Transaction Cooperation

ook and simply pointed at two of them, saying, "Those two."Qingshang followed her gesture and noticed that the two maids standing in the front row were ordinary-looking; one was rather plain and unrem...76. Transaction Cooperation

76. Transaction Cooperation

"If you want to drink tea, or have something to ask for, win against this young master first!"

Ye Li looked at the Fong Yue Gongzi who was staring at her with a provoking expression and felt amused inwardly. She knew that Han Mingyue wasn’t in Jiangnan now, and she even knew where he had gone. Although Han Mingyue and Han Mingxi were brothers, Han Mingxi was clearly much easier to deal with than Han Mingyue. For various reasons, Ye Li didn't want to meet with Han Mingyue. "What does the young master wish to bet on"

Han Mingxi raised his eyebrows and smiled: "I don’t take advantage of you. You were quite good a moment ago, right Let’s still bet on throwing dice and comparing who gets higher or lower numbers."

Ye Li raised her eyebrows without objecting, “Okay.”

Han Mingxi smiled satisfactorily: "Good, straightforward. If you manage to win this young master, I will help with anything you want." Ye Li smiled and said, "That’s not necessary. This one is not a fan of those who demand too much. Even if there's something I need your assistance with, it won’t make the Young Master suffer any loss. After all… in business, mutual benefits are needed for long-term cooperation, isn't that right"

"Interesting," Han Mingxi said with a smile. "What will you do if you lose"

Ye Li replied, "If I lose, today’s matter will be considered as never having happened. Also, the twenty-one thousand taels of silver won just now can be used as stakes."

"One round decides victory or defeat" Han Mingxi asked.

"Let's do it," Ye Li raised her hand to indicate.

Han Mingxi swept his sleeve, and the ancient zither on the table flew smoothly to a cabinet beside them. Then Han Mingyue took out a set of dice from somewhere and placed them on the table with an arrogant expression: "You can check if the dice are fair." Ye Li shook her head and pushed back the cup containing the dice, smiling as she said, "This one trusts in Qingfeng Mingyue Lou and Young Master Han’s integrity. Young Master please first."

Han Mingxi made a face and asked: "High or low"

Ye Li pondered for a moment before saying, "High."

Han Mingxi snorted and picked up the cup with both hands along with the dice inside. He then began to shake them slowly and unhurriedly. Ye Li relaxed as she appreciated Han Mingxi’s movements of shaking the dice; they were indeed very impressive. The cup seemed to perform magic tricks in his hands, finally being slammed down onto the table heavily. Raising an eyebrow at Ye Li, Han Mingxi opened the cup without looking at it while Ye Li looked calmly at the dice on the table. The original three had turned into six and cut diagonally across them neatly forming a pyramid lying flat on the tabletop. "Young Master has good inner strength; thirty-three points."

Han Mingxi seemed to be in quite high spirits, looking at Ye Li with a smiling expression: "It looks like we can’t use this then, Mr Chu can use new ones. I believe you won't copy others’ methods, right"

Ye Li’s expression was calm and collected as she took the set of ivory dice Han Mingxi handed her and threw them into the cup. Unlike Han Mingxi's playful shaking method, Ye Li just held the cup in a standard way, shaking it moderately without any rush. Inside the pavilion, only the sound of the dice being shaken could be heard. However, Han Mingxi’s originally relaxed smile gradually turned serious. Even his lazy body straightened up as he stared fixedly at Ye Li's calm face. He couldn’t hear any possible number from the shaking dice! Yet he wasn't too worried about winning or losing, for thirty-three points was already the highest possible result; unless this young man imitated him, otherwise it would be impossible to win against him.

Tap! Ye Li slammed the cup back on the table and smiled at Han Mingxi: "Young Master, do you want to guess how many points"

Han Mingxi gave her a dismissive look and said, "No matter how many points there are, you won’t win against me. Let’s see them then. I’ll see just how good Mr Chu really is."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Young Master is right."

Slowly opening the cup, three dice lay undamaged on the table. But… each die was resting with a corner pointed upwards while leaning against another at an angle. Each of them showed two faces; both were five and six, meaning that Ye Li also had thirty-three points. Ye Li smiled faintly: "Thirty-three points, it's a draw then. What does Young Master think"

Han Mingxi stared fixedly at her for quite some time before saying in a low voice: "You won. What is your request then" With a wave of his hand, the cup with three dice was sent to the cabinet on one side and Han Mingxi shouted, "Serve tea."

