"Alas..."
Chen Xi let out a sigh. As the esteemed commander of the Six Great Halls and the ruler of Yunzhou, she actually had to concern herself with such matters? Her delicate brows furrowed as she glanced at Shi Hanyin, Yunzhou's most renowned courtesan. She had heard tales of her peerless beauty, and upon seeing her, indeed, she was not unimpressive – young, beautiful, and possessing an elegant aura. Shi Hanyin then curtsied deeply towards Chen Xi.
"Enough," Chen Xi stated. "Commander Lin, what exactly is going on? You must give me an explanation. Otherwise, if I've made such a grand entrance, I won't be able to account for myself to the citizens of the city."
"..."
Hearing Chen Xi's address of "Commander Lin" from afar, Shi Hanyin's heart grew more certain. She hurried upstairs. On the third floor, the madam, along with several other courtesans, welcomed Shi Hanyin. The madam, her face etched with worry, asked, "Are you alright, my dear?"
"I'm fine, Madam..."
Shi Hanyin smiled, reassuring her. "I'm alright."
"That's good. Who would dare to fight in a place like Yunxiang Tower? Alas... it seems the world truly is in chaos. The demon race hasn't attacked, yet our own people are fighting every day," the madam muttered.
Shi Hanyin pursed her red lips and suddenly linked her arm with the madam's. "Madam, Hanyin has something she wishes to ask of you..."
"Ah?"
The madam looked astonished. After all, ever since Shi Hanyin had stepped foot into Yunxiang Tower, she had never shown such familiarity. Although the madam treated her, the top courtesan, like a treasured ancestor, Shi Hanyin's temperament was proud and fiery, and she rarely showed the madam a pleasant face. In that moment, the madam felt flattered and said with a smile, "Whatever you need, my dear, just say the word."
"Mm."
Shi Hanyin pointed downstairs. "That young gentleman carrying a sword... Madam, after this matter is resolved, could you invite him upstairs? Just tell him Hanyin is willing to play and sing for him alone."
"Ah?!"
The madam was struck as if by lightning. What incredible fortune had befallen that young man to earn such unprecedented favor from Shi Hanyin?
...
Downstairs.
Huang Tingyu raised his hand, conjuring a small sword domain. Within this domain, only he, Lin Zhao, and Chen Xi were present.
"The Lu clan of Yunzhou has overstepped their bounds."
Lin Zhao explained, "I have a friend named Xu Ming'an, a Taoist priest from Danxia Mountain. The Lu clan of Yunzhou, in their pursuit of the medicinal formula he possessed, had previously attacked and injured Xu Ming'an. This constitutes a personal vendetta between myself and the Lu clan of Yunzhou. Furthermore, in their competition with Jubao Fang for the business of the King of Medicine Valley's Zhenyuan Pill, the Lu clan had attempted to assassinate Qingqiu in the area of Jizi Forest in the Northern Territory. Fortunately, Old Sword Immortal Han saved her. If not for Old Sword Immortal Han, I would not have known of these underlying circumstances. In short, the Lu clan of Yunzhou has a dark heart. Whether for public or private reasons, I cannot stand idly by."
"Mm."
Chen Xi nodded. "Actually, before this, I too had heard from my subordinate officials about the Lu clan of Yunzhou's numerous misdeeds. Relying on their vast wealth, they believed they could operate with impunity. Moreover, the business of the Lu Corporation has grown too large, and their greed knows no bounds. They even intend to control essential supplies like grain and warhorses within Yunzhou."
She narrowed her eyes and smiled. "I've wanted to deal with the Lu clan of Yunzhou for quite some time."
"What a coincidence."
Lin Zhao smiled. "Let's seize this opportunity. I can avenge my personal grievances, and you will have a legitimate reason. My suggestion is, you can handle the Lu clan's assets as you see fit – whether confiscation or public appropriation. As for Lu Shaoyan and Hu Qi, it would be best to deal with them according to the rules of the martial world. Hand them over to Mr. Bai Chen of Jubao Fang and Madam Qingqiu for their judgment. This would also be a favor you, Chen Xi, would be extending to the ancestral seat of the merchants, free of charge."
