Treasure Exchange Banquet (5)

There was indeed a curfew system in ancient times.

However, there are two points to consider regarding the ancient curfew system.

The first thing to consider is whether you have power and influence, or at the very least, money.

The second point is to see if it is wartime.

In wartime, curfews are normal and absolute. They are useless against those with power and influence. Rather, they are meant to prevent those with power and influence from surrendering the city, as well as to prevent the city's residents from running amok. This ensures that if any unexpected event occurs, the City Defense Army can divide the battlefield within the city and suppress it in the shortest possible time.

Therefore, during wartime, only three types of people can move around without regard to the curfew.

The first type is the general who holds military orders.

The second type is the Angel God carrying Imperial Edict.

The third type is the troops that enforce the curfew.

Even if you are the prime minister of a country, if you dare to wander around, you will still be forcibly taken down.

The saying goes, "Military orders are as firm as mountains."

Even if the emperor came.

Therefore, it is impossible to find any theoretical fault with this general.

Let's get back to the main topic.

If it's not during wartime, then there's nothing to say.

Those with power and influence all have professional credentials.

Those with money can also spend money to get one.

It's nothing more than using some favors.

For example, when Hong Lian, Han Fei, Ye Qingcang, and Startled Salamander were on their way to the Zilan Pavilion, they encountered soldiers on routine patrol. Hong Lian revealed her identity, and Han Fei showed off the token at his waist. The patrolling soldiers bowed and scraped to Ye Qingcang Ye Qingcang his group, without even asking where they were going. They were just being obsequious to everyone they met.

However, upon closer reflection, it's not surprising.

A prince took a princess out for a stroll.

Two friends were with him.

They look like they're either rich or noble.

Asking a few more questions won't get them anything; instead, it might make them resentful. Who knows, if the other party casually gives an order, their wives, children, and elderly parents might die in the street. It's better to avoid trouble than to cause trouble. Just bow and scrape and send these young ladies and little emperors away. A few copper coins a day for such dutiful service?

It's worth mentioning that calling him a princess is fine, as it's been the custom since ancient times. As for the prince, it's mainly because the Han King was still nominally a king, not the ruler of all under heaven, as were the kings of the other six states. At present, no one dared to presume to call themselves emperor, so it's not surprising that Han Fei was called a prince.

Of course, those familiar with Han Fei often use another name for him.

Ninth Young Master!

The terms "prince" or "his lord" are formal titles.

It's the same principle as addressing someone by their job title.

However, besides the title "Ninth Young Master," there are some other special titles. For example, Han Fei's older brothers like to call Han Fei" Old Ninth," thus avoiding the jokes about "Old Eight" and "Sixth Elder." But his younger brothers and sisters often call him "Han Fei Ninth Brother," and Hong Lian is even more straightforward, calling him "Brother."

In addition, there are people like Ye Qingcang.

They addressed Han Fei as "Brother Han".

Han Fei seemed to have gotten used to it.

Despite being older than Ye Qingcang, he maintained the same tone he used when they first became friends, addressing Ye Qingcang as Brother Ye, essentially treating each other as brothers.

Just like my dorm room in college.

The roles of godfather and son changed hands repeatedly.

Who will go get the food?

I can bring food back.

Who is the godfather at this moment?

Ye Qingcang didn't care about these details. In his opinion, the meaning of a name is to be called. He only needs to know that others are calling him, and that's enough. Even if they directly call him "that guy," he would just think it's impolite.

However, Ye Qingcang called Han Fei that.

Although Hong Lian calls Han Fei her brother.

Startled Salamander remained withdrawn.

However, Han Fei's elegant title of Ninth Young Master was still mentioned after arriving at the Zilan Pavilion, and was called out by a charming and alluring woman who also possessed a mysterious and noble air as she descended the steps.

This immediately alerted Hong Lian.

So much so that the question slipped out.

The woman with purple hair, who had come down from the second floor and stood in front of Han Fei, Hong Lian, Ye Qingcang, and Startled Salamander, was stunned by the question.

They were truly caught off guard.

"You're the head of that intelligence organization?"

Yes.

That's what Hong Lian said.

Luckily, there was no one around.

Otherwise, the others present would probably have considered killing them to silence them.

However, Ye Qingcang's emotional intelligence is sufficient.

Although he is also someone who likes to play his cards openly.

But he's not just good at playing with brand names.

Therefore, he raised his hand and gently flicked Hong Lian's forehead, his tone playful, trying to ease the atmosphere by teasing Hong Lian: "It's funny, I'm not in a hurry, she's not in a hurry, your brother isn't in a hurry, but you're the one who's in a hurry... What are you in a hurry about?"

