A Happy Family Reunion (Part 2)

"Click!"

Hong Yuan shut the door, a clever burst of force spitting from his palm and jarring the wooden bolt inside, locking the side room from within.

Having successfully completed this locked-room murder, Hong Yuan summoned the madam and said with a smile, "Madam, Brother Shaotang and I are going to a banquet. We won't be checking out of that room for now. A servant will be guarding it inside for the time being, so without a greeting from us, you and the girls shouldn't go disturbing him either."

The madam glanced at Huang Shaotang, who was following closely beside Hong Yuan, dazed, pale-faced, and did not find it strange.

This young master of the Huang Family spent his days lingering in clouds of powder and rouge, his body long since hollowed out. After another round of exertion last night, it was no surprise he looked like a soft-legged shrimp now.

Seeing that Huang Shaotang did not object, the madam giggled. "Very well, very well! Since the young master has spoken, this slave naturally obeys. But once Master Huang's happy event is over, you must come with Young Master Huang to look after the girls of Tanchun Pavilion."

"Of course!"

Hong Yuan laughed loudly, then clapped his hands hard, drawing the gazes of every girl and patron in the hall. He raised his voice and said, "Today is Master Huang's auspicious day. Anyone with fate on their side ought to share in the joy."

With one hand pressing on Huang Shaotang's shoulder, the two of them looking extremely familiar and close, he laughed and said, "I'll make the decision for my Brother Shaotang. In celebration of Master Huang, all expenses in the house today will be put on Young Master Huang's account."

The moment those words came out, the entire Tanchun Pavilion fell silent for an instant, and quite a few people's expressions turned strange.

The father was taking a concubine, and the son was treating guests in a brothel. This father-and-son pair really were fucking oddities.

But that thought lasted only a breath. Then the girls and patrons all erupted into cheers, every face breaking into smiles.

"Young Master Huang, do you mean that?"

Huang Shaotang felt a sudden stab of pain at his shoulder. His cheek twitched, and he squeezed a thread of a smile onto his deathly pale face. "It's... naturally it's true."

With that one sentence, the cheers thundered.

"Old madam, prepare a double combo for this grandpa."

"This old man wants to take on ten..."

"Me too!"

The madam beamed so hard her eyes crinkled. She sidled up to Huang Shaotang in a cloying voice, hooked his arm, and tucked it into her bosom. "Young Master Huang is so generous. When you return, I'll have Xi'er and Yun'er come keep you company together."

Hong Yuan had handed out a benefit to the old bros. As for whether the girls and the madam would later complain and chase Huang Shaotang for debts, that had nothing to do with Hong Yuan.

After all, Huang Shaotang had agreed to it himself. If they wanted compensation, they could go to Young Master Huang.

Leading Huang Shaotang out of Tanchun Pavilion, the moment they reached the street and the cool morning wind blew over him, Huang Shaotang's muddled brain cleared at once. His eyes rolled about as he looked left and right.

Smack!

A hand clamped down on his shoulder, instantly making Huang Shaotang tremble all over. Hong Yuan looked at him with a cheerful smile.

"Brother Shaotang, you aren't thinking of running, are you? You and I haven't seen each other in many days, and I was just about to reminisce over our old schoolmate friendship. If you run, that would be giving this Hong far too little face. Brother Shaotang wouldn't be so heartless, would he?"

"How could I, how could I..." Huang Shaotang said dryly.

Hong Yuan's palm slid upward and pressed against Huang Shaotang's neck. The latter instantly stiffened, and immediately after, he felt a strange force stab into his neck with excruciating pain.

Hong Yuan hurriedly lifted his hand.

In the end, he was still a little short of the level where hard and soft merged, where release and recall followed his will. He could only barely rein in his force. If he delayed another breath, the force he had spat out would not be withdrawn, and he would have to blow open another bloody mess of flesh.

Huang Shaotang had clearly also thought of his servant's fate, and was so frightened that all color drained from his face. His legs went weak, and he was about to kneel. "Brother Hong, spare me! We've been schoolmates for years, brothers in all but blood!"

