12. Misty Rain Tower

(1/3)

Arriving at the study, Jing Wei anxiously asked, “Senior Brother, why haven’t you sent the official letter to request Princess Jing Lan’s hand in marriage?”

“The eighty thousand troops of the Dayin Long Xiang Army have been completely annihilated, severely weakening our forces. Father would never dare to start a war now! And on top of that, there are extra complications—martial contests to seek marriage alliances are difficult to control.”

Nangong Feilong sighed, “Our Great Yu and Dayin have long signed a peace treaty, vowing never to attack each other.

Marriage alliances must be reciprocal. If we send a letter to request the eldest princess’s hand, Great Yu must also send a princess to Dayin.

The only princess suitable for marriage now is my younger imperial sister, Nangong Feifeng. The civil and military officials would never agree, nor would Father or Mother.”

Oriental Eagle replied coldly, “Disciple, don’t worry. I have brought all seventy-two elite warriors of the Burning Heaven Pavilion, and have sent swift letters summoning Tuoba Hao of the Northern Di, Dugu Shangyang of Xiliang, Crown Prince Duan Chunhua of Nanzhao, and Crown Prince Puxin of the Biao Kingdom—all to assemble in Chang’an.

This time, your seven senior brothers will have a grand reunion to get to know each other and collaborate closely. We vow to capture the eldest princess and never allow her to remain in Dayin. She must be married off to a distant land.”

Upon hearing this, Jing Wei was overjoyed and said, “Master, there is no one to care for you. I will send two concubines, along with the princess’s maids, Xiao Cui and Xiao Hong, to look after you.”

In Oriental Eagle’s mind appeared the image of Consort Yang Simin—her beauty like rolling mountains from every angle, front waves surging, behind curves full and round. His throat went dry...

He waved his hand and said, “You all know that I, as your master, am indifferent to fame and fortune, shun power struggles, and have no taste for romantic entanglements.

My lifelong wish is for my disciples to become renowned across the lands, famous throughout the seas, like the ancient Guiguzi…”

Jing Wei, Nangong Feilong, and Nangong Feifeng knelt in unison: “Master’s teachings are etched deeply in our hearts.”

Oriental Eagle said coldly, “A general’s success is built on countless sacrifices. Before grand ambitions, everything else can be abandoned, everything can be cast aside!

Never act on emotion; better to betray the world than let the world betray you.

With subordinates, there is no brotherhood—only utility.

Those useful are cherished; those useless are discarded!

No fixed military formation, no rigid water shape—any means to an end are justified.

When people see your shining success, they will forget the darkness of your methods.”

All three disciples admired him deeply.

(2/3)

Great Yu, Xiliang, and Northern Di had all offered Oriental Eagle the position of national master, but he declined each time. He traveled the lands, accepting only royal offspring as disciples.

After discussing for a while, the group remained silent through the night.

In the morning after his exercise, Jing Chen washed up. After disguising himself, he took the token left by Jing Yi and, with Long Yi, headed to the Yan Yu Pavilion in the city. The Yan Yu Pavilion was second only to the Wan Hua Pavilion, the second largest brothel in the capital.

Inside, there were few customers; many girls had yet to rise.

The madam greeted them obsequiously, “Gentlemen, are you looking for a favorite lady?”

Jing Chen sat in an elegant upstairs room and smiled, “Bring me a pot of the finest Immortal’s Drunkenness and a few signature dishes.”

The madam smiled broadly—the finest Immortal’s Drunkenness cost a hundred taels per pot. A wealthy patron had arrived.

Jing Chen added, “Call your boss, Liu Sanniang. I have business to discuss with her.”

The madam was delighted. “Understood, please wait!”

In a hidden room at the back, the madam said excitedly, “Sanniang, someone wants to talk business, probably fresh girls coming in. Look at the Yan Yu Pavilion—it hasn’t replaced girls in three months. Without new ‘fresh tea,’ our customers will all leave.”

Sanniang frowned. She had bought several batches of “fresh tea” herself, but all were robbed passing Fulong Ridge—both money and girls lost.

Sanniang was in her thirties, still alluring with a mature charm.

After dismissing others, Jing Chen closed the door, took out the token, and said, “Sanniang, show me your left shoulder.”

Sanniang knelt, “Sanniang pays respects to the master.” Then she removed her clothing, revealing a patch of snow-white skin on her left shoulder, adorned with three plum blossoms in shades of pink, red, and blue—dazzlingly beautiful.

She said, “Master, our Plum Blossom Palace has twenty-eight leaders under me, with over three hundred people scattered throughout Chang’an. Some are in brothels, some in courtesan houses, some are concubines or maids in officials’ homes, or palace servants.

The Yan Yu Pavilion’s business is fading and running at a loss. The last few batches of girls were all robbed passing Fulong Ridge, resulting in huge losses. If you don’t come soon, I won’t be able to hold on.”

Jing Chen said, “Don’t worry. Mobilize them all to gather intelligence. When the time comes, deliver everything to my Seven Fan Gate.

The Yan Yu Pavilion must transform—no longer relying on flesh trade. Wives are less than concubines; concubines less than stealing; stealing less than not getting caught.

Turn the central hall into a revolving stage. Dress all the girls in my designed uniforms—stockings, corsets, and lingerie.

I will write couplets to hang in the hall. Anyone who can solve them drinks free.”

(3/3)

“The first floor is for commoners; the second floor’s minimum spend is two hundred taels; the third floor no less than five hundred taels.

I will compose two poems, and you will form a female ensemble of twelve musicians to sing and dance.”

With this full strategy, business would surely improve. Jing Chen detailed many more specifics and instructed Sanniang to take the girls to the Liren Workshop to custom-make uniforms and lingerie.

He wrote two more songs before leaving.

The Liren Workshop had been arranged under the care of Li Lingli and Jing Se. Jing Se was gentle and charming, treating everyone with kindness and humility.

Su Mingquan had a round face, pale skin, small eyes, and a full figure. When he smiled, his eyes narrowed into joyful slits. Jing Chen called him “Little Fat.”

Little Fat had already secured the shop by day and invited Jing Chen to the Wan Hua Pavilion that evening in full dress.

Jing Chen told Li Lingli where he was going. Her expression darkened.

Jing Chen embraced Li Lingli tightly and whispered, “There are thousands of women in the world, but only one in my heart. I must go because there is business to attend to, not to seek pleasure.”

Li Lingli nestled in his arms, “My lord, I am not possessive, but I know you cannot belong to only me. When you are not by my side, I worry. I fear I might harm you. People say the White Tiger brings misfortune to husbands.”

Jing Chen replied, “Don’t say that anymore. Marrying you is my blessing. If heaven truly wants to take me, I will accept it willingly.”

Li Lingli’s eyes reddened; her voice trembled, “Chen Lang.” She clung tightly as if to fuse her body with his.

Jing Chen cupped her face gently and kissed away her tears.

With arms wrapped around each other, they kissed passionately, forgetting everything else. One hand grasped firmness, the other caressed a full moon.

Suddenly, Li Lingli shivered, cheeks flushed, and said, “Come back early. Hurry now, don’t keep them waiting.”

The group cheerfully hurried toward the Wan Hua Pavilion.