Chapter 1: The Beheading Trade (Part 1)

  On this day, outside the willow garden, cars and horses were crowded, firecrackers exploded continuously, and inside the garden, lanterns were hung, colored ribbons were tied, drums and music filled the sky. From high-ranking officials to Jianghu heroes, they all gathered together in a lively and extraordinary scene.

  After the ceremony, everyone in the willow garden set up a grand banquet to drink and sing, Hong Chui also helped Yan'er through connections to invite the most famous musicians and dancers in the capital to help the guests have fun. In addition, the master of Chang'an Bang brought several exotic people from the Western Regions to perform wonderful acrobatics, which often triggered bursts of applause and cheers.

  Li Jiancheng, the Crown Prince of Tang, sat for a short while before quietly taking his leave soon after the banquet began. Shi Shao remained behind. After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, he pulled Xiao Si into a side hall to chat.

  Xiao Si smiled and asked: "Xiao Chai, when did you arrive in Chang'an? You didn't even notify me."

  Chai Shaodao said: "Actually, these days I and Xiuning have been in Chang'an, and so are Big Brother and Third Brother."

  Xiao Si naturally knew that the "Big Brother" and "Third Brother" in Shi Shao's mouth referred to Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, the two sons of Tang Guogong Li Yuan. As for why Li Xiuning didn't come with Shi Shao today, it was probably to avoid the awkwardness after meeting Tang Xiaosan.

  He stared blankly and said: "How come you all like to run to Chang'an, is it because Taiyuan is too poor and remote with nothing to eat or play, and the accommodation is not comfortable?"

  Chai Shao replied: "This is the intention of Your Majesty and my father-in-law." After finishing, he took out a brocade box from his sleeve and said: "Xiu Ning and I brought you a gift."

  Xiao Siyi heard the words "gift" and immediately threw away his doubts, took over the brocade box, opened it and looked at it in surprise: "Sea Star Stone!"

  All that was seen was a crimson star-shaped stone in the brocade box, cold to the touch and emitting a faint glow.

  Xiao Si was indeed a connoisseur, and his heart was filled with excitement as he thought to himself: "This thing is a top-grade material for making talismans, and such a large piece would sell for at least 30,000 taels on the black market. No wonder he's the son-in-law of Duke Tang, he's got money!"

  He put away the star stone into his belt and patted Chi Shao's shoulder, saying sincerely: "Little Chi, you're still the one who understands me, a true friend!"

  Chai Shao's face revealed a hint of a smile, saying: "As long as you like it." After a pause, he said again: "You're also very impressive, able to gain a foothold in Chang'an so quickly and turn the situation around. But Duan Zhen Tian isn't someone who easily admits defeat, you need to be on guard against him sabotaging from behind."

  "He'd better not come and provoke me, otherwise I'll smash this surname Duan to death on the beach."

  Chai Shao smiled and said, "I will stay in Chang'an for these days."

  Xiao Si's heart warmed slightly, but he shook his head and said, "Forget it, this place is not like Taiyuan, you're also having a hard time living under someone else's roof. If something really happens, I'll go find that girl Jin Cheng, anyway she was the one who came to me first."

  Chai Shao nodded silently and after a moment said: "You and I are brothers, in the same boat we should help each other out and keep warm together, no need for polite words."

  Xiao Si's heart skipped a beat, and she smiled lightly: "Why don't we, Xiao Chai, become sworn sisters?" She pulled Chai Shao to kneel down in front of the statue of the God of Wealth in the side hall, burning incense and praying for a bond of gold and orchid.

  The two of them each reported their birth dates and eight characters, and it turned out that Chai Shao was only a few years older than Di Xiao. Their relationship suddenly became much closer.

  Chai Shaodao said: "Xiao Si, I have a batch of medicinal materials that need to be delivered to Taiyuan recently. Can you help me escort them?"

  Xiao Siyi nodded and agreed: "No problem, I'll assign you the best escorts at 20% off."

  Chai Shaoning concentrated his mind and listened to the movements around the side hall, then suddenly lowered his voice and said: "A friend is coincidentally leaving Beijing, please take care of him along the way."