Huang Shaotang was terrified beyond measure.

When he sold Hong Yuan into that demon's den, he had never thought the other man could come back alive. In just half a month, he had almost forgotten this "beloved friend and dear companion" of his.

He had never expected that not only would Hong Yuan return, but he would also possess such ruthless methods, like sorcery.

The Huang Family naturally had martial masters guarding the residence, but even if there were warriors who had entered force, they would only protect Huang Guiling. Huang Shaotang was not qualified to enjoy that.

Besides, Huang Shaotang had no interest in the hardship of martial training, so he naturally did not know the mysteries of force. He only thought Hong Yuan had learned some demonic art or magic.

Hong Yuan lifted him up with one hand and smiled. "Brother Shaotang, do you feel the pain on your neck? If it hurts, that's right. I planted a hidden force there. Without me removing it, in half an hour at most it'll go bang and burst open. Don't you think that's very interesting?"

This was purely fooling an idiot.

Forget the fact that Hong Yuan had not yet reached the level of releasing and recalling at will. Even if he had, if a stream of soft force entered an enemy's body and was not triggered, it would become water without a source, dispersing after at most a dozen breaths.

Force, in the end, was nothing more than the condensation of one's own qi and blood.

But Huang Shaotang did not know that, nor did he find it interesting. The smile on his face looked uglier than crying. "Brother Hong, I was wrong. Please let me go."

"What did you do wrong?" Hong Yuan said with great interest. "How about this: from now until we reach Huang Mansion, think of a hundred of your faults, and I'll spare you."

"Brother Hong..." Huang Shaotang was almost in tears.

"Crying? Crying counts as time too!"

Huang Shaotang had no choice but to begin racking his brains to admit his mistakes.

They headed all the way toward the Huang Mansion estate.

Hong Yuan did not press Huang Shaotang on why he had betrayed him. That would be too much of a bitter melodrama, and there was no meaning in it.

It was nothing more than thinking that Hong Yuan's path through the imperial examinations had been cut off, that this "friend" had no value anymore, or perhaps Huang Shaotang had harbored jealousy long ago and no longer needed to hide it now.

Even if Huang Shaotang truly had some "hardship" or was "left with no choice," would Hong Yuan let him off?

Right now, this was merely a cat playing with a mouse, as well as using Huang Shaotang's identity to enter Huang Mansion.

If he said it would be a happy family reunion, then it had to be a happy family reunion.

Hong Yuan hated that sort of drama where you killed the young one, then the old ones came after you for revenge without end. He decided to settle it in one step and simply send an entire household on its way to riches and honor.

East of the city, Rongqing Alley.

The Huang Mansion's great estate had a massive plaque carved with the three characters "Guiling Manor" hanging before its gates, and it occupied an enormous stretch of land.

At this moment, the Huang Mansion was hung with lanterns and festooned with colored banners from top to bottom. Though it was daytime, every corner blazed with brilliant light.

In the front courtyard, dozens of banquet tables had been laid out, yet it still seemed very spacious.

Rongqing Alley had always been a gathering place for many of Qingxu County's great households and officials. There were also quite a few wealthy out-of-town guests who had dealings with Guiling Hall, so the courtyard was naturally filled everywhere with laughter and chatter, bustling beyond measure.

A merchant who had arrived early could not help muttering, "It's only taking in a concubine, isn't it? Why make it so grand? If you didn't know better, you'd think he was marrying a proper wife."

Someone beside him struck up a conversation, lightly making a finger-rubbing gesture, and laughed softly. "What do you know? Take a concubine every couple of years, hold another banquet, and just the gifts alone will come rolling in till the bowls and basins are full. Old brother, what gift did you send Master Huang?"

"I..."

Before the merchant could answer, a loud announcement rang out from before the hall. "County Magistrate Zhang has arrived!"

In an instant, the clamor hitched, and the sound of conversation stopped.

The well-dressed wealthy merchants, grand guests, household elders, rich landlords, and clerks throughout the courtyard all rose one after another and gathered at the gate to welcome him.

