Chapter 90: Analyzing the Intrigue

Chapter 90: Analysis

The moment Yan Sanhe stepped into the Quiet Contemplation Pavilion, Li Buyan grabbed him and pulled him straight into an inner chamber.

As soon as the door shut, Li Buyan couldn't wait to ask, "How did you know it wouldn't be difficult for them? What did you deduce? Tell me everything, not a single word left out!"

Yan Sanhe's expression was calm, but his eyes shimmered with intelligence.

"Isn't the Crown Prince and the Grand Prince Heir part of the same family?"

"Yes!"

"The Ji Family is the Crown Prince's loyal dog, and also the Grand Prince Heir's, right?"

"Yes!"

"The Ji Family is Pei Xiao's maternal clan. It doesn't make sense for the uncle to support the Crown Prince while the nephew doesn't, so Pei Xiao must also be a loyal dog to the Grand Prince Heir, isn't that logical?"

"It all makes perfect sense."

"Do you recall what that corrupt official said to Pei Xiao?"

"Yes. He mentioned, 'Lord Pei, you should pray to the gods more for the sake of the Ji family's women. You've preserved their innocence this time, but if they end up in the pleasure quarters, won't they just... spread their legs anyway...'"

"Doesn't that statement prove that the corrupt official is not on the same side as Pei Xiao?"

"Indeed!"

"And it also suggests that he's not allied with the Crown Prince or the Imperial Grandson, perhaps even being their political adversary, right?"

"Absolutely!"

"Recall when you went to confront that official and almost got hit by an arrow?"

"Who could forget? The Imperial Grandson's guards were quite skilled."

"If the Imperial Grandson isn't aligned with that official, why did he intervene and stop you? Why didn't he let you teach him a lesson?"

"Yes, why is that?"

"It's because an official like him is different from Zhang Fei. Zhang Fei is merely a lowly Imperial Guard, so injuring or killing him wouldn't cause much uproar. But the official is the Vice Minister of Justice; any harm to him would escalate the situation significantly."

"The Crown Prince doesn't want things to escalate, so he had the guards intervene. On the surface, they were shooting at me, but in reality, they were secretly protecting me."

"Whose side are you on?"

"I'm on Miss's side."

"And who does Miss belong to now?"

"The Xie family!"

Li Buyan sprang to his feet. "So, the Crown Prince is secretly protecting the Xie family."

"I have no idea if he's protecting the Xie family or not, but one thing is for sure: Third Master Xie is also the Crown Prince's loyal dog."

"Good heavens!"

In Yan Sanhe's eyes, Li Buyan saw his own expression of astonishment: "Don't they get tired going around in such a big circle?"

"I don't know if they're tired or not."

Yan Sanhe pushed Li Buyan away and lazily sprawled onto the bed. "Anyway, I'm about to die from exhaustion. I'll take a nap first."

"Wait, I have one more question."

Li Buyan rushed over and sat down by the bed.

"Since they're all in cahoots, why would the Crown Prince want Lord Lu to make a record of it? Shouldn't they be supporting each other?"

Yan Sanhe pondered, "Maybe it's just for show."

Li Buyan was still puzzled. "What's the point of putting on this act?"

"I really have no idea."

Yan Sanhe's eyes were half open and half closed. "Let's talk about it when I wake up from my nap..."

The voice gradually faded, and eventually, the young maiden's long lashes remained motionless, clearly indicating that she had been lured away by Morpheus.

Li Buyan gently removed her shoes, placing her feet on the bed, and then carefully tucked the quilt around her.

As the sleeping maiden felt the quilt, her hand instinctively reached under the pillow, pulling out a handkerchief and clenching it tightly in her palm. Then, she nestled both her body and head deep into the covers.

Watching her wrap herself up like a dumpling, Li Buyan's lips curved slightly, a thin smile tinged with a hint of helplessness on his face.

"Sanhe, you only seem truly alive when you're asleep!"

……

In the northern part of the Four-Nine City, there flows a river known as the Yongding River.

The landscapes on either side of the Yongding River were vastly distinct; the eastern bank was dotted with Qin pavilions and Chu mansions, the perfect place for seeking pleasure and indulging in romantic dalliances.

Among these, the most renowned is the beautiful Spring Pavilion.

