Listening to Music

Qin Yang was slightly taken aback by the Madam's warm, beaming smile.

From what he could recall, Huaxiang Tower was a place his original self couldn't even afford to visit, so he rarely came here.

For this Madam to still remember him—he had to admit her memory was sharp.

Keeping his composure, Qin Yang said softly, "Madam, do you still remember that brother of mine?"

"Young Master Qin has so many friends—how would I know which one you mean?"

The Madam's words were watertight.

"Naturally, Li Baling."

"The last time he came to Huaxiang Tower, he said the Spring Orchid Courtyard had a nice atmosphere."

"I want to book that one tonight."

Qin Yang smiled.

A flicker of fear passed through the Madam's eyes.

She steadied herself and put on a smile again. "Young Master Qin, you've come at a bad time. The Spring Orchid Courtyard was booked last night."

"How about I arrange the Summer Chrysanthemum Courtyard for you instead?"

Qin Yang gave a half-smile. "Who booked it? Tell me quickly."

"Young Master Qin, we really can't disclose the guest's name."

The Madam shook her head.

"Fine, then."

"Book me the Summer Chrysanthemum Courtyard."

Qin Yang didn't press further. He dropped a silver ingot and left without looking back.

The Madam, eyes gleaming at the money, cheerfully saw him out.

Qin Yang walked away from Huaxiang Tower without turning around.

He was certain in his heart that Huaxiang Tower was hiding something—the Madam was keeping plenty from him.

Since it was still early, Qin Yang headed straight back to Qin Manor to continue training in the Po Jun Saber Technique and the Primordial Qi Shield.

A full day of bitter cultivation.

The Golden Crow set, and the sky darkened.

Dressed in form-fitting martial attire, Qin Yang made his way toward Huaxiang Tower.

As night fell, lanterns lit up. From a distance, Huaxiang Tower blazed with brilliant, dazzling light, standing out starkly.

The entrance was bustling with carriages and horses, lively and crowded.

For the nobles and officials of Linjiang City, this was one of the few evening entertainments around.

The Madam, decked out in flashy attire, was at the door greeting guests nonstop.

Seeing Qin Yang approach, she walked over with exaggerated warmth.

All sorts of shady characters came to Huaxiang Tower to spend money, and gossip flowed freely.

She had heard a thing or two about Qin Yang.

With his father missing, he had turned the tide and scattered the ill-intentioned Twin Snake Gang.

She wouldn't dare slight someone like that.

"Young Master Qin, you're here all alone?" the Madam asked with a chuckle.

"What, can't a man come alone?" Qin Yang shot back.

"Of course not."

"The Summer Chrysanthemum Courtyard is ready for you."

"Which girl would you like?"

The Madam smiled.

"I want to hear some music."

"Arrange for a girl who sings well."

Qin Yang said casually.

He hadn't forgotten his original self's intentions.

"Sure thing."

"All the girls here sing better than the last—you'll be satisfied."

The Madam flashed an exaggerated grin.

She had a servant lead Qin Yang inside while she went back to greet other distinguished guests.

Passing through the main hall and into the rear courtyard, the atmosphere grew noticeably quieter and more serene.

The attendant led Qin Yang past several small courtyards, finally stopping before an exquisite one.

Qin Yang walked straight into the room.

Several maidservants had long been waiting, pouring him tea, handing him water, and massaging his legs and shoulders.

Qin Yang didn't resist, as if some instinct had been awakened, wearing a look of pure enjoyment.

Before long, someone brought in wine and an array of fine dishes.

A woman with delicate features and a slender figure stepped in with graceful, lotus-like steps.

"This servant Yaoju greets Young Master Qin."

"Haha, sing me a tune." Qin Yang laughed heartily.

Yaoju nodded lightly, walked to the zither in the room, and sat down. Her fingers fell on the strings, plucking them gently as she sang a cheerful melody.

The maidservants also came before Qin Yang, dancing gracefully.

Qin Yang watched with interest, picked up the wine flask, and drank alone.

Yaoju's little songs were indeed quite good, stirring the heart and sparking wild thoughts.

After a few tunes, Qin Yang dismissed the maidservants.

Yaoju, taking the hint, came to Qin Yang's side.

"Yaoju. I hear something strange happened at your Huaxiang Tower's Spring Orchid Courtyard."

Qin Yang chewed on peanuts, speaking casually.

"Who told Young Master Qin that?"

"I've never heard of such a thing."

Yaoju shook her head slightly.

But Qin Yang saw the evasive look in her eyes and knew she was lying.

He smiled faintly and pulled out a banknote.

"This matter is all over the streets. What's so hard to talk about?"

Seeing the banknote, Yaoju's expression shifted slightly, and she carefully tucked it away.

"Young master, it's not that I want to hide it from you."

"It's just that Madam Lian told us not to speak of it."

Yaoju lowered her voice, glancing outside now and then, afraid someone might overhear.

"Don't worry, no one's nearby."

"Go on, I love hearing stories like this."

Qin Yang smiled.

"It was half a month before the Qing Tian Festival."

"A girl named Youlan from Spring Orchid Courtyard died in the pond."

"They say when she was found, she was covered in wounds."

Yaoju spoke of it with a hint of fear in her expression.

"How did she die?" Qin Yang pressed.

"That night, Young Master Zeng was in her room."

"You might not know, but that Young Master Zeng is a pervert. He loves torturing us, and many girls refuse to take his business."

"But Youlan seemed desperate for money, so she took the job."

"In the end, Young Master Zeng probably went too far and lost control. Youlan was tortured to death."

"After that, I heard Young Master Zeng just paid some compensation, and the matter was swept under the rug."

Yaoju said softly.

"But I heard the rest is even more interesting."

Qin Yang smiled faintly.

"The rest..."

"It's terrifying."

Yaoju took a deep breath, trying not to let her fear show.

"For a few days after Youlan died, nothing happened."

"Then that Young Master Zeng came again, specifically asking for Spring Orchid Courtyard."

"That night, Young Master Zeng died a violent death. His body was found in the pond."

"The next day, a lot of officials came, but after investigating, they just ruled it as accidental drowning while drunk and closed the case."

"But we all think Youlan's ghost came back for revenge."

"Madam Lian then invited several monks to perform rites and sealed off Spring Orchid Courtyard."

"But I heard that on Qing Tian Festival, business was too good, so Madam Lian opened Spring Orchid Courtyard again."

"That very night. Several girls who had been entertaining guests all died that evening."

"Like Young Master Zeng, they all drowned in the pond at midnight after losing their footing."

Youju grew more terrified as she spoke.

Shwoosh~

Suddenly, she saw a figure flash past the window, and she screamed in fright.

Qin Yang covered her mouth.

"What did you see?" Qin Yang demanded in a low voice.

"I just saw a silhouette flicker past the window."

"Could it be Youlan's ghost?"

Yaoju's body trembled.

"With me here, what are you afraid of?"

As Qin Yang spoke, he suddenly struck out and knocked Yaoju unconscious.

After laying Yaoju on the bed, Qin Yang rose and walked to the window, pushing it open.

The courtyard outside was pitch black—there was no sign of any figure.

"Hm?"

But when Qin Yang looked down, he saw the flowers and plants by the wall corner withered and blackened.