Inside the teahouse.
Jian Yuanzi silently sipped his tea, a pensive expression on his face: “Judging from what I’ve seen and heard, there’s much potential in Wu Zhen’s affairs… However, my master’s intention to seize Wu Zhi’s royal aura is extremely perilous. I must first observe this woman’s aura before making any moves!”
“Fortunately, this city is the seat of the Jiedushi’s government, and this teahouse is near a major road. As long as I wait patiently, I will surely catch sight of her eventually!”
With this thought in mind, he settled in Chufeng Prefecture City. He spent his days leisurely wandering about, mostly drinking tea and eating dim sum at the teahouse, gradually becoming familiar with the other regular patrons.
Bang!
One day, just as he had taken his seat, he heard the storyteller at the center of the teahouse strike the wooden clapper: “The previous episode concluded with Act 37 of ‘The Great Zhou Records of the Western Regions’—’Two Heroes Aid a Destitute Official, the Pilgrim’s Wrath Slays the Black Bear King.’ Now then…”
The elderly storyteller narrated vividly, immediately earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Occasionally, a few young men dressed like wealthy scions tossed copper coins as tips, prompting the old man to express his thanks repeatedly.
Jian Yuanzi knew that this storyteller had been here several days ago. Because he brought in customers, the teahouse owner didn’t drive him away, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.
However, such a profession could only exist in times of peace and stability. The presence of a storyteller was itself proof that the city’s common folk had some spare money—further evidence of effective and lenient governance.
Jian Yuanzi listened for a few more lines and realized that the storyteller was recounting a currently popular novel titled “The Great Zhou Records of the Western Regions.” He had heard snippets of it in teahouses and taverns in other prefectures before.
It was said that this novel was written in simple, accessible, and vivid language, making it widely popular. Even several notable scholars had written prefaces for it.
However, the author’s name remained unknown, which was quite peculiar.
What intrigued Jian Yuanzi most was that he had overheard a few lines indicating the novel’s detailed and well-researched descriptions of cultivation practices. There was no doubt that the author was a genuine cultivator, which was why he had paid attention.
Overall, it was merely a tale of a fictional dynasty expanding its territory, occasionally interspersed with supernatural elements—likely the casual amusement of some cultivator, nothing particularly significant.
However, Jian Yuanzi wasn’t waiting for the story itself. He had spent half the day seated there, repeatedly refilling his teapot until the tea had completely lost its flavor, when suddenly a commotion arose outside, and a sound reached his ears, making his entire body tense.
“The Jiedushi’s procession is coming!”
The streets bustled with carriages and horses, but Jian Yuanzi suppressed his excitement and casually glanced sideways.
“Yah! Yah!”
The Jiedushi bore a ceremonial staff and a military standard, wielding the authority of life and death. His procession was preceded by dozens of cavalrymen.
Pedestrians along the road hurriedly stepped aside to make way.
“Here it comes!”
In contrast, as the palanquin passed by, Jian Yuanzi immediately closed his eyes and silently activated a secret technique.
“Although Wu Zhi’s fortune is formidable and her momentum is already established, making an impetuous observation will inevitably invite backlash. However, my Four Symbols Divine Eyes are a secret inheritance of our sect. Although I may not discern her exact foundation, my observations should not be far off…”
A hazy glow appeared in his eyes as he suddenly gazed toward the palanquin.
The Jiedushi’s palanquin was naturally magnificent, with golden and silver inlays on its shaft and axle, and Fire Phoenix Guards carrying swords in attendance.
Boom!
However, what Jian Yuanzi saw was an entirely different scene.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
In his vision, golden and cyan vapors rose from the procession, converging into five-colored auspicious clouds above, exuding an overwhelming pressure of martial might that was unbearable for cultivators.
“Roar! Roar!”
The auspicious clouds suddenly parted, revealing a hornless, four-clawed dragon with three toes on each claw, its body adorned with crimson clouds. It let out a clear cry, and its dragon eyes turned toward him.
“Oh no!”
Jian Yuanzi immediately ceased his technique, but his eyes burned with intense pain, as if scorched by fire. Knowing he had still suffered backlash, he quickly raised his teacup, using the act of drinking to wipe away the blood that had welled up.
“She has such a strong fortune—has she already attained the form of a dragon?”
The red chi, a female dragon. With such an omen and the support of four prefectures, her future prospects for establishing a kingdom and claiming kingship would be effortless.
“If that’s the case… this woman’s development seems very promising. I should advise my master not to rush into drastic action…”
Jian Yuanzi mused silently when suddenly he shivered again: “Oh no! I didn’t expect the power of the dragon’s aura to be so terrifying—it even affected me!”
He stood up, paid for his tea, and stepped outside the teahouse. Looking at the sky, he suddenly felt a sense of confusion: “Master… I hope your decision is the right one. Otherwise, our Four Symbols sect might truly face annihilation…”
…
“Ah? Lady?”
The Jiedushi’s grand procession finally came to a halt in front of Wu Manor.
Wu Ming looked at Wu Zhi, who had appeared before him, slightly surprised: “Why have you come here?”
“This is my home. Why shouldn’t I come?”
