was drowned out by the clamor of giggling women:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You slut, cheating again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eight sixes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where’s Qingmo?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Says she’s unwell, resting in her room.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh~…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rustle-rustle…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding-dong-ding…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clatter of dice, hurried footsteps, women’s coy scolding, even the sharp smack of slaps—everything sounded lively and bouncy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan heard the noise and was baffled; he turned to look behind him, thinking:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is the Princess’s mansion throwing a silver party?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But all the voices were women—it sounded more like a lesbian party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d heard the wealthy ladies of the capital had wild tastes—could the girls of Danyang be just as unhinged?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan frowned, reasoning the banquet would end within an hour or so, and didn’t pay it much mind—he prepared to nap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the rear wall of the master bedroom and the princess’s banquet hall were separated by barely five meters; after a moment of chaos, a thunderous blast rang out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded like a musket shot, deafening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meiqiu, lying beside him, was startled into a full bristle, leaping up and spinning 180 degrees to stare at the ceiling, eyes wide with terror:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ji—?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan jolted awake, gripping Tian Gang’s Mace—only to hear a chorus of women cheering:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, you hit it perfectly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Keep going… keep going…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, not far off, firecrackers erupted, just like on New Year’s Eve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom-boom-boom…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan’s face turned black—he suddenly understood why the rent for this house was dirt cheap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this even livable?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Nian beast would be scared into a frenzy living here…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan felt he was still too young—cheap things really were no good—and he clenched his brows, forcing himself to endure it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But moments later, he suddenly noticed the noise had vanished—the room fell utterly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan froze, opened his eyes to look around—and was stunned to find a woman beside him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman wore a red bridal gown, nearly his height, lying right next to him, her face as pale as paper, tongue lolling out—like a hanged ghost!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1887,"2026-06-20T01:38:11.747Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9c1f46cd5dfbbb845a0f7de0483d5473aa1a695a92ddf3273fca56cc352f76e6","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-8","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-6",252,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-roaring-dragon-cover.jpg"]