Chapter 110 (1/2)
Chapter 110
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Yan Xun snickered. ”To find her would not be so easy. If AhChu was determined to hide, there would be no way those idiots from the Xia Empire could do anything to find her. I would be really relieved if you could help search for her outside. At the end of the day, I am still worried about her being out there alone.”
”Roger.”
”And one more thing.” Contemplating for a short while, Yan Xun inquired, ”How have you handled the things I requested for in the letter last month.”
Feng Mian's expression became even more serious, as he walked over to the table and picked up a thick stack of papers, before answering, ”They are all here. All the intel has been collected.”
Yan Xun received the papers, and glanced through them briefly, before smirking. ”As expected, they really could not hold their horses anymore.”
”Prince, the Da Tong Guild is our ally who had supported Yan Bei all along. If we were to do that, wouldn't others spread nasty rumors about us?”
Smirking, Yan Xun jolted his wrist, as the stack of paper ruffled in his hands. Calmly, he declared, ”Feng Mian, did you really think the Da Tong guild was still the same after hundreds of years? Perhaps only respectable people like Mister Wu still held wonderful ideals close to their hearts. Da Tong had long been rotten. Do you still not understand after so many years of being in Xian Yang?”
Hesitating for a moment to construct his opinions, Feng Mian agreed, ”Prince, you are indeed right. This servant feels that there are serious structural problems within the Da Tong guild. Although there are still groups of people, particularly those led by Lady Yu and Mister Wu, who uphold righteousness within their heart and still work towards their ideals, most of the elders had succumbed to vices. This had become common knowledge within the guild. As the person in charge of so many gambling dens, taverns and brothels, this servant is undoubtedly most clear with all these shady proceedings within the Da Tong guild.
Yan Xun patted Feng Mian's shoulder, and laughed heartily. ”Silly boy, could you still not accept all these as the norm even after so many years of being here in Xian Yang City? Perhaps hundreds of years ago, the Da Tong Guild was truly dedicated to bettering life for the people. But now it was reduced to just a title that people use to congregate political power. The elders within Da Tong had already gathered scary amounts of fortune, and they only lack a suitable political representative to stand as the puppet figurehead of this powerful organization. If they could achieve that, they would be able to gain even more advantages.” As he continued his monologue, Yan Xun's gaze was icy cold. ”Equality for all. Hmph, What an attractive slogan. It is a pity that where people are present, competition exists. Likewise, where benefits are present, war exists. Equality for all? Perhaps only cowards and idiots would believe in such a thing. But I must acknowledge how this slogan had really been attractive, particularly during this era of chaos. Many common folks had placed their hopes on the Da Tong Guild. Right now, if we cooperate with them, we can provide the military might, while they can provide the resources and finances. We can provide for each other's needs. This was a cooperation matched in heaven.”
Feng Mian was confused. ”If that is so, why must the Prince ask this servant to search out for that intel?”
”Regardless of the organization, there should only be one leader.” Yan Xun turned around and watched the swaying willow branches. Subconsciously his fingers strummed on the table, before he carried on his speech, ”The Da Tong Guild had infiltrated too far. The Guild leader dared to even infiltrate his loyal men into Yan Bei to hold key appointments. Right now, regardless of military or administration, many of Yan Bei's have close ties with Da Tong. If we let this be, my position in Yan Bei would be very passive.”
Yan Xun continued his monologue, ”Right now, Yan Bei is still not that stable, so I cannot risk to change out too many officials. But I can take this opportunity give the Guild Leader a reminder. I am sure the Da Tong Guild Leader is a smart person, so he could understand this indirect warning. In the first place, these stubborn elders probably had already given the Guild Leader a lot of headaches.”
Hearing that, Feng Mian got pumped up. The usually calm and elegant Feng Lord laughed naughtily. ”Indeed, I had since long been pretty pissed off by their antics. If I had not considered your position, I would have fixed them up good long ago!”
Yan Xun stood up, and with a chuckle, said, ”Let us get ready. After we take a shower and rest a bit, you shall follow me to meet these Elders of the Da Tong Guild.”
Feng Mian stood up, smiling as well. He was just about to exit from the room, before he turned and asked Yan Xun, ”Right, Prince, what will you be wearing tonight? Casual clothes? Or the Da Tong Guild uniform?”
Yan Xun pondered for a second, before replying, ”Let's just wear the uniform.”
”But there are multiple ranks of uniforms. Although the younger faction refers to you as their leader, you are still considered a low ranking guild member. I am worried they will find fault with you.”
”Find fault?” Yan Xun raised his eyebrow in amusement, before turning his lips into a smirk. ”Do you think I am scared of people finding faults with me?”
As the night fell, the Xian Yang City began bustling with night activities. The Chi Shui River that flowed across the city carried with it a wisp of fragrance, as the commotion of the unceasing business on the riverbanks emphasized yet again the prosperity of Xian Yang City. Particularly, the brothels are crowded with customers, just like any other normal business day.
In front of Yan Xun was a titanic tavern. Squinting his eyes, Yan Xun observed that in front of the main door were two gigantic red lanterns. Despite the plain design of the door, there was an aura of nobility and majesty which remained unaffected by the rowdy crowds of the night. Above the main doors hung a huge wooden plate, with two beautiful calligraphic words written on it—Zhao Xi.
This was merely a brothel but was given such a graceful name. Seeing that Yan Xun was slightly taken aback, Feng Mian closed up and whispered, ”Prince, this is my brother, but the name was in fact named by the lady back in my starting years!”
Yan Xun nodded. As much as Feng Mian was a capable person, when he first arrived in Xian Yang he was pretty much a novice in businesses. Most of his plans and knowledge were taught by Chu Qiao. This brothel probably cost a lot of Chu Qiao's effort as well. Thinking about her, Yan Xun could not help but frown yet again. He then walked into the store.
The manager of the brothel had noticed Feng Mian from afar and was already in waiting beside the door along with a group of beautiful ladies.