Chapter 1 Xiao Xingyuan's Tension

As they approached the side gate of Sun Boping's residence, Xiao Xingyuan couldn't help but feel a little nervous. With Xi Ling having suffered significant defeats in both the north and south, everyone in Anqing had become much more cautious in their activities, fearing that lavish banquets and celebrations would displease the Xi Ling ruler. Consequently, all feasts and gatherings were outwardly low-key. Sun Boping, who had always paved his own path through practical work, naturally preferred a low profile. When Sun Boping hosted a full-moon celebration for his grandson, officials from all quarters, whether directly involved or not, from both the central government and local administrations, especially those with connections to Zhongzhou and Taizhou, eagerly sought to present their greetings. While deepening their relationship with Sun Boping was a secondary consideration, Lei Huang and others had also come to Anqing. This was the first time high-ranking members of the Leiyin Demon Sect had come to Anqing, a golden opportunity that shouldn't be missed.

Sun Boping seemed unprepared for such a large turnout at his grandson's modest celebration. Due to the lack of preparation, he instructed his staff to have all non-official guests submit their invitations through the side and back gates, and then decide who to receive. Two guards stood watch, making it difficult to enter through the side gate. Ye Tao, however, didn't seem to care, as the guards in Sun Boping's residence were all his people. As Xiao Xingyuan carefully handed his invitation to a guard, Ye Tao suddenly interjected, "Young sir, is Master Gu Xi in the residence?"

The guard paused, surprised. Gu Xi's position had risen significantly, and as the chief steward of the Ministry, his status was considerable. However, the fellow before him looked somewhat familiar and was directly asking for Gu Xi, indicating he might have some connections. The guard bowed respectfully and replied, "Chief Steward Gu is busy entertaining guests in the front hall and may not be able to spare the time. Would you like to wait a moment while I send someone to fetch him?"

Ye Tao shook his head and said, "Never mind. Since Gu Xi is occupied, I won't bother him. Then, perhaps, Lei Jun, Lei Ying, or Liang Tang? Which gentleman accompanied Sect Leader Lei on this journey? If any of them are present, could you please announce that an old friend has come to visit?"

This time, the guard dared not be negligent. Many knew of Lei Huang, but the others were also famous figures. Lei Jun was none other than Cao Pojun, the former chief of the inner palace guards and now the top leader in the Intelligence Bureau's field operations. Lei Ying was the current head of the Leiyin Demon Sect's outreach efforts, and like Lei Huang, had received training under Ye Tao. Few now knew Lei Ying's real name, as ordinary followers referred to him as the Heavenly Witness. Liang Tang was even more obscure, with hardly anyone having heard of him, but he was responsible for liaising with Yunzhou. With Lei Huang now refraining from using his high status and influence, shifting to work on the interesting projects Ye Tao deployed, Liang Tang had become the de facto grand patriarch of the Leiyin Demon Sect, holding an exalted position while maintaining an increasingly low profile.

"I'll go and inform them immediately. My master has instructed me not to invite you two inside, please forgive me." The guard hurriedly rushed inside to report. His tone had become noticeably more respectful.

"You actually know so many people..." Xiao Xingyuan exclaimed, "I never expected that."

"These are all people I met in Zhenzhou and Taizhou. In Anqing, I'm really relying on you, Brother Xiao," Ye Tao said with a smile.

Before long, Cao Pojun emerged. He was genuinely curious, as it was rare for someone to directly request to see him. On one hand, he traveled all over the country, his whereabouts unpredictable and hard to track. On the other hand, the matters he handled in the Leiyin Demon Sect were dark and ruthless. The creation of the Zongmo Troupe (Demon Sect Troupe) was his work, and now, it was almost exclusively under his and Lei Huang's direct command. Cao Pojun took one look at the side gate and was immediately shocked. Only a few people knew about Ye Tao's arrival in Xi Ling, and even within Yunzhou, it was kept secret. As long as the orders from the manor continued to be issued in Ye Tao's name, that was sufficient. Within the Intelligence Bureau and the inner court, the arrangements regarding Ye Tao's movements were only communicated to those who needed to know. Although Cao Pojun had met Ye Tao several times, no one had told him about this.

As a seasoned intelligence operative, Cao Pojun showed no emotion on his face. He glanced at Ye Tao and Xiao Xingyuan's attire, and the servant behind them carrying gifts, realizing that Ye Tao must be keeping a low profile, concealing his identity. He also noticed that the servant following Ye Tao was actually Jin Ze. Without betraying any surprise, he greeted, "Who do we have here? What brings you to Anqing?"

"Greetings, Master Lei. Lu Zhen is here to trouble you again. I received much care from you in Taizhou," Ye Tao calmly stated his alias. The identity of Lu Zhen was documented within the Intelligence Bureau, a carefully prepared background. No matter how thoroughly investigated, it would align with numerous concrete details, leaving little room for exposure. Moreover, the clear backstory gave Cao Pojun a foundation to work with.

