Shen Qianmo curled her lips into a smile. So fast? She had only just ordered the news to be released, and someone had already come to stop this big fish?
"Xiao Liu, make way." Shen Qianmo's clear voice rang out, carrying an arrogant air that made it seem as if she was doing that person a favor by giving way.
Upon hearing Shen Qianmo's words, Xiao Liu swerved the carriage to the side. However, the other party didn't seem inclined to let Shen Qianmo off the hook.
"It is fate that we meet. Would you be so kind as to disembark and have a chat, sir?" The man's voice was captivatingly wicked, unlike Situ Jingyan's. It seemed to possess a natural magic, exuding an aura of malevolence.
Shen Qianmo smiled at Xuan Lou with a slight upturn of her lips and said softly, "Let's see who it is."
Having said that, she stretched out her jade-like hand, lifted the carriage curtain, and slowly stepped down from the carriage. Every step she took was very elegant. Watching her blue brocade dress flutter slightly in the wind, she seemed to possess a natural nobility. Even her ordinary appearance was completely overshadowed by her temperament, making people feel that even with such an ordinary appearance, the person in front of them was still incredibly beautiful.
With a slight smile, he casually said, "It's Chi Mo's honor."
The man in the car opposite had also gotten out. His purple robes exuded an air of untamed arrogance. A wicked smile played on his lips, and his captivating peach blossom eyes were sizing up Shen Qianmo with amusement.
A faint emotion flickered in his light blue eyes, but the smile on his lips remained unchanged. The man seemed quite satisfied with Shen Qianmo and said with a smile, "My name is Nalan Rong. I was just about to head to Liufangzhai. I wonder if Brother Chi and that other brother are interested?"
Nalan Rong's gaze followed Shen Qianmo's to the Xuanlou behind her. A calculation flashed through his mind. He naturally already knew the identity of the people in the carriage, and they were deliberately blocking their way. The carriage that had stopped him earlier had moved aside with a tone that was neither humble nor arrogant, showing no sign of panic, and even carrying a hint of arrogance. Nalan Rong felt more and more that the people in the carriage were no ordinary people.
Looking at these two now, Chi Mo is not only exceptionally handsome, but even the white-robed man behind him exudes an otherworldly air; he is certainly no ordinary person. What Nalan Rong lacks most is talent, and these two seem to suit his tastes perfectly. He must definitely cultivate a good relationship with them.
"I'd rather accept your offer," Shen Qianmo said, a slight smile playing on her lips, neither humble nor arrogant. A sly glint flashed in her eyes. Nalan Rong, the seventh prince of the Li Kingdom. Liufangzhai, the most famous teahouse in the Li Kingdom, where one could watch plays, chat, and even find courtesans to keep them company—in short, it had everything.
Everyone knows that Nalan Rong is a frivolous and dissolute man who frequents the Liufangzhai pleasure house, but few know that the true owner behind Liufangzhai is none other than Nalan Rong himself. Nalan Rong is no ordinary person. Now that she's encountered him, she'd like to see for herself.
Shen Qianmo and Xuan Lou boarded Nalan Rong's carriage without hesitation, gesturing for Xiao Liu to find an inn to stay at upon their return. Nalan Rong's carriage was indeed much larger and more comfortable than theirs, its interior as luxurious as a fine inn room, perfectly befitting Nalan Rong's playboy and materialistic image.
Chapter Six: Encountering an Old Friend in the Kingdom of Li
"May I ask your esteemed name, sir?" Nalan Rong leaned casually against his seat, toying with a string of jade stones in his hand. His expression was nonchalant, and a wicked, cynical smile played on his lips, though a glint of shrewdness lurked in his light blue eyes.
"Lou Xuan," Xuan Lou said without changing his expression. As members of the Li Kingdom's royal family, there was no reason why they wouldn't know the names and appearances of Shen Qianmo and Xuan Lou. Therefore, it was best to keep their identities a secret to avoid giving anything away.
"So it's Brother Lou. May I ask which countries Brother Lou and Brother Chi are from?" His light blue eyes narrowed slightly, with a hint of amusement and a touch of scrutiny. The smile at the corner of his mouth was enigmatic. His seemingly casual question actually concealed a sharp edge.
Shen Qianmo smiled faintly. So they came to probe their background so quickly? It seems Nalan Rong thinks highly of them. With a faint smile, Shen Qianmo replied, "Qi Yueren."
Qi Yue—this name hadn't been uttered by Shen Qianmo for a long time. Although Qi Yue was her country, she didn't have much affection for it. However, since she had grown up in Qi Yue, identifying herself as a Qi Yue citizen would avoid giving herself away and also avoid sensitive national issues.
After all, no one would doubt that a country that has already been destroyed still harbors any ill intentions.
"Oh? I've heard that Qi Yue's pear blossom pastries are delicious." Nalan Rong's smile widened upon hearing Shen Qianmo's reply. She asked seemingly casually, but in reality, she was testing whether Shen Qianmo and Xuan Lou were truly Qi Yue's people.
Shen Qianmo naturally understood Nalan Rong's thoughts. Since he wanted to test her, she might as well dispel his doubts. A smile appeared on Shen Qianmo's lips, and a hint of nostalgia appeared in her eyes. She said, "It is indeed very delicious. That sweet and soft texture, I'm afraid only the Lu family shop in Kyoto can make it."