In the water pavilion, Ye Li was satisfied as she tasted the exquisite fragrant tea that had just been brought over. Qingfeng Mingyue Lou lived up to its reputation of being the best place in the world for enjoyment; even their tea could almost match imperial tribute teas. Han Mingxi stared at Ye Li with deep eyes: "Mr Chu can now say what you wish to discuss with Tian Yi Pavilion’s Pavilion Master, right"

Ye Li put down her teacup and smiled faintly, saying, "It's not a big deal. I need to go to Southern Yan soon, so I require some intelligence. Since the Sky One Pavilion is reputed as the best information organization in Chu, this humble one has no choice but to humbly seek their help."

When praised by someone who was her equal or even better than herself, Han Mingyi's expression softened slightly and he snorted, saying, "Knowing the relationship between Qingfeng Mingyue Tower and Sky One Pavilion already proves that you, Mr. Chu, are well-informed yourself. How would you still need help from Sky One Pavilion" Ye Li smiled wryly and said, "I only know this by chance… I hope Mr. Han doesn't blame me for being presumptuous. Of course, since the Sky One Pavilion makes a living selling intelligence, in that case, I will naturally pay them a satisfactory reward."

Han Mingyue's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly as she leaned back and sized Ye Li up with an air of leisurely ease. "Oh To make the Sky One Pavilion satisfied… It seems Mr. Chu is very confident about himself."

Ye Li smiled and said, "I believe that since the Sky One Pavilion runs a business, they shouldn't set prices at random"

"Hmph! Are you planning to pay off your debt with them using the money you won from my Qingfeng Mingyue Tower"

"How dare I. I have two shops in Guangling City which were newly opened and should still catch Mr. Han's eye." Ye Li drank her tea calmly, looking at Han Mingyi with a smile on her face. Han Mingyi frowned slightly; the handsome young man’s aura was naturally captivating and even if she wasn't affected by him, she couldn’t help but admire his beauty in silence. Even though he looked very similar to Han Mingyue, their aura was completely different.

"Are you referring to that perfume shop called Xuan Ya Pavilion which opened on Wuwu Street six months ago" Han Mingyi asked with a clear probing tone.

Ye Li nodded and said, "That’s right. Mr. Han should know how much money the Xuan Ya Pavilion can earn. If you provide me with satisfactory intelligence, I’ll give you two-tenths of its annual profit."

"Annually" Han Mingyi raised an eyebrow. “Can this humble one understand it as a long-term partnership that Mr. Chu is suggesting The Xuan Ya Pavilion really does make money, but it doesn’t seem to have reached the level where they can be Sky One Pavilion's long-term partner.” He was well aware of the existence of the Xuan Ya Pavilion; in fact, he used the perfume from there himself. After using their perfumes, no other fragrances could satisfy him anymore. The Xuan Ya Pavilion had only been open for half a year and yet it was already surpassing all the old brands in Guangling City. However, because of its prices being more than three times higher than those in ordinary stores, common households didn’t favor them. But Han Mingyi was sure that at least 70% of the high-society women in Guangling used perfumes from Xuan Ya Pavilion. If they reduced their price, it wouldn't be long before they could dominate this industry.

Ye Li shook her head with a smile and said, "Does Mr. Han know who's the easiest to make money from"

Han Mingyi frowned and answered, “Of course, wealthy merchants.” The incredible income of the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower was provided by these rich merchants. Ye Li waved her hand holding a fan and said with a smile, "No, it’s women."

"Women" Han Mingyi sneered. Women had no independent source of income; they relied on men to survive. It meant that unlike men, they couldn’t spend money freely, nor did many women have the ability to throw large sums of money around like men could.

Ye Li sighed lightly and played with her fan nonchalantly as she said with a smile, "In this world… there are more women than men. But… not all men indulge in drinking, gambling, or whoring but all women like being young and pretty."

Han Mingyi felt his heart stir; he didn’t have his brother’s talent for business and wasn't overly fixated on money. However, it didn’t mean that he was foolish. He naturally understood what Ye Li meant by this and gave her a look to continue speaking. Han Mingyi poured tea for both of them and showed obvious interest in the topic.

