The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 133 The Dark Hand in the Capital Emerges
Master Ximen was deep in thought. Xiangling and Jinlian dared not disturb him, standing to the side exchanging glares, yet unable to offer any help. One was delicate and timid like a newly blossoming lotus, the other alluring like a peony, both standing respectfully behind the couch, not daring to utter a sound. They stole glances at each other, secretly glaring at one another, each trying to fathom their master's thoughts, yet unable to utter a single word, filled with anxious frustration.

Ximen Qing sat on the rosewood couch, his heart aching with the two troublesome matters churning within him like boiling oil. Suddenly, he looked up and saw Xiangling and Jinlian standing behind him, one delicate and the other charming, still standing with their hands at their sides, as pretty as two understanding flowers. However, their faces also carried a hint of caution, and the spring scenery seemed to have lightened their worries somewhat.

He waved his sleeve and said:
"Alright, you two don't need to stand here listening to me sulk. The Beginning of Winter is just around the corner, and there are all sorts of things to do in the mansion, such as festival gifts, ancestral worship, and buying winter clothes for everyone. I'm afraid the eldest sister is too busy to even have a moment to rest. Go and help her with these things, and learn how to manage a household so you won't be in such a mess later."

Upon hearing this, Xiangling and Jinlian'er felt as if they had been granted a pardon. They hurriedly curtsied and replied in sweet, melodious voices, "Yes, Master." Only then did the two of them gracefully move their lotus-like steps and sway their willow-like waists as they left the oppressively stuffy hall.

Once they left the courtyard and walked onto the pebbled path leading to Wu Yueniang's main room, feeling completely at ease, Pan Jinlian couldn't resist gently pinching Xiangling's arm with her delicate, slender fingernails, her voice low and alluring:
"Ling'er, did you see that clearly? Master's brows were furrowed tighter than the iron lock in front of the City God Temple! I wonder which blind, deserving-to-be-cut-a-thief outside has caused our dear father such worry?"

Xiangling pouted, her face showing a hint of innocent sorrow: "What else could it be? It's nothing more than the theft of those eight hundred taels of silver yesterday. Alas, it's a pity we are just women. No matter how big the matter is, we can't get involved or help. We can only watch our master worry."

Upon hearing this, Pan Jinlian glanced sideways at Xiangling with her phoenix eyes, snorted coldly, and said with a self-pitying tone, "Hmph! This is the shortcoming of us who crawled out of our humble family! We are shallow and short-sighted. When faced with such a momentous event, we can't even come up with a single idea. All we know how to do all day is to stay around the stove and sew. How can we possibly secure a safe place in the master's heart?"

As she spoke, her voice suddenly became as soft as a mosquito's buzz, and her hot breath, carrying her own scent, wafted right up to Xiangling's ear: "My silly sister, you'd better watch out! We sisters must keep our master, this pillar of strength, firmly tied to ourselves with our handkerchiefs! We must serve him until he is completely comfortable, so that he can't live without us. That's our foundation, our life-saving charm!"

Xiangling blushed crimson at Jinlian's blunt and ruthless words, her heart pounding wildly, and she was somewhat bewildered: "Tie...tie? Save...save my life? Sister Jinlian's words...are really frightening..."

Seeing that she didn't understand, Pan Jinlian smiled and continued to whisper in her ear, her voice carrying three parts threat and seven parts seduction: "Silly girl! Don't you think about it? With a master as wealthy and charming as him, how many fox eyes are watching him? Who knows, one day, a 'real fox spirit' might be carried in on a grand sedan chair, someone from a powerful family with influence in the court, or someone who has seen the world and can help the master solve his problems!"

"By then, will there still be a place for you and me to stand? I'm afraid that vixen will be punished for saying just one word..." She deliberately dragged out the tone, pinched her throat, and imitated the painful yet seductive tone of someone being beaten and punished, carefully mimicking Xiangling: "Ouch... Master, hit me gently... My flesh is tender... I can't take it... I'm going to die... My life is going to be blown away by you..." Her voice was delicate and trembling, with a sob in it.

