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

Chapter 140 Sending the Painting to the Official, Senior Brother Jade Kirin
"Ugh!" "My leg!" Several short, shrill screams rang out almost simultaneously! The thugs were as if they had been hit by bullets, and instantly felt excruciating pain in their legs, limping and staggering. The newly formed impenetrable wall of armor collapsed in an instant!

How quick-witted the British and American ladies were! In the midst of the fierce battle, they kept their eyes peeled for all directions, and this sudden opening greatly boosted their spirits!
"Tear!" A clear shout rang out, crisp as a silver bottle shattering! Her jade-like foot, clad in a deerskin boot, slammed into the greasy chest of a charging servant!
With a muffled thud, the servant fell backward like a sack that had been kicked over! Using the momentum, she flipped over, as nimble as a wildcat whose tail had been stepped on, or a hawk skimming the water, and swiftly retreated!

The two attendants also struggled to break free of the entanglement. The three of them, like three gusts of wind, shot into the narrow alley through the gap in an instant, their figures disappearing in a flash!
Just as the beautiful young woman was about to disappear completely into the shadows at the alley entrance, she suddenly turned around!
Those almond-shaped eyes, full of heroic spirit and naturally possessing a touch of allure, were like two bright beams of lightning, precisely piercing through the chaotic crowd and flying dust, deeply and firmly nailing to that Master Ximen!
That glance, sharp as a hook, carried intense surprise, shock, gratitude, and an indescribable hint of inquiry! Then, it vanished completely.

"You damned good-for-nothing! You gluttonous donkey! Chase her! Chase her! Dig three feet into the ground, dig up this entire city of Tokyo, and find that little hussy for me!" Gao Yanei was curled up in the mud and filth, his hands tightly covering his groin.

His oily face was contorted in pain, his voice shrill like a rooster being strangled, spitting out saliva as he screamed, praying to God for mercy! This was his livelihood; he couldn't let it be ruined like this!
Liu Fang and Chen Ruiwen were also as anxious as ants on a hot pan. They jumped up and down, gesturing wildly to drive away the servants who were still able to move, herding them into the depths of the alley like ducks. For a moment, cursing, shouting, and screaming filled the air, like a hornet's nest that had been stirred up.

Ximen Qing, however, seemed to have an impenetrable wall behind him, turning a deaf ear to the overwhelming noise and filth. He casually swept over the mess on the street, dusted off non-existent dust from his sleeves, and was about to leave this filthy and troublesome place.

At this moment——

A clear, melodious voice, tinged with a touch of cynicism and a hint of wit, tumbled down from her side like a pearl: "Brother, please have some time to spare!"

The official paused, glancing sideways. He saw the stern-faced man in brocade robes, his bearing as imposing as a mountain, still standing with his hands behind his back, his presence as steadfast as a towering mountain.

The handsome young man in blue robes beside him, with lips as red as painted vermilion and teeth as smooth as pearls, had already strolled forward with a grin and gave Ximen Qing a dashing bow. The intricate embroidery on his open collar shone even more brightly in the sunlight.

"My master just saw you standing like a rock amidst the turbulent waves, your bearing truly extraordinary, and he is filled with admiration! I wonder if you would do me the honor of moving to that quieter teahouse ahead? My master would like to serve you a cup of fragrant tea as a token of our friendship?"

As the handsome servant spoke, his dark, black eyes seemed to casually glance at the official's wide sleeves, his smile deepening with a knowing look. "Just now, brother, those few 'hidden arrows in the sleeve' techniques... tsk tsk, truly impressive! Unpredictable!"

Dai'an huddled behind the official, her eyes glued to him, her heart bubbling with jealousy!
They're all servants, so why is this guy born with such rosy lips, white teeth, and flirtatious eyebrows?
Even the way he stands exudes a swagger! With that embroidered flower open, all that fancy tattooing, who is he showing it off to?

Pah! What a complete jerk!
Brocade-colored braised eggs!

He was indignant, spat, and a look of sullenness appeared on his face.

Along the Bian River, the water ripples, reflecting the weeping willows on the banks.

In a refined teahouse, on the second floor, in a private room by the window, the carved window lattice was half-open, and the river breeze carrying moisture wafted in.

