Songjiang Silk

A Zhu and Gu Cangyue sat in the flower hall of the Suzhou Prefecture's backyard, looking uneasily at the Suzhou Prefecture's scribe with his two-tufted mustache.

The scribe stroked his beard and gave a wry smile. "Truly, this is a complete joke. If it weren't for my own learning, I would have been stumped by this letter. But to leave a note, why use Greater Seal Script? And to mix in thirty percent Oracle Bone Script, isn't that deliberately making things difficult?" The scribe sighed, shaking his head and wagging his chin, while A Zhu and Gu Cangyue offered awkward smiles. A Zhu was illiterate, and Gu Cangyue knew only two or three characters. After seeing the note left by Li Feng, they could only come to this scribe, who was known for his vast knowledge.

After shaking his head and wagging his chin for a while, the scribe touched the fifty taels of silver placed before him, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth, and nodded. "Ah, then I shall begin reading the letter?"

A Zhu nodded and said, "Thank you, Master Scribe."

The scribe smiled. "You're too kind, too kind... Hmm, A Zhu, you son of a bitch." He suddenly stopped and looked awkwardly at A Zhu.

Gu Cangyue cleared his throat, looked out of the flower hall, and remained silent. A Zhu clenched his fists in anger, showing a simple smile. "Please continue. Heh heh, read out every single word. Ha, my brother is just joking with me, it's fine."

The scribe blinked his small bean-like eyes and said with a clucking sound, "Joking, is it... Hmm, A Zhu, you son of a bitch, I'm going out to have some fun. You've definitely secured the position of Golden Dragon Gang leader, right? If you can't become the leader with Old Tou'er's help, then cut yourself and go to the capital to become a eunuch. I'm not interested in playing with the Golden Dragon Gang's affairs anymore, it's a waste of my intelligence, brilliance, and might. I'll leave it for you, this big-headed, brainless fellow, to play with."

The scribe swallowed, picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and continued to read, shaking his head and wagging his chin. "I've found a good branch to cling to now. In a couple of years, perhaps I'll return as a top-ranking general in the court. Then, I'll borrow some of your men, and it won't be difficult to subdue all the gangs within a thousand-mile radius. Wouldn't that mean wealth pouring in and beauties surrounding us? ... You stay put in Suzhou Prefecture, I'm going to get promoted and rich."

"Let me tell you something, I've learned a profound lesson through personal experience: if you don't want to be swallowed by others, you must have your own strength, and you must recruit more ruffians. If you have ten thousand ruffians willing to fight desperately under your command, even the so-called number one expert in the world wouldn't dare to fight you. My Master, who considered himself an expert, was killed by a group of people he had beaten into pigs in one-on-one fights. This is very important, remember, remember."

"To buy off ruffians, besides having great strength, you need money. I've left you more than a million taels of silver in banknotes and jewels in my secret stash. You and Old Tou'er can handle this together. Have Old Tou'er recruit some experts from the martial world to boost your reputation. Old Tou'er is a good person, but he indulges in nightly revelry, and perhaps some part of him is no longer functional. I've left him ten bottles of Rejuvenation Pills, also thrown in there. You can take them out and give them to him... That's all, I'm off to enjoy myself."

Gu Cangyue almost choked on his tea. He stammered, "I, Gu, am strong and healthy, and temporarily do not require such... ah..." In his heart, he was cursing, "You little brat, you dare to spread rumors about me?... Hmm, but you actually instructed your elder brother to use the million taels of silver with me. It seems you truly consider me a brother. Fine, I'll be your friend, haha."

A Zhu muttered to himself, "You scoundrel, you disappeared inexplicably six years ago, and now you're seeking fame and fortune? What are you thinking? Is it that easy to get promoted and rich in the court?... Damn it, you already have assets worth over a million, you could buy an official position. What are you still seeking promotion and fortune for?"

A carriage left the gates of Suzhou Prefecture. Li Feng sat beside the carriage driver, his long legs dangling outside the carriage, shaking. He held a small wine jar in his hand and sang loudly, "I wish my heart to illuminate the bright moon, but alas, the bright moon reflects in the latrine... Ah, a good poem, a good poem... I must have another drink." After speaking, he drained the two-jin wine jar in one gulp and threw it forcefully out of the carriage, where it shattered heavily on the roadside.