Ye Li paid no mind and said, "The perfume formula from Xuan Ya Pavilion is kept strictly confidential; it's not something any ordinary perfume shop can replicate. Frankly speaking, the quality of cosmetics and fragrances within Chu doesn’t appeal to me very much; I believe Mr. Han feels the same."

Han Mingyi frowned as he was originally indifferent but since Xuan Ya Pavilion appeared on the scene, he realized that the perfumes he used previously were not only monotonous but also less pleasant than their new offerings. Although he privately had some top-notch perfumes made for him, the time and energy invested far outweighed the value of the perfumes themselves. Occasionally, he would take products from Xuan Ya Pavilion to give to his lady friends, who clearly preferred its fragrances. Han Mingyi didn’t want to admit that perhaps he indirectly brought a lot of customers to Xuan Ya Pavilion.

Seeing Han Mingyi's thoughtful expression, Ye Li continued, "Although the Xuan Ya Pavilion currently has only one branch in Guangling City, with your perspective, it wouldn't be impossible for me to open a shop in every major and medium-sized town across Chu, or even Western Ling, Northern Rong, Southern Yan, and farther places. After all… wherever there are women, there's no problem selling things. What do you think"

Han Mingyi felt intimidated by the young man before him who was clearly under fifteen years old; he believed his money-obsessed brother would have plenty to chat about with this person. Opening one Xuan Ya Pavilion branch in every town seemed quite impressive, and Han Mingyi started imagining opening a Qingfeng Mingyue Tower in each city…

"Haha, I advise Mr. Han not to think like that; otherwise, Prince Mingyue would get angry." Seeing the shine in Han Mingyi's eyes as he looked outside while resting his chin on one hand, Ye Li guessed what he was thinking and quickly intervened. Qingfeng Mingyue Tower could be called the best place in the world because of its uniqueness. If it were everywhere, that wouldn’t be so great. She didn't believe Han Mingyue hadn’t set up brothels elsewhere, only not as famous. Moreover, the prostitution industry didn't require much skill and couldn’t truly monopolize this field.

"Cosmetics and perfumes are consumables, while Qingfeng Mingyue Tower… well, it’s a place of entertainment; two completely different things, aren’t they However… I think we can still collaborate on this point."

Han Mingyi only had a momentary bout of enthusiasm. If he were to open a Qingfeng Mingyue Tower in every town across Chu, he might not be able to bear it himself. After hearing Ye Li's words, he didn’t object and merely raised an eyebrow politely. "Please go on."

Ye Li smiled and said, “For example… the perfumes and cosmetics used by Qingfeng Mingyue Tower’s courtesans could be purchased from Xuan Ya Pavilion. How does Mr. Han feel about this As a demonstration of our cooperation, I can give him a special perfume as a gift and provide it free of charge indefinitely. What do you think”

Han Mingyi pondered for a moment before smiling and said, "With such sincerity from Mr. Chu, how could I not agree It would be pushing business away. Very well, please tell me what intelligence you need as soon as possible; it will surely make you feel that the payment is worth it."

Ye Li nodded with satisfaction. “Very good. Then let’s each prepare a little and meet again in a few days to sign an agreement”

"Agreed."

Han Mingyi accompanied Ye Li out of the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower, and they returned to their temporary residence in Guangling City. When Dark Three saw his stunned brothers staring at him with blank expressions as he took a thick stack of silver notes from his pocket and threw them on the table, he raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Where did you get so many silver notes” They had only brought two thousand taels out of the capital city altogether, yet this duchess returned ten times more after taking Little Three with her

Dark Three glanced at Ye Li who was sitting to one side waving a fan and drinking tea. He answered woodenly, "Won in gambling." He then looked back at Ye Li nervously and said, “Master, today your subordinate really didn’t expect us to walk out of there safely.”

Ye Li glanced at him and smiled, saying, "Don't worry. If the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower were to create trouble over just 20 thousand taels, it would be too inconsequential."

Just 20 thousand taels Even if the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower earned a million in silver daily, that figure wasn't small at all.

The Wind and Moon Tower!

