Chapter 32: Family Reunion Part 2
‘Snap!’
Hong Yuan closed the door and a burst of subtle force from his palm vibrated the wooden bolt inside, locking the private room from within.
Having successfully completed this locked-room murder, Hong Yuan summoned the Brothel Madam and said with a smile, “Brothel Madam, Young Master Shaotang and I are going to a banquet. We won’t be checking out of that room yet. Have a servant guard it for now. Without our invitation, don’t disturb them, you or the Young Ladies.”
The Brothel Madam glanced at Huang Shaotang, who was following closely beside Hong Yuan, his expression dazed and his face pale, and was not surprised.
This Young Master Huang frequented places of ill repute all day, and had long since exhausted his body. After another night of indulgence, his current state of being a weak and feeble man was hardly surprising.
Seeing that Huang Shaotang did not object, the Brothel Madam chuckled, “Very well, very well! Since it is the Young Master’s command, I shall obey. However, after Master Huang’s happy occasion has passed, you and Young Master Huang must come and look after the Young Ladies of Tan Chun Pavilion.”
“That can be arranged!”
Hong Yuan laughed heartily, then clapped his hands forcefully, drawing the attention of all the Young Ladies and Patrons in the room. He raised his voice and declared, “Today is Master Huang’s auspicious day, and all those who are fated should share in the joy.”
He placed a hand on Huang Shaotang’s shoulder, their demeanor one of close familiarity, and roared with laughter, “I’ll make the decision for my brother Shaotang. To celebrate Master Huang, all expenses in this establishment today will be charged to Young Master Huang’s account.”
Upon hearing this, the entire Tan Chun Pavilion fell silent for a moment, many with strange expressions on their faces.
The father takes a concubine, and the son hosts a party at a brothel. This father and son pair are truly peculiar.
However, this thought lasted only an instant. Then, the Young Ladies and Patrons erupted in cheers, everyone beaming with smiles.
“Does Young Master Huang truly mean what he says?”
Huang Shaotang felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. His face twitched, and a forced smile appeared on his pale complexion, “Truly… naturally it is true.”
As the words fell, the cheers became thunderous.
“Brothel Madam, prepare a duo for this lord.”
“This old man will take ten…”
“Me too!”
The Brothel Madam, beaming with joy, purred as she leaned in close to Huang Shaotang, her arm around his hand and drawing it to her chest, “Young Master Huang is so generous. When you return, I will have Xi’er and Yun’er accompany you.”
He had given his loyal friends a treat. As for whether he would be accused by the Young Ladies and the Brothel Madam to pay up later, that had nothing to do with Hong Yuan.
After all, Huang Shaotang had agreed to it, so if anyone was to pay, it would be Huang Shaotang.
Leading Huang Shaotang out of Tan Chun Pavilion, and onto the main street, the cool morning breeze instantly cleared Huang Shaotang’s muddled mind. His eyeballs rolled as he looked left and right.
*Slap!*
A palm landed on his shoulder, causing Huang Shaotang to tremble all over. Hong Yuan looked at him with a smile,
“Brother Shaotang, you’re not thinking of running, are you? We haven’t seen each other for many days, and I was hoping to catch up as fellow students. If you run now, you’ll be showing me no face at all. Brother Shaotang wouldn’t be so unreasonable, would he?”
“How could I, how could I…” Huang Shaotang stammered.
Hong Yuan’s hand moved upwards, pressing onto Huang Shaotang’s neck. The latter stiffened, and then felt a strange force pierce his neck with intense pain.
Hong Yuan quickly withdrew his hand.
He was still a little short of reaching the level of Balance of Hardness and Softness, Freely Control. He could only barely retract his force. If he had delayed for another moment, he wouldn’t have been able to recall the force he had unleashed, and it would have resulted in a bloody mess.
Huang Shaotang had clearly thought of the fate of his servant and was so scared his face turned ashen. His legs went weak, and he was about to kneel, “Brother Hong, spare me! We’ve been classmates for years, brothers in arms!”