It is said that the courtesans of the Beautiful Spring Courtyard are all transformed fox spirits, adept at ensnaring men's hearts.

On the west bank of the river, rows of shops stood, including the Brocade Silk Pavilion and Jade Treasure Hall, all nestled in this location.

The most renowned establishment on the west bank was the Kaiju Bank.

This bank had a unique way of ensnaring men's hearts, not through women but with silver coins.

Here, one could witness gamblers who struck it rich overnight as well as those reduced to wearing only their underwear after losing everything.

Prostitution houses and gambling dens were separated only by the river, akin to a widower living next door to a captivating and coquettish widow, ripe for countless intrigues.

Thus, whenever Third Master Xie, the Commander of the Northern City's Military Affairs, had spare time, he would patrol the Yongding River.

Of course, after attending to official duties, Third Master would also enter the Kaiju Bank to try his luck at gambling, hoping to boost his fortune.

Third Master's gambling was far from the rough and tumble games in the main hall where burly men compared arm and neck sizes.

He gambled with elegance, and that meant betting on the boats.

Not just anyone could board these boat pavilions; it was said that their furnishings, food, and drink were all of tribute quality.

In the vast city of Four-Nine, only those of royal lineage, high-ranking officials, and unimaginable wealth had the privilege to set foot on such vessels.

The boat leisurely rocked in the protective canal, and standing by the window, one could take in the entire stretch of emerald water and half the city's spring scenery at a glance.

The nobles leisurely admired the scenery while engaging in conversations about their families and the state of the world. Only after they had their fill of discussion did they light incense to purify their hands before gathering around the tables for a game of chance.

Having finished their gambling, on the return journey they would invite aboard any maiden from the Qin Lou Chu Pavilion who caught their fancy, to spend the night in her company.

What a life of debauchery and pleasure!

This evening, Third Master Pei was disheartened by the affairs concerning the Ji family. His close friend, Third Master Xie, managed to cheer him up and persuade him to visit a popular gambling den.

The manager had been eagerly awaiting their arrival. Upon seeing the esteemed guests, he dramatically flung his handkerchief aside and proudly puffed out his ample chest as he approached them.

"Oh, my dears, it's been ages since you graced us with your presence."

"Ugh, what kind of powder is that? It's choking me! Get lost!"

Feeling irritable, Pei Xiao pushed the man toward Third Master Xie and proceeded to enter the boat house on his own.

Mei Niang nestled into Third Master's embrace and cooed, "Third Master, have you missed Mei Niang? I've been dying to see you."

Who could have guessed that the head of the gambling house was such a beautiful woman?

With a mischievous touch, Third Master Xie pinched Mei Niang's delicate face. "You're not missing me; you're missing the silver in my pockets."

"Oh, my dear, dear Third Master, I do miss your silver, but I miss your body even more. It's been so long since Mei Niang last had the pleasure of your company."

Third Master Xie cast her a sideways glance, chuckling suggestively. "Don't you fear being exhausted in bed by me?"

"Even if I were to die beneath Third Master, I'd be willing as a ghost."

Mei Niang clung tightly to Third Master's arm, throwing him flirtatious glances as they boarded the boat. "If Third Master doesn't exhaust Mei Niang today, this boat won't be sailing back. Set sail, then!"

Not far away, a few gambling addicts, lifting their clothes to relieve themselves by the river, overheard their conversation.

"When it comes to women, they should be like Mei Niang in bed, truly wanton and provocatively alluring."

"But you should know her past. Let me tell you, Mei Niang used to be the most sought-after courtesan on the other side of the River East. As for that ill-fated Third Master, he'd probably have met his end in her bed."

"Well, death wasn't the case, as I heard. Whenever Third Master returned from the boatyard, his face was ashen, his eyes dark, and his legs would tremble while walking."

"So, what's the point of a man having a handsome face if what's downstairs doesn't do its job?"

"Third Master's downstairs not up to the task?!"

"Hush! Don't put those words in my mouth. It's the talk on the streets over there, suggesting it's not quite effective."

"Tell me more, how ineffective exactly..."

At the boatyard.

Leaning against the railing, Third Master Xie, overhearing the gossip, nonchalantly asked, "Mei Niang, do you find me useful?"