Chapter Thirty-two: A Restless Night
In front of the Water Mansion, the eunuchs in the palace brought the imperial edict, ordering Shui Yunheng to enter the palace immediately to pay his respects. Shui Yunheng did not dare to delay any further, hastily changed into a long Confucian robe, and followed the young eunuch's carriage with the housekeeper, only returning after dinner.
I thought Water Cloud Heng would return home and cause a commotion, but unexpectedly, everything was as usual. The old master returned home and rested in the Dusk Smoke Pavilion.
The fourth wife stood at the gate, gazing far into the distance towards the front yard where the lights had been extinguished, and only then did she relax her guard and go back to sleep.
The night was deep and the people were quiet, the evening wind came in waves, the starlight was somewhat dim, dark clouds covered half of the bright moon. Suddenly, two black shadows darted out from the Lan Xiang Pavilion, without a moment's delay, they left the Shui Fu and disappeared into the darkness of night.
On a dark and windy night, perfect for murder, some thieves saw an opportunity to make their fortune by plundering wealth and abducting women. The two black shadows were none other than Shui Lian Yue and Hong Ying.
Two figures in black night-traveling attire, like ghosts, darted through the darkness, appearing and disappearing at intervals. Before long, they arrived at a dock not far from the East Gate, where several large cargo ships were moored on the river, surrounded by smaller boats with red silk wrapped around them, indicating what kind of vessels they were. The sound of music and men's and women's laughter could be faintly heard.
The moon was full, and the water was calm. She didn't say much, but stretched out her hand to lift the veil, and a whistle sounded. On the left bank, a large patch of reeds rustled, and in an instant, three burly men with alcohol on their breath appeared before her.
Before the three big men could speak, Shui Lian Yue stretched out her hand and shook the money bag in her hand. The three big men suddenly sobered up by more than half. The middle big man raised his hand to take it, but was stopped by Shui Lian Yue. She scanned the three big men with an expressionless face and said in a low voice, "Let's make it so that no one can tell whether I'm a man or a woman."
"Water Mansion, Da Qian Jin Water dusk Yao, the map is in the wallet, as for what to let you do, no need me to say more, take money and take orders."
In just a few words, the purpose was made clear. When the three big men heard the two words "Water House", they couldn't help but hesitate for a moment. What is Water House? One of the three great families of the Jinxi Dynasty, with wealth and power that few people dare to provoke. And yet, this weak and small man in front of them...
Shui Lian Yue was somewhat impatient, shaking the money pouch in his hand, and said in a low voice: "If you accept this deal, all of this money will be yours. After it's done, meet back here and I'll send over another sum, double what's here. With that kind of money, you can take your families far away and live the good life for the rest of your days. You'll even get to taste the sweetness of wealth. This deal is a fair one, no one loses out... but let me make one thing clear: success is permitted, failure is not."
The red tassel beside her, the expression under the veil was already dull. Miss wouldn't be thinking... to let these three people... She swallowed hard, this young lady from a wealthy family, wasn't an ordinary person, she could think of such things...
Three big men heard that these were just earnest money, and after the deal was done, there would be more than double the amount of money. With a hard heart, a bite of teeth, and a stamp of foot, this deal was accepted.
The leader of the Han people borrowed some money and made up for it. He left the dock with the other two men, satisfied, to do what was mentioned earlier.
The dock gradually picked up the wind, and the branches by the shore were blown by the wind to make a mournful sound. The boats also drifted slightly, and the reeds seemed like waves, letting the wind blow back and forth in one wave after another. Waters Moon didn't seem to want to leave, instead closing her eyes as if she was feeling something.
"Miss... it's windy here, let's go back", Hong Ying asked tentatively as she saw Miss standing still for half a day.
"Alright, go back and watch the show."
Before Hong Ying could react, Shui Lian Yue had already disappeared behind her, and she hastily activated her lightness skill to chase after her.
Tonight will be an unrestful night, some people are joyful, while others are sorrowful.