An Yi, An Er, and even An San could only twitch their lips and decide to forget about it. They were the secret guards of the Queen Consort, so there was absolutely no way they would tell the Prince Regent that the Queen Consort had gone to a brothel with them.

Ye Li did not rush to find Han Mingxi; she needed intelligence from Nanyang in order to cover her tracks completely. Actually, Ye Li didn't plan on finding Tianyi Pavilion at all. Although Han Mingxi and his brother, Han Mingyue, seemed like they would be easy people to deal with, Ye Li knew after only meeting them once that the refined Han Mingyue was more difficult than his rapist brother by ten times over. If she hadn't known that Han Mingyue wouldn't be in the Great Chu for a while, Ye Li definitely wouldn't have contacted Han Mingxi.

But although Han Mingxi did not seem like a reliable person, Tianyi Pavilion's intelligence network was still quite fast. When Ye Li had just finished touring Guangling City, Han Mingxi came to her residence in the morning.

Sitting leisurely in the flower parlor and flirting with the servant girl who brought tea, Han Mingxi wore dark red robes that exuded a seductive aura at all times. Ye Li waved for the blushing girl to leave and smiled, "I haven't seen you in days, but your charm hasn't changed."

Han Mingxi replied with a smile, "Where Chu公子，這幾日覺得廣陵春光可還入眼？"

Ye Li didn’t expect Han Mingxi to be sending people to monitor her and was not angry. She smiled calmly, "A city that has been the capital for three dynasties, how could its scenery fail to captivate"

Han Mingxi said with a smile, "Speaking of which, Chu公子，前日似乎遺落了什麼在本公子這裡。今日特地前來奉還，也顯示一下本公子的合作誠意。"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow in confusion and looked at Han Mingxi’s lecherous grin. Han Mingxi clapped his hands lightly, and soon a beautiful woman in purple robes appeared at the door. "I am Rumei, servant of your honor," she greeted, bowing to Ye Li and Chu公子。

This was the same Rumei who had been running the gambling table a few days ago. A bad feeling suddenly welled up in Ye Li's heart. "Sir Han, what is this"

Han Mingxi snapped his fan open and smiled with half of his handsome face hidden behind it, "The rules of Wind and Moon Tower state that whoever wins the head gambler gets to keep them. Rumei was impressed by Chu公子的賭術高超，從今日起，她不再掛牌，也不再是清風明月樓的人。歸了楚公子你。如果你看得上她，就納為妾室也無妨；如果看不上她，當個端茶倒水洗衣服燒飯的小丫頭也行。"

Ye Li felt a headache coming as she looked at Han Mingxi's lecherous smile and wink. "Sir Han, you're too kind. I was only lucky that day, and… I didn't have an exclusive gambling match with Rumei, so I did not win her."

Han Mingxi closed his fan and tapped it absentmindedly in his palm as he asked, "So you don’t find Rumei to your liking"

Rumei's face turned deathly pale at Han Mingxi’s words. With a resentful look towards Ye Li, she bowed her head and began weeping silently. Ye Li glared at Han Mingxi angrily as she said, "Sir Han, since everyone is sincere with each other, why play such tricks My family's teachings are strict; I can only decline your kindness."

Han Mingxi sighed deeply as he looked resentfully at Ye Li, saying, "Your heart is as hard as iron. Fine then. Rumei, it seems Chu公子確實對你冇有意思，下去吧。"

Rumei huffed and glared fiercely at Ye Li before leaving. Ye Li couldn’t help but laugh bitterly in her mind; if she actually took a courtesan home, she wouldn't only be questioned by her grandfather and uncle, but likely even Mo Xiuyao would explode in anger as well. Mo Xiuyao… just thinking about the person’s gloomy eyes when they left made Ye Li sigh softly.

"Who are you thinking about, Chu公子？"

Curiously looking at Ye Li, Han Mingxi asked, if he was not mistaken, he had seen a trace of longing or worry in the clever and mysterious young man's eyes just now.

"Sir Han, do you want to talk about this kind of private matter with me" Ye Li glanced over at him indifferently as she asked.

Han Mingxi shrugged nonchalantly and said with a wink, "It’s fine if there's nothing else to discuss."

"Alright then. How about you also talk about your… history of debauchery I've been reading some historical novels lately; why don't we write one together Perhaps it could be called The Biography of the Gentleman of Wind and Moon" Ye Li smiled slyly.

