He Mingsheng stood dumbfounded as Lin Chengyou, having finished speaking, simply sat back down with no intention of leaving.

Soon, two beauties arrived, escorted by servant girls. On the left was Wei Zi, her snow-white bosom swaying enticingly as she walked. The other, more petite beauty was called Yao Huang, carrying herself with the natural dignity of a noble family’s daughter.

He Mingsheng hadn’t been wrong – both women seemed somewhat listless. Wei Zi’s lips were painted with crimson rouge, but it couldn’t hide her haggard appearance. Though Yao Huang’s face showed signs of weight loss, her spirits remained decent. She wore some exotic fragrance in her sash that wafted through the air as she walked. When she drew near and spoke, her voice rang clear as an oriole: “Greetings, Young Master.”

Tang Yuyi had been deeply impressed by Yao Huang’s singing voice before, and now hearing her speak, found it as smooth as sweet rain. When she turned her head, both Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi were staring slack-jawed. Knowing she shouldn’t watch this scene any longer, she quickly led the two back to the rear garden. Once in her chambers, she smiled and poured tea for them both – while their senior martial brother openly consorting with courtesans didn’t seem to bother him, it had mortified their junior brother.

“Where did you go earlier?” she asked, kindly changing the subject.

“We didn’t go far,” Jue Sheng said, accepting the teacup with both hands. “Senior Brother and Officer Yan first went to the fruit shop across the way to ask if anyone had bought preserved cherries, then to nearby jewelry shops to make inquiries. Finally, they visited a pawn shop. By then it was getting late, so Senior Brother and Officer Yan stopped at a nearby tavern for a meal.”

Fruit shop? Jewelry shop? Tang Yuyi took a sip of tea. That was easy enough to guess – they must have found something in Qing Zhi’s quarters. But what about the pawn shop? Had Qing Zhi pawned something?

Qi Zhi pulled several packages from his robes. “Miss Tang, please try these.”

Tang Yuyi saw they were hubing pastries, likely bought by Lin Chengyou for his junior brother. She smiled but didn’t accept: “You keep them for yourselves. I’m not very fond of foreign foods.”

Qi Zhi insisted, pressing them into Tang Yuyi’s hands: “These are different – you’ll understand once you try them, Miss Tang.”

Jue Sheng nodded vigorously: “This was our first time having such hubing. We got extra portions thinking you all would enjoy them too. Uncle Cheng, Brother Huo, these are for you.”

Uncle Cheng and Huo Qiu exclaimed in surprise: “For us too?”

Tang Yuyi held the package, thinking to herself – though Lin Chengyou paid for them, the thoughtfulness came from the two young Daoists who had brought them back. It would be unkind to refuse. So she smiled happily and said: “Since it’s a gift from the young Daoists, let’s eat! We servants won’t need to prepare lunch – this will be plenty.”

After one bite, she froze: “Oh? What filling is this?”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi’s eyes lit up: “Can’t tell, right? We couldn’t either. According to the Hu shop owner, there are twenty or thirty different ingredients inside, including mushrooms, flower rice cakes, and dairy cream, plus many ingredients we’d never heard of.”

Uncle Cheng, who often wandered the streets and was quite knowledgeable, found this puzzling: “Young Daoist, with so many fine ingredients in one hubing, the price must be difficult to manage – selling them too cheap would mean losses, but too expensive and no one would buy.”

Jue Sheng explained to Uncle Cheng: “You don’t understand, Uncle Cheng. The shop owner is an old acquaintance of Senior Brother and only cooked personally because he came. They don’t normally sell these – not for any price.”

Tang Yuyi had planned to just take a few polite bites but found herself unable to stop – the crisp mushrooms and sweet, sticky dairy cream melded perfectly on her tongue, impossible to resist. As soon as she finished one meal, she was already thinking about the next.

Wiping her hands and face with a cloth, she smiled: “Where is this shop? Another day I’d like to buy some for my cousin and aunt to try.”

“It’s not far ahead, the owner is called He Mo, but Miss Tang shouldn’t bother going – He Mo won’t sell them, not for any price.”

“Why is that?”

