The teapot in the room poured out freshly brewed, steaming tea, Taiping Houkui.
Nan Shiying was slightly stunned. Xiaoman tasted a pastry. Unlike the pastries and dumplings in the capital, Fujian pastries were more glutinous, often using glutinous rice. The outer layer was coated with a layer of frosting, which had a unique flavor.
She pushed the pastry in front of Nan Shiying, "Brother, after a day of travel, have some pastries to fill your stomach."
Nan Shiying picked up a piece and put it in her mouth. Fresh fruits and pastries were laid out on the table, with a booklet standing beside a gilded plate.
Nan Shiying opened it and found it to be a kind of catalog.
It not only introduced the food, drinks, and entertainment options within Pinlan Garden in detail but also recorded the scenic spots and specialties worth visiting in Fujian City.
Xiaoman ordered dinner. Wanwan personally served the dishes, her wide sleeves billowing, her voice soft and melodious. Listening to the elegant music drifting into the room from downstairs, this Pinlan Garden truly exuded an aura of "elegance" and "nobility." It was no wonder it could establish a foothold in the prosperous Fujian City and develop into a landmark.
In the evening, Nan Shiying declined Wanwan's offer to help her bathe and sent her away.
After Xiaoman helped Nan Shiying wash up, she returned to her room. Wanwan had already washed and tidied herself up and was quietly waiting in the room.
She had changed out of her red dress and was now wearing plain clothes, her hair ornaments removed.
"Miss!"
Wanwan bowed and saluted Xiaoman.
Xiaoman raised her hand, signaling her not to be so formal. She walked to the bed and sat down, then patted the bed. "Come, sit here."
Wanwan said "Yes" and gracefully sat down beside her.
"Sister, you smell so good~"
Xiaoman leaned close to Wanwan and sniffed her deeply, then looked up at Wanwan with a look of intoxication. Wanwan was slightly stunned. She often saw this expression on young masters, but she never expected to see it on a young girl today. She felt a mix of amusement and helplessness.
Xiaoman grabbed Wanwan's hand, kicked her legs back, and slid into the bed very smoothly, pulling Wanwan onto the bed with her.
Wanwan cried out in surprise. Xiaoman flipped over and covered Wanwan's mouth with her small hand, smiling brightly. "Shh, Sister, be quieter, you'll disturb Brother."
The candlelight in the room flickered gently, casting light on Xiaoman's head from the front. Her small body almost blocked all the light, her pretty smiling face appearing in the darkness, the laughter in her eyes both bewitching and profound.
...
Ying Yi reported Xiaoman's every action to Nan Shiying word for word.
"You tied her up?" Nan Shiying didn't pay much attention to Xiaoman's actions but focused on the details. "How did you tie her?"
Ying Yi's eyes twitched slightly. Was that the point?
However, as the Princess asked, he naturally answered everything. "Reporting to Your Highness, Xiaoman tied Wanwan's hands and feet to the bed frame in a spread-eagle position."
Nan Shiying thought this child Xiaoman had something about her.
Seeing that the Princess seemed indifferent, Ying Yi couldn't understand why she still asked him to monitor the situation in real-time and report it promptly. Nan Shiying had never had children in her past life, nor had she ever taken care of any. Now, she finally understood the feeling of an old mother taking care of her child.
She didn't offer any explanation. Tapping lightly on the table, she asked, "Is this Ji Hong's business?"
Ever since entering Pinlan Garden and seeing Wanwan, Nan Shiying knew that this must be Ji Hong's establishment. Wanwan was probably a member of the Qian Guard.
Ying Yi nodded. "Yes, this is His Majesty's business."
The imperial secret guards were all from the same lineage: Ying, Xuan, Qian, and Mo. However, ordinary secret guards would probably not know the true relationship between Ji Hong and Jin Mo. Xiaoman thought Wanwan had ill intentions, so she tied her up. They were only staying here for one day anyway.
Seeing that Nan Shiying had no more to say and looked tired, Ying Yi reported the latest news to her. "The inn in Jinmen City was completely burned down. Mei Sha and Chi Sha of the Gui Sha Sect arrived at the inn on the afternoon of the day it caught fire, and the inn burned down that night."
"The secret guards found traces of Gui Sha and Chi Sha in Huxiang Town. The appearance of these two here is either to target Hui Jingxian, the owner of Juede Manor, or..."
"Changming Mountain?"
Nan Shiying raised her eyelids and looked up at Ying Yi.
Ying Yi nodded.
"What is Hui Jingxian's connection to the Gui Sha Sect?" Nan Shiying asked.
"Your subordinate does not know."
The secret guards had not heard of any connection between Hui Jingxian and the Gui Sha Sect. However, with the sudden appearance of Mei Sha and Chi Sha, judging by the timing, they certainly wouldn't have come to investigate the death of the楼主 of Wan Ku Lou. If their direction wasn't towards Hui Jingxian, it was likely towards Changming Mountain.
Nan Shiying thought for a moment and said to Ying Yi, "Then let's stay one more day and go join the fun!"
...
The twenty-third, a propitious day.
Juede Manor was bustling with guests today, consisting of wealthy merchants, powerful officials, and martial arts experts. Hui Jingxian was beaming. He had been secretly recruited by the imperial court. After today's Golden Basin Hand-washing ceremony, he would receive an imperial decree next year to serve as the garrison commander of Fujian City. At that time, the entire Juede Manor would grow stronger under the protection of the court.
Although he didn't know why His Majesty had suddenly decided to control the martial arts world, it was better to submit and become a blade in His Majesty's hand than to become a soul under the blade.
Hui Jingxian greeted the guests. Wei San hurried over and whispered something in his ear.
The brother and sister who had declined his invitation yesterday appeared at the entrance of the manor, leading their horses, seemingly arriving empty-handed.
"Distinguished guests have arrived, it is my fault for not welcoming you from afar!"
Hui Jingxian didn't mind and greeted them with a hearty laugh. He looked at the brother and sister, whose ages were not much older than his grandchildren, and his mind was filled with the scenes described by those martial artists who had personally witnessed her brutally killing the楼主 of Wan Ku Lou and Chi Zu.
"Master Hui is too kind. Today is your auspicious day for the Golden Basin Hand-washing ceremony. My brother and sister also wish to bring some good luck and join the fun. It's just that we haven't prepared any gifts, so I hope Master Hui will not blame us for our lack of manners."
Nan Shiying smiled and exchanged pleasantries. She spoke courteously, appearing like a refined and gentle noble young master, showing no trace of brutality or madness. The young girl beside her had two small pigtails on her head, looking exceptionally cute. Her chubby little face tilted upwards with a smile, her eyes curved, making one want to pinch her.
However, this girl's madness was no less than her brother's.
Hui Jingxian was quite experienced. Regardless of his thoughts, his face showed extreme honor. He personally welcomed the two inside.
In the main hall, a scholar who had been chatting with people moments ago caught a glimpse of the two devils walking in with Hui Jingxian and abruptly stopped talking.
Damn, why did these two jinxes show up???