One traveling merchant was puzzled, but he did not dare act rashly. He only lowered his voice and asked, "Who is this County Magistrate Zhang? How is he so imposing? I'm afraid even the county magistrate himself can't match this display, can he?"

"Brother, you're from out of town, first time in our Qingxu County, right?" someone answered in a low voice. "Heh! In our Qingxu County, the Zhang Family stands first and foremost. They've been rooted here for more than a dozen generations. As for the county magistrate..."

The man who answered gave a scoffing laugh. "I've almost forgotten what his surname is. That county magistrate was a jinshi from the second year of Tian Feng. He served as a Hanlin official for a few years, then was sent down to Qingxu..."

Hearing this, not only the traveling merchant, but even some of those who did not know the inside story all smiled knowingly.

In the seventh year of Tian Feng, the stipends for government students were halted. A few years later, Emperor Tian Feng died, and when the current emperor ascended the throne, he abolished the imperial examinations with a single decree.

In truth, ever since a hundred years ago, the central court of Great Yin had gradually lost its hold over the localities.

Power was delegated downward, and the civil and military systems at the province, prefecture, and county levels were almost entirely controlled by local aristocratic families, powerful clans, military chiefs, nobles, and great households.

By the time that decree abolishing the imperial examinations came down, it was tantamount to even the central court of Great Yin completely throwing up its hands, practically telling the localities in plain words, "Play however you like. I'm not getting involved!"

That Qingxu County magistrate could more or less be counted among the last batch of officials produced by the examinations.

When someone like that arrived in a local post, he had no roots to speak of. He had no real authority, and even the last bit of empty reputation was almost gone.

It would be strange if he could beat the entrenched tiger sitting on its own mountain.

A great household like the Zhang Family had ample money and grain, numerous fields and shops, and ran all kinds of businesses. With one raised arm, they could casually pull together several hundred household guards who dared to fight and knew how to fight.

If the so-called county magistrate knew his place and merely acted as a rubber stamp, the great households could still tolerate him as an idle man.

If he overstepped even a little, he might end up taking seven blades in the back and dying by suicide.

Outside Guiling Manor, guests, carriages, and horses coming and going all made way.

A retinue of forty to fifty guards clustered around a brocade-robed middle-aged man with a square face and broad mouth.

Among these dozens of guards, four close bodyguards in leather armor led the group. The rest wore no leather armor, but they were all dressed in uniform cotton-padded coats and carried sabers at their waists. As they walked, their bodies would occasionally give off clanging sounds.

Clearly, this group of guards had iron plates embedded inside their padded coats to protect themselves.

"This old man is merely taking in a concubine, yet I have drawn County Magistrate Zhang's honored presence. It truly brings light to my humble home. I am deeply honored!"

Huang Yihe, who styled himself "Master of Guiling Mountain," came out to greet him in person, laughing heartily as he stepped forward and bowed with clasped hands.

Though he was already nearly seventy, his hair was arranged with meticulous care, without a single stray color. His face was ruddy and glowing, and even as he walked, he was nimble and light, without the slightest sign of old age.

Though he treated County Magistrate Zhang with the utmost courtesy, there was not much fawning in his manner. Clearly, he had confidence of his own.

County Magistrate Zhang also laughed loudly. He stepped forward, took Huang Yihe by the hand, and said, "Brother Guiling, you're too polite. You and I are both working for the commander, and we live in the same city besides. We ought to visit often and grow close to each other. Saying such distant words only makes us seem estranged."

"That is Huang's mistake. Later at the banquet, Huang shall pour Brother Zhang a cup of wine in apology."

County Magistrate Zhang looked Huang Yihe over a few more times and sighed. "I have long heard that Brother Guiling has methods for preserving health, and that you are even well versed in alchemy. Even the commander has praised you greatly. Only now that I have seen you today do I know those words were not false. In the future, I must seek Brother Guiling's guidance often. I hope you will not refuse me."

Huang Yihe's cheek twitched. "Haha, a small matter. Brother Zhang, please come inside. Take the seat of honor!"

