Meister der Mehrdeutigkeit

Kapitel 12

Shi Le'er looked up at Xiao Xiao, "Are you willing to help me?"

I hesitated slightly.

Shi Le'er clenched her tiny hand, "Little sister?"

"Uh... Oh..." After a long pause, she finally nodded.

Shi Le'er laughed immediately, "Sister, I knew you were a good person. To show my sincerity, I'll just say you owe me six coins instead of the eight coins and thirty coins you owe me."

Xiao Xiao's face lit up with joy. "Really?"

"Yes! Sister, we must get back at them for the humiliation we suffered today!" Shi Le'er said righteously.

Xiao Xiao was deeply moved by the two and thirty coins she wouldn't have to repay, and nodded with tears in her eyes. However, she caught a glimpse of Xia Yun out of the corner of her eye. Xia Yun's eyes held only one expression: pity.

A treasure

After chatting with Shi Le'er for a while, Xiao Xiao finally understood the general situation of Hero's Fortress and Taiping City. More than ten years ago, Wei Zhi, the lord of Hero's Fortress, visited Taiping City and had a pleasant conversation with the old city lord, Shi Xi. As they talked, the topic of their children's marriages came up. The lord of Hero's Fortress was interested in arranging a marriage, and the old city lord of Taiping City casually remarked, "Whoever becomes the lord of Hero's Fortress in the future will be my granddaughter's perfect husband."

Of course, at that time, Lord Shi was merely going through the motions. The Lord of Hero's Fortress had three sons, and once someone succeeded him and the dust settled, he might already be married with children, and this marriage would simply be dropped. But things are unpredictable. Who could have foreseen that with the death of the Lord of Hero's Fortress, the fortress would immediately fall apart? The situation had become such that whoever married Shi Le'er would gain the support of Taiping City, making their succession virtually guaranteed.

As for Lady Xi, she was originally a courtesan who, after leaving the profession, became the concubine of the Lord of Hero's Fortress. She had one son, the third young master, Wei Ying. Rumor has it that she was quite shrewd and, not long after entering the household, forced the first wife to step down. The eldest and second sons of Hero's Fortress, both born to the first wife, were naturally also suppressed by her. The eldest son, Wei Qi, also known as "Brother Yingyang" by Shi Le'er, was ordered to guard the Xiangyang branch. The second son, Wei Cheng, also known as "Mo Yun," fared even worse, having been expelled from Hero's Fortress ten years ago and never heard from again.

As of now, only Wei Ying is qualified to marry Shi Le'er. And if Wei Ying marries Shi Le'er, her position as the fortress lord will be even more secure.

In short, this whole affair boils down to a power struggle among women. It has absolutely nothing to do with the martial arts world. However, how much less brutal is this women's conflict compared to the feuds and grudges of the martial arts world?

Xiao sighed slightly. Who knew what kind of drama was about to unfold at Hero's Fortress? However, her reputation was already ruined, so she figured Lady Xi wouldn't bother with her anymore. But who knew what would happen next?

After chatting for a while, Shi Le'er calculated that it was about time and stood up.

“Little sister, today is the ‘Exhibition of Wonders’ day of the Fair of Wonders. Everyone present will bring out their most prized treasures. Perhaps even a real Qi family weapon will appear. Then it will all depend on you, sister.” Shi Le’er smiled. “Let’s go first, sister, you get ready and come on over.”

Xiao Xiao nodded, watching Shi Le'er leave, her mind filled with countless doubts. However, Xiao Xiao was naturally lazy and didn't want to think too much. She changed out of her haphazardly dressed clothes, into her usual attire, and then sat down at the table to grind ink. She opened the account book and picked up her pen to write:

On the fifth day of the third month of the twenty-third year of Shaoxing, at the Hero's Fortress Fair, Shi Le'er, the lord of Taiping City, resolutely refused to marry Lian Zhao, the young master of the Lian family known for his divine archery skills, but was betrayed by Lady Xi, the wife of the lord of Hero's Fortress, and his efforts were in vain.

A total of six qian of silver was owed in various rent payments.

Xiao Xiao had just finished writing the last word when she heard a knock on the door. She hurriedly got up, pen in hand, and opened the door. Then, she froze in the doorway.

“Miss Zuo…” The person who came was Lian Zhao. He looked embarrassed, his cheeks were slightly flushed, and his voice was a little timid.

Xiao Xiao stammered, "Master Lian... is there something you need?"

Lian Zhao lowered his head, took a deep breath, and then looked up, saying, "Miss Zuo, although we were both betrayed today, a woman's reputation..." He paused, "Now that things have come to this, Lian Zhao wishes to marry you..."

