If I haven’t guessed wrong, the one throwing stones into my courtyard must be Han Dali.
During Jiang Shu’s three-day observation, Han Dali appeared as two different people before and after visiting the Zhou Family Tavern. In public, he seed to fully integrate into the Zhou Family Tavern, becoming a part of it. In private, however, he trained even more fiercely in martial arts.
A man with hopes of becoming a Martial Artist... How could he be content, bound by a contract, trapped in a tavern for life? Putting myself in his shoes, if he wanted to successfully leave the tavern, he could only wait for the Zhou Family Tavern to collapse on its own. In the past, there might not have been a chance. But now...
Jiang Shu narrowed his eyes. Clearly, during this period, Han Dali has grown a lot. Throwing stones toward my courtyard was a warning to be cautious. My noticing it ant the Zhou Family Tavern would naturally decline day by day. If I were to show Zhou Yang that note, he wouldn’t be able to deduce who sent it. He, Han Dali, could still remain securely within the tavern. At the very least, he wouldn’t have to worry about food and drink, living much better than the average civilian. This is getting sowhat interesting. A pity he realized it too late. If he’d understood a bit sooner, his fate wouldn’t be like this. The martial arts hall needs money; one can borrow it. Once one becos a Martial Artist, wouldn’t repaying a few dozen silvers be easy?
Jiang Shu had no intention of contacting Han Dali. Like a hungry tiger stalking its prey, he patiently bided his ti.
If sothing isn’t to be done, then don’t start it. But if it is to be done, it must be done thoroughly and cleanly. Not only to resolve all troubles but also to reap a handso profit from it. My ti is valuable, after all.
He practiced his stances and breathing exercises.
「Finally, one evening」
Zhou Yang, dressed like the son of a wealthy family, went to Skylark Square, eting Yao Wenbai at the entrance. The two conversed; clearly, this was not their first eting.
Countless candles illuminated the gauze windows of the tall pavilions, their light casting alluring silhouettes of won, as captivating as flowers swaying like willows. Even before one stepped inside, waves of perfu washed over the arriving guests.
「Skylark Square」
It was the most renowned place in the inner city of Pingling County. Countless commoners yearned to enter, to glimpse the beauty of the won within. Unfortunately, the prices were exorbitant. Aside from the scions of prominent families, wealthy rchants, and Martial Artists, even those from moderately prosperous families would hesitate for a long ti before deciding to visit even once.
Jiang Shu used the makeup techniques of the Xia Country to fashion an unremarkable face. He tossed a silver coin into the matron’s cleavage, affecting the air of a regular custor. Casually glancing sideways, he noted the room Yao Wenbai entered upstairs and said, "First, arrange a table of fine wine and food. In one hour, send a pretty, well-proportioned girl to my room."
"Oh, what can I say, Young Master?" the matron cooed. "Every girl at our Skylark Square is as beautiful as a flower, as exquisite as jade. Each has her own unique charms; you’ll see soon enough." She added with a wink, "I guarantee, visit once and you’ll want to return. And your... ’spear technique,’ ah, will beco even more formidable."
Amidst the matron’s self-praise, Jiang Shu ascended the stairs with a faint smile. He walked past the room Yao Wenbai had entered, went to the adjacent one, and pushed open the door.
By the ti he sat down, Zhou Yang’s fawning voice, clear and unmistakable, drifted over.
"Young Master Yao, everything is arranged. When Jiang Shu returns, he’ll tell how to make that salt, MSG, and those spices. Then, I’ll do whatever you instruct." Zhou Yang paused. "It’s just Jiang Shu and Old Qiu over there..."
"Hmph, another one who’s practiced martial arts until his brain addled," Yao Wenbai sneered. "But you, you still have so sense. You should know what happened to the Luo Family’s pharmacy. If they’d handed over the blood tonic recipe earlier, nothing would have gone wrong. And now?"
After taking a sip of wine, Yao Wenbai smacked his lips and continued. The blood tonic recipe had truly given him a taste of sweet success. Although he had been favored by the Family Head in the past, that was largely due to his mother’s influence, not his own capabilities. Now, the tavern he had opened under the Yao Family na was making a considerable profit. If he could successfully acquire these recipes for MSG and spices, the Yao Family tavern could beco the largest in Pingling County’s inner city. Then, he could even collaborate with Skylark Square. That would be when true wealth would co rolling in.
"That old geezer from the Hungry Tiger Martial Arts Hall, what can he do?" Yao Wenbai scoffed. "He hasn’t made a move in so long, his bones have probably gone soft. Once we, the Yao Family tavern, start using the MSG and spices, we’ll just toss him so money. He wouldn’t dare say a word."
"After all, this salt, MSG, and spices aren’t his. He’s just a na on the sign; money is money, no matter who it cos from. Why should he ddle? He’s just a minor Disciple. Disciples of a martial arts hall master? Only people like you think they’re anything special."
"As for that Jiang Shu... well, I see he has so Talent. We’ll just allow him to join our Yao Family as a retainer, have him sit around the tavern every day. If he’s sensible, we can give him a few extra pounds of exotic beast at each month."
"Behave like a good dog, and you get at to eat. Does he really think becoming a Skin Grinding Realm Martial Artist makes him so bigshot? Truly brainless. If he wants at, he still has to hunt it in the mountains himself. This ti, he’d better not get himself killed in the mountains and cause trouble." Yao Wenbai’s tone shifted from disdain to a hint of anger. "You’re an idiot too! Couldn’t you have gotten him to teach you before he went up the mountain?!"
"Young Master Yao... Young Master Yao, please calm your anger! I had no choice!" Zhou Yang’s voice trembled. "Jiang Shu wouldn’t listen to . It’s already a great concession that he agreed to teach when he returns. I figure, since he made it back from the mountain last ti, he should be able to this ti too."
Beside them, a coy voice purred, "Young Master Yao, why are you paying so little attention today? You’re so irritable. Now that you’re at our Skylark Square, you should be enjoying yourself. Let this humble one play a tune on the xiao for Young Master Yao to soothe your anger."
Following this, a soft, muffled moan was heard, though it was unclear what she was... consuming.
Jiang Shu picked up his chopsticks. Inside his room, the banquet was laid out. He ate and listened.
Zhou Yang’s sycophantic flattery was endless, filled with talk of his desire to join the Yao Family and beco a part of it. Yao Wenbai humd along, seemingly on cloud nine. It was unclear whether he was high from the flattery, or from being... serviced.
「A quarter of an hour later」
Zhou Yang, perhaps sensing he shouldn’t disturb Yao Wenbai’s pleasure any longer, said a few words and made to leave the room.
However, just as he opened the door, a hand shot out. It seized his neck and twisted sharply. He didn’t even see his assailant’s figure before he stopped breathing.
「Inside the room」
A sheer shawl was draped over the Skylark Square girl’s body, her shoulders partially exposed, smooth and white. Beneath them, her waist was slender, barely a handful. She knelt on the floor, her petite assets possessing their own unique allure. In front of her, Yao Wenbai sat with his eyes closed, lost in enjoynt.
No one had noticed soone else entering the room.
Jiang Shu held Zhou Yang’s corpse in one hand. With a palm strike from behind, he knocked the Skylark Square girl unconscious. Then, openly, he sat before the still-unaware Yao Wenbai. His face was masked, and his voice was low and deep as he said, "Na your price. Your life, Young Master Yao... how much is it worth?"
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