Li Muzhan smiled, saying nothing more, knowing she was reluctant but powerless.

It was a choice between serving men aboard the Hundred Flowers Boat or becoming a concubine.

Better to serve one man than to smile for many.

She had come to this point with no other path, and Li Muzhan’s gentle, jade-like demeanor offered a sliver of hope.

Mother Xu glanced at Xiuxiu and sighed, "Xiuxiu, serve Master Xu well.

Reaching this stage is already a great fortune; you must be content and accept your fate!" "Yes, Mother Xu," Xiuxiu nodded softly.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Mother Xu, how many performances are scheduled for tonight?" Mother Xu laughed enchantingly, "Master He can order the performances himself.

If you order nothing, all ten will be presented in sequence, and then it will be the Master's personal selection." "Oh..." Li Muzhan nodded and smiled, "Ten performances—how late will that run?" "Until midnight, perhaps..." Mother Xu chuckled, "By then, everyone will be tired, and it will be time for rest." Li Muzhan smiled, "Very well, I shall watch with great interest then." Mother Xu bowed respectfully, toasted Li Muzhan, and departed.

Li Muzhan watched the performances with keen enjoyment, while Xiuxiu served him with even greater diligence, frequently offering him fruits or pouring wine to his lips.

As he admired the show, Li Muzhan observed Fan Pingye, contemplating how to provoke Fan Pingye’s anger and incite his killing intent.

Time flew by unnoticed.

Li Muzhan marveled at the supreme artistry of the Hundred Flowers Boat's acts; both the dances and songs were top-tier, utterly captivating.

In what felt like the blink of an eye, midnight had passed, and the ten performances concluded.

Mother Xu drifted gracefully onto the stage, letting out a soft laugh.

Her bright eyes swept over the guests, utterly bewitching, as she announced, "Gentlemen, the final segment has arrived." Li Muzhan chuckled, "Mother Xu, don't keep us in suspense, let's begin!" Mother Xu covered her mouth and giggled, feigning shyness, "Heh heh, Master He is a straightforward man.

Very well, this humble woman will not delay.

Little Feng, Mingyu, Yuya—these three possess skills tonight." Her bright eyes flickered, and she smiled, "Let’s start with Little Feng.

Which master wishes to spend the long night accompanying Little Feng?" "One hundred taels!" an old man raised his hand.

"Two hundred taels!" another middle-aged man grunted heavily.

A wealthy merchant in his middle years raised his hand: "Three hundred taels!" "Five hundred taels!" a handsome youth declared, his eyes blazing with sharp intensity, staring fixedly at those around him as if harboring an irreconcilable feud.

Fan Pingye lazily raised his hand slightly: "One thousand taels!" The surrounding guests instantly paused, turning to look at him.

This was no small sum.

One thousand taels—the exact price Li Muzhan paid for Xiuxiu, a woman of such pure beauty—was already astronomical, which was why Mother Xu had been beaming with unconcealed delight.

———— Fan Pingye glanced around nonchalantly, appearing utterly unconcerned.

The others remained silent.

Besides Little Feng, there were two more women.

Although Little Feng was the most beautiful of the three, spending such an exorbitant amount was unnecessary; normally, six or seven hundred taels would suffice.

Though outwardly indifferent, Fan Pingye was inwardly smug.

He had long admired Little Feng’s reputation and yearned to be her intimate companion.

Today, he finally had the chance to realize his desire!

As he daydreamed, his eyes glowed, picturing himself embracing Little Feng on the couch, indulging in rapturous pleasure.

Just as his fantasies peaked, a lazy voice interjected: "One thousand one hundred taels!" Fan Pingye whipped his head around, glaring.

He saw Li Muzhan, seated to his left, raising his hand with a lazy smile, meeting his gaze with a distinct air of provocation.

Fan Pingye frowned, glaring coldly, and raised his hand: "One thousand two hundred taels!" Li Muzhan smiled and raised his hand: "One thousand three hundred taels!" "One thousand four hundred taels!" Fan Pingye commanded sternly.

Li Muzhan still smiled, raising his hand: "One thousand nine hundred taels!" "...Two thousand taels!" Fan Pingye hesitated, finally gritting his teeth and huffing out the sum.

Li Muzhan withdrew his hand and shook his head.

Mother Xu immediately chuckled sweetly, "What extravagance, Master Fan!

Wonderful, two thousand taels!

Master Fan truly cherishes Little Feng!" Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head again: "Two thousand taels...

tsk, tsk!" Fan Pingye secretly ground his teeth, wishing he could run Li Muzhan through with his sword right then, but the setting was entirely wrong.

If he acted rashly, he would reap only bitter consequences.

He could sense the unfathomable depth of the two elders at the bow of the ship; he was clearly no match for them.

If a fight broke out, he wouldn't gain any advantage, forced instead to swallow this bitter humiliation, though his hatred for Li Muzhan burned intensely.

Mother Xu laughed sweetly, "Next is Mingyu.

I won't say much more.

