Chapter 18: Promoting a Fortune

“The sky is dry, all things are dry, beware of fire…” The rhythmic beat of a watchman’s clapper broke the night’s silence. A lone figure hurried through the moonlit streets. In a twisting alley, a dilapidated wooden door creaked open.

A raspy voice called out, “Sunny days bring the birds.”

The newcomer replied, “Endless weeping fills the night.”

A chilling laugh echoed from within, “May your wishes be granted.”

The door opened to reveal a wizened old man, small and frail, with sparse hair and bright, unsettling eyes. He resembled a malevolent goblin from a ghost story. He scrutinized the newcomer, a figure cloaked in black, their face hidden behind a curtain and mask.

The cloaked figure handed the old man an invitation. The old man, accustomed to such clandestine visitors, gestured towards the interior. “Please, enter.”

A second cloaked figure followed closely. The old man noted, “Your servant? Once inside the Shunxin Tower, remain with your master. Do not wander.”

“Understood,” the first figure replied.

The two cloaked figures were Shen Fu and Chu Baige, bearing an invitation to Shunxinruyi, delivered directly to Xiuchundao. Shen Fu had intended to use Xiuchundao’s influence to find someone connected to Shunxinruyi, but the invitation had arrived first. This revealed the extent of Zhao Qin’s reach. Xiuchundao, seemingly a simple regulatory agency, concealed numerous secrets. Who would have guessed that a self-made businessman, skilled in flattery and maneuvering among powerful families, was secretly a member of Xiuchundao? His background offered no clues to this connection. Many such merchants existed, rising from obscurity, most failing, but some, through skill and luck, achieving great success.

Shen Fu observed the dilapidated courtyard. The main house, however, appeared well-maintained. Inside, the old man triggered a hidden mechanism, revealing a secret passage. “Descend. Someone awaits you.”

Shen Fu and Chu Baige followed. The tunnel, initially dark, soon brightened, revealing a tall, thin man in a white smiling mask. Shen Fu instinctively reached for her concealed sword.

The masked man led them silently through a twisting, extensive network of tunnels, suggesting multiple access points. They marveled at the scale of the construction.

Finally, they reached a chamber. The masked man gestured, and Shen Fu pushed open a coffin-like lid, revealing another chamber. A figure in black awaited them.

“Guests, enter the sedan chairs!”

Shen Fu turned to see a man in a bright red smiling mask. “Are these your hospitality customs?”

The red-masked man laughed, “Shunxinruyi lacks neither friends nor enemies.” It was a clear threat.

Chu Baige, eyes gleaming with excitement, muttered, “…a fight?” Shen Fu silenced him; they were here to investigate, not to fight.

Shen Fu, using a special technique, whispered, “Shunxinruyi.” The words hung in the air, ominous and chilling.

The red-masked man shivered, then laughed maniacally, “You shall be satisfied!”

Chu Baige, despite his apprehension, was thrilled; this was perfect material for a story.

They entered the coffins, which were lifted smoothly and carried away. More coffins joined them, moving through the night.

The coffins were set down. Shen Fu and Chu Baige pushed open the lids to find themselves in an unfamiliar room. A corridor led to a large hall filled with sounds of revelry. They emerged to find themselves in a bustling marketplace, a vibrant scene of music, dance, acrobatics, and exotic cuisine.

A red-masked man greeted them, “Welcome to Shunxinruyi! Your every wish can be fulfilled, for a price.”

“Anything?” Shen Fu asked.

“Anything,” the man confirmed.

“What if I want to be Emperor?” Chu Baige asked jokingly.

The man hesitated, then laughed, “If you can afford it, even the throne is possible.”

Chu Baige sneered, clearly unimpressed. Shen Fu pondered.  After the man’s earlier comment, she noticed his ears twitch slightly, indicating a secret communication.  His changed tone and bold promises made her suspect he had powerful backing.  She wondered if Senior Sister knew something.