Inside the carriage, Little Li said softly to Zhao Xi, "Master, you've rashly recruited this fellow? His martial arts might be considered top-tier, but he's full of rogue energy. I'm afraid the old master would have him flogged if he saw someone like him... Moreover, although our people have investigated his background, his experiences during those six years are unclear. If he harbors any ill intentions after you bring him back to Yanjing, then it would be..."

Zhao Xi chuckled, covered his mouth with his fan, and said softly, "Little Li, you worry too much. Didn't you say he uses Mount Hua Sect's techniques? And the information collected by the 'Soaring Dragon Secret Service' also states that he first appeared at the foot of Mount Hua, and was pushed by a Mount Hua disciple. You've seen the analysis; in the past hundred years, more than seventeen experts from the Mount Hua Sect have suddenly disappeared. That can only mean that some expert took Li Feng to Mount Hua and disciplined him for six years."

Zhao Xi fanned himself with great confidence and nodded, "I don't think he has any problems. Could it be that he knew I was going to Suzhou and waited there for several months in advance? That's too ridiculous. I came to the south to check accounts on a whim, just to experience the beauty of the southern lands. Who has such immense capability?"

Little Li was stunned for a moment and quickly nodded. "Master, you are wise. Then it seems there won't be any major issues with that fellow's identity. However, I must still say, with his temper, he's bound to offend many people when we return to Yanjing. Not to mention the old master, the second master and his brothers also have very strong tempers. This fellow is so glib, he could easily invite a fatal disaster at any moment."

Zhao Xi's eyes narrowed, and he shouted with a fierce expression, "Who dares to kill my people? Hmph, is the second brother so great? Don't forget, the third and fourth brothers are all my people. No matter how strong the second brother is, can he be stronger than me? Little Li, you worry too much. Li Feng, the more flamboyant his temper, the better. This is the kind of person I'm looking for. It's better to bring him out to meet those dissolute scholars than to bring you. Can you drink? Can you make up some crooked poems? You can't do anything, you just keep a cold face, ruining the atmosphere."

Fanning himself again, Zhao Xi slowly leaned back in his chair and said with a cold smile, "Also, I'm not scolding you, but urging you to work harder. What about your palm strength? I originally thought your martial arts were top-notch in the martial world, but who knew you'd be so incompetent in battle? If I had known, I would have brought hundreds of guards south... Alas, if it weren't for that ban, I wouldn't have brought only you out."

Little Li quickly lowered his head. "I have disappointed you, Master... When we return to Yanjing, I will definitely seek guidance from Steward Lü and practice diligently."

Zhao Xi nodded with satisfaction. "You are also my confidant. If I have a day, you will be the supervisor. Your martial arts are too poor; it would be embarrassing if word got out. Don't let those people look down on you, understand? Be observant... I think Brother Li Feng's martial arts are very good, and he's quick-witted. In the future, he'll be a great assistant as your deputy."

Li Feng, sitting in front, found it amusing. "Me, be a deputy to this sissy? You just wait... Hmm, and an old master? And a second master, third master, and so on? That's even better. The muddier this water gets, the easier it will be for me to get ahead. I'll find the strongest among you and pledge my allegiance. Damn it, do you think I'm willing to deal with you, you sissy? If you piss me off, I'll kick your balls off."

Li Feng started humming again, "How vast is Mount Tai, the stars are arranged above. Three hundred miles from the sky, distant and separated from the world. Within, a green-haired old man, lies in the snow-covered pines, wrapped in clouds. He neither smiles nor speaks, dwelling in his rocky cave. I come to meet a true person, and ask for the secret of the elixir with a long kneel. With a bright smile, he opens his jade teeth, and imparts the art of alchemy..." He shouted, "Wonderful, wonderful! I am originally from the realm of immortals, but I was banished to the mortal world due to sin... Alas, if only I hadn't teased that celestial maiden!" He casually took out a jar of wine from the sundry box beside him and took another big gulp.

The carriage driver smiled and flattered, "Young master, you are indeed learned. Listening to these songs is so pleasant."

Li Feng boasted wildly, "Of course, I speak in prose whenever I open my mouth, hahahaha. What's Li Bai compared to me? As long as I put in a little effort, my poetry skills are far superior to his. Hey, it's just a pity that I can never be serious, alas!"