Huang Shaotang was filled with immense fear.
When he had sold Hong Yuan into that Demon’s Den, he never expected him to return alive. In just half a month, he had almost forgotten about this ‘beloved friend.’
He never imagined that not only had the other party returned, but he had also acquired such terrifying and savage methods, akin to sorcery.
The Huang family did have guards, including martial artists. Even if there were Entering Force Martial Artists, they would only be assigned to protect Huang Guiling. Huang Shaotang was not qualified to enjoy such protection.
Moreover, Huang Shaotang was not interested in the arduous task of martial arts cultivation, and thus had no knowledge of the intricacies of force. He simply believed that Hong Yuan had learned some kind of sorcery or magic.
Hong Yuan lifted him up with one hand and said with a smile, “Brother Shaotang, do you feel the pain in your neck? It’s good that it hurts. I’ve planted a hidden force within you. If I don’t remove it, it will ‘boom’ and explode in at most half an hour. Don’t you think that’s quite amusing?”
This was purely fooling a simpleton.
Let alone Hong Yuan not having reached the level of Freely Control, even if he had, a soft force injected into an enemy’s body, if not triggered, would become like water without a source, dissipating in at most a dozen breaths.
Force, after all, was merely a condensation of one’s own Qi and Blood.
Huang Shaotang, however, did not know this and found nothing amusing. His smile was more grim than a cry, “Brother Hong, I was wrong. Please let me go.”
“What did you do wrong?” Hong Yuan asked with amusement. “How about this: from now until we reach the Huang Mansion, think of a hundred of your mistakes. Then I will spare you.”
“Brother Hong…” Huang Shaotang’s eyes were on the verge of tears.
“Crying? Crying also counts towards the time!”
Huang Shaotang had no choice but to rack his brains and confess his wrongdoings.
They hurried towards the grand mansion of the Huang family.
Hong Yuan did not force Huang Shaotang to explain why he had betrayed him. That would be too melodramatic and meaningless.
It was likely because he felt his path through the Imperial Examination was cut off, and this ‘friend’ had lost his value. Or perhaps there had been past resentment that he no longer needed to hide.
Even if Huang Shaotang had some ‘difficult circumstances’ or ‘no other choice,’ would he have let him go?
At this moment, it was simply a cat playing with a mouse, and an opportunity to enter the Huang Mansion by using Huang Shaotang’s identity.
A family reunion was to be a family reunion, after all.
Hong Yuan detested the kind of scenario where killing the younger generation only led to endless revenge from the older. He decided to go all the way and directly bestow the gift of prosperity upon the entire family.
East of the city, Rongqing Alley.
The grand mansion of the Huang family, with a massive plaque on its facade inscribed with the words ‘Turtle Longevity Manor,’ occupied a vast area.
At this time, the Huang Mansion was adorned with festive lanterns and decorations. Although it was daytime, the lights were brilliant everywhere.
Within the front courtyard, dozens of banquet tables were set, yet it still appeared quite spacious.
Rongqing Alley was already a district where many Great Families and officials resided in Qingxu County, and many Distinguished Guests from other areas who had cooperative ties with Turtle Longevity Hall had also arrived. Thus, the courtyard was filled with laughter and merriment, exceptionally lively.
A merchant who had arrived early couldn’t help but murmur, “It’s just taking a small concubine, why go to such lengths? If one didn’t know better, they’d think it was a wedding for the main wife.”
Someone beside him chimed in, making a subtle gesture of twirling a finger, and whispered with a low laugh, “What do you know? Taking a concubine every couple of years, and holding another event, they receive mountains of gifts. Old brother, what did you give Master Huang?”
“I…”
Before the merchant could reply, a loud announcement echoed from the hall, “County Lieutenant Zhang has arrived!”
The clamor instantly ceased, and the conversations died down.
