The Price of Secrets

Inside the private room of Willow Lane, sandalwood incense wafted gently.

Dark, lacquered gauze curtains swayed softly, reflecting the dim candlelight within the room.

Daddy Liu sat on a huanghuali wood chair, his round fan swaying lightly in his hand. The thick layer of makeup on his face appeared even heavier under the candlelight.

His eyes darted about, seemingly weighing a critical decision.

“Boss Jiang, are you truly determined to keep Xia Qian for yourself?”

His voice held a hint of hesitation, a thread of reluctance woven into its sharp, high-pitched tone.

Jiang Buwei’s jade thumb ring tapped lightly against the tabletop. She raised her teacup, lowering her gaze to blow away the foam on the surface.

“Heh, is Daddy Liu truly so reluctant to part with his own young man?”

The tea’s surface reflected a faint, almost imperceptible curve at the corner of her lips.

“I heard that a few nights ago, Willow Lane hastily drove a donkey cart out of the back gate of the Academy, carrying a large crate. I wonder what could have been inside?”

The round fan slapped sharply against Daddy Liu’s hand. The flush at the corners of his eyes deepened instantly by three shades.

He distinctly recalled that the night patrol dogs had all been incapacitated by a sleeping incense. Yet, how did this ‘female Yama’ know everything?

It seemed that his methods of bribing the Academy officials and secretly harboring ‘Spirit Cauldrons’ might fool others, but they certainly wouldn’t escape the discerning eyes of this powerful business empress.

Daddy Liu could only manage two dry chuckles.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, look at what you’re saying. How could our sordid trade be worthy of a noble person’s concern?”

His slender nails dug into the bamboo ribs of the fan, and his Adam’s apple bobbed as if he had swallowed burning coals.

“Speaking of which, for Boss Jiang to take a liking to Xia Qian, that is his good fortune. It’s just… the boy only arrived recently and hasn’t been properly trained. I fear he might not serve you well and inadvertently offend you.”

Jiang Buwei smiled with elegant grace.

“Daddy Liu, you’re being too much of a stranger with such words. Though Xia Qian is a new branch, and certainly has some clumsy aspects, he is far more vibrant than certain ‘Spirit Cauldrons’ who merely feign obedience and cleverness.

Besides, what kind of ‘Spirit Cauldron’ haven’t I seen? Entrusting Xia Qian to me is surely better than letting him fall into the hands of those who don’t appreciate beauty and tenderness, wouldn’t you agree?”

Daddy Liu’s expression shifted slightly, his round fan pausing for a moment before his smile returned.

“Boss Jiang speaks truly, it’s just… this boy, after all, took a lot of effort for me to bring back. If I were to agree just like that, my heart wouldn’t feel quite at ease.”

A flicker of understanding passed through Jiang Buwei’s eyes. She took a delicate sip of tea, her tone remaining calm.

“Relying on one’s own efforts alone to keep a secret inevitably leads to lapses, even with a hundred precautions. But with a little extra help, someone who can provide cover and concealment when necessary, why not embrace it?”

Daddy Liu’s face momentarily fell into shadow.

Yet, from the bottom of his heart, he acknowledged the shrewdness and insight of the business empress before him. He then forced out a strained smile.

“Boss Jiang’s reminder is apt, but… yes, the boy has only just entered the Lane. The Academy’s registration procedures haven’t been finalized. As for the matter of him being kept by you, I ask Boss Jiang for a little more time—three days… yes, just three days.”

Jiang Buwei smiled faintly, rising to her feet and gently brushing her wide sleeves.

“Very well, three days. I will return after three days, and I hope Daddy Liu will not go back on his word then.”

Daddy Liu quickly stood, his face wreathed in smiles.

“Yes, yes, yes, I will certainly make a note of it for you. Boss Jiang, please take your time!”

Jiang Buwei nodded, then turned and exited the private room.

Her steps were light, as if the preceding conversation had been nothing more than idle chatter, entirely unaffected by her mood.

Stepping out of the main gate of Willow Lane, the sun was already setting in the west.

