Li Muzhan accepted the bank notes, a thick stack of them, in denominations of one hundred and one thousand taels. Counting them up, he found a total of thirty thousand taels—a truly staggering sum.
Li Muzhan thanked Sima Li and offered him a thousand-tael note. Sima Li started, his smile vanishing instantly, and he hurriedly waved his hands away. “Absolutely not, absolutely not! You frighten me!”
Li Muzhan chuckled. “Sima has worked hard; this is a small token, nothing more than a gesture of respect.”
Sima Li’s face suddenly darkened, and he reprimanded, “Mingkong, what are you doing? I am a military Sima, tasked with military law. How can I accept such money?”
Li Muzhan laughed softly. “Sima, please do not be anxious. This money came easily, so it doesn’t pain me to spend it. Rather than letting it vanish like flowing water, it’s better to share a little with those close to me.”
“Nonsense,” Sima Li snorted coldly. “You risked your life for this; how can you squander it so carelessly? ... Go to Tianlong City and buy a few residences; you can secure a stable income when you retire.”
“Yes, thank you, Sima,” Li Muzhan replied with a beaming, almost mischievous grin.
Sima Li shook his head. “You monks are truly carefree... Alright, I’m leaving.”
Li Muzhan saw him off, a slight smile playing on his lips.
The morning sun bathed the training grounds. Horses surged like dragons, and men moved like tigers, their sturdy steeds galloping wildly, the riders issuing roaring shouts—it was a scene of vibrant commotion.
Li Muzhan watched for a few moments, sensing the abundant vitality.
Though his earlier action had been rather abrupt, it wasn't entirely without merit. At the very least, his relationship with Sima Li had become significantly closer. Whether the Sima accepted the money was one matter; whether Li Muzhan offered it was another—courtesy never hurt.
Sima Li was indeed an uncommon man; no wonder everyone held him in such high regard. He appeared genial and easygoing, yet beneath the surface, he was utterly upright and impartial, a true dispenser of stern justice.
This mantle of righteous spirit naturally commanded awe.
Zhao Shengli spurred his horse over, reining it in sharply. The black steed halted instantly. He laughed loudly from the saddle. “Haha! Monk, why was Sima Li here?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “Delivering silver... How about we head to Tianlong City?”
“Excellent!” Zhao Shengli was delighted. “It happens to be a day off today. Let’s go to the Changping Tower, and Monk, you're buying the first round!”
Li Muzhan readily agreed. Zhao Shengli turned, wheeled his horse around, and rode off, signaling the others.
After breakfast, the eight of them set out. Seven rode magnificent black horses, looking exceedingly proud. As they passed onlookers whose gazes were filled with envy, they held their heads high, puffed up with self-satisfaction.
Li Muzhan still rode Chiying. Although Chiying lacked the imposing presence of the seven black horses—being a bit shorter and leaner—its speed, enhanced by the internal flow of Neili, allowed it to handle the pace with effortless grace, easily surpassing the others.
Since that day, during his spare moments, Li Muzhan had devised a cultivation technique specifically tailored for Chiying, designed to suit its specific needs. Though he felt slightly reckless in doing so, he was immensely excited by the endeavor.
Chiying proved extremely intelligent. After Li Muzhan helped circulate the energy a few times, the horse memorized the method and continuously channeled its Neili. It had now established a decent foundation.
While it might not rival the capabilities of a master martial artist, it was more than sufficient for dispelling fatigue and accelerating its pace.
Their horses were fast, and by noon, they reached Tianlong City, right at lunchtime.
The eight men led their horses into the city, gazing at the weaving, dense crowds. Xiong Sihai remarked, “At this hour, Changping Tower might be fully booked.”
“Let’s go look,” Zhao Shengli chuckled. “Brother Sihai, you carry weight; just say the word. Surely they wouldn’t dare refuse you a spot?”
Xiong Sihai gave a wry smile. “Commander Zhao, you flatter me too much. Changping Tower has deep backing; no one’s influence works there. Forget me, even the Governor wouldn't dare throw his weight around in the Changping Tower.”
“It’s not that formidable, Brother Sihai, stop being so modest,” Zhao Shengli waved his hand dismissively.
Xiong Sihai shook his head with a bitter smile. “He who tells lies is a puppy.”
“Monk, what should we do?” Zhao Shengli turned to Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Let’s go see first. If there’s no room, we’ll go elsewhere.”
“That’s putting too much pressure on the situation,” Zhao Shengli shook his head.
Li Muzhan chuckled. “Then I’ll send someone ahead to scout the situation.”
“Perfect... Li Zi, you go,” Zhao Shengli clapped his hands together and turned to Li Baolu.
“On it!” Li Baolu agreed enthusiastically.
He possessed a great passion for running errands, responding instantly to any call. Over time, he had developed legs as swift as any, allegedly matching the speed of their finest steeds, according to Zhao Shengli.
