Chapter 66: Little Imp, You've Made a Great Contribution This Time!

Night had fallen.

The northern wind howled as shards of snow swirled through the air.

In the town of Iron Ox, within the grand Xue family mansion, the guest hall was as warm as spring, and a lavish banquet was underway. The dishes were sumptuous—chicken, fish, and even a heaping basin of tender stewed venison. Off to the side, on a small wooden stage, several graceful dancers clad only in sheer gauze, utterly bare beneath, moved sinuously to the gentle melodies of silk and bamboo played by the musicians.

“Come, Master Fan, let us drink again,” said the benevolent Master Xue, personally refilling the wine cup of the middle-aged scholar with a goatish beard. He smiled, clinking cups, and drank in one hearty draught.

The bearded scholar smiled in turn, draining his cup. “Thank you for your hospitality, Master Xue. I am truly honored.”

Master Xue laughed heartily. “Master Fan, you are a most esteemed guest, seldom lured to my humble table. Your words humble me.” He shot Fan a sly look and nodded toward the lead dancer on the stage. “That one, Master Fan, is a rare treasure I acquired from the South only days ago—she nearly became one of the Top Ten Courtesans of Qinhuai. She’s only been here a short while but is already the star among stars. But tonight, Master Fan, she is yours.”

Master Fan’s old eyes glinted as he gazed at the dancer. He folded his hands in thanks. “Master Xue, your generosity overwhelms me.”

The two men laughed and drained another cup.

But after this round, Master Xue waved the dancers and musicians away. Once the room had fallen quiet, he lowered his voice. “Brother Fan, how confident are you in this matter? You know the Murong family keeps a close watch on every inch of Wind City.”

“Rest easy, Brother Xue,” replied Master Fan with a knowing smile. “Within three days, I will see it done.”

“Heh, with you handling it, I have no worries. Only… about Chief Ma…” Master Xue glanced at Fan, his tone cautious.

Fan’s brows creased but quickly relaxed. He spoke in a low voice, “The chief is away on business and will not be at the stronghold these days. Besides, Brother Xue, do you think I lack even this little influence?”

“Well, listen to my foolish mouth—I ought to punish myself with three cups! Come, Brother Fan, let me show you a new trick I’ve just learned…”

…

“You’re saying Master Xue returned to Iron Ox Town two days ago, and tonight, he even invited several of the brothel’s top girls to his home?”

At that same moment, in Spring Village, within the warehouse office, Li Yuanjing fixed Wang Cuihua with a searching gaze.

“It’s true, sir, I wouldn’t dare deceive you. I even made a point to inquire. Master Xue recently brought back a leading courtesan from the South, said to have nearly been chosen as one of the Ten Flowers of Qinhuai. But I heard today—it turns out she’s not a courtesan at all, just the personal maid of one.”

Seeing Wang Cuihua’s efforts to curry favor, Li Yuanjing’s mood softened. He patted her ample waist with a smile. “Good, you’ve worked hard today. Go get some rest. Tomorrow, keep watch for me again, and I won’t forget your reward.”

“Oh, thank you, sir, thank you!” Wang Cuihua beamed, tossing him a flirtatious glance as she swayed her generous form and reluctantly left the room.

Moments after Wang Cuihua departed, Zhang Kun hurried in, speaking in a low voice. “Master, you were right—the Third Chief went straight to the Xue household after arriving in Iron Ox Town. I wanted Xiangzi to come back with us, but he insisted on staying to keep an eye on things. I couldn’t talk him out of it, so I came back first…”

Li Yuanjing nodded, frowning in thought. He was already sorely aware of his disadvantage when it came to information—let alone true intelligence. Unexpectedly, Xiangzi had proven so invaluable. Even though funds were tight and manpower scarce, after some deliberation, Li Yuanjing said, “Brother Zhang, pick a few clever and trustworthy men. These next few days, keep close watch in Iron Ox Town and watch out for Xiangzi as well. If possible, go tonight.”

“Of course, Master, no problem. We found an abandoned temple on the east side of town—perfect for spending the night.”

Zhang Kun turned to leave in haste, but after a few steps, he paused, scratching his head awkwardly. “About Liangzi… Thank you, truly. He’s almost fully recovered now—and he wants to join you, if you’ll have him…”

Li Yuanjing smiled. “Brother Zhang, we’re all brothers here. If Liangzi wants to work with me, I’m honored! Have someone let him know—he can come see me first thing in the morning.”

“Will do!” Zhang Kun left, delighted.

After a while, Yuniang and Dayan arrived, carrying bedding. Yuniang looked a bit exasperated. “Brother, the house may be noisy, but it’s still our home. Why are we sleeping here?”

Li Yuanjing, unashamed in front of Dayan, drew Yuniang into his arms and kissed her cheek. “I just didn’t want you to sleep uneasy. Dayan, you’ve worked hard today—get some rest.”

Yuniang’s cheeks turned crimson—she hadn’t expected Li Yuanjing to be so bold. She wanted to speak but was left speechless. Dayan’s face was already as red as an apple; she bowed deeply and scurried out like a thief.

Once Dayan was gone, Li Yuanjing shut the door and began to whisper sweet nothings to Yuniang…

Soon enough, Yuniang was utterly lost, surrendering herself to his every desire…

Yet when she drifted into sweet sleep, Li Yuanjing held her close, his face clouded and grim.

It wasn’t that he lacked the power to strike at the Third Chief now. He could do it—but he was still missing a precise thread to tie everything together. He needed not only to take down that wily old fox, but to do so without arousing suspicion, perhaps even sparking distrust between Master Xue and Chief Ma.

He could only console himself: “Haste makes waste.”

…

Early the next morning, Li Yuanjing rose to stretch and happened upon the women workers changing shifts. Amid their chatter and laughter, he quickly spotted the most striking figure among them. Even in thick padded jackets, her silhouette stood out from the crowd, a crane among chickens.

Who could it be but Chen Chuxue?

She too saw Li Yuanjing, and though her face was veiled in black gauze, a blush crept beneath. Who would have thought this shameless man would stare at her so openly…

But remembering her most pressing business, Chen Chuxue mustered her courage, hesitating to speak.

Noticing her unease, Li Yuanjing strode over with a smile. “You there, I need a word with you. Come here.”

The women all respectfully greeted him as “Master,” and Chen Chuxue froze, clearly unprepared for Li Yuanjing to call her out so directly. Wasn’t he worried about the rumors this might cause?

But Li Yuanjing paid no mind. Seeing her rooted to the spot, he put on a stern face and barked, “Are you deaf? If you don’t want the job, get out!”

At that, all the women stiffened in fright, recalling that Li Yuanjing, though usually easygoing, was not to be crossed. They quickly lowered their heads and scurried away, avoiding his gaze.

Chen Chuxue finally realized why he had scolded her and looked at him in surprise.

Just as she was about to speak and follow him, Lady Xun Keqing—disguised as Wang Liushe—hurried over, bowed respectfully, and said, “Master, I have important news to report.”

Li Yuanjing was surprised to see her approach so seriously. He signaled to Chen Chuxue to wait, then led Xun Keqing into a small warehouse. “What is it now? Can’t you be a little less frantic?”

Xun Keqing shot him a resentful glance but dared not show attitude. She quickly took something from her bosom and handed it over. “Master, this is news I received just this morning. There’s one item—the Chief of Cold Mountain went to Yellow Mud Hollow yesterday. I heard he might come to our village for protection money, so I thought this might be of use to you…”

Li Yuanjing read over her report, suddenly alert. Then, with a firm slap to her shapely backside, he pulled her into his arms and praised, “You little minx, this time you’ve done me a great service!”