Xiangling could easily tell from Pan Jinlian's teasing tone. She blushed instantly, her ears burning, and quickly glanced around to make sure no one was in the corridor. Then, feigning embarrassment and anger, she clenched her small fists and playfully punched Pan Jinlian's plump arm: "You're going to die! How dare you say such filthy things! If anyone hears this, I'll skin you alive, I'll tear your mouth off!"

Pan Jinlian giggled lasciviously, twisting her slender waist to dodge, her body trembling with desire: "Oh, oh, oh, are you already embarrassed? I'm doing this from the bottom of my heart to help you, teaching you a trick to save your life! And you don't appreciate it, you're hitting me?"

The two women laughed and joked all the way, pushing and pinching each other. Their worries about the master had long been forgotten, leaving only the coquettish scheming of young women and their unspoken desire to win favor. They swayed and wobbled their way toward Wu Yueniang's proper main room.

After dismissing the two pretty maids, Master Ximen's unease lingered, like a dark cloud hanging over his head. He pondered for a moment, then summoned his trusted servant Dai'an and whispered, "Go to the front courtyard and tell Wu Song to come see me immediately!"

Dai'an replied, "Yes, sir," and left in a flash. A short while later, a series of steady, thunderous footsteps approached, and Wu Song's towering figure blocked the light from the study doorway; broad-shouldered and imposing, he exuded a menacing aura. Upon entering, Wu Song crossed his arms, bowed deeply like a shrimp, and uttered a profound greeting: "Sir, have you summoned this humble servant?"

"Hmm," the official nodded, leaning back on the rosewood couch covered with colorful leopard skin: "Sit down."

After Wu Song had half-sat down on the rosewood chair, the official finally spoke: "Second Brother, today I personally went to that filthy militia office in Qinghe County and met those murderers!"

"In my opinion, sir, this robbery of our caravan was definitely not the work of those local militia from Qinghe County! Those murderers are experts at robbing people of their paychecks and exploiting soldiers, bullying men and women, and extorting passing merchants. They know their stuff inside and out! Would you really expect them to do such a robbery? Hmph! They have neither the guts nor the strategy! They're just a bunch of disorganized rabble!"

After listening intently, Wu Song narrowed his leopard-like eyes, pondered for a moment, clasped his hands in a fist and said in a deep voice:

"My lord, you are wise! According to your confession, I observed that those thieves acted swiftly and methodically, far surpassing ordinary bandits who rob and plunder. Based on my limited experience of tasting blood in the martial world, this gang of strongmen coordinated their attacks and defenses, displaying an air of formidable discipline..."

He paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, "It certainly seems to be a method commonly used in military drills!"

Ximen Qing's eyebrows shot up, and he involuntarily sat up straighter. He knew that Wu Song was a man of wide experience, and since he was so certain, it must be a genuine military tactic, not just empty talk or bluffing!

His mind raced: If the group from Qinghe County had been ruled out, then... could it be a hand reaching out from the capital? At this thought, a chill mixed with anger rose from the bottom of his heart.

A moment of silence fell over the hall, broken only by the ticking of the water clock. Ximen Qing's gaze swept over Wu Song's resolute face for a few moments, then suddenly changed the subject:
“Second Brother, the world is becoming increasingly unstable. As you know, my business has expanded significantly. Caravans traveling north and south transport real gold, silver, and valuable goods. With great success comes great scrutiny! As for the security, I'm afraid ordinary guards are simply not up to the task.”

He leaned forward slightly, staring at Wu Song: "Your skills are unmatched. In your opinion, if my Ximen family were to train a highly capable caravan escort team, specializing in transporting goods, would that be feasible? If this succeeds, you will be the one to deserve the greatest credit!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Song slowly shook his head, his expression frank and without the slightest hint of shirking responsibility or self-importance: "You flatter me, sir. I am grateful to you for taking me in as the head of the guards. With my foot fighting skills, I can do my best to protect your household and suppress any villains."