Gentlemen, please proceed!" Li Muzhan extended a hand and stated directly: "One thousand taels!" "One thousand taels!" Mother Xu giggled playfully, "It seems Master He is determined to find a beauty to accompany him through the night; how generous!" Li Muzhan smiled, "Mother Xu is correct.

It’s rare for me to visit; how can I return empty-handed?" Mother Xu sweetly replied, "Master He should visit often!" Li Muzhan said, "That depends on the opportunity; it’s not easy for me to come here even once!" "One thousand one hundred taels!" a merchant said grimly.

Li Muzhan countered immediately: "One thousand five hundred taels!" The crowd stiffened, glaring at Li Muzhan with a mixture of resentment and anger; his interference had completely ruined their plans.

Li Muzhan smiled, casting a look over the assembly, especially at Fan Pingye, seeming to challenge him with a grin.

Fan Pingye’s temper flared instantly, and he snorted angrily: "Two thousand taels!" "Oh, two thousand taels!" Mother Xu feigned shock, then covered her mouth, giggling, "Master Xu has quite an appetite tonight!

You want both Little Feng and Mingyu to accompany you?

This is the first time!

Master Xu is truly formidable!" ———— The remark caused Fan Pingye's spine to straighten instantly.

No man could resist such lavish praise from a woman as exquisitely vibrant as Mother Xu.

Li Muzhan lazily extended his hand: "Two thousand five hundred taels!" "Two thousand five hundred taels?!" Mother Xu gasped in surprise.

Li Muzhan pulled two bank notes from his robes and showed them to her.

Mother Xu hurried to say, "Master He, why must you go to such lengths?" Li Muzhan smiled broadly, "The purpose of coming out to play is to enjoy ourselves thoroughly.

Two thousand five hundred taels—if Mother Xu agrees, I will pay the notes immediately!" "Wait!" Fan Pingye commanded sharply, his tone turning cold, "Three thousand taels!" "Th-three thousand taels?" Mother Xu’s expression shifted slightly as she stammered, "Master Fan, this..." Li Muzhan laughed, "Truly generous.

Very well, I cannot match three thousand taels; I yield it to you!" Fan Pingye snorted coldly.

Li Muzhan then smiled, "Brother Fan, did you bring enough silver?" "That’s none of your concern!" Fan Pingye shot him a look, then drawled lazily, "If you don't bring enough money to go out, you shouldn't bother, lest you make a fool of yourself." Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head.

"I rather want to see how much silver you actually have left.

Come on, Mother Xu, the last one—I bid three thousand taels directly!" "Today is truly a fine day!" Mother Xu chirped sweetly, quickly announcing, "Gentlemen, is there anyone willing to bid higher than three thousand taels?" Li Muzhan looked at Fan Pingye with a knowing smile: "Does Master Fan have enough silver?" Fan Pingye sneered, "Three thousand five hundred taels!" Li Muzhan countered: "Four thousand taels!" "Four thousand five hundred taels!" Fan Pingye stated calmly.

Li Muzhan paused in thought, then said gravely, "Five thousand taels!" Fan Pingye sneered, "Five thousand five hundred taels!" Li Muzhan spread his hands and shook his head.

"I’m done playing!

...

Master Fan, enjoy it all yourself.

Ten thousand taels for one night—truly spending lavishly!

I am impressed!" Everyone stared at the two, somewhat dumbfounded, especially at Li Muzhan, who had effortlessly extracted himself from the bidding war.

People were beginning to sense that Li Muzhan had done this intentionally.

Fan Pingye sneered, "You, surnamed He, were merely trifling with this Fan, weren't you?!" Li Muzhan shook his head, frowning slightly, "Brother Fan, you have it backward.

I wanted to enjoy Little Feng's favors, but you insisted on opposing me at every turn.

Consider this the price." "You deliberately caused trouble at the end?!" Fan Pingye asked coldly.

Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow, shaking his head.

"Brother Fan, you already have Little Feng; why are you so greedy, wanting to eat all the meat and drink all the soup, leaving nothing for the rest of us?" "This old man wants to feast alone, what of it?!" Fan Pingye sneered, curling his lip.

"Kid, you better keep your wits about you, lest you invite trouble upon yourself." Li Muzhan smiled lazily, "Is Master Fan threatening me?" "Hmph, you think too highly of yourself!" Fan Pingye waved a dismissive hand with a cold smile.

"Forget it, I can’t waste any more time with you.

Time is precious; Mother Xu, let's go!" "Master Fan, this way please!" Mother Xu hurriedly smiled sweetly and gracefully led him up to the second floor.

The remaining guests exchanged glances, finally shaking their heads in resignation, and followed upstairs.

Without companions, they were left to endure the long night alone.

———— A moment later, Mother Xu descended the stairs and approached Li Muzhan, whispering, "Master He, would you like to take a small boat and leave first?" Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "What does Mother Xu mean by that?" Mother Xu lowered her voice, "Master He, this Master Fan is not an easy man to deal with.