  Xiao Si noticed the change in Shi Shao's tone and realized that this "friend" of his was no ordinary person, so he smiled and said: "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

  Chai Shao leaned in close to his ear and whispered: "My friend's surname is Qin, and his name is Qiong."

  "Who?" Xiao Si nearly jumped out of his chair, shocked and exclaimed: "Is it that person who killed Yuwen Huaji's son during the Lantern Festival? The legendary Qin Qiong, also known as Qin Uncle Treasure, whose divine fists can trample both banks of the Yellow River and shake the mountains and rivers of six prefectures in Shandong?"

  Chai Shao nodded, and Xiao Si let out a cold breath: "It was you who hid him, no wonder the authorities couldn't catch him."

  Chaishao said: "He was injured by Yuwen Chengdu, now he can walk freely but cannot move his true energy and fight with others. On the 22nd of this month, the northern green forest heroes will gather at Huashan to form an alliance, Qin must attend. My identity is too eye-catching, after thinking about it, I can only ask you, Xiao Si."

  Xiao Si Leng calmed down and said, "Actually, you don't have to tell me Qin Qiong's true identity. Let him mix in with the people of the East House, and quietly follow the escort vehicle out of the city."

  Xia Shao said bluntly: "Xiu Ning also said so, but you and I are brothers, I don't want to deceive you."

  "Alright, you don't have to say anything else, I'll take care of it!"

  Chai Shao was moved in his heart, but he had always been unwilling to speak much, so he just nodded silently and handed a note to Xiao Si saying: "This is his residence and the password for contact."

  Xiao Si took the note and read it through, his face showing a strange expression as he said: "So you're still in this line of work?"

  Chai Shao smiled and said: "Ten days later, I will set off. I will send someone to contact you. This time, the goods are all from Chang'an Fuci Temple, and their owner is surnamed Hou."

  Two men made a decision and then chatted for a while. Xiang Xiao Siu sent Chai Shao out the door, and he thought to himself: "This new sworn brother of mine is not simple at all. He's involved in both medicine and hiding counter-revolutionaries, with many tricks up his sleeve. It's all so mysterious, and it's happening right under the emperor's nose. He's playing a bigger game than I am."

  Two people arrived at the entrance of Liu Garden and happened to meet Xia Peiheng and Geng Shaohua sending off Duan Zhentian.

  Duan Zhen Tian, reeking of alcohol, was supported by two disciples on either side, and it was unclear whether he was truly drunk or just pretending. He pointed at Xia Pei Heng with a finger, laughing and saying: "Little Xia, as the saying goes, 'old ginger is spicy', from now on you'll follow me, young man. Learning more can't be a bad thing. No matter what happens on Guan Luo Road, just come find me."

  Xia Peiheng listened to him pretending to be old and weak, beating himself in front of many guests and subordinates, and said in his heart: "A great man can yield and stretch, today is a celebration day, and it's not necessary to see this old guy."

  But then Duan Zhentian, emboldened by the wine, became even more outrageous and pointed at Yu Wan, who was following behind Geng Shao Hua, laughing: "Yu Wan's niece hasn't been promised to anyone yet, does she want me to be her matchmaker? I know many young and talented princes and nobles in Chang'an City..."

  His words were not yet finished, when Xiao Si suddenly flared up. Just now, Duan Zhen Tian had made a veiled attack on Xia Pei Heng, and Xiao Si had been listening with great interest, only lacking the help of fanning the flames. Who would have thought that the old madman's words would take a sudden turn, and he would actually start hitting on Wan Er?

  He smiled and said: "When others' parents haven't spoken up, where did this dog come from to interfere with their affairs and bark everywhere?"

  As soon as this remark came out, the originally noisy Liu Garden suddenly fell silent inside and out, with everyone staring in shock and turning their eyes to this battlefield.