Jue Sheng waved his hand: “He’s an eccentric. After making the hubing, he came out just to greet Senior Brother then disappeared. Most people probably wouldn’t even get to see his face. When Officer Yan tried to talk to He Mo, He Mo completely ignored him.”

Tang Yuyi fell silent. This Hu shop owner, hidden away in the market district, must be quite the proud recluse. Since he was unmoved by money, he likely cared nothing for power either. Making hubing personally wasn’t about currying favor with Lin Chengyou, but treating him as a true friend. It seemed Lin Chengyou had quite a diverse circle of friends from all walks of life.

“Officer Yan and your senior brother visited so many places – do they suspect Qing Zhi didn’t commit suicide?”

Qi Zhi scratched his head: “We don’t know about that. Neither Officer Yan nor Senior Brother said anything.”

Tang Yuyi said: “If Qing Zhi was murdered, wouldn’t the killer be moving about the building as if nothing happened? We might even end up dining at the same table.”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi lowered their voices: “Miss Tang, you think Qing Zhi was murdered?”

“I dare not make wild speculations. Last night your senior brother and the other Daoists stayed in the small Buddha hall, not far from that well. If Qing Zhi had been murdered by the well, she would have struggled and cried out. With your senior brother’s keen hearing, he couldn’t have missed it. If she had been killed elsewhere and moved to the well, someone likely would have spotted them along such a long route. These past few days have been unusual, with corpse spirits potentially breaking in at any time – no killer, however bold, would choose such a moment to strike. Therefore, I suspect it was suicide.”

“But if it was suicide, why would Senior Brother ask his colleagues from the Court of Justice to investigate?”

So Qing Zhi’s death must have suspicious elements. Tang Yuyi changed the subject: “Since we have nothing else to do, why not invite Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li to sing?”

Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li arrived quickly, though their faces were strangely pale.

Tang Yuyi personally poured tea for them and asked gently: “I remember last time you mentioned Qing Zhi had been having nightmares recently. Were you close with her?”

Bao Zhu shook her head, holding her teacup: “I wasn’t particularly close with Qing Zhi, but Juan’er Li was practically from the same hometown. Qing Zhi’s sudden death has left Juan’er Li distracted all morning.”

Tang Yuyi only then noticed Juan’er Li’s blank expression.

Bao Zhu gently nudged Juan’er Li: “The young master is asking you a question.”

Juan’er Li came to her senses and replied sadly: “In answer to the young master’s question, I couldn’t call myself Qing Zhi’s hometown friend. We were just sold to the same slave trader. I’m Hu people, while Qing Zhi was sold from Xingyang. I remember she always talked about having blood sisters at home, but unfortunately, they got separated. We spent several months together and became somewhat close. Later, Madam E bought me, and Madam Wo bought Qing Zhi. We didn’t meet again until Rainbow Phoenix Tower opened. Qing Zhi told me Madam Wo thought her looks were unremarkable and never taught her musical arts despite buying her.”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi were momentarily confused – from these words, it seemed this Qing Zhi had wanted to become an entertainer.

Bao Zhu blushed: “Young Master Wang doesn’t understand. Women sold to brothels are destined for tragic lives. Even if Qing Zhi didn’t serve men, she could never properly marry into a respectable family. She couldn’t bear the thought of doing menial work in a brothel forever, so… so…”

Tang Yuyi understood – perhaps in Qing Zhi’s eyes, being a famous courtesan was more glamorous than being a menial servant.

“I asked Qing Zhi if she’d found her blood sisters over the years. She said no, but mentioned that Madam Wo treated her decently enough – if she worked hard, she could save a few coins each month. Later when Miss Ge Jin arrived, the house had Qing Zhi serve her.”

“From what you say, Qing Zhi doesn’t seem the type to take her own life.” Tang Yuyi recalled Ge Jin’s devastated appearance that morning and couldn’t help asking, “Did Ge Jin treat Qing Zhi well?”

“Yes.” Juan’er Li nodded blankly. “Miss Ge Jin was educated and cultured, with a very generous nature. Those young nobles often sent rare delicacies to curry favor with her, and she always shared them with those around her. When outside food like venison or fish dishes arrived, she never ate alone. She hadn’t been here long before everyone in the building came to like her. Qing Zhi often said she was fortunate to serve such a mistress.”