A crowd of well-dressed wealthy merchants, distinguished guests, wealthy gentlemen, and officials in the courtyard all rose and gathered at the gate to welcome him.
Some merchants harbored doubts but dared not act presumptuously, only asking in hushed tones, “Who is this County Lieutenant Zhang? Why is he so imposing? His presence perhaps surpasses even the County Magistrate?”
“Brother, you must be from out of town, this is your first time in Qingxu County, right?” someone replied in a low voice. “Heh heh! In our Qingxu County, the Zhang family is paramount. They’ve been rooted here for over a dozen generations. As for the County Magistrate…”
The speaker scoffed, “I’ve almost forgotten his surname. That County Magistrate was a Jinshi Scholar from the second year of Tianfeng. He served as a Hanlin official for a few years, and was later demoted to Qingxu…”
Upon hearing this, not only the merchant but also some who were unaware of the situation smiled knowingly.
In the seventh year of Tianfeng, the stipends for students were halted. A few years later, Emperor Tianfeng died, and the current Emperor ascended the throne, directly abolishing the Imperial Examination with a single decree.
For a century, the central government of the Great Yin Dynasty had been gradually losing its grip on the local areas.
Power was decentralized, and the civil and military systems at the prefectural, departmental, and county levels were almost entirely controlled by local Noble Families, Noble Clans, military commanders, Nobles, and Great Families.
When the decree abolishing the Imperial Examination came down, it was tantamount to the central government of the Great Yin Dynasty completely giving up. It was almost an open declaration to the local areas: “Do as you please, I’m not managing it anymore!”
That County Magistrate of Qingxu was almost among the last batch of Imperial Examination Officials.
Such individuals, upon arriving in local areas, had no foundation to speak of. They possessed neither substantive power nor even the last shred of nominal prestige.
It would be strange indeed if they could contend with the established powers.
Families like the Zhangs, with abundant wealth and resources, numerous fields and shops, and managing diverse industries, could rally hundreds of Household Guards willing to fight at a mere call.
If the so-called County Magistrate was sensible, and acted merely as a rubber stamp, the Great Family might tolerate such an idle person.
Any slight overstepping of boundaries, and they might find themselves with seven knives in their backs, committing suicide.
Outside the Turtle Longevity Manor, arriving guests and carriages made way.
A procession of forty to fifty guards surrounded a dignified middle-aged man in brocade clothes, with a square face and broad mouth.
These dozens of guards were led by four personal guards clad in leather armor. The rest, though not in leather armor, wore unified cotton jackets, with sabers at their waists, and their movements produced a clanging sound.
Clearly, these guards’ jackets had iron plates embedded within for protection.
“I am merely taking a small concubine, yet it has drawn the visit of County Lieutenant Zhang. It truly brings glory to my humble abode, and I am deeply honored!”
Huang Yihe, who called himself the ‘Turtle Longevity Mountain Master,’ came out to personally greet him, laughing heartily and bowing.
Although he was nearing seventy, his hair was meticulously combed, completely without any gray. His face was ruddy, and he moved with a nimble and spry gait, showing no signs of age.
While he treated County Lieutenant Zhang with great courtesy, there was not much obsequiousness in his demeanor, indicating he too had his own standing.
County Lieutenant Zhang also laughed heartily and stepped forward, holding Huang Yihe’s hand. “Brother Guiling, you are too kind. We brothers both work for the Commander, and we live in the same city. We should naturally associate more and get closer. Speaking such formal words makes us strangers.”
“It is my fault, Brother Zhang. I will offer you a toast at the banquet and apologize.”
County Lieutenant Zhang then looked at Huang Yihe, scrutinizing him for a moment, and sighed, “I have long heard of Brother Guiling’s excellent health practices and his skill in Alchemy. Even the Commander speaks highly of you. Seeing you today, I know the rumors are true. I will have to seek your guidance often in the future. I hope you won’t refuse.”