County Magistrate Zhang waved a hand, and the guards around him spread out, taking up a formation that protected him from all directions and kept him at the center. The four leather-armored guards at his side followed him step for step.

In truth, even without counting the guards County Magistrate Zhang had brought, the attendants brought today by the various wealthy guests and household elders in the courtyard were not few. Add in Guiling Manor's own guards and household servants, and the defensive force could already be called extremely strong.

Once County Magistrate Zhang had taken his seat, Huang Yihe summoned the steward and instructed, "County Magistrate Zhang is here. It would be improper to keep him waiting too long. Move the banquet forward!"

"This... Young Master Shaotang has not returned yet."

"Hmph! That wicked son. Who knows where he's gone to fool around again. Don't mind him. Once today is over, this old man will deal with him!"

Huang Yihe snorted coldly, waved his hand, and returned into the manor.

Hong Yuan also arrived at Guiling Manor at this time. Looking at the noisy stream of people outside the gate, he could not help sighing. "How lively. Congratulations, Brother Shaotang. You have another little mother now."

Huang Shaotang looked as if he had gone stupid, completely failing to hear his teasing. He was still racking his brains and muttering to himself, "I have one more fault. My fault was that I shouldn't have stolen the old bastard's concubines. But even if I didn't steal them, those aunties wouldn't live past half a year. I wasn't stealing them. I was afraid they'd go to waste!"

"I was wrong..."

"Hmm?!" Hong Yuan glanced at Huang Shaotang in surprise and praised him. "Brother Shaotang, it seems I still underestimated you."

With a slap, he threw a palm across Huang Shaotang's face. The latter shuddered and immediately came back to his senses. Thinking only that Hong Yuan was about to kill him, he tried to kneel and beg for mercy again.

"Enough, Brother Shaotang. You and I have been friends for many years. How could I truly blame you? I believe you didn't do it on purpose. There is no need to be afraid."

Hong Yuan patted Huang Shaotang on the shoulder, his face full of warmth. "I was merely joking with you just now!"

Huang Shaotang stared blankly at Hong Yuan. Under that terror and panic, he had long since lost the ability to think, and at this moment he could no longer tell truth from falsehood. "Brother Hong, you really believe me?"

"Of course. Look, haven't I brought you back home?" Hong Yuan pointed at the main gate of Guiling Manor and smiled. "If I didn't believe you, would I have brought you back?"

"Right, Brother Shaotang, today is my first time visiting Old Master Huang. I wonder how many elder brothers and younger brothers you have? I mustn't lose the proper etiquette."

Huang Shaotang said dully, "Two elder brothers, three younger brothers. Among them, the legitimate sons are..."

"No need to mention that. I, Hong, don't go in for any legitimate-and-concubine-born divine cult. I treat them all the same." Hong Yuan waved a hand and cut him off.

As they spoke, the two had already reached the manor gates.

Only after seeing his own family's gate did Huang Shaotang finally let out a slight breath of relief. But when he thought of that servant who had died a strange, miserable death, his whole body still went cold, and he did not dare act rashly.

Several house servants came out to greet them. Seeing Huang Shaotang, they said anxiously, "Young Master Shaotang, why have you only come back now? The banquet is about to begin. The young masters are leading the young ladies to offer their congratulations to the master. Hurry and go..."

Immediately afterward, they noticed Hong Yuan as well, and one house servant spoke up. "This is..."

"I am a good friend of your young master. Hearing of Old Master Huang's great joy, I have come specially to offer congratulations!"

Hong Yuan said.

"Since you are the young master's friend, there is naturally no harm in taking a seat at the banquet, but..." One house servant pointed at the long saber hanging at Hong Yuan's waist and said, "Please remove your weapon."

Hong Yuan glanced at Huang Shaotang.

Huang Shaotang's body went cold, and he hurriedly said, "Th-this shouldn't be necessary, right?"

With a clatter, Hong Yuan had already casually tossed the steel saber to the house servant.

To him, whether he had a weapon or not actually made little difference. His fists and feet were not weak either. Losing his weapon would indeed shave off a point or two of combat strength, but were weapons really such inconvenient things?