Li Muzhan said, “Li Zi, if there’s a place, you don’t need to return. If there isn't, come back.”
“Got it!” Li Baolu swung onto his horse, mounted his magnificent black steed, and slowly threaded his way through the crowd, gradually moving into the distance. His silhouette radiated smug satisfaction, as pedestrians frequently cast envious glances his way.
Li Muzhan and the others smiled, led their horses slowly, and headed toward Changping Tower.
Changping Tower was not far from the South City Gate. Li Baolu had vanished from sight, confirming to the others that the Tower likely still had space. They weren't in a hurry, moving slowly, taking in the surroundings as they walked.
There were vendors selling snacks, trinkets, and all manner of goods, dazzling the eye. Zhao Shengli laughed. “Monk, you’re rich now! Buy anything that catches your fancy.”
Li Muzhan replied with a smile, “I plan to buy a residence in the city, so we have a steady place to stay when we have time off.”
Xiong Sihai’s eyes immediately lit up. “Buy a residence? That’s excellent!”
Li Muzhan asked, “Do you know of any for sale?”
“Great Monk, what a coincidence,” Xiong Sihai nodded eagerly. “There’s a residence for sale in the Qingshui Ward. I hear it’s excellent, but unfortunately, it’s a bit pricey.”
“How much silver?” Li Muzhan inquired.
“At least ten thousand taels,” Xiong Sihai stated.
A collective gasp echoed, and Xiao He shook his head. “Good heavens, ten thousand taels.”
Li Muzhan pondered for a moment. “Hmm... we’ll go take a look after we eat.”
“My word, Great Monk, you’ve struck it rich!” Xiao He’s small eyes widened, staring fixedly at Li Muzhan. “Ten thousand taels—I couldn’t earn that in a lifetime!”
Li Muzhan laughed. “Just a windfall. Without this luck, I wouldn’t earn that much in a lifetime either.”
Ten thousand taels of silver was an unattainable figure in the eyes of ordinary people. Even with their generous military pay, ten thousand taels remained far out of reach.
“Monk, just how much money did you acquire?” Zhao Shengli asked, unable to suppress his curiosity, though he knew he shouldn't inquire.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Thirty thousand taels.”
“Good heavens!” Xiao He exclaimed, his eyes huge, and the others were similarly stunned into silence.
“Ah... thirty thousand taels...” Zhao Shengli sighed deeply, his eyes gleaming. “Thirty thousand taels—think of how many cured pork knuckles we could eat!”
He was particularly fond of the Crystal Pork Knuckle dish, but it was exceedingly expensive; he could only afford to dream of it and recall the taste from past moments.
Li Muzhan continued cheerfully, “I plan to buy two residences: one on the main street to set up a small shop, and one inside the district for us to use as a base.”
“That’s a great idea,” everyone nodded in agreement.
Li Muzhan elaborated, “That should use up about twenty thousand taels, leaving us one thousand taels each for business ventures. We’ll divide the profits based on these shares... We might not become rich magnates, but having our food and clothing secured will be no problem.”
“Haha, Monk, you’ve thought this through thoroughly,” Zhao Shengli laughed heartily, nodding. “This way, we’ll have no worries about the future!”
“Monk, perhaps this isn't quite right...” Cai Yuzhang hesitated.
Zhao Shengli laughed. “Little Cai, stop being so aloof. We absolutely must accept the kindness the Monk is offering.”
Cai Yuzhang gave a helpless, wry smile. “To gain without effort, it truly is...”
Li Muzhan smiled warmly. “Wealth is external; our bond is deep. If this windfall can bring everyone happiness, it is an act of immeasurable merit.”
Amidst chatter and laughter, they arrived before the Changping Tower. Several attendants rushed out, took charge of their horses, and ushered them inside with great warmth.
One familiar face emerged—the same attendant who had served them previously.
Seeing the group, his expression shifted slightly, and he hurried over, bowing deeply and saying with eager hospitality, “Esteemed military officers, please come inside quickly—”
“Is Thirteenth Lady still here?” Xiong Sihai inquired.
The attendant displayed a look of difficulty. “Master Xiong, Thirteenth Lady has finished her performance for today.”
“Has she left?” Xiong Sihai pressed.
The attendant replied, “I will go check. It depends entirely on Thirteenth Lady’s decision; if she’s gone, please do not blame me, Master Xiong.”
Xiong Sihai fixed him with a stare and tossed him a silver ingot. “Less nonsense... Go tell her we’ve arrived and invite her down for a talk. Even if she won’t sing, it’s fine.”
“Yes, sir, right away!” The attendant spun on his heel and dashed off.
“Commander Zhao, Monk, over here!” Just as they reached the second floor, Li Baolu’s head popped out of a private room, waving his hands frantically.
The group entered the room—coincidentally, it was the very same one they had occupied before.
Li Muzhan surveyed the space. The doors, windows, furniture, tables, chairs, and beds had all been replaced; they were gleaming and brand new. Li Muzhan stepped forward to examine the walls; they had been repaired and freshly painted.