"Is that so..."
Chen Xi's pretty face flushed. "Then I would be receiving an immense favor for nothing."
"It's simply a matter of reciprocation," Lin Zhao said with a smile. "Chen Xi, you have worked tirelessly in Yunzhou to recruit twenty thousand able-bodied men. We of Xueyu Tianchi did nothing and are now selecting thirty thousand from them. In reality, Xueyu Tianchi has taken immense advantage of you. I understand this clearly. Xueyu Tianchi will remember this and will not forget."
"That's good then."
Chen Xi replied, "Alright, Sword Immortal Huang, please dispel the restriction. I need to handle this."
"Certainly."
The moment Huang Tingyu dispelled the restriction, the figures of the three reappeared before everyone. Chen Xi waved her hand. "Guards! Seize Lu Shaoyan and Hu Qi, escort them with heavy troops to Jubao Fang, and hand them over to Mr. Bai Chen of Jubao Fang. Additionally, dispatch five thousand Cangnan Iron Cavalry to immediately seal all assets of the Lu Corporation."
"Yes, Commander!"
A group of cavalrymen escorted the prisoners away, and Chen Xi was about to bid farewell.
Just then, an older woman, elegantly adorned, descended from upstairs. It was the madam of Yunxiang Tower. She looked at Lin Zhao, bowed gracefully, and said with a smile, "Esteemed sir, our Miss Shi Hanyin seems to find you particularly appealing. She wishes to invite you upstairs. She would like to play and sing for you alone. Refreshments and fine wine have been prepared. We hope you will grace us with your presence."
"..."
Lin Zhao's heart skipped a beat. What was the meaning of this?
Chen Xi, with a knowing look, glanced at him. "Still claiming you don't come to listen to music at pleasure houses? Even the top courtesan Shi Hanyin is personally inviting you. What kind of treatment is this? Just as expected of you!"
Lin Zhao wanted to explain, but Chen Xi had already turned and left with a huff.
...
"Sir?"
The madam looked at Lin Zhao and smiled. "Our Miss Shi Hanyin is upstairs, awaiting your arrival."
"Oh."
Lin Zhao frowned. "But I don't know Miss Shi personally. Why would she invite me alone?"
"I do not know either."
The madam smiled. "My lady has a peculiar nature. Her preferences are unlike those of other women. However, since my lady has invited you, you must possess something truly unique. Please, sir?"
"..."
Lin Zhao hesitated.
Huang Tingyu, however, was already puffing his cheeks and glaring with indignation. Why was he the one doing the heroic deed of saving the beauty, yet Lin Zhao was the one reaping the benefits? Was there any justice in the world? That esteemed lady had already invited him upstairs for a private performance, and he was still being coy and pretending? Could it be that he was still a virgin?
No!
Old Huang frowned. This Lin Zhao fellow might actually be a virgin! Damn it, what a waste of talent! Even if he went upstairs alone, he likely wouldn't have the chance to conquer the most beautiful woman in Da Shang. If it were me, I would have already thought of names for the children. If it were a boy, it would be Huang Yushi – Huang Tingyu meeting Miss Shi in Yunzhou. If it were a girl, it would be Huang Yunxiang – meeting at Yunxiang Tower. Truly a match made in heaven!
Thus, looking at Lin Zhao again, Huang Tingyu almost wanted to kick him. He said with a mixture of disappointment and anger, "Do you want me to go up with you? When it comes to matters of love between men and women, I, Old Huang, am a veritable sage and can offer you, Mountain Master, some minor guidance."
"No need, perhaps?"
Lin Zhao frowned. "Old Huang, wait for me downstairs. I'll be back soon."
