A Pawn's Passage

The beggar approached two individuals separately, handing each of them a small cash note.

Qi Xuansu observed them from a distance. Although these two were in the same line of work as the beggar, they wore gauze clothing and black scarves on their heads. Their rolled sleeves revealed tattoos on their forearms.

These two were likely beggar chiefs, subordinates of the Beggar King. After accepting the money, they glanced at Qi Xuansu, their eyes lingering briefly on the gun at his waist before nodding in agreement.

The beggar returned to Qi Xuansu, gazing at him expectantly.

Qi Xuansu took two more small cash notes from his sleeve and handed them to the beggar, who beamed and continued leading the way.

This city within a city was like a labyrinth, full of shady dealings. Occasionally, Qi Xuansu could hear agonized wailing or sorrowful crying, reminiscent of the infamous Imperial Prison.

Eventually, they arrived at a grand residence that stood out starkly in this area. The beggar stopped and announced, “We’re here.”

Qi Xuansu asked, “By the way, what’s the local boss’s name?”

The beggar replied, “The Beggar King’s official title is Troupe Leader. His name is Ye Xiu.”

The beggar flashed an ingratiating smile and went ahead to report their arrival.

Before long, a small door of the residence opened for the guest.

The guest—Qi Xuansu—entered and was promptly guided by a neatly dressed servant.

The interior of this residence was a world unto itself. While not as grand as the Zhenwu Temple, it rivaled the homes of the ordinary gentry. In a sense, this exemplified the saying that every trade has its master. Even a beggar who reached the top could also become a notable figure.

It was not surprising that Qi Xuansu could arrive here so smoothly.

The Beggar King could not engage in legitimate brothel businesses, as those were trades reserved for the truly powerful families, who would crush any overreach. However, the Beggar King could dabble in lower-class brothels, profiting through small margins and high volume, which brought in substantial revenue.

Combined with various other shady dealings, the Beggar King was often busy handling all kinds of affairs, with no shortage of people seeking favors from him daily.

The servant led Qi Xuansu to a small lounge, served tea, and asked him to wait, explaining that the Beggar King was currently entertaining other guests.

Qi Xuansu did not rush or drink the tea; he simply waited patiently.

After about an hour, someone finally informed Qi Xuansu that the Beggar King was ready to see him.

This was the difference between coming alone and having Bai Yingqiong deliver a message. With Bai Yingqiong’s influence, they would never dare treat Qi Xuansu so indifferently.

Under the servant’s guidance, Qi Xuansu moved from the small lounge to a grand hall.

From the outside, it did not seem extraordinary, but the interior told a different story. A long table flanked by chairs made entirely of yellow rosewood was parked against the northern wall, resembling the furnishings of a gentry’s mansion.

On the leftmost seat of honor sat a tall elderly man cradling a snow-white Persian cat.

Qi Xuansu clasped his fists in greeting. “Master Ye, nice to meet you. I am Wei Wugui.”

The old man lifted his eyelids to glance at Qi Xuansu, his gaze briefly pausing on the Divine Dragon Pistol at Qi Xuansu’s waist. “What brings you here, Brother Wei?”

Qi Xuansu did not beat around the bush and cut to the chase. “I’ve heard that you are highly capable and well-informed, so I’d like to inquire about some information.”

“Please speak.” Ye Xiu gestured to the guest seat beside him. “Have a seat and some tea.”

Qi Xuansu sat down and inquired, “Master Ye, are you aware of the happenings in Zhenwu Temple?”

Ye Xiu’s hand paused in stroking the Persian cat’s chin. “Of course, I’m aware.”

Qi Xuansu continued, “The Jiangnan Daoist Mansion has vacated the Zhenwu Temple. A special investigation team from the Golden Tower has taken residence there, comprising six Deputy Hall Masters and a Deputy Palace Master.”

“You want to know about these seven big shots?” Ye Xiu asked.

Qi Xuansu shook his head. “I’m not interested in the seven big shots. I’m more interested in their subordinates.”

Ye Xiu paused in silence for a moment before replying slowly, “I can only say I’ll do my best.”

“From what I’ve heard, there’s a fresh face among the many Daoist superintendents. His name is Qi Xuansu, formerly a deacon of Tiangang Hall before being transferred to Ziwei Hall as a superintendent. He has only recently arrived in Jinling. I’d like to know more about him and his recent movements as quickly as possible.”

Ye Xiu placed the Persian cat on a nearby tea table and stated, “Tracking the whereabouts of a Daoist superintendent starts at 300 Taiping coins.”

Qi Xuansu haggled. “That’s too expensive. I can only offer 200 Taiping coins.”

Ye Xiu neither agreed nor disagreed. Instead, he stared at Qi Xuansu. “Before that, I’d like to ask—who are you to dare investigate a superintendent of the Daoist Order?”

Qi Xuansu revealed the Black Robes badge briefly and then put it away.

“So, you’re an official.” Ye Xiu nodded. “Very well, 200 Taiping coins it is. But you’ll need to pay 100 Taiping coins as a deposit.”

Qi Xuansu wasted no words, pulling out a large cash note and placing it on the tea table beside him.

In just a blink of an eye, he had already spent 200 of the 500-Taiping-coin mission funds. Luckily, it was not his own money, or he would have been heartbroken. Even though he often spent thousands of Taiping coins on spiritual objects, those could be resold, so it was merely converting the coins into another form of asset.

On the contrary, this kind of expenditure was a total loss, leaving nothing behind.

The reason Qi Xuansu would spend money to investigate his own whereabouts was to test the waters.