The spout of the purple clay teapot exhales wisps of blue smoke, filling the air with the aroma of tea.

Ximen Qing and the imposing, jade-faced man in brocade robes sat facing each other across a rosewood tea table.

The handsome young servant in blue and Dai'an stood with their hands at their sides beside their master, eyes downcast and seemingly lost in thought.

The man in the brocade robe sat upright like a mountain, his back ramrod straight. His tiger-like eyes shone with a sharp light, piercing Ximen Qing as if they were physical objects. He spoke in江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) slang, without any pleasantries.

"Just now in the marketplace, the crowd retreated like a tide, yet I stood as steady as a mountain, unmoved. This composure is extraordinary! What's even more remarkable is—"

His voice suddenly turned serious: "With a flick of his sleeves, those few 'featherless arrows' pierced the air silently, their force concentrated!"

He paused deliberately, his gaze sharp as lightning, as if trying to pierce through Ximen Da Guanren's skin: "Such techniques, even I, Lu, who have traveled the martial world for many years, find them astonishing! They look... yet seem somewhat familiar! May I ask, sir, from which famous mountain, or from which master did you learn this extraordinary skill?"

Before Ximen Qing could reply, his voice suddenly rose, carrying an air of self-assurance and domineering arrogance, as he loudly announced his identity:
"My name is Lu Junyi! I am from Daming Prefecture, Hebei!"

The sound was like a booming bell, making the teacup hum softly.

My friends on the road gave me the nickname "Jade Kirin"!

As soon as he finished speaking, his spine seemed to straighten a bit more, and a majestic aura, like a unicorn riding the clouds and looking down on all directions, emanated from him, filling the small private room to the brim!
"Senior...Senior Brother?" Upon hearing this, Ximen Da Guanren's heart skipped a beat. Faced with such a chance encounter, he showed three parts astonishment and seven parts bewilderment.

This is Lu Junyi, and the one next to him is Yan Qing.

"Wait!" Lu Junyi shouted, his brows furrowing. "I've spent half my life navigating the treacherous waters of the martial world! I've seen those who flaunt their power and those who impersonate others to play the hero! But you're the first to dare to lay your dirty hands on my 'Jade Kirin' sect and impersonate a disciple of my master Zhou Tong!"

He leaned forward slightly, and a powerful, mountain-like pressure suddenly erupted, enveloping the entire private room: "My master, Zhou Tong, is a martial arts master of our time, and his strictness in accepting disciples is well known! I, Lu, have been studying under him since Daming Prefecture for ten years, shedding countless drops of blood and sweat, before finally gaining my master's approval to be accepted as a disciple!"

"If you don't give me an explanation for calling me 'senior brother,' don't blame me for being ruthless!!"

The last sentence was delivered in a booming voice, filled with murderous intent!
His extreme protection of his sect's reputation and his deep hatred for imposters made him like an enraged Qilin, his hair and beard standing on end!
Yan Qing, who was standing to the side, had long since lost his charming smile. His eyes were sharp as a hawk's, and one hand was already silently pressed against the dagger in his bosom, ready to strike!

Faced with Lu Junyi's sudden burst of terrifying aura and chilling killing intent, Ximen Da Guanren showed no fear whatsoever. Instead, after his initial "astonishment," he revealed a helpless smile that said, "Just as I thought."

He slowly sat back down, meeting Lu Junyi's gaze that seemed to pierce through him, and calmly took out the token Zhou Tong had given him from the inner pocket of his robe.

Ximen Da Guanren gently placed the jade pendant on the rosewood tea table with both hands, and pushed it toward the murderous Lu Junyi, saying calmly, "Senior brother, please calm down. This can serve as proof of right and wrong. Please take a look, senior brother."

Lu Junyi grasped the jade pendant in his palm!
The skin feels warm and smooth to the touch, and the familiar texture instantly awakens deep-seated memories!

"Junior brother! You...you really are Master's newly accepted...junior brother?" Lu Junyi's voice was filled with immense surprise and eagerness. The pride and coldness that belonged to "Jade Kirin" was instantly dispelled by heartfelt joy!
He could no longer contain himself. He abruptly stood up, strode around the tea table, and grabbed Ximen Da Guanren's arms tightly. His enthusiasm and affection were like that of a long-lost relative reunited! "Quick! Quickly tell your foolish brother, what is your name? Is Master... still in good health? Is his appetite still good?"

