Chapter 1386: Pitiful and Lonely Like a Phoenix Hairpin

Creak!The window was casually shut.The mournful song thus remained within the chamber, no longer drifting afar.A young woman, delicate and lovely, turned back, silver bells jingling on her wrist, her smile like a flower: "These past days, music is forbidden in the city. 'Tis trouble if the sound be heard."She glanced at the songstress behind the screen, who held a pipa, and chided: "Who bade you sing at this hour? Are you courting death!"The songstress ceased her plucking, making no sound.Not far from the window sat a lady of fragile disposition. Her eyes held two parts sorrow, her delicate countenance a withered flower. Silent and still, she was already a sight to stir pity.Hearing the words, she said: "Maiden Ling'er, pray do not be wroth. 'Twas my unsettled heart that bade the songstress play."Xiangling'er gazed upon her, her eyes instantly filled with delight: "How could I be wroth with you, younger sister Xiuzhang? Born with such a fair countenance, whatever you do is right."Compared to her warmth, Liu Xiuzhang was clearly much more distant, only saying: "This place is one I ought not to have come to."Xiangling'er turned and sat beside her, tilting her head to gaze at her exquisite face: "By 'this place', do you mean Linzi, or the Tower of Three Scents?""Neither ought I to have come to," Liu Xiuzhang said."Nay, nay, all of it is wrong," Xiangling'er shook her head repeatedly: "As for Linzi, why ought you not to come? Does this three-hundred-li city of Linzi bear the surname Yan? If there be enmity or grievance, that too is not the reason. We are born into this world, and it is they who should avoid me, not I who should avoid them."Liu Xiuzhang remained silent.Xiangling'er continued: "As for pleasure houses... May men frequent them, yet women may not? There are indeed many who sell their flesh in this world, and do you not know that in the Snow Kingdom, there are establishments specifically for men?"Speaking thus, she pursed her lips: "Alas, most are gaunt and wasted, of poor quality.""Having neither enmity nor grievance, but with old scenes in my eyes, why should I wound myself?" Liu Xiuzhang said: "As for the pleasure house you speak of... Since ancient times, there have been those who frequent them and those who do not, those who trade in flesh and those who do not engage. It is not bound by gender, but I am of the latter. Maiden Ling'er, perhaps all you say is correct, but we are different."Xiangling'er uttered an "Oh": "Understood.""You wish to say that you and I walk different paths." Her hands clasped, resting on the armrest, her chin resting on her forearm. She blinked her limpid eyes, gazing at Liu Xiuzhang: "But now, only we can help you. What is to be done, little beauty?"She was delicate, lovely, and spirited, especially with that smile, so perfectly placed at the corner of her lips, making it difficult to harbor ill will.And Liu Xiuzhang was the typical slender beauty, her figure delicate and well-proportioned, her slender waist seemingly graspable in a hand.Yet, sitting in the chair, she never appeared frail.A woman of such gentle disposition as she seemed destined to sit alone in a secluded chamber, weeping before a mirror.However, she now sat in the Tower of Three Scents in Linzi, her gaze meeting that of Xiangling'er, ranked among the Heavenly Scents, without a trace of timidity."You are not helping me," she said softly: "You are investing in me. Nor are you the only ones who can invest in me; it just so happens that I am currently speaking with you. This is merely a transaction, utterly pure and utterly simple. If you did not deem it profitable, why would you invite me here?"Xiangling'er slowly settled back, casting aside her teasing expression, and smiled slightly: "Alas, your Liu family does not seem to be a good investment target. As far as I know, the vast majority of those who invested in the Liu clan of Fufeng have suffered heavy losses.""What is the same is..." Liu Xiuzhang said: "In this land of Qi, your Tower of Three Scents is also not a weighty investor. The targets you can choose are not many.""You have persuaded me." Xiangling'er extended her index finger and gently hooked it upon her smooth, jade-like chin.Perhaps