He changed the subject, his tone revealing an undeniable clarity, "However, mounted combat is not my forte. The battles of the martial world and the battles of the army are worlds apart. Training guards, especially those who can travel long distances with the caravan and form battle formations to defend against enemies, is no ordinary task."

"This is a specialized skill, requiring mastery of military formations, flags and drums, horsemanship and archery, and a thorough understanding of the intricacies of long-distance escort. I... dare not take on such a heavy responsibility, lest I jeopardize your important mission, sir."

He paused, met Ximen Qing's gaze, clasped his hands in a fist and continued, "In my humble opinion, this matter requires the invitation of a true military instructor. Ideally, one who has actually led troops and fought in the border army or the imperial guards and has retired for some reason. They are well-versed in this art and can train a capable guard for Your Excellency. I... am willing to follow orders and assist from the side."

After listening, Ximen Qing leaned back on the couch, his fingers still tapping unconsciously, remaining silent for a long time. Wu Song's words were all reasonable and pointed out the key points.

These things can only be put aside for now.

After Wu Song stepped back.

Ximen Qing's gaze was fixed on the "Early Payment Permit" stamped with the bright red seal of the Salt Commissioner of Yangzhou. His initial elation, like boiling water poured on snow, had long since cooled and solidified, replaced by a deep-seated calculation and an inescapable chill.

He carefully held the paper, as thin as a cicada's wing yet weighing a ton, in his palm, examining it over and over again.

The market prices he had gleaned from several familiar merchants during the day now swirled in his mind with unparalleled clarity:
"In recent years, the regulations at the Lianghuai Saltworks under Lord Lin's jurisdiction have become increasingly strict. Salt certificates are being issued sparingly, and as the redemption period approaches, the market value of a single certificate is hovering around five taels of silver..."

Five taels! Ximen Qing felt as if he'd been pricked by a needle. That was equivalent to three thousand approval documents!

This number, at this moment, felt like a red-hot branding iron, making his eyelids twitch.

Fifteen thousand taels of snowflake silver!

"Fifteen thousand taels..." Ximen Qing practically spat out those three words through gritted teeth.

Where am I supposed to find 15,000 taels to buy 3,000 salt permits?

Even if I've collected enough for myself, I've still managed to add salt.

Another trouble is looming ahead.

First, where to sell the salt? Lin Ruhai's permit only granted him the right to exchange salt, but it didn't specify which salt field he should pick up the goods from, let alone tell him which sales area to sell the salt to! The salt fields of Lianghuai were scattered everywhere, and he was completely clueless about the salt quality of each field, the distances between them, and the local salt smuggling forces! If he chose the wrong place, not only would the salt price be dirt cheap, but he might also lose everything, including his goods!

Secondly, the tax officials along that route must be wolves and tigers! Every time a salt cart moves, it's a piece of walking meat! From the salt field to its final destination, it's a long journey, passing through countless prefectures and counties. Which of those tax officials isn't a ruthless, exploitative clerk?

Various kinds of "transit taxes," "stay taxes," "introduction fees," "transportation fees," "hardship fees," and so on... the tricks are endless! Without connections or understanding the intricacies, these layers of exploitation alone can devour more than half of his 30,000 taels of capital! Not to mention the bandits and river pirates he might encounter along the way, those are deadly dealings!

Along this salt trade route, which deity should be offered incense, and how much incense money should be burned? How should it be burned? If the incense is burned incorrectly, the silver will be thrown into the water without even a sound!

The more Ximen Qing thought about it, the more a chill ran up his tailbone. Cold sweat poured down his back, soaking his inner silk undergarment until it was icy cold and sticky, clinging to his skin and making him extremely uncomfortable!
This salt permit isn't just a piece of fat meat; it's clearly a test set up by that old fox Lin Ruhai!

Lin Ruhai's meaning is very clear.

I've opened the door for you.

Whether you find a mountain of gold or just a few scraps behind that door depends entirely on your own fate, Ximen Qing!