"Don't be too quick," Old Huang said, crossing his arms. "It would bring shame upon the reputation of our Shan Dian Bie Yuan!"
Lin Zhao gave him a kick, which Huang dodged, grinning broadly.
...
Going upstairs.
Upstairs, Shi Hanyin had already lit incense and was brewing tea. Several braziers were placed in the pavilion, creating a warm ambiance. Shi Hanyin had shed her outer robe and donned a sheer gown, her graceful form subtly revealed, making her even more captivating.
Lin Zhao slowly ascended, his heart filled with apprehension. He had never experienced such a situation before. He decided to treat it as a hidden quest; this would make him feel more at ease. Thus, he stepped into the pavilion room and sat down at a table several meters away from Shi Hanyin. Looking at her, he frowned and asked, "Miss Shi, do you know me?"
"I do not."
Shi Hanyin gracefully flicked her long sleeve, and the madam and a group of maids promptly withdrew. Her beautiful eyes met Lin Zhao's, and she smiled. "However, I have heard your name for many years. When I was alone and without support, I enjoyed reading about your various legendary tales in江湖 tales. If only I could venture out into the streets and listen to the storytellers; their retellings would undoubtedly be even more vivid."
Lin Zhao understood much more now and said softly, "I am ashamed..."
"Sir."
Shi Hanyin said gently, "Are you truly Lin Baiyi of Xueyu Tianchi?"
"Yes and no."
Lin Zhao replied softly, "Lin Baiyi perished in the Great Calamity long ago. The Lin Zhao of today is merely a passerby in this world. There are many things I wish to accomplish, but also many things that are beyond my power. For instance, your kind regard. Should I consider myself Lin Baiyi, or not?"
Shi Hanyin smiled faintly. "Regardless, Hanyin has already decided that you are him."
"Mm."
Lin Zhao frowned. "Lin Zhao is grateful for Miss Shi's favor. I have many matters to attend to, so... Lin Zhao will take his leave. If fate allows, we shall meet again in the martial world."
"Sir."
Shi Hanyin's delicate brows furrowed. "Will you not stay to hear a song? It is but a small wish of Hanyin's."
"Oh..."
Lin Zhao showed a hint of apology. "My apologies, my apologies. I have been overwhelmed with affairs recently and forgot what Miss Shi said."
Shi Hanyin smiled and nodded.
Immediately, Shi Hanyin began to play a melody, entirely different from the one played downstairs. The song she performed for Lin Zhao described the poignant feelings of a secluded woman born in Yunzhou. Initially, it was melancholic and plaintive, then the melody suddenly shifted, transitioning to the theme of the demon race's southward advance. The sound of the pipa even conveyed the clash of hooves and the din of battlefield slaughter. Finally, it concluded with the line, "The sons of Yunzhou return not."
"Miss Shi."
After listening, Lin Zhao frowned and asked, "The lyrics are..."
"The song, Hanyin composed and sang herself," Shi Hanyin said softly.
"Oh..."
Lin Zhao's perception of this foremost beauty of Da Shang immediately changed. While dwelling in a place of pleasure, she had not forgotten her homeland. In a place like Yunxiang Tower, where wealth was lavished, this was even more precious. Perhaps this wish of Shi Hanyin's, which the powerful regarded as a mere "curiosity," was precisely why she had become Yunzhou's top courtesan.
"Miss Shi!"
Lin Zhao stood up and cupped his fists, saying solemnly, "Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Shi. However, Lin Zhao is burdened with many affairs and truly must return."
"Where does sir reside?" Shi Hanyin asked.
"The City North Military Camp."
"Oh..."
Shi Hanyin's gaze was full of tender emotion. "Tonight, Hanyin will cancel all other engagements and await you solely at Yunxiang Tower for a meal and a drink. May I?"
"This..."
Lin Zhao frowned, feeling that many aspects were improper.
Shi Hanyin said gently, "Whether you come or not, Hanyin will wait for you tonight."