Болезненный юноша, путешествующий во времена династии Сун

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"Alright then, I'll consider whether I should teach her something after you promote me." Honglu put her hands behind her back and walked away swaggeringly.

Mo Xibei certainly didn't expect the Red and Green Society to actually teach Murong Lianyun anything. She had been observing Murong Lianyun closely these past few days. Murong Lianyun rarely left her home and lived a very disciplined life. She rarely appeared in front of her and naturally had no contact with the outside world. She no longer wore her exquisite clothes or styled her hair in complicated ways. However, since she was known as the most beautiful woman in the martial arts world, her stunning beauty could not be concealed by clothing.

All these changes made Mo Xibei question his initial judgment. What else did he have that was worth Murong Lianyun's careful and patient pursuit? Was he just being too sensitive lately?

Volume Two: The Wind Leaves a Trace, Chapter Twelve: Brothers (Part 1)

After renovations, Chunfeng Ruyi Restaurant successfully reopened for business a few days later. Mo Xibei had designed a lot of gimmicks for this, with a dozen half-naked beauties performing belly dances being the most vulgar part, which was meant to cater to the unspoken desires of some self-proclaimed refined customers.

Honglu was initially puzzled that such an eye-catching dance was scheduled for midnight. Of course, Mo Xibei's answer left her speechless. Mo Xibei said: "Those who frequent brothels at night and don't return home until late are all dissolute young men. If we want to make money from them, we have to be willing to invest. But performing such a dance too early, although we have no other intentions, will inevitably lead some moralists to say that our Chunfeng Ruyi Tower is too lowbrow. In that case, we won't be able to make money from those intellectuals and politicians, wouldn't that be a loss?"

On the first night after reopening, Mo Xibei's expensively commissioned fireworks immediately created a stunning spectacle. Many Beijing residents reminisced about how the dazzling fireworks illuminated much of the city's night sky that night. As fireworks of every color—red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple—blazed in the sky, everyone in Beijing, from the elderly in their seventies and eighties to young children, came out of their homes to gaze at the heavens. While asking each other about the source of the fireworks, most remembered the name "Chunfeng Ruyi Tower." Besides marveling that only in such a peaceful and prosperous era could someone afford such extravagance, setting off such beautiful fireworks on a non-festival day, many silently resolved that when they had the money, they would definitely visit and see for themselves what kind of extravagant and luxurious place Chunfeng Ruyi Tower truly was.

Of course, on the grand occasion of reopening, Chunfeng Ruyi Tower didn't simply open its doors to business as usual. On this day, Mo Xibei sent meticulously crafted, gilded invitations to the homes of prominent families, high-ranking officials, literati, and wealthy merchants in the capital. The fact that Mo Xibei had the backing of the Eastern Depot was already widely known in the capital; the Eastern Depot was backed by the Emperor, so overnight, almost everyone knew that possessing this gilded invitation was a symbol of prestige and status in the capital. Furthermore, Mo Xibei built a "Hero's Platform" at the entrance. Guests who hadn't received an invitation but wished to enter Chunfeng Ruyi Tower could compete in couplets, verses, calligraphy, or painting to gain entry. As a result, many scholars from other regions who had come to the capital to study also gathered to showcase their talents.

Unlike the bustling outside, inside Chunfeng Ruyi Building, the main hall is divided into different areas, each with a screen painted with landscapes, flowers, and other designs by famous artists, ensuring absolute privacy as guests do not meet each other.

The opening performance was a dance, with music newly composed by Xiu Wen based on Mo Xibei's ideas. The music was intended to express the lonely feelings of a peerless beauty dancing alone in a secluded valley, hoping to meet a kindred spirit. Against the backdrop of many graceful and beautiful young women, a woman with a cool and aloof face, unadorned with jewels, dressed in white and with a light veil covering her face, danced alone. When the dance reached its climax, her sleeves fluttered, and countless petals drifted out and landed all over the hall. No one could truly see the dancer's face, but almost everyone who saw the dance believed that she was indeed a peerless beauty. As the grand finale, Xiuwen's zither music silenced the hall so deeply that even breathing could be barely heard. Everyone listened intently in the most devout posture, as if the moving melody still lingered in the air. When the music ended, the night was deep. The high-ranking officials had to attend court the next day and could not stay any longer, while the scholars and literati had to study early and also took their leave one after another. Those who remained were those who wanted to continue their enjoyment. So, after a short break, the stage style shifted, becoming a dazzling interplay of light and shadow, utterly captivating.

After that night, the reputation of Chunfeng Ruyi Tower soared, surpassing even its former glory.

However, Mo Xibei still disliked showing herself in public. Unless necessary, she preferred to stay in her private room on the second floor most days, enjoying the best food in the most comfortable position. However, she rarely drank alone anymore, because Mu Feinan's company was almost always there.