Whatever information the Beggar Gang gathered, Qi Xuansu could immediately verify its accuracy, allowing him to judge whether they were acting in good faith or merely going through the motions.

Moreover, he did not fully trust the Beggar Gang yet, and they did not trust him either, so it was unwise to commission a big task at the start. This was still an introductory stage meant to build mutual trust as a foundation for future dealings.

Of course, if the Beggar Gang managed to uncover Qi Xuansu’s true identity, he could report directly to Lei Xiaohuan that his mission had failed.

This was what Zhang Yuelu referred to as “feeling out the waters.” Rats had their tunnels, while snakes had their burrows. There were some matters that the Daoist Order and the Imperial Court might not handle as effectively.

Ye Xiu did not even glance at the large cash note and simply said, “I will give you an answer three days from now, regardless of success or failure. If the task is completed to your satisfaction, you are required to settle the balance. If it fails and you are dissatisfied, I will refund the deposit in full.”

“Thank you.” Qi Xuansu rose and took his leave.

……

After accompanying Qi Xuansu for breakfast, Zhang Yuelu went to meet Bai Yingqiong while still dressed in men’s attire. However, she had her mask removed.

This meeting was not held at the Bai Residence but at a countryside courtyard outside the city. It was a classic Jiangnan mansion—a perfect place for seclusion and recuperation. Although it did not belong to Bai Yingqiong, she often stayed there for short visits.

This was what Zhang Yuelu referred to as “vested interests.” Having been entrenched in the Jiangnan Daoist Mansion for years, who could truly remain uninvolved?

After Zhang Yuelu arrived, a butler personally led her inside.

The estate had four sections.

The first section, centrally located and facing north, featured rock formations and pavilions, forming a natural courtyard. The western pavilion, modeled after the legendary Orchid Pavilion, housed an artistically carved channel that allowed a winding stream to flow through, designed for floating wine cups.

Past a carved floral gate was the second section, which had a few ornamental lake rocks that were set as the central feature, creating a tranquil and elegant ambiance.

The third section featured artificial hills and a lake, with a small pavilion built on high ground, offering a commanding view.

The last section was dominated by the mansion’s most elevated and exquisite two-story building. Its front courtyard was encircled by mountain stones, and its rear was connected by covered corridors to a study, creating a breathtaking and delightful scenery. It was a masterpiece of ingenuity.

The floors indoors were made of bamboo-woven mats. Dyed jade pieces and purple Wisteria vines were used to recreate plum blossoms. The eaves were decorated with bamboo inlays and jade fittings. A hundred-deer relief and double-sided embroidered screens further showcased the exquisite craftsmanship of this room.

Entering the building, Zhang Yuelu looked around and praised, “What a splendid place!”

“This doesn’t compare to the Jade Capital,” Bai Yingqiong replied while deftly handling a tea set. “No matter how exquisite, it’s no match for even an ordinary residence in Xuan City. Not just anyone can live there.”

That remark was laden with unbridled envy.

Everyone knew Zhang Yuelu resided in Xuan City, not within the 24 neighborhoods of Jade Capital. If she took it a step further, she might even get to live in the Purple Mansion one day.

Zhang Yuelu sat opposite Bai Yingqiong and smiled faintly. “It’s merely a temporary lease.”

Soon, Bai Yingqiong poured a cup of tea for Zhang Yuelu.

Holding the teacup in both hands, Zhang Yuelu commented, “Recently, undercurrents have been surging in Jinling. False accusations are rampant. Yet here you are, having the leisure to enjoy such a fine retreat.”

Bai Yingqiong smiled faintly. “Rampant might be an exaggeration. You’re blowing it out of proportion, Junior Sister.”

“Senior Sister, you rarely venture out, yet you seem well-informed about the city’s affairs.” Zhang Yuelu continued, “Having lived in Jinling for so long, you must be well acquainted with many local powers, right?”

Bai Yingqiong maintained her calm and composed demeanor. “Xiao Su is one such power player in this area.”

Zhang Yuelu merely uttered, “Oh.”

……

Bai Yingqiong rubbed her forehead. “I’ve heard of Qi Xuansu. Madam Tantai didn’t like him, so I initially dismissed him, thinking that he was an insignificant figure. But it turns out this young man has quite the background.

“He has good relations with Sage Lei and Sage Pei and some connection to Sage Donghua. His recent transfer to the Ziwei Hall was a direct order by Sage Donghua himself. Could he be a long-lost descendant of the Qi family from the Quanzhen Sect?”

Zhang Yuelu replied confidently, “No, he’s from the Wanxiang Daoist Palace. Qi was not his original last name; he adopted it from his master.”

“I see,” Bai Yingqiong said. “There are quite a few individuals from the Wanxiang Daoist Palace who have managed to rise within the Quanzhen Sect.”

Half an hour later, Zhang Yuelu, having gained no useful information, took her leave. Bai Yingqiong escorted her to the door.

Bai Yingqiong watched as Zhang Yuelu walked away, only returning indoors until her junior sister disappeared from sight.

This time, there was an additional person inside the room—the Heavenly Court’s God of Wind, also known as Feng Bo. He had been expanding operations and creating branches of the Heavenly Court in Yongzhou and Liangzhou. However, after offending Lei Xiaohuan, his operations were completely eradicated, and he barely escaped by fleeing south alone.

No longer concealing her anger, Bai Yingqiong glared at Feng Bo with hostility. “What have you done with Xiaojin?”

Feng Bo smiled goadingly. “We wouldn’t dare harm Miss Bai. We’ve merely invited her to be our guest for a few days.”