Chapter 10

Kang Qingyan looked at Jiang Xia with a thin layer of anger, her face a mix of three parts annoyance and seven parts sourness. Today, the big boss of Qunfang Pavilion, Liu Jin, was about to leave Shuntian Prefecture for a trip, so he specially came to take a look. For some reason, when Kang Qingyan saw Liu Jin, she inexplicably mentioned Jiang Xia and said many good things about him.

After resolving the matter with Young Master Wang, Liu Jin became quite interested in Jiang Xia and asked Kang Qingyan to bring him over for a meeting. However, just as Kang Qingyan reached Jiang Xia's door, she learned that the smoke that had scared off Young Master Wang was actually set by Jiang Xia, and the risky move was to save Cui Niannu.

"Hmph, what's so great about this Cui Niannu? She's just a bit younger and prettier than me. Even though I'm not a young maiden anymore, my skills in bed are top-notch. If you, Jiang Xia, don't appreciate me, it's your loss, hmpf!"

Kang Qingyan thought about all this with a sour feeling in her heart. Knowing she had been caught, Jiang Xia had to smile ingratiatingly and said, "Mother Kang, what I did was actually for you."

"For me?" Kang Qingyan looked at Jiang Xia suspiciously, her forehead clearly marked with the three big characters "I don't believe it." She coldly snorted and said, "I would never do such a bold and reckless thing, so please don't say that, Mr. Jiang. I can't bear such a heavy burden."

Jiang Xia laughed and said, "Oh, it seems Mother Kang is really angry. They say Mother Kang is broad-minded and magnanimous, and wouldn't easily get angry. If you're so angry now, it must be a misunderstanding. I really did it for you. If I'm lying, may I be struck by lightning and die a miserable death."

Hearing Jiang Xia swear, Mother Kang had to take him seriously. She became somewhat half-believing and half-doubting, and asked, "You really did it for me? How so?"

Jiang Xia nodded heavily and said, "Of course, it was for you. I heard that Mother Kang is different from Li Mama of Chunyi Tower. Li Mama does things like forcing good women into prostitution, which should be punished with childlessness. But Mother Kang cares for the girls under her and never forces them to do anything they don't want to do. The girls at Qunfang Pavilion mostly come here out of necessity, and those who come for wealth and ease are few. Right?"

"That's right, I, Kang Qingyan, am known for never forcing good women into prostitution," Kang Qingyan said, even though she knew she had done such things many times. She dared not admit it because Jiang Xia had said, "Mother Kang is different from Li Mama," and added, "Li Mama does things like forcing good women into prostitution, which should be punished with childlessness."

If she admitted it now, wouldn't it mean she was indirectly admitting she was like Li Mama and should be punished with childlessness?

Hearing Mother Kang's words, Jiang Xia clapped his hands and said, "I knew I wasn't wrong about you, Jiang Xia. My mother told me when I was young that beautiful women are always especially kind-hearted. As the saying goes, 'The face reflects the heart.' Mother Kang is so benevolent, no wonder you are so beautiful."

Jiang Xia's flattery was relentless, one after another, and Kang Qingyan couldn't help but feel elated and light-headed. However, she still asked, "Alright, why did you pretend to set a fire for me?"

"Mother Kang, how can you still not understand?" Jiang Xia sighed and shook his head. "Young Master Wang has been harassing Niannu for a long time, and each time you stop him. Everyone in Shuntian Prefecture praises your benevolence. But this time, Young Master Wang boldly entered Qunfang Pavilion, went straight to the fourth floor, and entered Niannu's room with ill intentions. You didn't appear to stop him. If he succeeded, what would others think?"

Before Mother Kang could answer, Jiang Xia continued, "Others would think, 'Oh, this time, Mother Kang must be afraid of Young Master Wang and didn't dare to stop him. She deliberately let him go to the fourth floor. Oh, so Kang Qingyan is also a coward who helps the wicked and forces good women into prostitution.'"

"I am deeply grateful to you, Mother Kang, and couldn't just stand by and let this happen. Others might not know, but I do. You were meeting an important person today, which is why you couldn't stop him, right?"