Bao Zhu suddenly interjected: “No, it wasn’t entirely like that.”

“Oh? Was there discord between mistress and servant?”

“Things were fine before, but Qing Zhi said Miss Ge Jin became like a different person after her face was ruined. She would often get angry at Qing Zhi for no reason, sometimes even beating and scolding her. Qing Zhi tended to Ge Jin day and night, only to receive her mistress’s rebukes. She often complained about this in private, and once even begged Madam Wo to let her serve a different master. Madam Wo berated Qing Zhi harshly, calling her ungrateful – fawning over her mistress when things were good but being the first to seek greener pastures when her mistress fell on hard times. She said such worthless people should be beaten to death immediately. Qing Zhi was so frightened she kowtowed and begged forgiveness, never daring to mention it again.”

Tang Yuyi pondered: “So you’re saying Qing Zhi didn’t have nightmares when Ge Jin was first injured, but only started sleeping poorly these past few days?”

Bao Zhu nodded: “Qing Zhi was the type to work without putting her heart into it. When Miss Ge Jin was injured by the fierce ghost, everyone in the building feared for themselves, but Qing Zhi seemed fine, only worried about Miss Ge Jin’s future and her prospects. She wondered if Miss Ge Jin’s beauty couldn’t be restored, would she never again taste the rare delicacies she used to enjoy through her mistress’s favor.”

Tang Yuyi clicked her tongue in amazement – this went beyond merely working without dedication; it showed a complete lack of conscience. Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi couldn’t make sense of it: “Why would someone of such character suddenly start having troubled sleep? When Qing Zhi kept having nightmares recently, didn’t her roommates ask why?”

“This… I don’t know about that.”

Tang Yuyi made a thoughtful sound. The courtesans in the building had clear hierarchies. Madam E had invested so much silver and effort, hoping Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li would become top courtesans one day. She wouldn’t approve of her daughters becoming too close with Qing Zhi, a menial servant.

Tang Yuyi rested her chin on her hand: “Well, we’ve talked quite a bit and must be tired. It’s too chaotic outside – rest in my room awhile before you go.”

Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li seemed uneasy: “Young master doesn’t want us to perform?”

“Let’s skip the foreign tunes. Play ‘Lotus Picking Song’ instead.”

Both agreed. Juan’er Li began playing first, with Bao Zhu joining in on the strings.

They had barely played half when Bao Zhu suddenly froze.

“Bao Zhu?”

Bao Zhu’s face went deathly pale for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. Looking at the preserved cherries on the table, she said: “I just remembered something. That time when the house had me bring medicine to Miss Ge Jin, there was no answer when I knocked, so I had to go find Qing Zhi. As soon as I entered her room, I saw her eating something. When she saw me come in, she hurriedly tried to stuff the package back under her pillow but accidentally spilled it everywhere. I saw it was a package of preserved cherries and didn’t think much of it, but now that I think about it, the package was very heavy, making clinking sounds as if it contained hairpins and rings. While rushing to stuff everything back, Qing Zhi said ‘I met an old acquaintance who gave me these preserved cherries. I want to keep them as a memento, so I won’t share them with you, sister.'”

“An old acquaintance? Did she say if it was a man or woman?”

“No. Qing Zhi was very flustered and hurried to push me out.”

“You suspect Qing Zhi had hidden other things under the preserved cherries?”

Bao Zhu nodded: “That way if someone saw, they’d just think she was sneaking food. If it hadn’t fallen to the ground, I wouldn’t have noticed anything strange.”

“Roughly how much was hidden?”

“I’d guess only the top layer was preserved cherries, with jewels and such underneath.”

Tang Yuyi frowned slightly. No wonder Lin Chengyou had gone to the fruit shop and jewelry shops to inquire. This was interesting – where would a menial servant get so many accessories? Were they stolen or given to her? It made sense for Ge Jin to share food frequently, but would she give jewelry to a servant?

Just then, someone called from outside: “Young Master Wang? Young Master Wang?”

Uncle Cheng went to open the door, and He Mingsheng’s smiling face peered in: “Young Master Wang, I have something to discuss with you.”

Tang Yuyi was slightly surprised: “What is it?”

