Li Muzhan also gifted Jin Qiaoqiao two yellow blossoms that evening, while Lin Ping presented four, instantly taking the lead. He ascended the stage himself to place them on Jin Qiaoqiao's head.

Jin Qiaoqiao's face was like frosted ice; she didn't spare Lin Ping a glance. Yet, Lin Ping beamed, entirely unconcerned, appearing deeply affectionate, composed, and magnanimous.

The crowd secretly smirked but dared not laugh out loud. Some thought this Young Master Lin was indulging in self-deception, that he stood no chance, for no matter how powerful he was, he couldn't outweigh the City Guard.

Others felt Miss Qiaoqiao was trying too hard to hide her feelings, that she had already taken a liking to Young Master Lin and was deliberately feigning indifference to avoid misunderstanding, attributing it to a charming girlish shyness. Li Muzhan sat beside Wan Niang, smiling as he watched Lin Ping, shaking his head inwardly.

People from the Jade Cold Palace never truly opened their hearts; though their smiles bloomed like fresh flowers, their hearts were as cold as ice. This stemmed from their cultivation methods and the strict education they received; they were inherently wary, even hostile, toward men.

To genuinely move them was impossible for ordinary people; it required a unique convergence of fate. Never mind trying to win favor with wealth—even true sincerity could not exchange for true affection.

It was truly regrettable that Lin Ping remained oblivious to this. As he descended the stage, Jin Qiaoqiao suddenly glanced this way, her eyes meeting Li Muzhan’s.

Wan Niang pursed her lips and smiled, "Mr. Jiang, it seems Miss Qiaoqiao takes a liking to you!" Li Muzhan couldn't help but laugh, "Wan Niang, don't joke.

Heh heh, I have no looks, no talent, and no influence. I dare not harbor any extravagant hopes!" Wan Niang lightly chuckled behind her sleeve, raising her pitcher to refill his wine cup.

"You men simply don't understand the hearts of women!" Li Muzhan took the cup and laughed, "I may not understand women's hearts, but I do know that seeking benefit and avoiding harm is fundamental human nature, wouldn't you agree?" Wan Niang smiled, "Young Master Lin has great power, but in Miss Qiaoqiao's eyes, that means nothing." "Heh heh..." Li Muzhan took a sip of wine, merely shaking his head and smiling. Jin Qiaoqiao lodging herself in a brothel clearly aimed at something more significant than mere romantic entanglement.

Furthermore, his current appearance—a destitute scholar struggling to turn his life around—held nothing that could truly capture a heart. Wan Niang smiled, "If you, sir, could win Miss Qiaoqiao's affection and become related to the City Guard, even if Young Master Lin were stronger, he wouldn't dare provoke you." "Oh?" Li Muzhan suddenly grew interested and laughed, "Is the City Guard that formidable?" "The City Guard is the master of this city," Wan Niang replied with a smile.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "I hear our Nanli has two great families, the Lin family and the Fang family. Young Master Lin is a direct disciple of the Lin family, and the Young Master of the Three Smiles Hall; would the City Guard not feel somewhat threatened?" Wan Niang smiled, "Sir, you do not know the City Guard's name, do you?" Li Muzhan shook his head, "No." "The City Guard's surname is Fang," Wan Niang said, smiling as she refilled his cup.

………………………… Li Muzhan froze, then shook his head and chuckled, understanding dawned: the City Guard was a disciple of the Fang family, no wonder he dared to come to White Cloud City. Wan Niang smiled gracefully, "Lord Fang is the eldest grandson of the main branch of the Fang family, and he is expected to succeed as the Fang family patriarch in the future.

Although Young Master Lin belongs to the Lin family, he is merely a branch of a collateral line, far inferior in status. Moreover, the common people do not fight officials; even if the Three Smiles Hall is large, they won't fare well if they anger the court." "Truly an eye-opener.

Thank you, Wan Niang," Li Muzhan said with a smile. Wan Niang pursed her lips and smiled, "As long as you don't mind me showing off my limited knowledge before an expert!" Li Muzhan waved his hands and chuckled, thinking about the relationship between the Jade Cold Palace and the Fang family; he vaguely guessed that the two families might already be allied.

This Tan Chun Pavilion might be a hidden post for the Jade Cold Palace, and Wan Niang beside him carried a faint aura that felt both familiar and strange to him. He could sense it because of Su Yunyun; otherwise, purely based on martial arts, it would have been difficult to detect.