she wished to display an air of dominance.But Liu Xiuzhang merely frowned and looked at her.Xiangling'er awkwardly withdrew her finger, forcing a dry laugh: "I was too frivolous.""I am very short on time, the Liu family is very short on time... I believe you are too." Liu Xiuzhang said calmly: "Do not do things without meaning."She rose to her feet: "Then let us end our discussion here for today."Xiangling'er twirled a lock of hair around her finger: "We have discussed nothing yet!""You wish to establish a cunning rabbit's burrow in the Eastern Domain, or even truly relocate your headquarters here... At the very least, Qi must not refuse. We already have a clear intention of cooperation, do we not?" Liu Xiuzhang countered.Xiangling'er smiled sweetly: "Alas, my younger sister Meiyue is not here... I believe you two would converse very well."Liu Xiuzhang merely said: "There will be a chance to meet."Then, she turned and walked out.The door opened and closed, people came and went.No matter who, when, or what, it was often repeated again and again.Not until Liu Xiuzhang's footsteps had long faded did the songstress behind the screen speak, explaining: "Indeed, Maiden Liu said she wished to hear this tune 'Chai Tou Feng', which is why I played it. It was not intentional to challenge Linzi's current prohibition.""No matter," Xiangling'er waved her hand, the bells on her wrist jingling, and giggled: "She merely wishes to test the strength of my Tower of Three Scents. If even such a small matter cannot be resolved, then there is no need for cooperation."She gracefully settled down, tilting her head back and resting it on the chair back: "Pitiful am I, like the phoenix hairpin..."She gently closed her eyes and murmured: "Another tune. I wish to hear... 'Eighteen Touches'."The figure behind the screen paused, but ultimately lacked the courage to angrily smash the pipa.And so the strings sounded, and the screen's shadow swayed.Sorrow outside, pleasure within.

Jiang Wuqi's funeral was held for three days.These three days were no different for Jiang Wang; it was merely a matter of cultivating behind closed doors.For the current Chong Xuan Sheng... the difference was also not great.This fat fellow had no intention of returning to the Xiashan别府 and settled into Jiang Wang's residence. Each day he would rise early to greet the old marquis at the Marquis of Bowang's mansion, cultivating their relationship. After accompanying him for morning tea, he would stroll back, close the doors, and practice martial arts with Shisi... practicing everything.He called it, "Using Jiang Wang as a mirror, one can cure laziness."Chong Xuan Zhuliang passed by once and was pulled by Chong Xuan Sheng for guidance in cultivation. While casually crushing Chong Xuan Sheng, he idly asked why his fat nephew was not staying at the marquis's mansion, and Chong Xuan Sheng replied thus.Jiang Wang really wanted to say: "Then why not practice with me!"Of course, while he disdained Chong Xuan Sheng, he was quite enthusiastic about getting guidance from Chong Xuan Zhuliang.All worldly affairs are like floating dust; cultivation must come first.Compared to combat techniques, Jiang Wang's current focus was more on Daoist arts research, primarily on "Dragon and Tiger."The Eight Winds come from the eight directions.These eight winds are: East is Ming Shu Wind, Southeast is Qing Ming Wind, South is Jing Wind, Southwest is Liang Wind, West is Chang He Wind, Northwest is Bu Zhou Wind, North is Guang Mo Wind, and Northeast is Rong Wind.Among these eight winds, Jiang Wang had already directly faced the Jing Wind divine ability and had long seen the whistling tornado that mimicked the Ming Shu Wind. The Bu Zhou Wind, which boasts the greatest killing power, is a divine ability he controls with great depth.Using the Bu Zhou Wind as the foundation, supplemented by the various Eight Winds Daoist arts that Chong Xuan Sheng helped him collect, he completed the simulation of the Eight Winds in a very short time.The step of "invoking the Eight Winds to form a tiger" was completely effortless.Only the "Dragon" of Dragon and Tiger remained, for he did not know how to utilize the Tongtian Sea. This crucial problem, after Cultivation Yuan's personal guidance, had