Lin Yan had just arrived at the gates of the Tang Mansion, and before he could even announce himself, a figure emerged from within.
The Tang Mansion’s butler hurried down the steps. His expression wasn’t exactly fawning, but it was exceptionally warm, his old face wrinkling into a smile like a blooming chrysanthemum. "Young Master Lin, you’re here so early! Have you had breakfast?"
Stone lions crouched silently on either side of the gate. Above the vermilion-lacquered lintel hung a plaque with the two words "Tang Mansion," written in powerful calligraphy.
Lin Yan averted his gaze. "I already ate at home."
"Miss Tang expected you would visit today, so she instructed me to wait here. Please, follow me, Young Master Lin."
The butler turned to the side to lead the way. As Lin Yan followed, a contemplative look flickered in his eyes.
The butler’s attitude today was a world of difference from his demeanor during Lin Yan’s first visit to accept his post.
’If it was because of my Third-Time of Skin Smoothing Realm, that wouldn’t make sense. The last time I came to the Tang Mansion, I had already reached that Realm and become a Tributor for the Tang Family, but the butler wasn’t nearly this enthusiastic.’
He pondered this as he followed the butler through several of the mansion’s corridors.
The vermilion lacquer on the corridor pillars appeared dim and somber in the winter light. Along the base of the courtyard walls grew a few sparse clumps of bamboo, their stalks a mixture of green and yellow. Occasionally, a dry leaf, caught by the wind, would land on the gray brick path with a RUSTLE.
After passing through the moon gate in the rear courtyard, the view suddenly opened up to reveal the Tang Family’s back garden.
The garden was immense. In its center lay a lotus pond, long since decayed. Broken stems and withered leaves floated on the surface, half-submerged in water that reflected the pale gray sky.
A pavilion stood in the center of the pond. All four sides were hung with thick, brocade curtains. The deep, bluish-green velvet completely blocked out the harsh wind, making the structure look like a warm nest resting on the water from a distance.
"Young Master Lin, Miss Tang is inside the pavilion."
The butler stopped at the entrance of the causeway leading to the pavilion, bowed, and gestured for him to proceed.
Lin Yan was puzzled. ’What is Miss Tang playing at, making everything so mysterious?’ He didn’t ask any questions, simply nodding before stepping onto the causeway.
The causeway was paved with bluestone, its low railings painted a brilliant vermilion. As he walked across, the bitter scent of withered lotuses drifted up from the pond, mingling with the crisp winter air.
The causeway ended at the pavilion. Lin Yan stopped before the curtain. Just as he was about to announce himself, a languid female voice drifted from within. "Please come in, Young Master Lin."
Hearing this, Lin Yan no longer hesitated and reached out to part the heavy brocade curtain.
The moment he parted the curtain, a wave of warm air washed over him, carrying the subtle fragrance of tea and instantly dispelling the chill from outside.
Lin Yan stepped inside, his gaze sweeping across the pavilion’s interior.
A stone table sat in the center of the pavilion. On it, a small, red-clay stove was heating a pot of tea, which was BUBBLING softly as white steam spiraled into the air.
A copper brazier sat in each of the four corners, their charcoal fires burning brightly. Red Flames danced within, suffusing the entire pavilion with a deep warmth that made it feel like a different world from the bleak winter outside.
However, what truly captured Lin Yan’s attention was the beauty in red before him.
Tang Tang wore a red dress today. In the firelight, it glowed like a crimson cloud, making her look exceptionally radiant.
Her jet-black hair was unbound, cascading down her back like a waterfall and accentuating her already otherworldly face, making her even more captivating.
Even Lin Yan, who in his past life had seen countless beauties perfected by digital filters, couldn’t help but let his gaze linger on her for a moment longer.
Miss Tang’s attire today was a stark departure from her usual style. She was like a vibrant rose at the peak of its bloom, exuding a subtle, almost imperceptible allure.
Absolutely stunning.
But the more stunning she was, the more guarded Lin Yan became.
’Miss Tang has completely changed her style for me. Is this a honey trap?’
Seeing Lin Yan enter, Tang Tang gave a slight nod. She lifted the teapot and filled the cup opposite her, her voice clear and pleasant. "Please, sit, Young Master Lin."
Lin Yan cupped his fist in a salute and sat down at the stone table. The warm, tea-scented steam swirled between them.
"I’m aware of what you did in Sanshan County to protect the Tang Family’s territory, Young Master Lin. This tea is my way of thanking you."
Tang Tang raised the teacup before her, her expression earnest.
Lin Yan smiled. "You’re too kind, Miss Tang. Since I’m a Tributor for the Tang Family, I have to earn the money I’m paid."
They both drained their cups. Tang Tang set her cup down and blinked, a hint of a smile in her eyes. "Yesterday, Xia Mingtang sent word that you had returned, Young Master Lin. I knew you would surely pay a visit today, so I’ve been waiting here since early this morning."
"How did you know I would come today, Miss Tang?"
"First, the Wei Family in Sanshan County made a move on our Tang Family’s mountain territories, and then the Chen Family followed. Yet, from our side, we never sent you any instructions on how to handle them, Young Master Lin."
Tang Tang explained at an unhurried pace, "I figured you must have some questions, Young Master Lin, and that you would come looking for answers."
Lin Yan nodded. He did have questions about that, but it wasn’t his primary concern.
’It was likely just that the Tang Family was focusing its energy on dealing with the combined pressure from the Four Seas Gang and the Inspection Bureau, and couldn’t spare the attention for matters in Sanshan County.’
"Do you think, Young Master Lin, that my Tang Family is just as the rumors say? That we’re so busy dealing with the pressure from the Four Seas Gang and the Inspection Bureau that we’re stretched too thin to manage things in Sanshan County?"
As if she had guessed Lin Yan’s thoughts, Tang Tang extended a slender, pale finger and slowly traced the rim of her empty teacup. The gesture was girlish and playful, an action that seemed both absentminded and deliberately teasing.
Her finger made a faint, ringing sound as it slid across the porcelain rim, and the corners of her lips curved upward. "The truth is, if the Tang Family wanted to, we still have the strength to solve the problems in Sanshan County. What outsiders see—us being suppressed by the combined forces of the Four Seas Gang and the Inspection Bureau—is merely a facade."

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