4: Heading to the West Courtyard

At dawn, the mist was like silk, veiling Beicheng Manor in a hazy shroud.

Situ Jun, carrying a simple pack, walked quickly toward the West Courtyard Manor Soldiers' quarters in the faint morning light.

Upon arriving at the West Courtyard Manor Soldiers' quarters, Situ Jun successfully moved in under the arrangements of Steward Wang Decai.

The living conditions here were significantly better than his previous residence; every Manor Soldier had an independent small room, which not only provided ample privacy but also spared them the embarrassment of being squeezed into a cramped space.

What mattered more to Situ Jun was that this place was not far from Liu Xuaner's courtyard.

Passing through layers of courtyard walls with blue bricks and green tiles and bypassing elegant gardens, Situ Jun walked toward Liu Xuaner's residence.

This area was relatively remote, but consequently exceptionally quiet.

There were fewer frequent guards and patrols of Manor Soldiers, replaced instead by the busy figures of servants tending to the grounds.

Situ Jun knew that three of the Manor Lord's concubines and their dowry servants lived in the West Courtyard; although it wasn't as bustling as the East Courtyard and South Courtyard—

Those were where the City Lord, Bei Batian, and his wife resided, heavily guarded and off-limits to others except for specific Manor Soldiers and servants.

As for the North Courtyard, it was mostly a dwelling place for servants and out-of-favor concubines.

Those women who were once favored, once they committed a mistake, were ostracized, lost favor, or grew old, would be moved to the North Courtyard. There, they lived as if imprisoned; Bei Batian almost never set foot there, and the North Courtyard gradually became a place comparable to a prison cell or a cold palace.

In contrast, the West Courtyard was in a subtle middle state—leisurely and free on ordinary days, yet mandatory to attend manor events. Monthly resources and expenses were distributed normally, making it seem like a place to just eat and wait for death. Even so, it was far better than the North Courtyard.

Before long, Situ Jun reached Liu Xuaner's courtyard.

This courtyard was grand in scale, even more imposing than the mansions of ordinary families outside. Pavilions and towers were arranged in an orderly fashion, with painted galleries and ancient trees standing among them. Pond willows swayed gracefully, and rockeries of various shapes were present—it had everything.

From this luxurious scene, one could see that even as a concubine, Liu Xuaner's status and degree of favor were among the highest in the manor.

At this moment, four maidservants walked gracefully out of the courtyard's main gate.

Situ Jun hurriedly followed Steward Wang Decai in bowing respectfully to greet them before they were able to enter the courtyard.

“These four are the personal maidservants serving Madam Liu.”

Wang Decai looked at Situ Jun with a hint of seriousness in his eyes and cautioned:

“Although their status is lower than mine, anyone who can serve directly before the masters must be given full respect.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Steward Wang. Situ Jun will certainly keep it in mind.”

Situ Jun responded seriously, his expression solemn.

Wang Decai nodded with satisfaction and led Situ Jun toward the inner courtyard.

“Madam, Situ Jun has arrived.”

Wang Decai stood before the room and called out respectfully toward the inner chamber.

“Mm, I know.”

Inside the room, a soft and charming voice drifted out, sounding slightly lazy yet seemingly hiding endless allure.

After a moment, Liu Xuaner slowly walked out, supported by a maidservant.

Situ Jun looked up and felt his vision brighten suddenly, as if he had stepped from a chilly morning into a bright spring afternoon in an instant.

Liu Xuaner wore a red palace dress, the exquisite fabric tightly wrapping her curvaceous and graceful body. A large area of fair, smooth skin was revealed at the neckline, and below the delicate collarbones, a faint glimpse of spring-like beauty teased the heart.

The myriad charms in her eyes were even more flavorful than yesterday; her peach-blossom eyes shimmered like a pool of spring water, rippling with endless spring intent, drawing one in with a single glance.

Her small, upturned nose added a touch of charming to her pink, smooth face.

Her tender red lips were like cherries, and the slight upward curve of her mouth held a full smile, soul-stirring and intoxicating.

Her long black hair fell like silk, tied into a bun and draped behind her, with a few strands hanging casually by her ears, swaying gently with her movements. Coupled with the swaying of her earrings, she exuded affection and charm.

With every step she took, her tall and curvaceous figure was fully revealed. The slit in her skirt reached up to her thigh, swaying gently with her pace, her translucent jade-like legs appearing and disappearing, radiating sexy and captivating charm.

Such a beautiful woman, appearing both like a demoness and a celestial, would fascinate anyone who saw her.

Situ Jun only dared to take a hurried glance before hastily withdrawing his gaze. His heart pounded violently in his chest, and an uncontrollable desire quietly sprouted.

He thought to himself that facing such a charming and moving woman, even if one ate kidneys every day, they would likely find it hard to resist her temptation.

No wonder Bei Batian placed her in the West Courtyard; otherwise, he would have likely lost his will to Cultivate long ago, lost in this gentle land.

“Greetings, Madam!”

Steward Wang and Situ Jun hurriedly bowed, not even daring to breathe loudly, much less look directly at Liu Xuaner.

Liu Xuaner walked to the head seat of the living room and sat down, elegantly lifting her skirt with a jade-like hand and crossing one leg over the other. Her beautiful eyes lifted slightly, her gaze like shimmering spring water sweeping over the two of them.

“Rise. There is no need to be so restrained here. When you work for me in the future, we are all on the same side.”

Her voice was gentle, yet it carried an unquestionable authority.

As she spoke, Liu Xuaner sized up Situ Jun, who had changed into Warrior Robes, and nodded with satisfaction. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly as she said seriously:

“Situ Jun, This Madam intends to train you as a confidant, but your cultivation is too low. In the future, besides when I summon you, you must work hard to Cultivate during all other times. This Madam does not keep useless people here. Do you understand?”

“Thank you for your high regard, Madam. Situ Jun will certainly Cultivate diligently and serve you with total devotion in the future.”

Situ Jun felt a chill in his heart, and those improper stray thoughts were instantly dispelled.

He knew well that in this world where the strong are respected, without strength, everything is empty talk.

“Very good.”

Liu Xuaner gestured for a maidservant to bring over an ancient-looking book.

“This is a Basic Cultivation Method. Take it and study it well. Steward Wang, you will explain it to him in detail later. If he has any doubts, you may clarify them for him.”

“Yes, Madam,” Steward Wang complied respectfully.

“Thank you, Madam!” Situ Jun gratefully accepted the book.

Just then, Situ Jun suddenly remembered the mysterious ability within his body and thought silently:

“Eye of Investigation.”

In an instant, Liu Xuaner's information unfolded in his mind like a scroll:

【Name: Liu Xuaner】

【Age: 38】

【Identity: Eighth concubine of Bei Batian, Lord of Beicheng Manor】

【Rating: 95】

【Cultivation: Fifth level of Foundation Establishment】

【Physique: Profound Yin Enchantress Physique】

【Favorability: 20】

【heavenly luck value: 3000】

【Recent Evaluation: Obsessive and resentful that Bei Batian has neglected her for many years; wants to work hard to Cultivate, consolidate her status in the manor, and Cultivate her own confidants.】

Seeing this information, Situ Jun's heart jolted. This Eye of Investigation was actually so miraculous; it could not only see through the opponent's cultivation, Physique, identity, and favorability but even their inner thoughts with total clarity.

He marveled inwardly; this was practically like having an open-book walkthrough. Perhaps this would be the key to his survival in this complex Beicheng Manor...