"Brother Chi, are you from the capital?" Nalan Rong put down the jade he was playing with after hearing Shen Qianmo's words, took a sip of the tea on the table, and asked with amusement.
“Indeed. Fortunately, the Demon Palace Master and the Blood Demon Lord saved Kyoto that day; otherwise, I fear I wouldn’t have survived to see Brother Nalan.” Shen Qianmo replied with a smile.
Nalan Rong's mind is truly deep. Even this couldn't dispel his doubts. He speaks casually and nonchalantly, but every word he utters is full of wit, and his eyes are full of scrutiny as he looks at them.
Light blue eyes. Quite rare. It's said that it was because of these eyes that the King of Li Kingdom disliked his youngest son so much, ignoring him from a young age. Nalan Rong also "brought it upon himself" to become an idle and cynical person.
"I see that Brother Chi and Brother Lou have extraordinary bearing. May I ask what they do?" Nalan Rong asked, seeing that Shen Qianmo's expression was normal and there was no panic at all, and that Xuan Lou also had a gentle smile on his face, like a deep and unfathomable lake.
Upon hearing Nalan Rong's question, a sly glint flashed in Shen Qianmo's eyes. "Finally getting to the point," she thought, a smile playing on her lips as she calmly replied, "We're merely involved in the sale of weapons."
The arms trade, while technically a merchant's business, doesn't involve the interests of the imperial court. However, everyone knows that strength is the key to success or failure, and a large arsenal of weapons is indispensable for an ambitious member of the royal family. Moreover, given the internal turmoil in the Li Kingdom, a powerful military is especially crucial. Having an advantage in weaponry would naturally increase the chances of victory.
“This is indeed a profitable business. We’ve arrived at Liufangzhai. Let’s go down and watch a show and listen to some music together.” Nalan Rong’s surprise was fleeting, and he immediately showed no interest in weapons. Then, he pulled up Shen Qianmo and Xuan Lou’s sleeves and said casually.
Shen Qianmo frowned slightly. She didn't like being touched by others, even if it was just someone tugging at her sleeve.
Watching Nalan Rong walk ahead, Shen Qianmo gave a cold smile. She wanted to see just how composed Nalan Rong could be.
"Seventh Brother." Nalan Rong, who was ahead, paused slightly as a man in a light yellow robe blocked her way.
The man had delicate features and appeared gentle and refined. However, a hint of sinister ruthlessness lurked in the slightly upturned corners of his eyes. His smile was calm and gentle, but his eyes held a hidden cruelty.
"Third Brother, are you free today too?" Nalan Rong's expression remained unchanged as she leisurely looked at Nalan Xin, as if she were watching a good show.
Nalan Xin didn't delay, a gentle smile playing on his lips, "I heard that just now on the street, Seventh Brother made two exceptionally talented friends. These must be the two you mentioned."
Shen Qianmo's smile grew even colder. The princes of Li Kingdom are all quite shrewd. Nalan Xin must have received the news and rushed over immediately.
It seems her identity as an arms dealer is quite appealing to them both. But why is there still no movement from the Crown Prince's side?!
"Brother Rong, who is this?" Shen Qianmo deliberately feigned curiosity, walked to Nalan Rong's side, looked at Nalan Xin, and asked.
“This is my elder brother.” Nalan Rong raised an eyebrow and looked at Nalan Xin, a hint of malice flashing in his eyes. The smile on his lips was still nonchalant, but it contained a touch of coldness.
"My name is Nalan Xin. It is an honor to meet you, brother." Nalan Xin glanced at Shen Qianmo and Xuan Lou, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but a gentle smile played on his lips as he spoke.
As Nalan Xin sized them up, he secretly pondered. These two men were indeed extraordinary. His men reported that they were in the arms trade and had many loyal followers.
Weapons and loyal followers—these are exactly what he needs right now. If he could win over these two, it would surely increase his chances of victory. Nalan Rong probably shares this thought as well.
Nalan Rong is a man of deep thoughts, and he has fooled him all these years. If it weren't for Yan Xiuling's guidance, he would probably still think that his seventh brother is a cynical and ignorant younger brother.
"Brother Xin." Shen Qianmo gave a curt bow, neither humble nor arrogant, maintaining a perfectly distant attitude towards the two of them. If they wanted her help, they could see what they were capable of. What she wanted to see was them fighting each other. As for her, she was not someone they could scheme against.
The four of them entered Liufangzhai together, where the opera performance had already begun.
"Brother Chi, you must be making a lot of money in the arms trade, right?" Nalan Xin had barely sat down when he started trying to get closer to Shen Qianmo.
Shen Qianmo's lips curved into a smile, appearing very friendly, but a hint of disdain flashed in her eyes. This Nalan Xin was far too impatient; the purpose in his eyes was so clear that it was easy to see through his thoughts at a glance. That gentle smile on his face might fool others, but it was utterly futile to try and deceive her.
It seems that Yan Xiuling put in a lot of effort to help Nalan Xin reach his current position. Without Yan Xiuling's covert support, Nalan Xin would be no match for Nalan Rong.