The boat stopped just two feet in front of Fang Lingyuan, its bright lights illuminating the entire section of water.

He couldn’t believe his luck, encountering a Chu family merchant ship in such a place. Likely, it was a freight ship passing through at night.

Without hesitating, Fang Lingyuan swam over with the rescued woman. He didn't dwell on the situation; he looked up and noticed a heavy rope laid across the bow of the boat, with the crew preparing to descend it to rescue people.

He quickly called out, "No need!"

Though the boat was tall, the bow was only a few feet above the water, and he had only just entered. He didn’t require assistance.

Seeing his determination, the boatmen exchanged uncertain glances, seemingly waiting for words from someone.

But Fang Linyuan took charge. He grasped the woman with one hand, swam ahead, and pushed her toward the rope, instructing her to "Hold on."

As he spoke, he wrapped the shawl, previously used for rescue, around his hands multiple times.

The woman was soaked, and to avoid any accidental contact while lifting her, he wrapped his hands carefully. Once he saw her gripping the rope firmly, he wrapped his own hands around it as well. Swimming forward, he placed his hands on her arms and exerted all his strength to lift her. The boatman above noticed and began pulling the rope to hoist her up, quickly bringing her aboard.

With another rope hanging in the river, Fang Linyuan tossed aside the shawl, reached for it, stepped up, and jumped onto the deck of the boat.

Now out of the water, his wet clothes clung to him, and the night breeze sent chills through his body. However, he brushed off the discomfort. He discarded the rope, nodded and smiled at the boatmen, wiped his face, and turned to look for the ship's owner to ask for his name, planning to request Zhao Chu’s assistance… but then.

He turned and collided with a solid chest.

The air around this person felt cold, yet offered a surprising warmth in contrast to the chilly river. The next moment, a cloak was draped over Fang Lingyuan, carrying a faint but distinct fragrance. When he looked up, he saw a figure standing tall, adorned with a fierce, beast-like mask gleaming under the ship’s lights. Behind it were deep, cold eyes, staring directly at him, reminiscent of the turbulent river below.

Fang Lingyuan was stunned for a moment and almost blurted out, “Zhao…?” but quickly corrected himself, “... Master Zhu?”

*

Unexpectedly, Zhao Chu was on this ship.

Fang Lingyuan stared at Zhao in a daze until Zhao silently inspected him, snapping him back to his senses. Fang Lingyuan, smiling with joy, asked, “What are you doing here? What a coincidence.”

Zhao Chu’s lips moved, however he stayed silent, pulling the cloak tighter around his body.

Nearby, Fang Lingyuan heard shouts coming from another boat, where several workers had detained some men. These men, bound and protesting loudly, claimed they were good people being wrongly arrested.

Good people ?

They stole from the women and spent three months eating prison food at the 16th Garrison Division.

Fang Linyuan furrowed his brows, ready to intervene.

But someone placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

He turned to find it was Zhao Chu, who pulled Fang Linyuan back a step, blocking the cold river wind.

He said, “Go change first.”

“But…”

“ I’ll handle this.”

*

The ship was reportedly owned by Master Zhu and used to host a banquet for a manager from the Jiangnan branch of his business who had just arrived in the capital.

Fang Lingyuan was taken to the third floor of the ship, a personal space belonging to Zhao Chu. He changed into a wide-sleeved brocade robe that was slightly long, but it didn't cause any inconvenience.

He changed his clothes, retied his hair, and went downstairs.

The first-floor cabins were spacious and airy, featuring windows on all sides draped with curtains. The ship must have cost a fortune, as the windows and pillars were crafted from precious red lacquered wood, while the ebony floors were adorned with rich colours illuminated by a hundred lights.

As soon as Fang Linyuan stepped out of the cabin, he noticed several people standing on the deck.

Today, the ship hosted Zhao Pu's guests, who had all stepped away from the table and were waiting respectfully.

Fang Linyuan took a brief glance at them.

The demeanour of these individuals contrasted sharply with those he had encountered in Shangjing. While typical merchants wore friendly smiles and adopted a pragmatic attitude, these few stood with stoic expressions and composed stances, suggesting they possessed martial skills at first glance.

Noticing Fang Linyuan’s descent, several individuals saluted him in unison, saying, "The common folk greet the general."

Fang Linyuan quickly assessed the situation.

Given Zhao Chu's character, he wouldn’t host a banquet for just any shopkeeper. It seemed the gathering served a purpose beyond mere feasting.

Recalling the strong sailors who had just assisted him, he paused in front of these guests, smiling as he said, "I appreciate your presence tonight."

While he suspected their identities, he chose to remain discreet, thanking them for their help.

