Chapter 346: A Chance Encounter with Yu Xiaoxuan
“Third Master, what should we do?”
“Luo City isn’t like our Feng City. It seems that once the city gates close, leaving isn’t an option. If we try to force our way out, it’ll be clear that we’re disregarding their rules.”
“Of course, we don’t have to fear them, but…”
Another subordinate chimed in, “Didn’t you say you wanted to meet Luo City’s city lord tomorrow? If we get into a dispute tonight, wouldn’t that be counterproductive? Besides, all the inns are full. Even if we have internal energy, we can’t exactly sleep on the streets. If word gets out, wouldn’t that be embarrassing for Feng City?”
Before he could finish, Third Master raised his arm and smacked the back of the subordinate’s head.
“Do I need you to remind me?! I am the Third Master of Feng City! Do you think our status in the martial world is so easily shaken?”
“And you actually think I’d let us sleep on the streets?! Look at me—do I look like someone who would let his men end up wandering outside like beggars?”
The scolded subordinate had only meant well, but seeing Third Master’s temper flare, he quickly forced a smile and apologized.
Nearby, Yu Xiaoxuan, who was buying snacks for a customer, overheard their conversation.
Upon realizing these people were from Feng City, his heart raced with excitement.
He hesitated at the food stall, pretending to take his time, all while eavesdropping on their predicament.
Since starting his job at Ye Lu’s casino, he had barely gone home—always finding excuses to stay out, telling Chang Huilan that he was working for Zhang Yuan.
Bringing back food and supplies had managed to keep her temper at bay.
Fetching snacks was just an errand, but as a former noble young master, he didn’t mind it.
After all, the tips were great—sometimes just a few copper coins, other times as much as a few taels of silver.
After just a few days, he had already earned nearly a month’s salary.
Meanwhile, Third Master and his men were still deep in thought about where to spend the night.
Sensing an opportunity, Yu Xiaoxuan stepped forward with an ingratiating smile.
“Brave warriors, you’re having trouble finding an inn, aren’t you?”
His sudden interruption drew suspicious glances from the group, and Third Master’s sharp gaze scrutinized him without hesitation.
Yu Xiaoxuan, however, remained unfazed.
With an eager smile, he respectfully cupped his hands.
“Apologies for intruding. I was just buying food for customers when I overheard your conversation. I happen to work at Lu’s Casino. Since our casino operates all night, we keep the fires burning—it’s warm inside.”
“If you don’t mind, you’re welcome to spend the night there. Even if you don’t gamble, it’s at least a place to rest with hot tea.”
Hearing this, the group exchanged glances, then all turned to Third Master, waiting for him to decide.
To men like them, gambling was a temptation hard to resist.
Without hesitation, Third Master gave a commanding nod.
“Let’s go!”
At his words, cheers erupted from the group.
“Actually, we could’ve just stayed at a brothel for the night.”
“Warm beds, soft ladies—much more comfortable.”
“Pfft, you old lecher. Be careful those ladies don’t steal all your money!”
“Ha! What, you think we’d actually be afraid of them?”
“If that’s the case, why didn’t you suggest it earlier? Well, let’s hit the casino first. If we win big, we can book the Flower Queen for the night!”
Their chuckles and jokes filled the air as Yu Xiaoxuan led the way to Lu’s Casino, pretending not to hear their conversation.
*
Inside the casino, despite the late hour, the place was packed.
The air buzzed with energy, as gamblers surrounded tables for big or small, odd or even, Pai Gow, and countless other games.
“Gentlemen, please feel free to play at your leisure.”
“If you get tired, there are seats for resting and hot tea available. If you’re hungry, just let us know, and we’ll fetch food for you.”
“Just give the word, and we’ll take care of it.”
“Heh, you’re quite the smooth talker. We’ll call you if we need anything.”
With that, Yu Xiaoxuan stepped aside, bowing politely before retreating.
Before long, Third Master and his men found their way to an odd-or-even table.
They observed for a while, then joined in on the betting.
At first, they lost, then won, then lost again.
What started as a way to pass time soon turned into an all-night gambling session.
By the time morning arrived, Third Master had lost a few thousand taels, while two of his subordinates had won around two or three hundred each.
But for someone of his status, this amount was insignificant.
Feeling satisfied, he decided it was time to head out for breakfast and then visit Luo City’s ruler.
As they were about to leave the casino, Yu Xiaoxuan hurriedly approached.
With a wide smile, he respectfully said,
“Gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed yourselves!”
Seeing the eager young worker, Third Master chuckled and tossed him a silver ingot worth five taels.
Yu Xiaoxuan grinned from ear to ear, quickly bowing in gratitude.
“Thank you, Master! Thank you!”
“Heh, you’re a sharp one. You even look like a trained fighter. How much are they paying you here?”
“Ten taels a month, Master.”
“Just ten? Yet you work so hard—going out to pull in customers and everything.”
With a wry smile, Yu Xiaoxuan sighed dramatically.
“Ten taels may not be much in the grand scheme of things, but out here in the wildlands, it’s enough to survive.”
“I have a family to feed. Having a job at all is a blessing.”
Then, with a perfectly calculated tone, he added,
“Are you gentlemen leaving the city now? I know Luo City like the back of my hand—if you need a guide, I’m happy to assist you.”
As they stepped out of the casino, Third Master gave him a long, calculating look.
After a moment, his eyes narrowed slightly.
“You know this city well?”
“Then tell me—what do you know about Luo City’s ruler?”