The Qilin returns to its nest, finally reuniting with its fellow brothers of the same origin!
Yan Qing watched his master lose his composure, his eyes filled with relief and a smile. He quietly released his grip on the knife, regained his dashing demeanor, and poured hot tea for the two excited brothers who had just recognized each other.

Lu Junyi gripped the official's arm tightly, his excitement evident. After Ximen Qing introduced himself, stating that he was Ximen Qing from Qinghe County, and briefly recounted his master-disciple relationship with Zhou Tong, he...

The ecstatic look on Lu Junyi's face subsided slightly, turning into a deep, drawn-out sigh, a sigh filled with respect and a hint of unspeakable regret:

"Alas! Now that my master has arrived in the capital, why... why doesn't he come looking for me? Although my family in Daming Prefecture is not wealthy, it is more than enough to support my master, keep him company, and allow him to live out his days in comfort!"

His tone was sincere, and his heartfelt sincerity was evident; his deep affection for Zhou Tong was genuine.

Then, his eyes revealed immense satisfaction and a hint of undisguised envy: "As for that junior brother... I did receive a letter from our master mentioning him. Master praised him for his exceptional talent, pure heart, and, most importantly, unwavering loyalty! For our master to make an exception in his later years and accept him as his personal disciple, he must be an outstanding individual, a pillar of the nation! Although I am far away in Hebei, I am delighted for him!"

When Lu Junyi mentioned his "junior brother," his tone was full of admiration and pride.

After a brief pause, Lu Junyi changed the subject, looking at Ximen Qing with a mixture of concern and curiosity: "Junior Brother, since you are from Qinghe County, what brings you to Bianliang, the capital of the Eastern Capital? If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to speak! We are fellow disciples, so there's no need for formalities!"

His tone was forthright, revealing the straightforwardness and loyalty of a northern man.

Ximen Qing revealed the core purpose of his trip: "I dare not hide it from you, senior brother. The real reason I came to the capital this time is to find a way to exchange these salt certificates in advance. I also have some business in Qinghe, but the amount of these salt certificates is not small, so I need to find a big customer to exchange them as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Lu Junyi's bright eyes, which had been gentle due to the bond between his master and disciple, instantly shone with a sharp light!
He slapped his thigh hard, making a crisp "smack" sound, and his face lit up with immense joy. He laughed in a booming voice:

"Hahaha! Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! This is like a warm stove sent into the dead of winter, or a timely rain after a long drought—it's come at the perfect time!" He leaned forward, his gaze fixed intently on Ximen Qing, his shrewdness honed over years of navigating the treacherous waters of the business world perfectly blended with his current fervor.
“Junior brother! Sell me this official exchange certificate! To be honest, my Lu family is involved in the trade of large-scale commodities such as horses, salt, and tea in Daming Prefecture and various northern states! The trade of salt from the south to the north is an important part of my Lu family's trade route! This official certificate of yours is a godsend for me!”

Lu Junyi waved his hand grandly, displaying his imposing manner, and directly announced his price: "Junior brother, rest assured! Your senior brother will never let you suffer a loss! I know the market price best! I, your senior brother, will offer 15,000 taels of silver! I'll add 2,000 taels to honor our chance encounter within our sect! Cash payment, no delays! What do you say?"

He quoted a price far exceeding Ximen Qing's expectations, his eyes open and confident. It was not only a generous gift to his fellow disciple, but also a demonstration of the Lu family's powerful strength and decisiveness!
The grandeur of the "Jade Kirin" and the shrewdness of a business tycoon were on full display at this moment.

Yan Qing listened from the side, a shrewd and knowing smile returning to his lips, and promptly refilled the teacups of his two fellow disciples.

Seeing that he was a step behind again, Dai'an quickly wiped the tea on both sides of the table with his sleeve and stood behind his father, unconvinced.

Amidst the fragrant tea, a substantial deal involving members of the same sect was finalized in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.

Ximen Da Guanren cupped his hands and said, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Senior Brother! I will leave everything to you!"

Once Lu Junyi had finalized the deal, he acted as swiftly and decisively as he was with his martial arts skills, never dragging his feet.

