"Ladies, no need to be nervous, no need to be nervous! My friend here just loves to joke—he means no harm!" Heart Knife nudged Ninth. "Do you still want to understand the hearts of women or not?"
Ninth fell silent, only kneading his little green snake even harder.
Heart Knife waved his hand. "Ladies, no need to perform. Just have a good chat with my friend here. Tell him what kind of gentlemen you like, what kind you dislike—lay it all out for him."
The women trembled, huddling together, a pitiful sight.
Heart Knife sighed inwardly, feeling as though he were committing some kind of sin.
Within the House of Gentle Pleasures, there was a hidden passage, secluded from prying eyes and the clamor of revelry.
Master Jin stooped slightly, escorting a masked figure clad in black robes step by step forward.
"The master will arrive shortly. Rest assured, no one will disturb your conversation, nor will anyone notice the honored guest's presence."
"What was all that commotion in the front hall earlier?"
The masked figure's voice was muffled, betraying neither joy nor anger.
Master Jin replied, "A man from Miaojiang came seeking pleasure. It’s the first time someone from Miaojiang has visited our humble establishment, so the stir was inevitable."
"A man from Miaojiang?" The masked figure mused. "That Miaojiang man staying at the Prefect’s residence—the one called Ninth?"
Master Jin thought for a moment. "It must be the same one Wenren Buxiao invited as a guest."
They had their ways of knowing who came and went in the city. Recently, a man and a woman from Miaojiang had arrived in Canghaizhou. With a little effort, one could uncover a few details.
"I thought that Miaojiang man and that Central Plains woman shared a love as strong as gold. Turns out he’s just another ordinary man, lusting after beauty and lost in the House of Gentle Pleasures."
The masked figure snorted and pushed the door open.
Finding the way to the House of Gentle Pleasures wasn’t difficult. Even a three-year-old child knew where the grandest den of indulgence in Canghaizhou was located.
Chu'he’s anger grew with every step. Spotting a roadside stall selling knives, she even spent money to pick the sharpest one before striding ahead.
A child playing by the roadside asked curiously, "Father, why does that pretty lady look like she’s about to kill someone?"
His father, bruised and battered, patted his head and sighed with the wisdom of experience. "Isn’t it obvious? She’s going to the House of Gentle Pleasures to skewer her lover!"
Chu'he stormed up to the resplendent entrance, her fury unmistakable. The two burly guards took one look at her expression and the knife in her hand and immediately understood—another troublemaker.
They blocked her path. "Miss, women aren’t allowed in the House of Gentle Pleasures."
Chu'he seethed. "Name your price—I’ll pay anything! Just let me in!"
"Miss, it’s not about money."
"In our line of work, reputation is everything. We have to ensure our guests' safety!"
As Chu'he struggled with the two guards, a warm greeting sounded nearby.
"Ah, honored guest! Welcome, please come in!"
A man nodded. "Yes, I reserved a private room. No need to guide me—I’ll find my own way."
The voice was familiar.
Chu'he turned her head. "Zhou Xian?"
The scar-faced man froze. "Miss Chu'he?"
A flicker of disdain crossed Chu'he’s expression.
Zhou Xian shifted uncomfortably. "I’m here on business, not for pleasure!"
Chu'he: "Oh."
The two guards blocking Chu'he were well-meaning.
"Men always say that."
"Miss, you’re so beautiful—why tie yourself to one rotten tree?"
"Exactly! Better to go home, divorce him, and find someone new."
Zhou Xian paled, taking in Chu'he’s determined stance. "Miss Chu'he, are you here for Ninth?"
Chu'he snorted. "He sneaked into this den of vice behind my back with that scoundrel Heart Knife! I’m here to settle the score!"
The guards chimed in again helpfully.
"Divorce is the better option."
"Miss, my brother and I are both unmarried. If you’re interested..."
Zhou Xian’s fists flew. The two guards hit the ground instantly.
Chu'he was the tether holding Ninth in place. If she truly abandoned him, all hell would break loose!
"Miss Chu'he, I’m sure Ninth just fell into bad company temporarily. There’s still hope! Come, I’ll take you inside!"
After settling the honored guest, Master Jin turned to his subordinates. "The master will arrive soon. Do not slack off—ensure no one disturbs his important discussion with the guest."
"Don’t worry, Master Jin. That Miaojiang man is also taken care of. Nothing will go wrong!"