On this day, Mo Xibei and Mu Feinan were idly drinking and playing dice. In fact, for two experts in hidden weapons, playing dice was both simple and not simple, because it was difficult for them to win against each other, and they inevitably came up with all sorts of tricks. However, in each round of the game, the dice were smashed to pieces. Before they had even finished a pot of wine, Honglu was already heartbroken to see ten sets of dice either shattered or broken into pieces.

In the hall, Xiu Wen was playing the zither. Mo Xibei's private room was located on the second floor next to the hall. There was a hidden compartment that overlooked the entire room. When the compartment was opened, all the sounds from the hall could be heard without missing a single one. Mo Xibei gradually got bored of playing the zither, pushed the dice aside, and casually opened the hidden compartment. Just then, Xiu Wen's zither music trembled, creating a pause that was almost negligible.

Mo Xibei remembered that the last time Xiuwen had this situation, it was because Chu Junfeng suddenly appeared and stood outside the Elegant Pavilion. Xiuwen said that although he did not see or hear anything, his zither knew everything. Mo Xibei suddenly became curious about who it was that suddenly appeared and made Xiuwen's zither still keenly sense something in such a noisy and chaotic environment.

Christmas Eve has passed, and Christmas is here! Hehe, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! Thank you for your support and blessings, my friends!

Volume Two: The Wind Leaves a Mark, Chapter Twelve: Brothers (Part Two)

Mo Xibei scanned the hall from top to bottom, and suddenly noticed that Huang Jin, dressed in casual clothes and accompanied by only a few men, had quietly appeared in a corner of the hall. As the group sat down, one of the attendants glanced in a certain direction, seemingly casually. What Mo Xibei found intriguing, however, was Huang Jin's gaze and demeanor. His expression remained as arrogant as ever, even subtly conveying a sense of looking down on everyone. He stared straight ahead, never glancing in any other direction. Yet, something felt off; that arrogance was tinged with a hint of humility.

Humility—Mo Xibei had never intended to use that word to describe Huang Jin, but that was the impression he gave off today. However, given Xiu Wen's musical skills and cultivation, Huang Jin, despite his immense power, shouldn't be taken seriously, unless… Mo Xibei smiled, unless Huang Jin wasn't there to kill time. His gaze followed the direction Huang Jin's attendant had been looking, examining each table of guests. They were all dressed in fine robes, young and old, with varying appearances and demeanors—some elegant, others sleazy. Suddenly, everything went black as Mu Feinan complained, "What's so interesting down there? All of them combined aren't as good as me. You should look at me instead."

Mo Xibei couldn't help but snort, pulling away the hand in front of him. Just as he was thinking about what words to use to "compliment" the smug guy next to him who would wag his tail if he had one, he saw Honglv pat his chest and suddenly rush out.

"See? Your words are incredibly powerful." Mo Xibei pointed to the door that was slammed shut with a loud bang.

"She's been keeping a close eye on me every day, and she's finally gone." Mu Feinan beamed, pulling Mo Xibei to lie down on the large bed next to him. "Good, she's gone, you can relax now. Lie down quietly for a bit. I think today's guest is unusual; I need to observe her." Mo Xibei patted Mu Feinan and resumed his observation of the room.

But Mu Feinan's interruption made him realize that Xiu Wen had already gotten up and left, and Huang Jin and his entourage had also disappeared.

Mo Xibei was about to say something strange when Hong Lü returned, knocked on the door and came in, saying with a slightly flustered look on her face, "Young Master Mo, a guest specifically asked to see you."

"See me?" Mo Xibei asked.

"Who is it?" Mu Feinan also sat up.

"I...I think he looks a bit like that factory supervisor..." Hong Lü's voice was filled with anxiety and a hint of fear. "Young Master Mo, is he going to cause us more trouble?"

"Oh, people from the Eastern Depot." Mo Xibei nodded, something suddenly lighting up his mind. He reassured Honglu, "It's alright. Everything is going smoothly and peacefully in our shop in the capital, thanks to the support of the Director of the Eastern Depot. Now that he's here, I have to go and see him." He then turned to Mu Feinan and said, "I'll go take a look and come back in a bit."

"Be careful." This time, the two guys, who were always at odds with each other from the moment they met, surprisingly spoke in unison.

"It's nothing." Mo Xibei smiled, flicked the hem of his clothes, and gracefully left.

Huang Jin and his group were in the most luxurious private room on the second floor. Mo Xibei didn't even need to ask; he could see several burly men standing neatly in front of a door from afar. As he walked over, he was ordered to stop before he even reached the door.

"I am the owner of Chunfeng Ruyi Restaurant. I was summoned by the Imperial Factory Supervisor to give a report." Mo Xibei bowed slightly and smiled politely.

The man who stopped Mo Xibei looked her up and down a few times, a fleeting look of surprise in his eyes. After a moment, he turned and went inside to report. He came out after a few words and politely said to Mo Xibei, "Please."