He waved his hand and instructed Yan Qing, who was standing to the side, "Xiao Yi, fetch my seal and 'flying coins'! Also, prepare a brush, ink, and inkpad!"

Yan Qing responded with "Yes," and swiftly took out Lu Junyi's private seal from an exquisite sandalwood box he carried with him. He then presented a thick stack of "Jiaozi" (paper money) printed on mulberry bark paper, with intricate dark patterns pressed along the edges and stamped with the vermilion seals of several top banks in Daming Prefecture.

These "Jiaozi" notes had huge denominations, all five hundred or one thousand taels each. They were brand new and crisp, exuding the unique smell of ink and paper. The notes were inscribed with words such as "pure paper for sale" and "redeemable upon presentation of the note," as well as complex anti-counterfeiting patterns. Upon seeing this, Ximen Qing, the wealthy official, also pulled out a neatly folded, tough sheet of official mulberry paper.

"Senior brother, please take a look. This is the redemption slip for the batch of Yangzhou salt permits in my hand. It has the official seal of the Ministry of Revenue and the official seal of the Salt Transport Office. It is completely genuine." Ximen Qing presented the redemption slip.

Lu Junyi took the receipt, but he didn't rush to read the contents. Instead, he first used his fingertips to carefully feel the texture of the paper and the raised feel of the ink, experiencing the unique toughness of the official paper and the granular texture of the ink. Then, he unfolded the receipt, his eyes flashing like lightning, scanning every word and every seal line by line.

"Excellent! Excellent! The Ministry of Revenue's seal is as red as blood, the salt transport customs are as iron as steel, and the location of the transaction is exactly as described! Junior brother, your transaction record is top-notch!" He slapped his thigh heavily, clearly extremely satisfied with the deal.

The 15,000 taels of silver bought him a highly sought-after salt product that could be traded freely and profitably in the north, which was nothing short of icing on the cake for the Lu family's vast border business!

"Xiao Yi!" Lu Junyi carefully folded the bill of exchange and handed it to Yan Qing for safekeeping. Then, pointing to the thick stack of "Jiaozi" on the table, he said to Ximen Qing with great pride, "This five thousand taels of 'pure cash notes' are all hard notes issued by the three banks of 'Tongbao,' 'Huifeng,' and 'Yutai' in Daming Prefecture. They are redeemable on sight, no cheating! Junior brother, please count the amount!"

"Brother, your word is as good as gold, and your integrity is as solid as a mountain! How could I not believe you? The amount must be accurate!" After saying this, the official quickly hid the stack of "jiaozi" worth ten thousand gold coins close to his body, feeling extremely comfortable with the gold and silver inside.

"Haha! Great!" Lu Junyi felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders once the transaction was completed.

After several rounds of tea, the two brothers, who were also apprentices, embraced and chatted happily, their friendship growing ever stronger.

Lu Junyi looked out the window and saw the sun, like a salted egg yolk, sinking limply in the west.

Dusk fell heavily, like spilled ink.

Along the banks of the Bian River, hundreds of lanterns painted with gold and color suddenly lit up, their bright, golden reflections shimmering in the water, making the Bian River look as if it were filled with scattered gold!
He was in high spirits and laughed loudly, "Junior brother! It is a great joy that we brothers have recognized each other today! How can we just settle this with a cup of tea and some light conversation? Come on! Follow me to a good place, and we must drink three hundred cups of wine until we are drunk, so as not to waste this wonderful day!"

Having said that, without another word, she took Ximen Qing's hand and left. Yan Qing, being so clever, had already instructed the servants of the Lu family downstairs to bring a fine horse to serve them.

Dai'an followed closely behind, glancing at Yan Qing's tall and handsome figure and dashing appearance, he couldn't help but click his tongue and roll his eyes.

The four mounted their horses, their hooves clattering as they rode through the streets and alleys, heading straight for Fenglelou, the most notorious den of iniquity and pleasure haven in the capital city of Tokyo.

This was also the first time that Ximen Da Guanren had ever seen this number one building in the world.

Just as Xue Baochai said.

This three-story building, with its flying eaves and brackets, soars straight into the sky!

