Seeing his father speak with such energy and gravity, Luan Bao took a seat in one of the guest chairs, looking at him expectantly."Why are you sitting so far away? Come closer," Luan Jingfu said.Luan Bao pulled his chair nearer, and Luan Jingfu leaned in, speaking to him in a low voice for a while.As he listened, Luan Bao's expression shifted, panic flickering in his eyes. His voice trembled as he murmured, "Strangle... him?"Luan Jingfu gestured for him to keep quiet, looking at his son with a touch of regret.Though he'd already dismissed the servants and maids from the room, he still had to be cautious—walls had ears. This matter could only be known to heaven, earth, and the two of them, father and son.Luan Bao's face showed clear hesitation.Luan Jingfu whispered, "Bao'er, don't go soft on me now!""A man who lets cowardice guide him only brings shame on himself!""Besides, do you really think that old fox feels any gratitude toward us? Mo Qian blocked that door, and why did h

As Ruan Fengshan's personal attendant, no guard would dare stop Zheng Wei from entering.Ye Tian hesitated but ultimately bowed and declined. "Thank you for the offer, but there's no need to trouble yourself. This letter isn't urgent—I'll deliver it to my young master personally when the time is right."With that, he turned and departed.Zheng Wei watched him go, then spat on the ground in irritation.About half an incense stick later, a figure suddenly vaulted over the wall of a secluded courtyard in the backyard of the Yuanshun Escort Agency.The figure moved with remarkable skill, swift and silent as a ghost, landing without a sound.It was Ruan Fengshan, who had departed earlier—now returning with a thick ledger tucked under his arm.He rolled up the book, tucked it into his sleeve, and made his way quietly past a rockery, along a bamboo path, back to the rear hall of the Juyi Hall. There, he settled at his desk once more, spread the ledger open, and began reading carefully.After

After a pause, he continued, "Xu Shouxian served as chief accountant for over twenty years. Though he made grave mistakes, he has already paid the price. He was still a colleague to many of you. After this meeting, take some time to visit his household and offer incense."Xu Fuxian's lips trembled upon hearing this. He hadn't expected Ruan Fengshan to extend his brother this final measure of respect.Without Ruan Fengshan's explicit encouragement, many within the escort agency would likely have avoided paying respects out of superstition or fear.Ruan Fengshan's tone softened. "Well then. However difficult this year has been, it's behind us now. Xu Fuxian will take charge of the account office going forward—I expect everyone to cooperate with him fully."Every eye in the hall turned toward Xu Fuxian.His thin face remained expressionless as he clasped his fists, turned slowly to address the room, and said, "Esteemed escort leaders and managers, I will draft a new reporting protocol an

The crowd surrounding the arena erupted into enthusiastic cheers. Most of the onlookers hadn't noticed Xiao Yu's deliberate strike at all, applauding her skill and style wholeheartedly. It wasn't that they were incapable of seeing it—even Luan Bao, standing right there in the match, hadn't fully realized what had happened either.Xiao Yu had already leapt down from the arena.Luan Bao remained standing, pressing a hand against his bleeding wound.Ruan Fengshan turned to Mo Qian. "Mo Qian, you're next!"Luan Jingfu's brow twitched. He was certain Ruan Fengshan had seen through Xiao Yu's tactic just as clearly as he had—yet Ruan Fengshan deliberately feigned ignorance. The implication was now unmistakable: Luan Bao had already lost his spot.It wasn't merely the sixty thousand taels of silver at stake—Luan Jingfu's pride had taken a genuine hit. With Luan Bao defeated so thoroughly, father and son had both lost significant face in front of the entire escort community.Mo Qian found hims

As the year drew to its close, most other households buzzed with New Year preparations and festive energy—yet this particular mansion remained as quiet and lifeless as ever.Wei Yutian had spent his entire life in solitude, but what weighed on him more heavily than mere loneliness was the deeper isolation within his own heart."Who's there?"Wei Yutian set down his teacup abruptly, turning to glare toward the rockery behind him, his voice sharp.Within this backyard, aside from his three personal maids—Bai Ai, Su Di, and Pei Qing—along with the elderly gatekeeper Zhou Gu, no other servants were permitted entry.And Bai Ai, Su Di, and Pei Qing all understood his temperament well. Without explicit instruction, none of them would ever dare disturb him during his evening tea."What's so special about tea? Yutian, I've brought a jar of fine wine."Recognizing the voice, Wei Yutian's expression softened immediately, the tension draining from his eyes.Luan Jingfu emerged slowly from behind