also been resolved.After reaching the Divine Abode realm, the Four Seas are connected, the Spirit Nurturing Hall directly governs the Four Floors and Five Mansions, and also suppresses the Four Seas within the human body.Jiang Wang has not yet reached the Divine Abode, thus unable to complete the control over the Four Seas within his body. However, with Cultivation Yuan's guidance, he can utilize his powerful divine soul force to prematurely establish influence over the Tongtian Sea.Finally, on this day, he initially completed this Daoist art passed down from Old Yang.With such deep friendship, Jiang Wang could not but share the good news with his close friend at the first opportunity, and by the way, see if he could find a chance to test his moves.When he arrived at Chong Xuan Sheng's courtyard, the fat fellow was drinking porridge.With a pair of fat hands and a small white jade bowl, he was slurping noisily.As he finished one bowl, Shisi handed him another. The porridge surface was glossy and indeed fragrant, making one's mouth water.It must be said that Chong Xuan Sheng's move into the Jiang mansion was well received by the servants.In the past, Steward Xie also wished to emulate the lifestyle of other third-rank officials, but his master, Lord Jiang, was rather stingy, and the money for household expenses made it difficult to achieve that goal.After Chong Xuan Sheng prepared for long-term residence, the living standards of everyone in the Jiang mansion visibly improved at a speed visible to the naked eye.After all, Steward Xie did not know the hardships of Lord Jiang; Lord Jiang was truly not stingy, but rather accustomed to living hand-to-mouth, and naturally had no money to spare.He was actually quite concerned about the living conditions in the Jiang mansion and had long been considering inviting his esteemed brother Yan over for a short stay. To host his good friend at his own home to show sincerity. If his esteemed brother Yan had any dissatisfaction with the living environment and wished to make adjustments, he would reluctantly agree, granting his close friend sufficient freedom.Alas, Steward Xie was unaware of this painstaking effort..."What are you eating?" Jiang Wang asked, knowing the answer.Chong Xuan Sheng did not raise his head: "Go serve yourself."A snort of disdain was already on the tip of Jiang Wang's tongue, but after sniffing, he swallowed it back.It was not too late to discuss Daoist arts after drinking the porridge.He gracefully walked to the tiger-patterned sandpot, which was said to have been purchased at a high price from Ding Tower, and while serving porridge, he casually said: "Speaking of cooking porridge, I actually have a little experience. I once discussed it with the Crown Prince...""Oh, right," Chong Xuan Sheng suddenly interrupted: "I have some news to share with you. That cousin of mine has already occupied the top spot on the deputy list of the October Sea Merit Ranking."Speaking of which, the Fishing Sea Tower is quite pitiful.Before the Yellow River Meeting, Ji Zhaonan specifically went to the Maze Realm to practice spear arts. Along the way, he set a new record for the first place on the main list of the Sea Merit Ranking, clearly intending to suppress the Fishing Sea Tower, and indeed he did...That record was not broken until the following month by Chen Zhitao.This time, when Chong Xuan Zun went to sea, he easily dominated the top spot on the deputy list again.The Sea Merit Ranking, used by the Town Sea Alliance to unite the hearts of the people in the near-sea islands, actually became a tool for the Tianjiao of Qi to gain fame. The young geniuses of the Fishing Sea Tower could only compete for a spot on the list after the Tianjiao of Qi left and stopped playing.The hearts of the people against the sea tribes were united, but who led these hearts was quite a matter for contemplation.This was undoubtedly a blow to the newly established Town Sea Alliance.Culinary arts were ultimately a minor matter. Since Chong Xuan Sheng brought up matters overseas, Lord Jiang sat down and casually said: "With Chong Xuan Zun's strength, it would be strange if he couldn't get the top spot... What, is he returning to Linzi?"Chong Xuan Sheng gently shook his head: "He abandoned