He Mingsheng smiled ingratiatingly: “The Young Master would like Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li to go serve him.”

Tang Yuyi was stunned: “If I remember correctly, Lin Chengyou already called for ten ladies at once. What, that’s not enough?”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi coughed dryly, wishing they could sink into the ground.

He Mingsheng sighed: “Young Master Wang doesn’t understand. Young men, especially on their first time, tend to be a bit impetuous. The Young Master says he wants to find someone who suits his tastes in every way. Afraid of being overwhelmed by choice, he wants to see them one by one in a quiet place. Hearing there were still several beautiful courtesans who hadn’t gone, he sent me personally to invite them.”

Tang Yuyi said: “He can call for everyone in the building if he wishes, but I’ve already made arrangements with Madam E. Juan’er Li and Bao Zhu are my people now, and I won’t allow them to serve others. Tell Lin Chengyou to find someone else.”

He Mingsheng wiped the sweat from his brow: “Young Master Wang, this is entirely due to my foolishness. I must first apologize to you. The Young Master is waiting for them right now and says if I don’t deliver them within half an hour, he’ll make trouble for me. These days I’m already at my wit’s end and can’t take any more problems. Young Master Wang, if you’ll just let them go, I’ll make amends however you wish. The things Madam E accepted without permission – I’ll return them all to you. How about that?”

Tang Yuyi glanced at Juan’er Li and Bao Zhu. Both kept their heads down without a word, clearly unwilling to go serve a man but unable to speak up when the housemaster came personally to request them.

Tang Yuyi wasn’t particularly compassionate, but she had promised to keep them safe. How could she let Lin Chengyou ruin that after just a few days?

She smiled: “You sound so pitiful. Manager He is wealthy beyond measure and naturally wouldn’t care about two mere pearls. But if you dare return my pearls today, tomorrow I’ll have people spread the word of this, letting everyone know that Rainbow Phoenix Tower’s owner goes back on his word. See who dares do business with you after that.”

He Mingsheng wailed: “Aiyoyo, truly when immortals fight, the little ghosts suffer. I can’t reason with the Young Master on that end, and Young Master Wang won’t yield on this end. I’m caught in the middle, about to be crushed to death. How about this – the Young Master is still waiting for an answer. Would Young Master Wang please come with me a few steps and explain things to the Young Master yourself?”

Tang Yuyi pondered briefly. If Lin Chengyou wanted to request people from her, he should come explain himself. But now wasn’t the time to stand on ceremony – if Lin Chengyou set his mind against her, she couldn’t protect Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li.

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi stood silently beside her, likely feeling uncomfortable themselves. She had a sudden inspiration and whispered: “There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

After giving them some instructions, she raised her head to He Mingsheng: “Lead the way.”

The place was in the rear garden, not far from the small Buddha hall. It was originally a small flower pavilion, temporarily converted into a side chamber. The steps were shaded by intertwining branches, making it an extremely secluded spot. When Tang Yuyi arrived, Lin Chengyou had just come from another path, with several people following close behind, including Madam E.

“Young Master.”

Lin Chengyou stopped: “Have you found everyone?”

He Mingsheng smiled: “Everyone else was easy enough, just Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li are causing some trouble.”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi glanced at the side chamber. Through the half-closed window, they could vaguely see the graceful silhouettes of women in flowing robes. Their faces instantly turned red, and they ran to tug at Lin Chengyou’s sleeve: “Senior Brother, you can’t do this.”

Lin Chengyou remained perfectly composed: “What am I doing?”

“Senior Brother has already called for ten ladies, why call for Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li too? They’re good people, Senior Brother, you… you can’t…”

The last two words were barely audible, but Lin Chengyou touched his ear, understanding they meant “ruin them.”

He didn’t anger, but smiled instead: “I’m ruining them?”

Jue Sheng gathered his courage: “Senior Brother, forgive my boldness, but let me ask you something – after you leave this room today, will you even be able to remember their names?”

“Why should I need to remember their names?”

Tsk. Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi’s expressions grew increasingly troubled, stammering: “Senior Brother, this isn’t right. They were sold to such a place, their circumstances are pitiful. Senior Brother, you… you shouldn’t add frost to snow.”