When Xiaoxiao heard this, her mouth gaped open wide enough to fit an egg. She hurriedly clasped her hands in a fist and said earnestly, "Great hero, people of the martial world are not bound by formalities. Great hero, there is no need for such formality."

Lian Zhao paused for a moment, then said, "Don't worry, Miss. I did this not because I was forced, but because I did it willingly. I can guarantee that you will not suffer any mistreatment after we marry..."

Xiao Xiao's mouth gaped even wider. As expected of the Lian family, renowned for their archery skills, their upbringing was truly astounding. However, the Lian family… how could she possibly dare to marry into such a family? Besides, she, Zuo Xiaoxiao, was only 16 years old, barely out of the game, and hadn't even accomplished a single misdeed yet.

She glanced up at Lian Zhao, pondered for a moment, and then an idea formed in her mind. She reached out, rolled up her sleeve, and said sorrowfully, "Hero Lian, you must have seen it too, I don't have the mark of virginity. To tell you the truth, I've been wandering the martial world since childhood and am no longer a virgin. Why must you..."

Lian Zhao was startled, "The young lady's virginity mark wasn't because of Lian Zhao..."

Xiao Xiao was speechless. Not every girl has a cinnabar mark applied, yet he actually took this seriously. Besides, does he even know anything about men and women...? Sigh, if only he had known, he shouldn't have burned all of Master's "Illustrations of the Tang Dynasty Imperial Harem." Leaving a few copies for this young master Lian to broaden his horizons would have been better.

“Of course not.” Xiao Xiao sighed and continued, “So, Master Lian, you don’t need to pay any attention to Xiao Xiao. Let’s just pretend nothing happened. How about that?”

Lian Zhao thought for a moment, then looked up. “Miss. Even so, the fact remains that Lian Zhao and you have shared a bed. Although I am still young, I know that marriage is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Miss, a woman’s reputation is of utmost importance. Regardless of what happened in the past, I will take responsibility for what happened today.”

Xiao Xiao was frozen stiff. Wouldn't most men, faced with something like this, rush to distance themselves? Especially since she'd been so magnanimous, saying she wouldn't hold it against him, even resorting to self-destruction, why was this young master Lian so relentless? Was he trying to use this opportunity to demonstrate to the world that the Lian family, the Divine Arrow family, were loyal and affectionate? No need for that…

Seeing her bewildered expression, Lian Zhao said, "Miss, I know it's a bit much to ask you to accept this fact right away. I haven't come of age yet, and marriage will take some time. You don't need to worry too much."

Xiao Xiao was on the verge of tears. It wasn't a matter of time. Her master said: "No matter what, you must never marry someone you don't love. Otherwise, you'll regret it later, and both of you will be hurt."

Master's words are never wrong. Although Zuo Xiaoxiao aspires to seduce respectable young men and then wreak havoc on the world, seduction and marriage are two completely different things. Just looking at Lian Zhao's appearance, one can guess what kind of place the Lian family is. If she enters that door, she can forget about doing anything bad!

Xiao Xiao was contemplating whether to kneel and beg Lian Zhao to spare her life when she saw people from the guest rooms on either side rushing out towards the front hall. She immediately remembered that today was the "Exhibition of Wonders" at the Fair of Rare Goods, a gathering of treasures from across the land. Shi Le'er had instructed her to go to the front hall. An excuse to escape!

She immediately spoke earnestly, "Hero Lian, I just remembered the city lord asked me to go to the front hall. We can talk about it later. I'll take my leave now!"

After she finished speaking, she darted away as fast as the wind, heading straight for the front hall.

The front hall was bustling with activity, and the guests were already seated. Xiao Xiao rushed in and stood in the center of the hall, looking utterly out of place. She was still holding a wet calligraphy brush in her hand, making her appear even stranger. All eyes were on her, and Xiao Xiao felt incredibly embarrassed. She could only manage a couple of dry laughs before quickly walking behind Shi Le'er.

"I thought you weren't coming," Shi Le'er said with a smile. "What are you doing with that pen?"

Xiao Xiao continued to chuckle awkwardly, "Uh... just casually..."

Shi Le'er smiled and didn't ask any more questions. At this moment, Yue Huaijiang approached with a sympathetic look and said, "Xiao Xiao, I heard that you... and the young master of the Lian family... uh... you know..."

Xiao Xiao looked at him and nodded sadly.

"What did he say? Did he take responsibility?" Yue Huaijiang pressed.

Little tear.

"Irresponsible?!" Yue Huaijiang shouted indignantly, "The prestigious Lian family, known for their divine archery, actually..."