Huang Jin was standing at the table in the middle of the elegant room, holding a wine pot and pouring wine into an agate cup. When he saw Mo Xibei enter, he did not put down the wine pot immediately, but slowly poured the wine as usual before saying, "Boss Mo's Spring Breeze Pavilion is indeed extraordinary. I have heard about it even though I have not left the inner court these past few days."

"You flatter me, Superintendent. It's just a small business deal. Please excuse my poor performance." Mo Xibei didn't look at the young man behind him, who was dressed in a simple dark blue robe and whose upper body was completely hidden in the lamplight. He simply smiled and agreed.

"Mr. Mo, you are exceptionally talented. The Spring Breeze Pavilion has become famous overnight since you took it over. If this is still a small business for you, who in the world would dare to say they have a big business?" Huang Jin chuckled, but his words were unusually humble. "You flatter me." Mo Xibei sighed inwardly. Some things are unpredictable, but he kept his expression unchanged.

"Where is Mr. Mo from?" Huang Jin pretended to be deep in thought. Before Mo Xibei could answer, he slapped his forehead and said, "I'm getting old and my memory isn't good. Whenever I hear Mr. Mo's slight Hanzhong accent, I always think you're from Hanzhong."

"Your Excellency, the Director, are often forgetful. I have traveled extensively since childhood, and my accent is inevitably a mix of northern and southern dialects. Mistakes are common," Mo Xibei chuckled. "It is a rare privilege for our humble establishment to have Your Excellency grace us with your presence today. Perhaps I should instruct you to prepare a few special dishes to accompany your drinks."

"No need for that," Huang Jin shook his head. "I've always thought Boss Mo looks kind, like someone I know. So, as soon as he heard someone resembled him, he came. He wants to see if he looks like Boss Mo or not!" Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! And Merry Christmas to all the brothers and sisters reading this!

Volume Two: Traces Left by the Wind, Chapter Twelve: Brothers (Part Two)

"Your Excellency is too kind. There are many similarities among people in this world, so what's so strange about that? It is only because of this young master's presence that I am truly honored." Mo Xibei felt a chill run down her spine when she thought of the legend of the twins fighting for her life when she first arrived. Her eyes quickly glanced at the young man who was still silent in the lamplight, and she made up her mind that she could not admit it no matter what. In fact, she believed that even if the legend was true, it should be debunked. After all, the real Zhu Jingjia was dead, and no one could fight the emperor for his life anymore.

“Huang Jin, well… I don’t think she looks much like me.” Just as he was thinking, the young man suddenly spoke. His voice was slightly deep but very pleasant to the ear. However, Mo Xibei had seen countless people over the years. Even if he hadn’t guessed the man’s identity, he could tell just by listening to his voice that this must be someone who often gave orders. His words naturally revealed a lot of domineering and toughness.

"Well... what the young master says is true. Looking at it this closely, it really doesn't look quite like it." Huang Jin's forehead was slightly sweaty, and he almost unconsciously bowed slightly.

"While her face doesn't look exactly like mine, her features are about 70% like my mother's. And her temperament is quite similar to mine." The young man didn't seem to care about Huang Jin's reaction and then added this comment.

"Young Master is wise." Sweat poured down Huang Jin's forehead, but he didn't wipe it with his sleeve; instead, he lowered his head even further.

"What does this have to do with whether I'm wise or not? Anyone who knows my mother and me can see for themselves." The young man snorted, casually throwing out a few words, his tone becoming cheerful. Mo Xibei saw Huang Jin shift slightly, seemingly relieved. He couldn't help but find it amusing. But then he heard the young man turn to him and ask, "It's rare that we get along so well. What's your name?"

"My surname is Mo, and my given name is Xibei." Mo Xibei smiled, genuinely unsure of the origin of this "kindness." However, he casually replied, "May I ask your name, sir?"

"Me?" The young man had bright, dark eyes. When his gaze fell intently on the person's face, it was Mo Xibei. He couldn't help but feel a tremor in his heart. "It's been many years since anyone has asked my name, let alone called me by my given name. Hmm... just call me Young Master Zhu."

"Well then, since Young Master Zhu has graced us with his presence, how about I have someone arrange some exquisite entertainment to liven things up for you?" Mo Xibei adopted the demeanor expected of a hospitable restaurant owner and earnestly suggested, "Our humble establishment employs renowned chefs from all over the country, offering a complete range of dishes from both the north and south. I dare not boast of how delicious they are, but they are certainly worth a try. As for music and dance, I am confident in my abilities. Whether it's the music halls or brothels in the capital, I doubt you'll find more talented and charming girls than here. Of course, if you only wish to hear a few elegant pieces, Mr. Xiuwen and Miss Qingxi here are both experts, guaranteed to satisfy you."

"Is this how you introduce your business to customers all these years?" Young Master Zhu stared at Mo Xibei. In the light and shadow, Mo Xibei couldn't see his face clearly, only his eyes, which shone brightly. "Of course not." Mo Xibei shook her head in denial. If she were a lazy person like her, she would probably have given up on this business long ago if she had to greet customers like this every day.