Everyone sat down. Zhao Shengli chided, “Li Zi, you’re clueless. Why this room again?”
Li Baolu looked wronged. “Commander Zhao, this was the only room left! I managed to fight hard to secure it; if I’d been a moment later, someone else would have snatched it!”
“You...” Zhao Shengli shook his head.
Xiong Sihai chuckled, shaking his head too. “Commander Zhao, don't worry, it’s not that ominous.”
“Luck is something you can’t dismiss,” Zhao Shengli insisted, his expression solemn. “This room is somehow cursed for us; nothing good ever comes of entering this space.”
“That’s terrible talk,” Xiong Sihai laughed.
Zhao Shengli quickly smacked his own cheek. “Pah, pah! Forgive my careless words!”
The group erupted in laughter. Feng Dakun quipped, “Commander Zhao, you’re the father of children now!”
Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, there came a soft knocking—“Bo, bo”—on the door. Two people entered. Leading the way was a figure of exquisite grace, swaying gently like a willow branch in the breeze—it was Thirteenth Lady herself.
She wore a light yellow silk gown, her features exquisitely soft, her smile gentle. “Little Master, Master Zhao, Master Xiong, long time no see. This humble woman pays her respects.”
Her countenance, radiant as snow, instantly brightened the room upon entry. Her smile was like a burst of reflected snowlight, making everything glow, leaving the men momentarily mesmerized.
Li Muzhan watched her with clear, penetrating eyes, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
The other seven looked at her with expressions of intoxication, their gazes unfocused, as if looking far beyond her.
Thirteenth Lady met his clear gaze and smiled charmingly. “The Little Master’s mental fortitude is truly profound. I admire it.”
“Thirteenth Lady, perhaps you should leave them be,” Li Muzhan said with a smile, picking up a large bowl.
“I’ll fetch the wine immediately,” the attendant said quickly.
His back was to Thirteenth Lady, so he missed her smile. Seeing Zhao Shengli and the others in such a daze didn't strike him as strange; he was accustomed to such scenes.
“I trouble you,” Li Muzhan nodded, sitting down heavily in command. He gestured: “Thirteenth Lady, please sit.”
Thirteenth Lady settled down gracefully, her movements fluid. “This humble woman heard that there is a young hero in the Valiant Cavalry Camp who single-handedly saved his comrades, slaying twenty Black Eagle Riders... Is that the Little Master?”
Li Muzhan nodded and smiled faintly. “It was I. Please forgive my presumption.”
“My apologies, my apologies,” Thirteenth Lady rose and gave a solemn bow. “Although this humble woman knows nothing of state or military affairs, I am well aware of the cruelty of the Black Eagle Riders. The Little Master’s valor in upholding our nation’s honor is truly commendable and admirable.”
Li Muzhan smiled. The attendant brought in two jars of wine. Li Muzhan cleared his throat lightly, and the seven men started as if waking from a trance.
Glancing around, they looked slightly embarrassed, having lost their composure in the presence of such beauty.
“Come, let’s first have a bowl of wine,” Zhao Shengli seized the wine jar, broke the seal, filled everyone’s large bowls, and raised his own. “To the Monk’s great victory, let’s drink this bowl down!”
After drinking the first bowl, everyone set their large bowls down and became somewhat reserved again, still subdued by Thirteenth Lady’s radiance.
Zhao Shengli straightened his clothing and, adopting a refined manner, said courteously, “Thirteenth Lady, please join us. Today, we won’t be listening to music; we’ll just be eating.”
Thirteenth Lady pursed her lips into a smile and glanced sidelong at Li Muzhan. “Is that appropriate?”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly and turned to look out the window at the scenery.
He suddenly froze, spotting a familiar face—the woman from the Fan Family Escort Agency.
Thirteenth Lady moved gracefully toward Li Muzhan, trailing a faint, subtle fragrance. Xiong Sihai quickly shifted his position to make space, and the others followed suit.
She leaned her delicate body forward, following the direction of Li Muzhan’s gaze, and saw several people outside slowly walking, parting the pedestrians, surrounding a single woman.
“Does the Little Master recognize her?” Thirteenth Lady asked softly, smiling.
Li Muzhan turned to look at her. “Yes, I’ve met her once.”
Thirteenth Lady smiled radiantly. “Miss Fan is renowned in Tianlong City as a formidable heroine. This humble woman admires her greatly.”
“Is that so?” Li Muzhan nodded, noncommittally, then turned back to the others with a smile. “Shall we have another bowl?”
Zhao Shengli laughed heartily. “Fine! Monk, we’ve never tested your tolerance for drink. Come, drink up!”
He suddenly reverted to his rugged self, dropping the pretense of refinement. He had realized that Thirteenth Lady was clearly taken with the Monk. Compared to the Monk, he himself was like heaven and earth; he might as well give up hope, and so he suddenly relaxed, letting loose.