Dozens of huge ram's horn-shaped glass lamps hung high under the eaves, illuminating the area in front of the building as bright as day.

The vermilion gates were wide open, seemingly swallowing gold and spitting out jade, welcoming and seeing off countless wealthy guests in fine clothes and riding spirited horses.

The gate was bustling with carriages and horses, a noisy and bustling scene! Official sedan chairs with green curtains and blue silk, horse-drawn carriages inlaid with gold and jade, and servants with tall horses... crowded together, vying to show off their wealth.

Truly: There is no other place in the world where wealth and honor are found, and wine, women, money, and power are the most important!
Lu Junyi was clearly a regular here. He strode confidently, leading Ximen Qing and Yan Qingdai'an, ignoring the steward waiting at the door, and walked straight through the noisy and luxurious first-floor lobby.

A scarlet carpet covered the floor, and there were tables and chairs made of golden nanmu wood.

Dozens of tables were set up, with people of all kinds, wearing silk and satin, and gold and jade jewelry reflecting on their shiny faces.

Fat chickens and ducks, whole roasted lambs, piles of seasonal fruits, and all sorts of exquisite pastries are served in a continuous stream.

Then there were the young ladies flitting among the tables, each with her hair piled high like clouds, adorned with pearls and jade, wearing gossamer-thin gauze gowns that revealed half of her snow-white arms. Some held a pipa, while others held a wine pot, their eyes alluring and their voices soft and sweet as they urged the guests to drink.

Lu Junyi, without glancing to the side, led Ximen Qing up the higher and more expensive third floor. Unexpectedly, as soon as they stepped onto the luxurious carpeted staircase on the third floor, they were blocked by two well-dressed but shrewd-eyed stewards in blue robes.

"Please wait a moment, gentlemen!" The steward bowed, a professional smile plastered on his face, but his tone carried an unquestionable formality. "The third floor is unsuitable for entertaining guests today. We hope you will understand and allow us to move to a private room on the second floor. I will arrange the best meal for you immediately!"

"Hmm?" Lu Junyi raised his thick eyebrows. His name "Jade Kirin" was well-known in Hebei. Although he was not a local bigwig in Tokyo, with his charisma and the wealth of the Lu family, he had never encountered such obstruction in a restaurant.

A surge of anger at being slighted welled up inside him, and his voice suddenly turned cold: "What? Are you worried that my brother can't afford your drinks? Open your eyes and see if I'm short of money or lacking in prestige? This isn't my first time on the third floor of Fengle Tower! Get out of my way!"

The two managers were intimidated by Lu Junyi's sudden outburst of power. They bowed even lower, their smiles widening, yet also appearing even more slick. One of them quickly said with a fawning smile:

"Oh dear! Distinguished guests, please calm down! Distinguished guests, please calm down! You two are so elegant and refined, we servants would not dare to be negligent even if we were blind! It's just that... it's just that the third floor has been reserved by distinguished guests today, and they are holding an elegant event. Ordinary people, even if they are extremely wealthy, cannot enter without the 'qualification'!"

Another person chimed in, lowering their voice with a hint of mystery and a warning: "To be honest, distinguished guests, today is the occasion of Dr. Mi, a Hanlin Academy scholar and master of painting! He is using this auspicious place to hold the preliminary selection for his 'Appreciation Gathering'! It is specifically to select talented individuals qualified to participate in his 'Ink Forest Gathering'! The rules are very strict!"

He held up three fingers and shook them: "To enter this preliminary selection, firstly, you must have registered early or register now, and have a specially made name tag as proof."

"Secondly, one must present one's most prized calligraphy or painting for Master Mi's appraisal."

"Thirdly," he said with a knowing smile, "If you want to attend this grand gathering and witness its splendor, the entrance fee upstairs is five hundred taels of silver!"

"Five hundred taels?" Master Ximen raised an eyebrow, a playful smile playing on his lips, and deliberately raised his voice as he asked.
"What a grand gesture! The selection of master painters for the imperial court is supposed to be an elegant and grand event, so why does it require so much money and silver to attend the ceremony? Could it be that even official duties have become tainted by money?"