Huang Yihe’s face twitched. “Haha, it’s a small matter. Brother Zhang, please come inside. The honored seat awaits!”
County Lieutenant Zhang then waved his hand, and his surrounding guards dispersed, forming an encircling formation to protect him in the center. The four guards in leather armor followed closely behind.
In fact, not counting the guards brought by County Lieutenant Zhang, there were already many attendants brought by the distinguished guests and wealthy gentlemen in the courtyard today. Coupled with the existing guards and household guards of the Turtle Longevity Manor, the defensive strength was already considerable.
After County Lieutenant Zhang was seated, Huang Yihe beckoned the butler and instructed, “County Lieutenant Zhang has arrived. We shouldn’t keep him waiting. Start the banquet early!”
“This… Young Master Shaotang has not yet returned.”
“Hmph! That unfilial son, who knows where he’s gone gallivanting off to again. Don’t worry about him. After today, I’ll deal with him!”
Huang Yihe snorted coldly and waved his hand, returning into the manor.
Hong Yuan also arrived at the Turtle Longevity Manor at this time. Looking at the bustling crowd outside the gate, he couldn’t help but sigh, “How lively! Congratulations, Brother Shaotang. You’ve gained a new stepmother.”
Huang Shaotang seemed completely dazed, not hearing his taunt at all. He continued to ponder, muttering to himself, “I have another mistake. I was wrong to steal the old man’s concubine, but even if I hadn’t stolen her, those concubines wouldn’t have lived for more than six months. I wasn’t stealing, I was afraid of wasting!”
“I was wrong…”
“Hm?!” Hong Yuan looked at Huang Shaotang with surprise and praised, “Brother Shaotang, it seems I’ve underestimated you.”
He slapped Huang Shaotang across the face. The latter jolted awake, thinking Hong Yuan was about to kill him, and prepared to kneel and beg for mercy again.
“Alright, Brother Shaotang, we’ve been friends for many years. How could I truly blame you? I believe you didn’t do it intentionally, so there’s no need to be afraid.”
Hong Yuan patted Huang Shaotang’s shoulder, his face full of warmth. “I was just teasing!”
Huang Shaotang stared blankly at Hong Yuan. In his fear and panic, he had lost the ability to think. At this moment, he couldn’t discern truth from falsehood. “Brother Hong, do you really believe me?”
“Of course. Look, haven’t I brought you home?” Hong Yuan pointed at the gate of the Turtle Longevity Manor. “If I didn’t believe you, why would I bring you back?”
“Right, Brother Shaotang, this is my first time visiting Master Huang today. Do you have any other brothers, any younger brothers? I can’t afford to lose face with the etiquette.”
Huang Shaotang said blankly, “Two older brothers, three younger brothers. Among them, the legitimate…”
“No need to mention that. I, Hong Yuan, don’t subscribe to any ‘legitimate and illegitimate deity’ cult. Everyone is treated equally.” Hong Yuan waved his hand to interrupt.
As they spoke, the two arrived at the manor gate.
Seeing the entrance to the manor, Huang Shaotang finally breathed a small sigh of relief. However, the thought of his mysteriously dead servant still sent chills down his spine, and he dared not move rashly.
A few household guards came out and, seeing Huang Shaotang, said anxiously, “Young Master Shaotang, why are you returning at this hour? The banquet is about to begin. The other young masters are leading the young ladies to congratulate the master. Hurry up and go…”
Immediately after, they noticed Hong Yuan. One household guard spoke up, “Who is this…”
“I am your young master’s friend. I heard of Master Huang’s happy occasion and have come to offer my congratulations!”
Hong Yuan said.
“Since he is the young master’s friend, he is welcome to attend the banquet. However…” a household guard pointed at the long saber hanging from Hong Yuan’s waist. “Please disarm yourself.”
Hong Yuan glanced at Huang Shaotang.
Huang Shaotang’s body went cold, and he quickly said, “This… this is not necessary, is it!”