One of them replied, "General, there’s no need for such words. It’s windy outside; let’s discuss inside."

Fang Linyuan smiled and nodded at them.

At that moment, a harsh voice rang out from the cabin.

"Today, we owe our gratitude to Boss Zhu. Rest assured, for saving our general, the Sixteen Garrisons will never mistreat you..."

Li Cheng'an !

Fang Linyuan's expression shifted.

With a condescending attitude, this fool had no idea who he was addressing!

*

Fang Linyuan swept aside the curtain and strode into the cabin.

Passing through the outer hall, he saw Li Cheng'an sitting boldly at the head seat, dressed casually. Zhao Chu sat calmly beside him, holding a cup of tea. Their gazes met quietly.

Li Cheng’an had no idea he was asking for trouble!

Fang Linyuan quickly turned around, and before he could say anything, he saw Li Cheng’an already standing up, stepping forward with a smile to greet him.

"General! Are you alright? I was terrified just now. The river was flowing so fast, and you just jumped in without a second thought..."

Fang Lingyuan shot him a sharp glare, practically stabbing him with his eyes.

“You still have time to drink tea?” he asked. “Have all the people been caught?”

Li Cheng'an immediately glanced toward the sixteen guards standing by the door.

One of the guards stepped forward and reported, saying there were fourteen people on the civilian boat—eight from the official's family and six guards. The official had attempted to jump into the river but was caught by workers sent by Master Zhu. All fourteen had been detained and were being escorted to the imperial prison.

After the report, Fang Lingyuan turned back to find Li Cheng'an standing there, beaming, as if waiting for praise.

Praise?

Without hesitation, Fang Lingyuan kicked him.

“Since they helped you so much, why haven't you thanked them yet?”

Li Cheng'an hadn’t expected Fang Lingyuan to embarrass him in front of a merchant. Caught off guard, he stumbled back, looking at Fang Lingyuan in disbelief. The general kicked him again? And over a mere merchant! He had already said they wouldn’t mistreat him. Just a few words and a little favour in the future would have this merchant thanking him instead!

But Fang Lingyuan's expression was icy and unyielding. Reluctantly, Li Cheng'an turned toward the merchant.

The man stood draped in flowing white robes, crowned with jade, a fierce beast mask glinting under the candlelight. Yet, the mask's ferocity seemed diminished by the man’s innate aura, as if the savage creature was merely his subordinate that taught him to dance with teeth and claws.

If he hadn’t been told the man was a merchant, one could easily mistake him for a member of the imperial family.

Turning back, Li Cheng'an met Fang Lingyuan’s stern, unsympathetic gaze.

He pursed his lips unconvinced, but he couldn't help it, he reluctantly cupped his hands and said, “Many thanks to Master Zhu for your righteous assistance.”

Fang Linyuan sat beside Zhao Chu and quickly blinked at him. He hoped Zhao Chu would understand not to harm Li Cheng'an, who was clueless and could lose his life for no reason.

Zhao Chu’s gaze stopped on him, without words. He merely pushed a hu's gaze lingered on Fang Linyuan for a moment without saying anything, merely pushing the green porcelain tea cup towards him.

Well?

Fang Linyuan was momentarily dazed, then he heard Zhao Pu’s cold voice coming from beneath the mask: “ General Fang, please.”

Confused, Fang Linyuan picked up the cup and took a sip under Zhao Chu’s watchful gaze.

…Delicious tea!

The warm, slightly hot liquid flowed down his throat, instantly warming his chilled lungs. The rare quality of the tea was perfect for warming the body.

Fang Linyuan looked at Zhao Chu, surprised.

However, Zhao Chu merely averted his gaze impassively.

Then, his eyes paused on a spot below, and although his face was obscured by the mask, Fang Linyuan could faintly see him frowning.

Even though his expression was unclear, he emanated an air of displeasure.

Fang Linyuan followed his gaze.

He saw the woman he had rescued, now dressed in the attire of a ship's attendant. She held a robe in her arms—the very one that had gone missing from Li Cheng’an, clearly taken from him.

To Fang Linyuan’s surprise, the woman looked somewhat familiar.

He furrowed his brow, unsure if he had mistaken her: “You are…”

Li Cheng’an nearby suddenly laughed and stepped forward, saying, “General, do you recognize her? Yes, that’s Madam Xiao, the renowned courtesan from Huifeng Tower!”

The courtesan Xiao Yingchun from Huifeng Tower had once thrown a flower hairpin into Fang Linyuan's arms during the Qingming Festival by the Qujiang Pool.

As Li Chengan finished speaking, Fang Linyuan noticed a slight flush on Xiao Yingchun's pale face.