As the two spoke in low voices, a middle-aged woman floated into the room and approached Li Muzhan, "Mr. Jiang, the Young Lady requests your presence." Li Muzhan put down his wine cup and smiled, "Doesn't Miss Qiaoqiao want to see Young Master Lin?" This woman was one of Jin Qiaoqiao’s confidantes—perhaps a wet nurse or a personal maid—but her martial arts skill was clearly formidable.

The middle-aged woman replied, "The Young Lady never sees Young Master Lin." "Very well, obedience is better than resistance." Li Muzhan stood up, cupped his hands toward Wan Niang in farewell, and departed. Reaching the third floor, the middle-aged woman pushed open the door, stepped aside with an invitation, and Li Muzhan walked into Jin Qiaoqiao’s room, finding her already seated behind a round table laden with wine and dishes.

She wore white, her flowing, dark tresses shining like black satin under the lamplight, which made her face appear even fairer and more exquisitely pure, like flawless jade. "Please, sir," she said, rising with a smile.

Li Muzhan laughed, "Being invited by Miss Qiaoqiao is truly the greatest honor." He sat opposite her. The fragrant aroma of the food made his appetite stir.

He smiled, "Why such grand hospitality?" Jin Qiaoqiao waved her hand, "Mother Yang, you may step out." "Yes, Young Lady," the middle-aged woman, Mother Yang, replied, glancing at Li Muzhan before looking toward Jin Qiaoqiao; Jin Qiaoqiao remained composed. Although Li Muzhan had his back to her, he could clearly observe her expression and smiled inwardly; it seemed Mother Yang was Jin Qiaoqiao's bodyguard.

Once she left, Li Muzhan smiled, "What does Miss Qiaoqiao wish to discuss?" Jin Qiaoqiao stared at Li Muzhan, her large, bright, moist eyes blinking slowly, as if trying to see into his heart. Li Muzhan watched her with a calm, smiling composure, unperturbed.

……………………………………………… After a long pause, she asked, "Mr. Jiang, just who are you?" Li Muzhan smiled, "Me?

Just an insignificant person. Why should Miss Qiaoqiao trouble herself over me?" Jin Qiaoqiao shook her head, "I sent a message to the Palace last night; Senior Sister Su has emerged from seclusion.

Upon hearing news of you, she insisted I find out who you are!" Li Muzhan smiled, "Merely an old acquaintance." "Sir, please just tell me!" Jin Qiaoqiao blinked her bright, captivating eyes, shimmering with captivating allure. Li Muzhan shook his head, smiling but saying nothing.

Jin Qiaoqiao's eyes darted around, and she playfully chastised, "Fine, fine, if you won't tell, then we won't speak of it. Let's drink and eat!" She rose, poured wine into Li Muzhan's silver cup, and smiled, "Mr.

Jiang, I heard some news." Li Muzhan thanked her, raised his silver cup, and smiled, "What news?" "Young Master Lin intends to kill you," Jin Qiaoqiao revealed. "Kill me?" The silver cup paused halfway to his lips.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Just because I was close to Miss Qiaoqiao... he wants to kill someone?" Jin Qiaoqiao sighed, "In the eyes of these young masters from great families, human lives are as cheap as ants.

Anyone who obstructs them will be eliminated without hesitation." Li Muzhan frowned, "Is there no law at all?" Jin Qiaoqiao offered a wry smile, "Sir, you truly are... The law governs the common folk.

How can it possibly restrain people like them? Furthermore, even if there were a law to punish them, it wouldn't reach their level; someone else would always step forward to claim responsibility." Li Muzhan conceded, "That's true.

I was too naive." Jin Qiaoqiao smiled, "Sir, this meal serves as my apology. After eating, you must leave the city immediately and not return!" Li Muzhan burst out laughing, "Am I to leave in such a disgraced manner?" Jin Qiaoqiao said earnestly, "Sir, as the saying goes, as long as the green hills remain, there will be wood to burn.

This is White Cloud City, and the Lin family holds great sway. You should avoid trouble; a wise man does not stand under a crumbling wall, right?" Li Muzhan shook his head, "I refuse to believe that.

I want to see just how arrogant the Lin family is, daring to kill someone over such a trivial matter." Jin Qiaoqiao frowned deeply, "Sir!" Li Muzhan waved his hand and laughed, "Though I am just a scholar, I have practiced some swordplay. I possess the ability to protect myself." Jin Qiaoqiao laughed, "Sir is certainly skilled, but how does he compare to the Three Smiles Hall?" Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, shook his head, and admitted, "The Three Smiles Hall is full of masters; I am inferior." Jin Qiaoqiao pressed, "Then that's good.

