Within the Marquis’s residence, it was magnificent and luxurious, showing that the Marquis of Zhenbei himself enjoyed a good life. From the main gate to the inner courtyard, groups of beautiful maidservants moved about like colorful butterflies.
Upon seeing Luo Ziyao enter, these maidservants scattered, their robes fluttering in the breeze. Not forgetting to cover their mouths with giggles, they cast Luo Ziyao a flirtatious glance and called out sweetly, “Welcome back to the mansion, young master…”
With each one so charming and alluring, entering this place felt like stepping into a fairyland for any man.
Ye Shu remained aloof as usual.
Yan Changlan, on the other hand, didn’t dare to look around—although he wasn’t afraid, being surrounded by so many women made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Luo Ziyao, however, was accustomed to it. After nodding to those around him, he led Yan Changlan and Ye Shu inside.
Passing through the corridor, they reached the main hall.
A burly man in a purple robe strode over and slapped Luo Ziyao’s head hard as soon as he approached. “You brat, you dare to disappear like this and only now decide to come back?”
Luo Ziyao snorted, “Father, have you lost your mind lying in the arms of women? Do you really think your son is so ignorant? This time, if it weren’t for running into these two benefactors, I wouldn’t have just come back in one piece, but my corpse might have been eaten clean by wild animals!”
The burly man became furious. “What did you say?”
Luo Ziyao sneered, “You’re just being foolish!” The burly man bore a striking resemblance to him, evidently the master of the Marquis Mansion. Ye Shu glanced over, noting the silence, understanding their lingering doubts, he refrained from speaking further. Yan Changlan’s eyes briefly glistened with a hint of moisture, revealing his current thoughts—he had once been very close to his father, but now… they were estranged. Unforgetting their two benefactors, Luo Ziyao invited them to rest in the guest courtyard while he went to the study with the Marquis of Zhenbei to discuss the matter. Once in the study, before they exchanged more than a few words, the Marquis of Zhenbei angrily exclaimed, “You want to allocate guard spots to two outsiders? Absolutely not! Opportunities like this are rare; it’s more appropriate for the children of our mansion to go. I understand your gratitude towards those two for saving your life, but there are other ways to repay such kindness without using up the spots!” Luo Ziyao retorted, “Father, isn’t my life worth two guard spots?”
The Marquis of Zhenbei paced back and forth, hands behind his back, fretting, “I don’t mean any harm! But if we give it to outsiders, it won’t benefit our mansion, which would be a great pity.” Luo Ziyao smirked, “Heh, it would be more interesting if you gave the spots to my ‘siblings’. In a few years, you’ll be collecting my corpse again, just consider this time as if I hadn’t been saved.”
The Marquis of Zhenbei grew even angrier, “What do you mean by that?”
Luo Ziyao also became angry, “What do I mean? Father, what are you thinking?” He gasped for breath, “You’ve found out too, it was those snakes and scorpions in your backyard who tried to harm me before. They hide well, so it’s hard to find them for a while. Therefore, all your women are suspects! Even if they didn’t act directly, they could have been instigating trouble, with ill intentions! If their children become my guards and gain immortality, doesn’t it mean my life can be easily disregarded, and not only will nothing happen to them, they will even benefit greatly?”
The Marquis of Zhenbei was stunned by this revelation.
After taking a deep breath, Luo Ziyao continued quickly, “I know you think that even though I have different mothers from those collateral branches, we are still blood brothers, and we should watch over and help each other in the immortal realm to benefit our mansion. But have you considered that those with malicious intentions, harming their brothers, would they truly value brotherly affection? Even if they gain power later, wouldn’t they possibly betray the mansion? They might even trample on the legitimate heirs before they are satisfied!”
The Marquis of Zhenbei was shaken.
Luo Ziyao then recounted what he had discussed with Ye Shu and Yan Changlan to the Marquis of Zhenbei, adding, “Those two were obviously just passing by, yet they were willing to lend a hand, showing they have good character. They didn’t seek to repay the favor afterwards and were willing to lend a hand again, showing even more magnanimity. Father, you didn’t notice, but those two may seem ordinary at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they give off a very different impression. I am now trying hard to build some relationship with them. If we go to the immortal realm together, they will surely make achievements. By then, if they are willing to lend me a hand, it will be excellent, much better than those ‘siblings’ who knows what they’re really thinking…”
The Marquis of Zhenbei pondered slowly.
Seeing this, Luo Ziyao knew there was hope and continued persuading him repeatedly.
In the end, the father and son reached a consensus and made a decision.
The next day, Luo Ziyao came early in the morning to find Ye Shu and Yan Changlan.
As he arrived at their guest courtyard, he heard the sound of sharp qi cutting through the air. Getting closer, he could feel a chilling aura, truly imposing.
Luo Ziyao looked up to see Yan Changlan practicing swordsmanship under a tree, while Ye Shu sat in meditation. The contrast between their movement and stillness created a sense of beauty.
