113: Chapter 113 Invitation to a Spring Outing

Chen Fan sheathed his long sword, his movements devoid of any worldly trace.

"With a great reputation comes more trouble." He replied indifferently, picking up a slice of pre-cut honeydew melon and holding it to Hong Shao's lips.

Hong Shao opened her small mouth and obediently took a bite, her eyes curving into crescents. The slight worry she had felt because of the Wang family vanished instantly.

She leaned in close to Chen Fan, her breath sweet like an orchid: "Is Master Luo dissatisfied with the amount of silver they offered? I heard that the Shangguan Family is the top clan in Jiangzhou. If they were to invite you, would Master Luo go?"

No sooner had she finished speaking than steady footsteps echoed from the inn's staircase.

The waiter's respectful voice sounded: "Young Master, we have arrived. Master Luo is inside."

Immediately after, a gentle voice followed.

"I am Shangguan Yun. Please forgive my presumptuous visit, Brother Luo."

Before the words had even faded, Shangguan Yun, dressed in white and exuding an elegant aura, appeared at the doorway.

Hong Shao's small mouth was still in the middle of chewing, and she froze completely.

This... this is too much of a coincidence, right?

Chen Fan, however, was not surprised. He fed the last piece of melon to the equally stunned Qing Luo beside him before looking up.

"Young Master Shangguan, is there something you need?"

Shangguan Yun wore a warm smile, gave a slight nod to the two sisters as a greeting, and then turned his gaze to Chen Fan.

"There is indeed a matter I would like to discuss with Brother Luo." He stepped forward and sat down at the table of his own accord. "There are still more than two months until my elder sister's literary gathering, and this period is bound to be a bit boring. My sister and I plan to go for an outing at Cuiwei Mountain outside the city tomorrow. I wonder if Brother Luo and the two young ladies would be interested in joining us?"

His posture was humble, and his words were sincere. He showed none of the arrogance typical of a Young Master from a prominent family, nor did he mention anything about recruitment, as if this were truly just a casual invitation between friends.

Hong Shao and Qing Luo's eyes lit up simultaneously.

They had spent a long time drifting through the Jianghu, and later were trapped in the purgatory of Shu Province. Although Jiangzhou City was prosperous, they had been confined within the city walls for the past few days. Going for a walk in the mountains held a great appeal for them.

Chen Fan saw the undisguised anticipation on their faces and understood.

Since he had nothing else to do, going out to relax would be fine.

"Very well."

This single word made the smile on Shangguan Yun's face even more sincere.

"Then I will send a carriage to pick the three of you up early tomorrow morning."

...

The next day, just as dawn broke.

A luxurious carriage, large enough to accommodate seven or eight people, was parked outside the Yingke Inn.

The carriage was pulled by four snow-white steeds, the cabin was crafted from premium golden-threaded nanmu wood, and the curtains were made of cloud brocade unique to the Jiangnan region, swaying gently in the breeze—a display of extreme luxury hidden within understated elegance.

Shangguan Yun had long been waiting by the carriage. Seeing Chen Fan and the two women come downstairs, he immediately smiled and walked up to greet them.

"Brother Luo, two young ladies, please."

Chen Fan helped the two sisters into the carriage and then climbed in himself.

The interior of the carriage was a world of its own. The floor was covered with a thick Persian rug, and a small incense burner in the corner burned an unknown incense, its scent elegant and refreshing. On a small table sat exquisite tea sets and various pastries.

On the other side of the cabin sat another woman.

The woman wore a pale green dress with a few orchid buds embroidered on the hem. She wore no makeup, yet her plain, oval face surpassed countless others adorned with heavy cosmetics. Her temperament was cold and aloof, like an orchid in an empty valley.

Upon seeing Chen Fan enter, she merely glanced indifferently at the mask on his face before giving a slight nod, acknowledging him.

"This is my elder sister, Shangguan Wan," Shangguan Yun introduced.

So she was the eldest Young Miss of the Shangguan Family who held "Chen Fan" in such high regard.

Chen Fan nodded in return, remaining silent.