If you have such extraordinary abilities that you can easily deal with any wolves, tigers, or devils along the way, then the salt exchanged for three thousand salt certificates will instantly double in value in the hot-selling areas, and tens of thousands of taels of silver will be yours for the taking! You don't have that ability? Heh heh, then you can only stare blankly at this piece of waste paper, anxiously tearing your hair out, and it will have nothing to do with Lin Ruhai if you choke to death by this threshold of thirty thousand taels.

What should I do? Sell it?
Those so-called "salt merchants" in Qinghe County are nothing but scraps scraped from the fingers of the big salt smugglers! During the day, when they inquired about market conditions, those idiots couldn't even explain how often salt permits were issued at the salt monopoly office or the price differences between different sales areas. They're just salt unloaders, relying on their brute strength to sell loose salt in small quantities. What profound knowledge could they possibly have? Expecting them to take on this "huge order" worth three thousand permits? That's utterly delusional! They couldn't raise that much even if they sold everything they owned!

A wealthy salt merchant from out of town? No one would hand over such a large sum of money without a good relationship if he suddenly showed up with Lin Ruhai's permit. And it was even less likely that he would give away the official permit without even seeing the money.

Moreover, where would he get to know wealthy salt merchants from other places?

"Difficult! Difficult! Difficult!"

This Qinghe County is ultimately a shallow pond with many turtles, unable to raise a true dragon! This "treasure basin" is something that cannot be thrown away or held onto, truly posing an enormous dilemma for the high-ranking official!
Just as he was filled with anxiety and almost driven mad by this unsolvable predicament, a figure suddenly appeared in the dim candlelight before him, as if rippling on water.

Her hair was half-disheveled, her face flushed with a spring-like glow. Her round face, like a silver basin, was as smooth and lustrous as the finest white jade, yet it also exuded a noble air, like a peony in its first bloom. Especially her eyes, which usually appeared dignified and composed, now held a deep, shimmering depth.

Her waist and abdomen were as white and smooth as a milk dumpling, round and soft without any bony shape, but like the finest white cotton sprouting in early spring, soft and plump, clearly the appearance of a young girl but outlining the mature charm unique to a woman.

It's Xue Baochai, of course!

The Xue family!

Her Xue family has been imperial merchants for generations. Even if the Xue family itself is not involved in the salt business, among their relatives, students, and old friends, who knows if they know any big salt smugglers who can handle huge sums of money? Even if they don't, with the Xue family's connections in the capital, it would be a piece of cake to find out the right people and introduce them to a few people who can really handle this "huge order".

Only after thinking about this did the official's heart calm down.

This capital city! It seems I absolutely have to go there!

One reason is to find the Xue family's ladder to heaven!
Secondly, it's also worth investigating the culprit from the capital who robbed me.

Ximen Qing was getting excited about the salt permit. Just then, the heavy brocade curtain was lifted, bringing in a wisp of autumn coolness. Pan Jinlian and Xiangling, two beautiful women, walked in gracefully.

Jin Lian'er wore a peach-red silk jacket and a light green skirt, which accentuated her slender waist and alluring eyes. In her hands, she held a carved red lacquer tray, on which were arranged several kinds of seasonal delicacies: two golden persimmons with skins as thin as paper, a dish of crystal-clear candied kumquats soaked in the finest honey, and a dish of soft and fragrant chestnut flour cakes freshly baked in a warm stove. The aroma, mixed with the sweet scent of a young woman's cosmetics, instantly dispelled the somber atmosphere of the study.

Xiangling held a blue-and-white porcelain bowl with a lotus scroll design, containing freshly brewed, piping hot almond tea. A few bright red goji berries floated on the milky white tea. She was dressed simply, in a light purple Hangzhou silk jacket and a moon-white silk skirt. She was meek and timid, with her head bowed.

“Master,” Pan Jinlian’s voice was soft and sweet, “you’ve spent half the day looking so worried, you must have worn yourself out. Xiangling and I have picked out some fresh fruits and pastries, please have some to relax your muscles and bones.” As she spoke, her eyes swept over Ximen Qing’s furrowed brows, and she gently placed the lacquered tray on a corner of the desk.