“Oh, it’s Miss Xiao,” he said, oblivious. “Please, have a seat.”

Xiao Yingchun, feeling a bit bashful, returned the robe to Li Chengan and thanked him before approaching Fang Linyuan to kneel.

Fang Linyuan instinctively reached out to support her, but his attention was diverted by a flash of cold light, startling him.

Who was glaring at him?

He turned to see everyone else was focused elsewhere, with Zhao Chu's expression indifferent. Unfortunately, he couldn't steady her, and Xiao Yingchun fell to her knees in front of him.

Fang Linyuan was startled again.

“Miss, please, sit and speak,” he urged, uncomfortable with the formality of her gesture.

He had always found this the most intolerable. It was incredibly uncomfortable to sit there and watch others bow to him, as if they were worshipping at a grand altar.

“If it weren't for your rescue today, I would have perished in the river,” she said, bowing her head with a soft, choked voice.

“I am deeply grateful for your kindness, General.”

Fang Linyuan quickly waved his hand. “No need for that; it was just a small effort. You don’t need to take it to heart.”

Then he signalled Li Cheng’an to help her up and asked, “But why did you jump into the river in such a hurry? Who were those people on the boat?”

Xiao Yingchun fell silent, her expression momentarily troubled.

“They’ve already been interrogated,” Li Cheng’an stepped forward to assist her. “They merely used the pretext of hiring entertainment from Huifeng Tower to lure someone onto the ship for illicit activities.”

Fang Linyuan understood immediately.

Women from pleasure houses often had various names. A courtesan like Xiao Yingchun was known for performing songs and dances.

It was common for wealthy families to invite courtesans to their homes for entertainment during banquets in the capital.

He didn’t ask further and nodded, saying, “In that case, you can rest assured. Once the ship docks, we will take them to the yamen and deal with them according to the law.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yingchun’s eyes reddened, and she looked as though she was about to kneel again.

Fang Linyuan was startled by her display, but luckily, Li Cheng’an was quick to support her.

“There’s no need for excessive courtesy, just speak your mind,” Li Cheng’an said.

“This incident is so humiliating. Had it not been for the general, whether they succeeded or not, I wouldn’t have been able to survive,” Xiao Yingchun said.

She quickly wiped away her tears and looked up at Fang Linyuan.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed.

“This slave has nothing to repay the general's kindness, except for…”

“By saying you don’t need to take it to heart, it means you don’t need to repay it.”

Just as Fang Linyuan was flustered and unsure how to respond to her sincere gratitude, a cold voice suddenly came from the side.

Fang Linyuan turned to see Zhao Chu slowly picking up a teacup from the nearby table.

“This slave…”

“The ship is about to dock; it might be bumpy. Please take a seat.”

Zhao Chu himself was a cunning fox disguised in a painted mask; he had mastered the art of seduction. How could he not see what this woman intended?

Her voice was perfectly soft, her figure graceful like flowing water. When she looked up at Fang Linyuan, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

A courtesan, skilled at entrapping her prey, moved with the finesse of one who knew how to catch a man effortlessly.

Fang Linyuan stared at her, questioning what was so captivating. Despite her status as a renowned courtesan, her looks and posture were merely acceptable, and he believed he should be more discerning when faced with temptation.

...Temptation?

The thought rippled through Zhao Chu's mind, expanding like circles in water.

His gaze shifted to the others in the hall.

The courtesan seated nearby wore a maid's dress, her hair casually styled, yet the intricacies of her appearance revealed careful craftsmanship. Li Cheng’an watched her intently, glancing her way frequently.

A maid served tea first to Li Cheng’an. He took it without delay and placed it beside Xiao Yingchun, encouraging her to drink some warm tea to regain her strength.

Meanwhile, Fang Linyuan reassured her, urging her not to dwell on tonight's events.

The warm light filled the room, but Zhao Chu felt cold, sitting quietly aside, distinctly out of place.

Though it was seduction, it was effective.

Zhao Chu lowered his eyes, remaining silent, and slowly sipped his tea.

Such skills were not unique to her, he thought.

...Not just her.

Suddenly, he paused, the warm porcelain cup resting against his lips, steam swirling in front of him.

At that moment, he inappropriately recalled the lewd and revolting gazes that had once lingered on him, and a thought uncontrollably surfaced in his mind.

...He also had the ability to seduce.

--

The author has something to say:

Xiao Yingchun, who had expended her best efforts, felt somewhat dejected: fine, just consider it casting alluring glances at a blind man.

Next to her, Zhao Chu remained silent.

Xiao Yingchun thought, ‘Hmm?? What is he so unhappy about?!’

 

Translator : DarNan