When Hong Shao and Qing Luo saw this top talented woman of Jiangzhou, they unconsciously straightened their backs, appearing somewhat reserved. The scholarly air and nobility cultivated in the other woman since childhood made these Jianghu women feel a subtle, invisible pressure.

The carriage set off slowly, heading out of the city.

Along the way, Shangguan Yun kept finding topics to discuss, from the scenic spots of Jiangzhou to strange anecdotes in the Jianghu, trying his best to liven up the atmosphere.

Shangguan Wan would occasionally interject with a sentence or two; she spoke little, but always hit the nail on the head, revealing extraordinary insight.

"The root of the chaos in Shu Province does not lie with the Yellow Robe Army, but in the imperial court." As the carriage traveled along a main road and they saw government soldiers setting up checkpoints by the roadside, Shangguan Wan suddenly spoke, her voice cold. "Your Majesty is obsessed with the Dao and ignores state affairs. The ministers in the court only know how to form cliques for personal gain, yet not a single one worries about the country or pleads for the people. The empire of our Great Shang is likely..."

She stopped halfway through her sentence and sighed softly.

Shangguan Yun quickly smoothed things over: "Sister, please watch your words."

He glanced at the expressionless Chen Fan and lowered his voice: "Brother Luo is not an outsider, but if these words were to spread, it would ultimately be a disaster. Although our grandfather has retired to his hometown, the Jiang Faction still stands tall in the court and attracts the wind; who knows how many eyes are watching us."

The Jiang Faction.

Chen Fan's heart stirred slightly.

So, this Shangguan Family was actually the leader of a major faction in the imperial court.

No wonder Mr. Know-It-All had specifically mentioned them, and no wonder Shangguan Yun treated him with such courtesy. What they were recruiting was perhaps not just the top of the hero ranking list, but a sharp sword capable of influencing the situation at a critical moment.

The world is bustling, all for the sake of profit.

These so-called prominent families are essentially no different from the Schools of the Jianghu.

The carriage traveled for nearly an hour before finally stopping in front of a rolling, verdant mountain range.

At the foot of the mountain stood a magnificent estate. With white walls and black tiles, flying eaves and arched brackets, it covered such a vast area that it was no less than a small county town. On the estate's plaque, three large characters were written with sweeping, dragon-like strokes.

Cuiwei Villa.

"This... this entire mountain belongs to your Shangguan Family?" Hong Shao looked at the endless estate before her and the lush mountain range, unable to help but exclaim in surprise.

A look of self-satisfaction appeared on Shangguan Yun's face.

"My father likes peace and quiet, so he bought this Cuiwei Mountain. A hunting ground was also built on the mountain, used for horse riding and archery to strengthen the body."

This could no longer be described by simple wealth.

Buying an entire mountain.

Such a gesture, I am afraid, even the Governor of Shu Province could not afford.

Everyone got off the carriage, and servants from the estate had already come forward to take the horses and lead them into the villa.

After passing through several courtyards, they arrived at a spacious martial arts arena.

Beside the field, a dozen or so extraordinary steeds and various bows and arrows had already been prepared.

Several young men and women, also dressed in luxurious clothing, were chatting and laughing there. Upon seeing Shangguan Yun and his sister, they all stepped forward to salute.

Clearly, this so-called outing was more like a social event for the children of the powerful hosted by the Shangguan Family.

Chen Fan's arrival immediately drew everyone's attention.

That iconic jade mask was the best proof of his identity.

Gazes of awe, curiosity, and scrutiny intertwined.

Chen Fan seemed unaware.

Shangguan Wan's gaze, however, lingered on Chen Fan for a moment.

She suddenly spoke, her voice clear and crisp, echoing throughout the entire martial arts arena.

"Brother Luo's swordsmanship is peerless and renowned throughout the world. I imagine your archery and horsemanship must be equally extraordinary, right?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's gaze focused on Chen Fan.

Shangguan Wan walked to the weapon rack, took down a beautifully crafted longbow, and skillfully tested the bowstring.

She turned around, her bright eyes staring directly at the mask on Chen Fan's face from a distance of several zhang.

"I am untalented, but I wish to compete with Brother Luo in archery and horsemanship. I wonder, Brother Luo, do you dare to accept the challenge?"