Ximen Qing's tense mind relaxed slightly as he was overwhelmed by the sweet fragrance and gentle words. He let out a long breath and said, "Very well, it's kind of you to think of me." His gaze swept over the persimmon cakes and chestnut flour cakes, but he did not reach out to take them. Instead, he said to Jinlian, "Go and bring me the tools I use for drawing portraits, those sharpened charcoal pencils, and that roll of Chengxintang paper."

Upon hearing "painting shadows," Pan Jinlian's cheeks, as pink as peach petals, flushed crimson. She bit her moist lower lip, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of coquettishness and allure.
"Oh, my dear father! Which part of me will you paint today? For the past few days, you've either made me lean on the couch holding a round fan, or lie on my side with my legs raised... My legs are sore and weak from being raised for so long, and my waist is stiff. I can't sleep well at night!"

As she spoke, she swayed her slender waist, intentionally or unintentionally presenting her full breasts, hidden beneath her peach-colored jacket, to Ximen Qing's eyes.

Seeing her flirtatious demeanor, Ximen Qing felt a bit of his annoyance dissipate. He laughed and pinched her round, pert buttocks: "You little hussy, you're so delicate! Fine, fine, I'll spare you today. Paint Xiangling."

"Ah?" Xiangling, who was standing to the side, raised her head suddenly like a startled deer upon hearing this. Her snow-white face instantly turned bright red, and even her delicate earlobes were stained with rouge.

She frantically twisted the handkerchief in her hands, her voice barely audible, trembling: "Master...Master...Xiangling is coarse and plain-looking, how...how could she be worthy of your masterful brush...Master, please paint Sister Jinlian instead, she is a celestial being..."

Pan Jinlian's eyes darted around, and seeing Xiangling's embarrassed expression, a mischievous yet alluring smile played on her lips. She moved gracefully closer to Ximen Qing's ear, her warm, fragrant breath entering his ear canal. Her voice was extremely low, yet deliberately meant for Xiangling to hear: "My lord, don't underestimate Xiangling just because she's young and shy. I know exactly where her painting is most exquisite."

Although she spoke in a low voice, she did so deliberately to Xiangling, aiming to pierce Xiangling's ears.

"Buzz—!" Sister Jinlian whispered! She felt a surge of hot blood rush to the top of her head, turning her neck bright red! That shame and panic, mixed with an indescribable tingling sensation, instantly gripped her!

The fingers that reached for Ximen Qing's lips trembled like autumn leaves in the wind. The soft, sticky persimmon swayed precariously between her fingers, almost slipping out of her grasp. Her whole body felt weak, as if her bones had been removed, and she could barely stand.

"Master...Master...you...you eat...eat..." Xiangling's voice trembled so much it was almost incoherent, a faint whisper, trembling as if she were about to cry. She tried her best to bring the persimmon cake to Ximen Qing's lips, but her hands were shaking so badly that her fingertips almost brushed against Ximen Qing's lower lip several times.

Ximen Qing felt a cool, smooth, trembling fingertip brush against his lips. Looking at the shy and embarrassed beauty before him, trembling like a delicate flower in the wind, the anxiety and frustration caused by the salt incense in his heart were somewhat relieved by this vivid and enchanting scene. A playful smile appeared on his lips, and he opened his mouth and bit Xiangling's finger.

This touch made Xiangling feel as if she had been burned by hot coals. She cried out softly and pulled her hand back abruptly. Her body swayed and she could only stand by supporting herself on the handrail. Her little face was already red and bleeding, and even her breathing was disordered.

Day two.

The entire Qinghe County was like a pot of boiling oil that had been doused with a ladle of cold water, causing it to explode!

The news that Master Ximen's silk shop was opening today spread faster than a grasshopper jumping in autumn, quickly reaching every street and alley.

The most eye-catching thing was the newly painted, three-zhang-wide nanmu lintel, above which hung more than a dozen lavishly decorated congratulatory couplets with gold and silver embellishments! Ordinary people had never seen such a display before. The huge characters and glittering gold seals on the couplets were all the bright signs of Qinghe County, proclaiming the immense wealth of Master Ximen and his influence in both the legal and illegal worlds!
Even those who are illiterate can be astonished just by looking at the signature. When they go back and embellish the story, it draws crowds of people to see this once-in-a-century spectacle in Qinghe County!

