Chapter 00230: A Visit
# A Visit
Chapter 230
Novel: After the Immortals Disappeared
Chapter 230: A Visit
He Lingchuan spent almost three taels of silver on a single meal, and even tipped the waiter with the change, not requiring any to be returned.
So expensive, and no credit allowed! He really needed to find a way to increase his income.
Xiangyun Courtyard was the largest opera house in Dunyu City, where the famous performers from Xia Prefecture took turns to preside.
Guests could listen to stories, play chess, paint, throw pots, and discuss business... or even find a quiet place to relax when feeling troubled; they could request a private room—specifically, the elegant rooms located at the back, which were fewer in number and quiet.
As soon as He Lingchuan entered Xiangyun Courtyard, he requested an elegant room upstairs, but the tea master showed a troubled expression:
“Esteemed young master, the upstairs is fully booked. How about I arrange a private seat for you downstairs?”
“Not acceptable.” He Lingchuan had encountered such situations many times; he raised his chin, “Those people are worthy of sitting upstairs?”
Mao Tao, standing beside him, flattered, “This young master is the eldest son of Lord He, the governor of this state. It is an honor for your establishment to have the presence of Young Master He!”
The tea master was taken aback; was this the important figure who had entered the city yesterday?
“B-but…”
Before he could finish, someone approached and said, “Young Master He, my master is willing to give up the upstairs elegant room. Please follow me!”
He Lingchuan scoffed and ignored the tea master: “Lead the way.”
The attendant guided He Lingchuan to the second floor, just above the stage, which was the best viewing room.
At this time, the room was, of course, empty.
He Lingchuan boldly sat down and waved the attendant away, not even asking who his master was.
The tea master followed, quickly setting out tea, snacks, and a fruit platter.
The Medicine Monkey jumped onto the table and slowly began to peel an orange.
It had been following He Lingchuan for about ten days and had visibly gained weight.
The Rock Wolf was the most eye-catching beside He Lingchuan; having just eaten, it had nothing to do and lay down under the table to sleep.
He Lingchuan stayed there for two hours, first listening to a few performances and appreciating several performers.
When the sun began to set, the windows around were covered with two layers of black cloth, and the charcoal basin was moved to the corner behind the curtain, plunging the hall into darkness.
Although it was not completely pitch black, objects a zhang away were invisible.
A sound came from the stage ahead, initially a rustle, then merging into a chorus, it was the chirping of summer night insects.
The Rock Wolf, which had been sound asleep, perked up its ears.
As the insects chirped merrily, frogs joined in.
The people sitting in the hall closed their eyes, truly feeling as if they were by a summer night pond, able to hear such a vibrant chorus.
Following that, there were flapping sounds and a few hoarse calls, along with splashing water sounds; the herons had arrived.
As soon as they came, the insects and frogs fell silent.
Then, voices emerged by the pond—men and women—first whispering softly, then becoming coarse and playful, laughing together.
The subsequent sounds were not suitable for children; writing them out would lead to a 404.
After a while, the stage fell silent.
He Lingchuan’s hearing had greatly improved; at this moment, he heard the sound of someone quietly leaving the stage.
Soon, the black cloth around was lifted, and the slanting sunlight shone back into the hall.
Of course, the stage was empty.
Just now, they had performed a mouth technique.
He could tell from the footsteps that only one person had put on such a grand symphony.
That fellow had quite the skill with his mouth.
He Lingchuan naturally led the applause, generously tossing out a silver ingot: “Good, reward!”
As the applause thundered around, the attendant approached again, quietly conveying:
“Young Master He, my master requests your presence!”
He Lingchuan pretended not to hear, and Mao Tao crossed her arms and snorted: “Which one?”
The attendant cursed inwardly; his master had already given up the elegant room, and the payment had been made.
This fellow didn’t even ask a single question; his face was truly thick.
But he still had to be respectful on the surface: “My master’s surname is Li, with the given name Shuang, ranked tenth in the clan.”
He Lingchuan scoffed; the main person only showed up at this time, which was quite patient.
“Lead the way.”
The young servant guided He Lingchuan through two doors to the elegant room in the back hall.
After turning through several corridors, the sounds of the front hall’s opera and noise completely faded away.
The young servant pushed open a door: “Please!”
Inside, the noble young master also stood up, first bowing to He Lingchuan: “Young Master He, greetings. I am Li Shuang!”
“Oh—good.” He Lingchuan showed a surprised expression, “So it’s Young Master Li.”
He spoke vaguely, but in his heart, he clearly understood that this was Li Rong’s sixth son, ranked tenth among the same generation in the clan.
After the incident with the Zhan family yesterday, this Li Shuang had not appeared at all, probably not being in Dunyu.
He appeared to be in his early twenties, with a fair face and well-defined features, and a sunny smile.
He Lingchuan remembered that this was the descendant that Li Zhao, the old man Li, valued the most in his lifetime and had wanted to pass on his mantle to.
He took a seat under Li Shuang’s warm welcome, and a maid immediately came to pour tea, with a platter of four types of fruits on the table.
“What brings Young Master Li to seek me?”
“To speak frankly, I have come specifically regarding the incident with the Li family.” Li Shuang’s expression was serious as he got straight to the point, “This is a grave mistake made by the Li family; my father and uncle were too impulsive. At that time, I was in Sanxiangyuan and could not dissuade them. Today, I rushed back to Dunyu to seek Young Master He’s assistance immediately.”
“Assistance?” He Lingchuan looked surprised, “Has the Li family already decided who will handle the funeral and who will go to prison?”
