A glint flashed in Master Huang's eyes. He hadn't expected this young man to be so generous, casually producing tens of thousands of taels of silver. What surprised him even more was Li Xi's superb gambling skills, which made him wary.
If this person could stand on his side, it would undoubtedly be a great help to him and his master. Therefore, Master Huang began to seriously consider the possibility of cooperating with Li Xi.
He smiled at Li Xi and said, "Young Master Li, I admire your determination and courage. Since you have this idea, let's have a good talk and see if there are any opportunities for cooperation."
Li Xi was overjoyed, knowing that her plan had worked.
She remained calm on the surface and replied indifferently, "Brother Huang, as long as we can make money, I am naturally very willing to cooperate with you."
The two smiled without saying a word, each harboring their own unspoken intentions.
Master Huang made an excuse to leave first, while Li Xi returned to the inn.
When Li Xi returned to the courtyard, she found it was already late at night. Uncle Zhao was still sitting on the stone bench, staring intently at the hairpin in his hand, as if he was deeply attracted by it and had fallen into his own world.
"Uncle Zhao, you're still awake? It's late and the dew is heavy. Why haven't you rested yet?" Li Xi asked softly, her face showing concern.
Uncle Zhao raised his head, a hint of hesitation in his eyes, but finally spoke up: "Young master, I have some things I'd like to discuss with you."
Li Xi invited Uncle Zhao back to his room for a detailed discussion. The candlelight inside flickered like twinkling stars.
The two sat facing each other. Li Xi smiled and said softly, "Uncle Zhao, please speak freely."
Her voice was deep and gentle, like a spring breeze caressing your cheek, making you feel comfortable and warm.
Uncle Zhao raised his head, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.
He kept his lips tightly closed, as if searching for the right words.
After a long silence, he finally spoke: "My real name is Fang Siqi, and the master you are talking about is me."
He paused for a long while, seemingly lost in thought, before continuing, "Ten years ago, the Holy Maiden of the Red Lotus Sect left the sect in anger after a disagreement with the sect leader. But the leader couldn't let it go and relentlessly pursued her. Eight years ago today, the leader found our hiding place. At the time, only the Holy Maiden was home alone. When I rushed back, I found her lying on the cold floor, already lifeless..."
At this point, Uncle Zhao's eyes involuntarily welled up with tears, and his voice trembled slightly. "If I hadn't gone down the mountain, she wouldn't have had this accident at all."
He paused for a moment, seemingly trying to compose himself. He took a deep breath, as if trying to suppress the grief in his heart.
Then he continued, "Back then, I went down the mountain to forge weapons for others to earn some money to make a living. If I had gone back earlier, she would never have... Unfortunately, despite years of secret investigation, I have never found any trace of him."
His eyes glistened with tears, and his hands clenched tightly, as if he wanted to hold onto that painful memory.
Seeing this, Li Xi handed him a cup of hot water and patted his shoulder gently to comfort him: "I understand how you feel. Many of us have a blood feud with them."
"In the past two years, I've discovered that their main base seems to be in Yuncheng, but I still haven't found their exact location," Uncle Zhao sighed.
He's actually not even forty yet, but after losing his beloved, he seems to have lost all his energy and spirit. He's aged day by day and now looks like a middle-aged or elderly person.
"According to intelligence, this Master Huang has intricate connections with the Red Lotus Sect. My master disappeared here a few days ago." Li Xi thought about the intelligence he had obtained in the past few days.
My recent interactions with Master Huang seem unremarkable, and on the surface, there are indeed no obvious flaws.
His outward appearance was too perfect, which aroused her suspicion. The lack of any flaws became his biggest flaw.
It seems I need to sneak into his mansion myself and find out what's going on.
Li Xi shared her thoughts with Fang Siqi, but he had other ideas...
In the quiet night, the stars twinkle, the moonlight is like water, and time slips away like sand through our fingers.
Huang Family Residence in Huangshi Town
Master Huang was sitting upright at his desk, his brush hovering in his hand.
His gaze was focused and thoughtful, as if he were considering some important decision. A person stood below him, reporting on Li Xi's situation.
This man was Master Huang's trusted confidant, named Afu. Afu was a loyal and clever man who had always served Master Huang. He gave Master Huang a detailed report on Li Xi's background.
"Sir, Li Xi is indeed from Kyoto. He is very familiar with Chairman Wang of the Qiyang Chamber of Commerce. It is said that they have made a fortune together. He also has a close relationship with the owner of Yinxian Manor. I heard that they had an unusual relationship before. Some people even say that the owner of the manor is still unmarried because of this young master Li."
Upon hearing Ah Fu's report, Master Huang became even more delighted.
Unexpectedly, this young master Li really has such abilities. It seems that he wants to prove himself for the sake of that estate lord.
"Very good, Afu, you have done a good job in gathering information this time. Go to the accounting office to collect your reward later."
Afu hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed, "Thank you for your appreciation, Second Master. It is my honor to serve you."
Master Huang waved his hand, signaling him to leave. He stroked his chin, a cunning glint in his eyes, seemingly already plotting how to use Li Xi.
The night has quietly slipped away, and the east is gradually turning a pale white. All the stories seem to be waiting for this ray of dawn.
Kyoto
People heading to the western mountains for hunting got up early to prepare.
When the auspicious time arrived, they were full of energy and ready to set off for Nishiyama, a suburb of Kyoto.
Although the journey was not far, everyone was filled with anticipation and excitement.
Meng Zhong, as the accompanying imperial physician, sat in a carriage with Imperial Physician Zheng and Imperial Physician Wen. This carriage followed closely behind the emperor's entourage so that the emperor could summon them at any time.
They carried medical kits and first-aid supplies, ready to deal with any unexpected situations that might arise.
The Crown Prince was in charge of the security for this trip. He personally selected skilled guards and archers to ensure the safety of the emperor and everyone else.
He was dressed in armor and carried a long sword, looking majestic and solemn, demonstrating the responsibility and commitment of a royal descendant.
For this autumn hunt, the Empress, Consort Li, and three other beauties accompanied the emperor.
Consort Li looked at the Crown Prince, her heart filled with pride.
She gave birth to the emperor's first prince back then.
When Hao'er was born, auspicious omens appeared in the sky. In addition, her maternal family was very powerful, and within a few years the emperor made Hao'er the crown prince.
Now she looked at the Empress with the air of a victor.
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