The East Street where the silk shop was located was the widest and most prosperous place in Qinghe County. On weekdays, it was bustling with traffic, with people carrying loads, pushing carts, riding donkeys, and sitting in sedan chairs. Restaurants, silver shops, pawnshops, and medicine shops lined both sides of the street, making it a truly lively place.

Today, this long street, which used to be wide enough for eight carriages to pass side by side, was completely packed with a surging crowd, making it impossible to move! Looking from the street entrance, a huge sea of ​​people was thronging together, shoulder to shoulder, like a flood that had been released, or like a swarm of ants pouring out of their nest, squeezing a wide street into a narrow alley!
The area in front of the silk shop was packed with people, becoming the center of the storm! The newly painted vermilion gate was already surrounded by layers upon layers of people, so dense that it was impossible to get through! People behind were standing on tiptoe, craning their necks, wishing they could sprout wings and fly in to see what was going on; people in front were squeezed so tightly that their feet were off the ground, gasping for breath, cursing under their breath but unwilling to move an inch.

This scene was so intense that it was as if they were about to turn the whole street upside down, let alone open a shop for business! All the constables and yamen runners from the county were out in force, pushing and shoving and shouting at the edge of the crowd, working up a sweat.

Another squad of fierce soldiers under Commander He was maintaining order! These soldiers were not as polite as the yamen runners; they carried gleaming scabbards and merciless clubs, and anyone who crossed the line would be dealt with severely!
Those who squeezed to the front were truly amazed and had their eyes opened! They'll probably be talking about it for years to come!
The newly opened silk shop of Ximen Qing had its freshly painted vermilion doors gleaming. Above the door hung a black lacquered plaque with gold lettering that read "Ximen's Silk Shop," and below it, four more gold characters that read "Yun Jin Tian Duan" (Cloud Brocade and Heavenly Satin), dazzling in the sunlight. A colorful canopy was erected in front of the shop, draped with red silks and satins, and a scarlet carpet was laid on the ground, creating a magnificent and imposing scene.

Wearing a Zhongjing crown, a brand-new bright red and multicolored satin robe with long sleeves, a jade belt around his waist, and black boots with pink soles, Ximen Qing stood at the door early to greet guests, his face beaming with joy.

Xia Longxi, the chief of the penal office, arrived in a grand and imposing manner, dressed in the official robes of a fourth-rank military officer, riding in a blue sedan chair carried by four men, accompanied by several guards and attendants.

Xia, the magistrate, stroked his beard, looked at the shop, and exclaimed, "How impressive! Master Ximen's business is becoming more and more prosperous!"

Zhou Xiu, the garrison commander, arrived in full military attire, riding a tall horse and accompanied by several soldiers.

Commander Zhou laughed and said, "May Master Ximen's business be prosperous and your wealth increase!"

Zhang Tuanlian, needless to say, followed Zhou Shoubei, also dressed as a military officer, and said in a loud voice: "Master Ximen, what a great deal! Our relationship goes without saying. When your three sisters-in-law heard about it, they insisted on coming to congratulate you, and I couldn't stop them!"

Commander He and Deputy Commander Wu, these two key figures, were naturally indispensable. The two men, one in front and one behind, cupped their hands and smiled, saying, "May your business prosper and your wealth increase, sir/madam Ximen! We've come today to share in your joy!"

Wang, a eunuch who had served in the Imperial Household Department, had retired to Qinghe, but his influence remained. He arrived in a sedan chair carried by four men.

Upon seeing this, the wealthy man hurried over to greet him, but was stopped by the old eunuch with a smile: "Alright, alright, Mr. Ximen, I heard your shop opening is quite lively, so I came to join in the fun! Hehe! Never mind me, I'll just have a cup of celebratory wine and then I'll be on my way!"

(End of this chapter)