If Young Master Lin sends masters from the Three Smiles Hall, can you resist them?" "Mmm..." Li Muzhan pondered, shaking his head with a sigh, "No." "If that is the case, why are you being so stubborn? Come on, leave!" Jin Qiaoqiao urged with heartfelt sincerity.

Li Muzhan inwardly smiled; he was testing Jin Qiaoqiao, seeing how patient she could be. …………………………………… Li Muzhan thought for a moment, then slowly nodded, "Since Miss Qiaoqiao insists, I, Jiang, agree!" Jin Qiaoqiao sighed in relief, quickly saying, "Good!

Sir, your ability to make decisions so freely is truly admirable. Qiaoqiao respects you.

A toast to you!" Li Muzhan touched his silver cup to hers, smiled, and drained the contents. They chatted and laughed heartily.

Li Muzhan ate with gusto; the wine and dishes were exquisite, showing great thought had been put into them. Jin Qiaoqiao’s smile bloomed like a flower.

They chatted animatedly about everything and nothing, enjoying the harmonious atmosphere. Just as they were laughing, footsteps suddenly sounded, followed by a knock on the door, "Young Lady, Young Master Lin insists on seeing you." Jin Qiaoqiao stopped her chopsticks with irritation and waved her hand dismissively, "Tell him no, Mother Yang.

Tell him I'm tired and retiring for the night!" She had drunk two cups; her jade-like skin was flushed with a tempting blush, and her large eyes were even more watery and bright, like pools of autumn water, glittering with radiance that could easily capture a man's soul. The middle-aged woman whispered, "It seems Young Master Lin is very determined.

He has also drunk quite a bit, Miss... Perhaps you should see him, lest this cause a great disturbance!" "Hmph, this is the Tan Chun Pavilion.

If he causes trouble, we'll just throw him out!" Jin Qiaoqiao said impatiently. The middle-aged woman lowered her voice, "Miss!" Li Muzhan frowned, saying nothing; anything he said now would be inappropriate.

Jin Qiaoqiao snorted stubbornly, "No, no seeing him!" The middle-aged woman whispered, "Miss, let me go in and speak with him!" "Come in then!" Jin Qiaoqiao huffed irritably. The middle-aged woman gently pushed the door open and tiptoed in, approaching Jin Qiaoqiao, nodding apologetically toward Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded, "Miss Qiaoqiao, let's end today's banquet here. Mountains don't move, but rivers flow; we shall surely meet again." "No, sir, don't leave yet!" Jin Qiaoqiao quickly reached out to stop him.

Seeing her resolute expression, Li Muzhan did not insist further and sat back down, smiling at the two women. The middle-aged woman whispered, "Miss, Young Master Lin is being unreasonable downstairs.

If he continues to make a scene, it will cause serious trouble. A few words from you, Miss, should make him leave obediently.

Nanny Li has been pleading with me to ask you." "...Hmph, what if I fail to persuade him, what if he is rude? Nanny Li doesn't consider that?" Jin Qiaoqiao's beautiful face turned cold, and sheed heavily.

"It's alright, Nanny Li and the others are there," Mother Yang said with a slight smile. "I don't wish to see this person!" Jin Qiaoqiao stated coolly.

Seeing her resolve, Mother Yang knew it was unchangeable and sighed, "Alright, I shall obey the Young Lady. I will go speak with Nanny Li." With that, she nodded to Li Muzhan and quietly withdrew, closing the door behind her.

…………………………………… Li Muzhan smiled, "It seems Young Master Lin is truly jealous!" Jin Qiaoqiao pouted disdainfully, "That's all he's capable of—a head full of straw!" Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "From what I know, this Young Master Lin is not simple. Young yet highly skilled in martial arts, his future is boundless—he is hardly a fool!" Jin Qiaoqiao scoffed, "His aptitude is indeed good, but he lacks ambition.

Everyone knows he entered the Star Lake Lodge last time, only to be expelled in the end!" Li Muzhan's eyebrows shot up, "He was actually expelled?" "Isn't that so!" Jin Qiaoqiao huffed, waving her hand, "If he had ability, how could the Star Lake Lodge have cast him out?" Li Muzhan frowned, "Did everyone know this news?" "The entirety of White Cloud City knows!" Jin Qiaoqiao stated stubbornly. Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, chewing a piece of beef slowly.

After swallowing completely, he spoke, "Logically, the Star Lake Lodge would not publicize such a matter, would they?" "The whole White Cloud City knows anyway!" Jin Qiaoqiao insisted. Li Muzhan shook his head, "This is strange.