Han Mingxi muttered, "You're truly boring." Given that this Chu Junwei knew about the relationship between Tianyi Pavilion and Wind and Moon Tower, it wasn’t strange for him to know that Han Mingyue's younger brother was also notorious as The Gentleman of Wind and Moon. However, he didn't despise the person like everyone else did. He felt there might be more to this person than met the eye. "Since we're already familiar with each other, calling you Chu公子每次來去公子也顯得無趣。不如還是以名字相稱如何？我叫你君唯，你叫我明晰就好。”

Ye Li blinked her eyes lightly. Junwei Mingyi Why did this seem strange to her

"Han Brother," Ye Li warned him sternly as she reminded him that they needed to discuss important matters.

Han Mingxi sighed and said with a playful smile, "Alright then, are you shy, Junwei" He pretended not to see Ye Li's twitching eyebrow and continued seriously, "I've managed to gather some information on what you requested. However, as we're in the Great Chu while the people and matters you want to know about are mostly in Nanyang, I only have a portion of it right now. The rest will be sent to you after you enter Nanyang. But… I'm curious; Junwei, you’re still young, why would you want to go to Nanyang Even if it's for traveling purposes, isn't it unnecessary to look into the royal family of Nan Zhao and the Holy Maiden of Nanyang as well"

Ye Li said coolly, "To be honest, I’m going to Nanyang to search for a herb which seems impossible to find without involving the royal family of Nan Zhao and the Holy Maiden of Nanyang."

Han Mingxi raised his eyebrows playfully and asked, "Junwei, if you need any herbs, just tell me brotherly and I’ll have them sent over. Why go all this way You’re not looking for the treasure of Nanyang—幽羅冥花吧？"

Ye Li nodded seriously, “冇錯。”

Han Mingxi’s smile froze and he sighed helplessly. "You really… the幽羅冥花is a treasure in Nanyang, personally guarded by the Holy Maiden of Nanyang. Even if it's the King of Nan Zhao who wants to get it, there's no guarantee he can succeed. Junwei, are you sure about this"

Ye Li nodded firmly, "If not for this herb, I wouldn’t have spent so much money buying information from Tianyi Pavilion. This trip to Nanyang is unavoidable; please help me gather more information beforehand or I might never come back, and then you’ll lose a business partner.

"As far as I know, although the Yu Luo Ming Hua is said to have life-restoring effects, whether anyone has used it for such purposes remains unknown to me. However, I am aware of someone who died a clean death after attempting to obtain it. Are you looking for someone in particular" Han Mingchi asked with some concern. "What kind of illness or poison are we dealing with Perhaps I can inquire if there are other methods available."

Seeing how concerned Han Mingchi was, Ye Li felt somewhat guilty and hurriedly said, "No need to worry about it. I will do my best as much as possible. If there is no way out, I wouldn't risk my life recklessly." Han Mingchi nodded while advising her, "It's good that you think this way. The Southern Frontier isn’t like the Central Plains; there’s a hint of evilness there. Even for us from Tianyi Pavilion, we often find ourselves restrained when operating in the South."

"I understand. Thank you, Brother Han," Ye Li responded with a nod as she took out an exquisite little glass bottle from a box on the table, containing half a bottle of pale green medicine inside it. "This is what I promised to give Brother Han earlier; I hope it meets your expectations."

Han Mingchi curiously accepted it and upon opening the glass bottle, a delicate floral scent wafted out filling the hall. He happily exclaimed, "This…is orchid fragrance…"

"Although this scent may not quite suit Brother Han's preferences, we can make do with this for now." Ye Li couldn't really understand why someone would want to be so perfumed, but she decided to respect her newly acquainted partner’s personal preference.

Han Mingchi was completely unconcerned and held the little glass bottle tightly, cherishing it. "Why not It's fantastic; thank you, Jun Wei! Let's settle on what Jun Wei mentioned earlier regarding the Fragrant Moon Pavilion and Xunya Hall’s cosmetics and perfumes. From now on, they will order all their fragrances and powders from Xunya Hall." Ye Li nodded with a smile, "Thank you then, Brother Han."

"No need to thank me, we are mutually benefiting each other. Jun Wei, could I get something more potent next time This seems much better than just perfume; if sold at Xunya Hall, it would definitely be profitable."

