Volume One, Chapter 13: Springfull House

“Is it really common knowledge that Wei Tianpeng secretly meets with Xiaoxiao? And how reliable is the person you planted there? Wei Tianpeng rose from a mere street thug to become the emperor of the underworld in Qizhou, even going so far as to acknowledge the current prime minister as his father. This shows he is far from a mindless brute—he’s a shrewd strategist. I can’t shake the feeling that this might be a plot by Wei Tianpeng to eliminate his rivals,” Li Qingzhao asked with concern.

Xin Qiji shook his head. “Don’t worry, Qingzhao. My informant is utterly loyal. I planted him in the Black Tiger Gang years ago. Besides the Black Whirlwind Li Kui and the Winged Tiger Lei Heng, only Wei Tianpeng’s personal attendants know about his secret meetings with Xiaoxiao. The only other person aware is the proprietor of Spring Full Tower.”

Bai Chou smiled. “If that’s true, this is a rare opportunity. But Xin brother, do you have access to the blueprints of Spring Full Tower? If we can study them in advance, we might prepare accordingly.”

Xin Qiji motioned for Li Qingzhao to bring paper and ink. After clearing the dishes and cups from the table, he unfolded the paper and began to sketch.

Before long, a gorgeous bird’s-eye view appeared before them. The strokes were bold yet detailed, with annotations marking the junctions of buildings and corridors.

Bai Chou and Zhao Yun exchanged looks of admiration. “Truly a polymath versed in every craft and trade. Even masters of painting would find it hard to produce such work so effortlessly,” they marveled.

Pointing to the map, Xin Qiji explained, “Spring Full Tower has two courtyards, front and back. The front courtyard houses four three-story buildings, separated by a rockery, fish pond, and a corridor. It mainly serves to receive ordinary guests.”

Bai Chou asked, “If we go there, are we confined to the front courtyard?”

Xin Qiji nodded, indicating the map. “Indeed. The back courtyard is twice as large, filled with exotic flowers and rare trees—arguably the most beautiful garden in Qizhou City. It has ten symmetrical two-story buildings reserved for distinguished or wealthy guests from Qizhou or even the Tang kingdom. The northernmost building is exclusively Wei Tianpeng’s, where he meets Xiaoxiao secretly…”

Xin Qiji’s words were interrupted by Li Qingzhao, who gently chided, “Xin, your knowledge of Spring Full Tower seems too intimate to be mere research about Wei Tianpeng. Are you a regular there? Or perhaps you have your own private building in the back courtyard?”

Xin Qiji flushed with embarrassment. “Qingzhao, if I told you I had never been there, you wouldn’t believe me. I did visit a few times after learning about Wei Tianpeng’s movements, but only to have a few drinks. If I had gone just to study the layout, it would surely arouse suspicion.”

Bai Chou found Xin Qiji’s reddened face amusing and interjected, “Xin brother, what would it take to get into the back courtyard?”

Xin Qiji gave a knowing glance and said, “Spring Full Tower is a place of pleasure. Money talks. If you appear indifferent to any women in the front courtyard but are willing to spend generously, the staff will naturally escort you to the back courtyard.”

Bai Chou nodded. “I plan to visit Spring Full Tower tonight, see if there’s a good approach or a way to use the terrain to take down Wei Tianpeng.”

Xin Qiji pulled a pouch of coins from his sleeve, weighed it in his hand, and handed it to Bai Chou. “Brother Bai, there are over two hundred gold coins here. You must show yourself as a wealthy spender to gain access to the back courtyard. This may be our last meeting for some time. Regardless of the outcome, I owe you a great debt. Also, two days from now, you must escape Spring Full Tower smoothly. Use the west gate to leave the city. I will arrange for a trusted man to be on duty there.”

Bai Chou accepted the pouch without hesitation. “Xin brother, don’t speak of debts. Assassinating Wei Tianpeng is our sworn oath. Knowing you and receiving such critical intelligence is already an honor. If fate allows, we shall meet again.”

With that, Bai Chou and Zhao Yun rose, bid farewell to Xin Qiji and Li Qingzhao, and left the Li residence.

Using the money Xin Qiji gave them, they first bought new clothes, then booked a room at an inn. After bathing and changing, they reemerged onto the streets with completely transformed appearances.

Bai Chou wore a long robe of pale blue silk embroidered with intricate golden patterns. Around his waist hung a finely crafted jade pendant with vivid colors and delicate textures. On his thumb was an ivory thumb ring, and he held an exquisite feathered fan. Every detail exuded an air of nobility.

Zhao Yun posed as a bodyguard, clad in a teal fitted jacket beneath a black leather armor. His tousled hair was tied casually at the back of his head. Tall and upright, his fierce eyes beneath his sword-like brows revealed a ruthless spirit—an unmistakable warning that he was not to be trifled with.

Spring Full Tower entertained countless guests dressed like this every day, so when they entered the front courtyard, neither the gatekeeper nor the maids paid them much attention.

Zhao Yun flicked a gold coin from his sleeve, shaking it before tossing it to the gatekeeper. “Are you blind? Don’t you see my master has arrived? Hurry and find someone to attend us!”

The gatekeeper examined the coin and then looked at Bai Chou standing nearby. Realizing they must be sons of a noble family, he hurriedly bowed and respectfully welcomed them. He led them to the largest building in the courtyard and found a vacant private room. Once they were seated, he said, “Please wait a moment, gentlemen. I will bring the most exciting girls here shortly.”

Soon, a flamboyantly dressed madam swaggered in, her makeup heavy and striking. Zhao Yun was even more generous this time, sweeping a handful of gold coins onto the table without a glance.

With a single glance, the madam saw at least a dozen gold coins. Having heard from the gatekeeper that these two were big spenders, she was certain this finely dressed youth was no ordinary guest. While idly sliding the coins across the table, she coquettishly said, “Oh, pardon my poor eyesight. Gentlemen, you look unfamiliar—first time at Spring Full Tower? You’ve come to the right place. This is the most luxurious and entertaining spot in Qizhou City. Our girls are the finest in the region. Please wait a moment; I will bring some exciting girls for you.”

At that moment, Zhao Yun suddenly grabbed the madam as she was about to leave, a subtle smile playing on his lips.