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

Chapter 22 The arrow is on the string
Li Jiao'er was enjoying herself when she suddenly heard these words, and her fair and beautiful face immediately became somewhat uncomfortable.

But she still hasn't received a word from the man about when he will marry her.

She immediately twisted her plump body, not only refusing to get up, but also hugging Ximen Qing even tighter, pouting her bright red lips, and said in a coquettish voice:
"Oh, my dear father! Father, how cruel you are! We've only been tender for a short while, and you're already sending me away? Just now you were holding my heart and saying that you only love me! You've made me all bruised and swollen. Look, look, isn't that right?"

Before Master Ximen could speak, she continued plaintively:

"Didn't you say the other day that you wanted to bring me into your mansion, make your bed, serve you tea and water, and be your husband for life?"

"Why are you treating me like an outsider today? Good father, give me a straight answer: when exactly will you use that sedan chair to carry me into your grand mansion?"

Her words were half coquettish and half probing. Her large, almond-shaped eyes stared intently at Ximen Qing, carrying a hint of resentment and a touch of anticipation.

Little did she know, the lecherous devil who had promised to marry her had long since been replaced.

Now, it's fine for this Mr. Ximen to play around and have fun, but marrying him is absolutely out of the question.

His brows furrowed suddenly, and his previously languid gaze, still carrying a hint of alcohol, instantly sharpened.

His gaze swept across Li Jiao'er's face.

His hand, which had been resting on Li Jiao'er's waist and hips, stopped: "Hmm? What right do you have to interrupt when your father is speaking? If I tell you to leave, then leave. Why all this fuss! Carry you in? Humph, I have my own plans, and it's none of your business to make a fuss!"

Li Jiao'er was startled by his sudden change in tone and sharp gaze. Her charming smile froze, and her face paled.

She knew Ximen Qing's temperament well; he could change his mind faster than turning the pages of a book, and he was extremely intolerant of disobedience, especially when he was seriously discussing business.

The arrogance I felt earlier was completely extinguished by this bucket of cold water.

She hurriedly released her arms from Ximen Qing's neck, struggling to stand up from his embrace. Forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace, she repeatedly said, "Yes, yes, yes! I deserve to die! I was too talkative! Please calm down, Master! I'll leave right away, I'll leave right away! Please talk slowly, please talk slowly..."

His voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.

She dared not look at Ximen Qing again, lowered her head, and walked quickly toward the door with slightly unsteady steps. As she passed the group of prostitutes, she scolded them in a low voice, "Are you still standing there courting death? Didn't you hear what your master said? Get out of here!"

The group of female fans had long been terrified by Ximen Qing's sudden change of expression and fell silent. Upon hearing this, they felt as if they had been granted a pardon and hurriedly followed Li Jiao'er out in single file, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Once the embroidered curtains were drawn, shutting out the chatter outside, the private room fell silent, leaving only Ximen Qing and Ying Bojue.

Earl Ying knew that the matter he had been instructed to do that morning had arrived.

He immediately put down his wine glass and held his breath, not daring to make a sound.

He cautiously approached, bowing low, his face plastered with an obsequious smile, and asked in a low voice, "Brother, what can I do for you? Please tell me!"

“These two are my childhood friends from the same hometown. They rarely walk around the streets of Qinghe County. They are as close to me as brothers, and they certainly won’t interfere with my brother’s affairs.”

Master Ximen, a broad smile on his face, slowly took another sip of wine. His gaze swept over Earl Ying and the two men, their faces glistening with oil and still savoring the meal, and with a hint of amusement, he asked again:
"Did you enjoy the food and drink just now? And were the courtesans at the Lichun Courtyard serving you comfortably?"

Upon hearing this, Earl Ying and the two men nodded repeatedly, their faces filled with fawning and grateful smiles.

Earl Ying exclaimed, "That's wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Thanks to your great fortune, brother, we brothers are enjoying an immense blessing today!"

The two men nodded and bowed repeatedly, saying, "That feels so good! So good! Thank you so much for your kindness, sir!" "We've never felt so comfortable in our lives!"

Ximen Qing's smile deepened. He put down his wine cup and leaned forward slightly: "Then...would you like this every day? Wine and meat at every meal, and beautiful women by your side every night?" "My lord! If it could be like this, we would gladly serve you like a slave!"

"Master Ximen! You are our second parents!"

The smile on Ximen Qing's face vanished instantly, and he said in a chilling tone, "Fine! You want to acknowledge me, Ximen Qing, as your father, but being my servant isn't so easy."

"Since you're so eager, then do me a favor. If you do it well, not only will you enjoy this little bit of wine, meat, and women today, but you'll also have endless wealth to enjoy in the future!"

He beckoned the three men closer. Earl Ying immediately put his ear close, and the two men held their breath and nervously moved forward.

Ximen Qing's voice was extremely low, like a whisper, yet every word was clear: "The three of you, set off now and wait at the canal wharf in the south of the city. Hide near berth number three, the most secluded spot, piled with broken fishing nets and rotten wood."

"Keep quiet and don't let anyone see you. Around four in the morning, several cargo ships with lanterns bearing the name 'Guangyuan' will dock to unload their cargo. You just need to pretend to be porters, and do this and that..."

After giving his instructions, Master Ximen leaned back and glanced at the three men: "If this matter is handled cleanly and without anyone noticing, each of you will receive twenty taels of silver upon our return. I, Ximen Qing, will not be stingy!"

"I, Ximen Qing, will cover your entire month's worth of pleasure here!"

Twenty taels! That's almost several years' worth of food for an average family!

They can enjoy the pleasures of the flowers and wine for a whole month!
Wouldn't that be enough to pierce through those few fan leaders!
Earl Ying and the two men stared wide-eyed, their breathing becoming heavy, and their faces instantly filled with ecstasy and excitement.

However, Ximen Qing's next words were like ice water poured over his head in the dead of winter: "But—"

"If things go wrong, or even the slightest leak occurs, and someone gets hold of something against us..."

Ximen Da Guanren paused, then said, word by word, "You three, don't let me see a single one of you in Qinghe County again! Take your families and get out of Qinghe County!"

The ecstasy on Earl Ying's face froze instantly, turning him deathly pale, and cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead.

The two men trembled with fear, their legs went weak, and their earlier excitement vanished, leaving only deep terror.

Earl Ying was a man of some experience, and he suppressed his fear, knowing that there was no turning back now.

Anyone who works as a hanger-on in this world will inevitably have some tough nut to crack.

He pounded his chest and swore to the heavens in an exceptionally loud voice: "Brother, rest assured! Your humble servant, Earl Ying, hereby swears to the heavens that if this matter is not accomplished, or if even the slightest word is leaked, I will kill myself right here on the dock without you having to lift a finger! No doubt about it! Whatever you entrust to me, I will do my utmost, even at the cost of my life, to complete it perfectly and flawlessly!"

As he spoke, he glared fiercely at the two men next to him who were still in a daze.

The two men, jolted awake by Ying Bojue's glare, hurriedly followed suit, swearing oaths and vows:

"Rest assured, sir! We will definitely handle it well! If we fail, you'll be beheaded!"

"Yes, yes, yes! If we mess this up, may we be struck by lightning! We'll get out of here ourselves! We'll never implicate you, sir!"

Ximen Da Guanren nodded as he watched them gesturing wildly. "Go ahead. Remember, keep your hands clean and don't leave any loose ends."

"Yes! Yes! Brother (Master) don't worry!" Ying Bojue and the other two hurriedly got up, bowed deeply to Ximen Qing, and then quickly left "Cangchun Pavilion", their figures disappearing into the night outside the door.

(End of this chapter)