62 One Can't Avoid One's Enemy

Nyoi-Bo StudioNyoi-Bo Studio

When Su Jiu and Chang Huan left Ji Manor, Ah Shu was already waiting at the door in a carriage. They climbed in, and he instructed the horse and drove away. An hour later, the carriage stopped on Shengjing Citys prosperous Yongan Street.

Su Jiu disembarked, dressed like a young man, in front of a store without a signboard. The wooden door was half-open, with closed windows on either side. Su Jiu looked back at the hustle and bustle behind her. The shop was indeed in a good location. Qiao An opened the door and walked in.

Here comes, Chief! he said with a smile.

Su Jiu nodded and replied, Youve worked hard! Then, she went inside the shop. The inner hall was very spacious and had upper and lower floors. However, the tables and chairs were slightly worn, and the walls were black. It was a pity for such a nice place.

Su Jiu climbed upstairs using the wooden ladder and asked, How much money did this place cost?

1500 taels! Qiao An replied. I asked around. Shops of the same size on this street usually go for more than 1800 taels. Since the seller was in a hurry and this shabbiness requires redecoration, the price was negotiated down to 1500 taels!

There were 1000 silver taels in Su Jius marriage dowry plus a few pieces of jewelry and jade, which had been pawned. They could afford 1500 taels.

I went to Xieyang Street in the morning, and the tavern saw a profit of more than 200 silver taels. If we divide it, we could use 100. I intend to use it to decorate the storefront.

Su Jiu nodded and agreed, Alright!

Several people were on the second floor, where there were chambers and rooms. It was dirty everywhere. Hu Dapao instructed a few attendants to clean the place.

Ive asked around. At first, the shops business wasnt too bad. However, the owner became obsessed with gambling and didnt put any effort into operating his business. Thats why a good store ended up like this. The former owner still owes a lot of money to the gambling den, which is why he was in a hurry to sell! Qiao An explained.

Seeing them arrive, Hu Dapao came over and smiled goofily, Chief!

Su Jiu patted him on the shoulder and toured the second floor, where there were a lot of windows, but only in the chambers. The entire second floor was dark and depressing.

Su Jiu looked at the crowd on the street by the window and said, Tear down the rooms, repaint the walls, and replace the tables and chairs.

Alright, well do what Chief says! Qiao An smiled.

Oh, right! Su Jiu suddenly remembered something. Master An, Ah Shu, do you all still remember the old beggar at the Liu Family Village?

Qiao An thought for a moment. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. Is Master Jiu talking about the one who can roast Beggars Chicken?

No one knew where the old beggar had come from or how old he was. Anyway, he had a white beard. When Su Jiu was young, the man had stayed at the Liu Family Village. Until recently, he was still there. All the neighboring villages knew about the old beggar thanks to his Beggars Chicken.

People who dont mind a little dirtiness used to take him a chicken and let him roast it. Everyone in the village drooled over it.

Yes, thats him! Our shop is so big now that if we just sell beef stew, well be missing out. We need to add a few more signature dishes. Beggars Chicken will surely make peoples eyes light up!

Qiao An nodded in agreement, then frowned. I dont know if the old beggar will leave the Liu Family Village to come to the city. How about this: in the afternoon, Ill leave the city with Hu Dapao to go back to Yuhu Mountain and look for him.

Okay. If hes not willing, dont let Dapao use force!

I understand!

Next, they discussed the shops layout. Since there was also another shop, everyone was excited. They imagined business booming in the future and chattered enthusiastically. When it was almost noon, Qiao An and Hu Dapao stayed behind in the shop while Su Jiu, Chang Huan, and Ah Shu left in the carriage. Finally, theyd managed to take a trip! Su Jiu intended to go to the tavern on Xieyang Street, but there seemed to be some commotionnearly half the street was blocked.

When the crowd didnt disperse, Ah Shu wanted to turn the corner and take another road. However, he found that the back way was also blocked. They were told that two carriages, both belonging to prestigious officials, had collided. Each official had summoned his own forces, which were now brawling ferociously.

After waiting thirty minutes and seeing the sun rise in the sky, Su Jius stomach rumbled. She lifted the curtain to see if there were any steamed buns outside. She wanted to go out and buy some for Ah Shu and Chang Huan to fill their growling bellies.