Ye Li twitched her nose and said, "This is rather difficult to procure. Including this bottle given to Brother Han, there are only five bottles in total. Also…Brother Han, I’ve had a question on my mind for a while."

"Feel free to ask, brother will answer to the best of his knowledge," Han Mingchi’s mood was unusually good after receiving something valuable; he waved it off nonchalantly.

Ye Li looked at him and said, "With your profession…is it really convenient for you to be so heavily perfumed" If it were an ordinary household, she wouldn’t mind. But if one goes around households guarded by martial artists or those with caution, such a scent would inevitably attract attention.

Han Mingchi was taken aback for a moment before understanding what Ye Li meant by 'profession'. He glared at her and said, "You're still just a little kid who doesn't understand men's sophistication. Many beauties fancy my fragrance."

Ye Li was speechless. Had she never seen such things The five brothers of the Xu family, Mo Xiuyao, Feng Zhirao, including even Mo Jingli. At most they would wear faint scents like Long Yan Xiang or musk. Never had she encountered someone who wore such garish perfumes.

After promising to try making better perfume for him upon her return from the South Frontier and seeing off Han Mingchi with a reluctant face, Ye Li sat down to examine what he had brought over.

"Sir, when are we leaving for the South Frontier" Dark Three and Dark Four were fiddling with the items they’d bought as per Ye Li's instructions while she was reviewing documents. Without looking up, Ye Li said, "The affairs in Guangling have been mostly resolved; we’ll leave early on day after tomorrow. Have a look at these." She casually threw out several papers which Dark One and Dark Two caught and started examining attentively.

"Also, I’m leaving with only one of you next time."

The four halted their work in surprise and stared at Ye Li's calm expression. "Lady Wang…Sir, this…" Dark One frowned and pointed out that the South Frontier was unlike the Central Plains; it would be too dangerous for her to go there alone.

"Don't you think five of us are already drawing a lot of attention" Ye Li looked at them with a smile. "People in the South Frontier tend to be xenophobic, and a group like ours would surely attract unwanted attention right from the start."

"But it's too dangerous for Sir to go alone; what if something happens…" Dark Three said.

"Do you doubt me or yourselves" Ye Li raised an eyebrow.

The four exchanged looks but couldn’t refute her. "Alright, then that’s settled," Ye Li smiled. "Dark Three will come with me while the rest stay behind and take care of things here. Dark Four, keep a close watch on Fragrant Moon Pavilion; inform me immediately if Han Mingyue returns or anything happens. Be careful not to be discovered. Dark One, go to Suixue Pass and try to infiltrate the camp there. Unless I send word back, you needn’t worry about other matters. Whether it’s any of us or people from the Prince’s Manor, act as if you don't know them. Pay attention to the situation in Lingzhou too. Dark Two, depart tonight with my token; go find our elder brother in the South Frontier and follow him."

The four saw that Ye Li had clearly planned everything out earlier and could only nod their agreement. "Unless absolutely necessary, no contact with the capital," she said smilingly. "I hope you all understand what ‘absolutely necessary’ means."

The four gave a reluctant affirmation; Dark Three looked miserable while the others sympathized with him—He would surely end up dismembered by the Prince.

Ye Li had no mind to worry about her subordinates' feelings as she contemplated on the dossier regarding the South Frontier Holy Maiden. The Holy Maiden wasn't just an empty title; in fact, she exerted considerable influence over Southern Zhaoyue's politics and was even more powerful than some members of the royal family at times. But since every Holy Maiden could not marry or have children and had to enter a sacred site upon her successor’s ascension, never leaving it again or seeing any outsiders, their threat to the throne wasn’t as severe. The present Holy Maiden was named Shu Manlin; she was 23 years old this year while in the South Frontier, the Holy Maiden must abdicate by age 28.

Ye Li frowned and wondered if the reason for any rebellion might be related to such rules. To imprison a woman who had enjoyed immense honor until her mid-20s into an unknown sacred site with no contact from outside could indeed seem cruel to anyone.re mortal. "Alright then, Prince Ding is a good person. Is there any other news What happened in the Chu residence I asked you to check"Yun Ge nodded, saying, "I watched for a long time; people are go...