"Exactly," Kang Qingyan said, not knowing what else to say. In fact, she had deliberately let Young Master Wang go to the fourth floor, but she would never admit it. Otherwise, she would be like what Jiang Xia said: "helping the wicked, being a coward, and forcing good women into prostitution."

Jiang Xia smiled and said, "Now, Mother Kang, you don't need me to say more, right? I stopped Young Master Wang for you. Of course, you don't need to reward me. Although I took a risk and might offend Young Master Wang, I'm not afraid. I am a part of Qunfang Pavilion and must dedicate all my strength to it. This is my duty and mission."

Jiang Xia raised his right hand and bent it in front of his chest, making a gesture like a Young Pioneer charging forward, his face showing a sacred and inviolable expression. Those who knew him knew he worked in a brothel, but those who didn't might think he was a Communist Party member.

Kang Qingyan patted Jiang Xia's shoulder and nodded, saying, "Jiang Xia, you did the right thing. I still owe you twenty taels of silver as a reward. This time, you've done a great job, so I must reward you well. I'll have the accountant prepare fifty taels of silver for you. You can go and get it yourself."

"Thank you, Mother Kang. You are like the kindest star in the Milky Way, the most beautiful flower in the Queen Mother's garden. Even fairies would praise your beauty, and Chang'e would be ashamed to see you," Jiang Xia said, showering her with more flattery. This was cheap and effective, and Jiang Xia wouldn't hesitate to use a few more words.

"Alright, you're so sweet-talking," Kang Qingyan said, pretending to be annoyed, but she was actually very pleased. At nearly fifty, she couldn't remember the last time someone had praised her beauty.

Jiang Xia glanced at Cui Niannu. He had just smoothed things over with Kang Qingyan, but as she said, Cui Niannu might escape the first time but not the second. Jiang Xia had to provide another layer of protection for her. He continued, "Mother Kang, I have a suggestion. Can I make it?"

"Suggestion? Go ahead," Kang Qingyan said, slightly surprised and looking at Jiang Xia with interest, wondering what he would say.

"Mother Kang, you must not let Young Master Wang get Niannu. You must protect her at all costs," Jiang Xia said.

"Why is that?" Kang Qingyan looked at Cui Niannu, her previously smiling face suddenly turning cold. She sternly said, "Qunfang Pavilion forbids girls and servants from getting involved. Jiang Xia, you must be careful!"

Her tone grew heavier, almost a warning. Cui Niannu blushed when she heard this, but Jiang Xia acted as if he hadn't heard, looking at Mother Kang with a hurt expression and said, "Alas, I compare my heart to the moon, but the moon shines on the ditch. Mother Kang, to see me like this is to waste my loyalty. I am so sad."

"You talk like that, as if protecting Niannu is for me?" Kang Qingyan said, somewhat displeased. She couldn't see how protecting Cui Niannu would benefit her, but it would clearly offend Young Master Wang.

Jiang Xia shook his head and sighed, "Mother Kang, you've run a brothel for so many years but still don't understand the subtleties. I ask you, what are the two most precious things in the world?"

Kang Qingyan thought for a moment and uncertainly answered, "Pearls and gold?"

"No," Jiang Xia said, almost spitting. "The two most precious things in the world are what you haven't gotten and what you've lost. What you haven't gotten, you always think about, longing for it day and night. What you've lost, you can never get back, and even if you realize its value, it's too late to regret it, so it becomes a lifelong regret."

At this moment, Jiang Xia suddenly thought of Wen Yuejinghong. I wonder if she realized my value after losing me and considered it a lifelong regret? Jinghong... you have such a cruel heart.

"Jiang Xia," Kang Qingyan called, and Jiang Xia snapped back to reality.

In that moment, Kang Qingyan caught Jiang Xia's gaze, which was filled with infinite sorrow and deep tenderness, like a vast starry sky that could make one lose oneself in it.

In Kang Qingyan's life, she had never felt such a sensation. Just one look made her heart race, made her heartache, and made her want to cry. The distracted Jiang Xia made her want to embrace him and comfort him.

Jiang Xia shook his head, a bitter smile on his lips. He wasn't as excited as before, just finishing his words perfunctorily.