Master Jin nodded, then heard another commotion. Peering down from the second floor, his eyelid twitched. "Why is the chief of the Patrol Spirit Guards here? And what’s with the woman holding a knife?!"
A Miaojiang man stood out like a sore thumb. Asking just one person would reveal which private room he was in.
Chu'he tightened her grip on the knife and raised her head.
"What I adore is a generous, gentle, and considerate man. A few sweet words wouldn’t hurt either."
Heart Knife sipped his tea, nodding slightly. Catching the ladies’ flirtatious glances, he sighed inwardly.
He’d brought Ninth here to broaden his horizons, yet somehow, he’d become the center of attention again.
Handsome—truly an innate curse.
Suddenly, Heart Knife shuddered, a chill running down his spine. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"
Ninth’s hands stilled on the little green snake. He, too, tensed.
The jingling of anklet bells grew louder. The sound of footsteps, devoid of any martial prowess yet heavy as a death knell, carried an overwhelming murderous intent.
Then—the door flew open.
"NINTH!!!!!"
Chu'he stood tall, righteous fury blazing in her eyes. But all she saw were two figures—one black, one red—leaping out the window. Her expression darkened, and she gave chase.
Scenes of jealous confrontations were common in the House of Gentle Pleasures. The patrons continued drinking and feasting, undisturbed.
Ninth and Heart Knife fled down the corridor.
"Why are we running?" Ninth panted.
Heart Knife shot him a look. "You don’t even know why, yet you followed me?"
"I saw you run, so I ran too."
Heart Knife’s expression was complicated. "Even if we only came for tea and didn’t lay a finger on anyone, women lose all reason in moments like this. Nothing you say will convince her otherwise. Did you see the knife in Miss Chu'he’s hand? She’s here to chop you to pieces!"
Ninth nodded vaguely.
Heart Knife wondered how Chu'he had discovered their visit. He’d been so discreet!
But there was no time to dwell on it. Years of evading lovesick women had honed his escape skills to perfection.
"This way—it’s secluded!"
Heart Knife led Ninth through twists and turns, distancing them from the noise. Just then, a maid delivering wine pushed open a guest room door. Through the gap, his eyes met those of a masked figure in black.
Black robes. A mask.
Someone from the Eternal City of Yunhuang!
Heart Knife slammed to a sudden halt, his fan flying out as the masked figure drew their sword. The clash of fan and blade screeched through the air. In the next instant, a knife’s edge flashed forward—only for the masked fighter to kick a table into its path. Wood splinters sprayed as the young maid collapsed to the floor in terror.
Heart Knife gripped his folding fan in one hand, his long blade raised in the other, murderous intent radiating from him. "Who the hell are you?"
"Your dad."
The masked figure spun and leaped out the window.
"Son of a bitch!"
Heart Knife cursed and gave chase.
Soon, the sounds of battle erupted through the pleasure house. Sword gleams shattered carved beams, blade strokes ruined fine wine and delicacies—utter demolition. Guests and courtesans scrambled in chaos.
Zhou Xian recognized Heart Knife, and the black-clad masked figure matched the description White Dove and Black Goose had given earlier. He drew his weapon.
"Blade Young Master, I’ll back you up!"
The scene descended into further mayhem.
"My priceless century-old Bai Lu Chun wine!"
"My gold-crafted night lantern!"
"My jade-carved grape cup!"
"Stop fighting in here! Take it outside!"
"My family’s fortune is ruined!"
Master Jin clutched his head, wailing in despair, but nothing could stop the duel between masters. Just then, a figure dropped upside-down from the rafters.
"You’re surnamed Jin?"
Silver hair nearly brushed the floor, tiny bells chiming softly. Blood-red gemstones glinted like droplets of gore.
The boy appeared like a specter, his crimson eyes swirling with menace.
"A ghost!"
Master Jin shrieked and fainted.
The next moment, a girl’s furious voice rang out from behind. "Ninth!"
She lunged forward, snatching the boy and yanking him to the ground with a heavy thud. Before Ninth could scramble up, she was already sitting on him.
Chu'he brandished her knife in one hand, gripping his face with the other, her expression ferocious.
"A man’s chastity is his most sacred treasure. Has your purity been violated?"
"If it has..."
"You’ll atone with your life!"
The boy shuddered, his throat bobbing as he forgot to breathe.