“Yes, yes, abandoning them after taking advantage would violate Master’s teachings.”

These were the words Tang Yuyi had taught them, which they had struggled to get out.

Lin Chengyou, having been subjected to this sudden criticism, wondered where they had learned such phrases. Adding frost to snow? Taking advantage and abandoning? Suddenly catching sight of Tang Yuyi, he sneered: “I wondered what this was about – so this is Young Master Wang’s handiwork.”

Tang Yuyi quietly stepped back, but Lin Chengyou was already walking toward her. He came close, looking down at her: “Did you teach them to say this?”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi hurriedly said: “No, we overheard it ourselves when Manager He came to speak with Young Master Wang, and we decided to say it ourselves.”

Tang Yuyi smiled: “I did indeed ask the young Daoists to intercede. These two that the Young Master has taken a fancy to – as it happens, I took a fancy to them a few days ago. I promised Madam E a generous sum for them not to serve anyone else for half a year. The Young Master knew nothing of this, so please allow me to apologize first. Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li truly cannot serve the Young Master.”

Lin Chengyou nodded: “You won’t part with them, so you incited these two foolish boys to accuse me of taking advantage of people?”

“The Young Master misunderstands. The young Daoists look up to their senior brother as a role model, taking pride in emulating you in everything. Today, word of the Young Master consorting with courtesans has spread throughout the building. The young Daoists are still young and naturally might find it hard to understand. Fearing they might get stuck on this, I had to explain a thing or two. I never spoke a single word of slander, much less accused the Young Master of taking advantage of anyone.”

Lin Chengyou’s smile didn’t fade, but anger flared in his heart. After just one night of peace, she was provoking him again. He could imagine how she had “explained” things – not a single kind word, no wonder Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi looked at him that way. Who knew what kind of sweet talk she had fed those two foolish boys, yet somehow Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi bought into her act?

Tang Yuyi said gently: “The Young Master is not an unreasonable person. Now that the situation has been explained, I hope the Young Master will be generous and find other beauties to serve you.”

Lin Chengyou sneered: “What if I choose to be unreasonable today?”

Tang Yuyi sighed: “Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li have never served anyone before. They’re clumsy in everything. If they go in to serve you confused and muddled, they might dampen your spirits. You already have ten or so beauties in there – why let Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li cause you trouble?”

Lin Chengyou tilted his head back to look at the sky, thinking very seriously: “That sounds very reasonable, but unfortunately when I said I wanted this many people, I meant not one could be missing. I understand Young Master Wang’s words – you’re saying I’m forcing people. How about this – I’ll ask them if they’re willing. If they are willing, will Young Master Wang still stop them?”

Tang Yuyi thought to herself, only a fool would be willing to serve the same man along with so many others.

She clasped her hands behind her back and lifted her chin: “Then let’s do as the Young Master says. If they’re willing, I won’t stand in the way.”

Lin Chengyou turned to ask Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li: “Though I’ve called many people today, I’ll only choose one. The chosen one will receive generous gifts from me. Would you like to try?”

Madam E kept winking at the two from behind. In her view, Lin Chengyou was no ordinary noble son – if he wished, buying the entire Rainbow Phoenix Tower would be nothing to him. It was rare for him to seek company; how could they miss such an opportunity? Though many had been called today, only Bao Zhu and Juan’er Li were still pure. If they pleased Lin Chengyou, their prospects would be secured.

These two foolish children, why weren’t they moving? Madam E coughed sharply. Juan’er Li seemed to wake from a dream, but her face was pale. Not only did she not step forward, she actually moved closer behind Tang Yuyi.

Lin Chengyou’s smile stiffened slightly. Tang Yuyi couldn’t hide the mockery in her eyes, clearly saying: Lin Chengyou, do you think you’re such a rare treasure? Look, there are plenty who don’t want you.

Lin Chengyou glanced at Tang Yuyi, then turned to ask Bao Zhu: “What about you?”

Bao Zhu didn’t speak. Tang Yuyi looked at her with satisfaction, but then froze – Bao Zhu’s face was like a quietly blooming crabapple flower, even her ears flushed red.

Lin Chengyou said in surprise: “So you’re willing?”

