Pine and Bamboo Hall, Drunken Flower Tower, south of Ancient Market Town.
Drunken Flower Tower was a brothel built on the outskirts of Ancient Market Town. Its secluded, tranquil elegance was like a peach-blossom paradise, far removed from the smoke and bustle of the mortal world, making it a favorite among the scholars and poets of Xiushui Commandery.
Pine and Bamboo Hall stood apart from the main building and boasted the finest scenery of all the halls and pavilions belonging to Drunken Flower Tower.
It stood amid a bamboo grove, its buildings delicate and exquisite, surrounded by lush, fresh greenery.
After soaking in a hot spring pool, Shangguan Longjian walked out to a gazebo outside Pine and Bamboo Hall and sat down, refreshed in body and mind.
Outside the gazebo, Shangguan Yuan knelt on one knee, waiting with the utmost respect.
Several Shangguan Clan guards stood farther away, facing outward and keeping a vigilant watch in every direction.
"Why have you come looking for me in the dead of night?"
Shangguan Longjian brewed himself a pot of tea and asked offhandedly, "Have you reached an agreement with Li Cang? That One-Armed Saber keeps dragging his feet and straddling the fence. How long does he intend to stall? The True Inheritance Trial is only a dozen or so days away. Does he no longer want to make a living in Ancient Market Town?"
"Young master!" Shangguan Yuan lowered his head. "Li Cang still hasn't agreed, but during today's banquet, he introduced someone to me: Ruan Qiu, the fourth chief of White Cloud Stronghold on West Mountain!"
"White Cloud Stronghold on West Mountain?"
Shangguan Longjian's pupils contracted before he chuckled. "This fourth chief, Ruan Qiu, specializes in disposing of White Cloud Stronghold's stolen goods, doesn't he? I was wondering how Li Cang