Xuanqing Guard

Chapter 296: Chapter 296: Two Chambers

Night falls, and the city is bright with lanterns.

The nights are quite chilly now. Though there’s no snow like in the Imperial City, ordinary folk have bundled themselves in thick jackets, and those with means don’t mind the bulk of fur coats either.

But inside the Flower House, the girls still stand at the entrance dressed light and alluring, shouting for customers. It’s not that they don’t feel the cold—it’s that life demands it. No matter how freezing, as long as there’s money to earn, they’ll grit their teeth and endure.

Besides, the Flower House has plenty of stoves. The first-floor hall even has heated flooring. As long as the windows stay closed, you can walk around in thin shirts and not feel cold.

Upstairs, the third floor relies solely on room heaters. But those rooms are all warm pavilions, reserved for high-ranking guests. Those who serve here are songstresses of standing, most possessing charm skills—half cultivators, really. Their bodies are far tougher than average, and they can wear less and still resist the chill.

Lian Xiang’s cultivation is more than enough to handle the cold. Tonight she’s dressed to stand out, accentuating her proudest curves while keeping her silhouette tight, a gown as thin as cicada wings wrapped snugly around her body, topped only by a white fur shawl.

"Miss, you look like a fairy tonight! Sure to drive that Shen mad for you!"

The maid is still the same, always blunt with Lian Xiang—when they’re alone, master and servant hardly act the part at all.

"Pah! Nothing nice ever comes out of your mouth. Pretty is pretty—why call me a fairy? Go on, check again, see when they open the door over there."

"Xiaoqin just checked a moment ago. There’s people guarding the door, even serving wine and dishes isn’t allowed near them. It’s all secret—looks like it’ll be a while yet."

Lian Xiang picked up the small brush from her vanity to fix her brows, finally satisfied. Her voice carried an anxious edge: "What if Hundred Households of Shen still doesn’t take the bait tonight? Maybe he just doesn’t like women like me?"

"Who knows? But if you can’t snag this Shen yet again, you’ll have to think of something else. Oh, and remember, the time you invited him for breakfast at home, you met him bare-faced, and I saw his eyes go wide. If it doesn’t work again tonight, maybe change your look next time."

"Right! How did I not think of that before? You! Why didn’t you remind me earlier?"

"Hehe, I just remembered myself. No worries, miss—you’re so alluring tonight, Shen won’t stand a chance."

"Hmph, we’ll see. But Zhang Qian and Gan Lin really do get on with Hundred Households of Shen. Still, it’s the first time I’ve seen them act so secretive—I wonder what they’re talking about. Did you have Xiaoqin try the magic disc? Any chance she heard anything?"

The maid shook her head and said, "Xiaoqin tried earlier, now she’s gone downstairs to check again—but I doubt it’ll work. Pretty sure they set up a blocking array."

"Cautious enough."

"Miss, I just don’t get it. Why’s Shen, just a mere Hundred Households Officer—his rank’s only Junior Fifth Grade, same as Deputy Thousand Households—so important to the Sect Leader? Why’d he send you to tempt him? You used to handle big shots like Liao Chengfeng."

The maid finished, pouting in distaste.

"What nonsense are you spouting? The Sect Leader’s will isn’t for us to question—do you want to lose your head?" Lian Xiang pulled her maid’s arm sharply, face stern.

"I—I was just sticking up for you, miss."

"Hmph, as if I don’t know you? You’re just greedy for the rewards Liao Chengfeng used to give you—Hundred Households of Shen hasn’t given you anything, is all. Remember, not another word about this!

And who told you Shen’s not as good as Liao Chengfeng?"

The maid blushed, her little scheme exposed, but curiosity flared at Lian Xiang’s next words: "Isn’t it so? Shen’s Junior Fifth Grade, Lord Liao’s Junior Fourth Grade—two ranks between them! How could he possibly compare?"

"Look at you, blockhead. How old is Liao Chengfeng? Shen’s not even thirty yet. Liao Chengfeng has deep connections, but Shen started out as a drifter. They seem far apart, but if you compare, Shen’s potential surpasses Liao Chengfeng’s by far. Besides, Shen’s now the brightest star in Black Banner Battalion under the Dynasty—provided the Xuanqing Guard’s top brass stays stable, his position will only rise, nothing can stop him.

So, from now on, be clever with Hundred Households of Shen, or if you mess up my mission, I’ll report you to the Sect Leader!"

The maid clung to Lian Xiang’s hand, begging for mercy—what she truly thought, who could tell.

...

Just over ten yards from Lian Xiang and her maid’s warm pavilion, another room’s atmosphere was utterly different.

Outside, two Xuanqing Guard cultivators stood watch. Two more guarded the stairway. No idle people could get within half a step of this room—they had to go around.

These days in Fengri City, even if the Black Banner Battalion’s name is hated, no one dares provoke it.

Inside, Shen Hao sat at the head, Zhang Qian and Gan Lin to left and right. No one else in the room. Aromatic dishes filled the table, but not a soul touched their chopsticks; even the Wuliangye that Zhang and Gan normally couldn’t get enough of was only sipped in tiny mouthfuls by Shen Hao, while the other two sat sullen, no mood for drink.

"What’s with you two? Even if you’re not helping, no need to refuse food and wine." Shen Hao chuckled, breaking the silence.

Just now, Shen Hao revealed some details from the Ma San Case to these two. Neither expected a meal out to bring up Black Banner Battalion secrets, and knowing the stakes, their appetite soured—they dared not speak freely.

"Hmph, Shen! We treat you like a brother, and you turn ’round to sink us. Not exactly decent, is it?" Zhang Qian snorted, his face dark.

Damned Xuanqing Guard secrets—who’d want to hear them? Especially when it involves military higher-ups—it’s a trap for sure.

"Definitely not decent. Shen, maybe mark down the wine for later?" Gan Lin was ready to bolt, but didn’t dare stand.

Shen Hao put down his cup, easy-going: "You’re wrong, brothers. You’ve always looked out for me, so when there’s benefit, I think of you first."

"Benefit? You’ve got some nerve to say that!"

"Enough, out with it—what are you after?"

"You’re both veterans in the military, and know all the ins and outs. The case I mentioned was personally assigned by Lord Jiang. If we can crack it, it’s a huge merit, and it won’t only be mine—you two will share the glory."

"What use is Xuanqing Guard merit to us?"

"Money, merit—don’t you want them?" Shen Hao wasn’t worried at all about them resisting. If they meant to refuse, they’d have walked out already. We’re all in the same boat—why not rake in the benefits together?

"You confident?"

"I’m fifty percent sure myself. Let’s see how much more you two can add."