The Star Lake Lodge wouldn't advertise it, and the Lin family certainly wouldn't. So, who spread it?" Jin Qiaoqiao gave a small laugh, "Who else could it be?" Li Muzhan raised his brow slightly and smiled, "Miss Qiaoqiao knows?" Jin Qiaoqiao said, "It's obvious once you think about it—it must have been the Star Lake Lodge's enemies doing!

They benefit from the fisherman's catch!" Li Muzhan slowly nodded, "Indeed, it must be them, profiting from the strife!" "In my opinion, the Star Lake Lodge is too bold. They should consider others' feelings; the Three Smiles Hall and the Lin family are formidable powers—are they so easy to offend?" Jin Qiaoqiao shook her head with a slight laugh, looking utterly unconvinced.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Exactly." Jin Qiaoqiao sighed, "But this is precisely what makes the Star Lake Lodge terrifying—their conduct is strict and perfectly just. Very few can achieve such a standard!" "Offending two great powers at once—the Star Lake Lodge was foolish to do that!" Li Muzhan sighed.

Jin Qiaoqiao shook her head, "I don't think so. It looks foolish on the surface, but the benefits are endless, just hidden from sight, which is why ordinary people don't notice." Li Muzhan laughed, "I am one of those ordinary people." Jin Qiaoqiao giggled, "I didn't mean that, sir!

Your learning is profound, and Qiaoqiao deeply admires you!" Li Muzhan waved his hand and smiled, "I'm not knowledgeable about the subtleties of the martial world; how about you, Miss Qiaoqiao, enlighten me?" "Alright..." Jin Qiaoqiao nodded and smiled. …………………… She was just about to speak when—BANG—a dull thud echoed, and the door was suddenly slammed open.

A figure stumbled violently inside, charging straight behind Li Muzhan. "Sir, watch out!" Jin Qiaoqiao cried out softly.

Li Muzhan quickly moved to the left, narrowly dodging the collision. The figure crashed into the table, making a loud bang, causing the entire tabletop to shake, the soup nearly spilling over.

Fortunately, the impact wasn't heavy enough to spill the soup from the two bowls; the person steadied himself against the table, halting his slide. Jin Qiaoqiao's delicate features hardened, and she said coldly, "Young Master Lin, what business do you have here!" Li Muzhan had actually detected Lin Ping's approach long ago, merely feigning ignorance.

He now stood to the side watching Lin Ping, snorting inwardly. He certainly put on a convincing act, smelling strongly of alcohol, his cheeks flushed, his eyes hazy—outwardly, he appeared to be a complete drunkard.

Such pretense could truly deceive the senses; had it not been for Li Muzhan's Void Sight observing him, he too might have been fooled by Lin Ping. Looking at Jin Qiaoqiao, she was clearly fooled, believing Lin Ping was genuinely drunk.

However, one couldn't be entirely certain; people of the Jade Cold Palace could not be underestimated; perhaps she saw through it but chose to pretend ignorance. "Hic!" Lin Ping let out a loud hiccup, instantly filling the room with the smell of liquor.

It seemed he was drinking good wine. Li Muzhan silently acknowledged the added realism, but suspected Lin Ping was genuinely somewhat inebriated; he had consumed a lot of alcohol.

Sometimes, feigning drunkenness leads to actual intoxication, much like self-hypnosis. "Qiaoqiao, why are you so intimate with this pauper?" Lin Ping struggled to swallow, forcing down the churning alcohol, glaring hard at Jin Qiaoqiao with bloodshot eyes.

Jin Qiaoqiao frowned and said coolly, "Young Master Lin, who I associate with seems to be none of your concern, does it?" "Qiaoqiao, don't you know my feelings for you?!" Lin Ping exclaimed emotionally, attempting to step forward, but Mother Yang blocked him. Lin Ping swung his hand to slap Mother Yang, but his palm froze mid-air, grasped firmly by Mother Yang's wrist—unable to withdraw or strike.

Mother Yang pulled his hand back, a faint smile on her ordinary face. "Young Master Lin, please have some self-respect.

If you act this way, the City Guard might be displeased!" Lin Ping's expression changed, and he glared fiercely at Mother Yang. A sharp shout came from behind, "Stop!" A trustworthy-looking elderly man strode into the room, swinging his palm toward Mother Yang, "How dare you be disrespectful to our Young Master!

Retreat at once!" He wore fine silks, looking like a wealthy gentleman, but his current shout carried a distinct authority. …………………………………… A surge of subtle wind moved.

Mother Yang released Lin Ping's wrist and lightly flicked her sleeve; two currents of invisible force collided, causing the surrounding silk curtains to billow as if caught in a strong gust. Mother Yang glanced at the old man, gave a cold snort, and said no more, merely stepping back behind Jin Qiaoqiao.