When Ximen Qing exposed him, the steward showed no remorse. Instead, he stepped closer, his face gleaming with a smirk, his voice low and laced with an unspoken snobbery and ostentation:

"Gentlemen! This five hundred taels, where is it for Master Mi? Master Mi is so aloof, this silver..." He winked and pointed upwards in a daze, "...is for the most distinguished guest at today's gathering, the one who is like a celestial being in human form—Master Li Shishi!"

"Who is Dr. Mi? He himself said that today's gathering should emulate the ancients' 'lifelike and vivid scenes'! He has specially invited the renowned beauty Li Shishi, known throughout Beijing, to perform her singing and dancing skills!"

"Who doesn't know that Li Dajia is exceptionally beautiful and talented in singing? It's been widely known in the capital that her voice is like a celestial melody left behind by the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden when she descended to earth, or a piece of warm jade that has been nourished by the Jade Pool's nectar for a hundred years!"

"What do those ordinary courtesans sing? They sing seductive songs, flirtatious words, and try to coax men into buying silks and satins! But what does Master Li sing when he opens his mouth?" The manager slapped his thigh, his voice trembling with excitement.
"It sings of souls that can devour bones and marrow! It's a bewitching and seductive spirit! It's a boundless romance and endless spring scenery that makes you want to plunge headfirst into it and drown in it willingly!"

"What a feast for the eyes! What a feast for the ears! Such a romantic event, a rare find in heaven and on earth, where talented men and beautiful women shine together! Five hundred taels of silver, for the chance to ascend the tower and witness the ceremony, to get a touch of the divine aura—you two gentlemen, tell me, is it worth it? Is it worth it?"

The playful smile on Ximen's face deepened: "Five hundred taels? Hehe, easy, easy. It's quite a coincidence, I also happen to have a 'humble work' in my pocket, hoping to get some pointers from someone with your discerning eye, Master Mi!"

That little rascal Dai'an had been waiting with his ears perked up for a while.

Upon hearing the call, they eagerly rushed forward, bending over lower than shrimp.

He took a long, tightly wrapped bundle from his back, dressed in fine brocade, and moved it with such care that it seemed as if he were holding an ancestral tablet, while also revealing a hint of thieving and shifty eyes.

He untied the bundle, revealing a simple yet elegant hanging scroll inside, with a sandalwood scroll head and plain silk border, exuding a serene and unpretentious atmosphere.

Ximen Qing reached out and took it, but did not unroll it immediately. He simply tapped the scroll lightly on his palm twice and said, "Manager, please inform them that Ximen Qing from Qinghe County is here to register!"

"Let's go upstairs and meet that Master Li while we're at it." He paused slightly, his voice rising a few decibels, exuding a sense of grandeur: "The four of us want to go up and broaden our horizons. As for the two thousand taels of silver, I'll cover it all!"

"Wait!" Before Ximen Qing could finish speaking, a thunderous shout rang out from the side! Lu Junyi, with his thick eyebrows like a jade unicorn, grabbed Ximen Qing's wrist as he was about to take out a silver note, the force of which was frightening. "Junior brother! You're slapping your senior brother in the face!"

Lu Junyi's voice boomed like a bell, making the eardrums of those nearby ring. "In Hebei, who doesn't know me, Lu Junyi? When did it become my brother's turn to waste money like this in front of me?!"

Before he could finish speaking, Yan Qing behind him reached into the bulging leopard-skin pouch in his robes and pulled out a handful of colorful silver notes!

Those were no ordinary small denominations; they were all "top-tier banknotes" with a face value of over one hundred taels, issued by major banks in Tokyo! A thick stack of them, at least twenty or thirty in total!
Lu Junyi didn't even glance at it, as if it were just toilet paper for wiping his bottom. He held the stack of silver notes between two fingers, exuding an arrogant air of looking down on everyone else, and tossed it to the steward!

"Can we go up now?"

All the onlookers, waiters, and hostesses around suddenly had their eyes fixed on the huge sum of silver dollars scattered on the ground, as if they were being attracted by a magnet!
All that could be heard was the sound of people swallowing their saliva in a frenzy, and countless eyes filled with greed, envy, and jealousy, making the air feel hotter!
[Extra chapters needed! I'm begging for monthly votes! If you vote, I'll guarantee a spot in the top 10 all-time favorites! Bonus chapter!!!]

(End of this chapter)