Inside the carriage, Zhao Xi gently closed his fan, smiled, and patted Little Li's shoulder. He laughed, "Did you hear that? Did you hear that? I like this young brother. Hmm, this is a talent, a truly accomplished individual in both literary and martial arts. Little Li, don't be unconvinced. Besides recognizing characters, how many verses can you recite?" Little Li tilted his head, pouted, shook his head, and sighed. It seemed Zhao Xi had taken a liking to Li Feng, like a turtle seeing a green bean.

"Don't you see the Yellow River's water coming from the sky, rushing to the sea and never returning? Don't you see the bright mirror in the high hall mourning white hair, from dark threads in the morning to snow in the evening? When life is joyful, one must indulge, do not let the golden goblet be empty against the moon. *, a thousand pieces of gold scattered will return..." Li Feng continued to shout, causing passersby and carriages on the road to look at him with strange eyes, as if they had seen a madman.

Zhao Xi finally couldn't hold back and crawled out of the carriage to sit beside Li Feng. He grabbed a small jar of wine, and together with Li Feng, they shouted, "Five-colored horses, thousand-gold fur coats, call the boy to exchange them for fine wine, and dispel the sorrows of ten thousand ages with you." After singing, they clinked their wine jars and drank them down simultaneously.

Zhao Xi laughed heartily, "A person who can drink is a good person."

Li Feng patted Zhao Xi's shoulder. "Hahaha, if you can drink, aren't you praising yourself as a good person?" Zhao Xi's expression turned grim as Li Feng dared to pat his shoulder, and he instinctively flinched backward. But upon hearing Li Feng's words, his face broke into a smile, and he laughed to the sky. "That's right, I'm not just a good person, I'm also a noble person, hahaha... The Yellow Emperor cast a cauldron at Mount Jing, and refined cinnabar. Cinnabar turned into gold, and he rode a dragon to the Taiqing Heaven. The clouds and seas lament, the palace maids' faces are like flowers. He waved his hand and ascended the purple clouds, following the wind and ascending the phoenix chariot. Ascending the phoenix chariot, serving Xuanyuan, roaming the blue sky, the joy is indescribable."

Li Feng praised him, "Wonderful! Brother Zhao, you are truly heroic. Riding a dragon to the Taiqing Heaven... Palace maids' faces are like flowers. Like flowers, like flowers, hahaha, truly wonderful." Li Feng secretly chuckled in his heart, "Can't wait to reveal your identity? Alas, I know you have a great background, but do you need to be so hasty?"

Inside the carriage, Little Li slumped dejectedly and sighed, "It's over now. Master's dignity is completely gone. Fortunately, there's no one here who recognizes Master, otherwise, the Censorate Official would surely file a complaint. Leaving the fiefdom privately is a serious crime, and to shout so loudly without regard for the royal family's dignity, alas, Master will at least be confined, and I, Little Li, will suffer a beating... Master, please don't cause so much trouble, okay?"

Amidst their shouting and Little Li's private complaints, the carriage headed slowly towards Hangzhou.

Entering Hangzhou city, it was noon. Li Feng poked his head out and sighed, "Alas, 'Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.' Suzhou and Hangzhou are indeed equally famous. I just don't know if the beauties of Hangzhou are as beautiful and moving as those of Suzhou. Old Brother Zhao... Oh, I should call you shopkeeper now. What do you think of the beauties in Hangzhou?"

Zhao Xi almost choked to death. He thought to himself, "Ah? I, the dignified... have become a shopkeeper? Ah, well, if he called me Master, he wouldn't be considered that close. Then he wouldn't have any other way to address me? So he can only call me shopkeeper... Eh, if this gets out, I'll be laughed at. Shopkeeper, shopkeeper, it sounds like I run a brothel?" Zhao Xi shook his head, patted the carriage driver's shoulder, and ordered, "Go to the 'Yuhua' Silk Shop."

The carriage driver seemed very familiar with the streets and alleys of Hangzhou. Upon hearing Zhao Xi's order, he said nothing more and quickly drove the two horses pulling the carriage to a three-bay silk shop. The carriage driver smiled and introduced, "Are you here to buy silk, esteemed guest? You've come to the right place. Speaking of silk, the goods from Songjiang Prefecture are currently the finest. This is a shop specializing in Songjiang Prefecture silk, and the patterns are the most exquisite."