After admiring for a moment, he immediately went over to greet them, “Good morning, brother Yan and brother Ye. You’re up early.”
Yan Changlan had just finished a set of sword techniques and then sheathed his sword on his back.
Ye Shu nodded slightly to Luo Ziyao.
Luo Ziyao smiled, “I spoke with my father yesterday. If I am selected, I will give the two guard spots to you both. But even if I’m not chosen, I’ll try to find a way for both of you, there might still be some chance.”
Yan Changlan clasped his fist, “Thank you, brother Luo, for your concern.”
Ye Shu also expressed his thanks.
Luo Ziyao chuckled, “You can thank me when I’m actually selected.”
Ye Shu and Yan Changlan remained silent.
After having breakfast together, upon Luo Ziyao’s enthusiastic invitation, Ye Shu and Yan Changlan joined him to explore the capital city and meet some people.
With Luo Ziyao’s genuine intentions and their own willingness, they agreed to go with him.
Once they stepped out, Luo Ziyao arranged for a carriage to pick them up.
As they rode along, they soon arrived at a bustling street.
Luo Ziyao led the two off the carriage and said, “After hearing that immortals are coming, the current emperor has specially renamed this bustling Longhua [1] Dragon Flower jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_3553089_1_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_3553089_1_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], }); Street as ‘Xianyuan [2] Immortal Fate jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_3553089_1_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_3553089_1_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], }); Street’. Ordinary citizens are no longer allowed to enter. Only the sons of officials can enter. Even the wealthiest merchants rarely have such an opportunity.”
In the capital city, most people are unaware of why this street has been renovated in this manner. However, with power centralized and controlling everything, no one questions the orders issued by the current ruler. The capital city is not limited to just one street, and this particular street is often inaccessible to the common people, so it hasn’t caused any adverse effects. As for wealthy merchants and the like, those with connections may hear some superficial information, while those without need not think much about it.
Although Ye Shu and Yan Changlan are not from noble families, with Luo Ziyao leading the way, they can enter directly without worrying about verifying their identities.
After entering the street, the group alighted from the carriage.
People bustled along the street, with beautiful women wearing thin veils and handsome young men from prominent families coming and going. Wherever the eye could see, there were either extravagantly dressed individuals or elegantly attired figures, different from what one would see outside the street.
Luo Ziyao, the son of the Marquis of Zhenbei, had previously disappeared. It was rumored that something had happened to him, causing quite a stir among the second generation in the capital. Naturally, some members of the collateral branches of the Marquis of Zhenbei’s mansion couldn’t hold back their ambitions and began to make subtle moves.
Now that Luo Ziyao had returned, he would need to make his presence known in this circle to assert the dominance of the main branch.
The best place to make an appearance was on Xianyuan Street.
Therefore, walking along this street, Luo Ziyao made no attempt to conceal himself.
Today, he wore an outfit adorned with gold thread and intricate patterns, radiant and opulent. His swagger and proud expression made him look especially flamboyant.
Yan Changlan couldn’t help but be startled at seeing this transformed version of Luo Ziyao.
Ye Shu, remaining calm, said to him, “Today, let’s just watch Luo Ziyao show off.”
Yan Changlan nodded, “Indeed, Luo Ziyao is quite impressive today.”
Such a display from Luo Ziyao naturally drew a lot of attention.
After strutting around like a peacock, he finally toned it down and proactively addressed Yan Changlan, “I apologize for neglecting you both earlier. Just got back and needed to make my presence known. Now, let me take you to a quieter place that I think you’ll like.”
—For some reason, he felt at ease around Yan Changlan, but whenever he faced Ye Shu, he always felt a bit uneasy. Therefore, he usually spoke to Yan Changlan when addressing them both.
Yan Changlan replied, “No worries, we’ll follow your lead.”
Luo Ziyao, knowing Yan Changlan was easygoing, immediately smiled, “Don’t worry, I won’t disappoint you. I’ve heard there are many good things at that place, and there might be something you both like.”
Before long, Luo Ziyao indeed led the two to a rather elegant-looking place. The sign above the door read “Yawan Pavilion,” and inside, they were greeted with tea, food, and a display of various treasures, with a particular focus on jade artifacts and curios.
Everyone on Xianyuan Street liked to gather here, and Luo Ziyao had been here a few times. As soon as he stepped inside, he was respectfully welcomed.
Ye Shu and Yan Changlan took a quick look around and could tell that considerable effort had been put into this place. In front of many large wooden shelves, numerous elegantly dressed individuals were admiring various treasures and occasionally engaging in quiet conversations, creating a serene atmosphere.
Upon entering, many recognized Luo Ziyao and greeted him with slight nods.
Ye Shu, however, picked up on a faintly familiar female voice amidst the hushed conversations near the shelves.
Could it be… that daughter of the Wei family?
References[+]