He might seek trouble with you tomorrow.

In this servant’s view, Master He should perhaps avoid him for now." Li Muzhan scoffed, "Is Mother Xu looking down on me?" Mother Xu quickly waved her hands, glancing towards Xiuxiu, "Master He, to speak plainly, whatever happens between you and Master Fan is of no consequence to this humble woman, is it?" Li Muzhan smiled, "Then why does Mother Xu concern herself with this?" Mother Xu replied, "Firstly, we cannot have trouble on our boat.

Secondly, there is Xiuxiu.

If you and Master Fan come to blows, what if Xiuxiu is hurt!" Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "Why would he argue with a mere woman?" Mother Xu sighed, "Master He, this servant has no other skills, but my eyes can read people.

Master Fan is no gentle soul; if a fight breaks out, he won't care about gender!" Li Muzhan smiled, nodded, "Since that is the case, I shall heed Mother Xu's advice.

Xiuxiu and I will leave now!" "That is good!

That is very good!" Mother Xu nodded repeatedly.

Li Muzhan knew she was exaggerating somewhat, but he was too lazy to argue—it was easier to play the fool.

Xiuxiu stood silently beside Li Muzhan, perfectly demure.

Mother Xu quickly left and returned shortly, beckoning with her delicate hand.

Li Muzhan said, "Xiuxiu, come with me." "Yes, Young Master," Xiuxiu replied in a low voice.

The two left the main hall and soon reached the bow.

Two elders, one tall and one short, stood silently, gazing down at a small boat moored beneath them.

Seeing the pair emerge, the taller elder said, "I will take them across!" With that, he deftly grasped the belt at Li Muzhan’s waist, and with his other hand, seized Xiuxiu's sash.

He floated gracefully down onto the small boat, setting both down steadily.

Li Muzhan smiled, adjusted his belt, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, "Many thanks, old man!" The taller elder looked deeply at him: "Look after yourself!" Li Muzhan knew he was referring to Fan Pingye, and he smiled, "I shall, thank you for your concern, Elder." "I hope you can make it back here," the tall elder shook his head and drifted back to the larger vessel.

———— Mother Xu stood on the big boat and murmured, "Master He, we cannot escort you personally.

Xiuxiu can row; you must leave quickly." Xiuxiu looked at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan cupped his hands, smiling gently, "I will remember Mother Xu's kindness; I shall visit again in the future!" "Master He, take care!" Mother Xu gave a light laugh and bowed deeply.

Li Muzhan said gently, "Xiuxiu, start rowing." Xiuxiu nodded, took up the oars, and sat at the side of the small boat.

With a gentle push, the skiff slowly pulled away from the Hundred Flowers Boat.

The river surface was quiet, with only occasional boat lanterns visible; everyone else was asleep by now, even the revelers on the flower boats were weary.

The small boat skimmed across the water, slowly heading toward the city.

Li Muzhan had told her the location of his residence, and Xiuxiu nodded.

The boat gracefully entered the city, winding through several turns before finally docking at the shore right outside Li Muzhan's gate.

The two disembarked from the skiff and went to the entrance of Li Muzhan's house.

He opened the lock and pushed the door open, while Xiuxiu took in the property.

Inside, the absence of servants surprised Xiuxiu.

As he walked deeper, Li Muzhan smiled, "Xiuxiu, start looking for servants tomorrow, and get this place properly managed!" "Yes, Master!" Xiuxiu responded obediently, a flicker of excitement showing on her face.

It seemed she was destined to be the mistress of this house.

She had expected a miserable life after selling herself to the Hundred Flowers Boat, planning only to die and meet her parents if the suffering became unbearable.

Yet, her fate had taken an abrupt turn.

On her very first outing, she encountered such a generous patron who bought her outright, changing everything!

Li Muzhan directed her to choose a room for herself and then left her alone, beginning his meditation to regulate his qi.

Time passed quickly; it was already the next morning.

As dawn broke, he strolled slowly along the riverside, immersed in the crisp tranquility, when suddenly a boat appeared.

A figure launched vertically from it, gliding across the ten-meter expanse of water, landing directly opposite Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan smiled secretly, feigning surprise: "It's you—?

...

What brings you here?" "You, surnamed He, truly live here!" Fan Pingye sneered.

Li Muzhan frowned, "From whom did you learn my residence?" Fan Pingye gave a cold laugh, "That's none of your concern.

Today is the day you die!" Li Muzhan looked surprised, pretending disbelief, "Master Fan, it was only a matter of some money, was it necessary to go to such lengths?" "You're courting death, surnamed He, don't blame me!" Fan Pingye chuckled coldly.

"Can't your dog eyes see who you're provoking?

You made me waste an extra ten thousand taels!" Li Muzhan smiled, "It's only ten thousand taels; I can give it to you!" "The point isn't the ten thousand taels!" Fan Pingye waved his hand, coldly saying, "Since you are going to die anyway, surnamed He, draw your sword!" Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "Are we truly going to fight?"