Li Feng exclaimed, "What are you talking about? What are you talking about? Our shopkeeper is the boss here, why would he still be buying silk? Alright, Little Li, give him the money based on your mood. I'll serve the shopkeeper inside... Ah, don't save money for the shopkeeper, give him a bigger tip."

Zhao Xi beamed with joy. "Yes, Little Li, don't save money for your master, give him a bigger tip." After speaking, he jumped off the carriage with Li Feng's support and swaggered into the silk shop. Li Feng gave the dejected Little Li a knowing smile and followed him in with a chuckle.

Little Li's face darkened. He grabbed Zhao Xi's personal bag, casually threw down a flying money note, and, amidst the carriage driver's continuous thanks, jumped off the carriage and followed Li Feng inside. The carriage driver looked at the flying money note, marked with one thousand taels of silver, and couldn't help but gasp, "As expected of a big boss! The tip is a thousand taels of silver. My heavens, how much wealth does their family have to afford such spending?"

Little Li heard the carriage driver's muttering and couldn't help but regret it. "Ah, ten or eight taels would have been more than enough. I, Little Li, was so infuriated by that brat that I gave him a banknote? I, I, ah, a thousand taels of silver, it will take me several years to earn back."

Inside the silk shop, Zhao Xi swayed to the counter. His fingers, as fair and plump as white jade, tapped lightly on the counter. He asked, "Where is your shopkeeper? Call him out. Tell him I'm from Yanjing, here to check accounts."

The dozen or so shop assistants behind the counter were stunned. Their cold gazes appraised Zhao Xi, and then suddenly fell upon the jade pendant at his waist. Their expressions changed. An assistant hurriedly greeted, "Oh, it's the shopkeeper! Please come in, we have excellent fragrant tea... Hurry up and invite the shopkeeper out! The year-end is coming, and the big boss is here to check accounts."

Li Feng watched with amusement and cursed inwardly, "Alas, are these still silk shop assistants? Why do they seem more capable of fighting than the brothers of the Golden Dragon Gang? Hmm, based on A Zhu's previous skill, each of these assistants could beat ten of them." Li Feng's True Essence had long since reached the so-called Innate Transformation Realm in the martial world. His sensitivity to True Qi was terrifyingly acute, so he could naturally discern the depth of these assistants at a glance. Frankly speaking, these assistants all possessed second-rate or higher martial skills, making them too good for mere assistants. There were few escort agencies in Suzhou Prefecture whose skills surpassed theirs.

Zhao Xi nodded, fanned himself, and looked at the customers selecting silk in the shop. He smiled and said, "Business is good here, you all must work hard. The bonuses are very generous, ah?" Amidst the loud agreement of the assistants, Zhao Xi, with Little Li, entered the inner part of the shop. Li Feng, however, lightly floated past a heavily adorned rich merchant, and under the watchful eyes of the assistants, deftly picked the merchant's money bag with his finger, before following Zhao Xi inside.

The faces of all the assistants turned ashen. They looked at each other, unable to speak, and could only pretend to be oblivious, acting as if they had seen nothing. One assistant shook his head and sighed, "Why would Master have someone like this by his side? Does he lack this little bit of money?" Under the stern gazes of the other assistants, that assistant immediately realized his mistake. His face turned pale, and he quickly shut his mouth.

The backyard of the silk shop was very spacious, with three courtyards. Zhao Xi and the other two were led by an assistant, slowly proceeding into the innermost courtyard. Li Feng became increasingly astonished as he walked: in the first courtyard, the middle-aged men chopping wood possessed at least thirty years of swordsmanship skill; in the second courtyard, the old men playing chess, with their bulging veins and dark fingers, clearly practiced an extremely vicious claw technique. Not to mention, Li Feng's keen spiritual sense detected thirty-seven people with sharp eyes, each exerting a pressure on him no less than that of Long Qianli's favored subordinates from 'Nine Shadows Dragon'.

Li Feng was a bit confused. No matter how great Zhao Xi's background was, they were only running a silk shop here. Was it necessary to arrange so many experts? Especially in Suzhou Prefecture, there was also a 'Yuhua' Silk Shop. If Zhao Xi was also going there to collect accounts, wouldn't there be so many experts there as well? In comparison, Gu Cangyue's Cangfeng Fortress in Suzhou Prefecture seemed a bit inferior to this small silk shop.