Bao Zhu twisted the handkerchief in her hands, looking timidly toward Madam E.

Tang Yuyi couldn’t smile anymore. Madam E was overjoyed: “Young Master, her name is Bao Zhu.”

Bao Zhu curtsied slightly and left Tang Yuyi’s side to go to Madam E. Lin Chengyou suddenly said: “Wait.”

Bao Zhu stopped in surprise. Lin Chengyou sneered: “Young Master Wang went to great lengths to protect you, yet you abandon her without even a glance?”

Bao Zhu bit her lip, lowering her head even further.

Lin Chengyou glanced at Tang Yuyi: “Young Master Wang, now you understand. You won’t protect this one anymore? I’m taking her.”

As Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi made to follow, Tang Yuyi stopped them. Her interest had waned: “Let it be.”

After walking a few steps away, they heard Lin Chengyou say to Madam E: “You come in too.”

Madam E had been whispering excitedly to Bao Zhu, her expression animated as she passed on some unknown secrets. These words came floating over like a thunderclap.

Bao Zhu stood dumbfounded. Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi stumbled in their steps.

Madam E stared in disbelief: “Me?”

Even Uncle Cheng and Huo Qiu, who had been silent all along, were shocked.

Tang Yuyi was first bewildered, then suspicious. Lin Chengyou had not only called for so many people at once but wouldn’t even spare an older adoptive mother – did this seem like someone seeking pleasure with courtesans?

As doubt arose in her mind, she no longer hurried to leave.

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi stamped their feet and ran to Lin Chengyou: “Senior Brother.”

Lin Chengyou grabbed Qi Zhi’s ear, grinning fiercely: “Just wait – I’ll settle accounts with you after I’m done.”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi were completely confused, staring blankly at Lin Chengyou’s retreating figure. Tang Yuyi looked around and, spotting a nearby pavilion, led Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi over to it.

Juan’er Li, having received several fierce glares from Madam E earlier, was now stuck between staying and leaving, so she could only follow Tang Yuyi.

Lin Chengyou was in no hurry to enter the room, standing on the steps as if waiting for someone. Only after He Mingsheng brought another ten or so particularly beautiful ladies did he finally push open the door and enter.

As the door closed, the windows were also shut.

A cool breeze swept past, making the flowers by the railings rustle. The people in the pavilion stared at each other awkwardly. Tang Yuyi gave a dry laugh: “It’s getting chilly – shall we head back inside?”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi jumped up: “Senior Brother told us to draw talismans, and we’ve only finished half. We should go back.”

Inside the room, He Mingsheng said stiffly to Lin Chengyou: “Young Master, except for Juan’er Li and Ge Jin, all the first-rate beauties in the building are here.”

Four were already waiting in the inner chamber, with the rest in the outer room.

The ladies exchanged glances, each puzzled and confused.

Lin Chengyou paced with his hands behind his back, carefully examining each face before finally pushing open the door to the inner chamber and bending down to test the water in the bath basin.

The bathwater was light brown, emanating waves of strange, subtle fragrance.

“It’s about ready. Get in the water.”

The four people in the room felt their hearts pounding, unsure whether to undress outside the bath or after getting in. They suddenly realized He Mingsheng was still outside, and strangely, Lin Chengyou showed no intention of asking him to leave. Not only did He Mingsheng stay, but several old Daoists also entered the outer room.

The old Daoists walked to the inner chamber with unwavering gazes, saying solemnly: “This old Daoist has arrived. What matter requires our presence?”

Wei Zi and the others exclaimed in surprise: “Young Master?”

Lin Chengyou sat down on a low couch by the window and took several gold ingots from his sleeve, placing them one by one unhurriedly on the table. Then he looked up with a smile: “Get into the bath fully clothed. Whoever can hold their breath underwater the longest gets all this gold.”

***

Tang Yuyi returned to her room and had a good sleep, waking only as dusk fell. She got up and called for Uncle Cheng and Huo Qiu, asking: “Have you ever pulled out beast fangs?”

Uncle Cheng raised an eyebrow: “What does the young miss mean by this?”

“Just asking.” Tang Yuyi said casually. “I heard beast fangs are extremely difficult to pull out. Is that true?”

