Master, How Could You Be So Heartless?

Cough...

Jiang Yuan coughed and looked at the two women. "What are your names?"

"Honored Master, I am Xiao Tiantian, and she is Xiao Mimi."

"We grew up in the Black Market. Steward Zhang gave us our names. If Master does not like them, we can change them."

Fortunately, Jiang Yuan had not been drinking water, or he truly would have sprayed it out in one mouthful.

What kind of ridiculous names are those? Sweet and Honey?

"Cough. How about this—henceforth, you will be Xia Zhu, and you will be Dongmei."

Jiang Yuan pointed at the two women as he spoke.

"Yes, Master."

The two women curtsied. Not the slightest ripple arose from having their names changed; they were like two obedient machines.

Jiang Yuan looked at the two women, an unusual gleam flashing through his eyes.

Though he was not part of the martial world, he had traveled far and wide for so many years and had heard some rumors about the Black Market.

It was said that after many young girls were sold to the Black Market by traffickers, the Black Market used special methods to tame them. Once they had grown up, they were bestowed upon subordinates as rewards, planted as spies and hidden stakes.

The moment they discovered that someone intended to betray the Black Market, they would turn into deadly blades and turn their edge against him.

Even if there was no betrayal, all of a man's property would ultimately return to the Black Market after his death, just as it had with Zhang Bo.

It could be said that if one were bewitched by such women, one's life would be finished.

These two women were presumably the spies the Black Market had planted beside Zhang Bo. Now, they had become spies beside him as well.

But Old Jiang's will was firm. How could he possibly be bewitched by women like this?

"Cough. Let's go. Show this old man around."

"Yes, Master."

With one on each side, the two women led Jiang Yuan into Zhang Bo's residence.

It had to be said that Zhang Bo truly knew how to enjoy himself. This residence could only be described as resplendent and magnificent.

Inside was a flower pavilion surrounded by blooms and exotic plants, as well as an extremely precious spirit-herb garden, whose herbs could be picked for alchemy.

Aside from essential rooms such as guest rooms, a kitchen, and a main hall, the estate also had—

A study filled with precious calligraphy and paintings, an elegant chamber for drinking, making merry, listening to music, and watching dances, a treasure pavilion packed with rare curios and treasures, and even a bathing-and-dining chamber reserved for enjoying himself with his concubines.

Elegant. Truly, exceptionally elegant.

When Jiang Yuan entered the bathing-and-dining chamber meant for frolicking with concubines, he saw a huge wooden tub already prepared to accommodate four or five people, along with all kinds of delicacies. It was truly an eye-opener.

"Master, please eat first."

At this moment, the two women lowered their heads shyly and spoke in soft voices.

"Mm."

Jiang Yuan nodded and walked toward the dining area. Looking at the table piled high with delicacies from land and sea, he could not help but sigh.

Damn it, what kind of bitter days had this old man been living before?

Forget it. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

He was already over seventy. There was nothing wrong with enjoying himself a little.

"Master, this concubine will serve you your meal." Xia Zhu, tender as water and sweet-breathed, gently pressed herself against him.

Jiang Yuan had suffered all his life. This was the first time he had experienced being waited upon even while eating. Though somewhat unaccustomed to it, he reluctantly accepted.

"Master, this concubine will help you change clothes!"

Dongmei, fair-skinned and beautiful, came over carrying a broad robe and carefully changed Jiang Yuan into a new outfit.

So particular. One even had to change clothes for a meal.

"Master, this concubine will fetch something good."

After that, attended by the two women, Jiang Yuan headed toward the bathing area in the bathing-and-dining chamber. He did not lift a finger the entire time, his face relaxed as he occasionally murmured:

"Professional. A little too professional."

Two hours later.

Jiang Yuan reclined half-submerged in the enormous wooden tub, with most of his head exposed above water covered in rose petals. His eyes were vacant.

This kind of life truly tested a cadre.

Suddenly, he understood.

Why the Black Market could control its subordinates with such despicable means without provoking any fierce backlash—not even a single voice of opposition.

Who could withstand this?

Fortunately, he was rather old and not like those hot-blooded young men. He knew full well the terror of a life of decadence.

"You two should pack your things and leave. Take whatever treasures you want. Go home separately."

At that moment, Jiang Yuan suddenly spoke.

"Ah?"

At his words, the two women's expressions changed. Tears welled in both their eyes, making them a pitiable sight.

"Master, how could you be so heartless? Have we not served you well enough?"

"That is not it." Jiang Yuan shook his head.

"Then why are you driving us away? Where do we even have to return to?"

"Please, do not drive us away."

The two women burst into tears, their weeping deeply moving.

What a joke. They had come with a mission. How could they let Jiang Yuan drive them away?

Jiang Yuan considered his wording before speaking. "You misunderstand. I am not driving you away. I am asking you to live somewhere else."

"Not far from here, I have another residence, where the sisters Chunlan and Qiuju live."

"You should move there. The four of you can keep each other company, and I will often go there to visit you."

"This..."

Xia Zhu and Dongmei were stunned.

Just from their names, they knew that Chunlan and Qiuju were also Jiang Yuan's concubines.

Having come this far, they seemed to have no reason to refuse.

"But, Master, if we all go there, then your clothing, food, lodging, and travel..." Still unwilling to give up, Xia Zhu bit her lip and asked.

"You need not concern yourselves with that. I am not so old that I cannot take care of myself. If I need you, I will naturally call for you."

Jiang Yuan's face hardened, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Very well. This concubine obeys."

The two women exchanged helpless glances, then packed their belongings and left. Their eyes were filled with grievance and reluctance.

The enormous residence immediately became much more desolate.