Entering the third courtyard, Li Feng was startled by two middle-aged maids. They looked ordinary, and they carried the common brass water kettles used by ordinary people. However, these two maids had already reached the realm of Great Success in Internal Energy, with their Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown. In other words, they had entered the late stage of Qi Induction, and were only one step away from the Innate Realm. Li Feng comforted himself, "It's okay, it's okay, damn it, these two old women might not reach the Innate Realm in a hundred years without opportunity. I, Li Feng, am a distinguished disciple of the Yiyuan Sect. Can they compare to me?"

However, it was precisely because of the presence of these two women that Li Feng felt a sense of threat for the first time. There were many experts and capable people in the world. Besides having a little more spiritual power and knowing many spells, his cultivation was only at the Innate Transformation Realm. He really had to be careful. Li Feng's previously flamboyant and unrestrained aura immediately weakened by half, and he no longer walked so carelessly and unsteadily. Little Li nodded and sneered, "Good, now he looks a bit more human."

Entering the main hall of the third courtyard, a plump old man had already come out to greet them. After looking at Zhao Xi's face for a long time, he hurriedly knelt down. "Your subordinate, Teng..."

Zhao Xi waved his hand, "Enough, no need for formalities, get up. This is Little Li, my head of the inner treasury. This is Brother Li Feng, a martial arts expert I just recruited."

The old man quickly glanced at Li Feng, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. With a smile, he said, "Yes, yes, yes, please come this way... Uh, why did the master send you down this time? It's freezing cold, shouldn't you take care of your health? Especially since you only brought one person with you, this is..."

Zhao Xi impatiently waved his hand and sat down on the central grand chair. With a 'swish,' he opened his folding fan and said with a smile, "What's there to worry about? The world is peaceful now, too many guards make it inconvenient to move... Brother Li, please sit anywhere. Old Zhao, get someone to serve tea. Oh, we haven't had breakfast yet, send someone to prepare something... This kind of thing wasn't supposed to be my personal duty, but I wanted to experience the southern scenery. I usually don't have the chance. I used this excuse to beg my father for half a month, and I'm finally allowed out." Hearing Zhao Xi's words, the waiter who had brought them in quickly ran out.

Li Feng slumped onto a chair as if he had no bones, looking at the two middle-aged women with a lecherous gaze, as if he were teasing them. Little Li looked at Li Feng's demeanor and wished he could rush up and hit him, but Little Li knew he was no match for Li Feng, so he could only tilt his head and look away.

Taking the fragrant tea personally served by Old Zhao, Zhao Xi lightly used the lid of the teacup to wipe away the tea foam. Without looking up, he said, "How has business been here lately? Manager Su of Suzhou Prefecture has gotten quite senile, many things haven't been handled smoothly. I've already asked him to retire. Old Zhao, are there any problems on your end?"

Old Zhao, the plump old man, quickly bowed and said, "You can rest assured, young master. I've heard about Old Su's situation. He wasn't very dedicated to some matters, but I couldn't remind him... However, everything is in order on my end. Ah..." Old Zhao secretly glanced at Li Feng, unsure of his relationship with Zhao Xi, and could only vaguely say, "All profits are considerable. Especially since we've recently contacted many cooperating peers. Later, this old servant will show the account books to the young master."

Zhao Xi nodded casually and took a sip of tea, saying, "Fine, let it be. I'm too lazy to bother with account books. Just send them directly to my father. If it weren't for Old Su's unacceptable performance, spending so much money without getting things done, I wouldn't have asked him to retire... As for you, Old Zhao, my father praises you for being shrewd and capable. Otherwise, he wouldn't have put you in charge of this area. You should perform well."

After a pause, Zhao Xi looked up with a smile, casually placing the teacup on the tea table, and said with a chuckle, "I came down this time just for fun. I've toured Suzhou Prefecture and haven't found anyone suitable. See if you can find some famous girls in Hangzhou for me. If there are any good ones, I'll take them back north... Also, get me some rare goods to take back as rewards. Hmm? I need to rush back to Yanjing for the New Year, so don't keep me waiting. In just two or three days, can you find me some courtesans?"

