131: A pipa melody

The gilded beast-head lamps of the Northern Border City Lord's Estate stained the tea mist amber. The rhythm of Situ Jun's fingertips tapping on the table intertwined with the tinkling of wind chimes on the eaves, forming an invisible net.

Jiang Qingwan sat upright on a cushioned chair, her skirt embroidered with twin lotus flowers falling like pool water, hiding her suddenly tensed knees beneath the dark patterns.

"Madam is absolutely right; doing business is indeed not easy."

Situ Jun stood up and slowly walked toward Jiang Qingwan.

"However, as the City Lord of Northern Border City, my duty is to protect the people and maintain the city's peace. I will not sit idly by regarding anything that might jeopardize its stability."

Jiang Qingwan secretly lamented. She knew Situ Jun was pressuring the Wang Family and was reluctant to easily agree to the Chamber of Commerce matter. But at this moment, she could only brace herself and continue to navigate the situation.

"I understand your concerns, City Lord."

Jiang Qingwan bowed slightly, the pearl pendant on her forehead swaying gently with the gesture.

She then deliberately softened her voice, her jade bracelet clinking clearly against her wrist.

"The Wang Family will fully cooperate with you, City Lord, to ensure that the opening of the Chamber of Commerce will not have any negative impact on Northern Border City. Should any issues arise, I am willing to take full responsibility."

Situ Jun looked at Jiang Qingwan, pondering silently.

Although he suspected the Wang Family's motives, he had no concrete evidence yet.

Moreover, the Wang Family held great power in Northern Border City. If utilized properly, they might provide an extra layer of security for the city's stability.

"Since Madam is so sincere, it would be improper for me to refuse further."

Situ Jun took a sip of tea and continued with a faint smile.

"However, I still need to review the documents carefully. I will make a decision after discussing it with the Head of the Wang Family tomorrow. What do you think, Madam?"

Jiang Qingwan felt a surge of joy, yet she maintained a proper smile on her face.

She knew Situ Jun was preparing to agree to the Wang Family's request. As long as the Wang Family showed enough sincerity tomorrow, City Lord Situ would surely agree for the sake of profit.

"Everything is as you decide, City Lord," Jiang Qingwan said softly with a curtsy. "It is late; I shall not disturb your rest any longer."

Situ Jun was about to nod and signal for Jiang Qingwan to leave.

But, as if possessed, he opened the 'Eye of Detection'.

【Name: Jiang Qingwan】

【Age: 36】

【Identity: Concubine of the Head of the Wang Family, citizen of the Zhou Dynasty】

【Rating: 93】

【Cultivation: Ninth Level of Qi Refining】

【Physique (Spiritual Vein): Dual Water and Wood Spiritual Roots】

【Favorability: 30】

【heavenly luck value: 1000】

【Recent Evaluation: Influenced by recent rumors in the city, Wang Xuanyang, the Head of the Wang Family, believes that City Lord Situ Jun has a weakness for beauty. Thus, he dispatched her to the City Lord's Estate to obtain the approval documents for the Chamber of Commerce, instructing her to sacrifice her beauty if necessary to secure them.】

Amidst the swirling tea fragrance, Situ Jun's movement of rubbing the teacup paused slightly.

The Wang Family had operated in the northern border for many years; on the surface, they dealt in silks and tea houses, but secretly, they used despicable means to swallow up other families.

When he saw the information about "sacrificing beauty to secure the approval documents," his pupils constricted. He nearly spat out his tea and looked at Jiang Qingwan with a strange light in his eyes.

"Wait a moment, Madam."

Situ Jun spoke suddenly, staring intently at Jiang Qingwan.

"I hear that Madam is skilled in music? Could you favor me with a performance?"

Hearing this, Jiang Qingwan's movement to rise froze midway, her jade bracelet clinking crisply on her wrist.

Jiang Qingwan sat back down slowly, her eyelashes trembling slightly as ripples formed on the surface of the tea in her cup.

"The City Lord overpraises me. It is merely a pastime for a lady's chambers; I only have a superficial understanding."

As she lowered her eyes, the cold light reflected from the silver hairpin in her hair swept across the back of Situ Jun's hand.

"If you like it, City Lord, I shall play a piece for you another day."

Situ Jun set down his teacup and looked up at Jiang Qingwan.

"I have heard that the melody of 'The Moon on High' is elegant and beautiful, depicting various Concepts under the clear moonlight, such as ocean waves, the silver toad, and the Moon Goddess. It requires a specially made Pipa to capture its essence. Coincidentally, my estate happens to house a fine Pipa made from thousand-year-old Parasol Wood, but it hasn't been played in a long time and is likely gathering dust."