"It seems... Ninth Young Master came prepared!"

"It's not like I imagined, a womanizer."

"However, although my Zilan Pavilion is a place of pleasure, we don't engage in any intelligence trading. The women here mostly stick together for mutual support and earn a living with their skills... So please don't slander us!"

The purple-haired woman raised her hand and leaned casually against the stair railing, seemingly unconcerned about the curves that were accentuated on her body.

However, before Han Fei could speak...

Ye Qingcang's explanation to Hong Lian made the people present unable to hold back their emotions again.

"Listen to what others are saying... that's what a smart person is!"

"Who just barges up and asks like that?"

"It's like you're a thief."

If someone asks you if it's true, will you say so?

"Even bandits have their own slang. You haven't read *Tracks in the Lin Hai Snowfield *... cough cough. Anyway, every profession has its rules. We're here for them, but we can't be so obvious. What if we scare them away? Can you afford to compensate us?"

"Or rather, can you replace someone else?"

"Providing intelligence to your brother?"

Ye Qingcang returned and flicked Hong Lian's forehead.

The sound was neither too loud nor too soft.

It was just at a point where both of them could hear each other.

It was also in a state where no one else could hear it.

Han Fei rolled his eyes, both amused and exasperated, and casually clapped his hands, gesturing, "Gentlemen, look over here... there are three more living people here. Seriously, can you two please show some respect? Your attitude is putting me in a difficult position!"

Difficult to handle?

Then let's not do it!

Ye Qingcang really wanted to say that.

But he's not the kind of guy who would betray his brothers.

So, for someone accustomed to playing his cards openly, this was simply entering his rhythm. Perhaps it was an unexpected turn of events for Han Fei, but all he could say was that it was up to him, "Brother Han, speaking of which, I must criticize you a bit... Although you're planning something that could cost you your head, if you're not afraid of losing your head, why be afraid of exchanging sincerity for sincerity? In today's world, a ruler chooses his ministers, and a minister becomes a ruler in return. Show some courage and your personal charisma. Many people are watching you now, but you don't have much to offer. If you want others to follow you to the bitter end, you have to offer them your initial investment... To put it bluntly, treat people with sincerity. I can show you everything I have. I'm also using this method to filter those who are watching me, to see if they will reciprocate my sincerity with sincerity."

"Brother Ye, I'm becoming more and more curious about you!"

"This is a state of mind that not everyone can achieve!"

"In addition, this involves a lot of gambling and requires a great deal of personal insight."

"My taste... is just so-so."

"Just like my average appearance."

"So I can't guarantee that I won't misjudge someone."

"Also, I'm a slow-to-warm-up person, and I believe that Zi Nu is the same. For people like us who are slow to warm up, it's very important to know how to keep things in check. This will allow us to find the right direction while feeling comfortable, and also make it easier to part ways amicably."

"So, it's my treat."

"Give me some face, don't try to take it from me."

"How?"

Han Fei controlled the situation with a smile.

Zi Nu glanced at him sideways, showing a hint of admiration.

Of course.

Zi Nu did not deny Ye Qingcang's actions.

Who would dislike someone who is completely open and honest with you?

Among all living beings, true friends are hard to find!

To have even one or two of these in one's life is already a great fortune!

And the fact that he could confront her with such magnanimity, such insight, and such decisiveness, even though she had no information about this young man in her intelligence network, made her acknowledge his abilities in her heart!

It's just that she and the other person are different types.

This young man might get along very well with Wei Zhuang.

Because Wei Zhuang is also straightforward.

However, Wei Zhuang a man of few words.

The difference between the two is that Wei Zhuang saw through the trick but didn't expose it. Instead, she used her own method to break the deadlock in the simplest and most direct way. The young man in front of her also saw through the trick but would expose it directly to disrupt his opponent's mindset. Then, he would also use his own method to break the deadlock in the simplest and most direct way!

You could say that such a person is sharp-tongued.

They are very difficult to get along with.

But only those who catch his eye.

They must be among the most outstanding talents in the world.

In addition, such people are also very capable.

Because in this day and age, not everyone dares to speak the truth, and even fewer dare to express their sincerity in a straightforward manner. Although there are some greenhorns who are new to the world, those greenhorns will almost certainly die, and die very early and tragically. Those who survive are naturally extraordinary people.

Just like a few rules that any Jianghu knows.

Don't mess with kids.

Don't mess with the old man.

It's best not to mess with good-looking women.

These people survived because they had some trump cards that allowed them to thrive.

Regardless of whether someone has a unique skill or not.

Being able to eat your way around the world is enough.

The same principle applies to the boy in front of us.

"All right."