"Among the Lu family's youngsters, you're the only one I like. Come, follow me inside. Lei Ying and the others are here; we can have a few drinks together. Luckily, you didn't come through the front, it's packed with people, and Lord Sun's residence isn't that big, it's terribly noisy." Cao Pojun led them into the Sun residence. As he guided them, he asked without turning back, "Little Lu, who is this friend of yours?"

"Oh, this is Xiao Xingyuan from the Jinyuan Trading Company. I'm opening a shop in Anqing, and I'm very grateful to Brother Xiao for helping me navigate the various connections," Ye Tao replied.

"Mr. Xiao," Cao Pojun said, "The Lu fellow is quite an interesting person, wouldn't you agree?"

"Although young, Young Master Lu is very sophisticated in his dealings, and I have learned a great deal from him," Xiao Xingyuan quickly replied. At this moment, Xiao Xingyuan was uncertain of Ye Tao's intentions. He didn't know who this Lei Jun was, so he naturally remained as polite and accommodating as possible.

When Ye Tao and Xiao Xingyuan arrived at the courtyard behind the residence, a place for relatives and friends to relax, and Ye Tao appeared before Lei Huang, Sun Meier, Lei Ying, Liang Tang, and others, everyone was stunned. Just then, Gu Xi and Sun Boping returned to the courtyard together. Had Jin Ze not reacted quickly and pulled Gu Xi back, he would have knelt before Ye Tao in shock and excitement.

As Lei Jun introduced Xiao Xingyuan to everyone present, Lei Huang quietly whispered Ye Tao's identity into Sun Boping's ear. After that, everyone began to chat harmoniously. Lei Huang and Lei Ying certainly knew Ye Tao inside and out, and all the members of the Leiyin Demon Sect were experts at reading faces and situations. Although Sun Boping was a practical official, he had risen to the position of Minister and become a core member of the court, so naturally, he was also skilled in social niceties. As for Ye Tao, his verbal skills were remarkable. He described the simple teahouse business so vividly that everyone was eager to try it. On one hand, these people would do everything they could to help with whatever Ye Tao wanted to do. On the other hand, the teahouse itself, from its name to its various design details, was indeed very appealing.

Lei Huang immediately pulled Sun Meier, who was looking very well as she held her sleeping child, and jokingly said that they would go back. When they were in Yunzhou, Sun Meier had gotten along well with Ye Tao's family and had a good impression of this unpretentious high-ranking official. She cheerfully said, "As long as the flower tea and fruit tea taste good, it will be quite interesting. It will be a good place for the young ladies and noblewomen of Anqing to go. Nowadays, there really aren't any satisfying restaurants or eateries." Sun Meier was now full of energy, and in any case, it was still necessary and meaningful for her to return to the women's social circle in Anqing.

Ye Tao chuckled, "Although my capital is limited, the tea and fruit that I have prepared in the store may not be very diverse. I also don't have access to the top-quality tea products. However, I am quite confident that the flavors will be unique. Whenever Madam Lei has time, please let me know, and I will make careful preparations to welcome you."

Sun Meier smiled and said, "Since it hasn't officially opened yet, perhaps we should go before the opening. Young Master Lu's business acumen is truly impressive. If I bother you after the business gets busy, I'm afraid it won't be so peaceful."

Everyone present echoed her sentiments and immediately arranged to visit the store tomorrow. Xiao Xingyuan now had some understanding of Ye Tao's public relations skills. He hadn't even seen what kind of gift Ye Tao had prepared, and so far, the gift had been sent directly to the inner court without being opened. Clearly, everyone didn't care much about what it was, but this method of directly accessing the inner circle was much more reliable than formally presenting a gift and exchanging polite words. With the influence of Sun Boping, Lei Huang, and Sun Meier, even if the teahouse was a disaster, as long as the three of them said a few words, the business wouldn't be bad, especially since the Yuanyuan Teahouse (Round Garden Teahouse), which was fully prepared, was indeed remarkable.

Sun Boping stroked his beard and suddenly said, "If there's nothing important in the morning court meeting tomorrow, this old man will also go to the Yuanyuan Teahouse for lunch with everyone. A life of toil, ah. Now, there are no major events in the court, but there are countless trivial matters. With a powerful enemy outside and powerful traitors inside, what is one to do?"

Seeing that everyone's expressions were different but no one spoke, Sun Boping laughed and said, "Young Master Lu... Since you and Lei Huang, Gu Xi, Lei Jun are all old friends, and you have a good nature, I am very fond of you for coming to me, whether you ask for help or not. Now, my words carry some weight, you can rest assured and run your teahouse. If there are any problems, just send someone to tell me. I will take responsibility for anything, no matter how big."

Sun Boping's words were meaningful. He naturally knew that Ye Tao had not come to Anqing just to open a teahouse for fun, and that he was bound to cause some trouble. Although the words were a bit exaggerated in terms of the teahouse business, Ye Tao understood. He stood up, raised his teacup, and said to Sun Boping, "In that case, thank you for your kindness, my lord. I will offer a cup of tea in place of wine to toast you."

The two drank it all without hesitation, looking at each other with cunning gleams in their eyes.