106 Reconcile After Quarreling at the Bedside

The back of the man in the painting remained aloof and cold. Zhao Yixiao’s words echoed in Zhuang Ming’s mind; the more he looked, the more he felt that while the brushstrokes were delicate, they possessed a vigorous strength, as if they truly came from a man’s hand.

Could it be... that the master of the "Dark Pavilion" favored men? Zhuang Ming frowned in thought. Footsteps sounded behind him, and he turned around quickly, subconsciously scanning Mu Min from head to toe. It wasn't him—the aura was entirely different.

Looking somewhat puzzled, Mu Min asked in a deep voice, "What business brings you here today?" Zhuang Ming quickly withdrew his gaze and cupped his hands, saying, "Steward Mu, you said last time that the 'Dark Pavilion' only engages in transactions. Naturally, I have come to propose one."

"The Dark Pavilion requires payment upfront," Mu Min replied. Zhuang Ming nodded with a smile. "I am aware." He clapped his hands and said, "Bring them in." Five people entered, each carrying items covered in black cloth.

Zhuang Ming stepped forward and lifted the cloths one by one, revealing piles of shimmering gold. "This is a token of my master's sincerity: five thousand taels of gold. Another five thousand will be delivered upon completion." Mu Min glanced at the gold, his expression remaining wooden. After a moment, he gave a curt nod, and two figures emerged from the shadows to carry the gold away.

Once the gold was cleared, Zhuang Ming waved his hand, dismissing his men. Mu Min slowly sat in a nearby chair and looked at Zhuang Ming. "Please, sit," he said quietly.

Zhuang Ming’s mouth twitched at the lack of change in his treatment despite the bribe, but he sat down beside Mu Min anyway. "Steward Mu, can we talk now?" Mu Min nodded. "What do you want the 'Dark Pavilion' to do?"

Zhuang Ming smiled faintly and lowered his voice. "Li Manor." Mu Min’s brow furrowed, a chill crossing his eyes. He lowered his gaze to hide it and said slowly, "My apologies, the 'Dark Pavilion' does not take cases involving Li Manor." Zhuang Ming’s expression remained unchanged, as if he had anticipated this. "Rest assured, Steward Mu. I know Li Manor is the foremost estate in the martial arts world, and few dare to touch them. Our request is simple."

Mu Min looked at him in silence. "What is the request?"

Zhuang Ming leaned in and whispered, "Our master simply wants the Master of Li Manor to suffer a minor injury when he and the Young Master are out alone."

Mu Min’s expression darkened further, though Zhuang Ming, accustomed to his cold demeanor, failed to notice. Mu Min’s fingers brushed the hilt of his sword. "No one in the Dark Pavilion is a match for the Master of Li Manor," he said coldly. Zhuang Ming smiled again. "Do not worry, Steward Mu. You can inform me in advance when you intend to act; I guarantee that the 'Dark Pavilion' will suffer no losses."

"You want us to scout when the Master and Young Master of Li Manor will be out alone," Mu Min said icily. "In short, you want us to shadow them."

"Steward Mu, please do not misunderstand," Zhuang Ming said, noticing the change in Mu Min's tone. "It is not that we doubt the 'Dark Pavilion's' strength, but as you said, no one here can best Beigong Juechen, so we should join forces."

Mu Min watched him with cold eyes, ready to retort, when he heard a faint, subtle sound. His long brows furrowed imperceptibly. "Very well," he said slowly.

Taken aback by the sudden agreement, Zhuang Ming stammered a confused "Ah?" Mu Min frowned, impatient. "The Dark Pavilion accepts this transaction. Master Zhuang, please see yourself out."

***

Watching Zhuang Ming’s retreating figure, Mu Min stood up and hurried into the inner chamber. As expected, a figure in yellow was sitting with his legs crossed, leisurely eating a banana.

"Master," Mu Min whispered. Beigong Qiyi grunted in response, tossed the peel onto the table, and grabbed another. "How much did he pay?" Mu Min sighed internally at this miser who only cared about money, despite Li Manor's immense wealth—wealth that could last ten lifetimes. "Ten thousand taels of gold, Master," he replied, rolling his eyes.

Beigong Qiyi peeled the banana with surgical precision. "Ten thousand? Zhao Yixiao is just returning the money he squeezed from Big Brother. He didn't even add interest; how stingy..."