Alarm bells rang in Jiang Qingwan's heart; she could tell Situ Jun's words held a hidden meaning.

This was clearly a disguised attempt to make her stay at the City Lord's Estate.

But the instructions from the Head of the Wang Family before she left were still ringing in her ears. If she could use this opportunity to get closer to the City Lord, perhaps the approval documents would be smoothly obtained tomorrow.

"In that case, I am willing to try. But I wonder when the City Lord would like to listen?"

Jiang Qingwan asked with downcast eyes.

Situ Jun gave a half-smile.

"How about tonight? It is rare for Madam to visit the City Lord's Estate; why not stay a little longer so I can enjoy your performance?"

Jiang Qingwan bit her lower lip and finally curtsied.

"I shall follow your command, City Lord."

As the night deepened, the soft sound of strings slowly rose in the study of the City Lord's Estate.

Holding the Pipa, Jiang Qingwan gave Situ Jun a forced smile. As her fingers plucked the strings, the melody of 'The Moon on High' echoed melodiously—at times graceful and refreshing, at others mournful and lingering with the sorrow of parting.

Situ Jun leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed intently on Jiang Qingwan.

He was already wary of the Wang Family, and now knowing that Wang Xuanyang intended to use a Honey Trap, he sneered inwardly. However, Jiang Qingwan was quite interesting; not only was her cultivation not weak, but her musical skill was also superb.

When the song ended, Jiang Qingwan rose and bowed.

"I have made a fool of myself."

Situ Jun stood up and approached, reaching out to smooth a stray hair by her temple.

"Madam indeed lives up to her reputation. However, while the music is good, it lacks a bit of soul."

Jiang Qingwan's whole body tensed as she forced herself to stay calm.

"Please guide me, City Lord."

She lowered her eyes to hide her anxiety, but heard him walking closer, his black robes brushing against the blue bricks with a faint sound.

Situ Jun suddenly pulled her up and whispered in her ear.

"Regarding the matter to be discussed with Wang Xuanyang tomorrow, Madam should remember to remind him that some tactics are better left unused. However, Madam is beautiful and kind-hearted, and your music is excellent. Would it be alright if you came to the estate often to exchange musical insights?"

Jiang Qingwan trembled all over, finally realizing that Situ Jun had long seen through the Wang Family's scheme.

She looked up and met Situ Jun's half-smiling gaze, a chill rising in her heart.

It seemed this game was far more complex than she had imagined.

Jiang Qingwan composed herself and managed a forced smile.

“Since you enjoy music, City Lord, I shall naturally come often to seek your guidance.”

Situ Jun gave her a half-smile and gently embraced her.

“It must be so hard on you, Madam.”

The Pipa slipped from her hands, making a dull thud on the blue bricks.

Jiang Qingwan's throat tightened as she leaned into Situ Jun's embrace, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts.

"Don't be afraid, Madam. I never force anyone," he said, the warmth of his palm searing her skin through the thin silk. "It's just that this Honey Trap still lacks a bit of sincerity."

The night wind carried the sound of the copper bells on the eaves into the study. Jiang Qingwan suddenly remembered Wang Xuanyang's warning before she left.

——The words "sacrifice your body if necessary" burned in her mind, making her eyes sting.

She forced herself to straighten her back, her voice carrying an imperceptible tremor.

"The City Lord is wise and discerning; the Wang Family follows your lead in all things."

"Follows my lead?"

Situ Jun suddenly chuckled, his warm breath brushing against her reddened earlobe.

"But as far as I know, the Wang Family hasn't been very well-behaved lately, opposing me at every turn."

His fingertips brushed the silver chain at her collarbone, pulling out a green jade pendant hidden within her robes.

"This jade pendant is quite exquisite; it suits you perfectly, Madam..."

The moonlight outside was suddenly obscured by dark clouds, plunging the entire study into darkness.

Jiang Qingwan felt Situ Jun's grip tighten slightly. The sound of the candle flame burning reached her ears, and her face flushed crimson... The watch drum sounded again.

Situ Jun gave a light laugh.

"Regarding tomorrow's documents, just tell Wang Xuanyang to be a bit smarter."

"As for the soul of the music..."

He suddenly picked her up again, and the sandalwood box fell to the floor.

"I have plenty of time to slowly teach Madam—how to use sincerity to play the world's most exquisite melody..." The night breeze blew gently, and the sound of insects in the flower garden mixed with the light tinkling of bells, composing an unknown song of parting in the night of the City Lord's Estate.