With a “clank,” Hong Yuan casually tossed his steel saber to the household guard.
For him, the difference was not significant, whether he had a weapon or not. His fist and foot kung fu were not weak. While his combat effectiveness was reduced by a fraction without a weapon, a weapon was such an inconvenient item.
In a moment, a few household guards cleared the way, leading Hong Yuan and Huang Shaotang forward.
Originally, the household guards intended to lead Hong Yuan to the banquet. However, seeing that Huang Shaotang did not object, they thought that this young master might also know Master Huang and did not speak up.
Hong Yuan walked past table after table. He saw that dozens of banquet tables were not full, but as far as the eye could see, the place was packed with people. In the surrounding corners, there were guards and estate guards patrolling. In total, there were probably several hundred people.
Hong Yuan, however, smiled!
The more people there were, the easier it was for chaos to erupt. Once chaos broke out, how could they coordinate their attacks?
Given the size of this manor and the number of people, once he succeeded, he could easily escape by leaping and darting away.
As for whether there was any danger?
Hong Yuan rubbed his glabella. The perception endowed by Clear Eyes and Penetrating insight, combined with an increase of five strands in comprehension, had brought about subtle and profound changes in his spiritual sense.
At this moment, at the front of the banquet, Huang Yihe sat upright, receiving congratulations from his many children. The foremost among them was a middle-aged man in brocade clothes, around forty years old, with a resonant voice. “Father, your son wishes you eternal blessings and longevity, and a fruitful union…”
“Father!” Seeing Huang Yihe, Huang Shaotang felt a great sense of relief, like a rabbit finally escaping the jaws of a tiger. He quickly ran forward.
However fast he ran, Hong Yuan simply strode forward and kept pace with him.
The auspicious greetings were interrupted, and Huang Yihe frowned, looking at the disheveled and panting Huang Shaotang, his anger flared even more. “Unfilial son, look at what a state you’re in! How dare you come out and embarrass me? Go change your clothes at once!”
Usually, when scolded by Huang Yihe like this, Huang Shaotang would tremble in fear. But now, he felt remarkably safe.
Once this thought entered his mind, and recalling the events at Tan Chun Pavilion and the journey where Hong Yuan had terrified him to his core, which was the greatest humiliation of his life, he immediately forgot the threat of ‘half an hour.’
Or perhaps he felt that with so many people present now, even if some sorcery had been placed on his neck, he could seize the culprit and force them to remove it.
Huang Shaotang’s courage surged, and he pointed sharply at Hong Yuan, raising his voice, “Father, listen to me, it’s all this fellow named Hong…”
“Master Huang!”
Hong Yuan no longer paid attention to Huang Shaotang. Without waiting for him to finish speaking, he stepped forward and greeted him.
Huang Yihe, having heard the ill intentions in Huang Shaotang’s words, naturally did not have a pleasant expression. His face darkened, and he said sternly, “Who are you?”
Huang Shaotang shouted again, “Father, quickly have them arrest him—”
A hand suddenly lunged out and grabbed Huang Shaotang by the throat. The latter struggled with all his might but was as powerless as a little quail.
Huang Yihe pressed his arms against the back of his chair, ultimately not standing up. He considered himself an important figure in the county and did not believe this young man could cause any significant trouble. He simply darkened his face and said, “What do you want?”
The sudden commotion drew everyone’s attention, and whispers filled the air, with no one knowing the reason. Even that County Lieutenant Zhang frowned and waved, signaling two guards to go and investigate.
As for the Huang family’s guards and estate guards, they quickly converged towards the center of the venue.
“I want to…”
Hong Yuan grabbed Huang Shaotang and lifted him up, like a blacksmith with decades of experience, swinging a heavy hammer in an instant.
*Swish!*
Huang Shaotang, in mid-air, was swung in a half-circle by Hong Yuan. The air whistled, and he was violently slammed onto Huang Yihe’s head!
“Wishing you a happy family reunion!”