Li Shuang glanced at the guards behind He Lingchuan, hesitating to speak.
He Lingchuan tilted his head, and Mao Tao led the brothers out, casually closing the door.
However, the Medicine Monkey and the Rock Wolf stayed behind.
The Rock Wolf lay by the tea table, its long body stretched out, its large head facing Li Shuang.
Li Shuang quietly shifted back a bit before saying, “Yes, the clan has held several meetings, demanding my uncle to handle my grandfather’s funeral.”
That meant Li Shuang’s father, Li Rong, was going to turn himself in.
Of course, he could not be doing it voluntarily.
In these past two days, the brothers Li Zhi and Li Rong must have exhausted all their means, trying to unite the clan members to push the other into the fire pit.
This game was like a bear chasing a person; you didn’t have to outrun the bear, just your own brother.
It seemed that for now, Li Zhi had taken a step ahead.
He Lingchuan raised an eyebrow: “Who was the one who personally suggested using private soldiers back then?”
Li Shuang fell silent, only managing a bitter smile.
Seeing his attitude, He Lingchuan guessed that the one who had called for the private soldiers to attack the Zhan family was most likely Li Rong.
Thus, the Li family pushing him to turn himself in was indeed not a mistake; it seemed Li Zhi had also focused on this point to rally the clan members to push Li Rong into the water.
He Lingchuan took a sip of tea and personally peeled a walnut to feed the Medicine Monkey.
“With solid evidence, even if we wish to exonerate ourselves, it is legally untenable.” He Lingchuan smiled coldly, “Young Master Li, are you trying to put my father and me in a difficult position?”
“But the one who killed the pregnant woman was under my uncle’s command; my father actually restrained everyone, telling them to go easy.” Li Shuang shook his head, “The blame should fall solely on my father, which is clearly unfair. Since Lord He intends to uphold justice, then we must clarify the rights and wrongs.”
“Indeed, the rights and wrongs should be carefully examined.” He Lingchuan leaned back, “Speak, what are your thoughts?”
“My father is also suffering from the pain of losing a father; I hope Lord He can extend the time a bit longer, allowing him to mourn for grandfather for a few more days.” Li Shuang said softly, “My uncle has not been declared innocent; he is merely on bail, and will be tried together with my father in two months, right?”
He Lingchuan rubbed his chin: “It should be so.”
He wasn’t too familiar with the trial process, but he guessed it was likely what his father meant.
Li Shuang took out a piece of paper from his bosom and spread it on the table.
He Lingchuan caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye; it didn’t look like a banknote.
“This is the share of six Xiangpu Records under the Li family name, with dividends distributed every six months. Now, Lord He may dispose of it as you see fit, both publicly and privately.”
He Lingchuan glanced sideways: “What does this mean?” He had indeed seen the sign of Xiangpu Records on the main street that morning; the storefront was bright and seemed to mainly deal in ready-made clothing and cosmetics.
So in Dunyu, bribery didn’t involve money but shares? How fashionable.
“It’s just a token of respect. If my father can stay at home for ten more days, I would like to offer three Xiangren Grass as a gift.” Li Shuang said quietly, “Young Master He, do you know what Xiangren Grass is?”
He Lingchuan replied indifferently: “Speak, let me broaden my horizons.”
“Dare not, dare not.” Li Shuang smiled, “Xiangren Grass is one of the main ingredients for refining Longevity Pills, and it is extremely hard to find on the market.”
“Longevity Pills?” He Lingchuan was taken aback, “Eating it can extend one’s life?”
“Correct.”
“You wouldn’t happen to have the formula as well, would you?”
“Young Master is joking; such a treasure is not something my family can possess.” Li Shuang shook his head, “It is said that the formula is a gift from the gods, and only a few royal families may know a thing or two. But the formula often changes; only this main ingredient remains constant, which is why the price of Xiangren Grass has remained high for years, with a price but no market.”
“How did the Li family obtain such a treasure?”
Li Shuang smiled bitterly: “Only grandfather knows.”
Li Zhao had already passed away, meaning the origin of the medicinal herbs had been taken to the grave with him; the He family father and son could forget about getting it.
Outside, a servant passed by, and the Rock Wolf raised its head alertly.
He Lingchuan reached out to pat the wolf’s head: “Young Master Li, if you want to save your father, you might as well start from the current urgency and needs in Dunyu. Contributions to the border defense can offset merits and demerits.”
What does this mean? Li Shuang’s expression changed slightly.
“Lord He thought you would come to me for other matters.” He Lingchuan showed disappointment, “After all, with Li Zhi and Li Rong both inside, it seems the Li family is about to be leaderless.”
This statement struck directly at Li Shuang’s heart, causing his eyelids to twitch.
With grandfather passing away unexpectedly, the helm had shifted to the brothers Li Zhi and Li Rong; if these two brothers also went in, who would preside over the large Li family?
For the past two days, he had been contemplating this matter.
He Lingchuan continued, “I heard that the old master Li admired you the most during his lifetime and intended to cultivate you to take over?”
Li Shuang let out a gentle breath: “I understand Lord He’s meaning.”
He Lingchuan stood up, and the Medicine Monkey jumped onto his shoulder.
Seeing him turn to leave, ignoring the paper contract on the table, Li Shuang couldn’t help but say: “Young Master He, this contract…”
“Keep it for your own dividends.” He Lingchuan’s expression turned serious, “Lord He does not accept bribes!”
(End of Chapter)