Jiang Xia said, "Since the most precious things in the world are what you haven't gotten, if we protect Niannu, everyone in Shuntian Prefecture will know that Young Master Wang has his eye on a girl at Qunfang Pavilion but can't get her.

"This conveys two messages: first, a woman who can make Young Master Wang yearn must be a beauty of the world. Second, this woman is pure and virtuous, like a lotus that rises from the mud without being stained. Add to that Niannu's skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and poetry, and the nobles, merchants, and literati of Shuntian Prefecture will surely vie for her favor, throwing gold to win her heart."

Jiang Xia laughed lightly, "Men are inherently narcissistic. They often think they are unique and that all beauties will vie to be in their arms once they make a move."

These words seemed to be for Kang Qingyan and Cui Niannu, but they were also a self-mockery for Jiang Xia.

However, Kang Qingyan had to admit that what Jiang Xia said made sense, especially the final analysis, which gave her a sudden enlightenment.

Kang Qingyan nodded thoughtfully and looked at Cui Niannu, "Niannu, don't worry. Something like today won't happen again. From today on, I will protect you and not let you be harassed or harmed."

Cui Niannu felt a lump in her throat and tears welled up in her eyes. She bowed to Kang Qingyan and said, "Thank you, Mother Kang."

Kang Qingyan smiled and shook her head, "Silly girl, you are my dear daughter. Who else would I care for if not you?"

Cui Niannu naturally didn't believe Kang Qingyan's words, but she looked at Jiang Xia's back. At that moment, she felt that the tall but slightly slender figure was so safe, as if standing behind him made all the troubles of the world less frightening.

Cui Niannu wanted to thank Jiang Xia, but Kang Qingyan smiled and said to him, "Alright, Jiang Xia, Niannu's matter is settled. Come with me to meet someone. This person is a very important figure, so don't keep them waiting."

Jiang Xia guessed that the important person Kang Qingyan mentioned was the real boss of Qunfang Pavilion. He nodded and was about to agree to go with her when his door was knocked on, and Han Yu appeared, entering Jiang Xia's room. He glanced at Cui Niannu, his eyes showing surprise, then walked to Kang Qingyan and whispered something in her ear. Kang Qingyan's expression changed, and she looked at Jiang Xia and said, "Jiang Xia, I'll meet the important person later. You go with Han Yu to Peony Pavilion to meet someone."

"Peony Pavilion?" Jiang Xia pouted, "Mother Kang, I must make it clear. I, Jiang Xia, am a real man. If you want me to entertain a guest, it has to be a beauty and the price must be high enough. If it's a man with some strange preferences, I won't do it."

Kang Qingyan glared at Jiang Xia, somewhat angry, "If it's a beauty and the price is high enough, you'll consider it? Do you think I'm beautiful? And what price do you consider high enough?"

Jiang Xia was startled, realizing he had dug his own grave. He laughed and immediately said to Han Yu, "Brother Han, Peony Pavilion, right? Okay, I'll go right away. I can't keep the important guest waiting. Hehehe..."

Jiang Xia grinned and brushed past Kang Qingyan, running out the door. Before leaving, he winked at Cui Niannu and made a thumbs-up gesture.

Cui Niannu smiled.

From a distance, Jiang Xia's voice could still be heard, "In the north, there is a beauty, one smile can captivate a city, two smiles can captivate a country, and three smiles can captivate my heart, hahaha..."

Kang Qingyan couldn't help but turn to look at Cui Niannu, staring at her for a long time until Cui Niannu felt uncomfortable. Kang Qingyan then said, "Don't smile at others casually. Smile at the young masters."

"Yes," Cui Niannu replied, and Kang Qingyan waved her hand and left Jiang Xia's room. After Mother Kang left, Cui Niannu couldn't help but smile again. She looked around Jiang Xia's room, then walked to the desk and took a piece of Xuan paper and a brush.

After dipping the brush in ink, Cui Niannu wrote on the paper, "One smile you have seen, two and three smiles at midnight."

After writing, Cui Niannu smiled again, like a child who had stolen a piece of candy, incredibly cute.

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