  Duan Zhen Tian's old face was already flushed with drink, and at this moment it was even more like a pig's liver, swollen to the point of being purple. He wanted to get angry but didn't want to lose his composure as the leader of the Guanluo Guard in front of everyone, so for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

  Wan Er stood behind Geng Shao Hua and Geng Fu Ren, stealing glances at Xiao Si, her heart both sweet and worried: "He humiliated Duan Zhen Tian in front of so many people for my sake, now he has another enemy."

  As expected, one of Duan Zhen Tian's disciples rebuked angrily: "You surnamed Diao, don't be so presumptuous and deceitful!"

  Xiao Si sneered, "Who is it that has been cheating people too much? The eyes of the common people in Chang'an City are clear and bright. Since our Tongtian Bureau moved into Liu Garden, how many obstacles have you set up behind our backs and how many dirty tricks have you used, everyone can see clearly."

  "He waved his hand and said, 'This is also the case. Who let me be familiar with the prime minister's belly? We treated you well, but you not only didn't show any gratitude, but also boasted that you are the number one in the world. I really don't understand, does this Chang'an City, this Guanzhong region belong to your old family or the current emperor?!'"

  Duan Zhentian's face changed greatly after hearing these words. It wasn't that he couldn't keep his temper, but rather Xiao Si's words were too vicious. If they spread to the palace, regardless of whether they were true or not, it could bring fatal disaster to himself and Guan Luojia Bureau. Moreover, there was news that this little brat had recently been getting along extremely well with Princess Jincheng. Thinking about this, a murderous intent arose.

  Just then, a disciple beside him shouted: "Xiao Si, don't spit blood at people! I, Ma Chao Tian, want to duel with you and avenge my master's humiliation tonight!"

  "Still saying you don't have any ambitions, yet the name of a single disciple is so domineering. Ma Chao Tian... isn't that just suppressing the heavens? Even the Emperor humbly refers to himself as the Son of Heaven, do you still have any regard for the law in your eyes?"

  Ma Chao-tian's nose was almost crooked with rage, his name originally having the hidden meaning of "Chao Tian Que", but being distorted by Xiao Si into a great blasphemy. He was both fearful and furious, saying: "You... you... are talking nonsense!"

  "Wan'er smiled and said, 'Fourth Uncle, why bother with this Ma fellow? He doesn't even put the heavens in his eyes, it's best we keep a distance.'"

  Xiao Si smiled at Wan'er and thought: "This little girl is getting more and more in tune with me, actually speaking the same language as old man."

  Fang Mingzu burst out laughing and said: "Isn't this being lawless and reckless? I admire, I admire, Old Fang concedes defeat!"

  As the leader of the Chang'an underworld, he had always been at odds with Duan Zhen Tian, who claimed to be a noble and righteous person, so he was naturally happy to take advantage of the situation to trample him.

  Ma Chao-t'ien was furious beyond control, and with a loud cry of "Hah!" he drew his sword and shouted: "Hsiao Sz'-mao, either you die or I do..."

  "Whoosh——" Suddenly, a peach appeared out of nowhere and stuffed his mouth full.

  Ma Chao-t'ien grunted and groaned, his face flushed with anger, causing everyone to burst out laughing.

  Duan Zhentian was shocked, looked up at the eaves above the gate, and saw Ye Fashan sitting beside the ridge, leisurely drinking wine and gnawing on chicken legs, as if he had nothing to do with the Flying Peach incident.

  Duan Zhen Tian angrily shouted: "Ye Xian Chang, what do you mean by this?!"

  "When others invite you to watch a show and have dinner, it's not good for you to be making a scene in their home," Ye Fashan said unclearly: "Lao Dao eats people's mouths short, there is no other deeper meaning."

  Duan Zhen Tian's eyes flashed with cold light, and he said in a deep voice: "Alright, today I'll give Ye Xian a bit of face, this matter will stop here. Diao Zhuang Biao, three days later at sunrise, I'll be waiting for your arrival at the eastern city's tenth milestone! As long as you can withstand my blade for the time it takes to burn an incense stick, I'll wash my hands and retire to let someone more capable take over!"

  "Shameless Demon" latest chapter is released by Yunqi Book Academy, the fastest and most popular online release site! (This site provides: traditional pagination, waterfall two modes, can be selected in settings)