Old Zhao looked at Zhao Xi with a troubled expression and asked cautiously, "Sir, if you take those women of pleasure back, the old master dislikes them the most. If this gets out, I might also be blamed, right?" Old Zhao's face was full of grievance, looking very unwilling.

Zhao Xi's body trembled slightly, he blinked his eyes, and said with a wry smile, "Forget it, I know you fear my father the most. This is no big deal. Don't get involved, just provide me with some information, and I'll take Little Li and Brother Li there myself. This isn't a major official matter. If you're afraid of being blamed by your superiors, just report my whereabouts directly to my father, and there will be no problem. My father knows you can't control me, and he can't do anything about me himself, so he won't blame you."

Old Zhao showed a wry smile, "Young master, you see, this old servant..."

Zhao Xi generously waved his fan and said with a smile, "Enough of that, hehe. Later, just show me how much silver you spent this year and what you've done. That's enough. Old Su spent money but didn't get things done, that's why I replaced him. I'm too lazy to bother with other matters. As long as there are no major mistakes, everything still depends on you. If I didn't trust you, Old Zhao, would I have sent you to Hangzhou to be in charge of the southeastern region?"

After a pause, Zhao Xi shook his head and said, "However, I'll only say one thing. Old Su is your comrade, so I know you can't bear to report him. But this kind of thing is enough once or twice. Any more, and be careful, your father might send people, and your backside will be in trouble."

Cold sweat immediately broke out on Old Zhao's forehead. He quickly said, "Yes, yes, yes, this old servant was muddled. Young master, rest assured, it won't happen again."

Li Feng was completely confused. He had too little experience in worldly matters. Zhao Xi and Old Zhao talked for a long time, but he couldn't figure out what they meant. After hearing so much, Li Feng could only conclude that Old Zhao was the leader of the silk shop in the southeastern region, and that Old Su seemed to have embezzled a lot of silver, and Old Zhao knew about it but didn't report it to his superiors. Zhao Xi was trying to win people over with a combination of kindness and might.

Li Feng pondered for a while, calculating in his mind, "Damn, how many prefectural cities and county towns are there in the entire southeastern region? How many shops are there? How much silk is sold every day? How much silver comes in? Oh my, this is much more prosperous than the hard-earned money of the Golden Dragon Gang... It's really better to do business. For example, the legendary Shen Wanshan, he even built half of the Nanjing city wall. Oh, how much silver is that?"

Li Feng's eyes rolled around, his pupils turning golden.

Hearing Old Zhao say, "This old servant will find a way to get some of the rare treasures the young master wants. It's just that we usually don't pay attention to this kind of news, so we're not familiar with those rare treasures."

Li Feng's ears perked up at the mention of rare treasures. He loudly exclaimed, "Isn't it just jewelry? What's so hard about that? If you want to get it through trade, just use silver to buy it from those Persian barbarians. But if they ask for a sky-high price, you might have to pay fifty to sixty percent more. If you want to get it through force, then just simply..." Li Feng made a throat-slitting gesture fiercely, and said with a sinister grin, "Anyway, they're not our own people, so it doesn't hurt if they die. Cut their throats, snatch their jewelry, and sink it into West Lake. Who would know?"

Old Zhao's eyes rolled back, unable to speak. Little Li swallowed hard, smacked his lips, wanting to say something, but still closed his mouth. Only Zhao Xi fiercely slapped his thigh with his fan and laughed, "Excellent! Let's do as Brother Li suggests. Those Persian barbarians have earned enough. Where would I get so much silver to buy their jewelry? If you, Old Zhao, were to use the shop's money to cover it, that wouldn't be very appropriate either... Are there still a few experts here? Old Zhao, send someone to inquire and take care of the biggest Persian jewelry merchants."

A fierce glint flashed across Zhao Xi's face, "Anyway, they are not my Chinese subjects, so let them die." This fierce aura seemed to be inherent in his bones, completely innate, unrelated to any acquired illusions. When it came to killing and robbing, he was as relaxed and at ease as eating and drinking.

Li Feng secretly praised, "Wonderful! Such a master is quite interesting. If I met a soft, good-natured person, wouldn't I be set up by others every day? Where would I have so much energy to help them resolve disasters? I'd rather set up others than be harmed by others."

Hearing Zhao Xi say this, Old Zhao could say nothing more and could only agree subserviently.