Jin Qiaoqiao frowned, glanced coldly at the old man, and sneered faintly, "Young Master Lin has quite the imposing manner!" Lin Ping looked somewhat sheepish and quickly waved his hand. The old man bowed and retreated to stand outside the door, shooting a glance like an electric spark at Li Muzhan before leaving.

Li Muzhan smiled, his expression placid. Jin Qiaoqiao said coldly, "Young Master Lin, Mr.

Jiang is my guest. I am entertaining him.

Why have you barged in so rudely, what is your intention?" Lin Ping, his eyes red, said sternly, "Qiaoqiao, what is wrong with me? What am I lacking compared to this pauper?

What talents does this poor scholar possess that you entertain him in your private chamber!" Jin Qiaoqiao retorted coldly, "Mr. Jiang is a man of vast learning and profound talent.

Can you compare?" "What if he is learned and talented!" Lin Ping sneered contemptuously, shaking his head, "A pauper who cannot even restrain a chicken is the most useless of all!" "And what use is a brute who only knows how to swing blades and spears?!" Jin Qiaoqiao countered with a cold laugh, not mincing words. "You only rely on your father's power to barge around recklessly.

You bring no benefit to the common people and no merit to the court. On what grounds do you speak of Mr.

Jiang like that!?" "Hmph, who relies on my father's power!" Lin Ping retorted indignantly. Jin Qiaoqiao sneered, "If it weren't for your father, would you, Young Master Lin, dare to be so arrogant in White Cloud City?

Would you dare act so presumptuously in the Tan Chun Pavilion?" Lin Ping's eyes widened, "Why wouldn't I dare!?" "If you dared, you'd already be beaten senseless and crawling on the ground like a dog!" Jin Qiaoqiao mocked mercilessly. Li Muzhan praised inwardly; Jin Qiaoqiao certainly possessed a sharp tongue.

Though Lin Ping was intelligent and quick-witted, he seemed tongue-tied in front of her. "Qiaoqiao, even without my father, with this martial arts skill, who would I have to fear!" Lin Ping asserted stubbornly.

"Without your father, would you even have this martial skill?" Jin Qiaoqiao scoffed, pouting slightly. "Without a renowned master to guide you and precious elixirs to consume, could you reach this level?

Even a pig, raised with such extravagance, wouldn't perform worse than you!" "Qiaoqiao!" Lin Ping grew genuinely annoyed. Jin Qiaoqiao waved her hand, "Enough, enough.

I don't want to waste words with you. Get lost quickly; I don't want to see you!" Lin Ping took a deep breath, turned his head, and glared viciously at Li Muzhan, "Your surname is Jiang?" Li Muzhan cupped his hands and smiled, "Jiang Hao.

Young Master Lin, I have long admired your reputation. Meeting you now, you truly are outstanding.

My apologies for my poor manners!" "Less nonsense!" Lin Ping waved his hand coldly, "Get out now!" ………………………… Li Muzhan smiled and quietly shook his head, "Whether I leave or stay doesn't seem to concern Young Master Lin, does it? Since when did the Tan Chun Pavilion become yours?" "Oh, you have quite a bit of rhetoric.

No wonder you managed to deceive Qiaoqiao!" Lin Ping's eyes widened, and he let out a cold laugh, swinging another palm strike. "Lin Ping, how dare you!" Jin Qiaoqiao cried out sharply.

Lin Ping's palm froze in mid-air. He turned back, "Qiaoqiao, why on earth are you protecting him so fiercely?"

Jin Qiaoqiao let out a delicate snort. "Who I protect is none of your business. Just know this: if you dare lay a hand on Mr. Jiang, I will never speak to you again!"

Lin Ping could only shake his head in resignation and withdrew his hand.

He turned his head, directing a cold sneer toward Li Muchen. "This 'Mr. Jiang' is quite the hero! Hiding behind a woman. I truly can't be bothered to fight someone as useless as you!" Li Muchen merely chuckled. "Young Master Lin misunderstands; Miss Qiaoqiao and I share no romantic attachment!" "Mr. Jiang!" Jin Qiaoqiao knitted her delicate brows.

Li Muchen continued, smiling easily. "However, Young Master Lin, all your scheming is in vain. Miss Qiaoqiao feels nothing but distaste for you, not a shred of affection. As the saying goes, a melon forced from the vine will never be sweet. Why must Young Master Lin insist on courting humiliation?"

"Audacious!" The honest, elderly man roared, poised to charge forward.