Jiang Buwei stood by the roadside, gazing up at the sky.

The setting sun painted the horizon with a faint, orange-red hue. Lanterns had begun to light up in the shops lining the street, their warm yellow glow reflecting on the bluestone pavement, creating an exceptionally cozy atmosphere.

This was Liangqu City, a border town in the Western Huan Kingdom.

Dried grass left by camel caravans from days prior still clung to the cracks in the bluestone. The scent of sesame and fennel, crushed by horse hooves, mingled with the clang of the blacksmith’s forge, drifting into people’s noses.

Bare-chested porters sped past, pushing wheelbarrows, the Western Region wine sloshing intoxicatingly within their leather flasks.

Several female cultivators emerged from a rouge shop, their talisman pouches slung across their shoulders, their brass bells jingling softly with their laughter.

The streets were lined with all sorts of stalls, merchants shouting and hawking their wares.

Occasionally, platoons of garrison soldiers would march by. Clad in leather armor, longswords at their waists, their synchronized steps indicated they had just returned from border patrol.

Jiang Buwei strolled along the street, her gaze sweeping over the surroundings.

Though Liangqu remained prosperous, she knew this was merely the final fragrance before a cluster of flowers withered.

She sighed softly, shook her head, and continued forward.

After passing through the bustling market and turning into a quieter street, Jiang Buwei suddenly halted.

“Yirou.”

She called out softly.

No sooner had she spoken than a small figure flashed out from the shadows, landing silently beside her.

Her brown short hair was slightly curly, a pair of fluffy wolf ears stood erect on her head, and a bushy tail gently swayed behind her.

Her eyes were sharp, like a small wolf ready to pounce at any moment, yet when facing Jiang Buwei, she appeared exceptionally respectful.

“Master.”

The petite girl, named Yirou, bowed her head slightly, her voice clear and calm.

Jiang Buwei glanced at her, a slight smile curving her lips, revealing a gentle side she rarely showed to outsiders.

“I thought you would hide for even longer before coming out.”

Yirou kept her head down, her tone placid.

“Master instructed that unless you called, Yirou should not appear without permission.”

Jiang Buwei chuckled softly, reaching out to ruffle Yirou’s head. The wolf ears twitched gently in her palm, looking particularly adorable.

“You, you’re always so by the book.”

Yirou didn’t dodge, merely narrowing her eyes slightly, as if enjoying her master’s touch. But she quickly reverted to her serious expression.

“Master, was it still fruitless this time? Yirou will go prepare the carriage immediately. Please instruct where Master wishes to go next.”

Jiang Buwei shook her head, the amusement in her eyes deepening.

“No, there’s no need to rush off this time. We’ll stay in Liangqu City for a while longer.”

Yirou’s wolf ears perked up slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

“Master, do you mean… there was a discovery this time?”

Jiang Buwei nodded, her tone relaxed.

“You could say that. While he’s still far from a top-grade ‘Spirit Cauldron,’ as a ‘meeting gift’… heh, he’s quite presentable.”

“So you intend to bestow him upon—”

Yirou immediately understood her master’s meaning, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes.

But before she could finish, Jiang Buwei raised a finger, hushing her softly.

Yirou immediately lowered her head, her tone serious.

“Yes, Yirou understands.”

Jiang Buwei withdrew her hand, lightly patting Yirou’s shoulder.

“Matters are accomplished through secrecy, and ruined by disclosure. Some things need not be spoken too plainly.”

Yirou nodded, then asked,

“Then, Master, since we are staying in Liangqu, I will arrange accommodation first—would it be feasible to book the inn in the south of the city?”

“No rush.”

Jiang Buwei thought for a moment, a smile unconsciously curving her lips.

“There’s still some time before the city’s sunset curfew. Before that, let’s make a trip to the stables.”

“The stables?”

The petite ‘Wolf-Di’ girl blinked in confusion.

“The horse tack has been used for some time; it’s about time to pick out and replace it.”

As she spoke, Jiang Buwei unconsciously lowered her head, as if the warmth from that attentive massage still lingered on her ankle.