Before long, several house servants led the way ahead, guiding Hong Yuan and Huang Shaotang forward together.

Originally, the house servants had wanted to guide Hong Yuan to the banquet seats, but seeing that Huang Shaotang did not object, they thought this young gentleman might perhaps also know Old Master Huang, and so did not speak up.

Hong Yuan passed through table after table of banquets. He saw that the dozens of tables were not completely filled, but as far as the eye could see, heads were packed densely together. In the surrounding corners there were guards and manor guardsmen patrolling as well. All added together, there were probably several hundred people.

Instead, Hong Yuan smiled!

The more people there were, the easier it would be for chaos to break out. Once things turned chaotic, how could they still coordinate their fighting?

With this manor's size and this many people, after he succeeded, a casual leap and dash would let him slip away with ease.

As for whether there was danger?

Hong Yuan pinched the spot between his brows. The perception granted by Clear Eyes Through the Nether had already given him an extremely strong insight into danger, and after his comprehension increased by five wisps, his spiritual senses had undergone some faint, profound and unfathomable change.

At this moment, at the front of the banquet, Huang Yihe sat upright, receiving the congratulations of his many sons and daughters. The one at the head was a richly dressed middle-aged man of around forty, his voice resonant. "Father, your son wishes you long-lasting blessings, a crane's lifespan and the age of a pine, and today, the addition of a fine match..."

"Father!" When Huang Shaotang saw Huang Yihe, his heart eased greatly, like a rabbit that had finally escaped from the mouth of a fierce tiger, and he hurried forward a few steps.

Only, no matter how fast he ran, Hong Yuan merely took one long stride and still kept pace beside him.

The auspicious congratulatory words were interrupted. Huang Yihe knitted his brows tightly, looking at Huang Shaotang, whose clothes were in disarray and who was panting heavily, and his anger rose all the more. "Wicked son, look at what state you're in! You still dare come out and disgrace this old man? Why aren't you hurrying off to wash and change?"

Usually, when Huang Yihe scolded him like this, Huang Shaotang would be trembling with fear. At this moment, however, he only felt extremely steady.

Once that thought arose, and then he remembered how in Tanchun Pavilion and along the way Hong Yuan had frightened him until his liver and gall trembled, it was simply the humiliation of his lifetime, and he immediately forgot that threatening phrase of "half an hour."

Or perhaps he felt that with so many people on his side now, even if some sorcery really had been planted on his neck, they could still seize the other party and force him to remove it.

Huang Shaotang's courage abruptly swelled. He suddenly pointed at Hong Yuan and raised his voice. "Father, listen to me! It was all this Hong fellow who—"

"Old Master Huang!"

Hong Yuan no longer paid any attention to Huang Shaotang. Without waiting for him to finish, he stepped forward and called out in greeting.

Huang Yihe heard the hostility in Huang Shaotang's words, so naturally his expression was not good. His face darkened, and he said in a deep voice, "Who are you?"

Huang Shaotang shouted again, "Father, hurry and have him seized—"

A hand shot over fiercely and clamped around Huang Shaotang's throat. The latter struggled with all his might, but like a little quail, he could not use even the slightest strength.

Huang Yihe pressed both arms against the chair. In the end, he did not rise. He considered himself a major figure in the county, and did not think the boy before him could stir up any real waves. Only his face darkened. "What do you want?"

The sudden commotion drew the entire crowd to crane their necks and look over, whispering among themselves, not knowing the cause. Even County Magistrate Zhang frowned, waved a hand, and signaled for two guards to go over and take a look.

As for the Huang Family's guards and manor guardsmen, they rapidly gathered toward the center of the venue.

"I want..."

Hong Yuan seized Huang Shaotang and lifted him up, like a blacksmith with decades of experience swinging up a great hammer in an instant.

Whoosh!

Huang Shaotang was in midair, but Hong Yuan had already swung him in a half circle with one hand. The air let out a "hu" as the man smashed down fiercely onto Huang Yihe's head!

"I wish your whole family joy!"