Uncle Cheng’s expression remained unchanged: “At noon in the front building, the young miss was willing to use wine as bait to learn about the corpse spirit’s weakness. Now that you’ve learned its weakness is its fangs, you ask about pulling out beast fangs. This old servant finds it very strange. Please explain your thoughts.”

Tang Yuyi tilted her head to look at Uncle Cheng, regretting bringing him along – this man was incredibly perceptive, nothing escaped his watchful eyes.

She smiled cheerfully: “Uncle Cheng, I’ve been wanting to ask you something for a while. Father said you’re just past fifty, so why is your hair and beard all white?”

This was true – Uncle Cheng’s hair and beard were snow-white, except for his pair of long, black eyebrows. At first glance, it looked as if someone had carelessly drawn two strokes with an ink-soaked brush on white paper.

Uncle Cheng remained unmoved, smiling kindly: “Ordinary young ladies would be terrified just hearing about these strange matters. Why does Young Miss inquire so carefully? Come to think of it, ever since getting that jade sword, young miss seems to have developed an interest in supernatural affairs.”

Tang Yuyi corrected Uncle Cheng: “My sword has a name now. It’s called Little Ya.”

“Very well, the Little Ya sword.” Uncle Cheng immediately amended. “The corpse spirit has attached itself to young miss, and it’s only because the master had no choice that he entrusted you to the Daoists of Dongming Temple and Qingyun Temple. The matter of exorcism should be left entirely to the Daoists. Young miss must not risk herself – if anything were to go wrong, how could this old servant face the master?”

Tang Yuyi patiently listened to Uncle Cheng’s rambling: “Uncle Cheng, in your early years you followed Father in military campaigns – you were quite the hero. Now you’ve put aside your martial clothes to handle trivial household matters. It truly seems a waste of your talents.”

Uncle Cheng’s expression changed: “This old servant and his family are deeply indebted to the master and mistress’s great kindness. This life has long been pledged to the master. Never mind just handling household matters – even giving my life would be only right.”

Tang Yuyi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Uncle Cheng, we’re just having a casual conversation – why bring up such things? Though you call yourself a servant, I’ve always regarded you as an elder. I’ll be honest with you – last time, the Daoist from Dongming Temple told me that magical weapons like the Little Ya sword are born to slay demons and evil spirits. They need to be fed with evil spirits periodically. If not carefully maintained, they will eventually become ordinary objects. Uncle Cheng, with your vast knowledge, you must have heard such tales.”

“This old servant has indeed heard of this.”

Tang Yuyi slowly caressed the sword hilt: “Ever since falling into the water, I’ve had nightmares. Only with this sword’s protection can I sleep peacefully. These recent encounters with evil spirits – it was only with its protection that I escaped danger. Therefore, I’ve long decided I must properly maintain its magical power. But I don’t understand Daoist arts – where can I find evil spirits to offer to this sword? Now that we have Daoists from both temples here exorcising spirits, I don’t want to miss the opportunity. It would be best if I could feed the sword with these two spirits. If it’s too dangerous, I won’t risk my life.”

Most of this was true, only omitting the matter of “borrowing life.”

“This old servant understands.” Uncle Cheng pondered. “Why doesn’t young miss entrust the sword to this old servant? My martial skills are not poor – when the Daoists subdue the two spirits, I can watch for an opportunity to strike their weak points.”

“That won’t work.” Tang Yuyi smiled bitterly. “This sword recognizes its master. Away from me, it’s just an ordinary piece of jade.”

Uncle Cheng paced around the room, eyes narrowed: “This old servant recalls something. Years ago, when returning to Chang’an, I met an old friend in the marketplace. He had just returned from border duty in Nanzhao, and while drinking with me, he mentioned encountering a corpse king there.”

Tang Yuyi’s heart stirred – Nanzhao again.

“The corpse king also had a pair of fangs. After emerging from the earth, it caused havoc everywhere, raiding military camps each night and devouring many soldiers. A local witch doctor skilled in poison magic offered advice, saying to make noose ropes from two extremely tough and sharp zither strings, one for each fang, then have dozens of soldiers pull simultaneously to snap them off. The camp commander adopted this method and successfully eliminated the threat. Though the corpse spirit’s power far exceeds a corpse king’s, since those fangs can extend and retract at will, they must have grooves. With grooves, there’s hope – they surely can’t withstand such pulling force.”

