With virtue

"On a mountain outside Dingzhou City? How did you get that result? Can you do divination?" the young master asked.

"I don't have that ability. I just chased after them all the way here," the young Taoist priest replied with a smile.

After saying that, he added, "But now the evidence is conclusive, so it should be pretty much a 100-200 chance."

Young Master Wang was holding a wine cup when he heard the young Taoist priest say this, and his hand suddenly stopped.

He put down his wine glass, his previous carefree smile vanished, and his expression turned serious.

Then he said, "I knew you were here for Zhou Heng. That ghost general has powerful backers. This time, he's mobilized a large force, so it must be something serious. Be careful not to come alone and get hurt."

"He is both a ghost and a warrior. In life, he was a valiant general who fought countless battles. Even after death, his swordsmanship and horsemanship skills remained intact, and he even gained some new tricks. I tested your moves last night. Your swordsmanship was mediocre. If you chase after him like this, even if you have any tricks up your sleeve, you'll probably be killed before you can even use them. That's how warriors always deal with you sorcerers."

"I have my own brilliant plan." Zhao Yunshu smiled, without explaining further, and picked up another piece of lamb kidney.

Never mind, let's eat some kidneys to replenish our energy first.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door.

It turned out that Liu Qimei had walked in carrying a pipa.

She changed into a light dress today, her hair was styled up with a hairpin, and her complexion had improved a lot. There was still a hint of dark circles under her eyes, and she had applied rouge to her face. It seemed that she had put a lot of effort into dressing up, and she looked three times more beautiful than usual.

She walked to the front of the table, gave a deep bow to Prince Wang and Zhao Yunshu, lowered her head, and said, "I am late, please forgive me, young master and Daoist priest."

Young Master Wang tapped his fingers lightly on the table and smiled: "The pipa player is here. Have you rested well? If you play the wrong notes again today, it won't just be your problem. The Taoist priest who vouched for you will also be implicated."

Liu Qimei didn't say much, and showed no fear, only nodding slightly.

Years later, she sat by the window with her pipa in her arms, tuned the strings, and with a light pluck of her fingertips, a clear note flowed from the strings.

The room fell silent at that moment.

Even the white ape holding the sword had opened its eyes at some point and was staring intently at Liu Qimei's fingertips.

Young Master Wang placed the wine cup he had picked up on the table, but did not bring it to his lips again.

The people at the table felt that the sound of the pipa was clear and ethereal, like a mountain spring flowing over pebbles, or like a spring drizzle falling on green tiles.

With each plucking and flick, the technique was just right. There was no deliberate display of skill with difficult fingering techniques, nor any attempt to add sentimentality. The gentle strumming instantly dispelled all distractions and brought peace of mind. Compared to last night, it was a world of difference.

As the music ended, the lingering notes echoed through the rafters for a few moments before slowly dissipating.

Young Master Wang put down his wine cup, let out a long sigh, and sincerely praised, "This is truly a masterpiece of Dingzhou! If it had been played like this last night, I would have accepted losing three more deals!"

He turned to Zhao Yunshu and smiled, "Daoist Master, you did a great job as guarantor! You made sure I didn't miss out on a wonderful piece of music!"

"Of course." Zhao Yunshu picked up a piece of mutton and chewed, then mumbled, "Played like this... won't you reward me, young master?"

Young Master Wang laughed heartily, slammed his hand on the table, and said, "That's right! A reward! Someone, bring ten taels of silver!"

The maidservant beside her responded and went to leave. Soon after, she returned with a silver ingot and placed it in front of Liu Qimei.

Liu Qimei quickly stood up to thank him, but Young Master Wang waved his hand.

However, looking at Liu Qimei's pipa, he suddenly had another idea and asked, "Pipa player, you play the pipa so well. Isn't it a waste of your talent to stay in this inn in Dingzhou City, welcoming and seeing off guests? Why don't you pack up and come to my residence as a musician? I'll give you two taels of silver a month. Isn't that much better than staying here?"

Two taels a month equals more than two thousand coins.

Liu Qimei plays the pipa in the inn and earns only thirty or forty coins a day. She also has to be mindful of the guests' moods. If no one gives her a tip, she won't earn a single coin.

Two taels a month is more than double what she earns now, and she can have a stable livelihood.

Anyone else would have agreed immediately.

Liu Qimei was initially delighted, her eyes lighting up, but then her expression dimmed again. She lowered her head, gently shook her head, and said, "Thank you for your kindness, young master, but... I have many younger siblings at home, so I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to follow you away."

Young Master Wang dismissed the suggestion with a wave of his hand, saying nonchalantly, "More sisters-in-law? A few more people? No problem. Come on over, I can afford to support you all!"

Liu Qimei raised her head, but her gaze did not fall on Young Master Wang; instead, it landed on Zhao Yunshu's face.

Zhao Yunshu was engrossed in eating lamb chops when he noticed the gaze. He wiped the grease from his mouth and nodded.

Why wouldn't I go if I could get a job with a rich family? The salary is high, and I'd be responsible for supporting my family. Only a fool wouldn't go!

And this mutton is really delicious, I'll eat more.

Relieved by Zhao Yunshu's nod, Liu Qimei bowed to Young Master Wang and said, "Thank you, young master! On behalf of my twelve younger siblings, I express my deepest gratitude for your great kindness!"

Upon hearing this, the young master's wine cup hovered in mid-air.

His previously confident and magnanimous expression froze.

"How much did you just say?!"

He turned his head sharply to look at Zhao Yunshu, his eyes filled with disbelief!

Zhao Yunshu was bringing the mutton soup to her mouth when she met his gaze. She nodded solemnly, her eyes clearly conveying four words:

Absolutely true.

Young Master Wang took a deep breath, then picked up his wine glass and took a big gulp, before taking another breath.

Are her parents pigs to have given birth to thirteen?!

He originally thought there were only two or three burdens, at most four or five, and that arranging for them to be cleaning servants in the mansion would be a matter of a word!

If we brought them all back to the manor, a bunch of chattering kids running around everywhere would be enough to open a primary school!

But the words had already been spoken, and everyone at the table had heard them clearly. His statement "I can afford to raise them" was made with great pride. If he were to change his mind now, where would he put his face?

He coughed lightly.

Then, he tried to pick up the fan again, unfold it, and shake it, trying to regain his previous composure.

The words have already been spoken!

So, he braced himself and said, "It's alright. I always keep my word. Pack your things, and tomorrow I'll send someone to pick you and the children up and take them back to settle you in. As for you, you can just stay by my side. You don't need to do any chores. Just play the pipa for me. I want your skills to improve every day, without the slightest regression!"

After saying this, he turned to the maid beside him and gave her a few instructions. The maid pursed her lips, trying to suppress her laughter, and went to do as she was told.

Liu Qimei was overjoyed and bowed deeply again, her eyes slightly reddening, but she couldn't say anything.

Zhao Yunshu watched this scene from the side, a slight smile playing on her lips.

With arrangements made, he could finally focus on his own affairs.

Then, at this moment, he spoke again: "By the way, Young Master Wang, I heard that Ghost General Zhou Heng is accompanied by a female ghost this time. I don't know the details, and going to find Zhou Heng this time is quite dangerous. Do you know the details?"

"The female ghost beside Zhou Heng? I don't know that. What are her characteristics?" Young Master Wang asked, coming back to his senses.

"I only know their names. One is called Mei Xian, and the other is called Jiu Yan," Zhao Yunshu said.