"Since you put it that way..."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony."

Ye Qingcang shrugged and smiled helplessly.

Han Fei's implication in saying that he was treating him to a meal was that he should stay out of the matter.

There's a saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

A counterexample is when the secondary element overshadows the primary element.

In short, since Han Fei was interested in playing tricks, he was naturally also interested in watching the show. However, he was unsure whether Wei Zhuang recognized Startled Salamander's worth, or whether Jing Ni dared to come out.

As one of the Heaven Ranked Assassin the Net organization.

It is also one of the Eight Swords of King Yue.

Startled Salamander is quite powerful.

Hei Bai Xuan Jian could actually outmaneuver her.

But when fighting her, the odds are at most 40/60, with Hei Bai Xuan Jian being the 60%.

Therefore, she would definitely be no match for Wei Zhuang at his peak, and the same goes for Gai Nie at his peak. But against Wei Zhuang in his current youth, considering that they both wield one-handed swords, let's just say that Startled Salamander could make Wei Zhuang win with just one hand!

Even if Gai Nie came.

Facing Startled Salamander.

They even joined forces with Wei Zhuang to deal with Startled Salamander.

At best, he can only fight Startled Salamander to a standstill.

If Ye Qingcang hadn't had the advantage of intelligence, he wouldn't have been able to do anything to Startled Salamander, because his strength was explosive, Startled Salamander's strength was constant.

Of course, there aren't that many "what ifs" in life!

There are only two possibilities for Wei Zhuang.

One option is to show oneself.

One option is to not show up.

This has nothing to do with whether he could tell that the Startled Salamander's hand was the Jing Ni Sword.

However, it's now certain that Zi Nu didn't notice.

Because she was leading Ye Qingcang and his group to the private room.

Han Fei was not short of money.

Hong Lian is certainly not short of money.

It means that in the Zilan Pavilion, a den of extravagance, being rich is only relative. There is no limit to how luxurious it can be. Just like the many special services, such as Nong Yu's zither, it is normal to ask Nong Yu to play a song for you. If Nong Yu is busy, for example, to play the zither for the guests next door, you can call Nong Yu over, but the extra cost will be more than just a few dozen gold.

It could easily be worth hundreds of gold coins.

It's more expensive than all the Rouge and Powder in Hong Lian's drawer.

Although Hong Lian's dressing table has many drawers.

It can only be said that neither side is short of money.

It's worth mentioning that Ye Qingcang is not short of money, and Startled Salamander is even more so after completing so many missions. In particular, she is a high-ranking member of the Net, and the operating funds of some regions of the Net organization are in her hands. If she wants to misappropriate funds, even the current leader of the Net organization, Lü Buwei, cannot do anything about it. At most, he can only transfer her to another position or give her a long-term mission to do.

In this way...

Han Fei's private room was naturally the best.

Besides, Zi Nu may be short of money, but she's not short of skills.

Regardless of Ye Qingcang's straightforward statement.

It was still Han Fei's conciliatory approach that prevailed.

All of this demonstrates that there is no need for her to continue acting.

so...

"Are you still planning to test him?"

On the top floor.

Zi Nu looked at Wei Zhuang.

He poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and then smiled, "According to the original plan, there was still some time before you appeared... But as you can see, the original plan has been broken, broken by a young man who looks a lot like you but not quite... Trying to repeat the same trick won't end well!"

There are always many people who are outwardly attractive but inwardly incompetent.

"Moreover, they have many secrets."

"The fact that they can have Startled Salamander, the Heaven Ranked Assassin of the Net, by their side makes it difficult for us to see through their true nature, even if they are not cooperating."

"Perhaps we should wait a little longer."

"Give them that invitation."

"It doesn't matter if someone is old, as long as they're effective."

"They will understand what I mean."

"It's just that... the items in this box probably need to be changed."

Wei Zhuang stood by the window, holding the sword sheath in one hand.

Unlike many sword-wielders.

He always managed to keep one hand free to carry the sword.

But to be honest, this is also the most suitable posture for facing sudden battles.

Just like what he's saying now.

These are all quite rare.

One of them is a rather rare pose.

One is quite rare in length.

At least for Wei Zhuang, who usually only speaks a few words, it is indeed quite unusual for him to speak such long passages.

"Fine."

"Then I'll send this invitation over."

Zi Nu was slightly surprised, but not much.

The Heaven Ranked Assassin, Startled Salamander.

That sounds scary.

It really is scary.

But it's not like she's never seen Grandmaster before; she's even seen experts above the Grandmaster level, so she's not really surprised.

Clutching the letter in his hand.

He turned and left the room.

Its lingering fragrance is as serene as a secluded orchid.