With a soft sound, several shop assistants carrying large food boxes quickly entered, set up a table in the hall, and arranged the delicious dishes. It was evident that these shop assistants had put in a lot of effort outside. In such a short time, they had prepared over twenty large dishes, along with ten types of fine wine.

Zhao Xi smiled, "Good, good, good, I am indeed a bit hungry. After we eat, Old Zhao, tell me about your situation here, so I can have an account to give when I return. As for other detailed information, send someone to Yanjing yourself. Come, come, everyone, let's eat, ah, eat."

He spoke politely, but at the dining table, only Li Feng dared to sit. Little Li endured his hunger and stood behind Zhao Xi, constantly refilling Zhao Xi's wine and serving him food. Old Zhao and the two middle-aged maids also stood respectfully with their hands at their sides, not daring to even glance at the table. Only Li Feng, like a whirlwind, rolled up his sleeves, squatted on the grand chair, and quickly swept away the dishes that suited his taste.

Zhao Xi found it amusing and couldn't help but clap and laugh, "Wonderful! Seeing Brother Li's good appetite, I'll have to eat two more bowls of rice. Hmm, Little Li, you sit down too, don't be so reserved. This isn't the manor, no need for so many formalities."

Little Li was also very hungry, so he apologized and awkwardly sat on the edge of the chair, leaning towards Zhao Xi. He ate three large bowls of rice with the squirrel fish in front of him. As for pouring wine for Zhao Xi, Old Zhao naturally did it himself. Li Feng's shifty eyes scrutinized Little Li and Old Zhao for a long time, and he sighed in his heart, "Damn, could this Zhao Xi really be a prince? He doesn't look like one... Are the rules in his household so strict?"

Li Feng suddenly exclaimed in his heart, "Oh, if this Zhao Xi has something to do with that prince, wouldn't this Little Li truly be an eunuch? No wonder his words are so strange. Hmm, so that's how it is, tsk tsk, it seems I've really found a good master, and my rise to prominence is within reach... I just don't know if the legend about the imperial palace having a Daoist scripture collection is true... Alas, and that A Zhu, he must be cursing me to death right now? Heh heh, knowing that Gu Cangyue would read that letter with you, what good would it do to not implicate him?"

With no further idle talk, Li Feng stayed at the mysterious silk shop for three days. During the day, he ate and drank to replenish his energy, and at night, he followed Zhao Xi and Little Li around the red-light districts. In three nights, Zhao Xi had offended more than a dozen powerful figures while competing for the courtesans. However, Li Feng was like a dragon crossing the river, casually tossing those powerful figures into West Lake, much to Zhao Xi's delight.

Meanwhile, Hangzhou City experienced a series of bloody incidents. All the local powerful figures who had clashed with Zhao Xi died with fractured bones after returning home, each with a deep, dark claw print on their chest. Li Feng thought of the old men playing chess in the second courtyard and immediately understood.

On the evening of the fourth day, Zhao Xi, with dark circles under his eyes and staggering as he walked, was about to go out when Old Zhao, with a smile, came in with several shop assistants and said, "Young master, I've brought you the things you wanted... Heh heh, sorry to keep you waiting. However, this old servant dared not do too much within Hangzhou's jurisdiction, so I sent a few capable subordinates to Yangzhou. It took them three days and three nights for the round trip. Fortunately, they did not fail their mission and brought back some good treasures."

After speaking, Old Zhao waved his hand, and the shop assistants behind him stepped forward, placing the small boxes they were holding on the table, opening them quietly. Instantly, the brilliance of pearls and gems made the candlelight seem dim.

Zhao Xi walked over greedily, staring intently at the various rare treasures in the boxes, and praised with a laugh, "Wonderful, top-notch... Brother Li, look at this fire diamond lion, carved entirely from the finest jade. Its two eyes are fire diamonds. These two blood-red diamonds alone are worth over a million! Truly a rare masterpiece... Oh my, look at this mutton-fat jade ruyi, good heavens, it's about a foot and two inches long, isn't it? The one in my father's study is the same size, but the jade quality is much inferior."

Zhao Xi carefully took out a necklace and stared at it blankly, murmuring, "Good, a string of forty-nine thumb-sized luminous pearls. Little Li, how much is one of these pearls in Nanjing?"