Xiao Xiao immediately reached out and covered his mouth. "Shh, no, no. He's willing to take responsibility!"

Yue Huaijiang blinked and removed her small hand. "Then why are you crying?"

Xiao Xiao blinked, "It's a long story."

Just as Yue Huaijiang was puzzled, he saw Madam Xi and Wei Ying enter the hall, followed closely by Hall Master Fang. After they were all seated, Hall Master Fang spoke loudly, "I am honored that all of you friends from the martial arts world have graced us with your presence at Hero's Fortress to participate in the Rare Goods Fair. You are all surely familiar with the rules of the Hero's Fortress Rare Goods Fair, so I will not repeat them. Now, please, friends, display your treasures in turn."

As soon as Master Fang finished speaking, several maids gracefully carried in an embroidered screen. The screen was no bigger than the palm of a hand, embroidered with a scene of rain on the Xiang River at night. The needlework was meticulous, the colors exquisite, making it a masterpiece of embroidery. Most remarkably, the screen was double-sided; the other side depicted a scene of snow-covered rivers and skies at dusk. Double-sided embroidery, a testament to unparalleled skill.

Everyone present couldn't help but admire it.

"As expected of the embroidery from the Fine Silk Embroidery Workshop, it is truly exquisite," Madam tide exclaimed in praise.

One of the guests stood up and replied with a smile, "Thank you for your praise, Madam."

The one who spoke was a woman of about eighteen, dressed in a pale white silk gown embroidered with dark blue cricket patterns, exceptionally elegant. Her features were delicate and refined, her demeanor serene and pleasing, every movement exuding a graceful charm. She stepped forward gracefully, her hand resting on the embroidered screen, and smiled, "However, Madam only knows one side of the story, not the other." She turned the screen over, and the silk threads within the embroidery shifted and changed with the light. In an instant, the screen shimmered with iridescent light, transforming into a different form.

"Shanshi Qinglan?!" Mrs. tide said in shock.

The woman spoke up, "Madam is right, this embroidered screen depicts the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang."

Lady Xi couldn't help but get up and walk to the embroidered screen. "Night rain in Xiaoxiang, clear mist in the mountain city, returning sails on the distant shore, evening bell of the temple in the mist, sunset in the fishing village, autumn moon over Dongting Lake, wild geese falling on the sand, snow at dusk on the river and sky... Such a small embroidered screen can change so much with the light and shadow of the sky. It is indeed worthy of the fine silk embroidery shop, which integrates the strengths of the four embroidery styles and is known as the first shop of extraordinary embroidery."

"You flatter me, Madam." The woman smiled and bowed slightly. "Xi Yuan is only slightly skilled in embroidery."

"The Eight Views of Xiaoxiang are indeed miraculous; Lady Xi need not be modest," Lady Xi replied with a smile.

"Heh, the world has really changed. The Hero's Fortress Fair has become a place for women to discuss needlework and embroidery. It's truly a pity." Suddenly, someone spoke up, breaking the harmonious atmosphere of that moment.

Qian Zhu Xi Yuan turned around with a smile and looked at the person who had suddenly spoken.

He was a man in his mid-twenties, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding a commanding presence.

Xiao Xiao felt that his tone of voice was very familiar. She bit her pen and tried hard to recall, but her mind was a blur and she could not find any definite clues.

"Young master, what makes you say such a thing?" Madam tide asked, her tone calm but laced with anger.

"When did it become the women's place to run Hero's Fortress? Am I perhaps just ignorant?" the man said with his arms crossed.

Seeing this, Master Fang stepped forward and asked, "May I ask this young hero's name and which sect you belong to?"

The man spoke up, "What? Can't people from any sect or faction come to the Fair of Rare Goods?" He paced a few steps, smiling nonchalantly, "Back in the day, when the old lord of Hero's Fortress was in power, the Fair of Rare Goods was open to people from all over the world, rich and poor alike. It was truly a grand event. But now, the Fair of Rare Goods only invites the wealthiest merchants and famous figures from the martial arts world. It's truly a pity."

These words made everyone present look grim.

Xiao Xiao continued chewing on her pen, sighing. Hero's Fortress was truly plagued by misfortune; they had just seen off the "ghost matchmaker" yesterday, and today another unknown young master had arrived. If this continued, Hero's Fortress would truly be disgraced and unable to regain its former glory.

"I am not very talented, but in your opinion, what kind of things would be worthy of the Rare Goods Fair?" Master Xi Yuan asked, bringing the topic back to the present.

