The streets of Xia City were far grander than Southwind's. Straight rows of neatly paved stone, properly spaced. The roads were well connected and well planned, an efficient network linking up high-rise buildings that one could lose oneself in.
There was no end to the people. Noisy, bustling—the roar of the crowd was omnipresent.
This was Xia City, the heart of the Xia Kingdom.
While Li Luo was contemplating this intimidating city from his carriage window, Si Qiuying was on another street, stopping in front of an inn at a prime location by the road. She entered a posh room.
"Oh, you're back?"
A youth was sipping tea, lazily watching the street. He smiled when she walked in.
He cut a handsome, noble figure, his brow sharp and his eyes keen. However, he had the same hair as Si Qiuying, green and smooth. It was a family trait.
This was Si Qiuying's elder brother, Si Tianming.
"What's wrong? Met the Young Lord?" Si Tianming asked cheerfully.
"Yes! A little slime! He tattled at the first sign of trouble. A childish, little kid!" she burst out. "And Sister Qing'e is so biased. She actually hit me," Si Qiuying complained. She had always been on good terms with Jiang Qing'e, who had treated her like a little sister. Now it was clear that she favored Li Luo much more.
"You're the childish one... Do you know what her relationship with Li Luo is? You were asking for it, trying to compete with Li Luo," Si Tianming said impatiently.
"I'm not fighting with him... Big Brother, Sister Qing'e said she's not interested in you," Si Qiuying said.
Si Tianming just laughed it off. "Of course she’s not. Isn't that clear enough on the daily?
"Besides, someone as excellent as Jiang Qing'e definitely can say that."
Si Qiuying was still not happy. "Big Brother, maybe you can't compare to Sister Qing'e, but you're a hundred times better than Li Luo, right?
"You're a 4th-Star Hall student in the Astral Sage College. You're powerful, and even the mentors say that you have great potential to become a Duke!"
"And you think a Duke will impress Jiang Qing'e?"
Si Tianming sighed. "Qiuying, I told you before: the right to call off the engagement between Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e does not actually rest with Li Luo, but with Jiang Qing'e. If she isn't willing, no one can change a thing."
"Besides, I might like Jiang Qing'e, but that doesn't mean I have to pursue it."
Si Qiuying sulked. "Big Bro, you think you're a love saint? Let me ask you: if you were given the chance to woo Sister Qing'e, would you?"
Si Tianming gave her a sheepish smile.
Si Qiuying gave him a look. "Believe in yourself, Big Bro! Your talent, your strength, your reputation—you're one of the elites in the younger generation of the Xia Kingdom. Persevere and Sister Qing'e will definitely see the good in you!
"And you're definitely a better match compared to Li Luo!"
Si Tianming gave an exasperated smile. "Just keep your nose out of those matters. Also, don't go causing trouble for Li Luo either. There's no need. He's the Young Lord of House Luolan after all. If you cross him, I will not interfere when Jiang Qing'e comes for you."
"I couldn't care less about him," she said snootily.
"But he pissed me off today. The next time Duze Beixuan wants to cause trouble for him, I'm not going to help him."
Si Tianming shook his head. It was not like the young lord couldn't handle himself. He was the champion of the Tianshu Province—he must have earned it.
However, House Duze seemed to be on the move lately. Perhaps House Luolan was their target...
...
The carriage turned through the expansive streets, finally stopping outside a residence.
This was the House Luolan headquarters.
Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e stepped out. He whistled at the residence in appreciation. The old manor at Southwind was big, but it paled in comparison to this.
Bodyguards patrolled the perimeter in groups while keen eyes were scanning from the watchtower.
"I've already informed the management to gather at headquarters tonight. Since you're the young lord, you should be familiar with the backbone of House Luolan," Jiang Qing'e said.
She looked at Li Luo. "These managers are in charge of House Luolan's businesses in Xia City. You should know that 60% of our yearly income comes from outside of Xia City, while a full 40% depends on the businesses in Xia City."
Li Luo was surprised to hear this. House Luolan's Xia City revenue held a much higher percentage than he had expected.
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login