Little Li examined it and quickly said with a humble smile, "Ah, master, this treasure is extraordinary. The last time this little one went to Nanjing to purchase jewelry for mother... ah, for the young master's mother, a single luminous pearl like this cost me eighty thousand taels of silver. It's currently set on the young master's mother's jade belt."

Zhao Xi laughed, "Mother likes pearls. If I send this string of pearls to her, I'll surely be praised. Little Li, carefully put this string of pearls away and keep it close..."

Li Feng found it interesting and couldn't help but step forward to examine them. After looking around, he saw that many of the jewels were just of good quality. The texture of the gemstones was far inferior to what he had dug out from the stalactite cave, so he lost interest. However, as his gaze shifted, he was attracted by a single, thumb-sized, pitch-black pearl placed aside. Li Feng picked up the black pearl, swallowed, and called out in a low voice, "Oh, Five Aggregates Pearl? Impossible? Can this pearl appear in the mortal world?"

Zhao Xi froze, staring intently at the black pearl, and asked, "Brother Li, what did you say this is?"

Li Feng carefully handed the pearl to Zhao Xi and shook his head, "Shopkeeper, you should keep this pearl safe... Shopkeeper Zhao, this time, you'd better send more people to escort us back. If this news gets out, I guarantee we won't make it across the Yangtze River before we're torn to pieces."

Old Zhao's expression changed, and he said, "According to my subordinates, this pearl was hidden in the calf meat of a Persian man who cut open his own leg. It must be extremely precious, but as for it being the Five Aggregates Pearl, we are not jewelry experts, so we can't identify it."

Li Feng chuckled and began to show off, "As for the Five Aggregates Pearl, I've only seen descriptions of it in books. Wearing this pearl makes one immune to water and fire, insects and snakes dare not approach, and all poisons dissipate upon contact. Even if you drink too much, just holding it in your mouth, the alcohol will instantly turn into sweat and leave your body, making you instantly clear-headed. This is truly a priceless treasure."

Zhao Xi was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter, his hawk-like eyes full of admiration, "Wonderful! I've seen very little mention of this Five Aggregates Pearl in 'Records of Ancient Treasures,' but I never expected Brother Li to be so knowledgeable. I've truly found a remarkable person this time... Old Zhao, bring a bucket of water."

Zhao Xi's command was faithfully executed. A large bucket of well water was brought in. The shop assistants were also eager to watch the excitement, their speed increasing significantly. Zhao Xi smiled as if showing off, flicked his finger, and the Five Aggregates Pearl was thrown into the bucket. With a splash, the bucket erupted, and the water was forced out by an invisible force, rising over a foot high and falling to the ground. The water that landed on the ground also flowed away in all directions with a 'sizzle,' leaving a dry patch of ground about ten feet square in the middle.

Zhao Xi roared with laughter. He picked up the Five Aggregates Pearl again and repeatedly praised, "Good treasure, good treasure... Old Zhao, you've made a great contribution this time, and I will treat you well in the future."

Old Zhao's face was filled with joy, and he quickly bowed and thanked him repeatedly.

Zhao Xi lost interest in admiring the other jewelry. He smiled and said, "Give generous rewards to the brothers you sent out to do the work. As for the remaining jewelry, get me a fine carriage with hidden compartments, and I'll leave tomorrow... Hmm, as Brother Li said, send more escorts for us. Heh, just this one Five Aggregates Pearl can make countless bandits covetous, can't it? This is not a fun matter."

After a pause, Zhao Xi smiled lecherously, "We leave tomorrow, and tonight we'll drink ourselves into oblivion on West Lake. Brother Li, practicing that virginity cultivation is not good. You'll miss out on one of a man's great pleasures."

Li Feng gave a strange laugh, "I know many martial arts. When I can't hold back anymore, it won't matter if this virginity cultivation is abandoned."

The two looked at each other and laughed, then leisurely walked out of the silk shop side by side. Little Li followed about five feet behind, shaking his head constantly, "What a rude fellow, daring to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with the master, truly lacking in etiquette... Alas, when we get back, I must have Supervisor Xia properly discipline you, otherwise, won't people laugh at our manor for having no rules?"

The sky was filled with clouds, no stars, and no moon. Patches of snowflakes began to fall, eliciting cheers. By West Lake, the lights were bright, and the sounds of music and singing were everywhere.