Wu Zhi shot Wu Ming a glance and sat down beside him: “Besides… since my husband intends to take a concubine, E Xu, as the senior wife, should come to preside over the ceremony, shouldn’t she?”
“Well… Xiu Yun and I…”
Wu Ming scratched his head.
“I know that woman is your old acquaintance, and you have feelings for her!”
Wu Zhi suddenly smiled: “Actually, even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I wanted you to do this sooner rather than later…”
As she spoke, a hint of remorse appeared on her face: “After all, I’m busy with official duties and rarely get to spend time with you. It’s difficult for us to fulfill our conjugal duties…”
“Don’t say that!”
Seeing her remorseful expression, Wu Ming couldn’t help but step forward, pulling Wu Zhi into his arms and comforting her gently.
“But…”
After a moment of tenderness, Wu Zhi suddenly giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief: “You mustn’t forget our previous agreement, my husband! I still want to build a great legacy for our son to inherit!”
“Hmm…”
Wu Ming was at a loss for words.
He naturally recalled the agreement Wu Qing had made on his behalf with Wu Zhi, which apparently included adopting a son into the Wu family to inherit the estate.
But in his opinion, that son would be very unfortunate.
After all, as the master of the Divine Temple, although he couldn’t pass on the temple to his descendants upon his death, even a small portion of his power would be far superior to the entire Wu family.
He wondered what expression Wu Zhi would have if she knew this.
“Well… about the son matter, I naturally agree!”
Wu Ming patted his chest, his gaze suddenly turning tender: “Thank you, my husband, for understanding E Xu’s predicament. In my position, without offspring, my future prospects would be bleak…”
Her body suddenly warmed, radiating a seductive heat: “My husband, give me a son…”
Seeing her in such a state, Wu Ming’s heart stirred. He suddenly burst into laughter, scooped Wu Zhi into his arms, and carried her into the bedroom.
Not long after, the several Fire Phoenix Guards waiting outside the door heard the sounds from within. Their faces flushed red, and they nervously crossed their legs…
…
Inside Wu Qing’s room.
Li Xiu Yun, her hair tied in a bun, rolled up her sleeves, revealing a pair of delicate, jade-like arms.
She quietly stayed in this room, as if the entire world existed within it.
She was intimately familiar with every piece of furniture in the room. Now, after daily cleaning, the room was spotless, exactly as it had been before Wu Qing left.
Only the painting that Wu Ming had once created on the wall was missing, leaving an empty space.
As Wu Manor expanded, the number of servants and maids increased, making various affairs complicated. The servants occasionally engaged in intrigue to gain favor.
Even some rumors about her had surfaced.
However, Li Xiu Yun had always been a simple and unassuming girl, content with little. Moreover, since Wu Ming had personally designated her, even the steward dared not slight her, leading to a peaceful existence.
Thus, she had ample free time, which she devoted to cultivation. Her progress in the Dao was unexpectedly rapid, a pleasant surprise.
“Miss Xiu Yun!”
After finishing cleaning Wu Qing’s room and preparing to return to her own courtyard for her daily practice, she saw two young women approaching, their faces wearing flattered smiles.
“Senior maid Si Qin, Senior maid Si Hua!”
She greeted them first, feeling somewhat flustered, thinking she had done something wrong to displease the young master.
“What ‘Miss’ anymore!”
Si Hua shot Si Qin a glance: “From today onward, we should address you as ‘Lady’! Congratulations, Miss!”
“Indeed!”
Si Qin hesitated for a moment, then smiled: “Congratulations, Lady, and best wishes to you!”
“What… Lady?”
Li Xiu Yun asked in confusion, her mind spinning.
“This… hehe, the young master intends to take you as his concubine. Isn’t that wonderful news?”
Si Qin and Si Hua exchanged whispers, then softly spoke into Li Xiu Yun’s ear.
Instantly, Li Xiu Yun’s face flushed crimson, the color spreading all the way to her delicate neck.
“What? Could it be that you’re not willing?”
Si Qin and Si Hua exchanged glances, teasingly.
“This…”
Li Xiu Yun lowered her head, nervously twisting the hem of her skirt.
“Haha… We originally didn’t intend to disturb you, but since your status in the mansion has been elevated, your monthly allowance will increase, and we must arrange a private chef and maids for you… There’s a lot to do, so why are you still standing there? Come with us!”
Si Qin and Si Hua affectionately linked arms with Li Xiu Yun, chattering away, their eyes brimming with envy.
Li Xiu Yun followed like a puppet until she returned to her own quarters, when she finally regained her senses.
Memories of the past surged into her mind.
Suddenly, two tears streamed down her cheeks, and she couldn’t tell whether they were tears of joy or sorrow.
…
Taking a concubine was never a significant matter.
For Li Xiu Yun, it was a momentous event, but for Wu Ming, it was merely a casual gesture. After all, given this woman’s status and reputation, if he cast her out, she would likely have no choice but to die.
However, Wu Zhi enthusiastically organized the event, even hosting a banquet for guests like Xie Yi. Her composed demeanor and magnanimity as the senior wife pleased Wu Ming greatly.
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