“I’ve heard that the Fine Silk Embroidery Shop has a piece called ‘Fine Embroidery Silk.’ It’s as soft and light as silk, and impervious to swords and spears. That’s a true marvel. Why doesn’t Master Fine Silk bring it out and let everyone see it?” the man said.

Qianzhu Xiyuan smiled leisurely and said, "Since you have such an interest, I will gladly accompany you."

She gestured to the maid behind her. The maid immediately turned and left, returning shortly with a brocade box in her hands.

Xi Yuan took the brocade box, gently lifted the lid, picked up the garment, and unfolded it. It was nothing more than a sleeveless, silver-white undergarment, with nothing special about it except for its overall silver-white color and exquisite embroidery.

"The exquisite embroidered silk is made from the silk of the Miao Heavenly Spider, soaked in a hundred secret medicines. It is incredibly strong, soft, and unparalleled in the world. It is even invulnerable to swords and spears." Xi Yuan held the clothes, pacing slowly. She looked up and saw Xiao Xiao biting her pen. "Miss, may I borrow your pen..."

She paused for a moment, then handed over the pen.

Xi Yuan took the brush and wrote the character "纤" on the clothes. As soon as the ink touched the fabric, it spread out along the embroidery, turning into ink droplets that slid down the hem of the garment.

Xiao Xiao's eyes widened. This was the legendary "Ink-Free Clothes"? It truly was a treasure…

Xi Yuan smiled and put down his brush. "Young Master, what do you think?"

"As expected, it lives up to its reputation..." the man continued, "but I wonder who will win when they encounter the renowned soldiers of the Qi family?"

Xi Yuan's smile faltered. She put the delicate embroidery back into the brocade box and said with a smile, "Xi Yuan is not a member of the martial arts world, and the Fine Silk Embroidery Shop is not a martial arts sect. The fierce battles in the martial arts world have nothing to do with me. As for the famous Qi family soldier, Xi Yuan has never seen him, so naturally I cannot make a judgment."

The man smiled and said, "Hehe, you are too modest, Master Qian. However, the Qi family's famous weapons are indeed treasures, and the Nine Emperors' Divine Artifacts are unparalleled in the world. If one could see them, one's life would not have been in vain."

"Young hero, what exactly are you..." Hall Master Fang interrupted, somewhat displeased.

The man continued smiling, speaking unhurriedly, "I heard some news along the way. Qi Han, the current patriarch of the Qi clan, went to the Xingfeng Escort Agency a few months ago to entrust a shipment. At that time, he said one sentence: 'This is the Qi clan's most treasured weapon'..."

Xiao Xiao immediately thought of Li Zhenghai and the escort team. So, what they were escorting back then was a famous Qi family weapon? A rare and precious artifact?

"Among the weapons of the Qi family, only the Nine Emperor Divine Weapons can be called the ultimate weapon."

At this point in the man's speech, the entire hall erupted in uproar.

He who possesses the Nine Emperor Weapons will rule the world; who wouldn't want something like that? No wonder so many people still tried to rob the caravan even though it was split into three groups along the way. Thinking about this, Xiao Xiao couldn't help but shudder. Wow, even her casual robberies had gotten her involved with the Nine Emperor Weapons. How so? Was she somehow connected to the Qi family's weapons?

"Young Master, what exactly do you intend to achieve by saying all this?" Hall Master Fang asked solemnly.

The man looked at Madam Xi and Wei Ying in the hall and said, "I also know that Xingfeng Escort Agency arrived in Hero's Fortress yesterday. Presumably, the Nine Emperor Divine Artifacts are now inside Hero's Fortress, right? Madam, why are you being so secretive? Why not show them to everyone?"

Lady Xi was slightly annoyed. "Young master, you misunderstand. Hero's Fortress has never received any goods from Xingfeng. How could we possibly have any Nine Emperors' Divine Artifacts?"

"Oh? That's strange. Who else could Xingfeng Escort Agency deliver such a large shipment to besides Hero's Fortress?" The man's eyes were anything but kind, and his tone was laced with sarcasm.

"Hahaha! Who says only Hero's Fortress is worthy of taking on my Xingfeng's escort mission?!" At that moment, a bold and cheerful voice came from the doorway. Li Zhenghai, carrying a long sword, strode in.

"Chief Escort Li," Hall Master Fang immediately stepped forward and greeted him with clasped hands.

"Master Fang!" Li Zhenghai also clasped his hands in greeting. He looked at the hall and said, "Madam Xi, Third Young Master, I am but a rough man, I apologize for the disturbance!"

"Chief Escort Li, you're too kind," Madam tide said with a smile.