Tang Yuyi thought for a moment: “That’s a good method. I’ll discuss it in detail with the Daoists later. But this can’t be achieved by one person alone – even if we destroy the corpse spirit, whose achievement will the exorcism be counted as? Ah, how troublesome. Maybe we shouldn’t focus on the corpse spirit – let’s think about that bird demon instead.”

As the master and servant were talking, Huo Qiu announced at the door: “Young miss, Miss Bao Zhu requests an audience.”

Uncle Cheng cast a bland look toward the door, poured a cup of osmanthus wine for Tang Yuyi, and then slowly walked aside with his hands clasped.

Tang Yuyi lowered her eyes and took a sip: “Let her in.”

Bao Zhu entered slowly.

Her hair was soaked, hairpin askew, with several wet strands clinging to her fair neck, looking utterly pitiful. Presumably having just come from the bath with her clothes still wet, she was tightly wrapped in a felt cloak. Even so, her lips were still pale from the cold. Upon entering, she looked at Tang Yuyi with tears in her eyes: “This servant has come to apologize to the young master.”

Tang Yuyi looked completely surprised: “Where did this come from? What wrong have you done?”

Bao Zhu’s tears fell like strings of pearls as she slowly prostrated herself: “The young master protected me with such care, yet I was extremely foolish, unable to understand the young master’s intentions, needlessly disappointing you. I now understand everything and know my guilt. I wish I could make amends with all my strength. I only beg the young master to forgive my previous offense and give me another chance to serve wine and perform music.”

Tang Yuyi examined the teacup in her hand, speaking deliberately: “So that’s what this is about. This isn’t your fault. The Book of Rites says: ‘In the treasury speak of treasury matters, in the storehouse speak of storehouse matters, at court speak of court matters, in office speak of office matters.’ Though you’re not of the scholarly or common classes, you still must look after yourself. Your actions all have their desperate reasons. You’re quite pitiful really – it’s good enough that you don’t blame me for meddling, how could I blame you?”

Bao Zhu’s tears turned to smiles: “Young Master Wang doesn’t hold it against me. I’m deeply grateful. I’m trapped in a cage, nothing is under my control. What happened earlier wasn’t voluntary – it was Madam E who forced me. The Young Master, he… he…”

As she spoke, she raised her head, but her chest suddenly tightened. She saw Tang Yuyi smiling at her, eyes bright as cold stars. Though not openly showing disgust, she had seen through all of Bao Zhu’s thoughts.

Bao Zhu’s palms began to sweat. This lady disguised as a Hu person calling herself Young Master Wang had already begun viewing her as mere dust. This was even more humiliating than when Young Master Wang had questioned her publicly earlier. It was as if her every action was just a joke in Young Master Wang’s eyes.

She unconsciously clutched at her collar, vaguely sensing that while Young Master Wang could find ways to protect her when her heart hardened, she became colder than ice. The previous shelter and protection could never be obtained from Young Master Wang again.

Having been comfortable these past days, she had almost forgotten the taste of being beaten and cursed by her adoptive mother and drunk customers. She regretted not being content with her lot – if only she hadn’t been opportunistic that afternoon.

At the time, she had thought that since Young Master Wang was a woman, though currently looking after them, she might leave without warning any day. Only by catching Young Master Wang’s eye would there be hope of escaping this hell. Who knew her desperate gamble would only bring humiliation?

Unwilling to lose both opportunities, she quickly squeezed out a few more tears: “Young Master Wang.”

Tang Yuyi slammed her teacup heavily on the table. Uncle Cheng and Huo Qiu stepped forward: “Miss Bao Zhu, keep some dignity for yourself. When the young master tells you to leave, then leave. Don’t come back in the future.”

Bao Zhu’s eyelashes trembled. When she looked up again, there was coldness in Tang Yuyi’s eyes. She shuddered and rose, utterly dejected.

[Author’s Note: Jiafupu: Similar to later pawnshops, generally located in the Western Market during the Tang Dynasty.]