the Xingyue Yuan battlefield and made a special trip to sea; how could it be just for this? Obtaining the top spot on the deputy list is only on par with your achievements at that time. Although his sea merit is much higher than yours, you achieved that record while only at the Inner Mansion level.""Then what else can he do? Overpowering the Outer Mansion cultivators of the Fishing Sea Tower? That's also meaningless. On the Riverside Stage, he has already proven himself to be among the strongest Outer Mansions in the world... Sea tribes?" Jiang Wang stopped the jade spoon in his hand: "He wouldn't be trying to challenge a sea tribe king, would he?""Who knows?" Chong Xuan Sheng said: "I only know that with his arrogance, if his momentum from a special trip to sea cannot surpass yours at that time, he will definitely not be willing to return."Jiang Wang said calmly: "His talent is there; no amount of arrogance is excessive."Chong Xuan Sheng smiled: "Before, you were Inner Mansion, he was Outer Mansion, and you had nothing to do with each other. Now that you have also erected a Star Tower, the debate is raging about who between the two of you is the number one Tianjiao in Qi! It's stirring up quite a commotion! You don't belittle him, yet you even praise him?""I did not praise him," Jiang Wang said calmly: "I was merely stating a fact."Chong Xuan Sheng couldn't help but roll his eyes at him: "I'm annoyed by that old scholar look of yours. Can't you just curse him a few times in front of me to comfort me?"Jiang Wang said deliberately: "Comfort is essentially a form of deception. You are too intelligent to be easily deceived.""From which book?" Chong Xuan Sheng asked.Jiang Wang immediately stiffened.The sentence he subconsciously quoted came from the book given to him by Jiang Wuqi.Emperor Wu of Qi had said this line when he seduced the Empress Dowager of Ming!"Uh, I've been reading many books lately, I forgot," he lowered his head and drank his porridge.Chong Xuan Sheng didn't mind, and while enjoying Shisi's porridge-serving service, he casually asked: "Oh, right, what did the Eleventh Prince give you? I haven't heard you mention it."Jiang Wang gulped down half a bowl of porridge with a slurp before muttering: "A piece of calligraphy."Chong Xuan Sheng glanced at him: "Why are you nervous about just a piece of calligraphy?""Why am I nervous?" Jiang Wang looked up, a confused expression on his face: "I'm not?"Chong Xuan Sheng looked at him suspiciously, but thinking about a person like Jiang Wuqi, perhaps he also had some inconvenient secrets to disclose, and pressing the matter was indeed inappropriate. So he changed the subject: "Heh, I didn't realize your friendship was this good."While chatting idly, the steward walked to the courtyard entrance: "Master, Young Master Zheng Shangming of the Patrol Office has come to visit, accompanied by Deputy Patrol Envoy, Lord Lin Youxie."Jiang Wang pushed aside his porridge bowl and rose: "Did they say why they came?"The steward shook his head: "No."While walking out to greet them, Jiang Wang instructed: "From now on, when Young Master Zheng comes, there is no need to announce him; just invite him in directly."After thinking for a moment, he added: "As for Deputy Envoy Lin, you still need to announce her, and it's best to ascertain her purpose before announcing her."Stepping out of the courtyard entrance, he happened to see Zheng Shangming and Lin Youxie standing not far away.Especially Lin Youxie, her eyes were deep, profound, and distant..."Haha," Zheng Shangming probably tried to ease the awkwardness with a dry laugh: "Brother Jiang, this residence is really nice!""Brother Zheng flatters me..." Jiang Wang was also very polite: "Lord Lin, please, this way! Quickly, have someone serve tea, bring my good tea; these are distinguished guests."Steward Xie skillfully walked back towards Chong Xuan Sheng's courtyard... Where did Lord Jiang have any good tea?"No need," Lin Youxie interrupted expressionlessly, and said in a businesslike manner: "We have come to visit this time regarding a case, and we need to ask Constable Jiang to help handle it together."Jiang Wang immediately had a bad premonition: "What case?""Feng Gu is dead."Lin Youxie calmly uttered these four words.