Chapter 40: What a Coincidence

After the Green Dragon Hall meeting adjourned and Ye Jingtang departed, Shao Xiangjun took her maid, Xiuhe, to the residence of her sister-in-law, Zhang Yulian, to recount what had just transpired.

"Although Jingtang is young, he truly possesses the aura of a master. Now that the eight incense masters no longer harbor any contempt, as long as Jingtang makes a name for himself in the pugilistic world, the internal turmoil within Red Flower Tower will be settled..."

Shao Xiangjun, dressed in a goose-yellow ru-skirt, sat sideways on a carved soft couch. Holding a needle and thread, she was embroidering a "Bird Playing in Water" piece, praising Ye Jingtang’s performance in a soft voice.

Madam Zhang sat opposite her. Upon hearing this, her expression eased slightly, but there was no great joy; instead, a faint trace of worry lingered. "No matter how well Jingtang performs, he is only the adopted son of the second uncle. He shares no blood ties with the Shao family, nor has he ever received a shred of favor from us. Helping the Shao family carry the burden is a matter of sentiment and loyalty; not helping is his right. The Shao family cannot demand anything."

"Sister-in-law, rest assured, I know Jingtang’s character."

Having served as the sect leader’s wife for many years, Madam Zhang had seen more of the world than Shao Xiangjun. She sighed lightly, "Third Sister, there are some things I must say. People's hearts change. With Jingtang’s performance today, once his wings are fully grown, you certainly won't be able to control him. Such a large family enterprise cannot rely solely on the word 'trust.' You must find a way to secure his loyalty."

"Jingtang has a strong sense of chivalry. His strength is that he doesn't care for fame or wealth, but his weakness is the same. If he wants to help the Shao family, he will do his best without me asking. If he doesn't, what way do I have to keep him?"

A flash of helplessness crossed Madam Zhang’s eyes. Seeing no outsiders present, she leaned in closer. "What men desire is nothing more than power, wealth, fame, and beauty. Jingtang is not greedy for wealth or power, and he doesn't need the Shao family to grant him fame. That only leaves the last option..."

Shao Xiangjun’s hand paused in her embroidery. She raised her eyes. "You mean a honey trap? Jingtang is better looking than ninety-nine percent of women. I don't think there are many women in this world who could tie him down."

Madam Zhang glanced at Shao Xiangjun’s figure. "Ordinary women naturally couldn't, but are you an ordinary woman? As the female leader of Red Flower Tower, you are charming and beautiful. The pugilistic world often says, 'A thousand pieces of gold for loyalty are not worth the four ounces on a woman's chest.' You must have at least two pounds there, don't you? Can’t you tie down a young man?"

Shao Xiangjun looked startled. She adjusted her bodice, showing a hint of shy annoyance. "Sister-in-law! What nonsense are you spouting? We are of the same generation; Jingtang calls me 'Auntie'!"

"What kind of 'Auntie'?" Madam Zhang said earnestly. "You are a disciple of the Shao family, and Jingtang is the Shao family’s adopted son. You have no blood relation; who would say it’s a problem if you became husband and wife? Jingtang is talented and handsome. If you don't take advantage of being close to him and let such a fine young man go to an outsider, don't you think it's a loss? If I had a daughter, I would have betrothed her to Jingtang by now..."

"Sister-in-law, don't play matchmaker blindly. It would be so embarrassing if it backfired."

"I am not joking. If you can't let go of your reservations, find a way to scout within Red Flower Tower. There are countless disciples, and many beautiful women among them. You should pick one to send to Jingtang’s side to warm his bed. If you don't become one family, how can you ensure Jingtang’s heart remains with Red Flower Tower?"

Xiuhe, who was eavesdropping while pouring tea nearby, puffed out her chest slightly and "accidentally" knocked against a teacup to make a sound, nearly coughing aloud.

Shao Xiangjun ignored the love-struck Xiuhe, but she knew her sister-in-law’s words held merit. After some hesitation, she sighed.

