Huang Erye, whose real name is Huang Yi, is a wealthy man in Huangshi Town and is known as the richest man in the area.

Since taking office ten years ago, the town's magistrate, Dong Xinzhi, has failed to achieve any notable political achievements, thus hindering his path to promotion.

In an effort to change this situation, nine years ago, Dong Xinzhi took Huang Erye's sister as a concubine, hoping to leverage the Huang family's background to enhance his power and influence in the town.

Over the course of nine years, Master Huang used this marriage alliance to gradually expand his control over Huangshi Town.

"Young Master, this Master Huang comes to this teahouse to listen to opera every day without fail. Could there be some secret behind it?" Chen Quan asked curiously, his gaze following the figure who was intently listening to the opera.

"Perhaps, Master Huang really loves opera and is a hidden opera enthusiast," Li Xi guessed softly.

But the storyteller, with his expressive face and eloquent tongue, could captivate his listeners with just a few words, stirring up waves of emotion in their hearts.

With a slam of the gavel, the court fell silent, save for the sound of the wind rustling the gauze curtains.

"To find out what happens next, stay tuned for the next episode." The storyteller slammed his gavel, rose from his seat, and the hall fell silent, save for the sound of the wind rustling the gauze curtains.

Everyone stood there, stunned, seemingly still reeling from the story they had just heard.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes today's story. Thank you for listening." The storyteller smiled slightly and bowed to the audience in thanks.

"Wonderful! Wonderful!" Cheers rose and fell, and the waiter nimbly weaved through the crowd, helping the storyteller receive the tips thrown by the audience.

Master Huang tossed out a hundred taels of silver, an act that immediately drew gasps of surprise. However, when people saw it was Master Huang, their surprise turned into a matter of course.

"My God, young master, do you think that Master Huang has so much money he doesn't know what to do with it?" Chen Quan exclaimed.

Li Xi seemed not to hear his mutterings; her gaze was fixed on the departing Master Huang. Seeing this, she quickly got up and followed him.

Li Xi's mind seemed to be drawn by some force, and she ignored the whispers beside her.

Her gaze was drawn to him as if by a magnet, fixed firmly on the departing Master Huang. She quickly stood up, hurried along, and followed without hesitation.

When she approached Master Huang, she deliberately "accidentally" bumped into him, quickly bowed, and apologized repeatedly: "This junior has acted carelessly and offended an important person. Please forgive me."

Master Huang seemed unconcerned. “It’s alright. Just be more careful with young people next time.”

I never expected this person to be so emotionally stable.

Chen Quan noticed the subtle look Li Xi gave him, and he immediately understood. He hurriedly walked to Li Xi's side and said in a slightly nervous tone, "Young Master, are you alright?"

Li Xi deliberately feigned dissatisfaction and said to Chen Quan, "It's all your fault. If you hadn't strongly recommended this teahouse, I wouldn't have made a special trip here. But look at it, it's nothing special."

Chen Quan quickly explained, "The teahouse recommended by Master Feng of Yinxian Manor should be reliable. Perhaps we've come at the wrong time, or there are some things we haven't noticed. Why don't you wait a little longer?"

Li Xi continued, feigning anger, "Brother Feng specifically asked me to wait for him here, but he's probably already waiting for me somewhere else."

Chen Quan continued to persuade him, "Young Master, please don't be angry. You went to the casino quite late last night. Why don't you calm down today, have a cup of tea here, and wait for Master Feng to arrive?"

Just then, Master Huang, who was about to walk out the door, stopped in his tracks.

He turned to look at Li Xi, a warm smile on his face, and asked softly, "May I ask, young master, is the Master Feng you mentioned the same Master Feng Monian of Yinxian Manor?"

Upon hearing this, Li Xi's face lit up with a smug look, and he proudly said, "That's right. Brother Feng and I are like brothers, we are sworn brothers."

To further confirm her identity, Li Xi deliberately showed her hand wearing a thumb ring, in the center of which was engraved an artistic "封" (seal) character, making it particularly eye-catching.

Two years ago, Huang Sanye had the honor of meeting Feng Monian at a business conference and was deeply impressed by him.

At this moment, he carefully examined Li Xi and found that the thumb ring on his thumb looked very familiar, clearly belonging to Master Feng.

Master Huang's heart stirred, and he thought to himself: Since this young master is the sworn brother of Master Feng, he must be no ordinary person.

His desire to make friends grew stronger, which made his smile even brighter and more sincere.

Master Huang stepped forward and said warmly, “Young master, I am only casually acquainted with Master Feng. You are from out of town, aren’t you? I know Huangshi Town like the back of my hand. If you don’t mind, I would like to show you around.”

Seeing this, Li Xi was secretly pleased, knowing that her identity and the ring had served their purpose.

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Since Master Huang is so hospitable, I will respectfully accept. Please lead the way, Master Huang."

Chen Quan, standing to the side, breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this, knowing that Li Xi's plan had succeeded.

He secretly admired his own wit and quick thinking, and was also pleased by Master Huang's hospitality. He could even get free food and drinks; it was another happy day.

And so, Uncle Huang led Li Xi and Chen Quan through the streets and alleys of Huangshi Town, introducing them to the local customs and various interesting stories.

Li Xi took the opportunity to observe Huang Sanye's words and actions, secretly assessing his strength and personality.

As night fell, Master Huang led his group to a brothel called Hua Man Lou. With a beaming smile, he praised Li Xi, "Young master, the girls in our Huangshi Town are all stunningly beautiful, like celestial beings."

Li Xi simply smiled faintly and asked dismissively, "Really? Could I possibly be better than the girls in Kyoto?"

A sly glint flashed in Master Huang's eyes as he replied, "Oh? Young master, you are mistaken. Of course, the girls in the capital are unparalleled in their beauty. But the girls in my Huangshi Town have their own unique charm and characteristics. Their beauty may not be as glamorous as that of the capital, but it is more simple and sincere."

His words revealed how proud and fond he was of the girls from Huamanlou in Huangshi Town.

Upon hearing this, Li Xi's lips curled up into a meaningful smile. "Then I'll have to see if what you say is true."

The madam at the door lit up immediately when she saw Master Huang. She greeted him with a beaming smile and a fawning voice: "Oh, sir, you've finally come! Our Yingying has been missing you so much that she's lost weight."

As she spoke, she caught a glimpse of Li Xi behind Master Huang out of the corner of her eye, and became even more excited.