*Master, Zhao Yixiao is merely a prince, not the Emperor; ten thousand taels is already quite generous!* Mu Min thought to himself.

Beigong Qiyi took a large bite, his eyes closing in bliss. "What does he want to do to me?" Mu Min shook his head. "He is not targeting you, Master, but the Master of Li Manor."

Beigong Qiyi jumped to his feet, eyes blazing. "He wants to lay a hand on my Big Brother? Has he lost his mind? I always thought his gaze toward my brother was strange. Mu Min, deal with him immediately! How dare he scheme against my brother!"

Mu Min’s mouth twitched again. "Master, he does not want to harm him. He only requested that when you and the Master of Li Manor are out alone, the latter should suffer a minor injury."

"What!" Beigong Qiyi’s eyes widened. "He wants to hurt my brother? Unforgivable! And you agreed to it! You agreed for a mere ten thousand taels? I am so disappointed in you!" Mu Min looked at him coldly. "Master, it was you who ordered me to agree."

"I... I..." Beigong Qiyi was momentarily speechless. After a while, he flicked his sleeve. "I only heard you mention the Young Master going out alone. I thought Zhao Yixiao was targeting me, not my brother. This is truly unforgivable!"

"Shall I return the gold?" Mu Min asked. Beigong Qiyi pondered for a long moment, then shook his head. "No. My brother is currently indisposed, which gives me a perfect chance to play the hero saving the beauty. Send more men to watch from the shadows—ensure my brother is not actually harmed. As for the 'Master of Li Manor,' he didn't specify which one, did he?"

"Master, you cannot!" Mu Min frowned deeply. "Swords have no eyes. What if you get hurt by mistake?" Beigong Qiyi sat back down and resumed eating his banana. Once he finished, he chuckled softly. "When did I say I wouldn't let you hurt me for real?"

Mu Min’s brow knotted further. "Master, I refuse. I will never do anything to harm you!" Beigong Qiyi looked up, his smile fading. "Mu Min, though I usually indulge you, that does not mean you can defy my orders!"

Mu Min knelt heavily on the floor. "Even if you punish me, I will not do anything to cause you injury!" Beigong Qiyi sneered, "You've grown quite bold, Mu Min. Do you really think I won't punish you?"

Mu Min looked up, his face as wooden as ever. "Master, my answer remains the same. Even if you punish me, I will not let you get hurt." His brow furrowed with anxiety, a rare emotion in his usually calm eyes. "Master, if the Master of Li Manor truly cares for you, he would not want to see you hurt either!"

Beigong Qiyi squinted at him, then let out a slow, mirthful sound. "That is true." His lips curled into a smile, and he patted Mu Min’s shoulder. "Fine, get up. Just do as I said; I won't let myself get seriously hurt. Didn't I tell you to have people watch from the shadows? Why are you still so thick-headed after all these years?" He shook his head, looking at Mu Min with a look that suggested he was beyond saving.

*It’s your own twisted nature that’s getting worse!* Mu Min thought, though he stood up. "Why did you come here today, Master?"

Beigong Qiyi, pleased with his "brilliant" plan, peeled another banana. "What? Not happy to see me? I am the master of the 'Dark Pavilion,' after all; I should come to inspect things occasionally." Mu Min blinked. "You do realize you are the master of the Dark Pavilion..."

"What was that?" Beigong Qiyi asked, his mouth full of banana. Mu Min sighed and handed him a cup of water. "Since when did you become so fond of bananas, Master?" Beigong Qiyi swallowed and took a sip. "I've always liked them."

Seeing his flushed face and bright expression, Mu Min knew he was in a good mood. "Master, have you and the Master of Li Manor reconciled?" Beigong Qiyi waved a hand dismissively, his eyes sparkling. "You know what they say—lovers' quarrels end in the bed!"

Infected by his good mood, Mu Min couldn't help but smile slightly. "Since you are in such high spirits, Master, there is a backlog of work at the Dark Pavilion. Since you are the master, why not handle it yourself?"

"Hmm..." Beigong Qiyi looked thoughtful for a moment before patting Mu Min’s shoulder again. "Mu Min, I trust you completely by leaving the Pavilion in your hands. I’m sure you’ll handle it well! My brother is waiting for me to have dinner, so I must go." With that, he flicked his robes and left, leaving Mu Min with a graceful, dashing back.