"I will go and probe Jingtang’s attitude first to see if he has any intention of settling down."

Madam Zhang felt that Shao Xiangjun was just thin-skinned. "An eighteen or nineteen-year-old lad—if he doesn't crave a woman, he must be deathly ill. Such a young man, unlike a jaded veteran accustomed to the ways of the world, is the easiest to handle. As long as you 'please' him a little, he will treat you like his heart's treasure and obey your every word..."

"Ew!" Shao Xiangjun waved her sleeve, cutting off the shameless talk. Seeing the day was still early, she rose to take her leave. "I’ll go and test the waters, but you must not go around making matches."

Madam Zhang shook her head and continued her embroidery. "You’re just too proud to pursue a man. When you regret it one day, don’t blame your sister-in-law for not giving you advice."

"I know, I know. Sigh, really..."

...

Soon after, the luxurious carriage bearing the "Shao" plaque drove through the old streets of the dyeing district.

The curtain lifted, and Xiuhe’s bright face peered out, scanning the street. "Why does Young Master Ye live in such a shabby place? I’ve been in the capital for so many years and have never been here."

"Jingtang is frugal. When he first arrived in the capital, he didn't have much silver, so he settled here."

Shao Xiangjun sat in the carriage, having dressed up slightly. Wearing a gorgeous goose-yellow spring dress with a shawl draped over her shoulders and a touch of light red rouge, she looked intellectual and glamorous—like the mature, capable mistress of a wealthy household.

Although Shao Xiangjun had no intention of "eating tender grass," as her sister-in-law said, there was no actual relation between her and Jingtang. He was unmarried and she was unattached. Since Jingtang’s appearance and character were flawless, she didn't need to force herself to resist; letting things happen naturally was best.

She had come to probe his intentions, but for some reason, she felt a strange, lingering sense of "offering herself up."

Just as Shao Xiangjun was pondering how to bring it up, her ears twitched. She suddenly heard a strange noise coming from the deep alleyway:

*Swish, swish—*

The sound of a sword thrusting, accompanied by a man and a woman speaking:

"Heroine, wait! Don't, don't, don't..."

"You keep running? Let's see how long you can run!..."

Shao Xiangjun’s eyes narrowed, and she instantly focused. She didn't know Jingtang well, but she understood his temperament. Last time, when she had disguised herself and attacked him, he had no chance of winning, yet he remained calm under pressure. To be in such a state of panic, what kind of powerful enemy could he have encountered?

*Whoosh—*

In the blink of an eye, the carriage curtain fluttered, and Shao Xiangjun was gone.

With only two leaps, Shao Xiangjun soared over the desolate houses and landed in the courtyard, which looked brand new compared to her last visit.

*Thud—*

As her feet touched the ground, she saw two people standing in the main room!

Jingtang stood to the right of the table, looking flustered, still holding his hand up in a gesture of restraint, staring at her in shock!

Opposite the table stood a young woman with a waist as slender as a willow. She had peach-blossom eyes, willow-leaf eyebrows, and a face as cold as an iceberg. Her appearance was flawlessly perfect, even carrying an ethereal, otherworldly aura that made even Shao Xiangjun, a beauty herself, feel a sense of awe.

However, this woman was clearly here with ill intent!

The woman’s anger had yet to fade. She held a three-foot sharp blade in her right hand, pointing it at Ye Jingtang. There were many marks from sword thrusts on the floor and walls.

Shao Xiangjun’s expression turned cold. She immediately wanted to rush in and subdue this daring female thief!

But as she moved, she noticed the sumptuous meal on the table and the bird squatting on the table, watching the show...

There were two sets of bowls and chopsticks on the table, along with a half-drunk bottle of wine...

Looking closer, the sword-wielding woman’s face was flushed red, and she wasn't even wearing shoes...

No matter how you looked at it, this appeared to be flirting!

Shao Xiangjun froze in place. Her high-ranking composure prevented her from losing her grace, but her face still flushed red. She asked:

"Jingtang! You... who is this?"