Su Jiu asked Ah Shu and Chang Huan to wait, then leaped out of the carriage. Many people thronged in front of the steamed bun stall. Su Jiu was about to squeeze through when she heard a cheerful voice behind her.

Su Jiu!

She looked back and saw Nangong Bi behind her, smiling gleefully. Why are you here? he asked.

Behind Nangong Bi was Nangong Shu, who nodded slightly at her.

Im here to buy steamed buns! Su Jiu smiled and answered.

Dont. Someone has invited my brother and me to dinnercome with us! Nangong Bi said, pointing to the restaurant next to them.

Su Jiu turned and saw three elegant floors. The restaurants flags fluttered, and many people came and went from the entrance.

She smiled candidly and said, Why would I go when someone has invited you to dinner?

Lets go together! Nangong Bi came up and took Su Jius arm. Then, he said cutely, Its just a few people drinking and eating together. Its very boring. Itll be great if you come. You can accompany me, and well chat!

Nangong Shu glanced over and commented nonchalantly, Master Su, if you have nothing to do, just come with us. Itll be a very ordinary gathering. Since Master Su has just arrived in Shengjing, I can introduce you to a few friends!

Su Jiu looked around and nodded calmly. Alright, then! Wait for me!

Su Jiu went back to the stall and bought some steamed buns, then she returned to the carriage and gave them to Chang Huan and Ah Shu. She told them to wait for her in the tavern once the road was no longer congested. Chang Huan and Ah Shu nodded. Su Jiu walked to the front of the restaurant and went inside with the Nangong siblings. It was dinnertime, and there were already a lot of people mingling in the restaurants lobby. When the waiter saw that the Nangong siblings were dressed well, he immediately went over to flatter them.

He smiled and said, Welcome! Do you have an appointment?

Nangong Bi nodded and asked, Where is His Highness Liang?

So, you are His Highness Liangs guests. Welcome! Upstairs, please!

The waiter bowed and led the way. On the third floor, the waiter stopped outside of a room on which the words Snow Plum Blossom Chamber were written. He smiled pleasantly and announced, Weve arrived. Please, enter!

Nangong Shu pushed the door open. A fragrant smell and the pleasant sound of music immediately wafted out. The room was spacious, adorned with gauze brocade, intricate screens, and an aromatic incense stove. Famous calligraphies and paintings hung on the wall. The layout was extremely comfortable and luxurious. By this time, four or five people were gathered. Two men in brocade robes sat at the table, listening to the music. One was drinking. A man in a dark robe with his back to the door perched alone on a short bed by the window. A pearl curtain acted as a partition for two songstresses in the side room. One caressed the zither, and the other sang softly with a pipa in her arms. The music was melodious and decadent.

When the Nangong siblings went in with Su Jiu, several people turned their heads, got up to greet them, and smiled.

Brother Nangong, Ive been waiting a long time!

Miss Nangong is here, too. I havent seen you in forever!

This Little Young Master is so handsome. I dont think Ive ever seen him before. Brother Nangong, why dont you introduce him?

Nangong Shu nodded nonchalantly, pointing to a man dressed in a pink and blue robe with a flirtatious expression, and said to Su Jiu, This is Duke Liangs first son, His Highness Liang! Then, he indicated to another man with thin eyes and thick lips wearing a bean blue brocade robe. This is Third Master Yu from the Director of the Ministry of Revenues manor.

This is General Wei!

Su Jiu listened and was astounded. The men present were powerful, prestigious officials from the imperial court. It made senseNangong Shu was the West Guard Great General. Naturally, the people he knew were all young masters from aristocratic families in the imperial court.

Nangong Shu pointed to Su Jiu and said, Young Master Su here has just arrived in the city. Please take care of him!

Su Jiu clasped her fists together in a greeting and said, I am fortunate to have made your acquaintance, all of you! Shed learned a few genteel words from Qiao An.

After hearing her voice, the man who had been sitting on the short bed was stunned. His hand, which was holding a chess piece, froze. He turned his head just in time to see the girls smiling face. Su Jiu was still in mens clothes with her hair tied into a high ponytail. Shed drawn over her eyebrows specially, and her gaze was clear. She was both delicate and handsome at the same time, like a good-looking young man.

The mans eyes narrowed. He stood up slowly. At that moment, Su Jiu noticed him and was stunned. She wanted to run away.

How did I manage to meet him here? Truly, one cannot avoid ones enemy!