Chapter 1040: Chapter 284: Memories of Fragrance (Extra for 2500 monthly tickets, thanks to all book friends!)

Jiang Wang was no stranger to Sanfen Xiangqi Tower.

It had already been considered a paradise by many regulars when he was in Fenglin City.

At that time, Zhao Rucheng often invited guests for brothel visits, and aside from Ling He who always remained reserved, the other brothers frequently attended. Of course, it was just for drinks. They were all promising individuals from the City Taoist Institute, none truly succumbed to mundane desires.

In Linzi, Sanfen Xiangqi Tower was ranked a notch below the top four famous houses, but not because it couldn’t match their standards. In Qi Country, when facing local powers, Sanfen Xiangqi Tower had to bow down.

Jiang Wang had visited Sanfen Xiangqi Tower many times.

From Zhuang Country to He Country and then to Qi Country, from Linzi to Heavenly Mansion City, the decor of Sanfen Xiangqi Tower always matched the local ambiance while retaining its unique characteristics.

The thought and strength behind this were certainly extraordinary.

"I was wondering why the magpies were singing this early in the morning. It turns out Lord Jiang is coming!"

As Jiang Wang stepped into the building, an old madam with her charm still intact came to greet him.

Unlike many brothel madams who heavily masked their flaws with thick makeup, the madam of this branch in Heavenly Mansion City, however, wore no makeup. Although devoid of stunning beauty, she appeared refreshing and not at all irritating.

Of course, she couldn’t compare to Peach Lady from the Warm Jade Pavilion.

She looked at Jiang Wang with a smiling face, without approaching him too closely or getting overly familiar, respecting boundaries, "Do you have a particular girl in mind?"

Jiang Wang was not surprised that he had been recognized.

In any place, remembering the faces of local dignitaries was fundamental to expanding business.

Currently, in Heavenly Mansion City, the most noticeable establishment was surely the Tai Xu Corner Tower. Even this branch of Sanfen Xiangqi Tower had come because of it. And the owner of Tai Xu Corner Tower was none other than Jiang Wang.

Now, with Zhongxuan Zun at Under Jixuegong and Wang Yiwu in the prison camp, among the young generation of Qi Country, he was undoubtedly the most distinguished.

Combining all this, the upper echelons of Sanfen Xiangqi Tower in Heavenly Mansion City would certainly not overlook him.

"I’m not looking for a girl." Jiang Wang didn’t waste time and got straight to the point, "I heard there’s a master coming over from your main tower?"

The old madam’s eyes flashed with caution, but her face still wore a warm smile, "It’s just someone from the headquarters coming to inspect and deal with some issues our branch can’t handle."

This explanation was logical and didn’t break any rules.

If there had been any rule-breaking, Zhongxuan Pang would have acted long ago. He wouldn’t let himself get involved in others’ troubles just because of some collaboration.

Jiang Wang said softly, "You know the rules in Qi Country. The only thing I want to remind you is not to trouble me or Zhongxuan Sheng. Let your headquarters perform their inspection and then leave as soon as possible. Don’t linger in Heavenly Mansion City. Do you understand?"

"Of course." The old madam was very cooperative, "We’ve been doing business all over and have lasted this long because we adhere to rules. You can rest assured."

At the same time, her words also hinted at the power of Sanfen Xiangqi Tower.

But that wasn’t important. Jiang Wang was merely here to issue a warning.

Now that his purpose was achieved, there was no need to stay any longer.

He turned and left, "Alright, I won’t disturb your business anymore."

As for talking about collecting debts now, he really didn’t have the temerity to do so...

"Ah, Mister Jiang, please wait," the old madam suddenly said.

Jiang Wang turned back, his look inquiring.

"Our boss wants to meet you," the old madam said.

"No need," Jiang Wang declined flatly.

The madam was clearly caught off guard by this response, showing some surprise, "You might be mistaken, it’s not the owner of our branch, but Lord Tianxiang from the head office."

In her view, the Tianxiang and Xinxiang from her sect were unparalleled beauties in the human world, irresistible to any man. From the Western Territory to the Eastern Territory, countless men, extravagant like swarms of locusts, could hardly be counted, all longing for a mere glimpse of them. The reason Jiang Wang declined must be that he had no idea who wanted to meet him.

However, for Jiang Wang, whether it was any ’Xiang’, he neither knew them nor felt the necessity to interact.

The pride of Qi Country, aiming to display the national flag at Guanhe Platform, why would such a person want to engage with a high-ranking member of a sect spanning multiple countries? Was he concerned that his foundations in Qi Country were too stable and too trusted?

Jiang Wang didn’t want to appear too indifferent, merely replied with a warm smile, "Mainly tied up with worldly affairs, I have no leisure time. Shall we leave it at this for today?"

The madam, knowing her place, naturally wouldn’t press further, courteously responded, "Please, take your time leaving."

As Jiang Wang was about to step away, he suddenly remembered something and stopped to ask, "By the way, your Sanfen Xiangqi Tower has branches worldwide and is top-notch in gathering intelligence. Do you know of Bone Tao?"

That woman from Bone Tao once stayed at the Sanfen Xiangqi Tower in Zhuang Country...

"Sir jests," the old madam chuckled, "We conduct our business with integrity, strictly adhering to standards, never meddling in sects or religious factions."

Seeing her reaction, he could be sure she knew what Bone Tao was about.

Jiang Wang ignored her defense, casually took out a Dao Yuan Stone and placed it in her hand, "If there’s news of Bone Tao, contact the individuals from De Sheng Trading Company at Tai Xu Corner Tower. Payment will be according to the value of information; you won’t be let down. This is the deposit."

Without waiting for her response, he left.

It wasn’t that he suspected Sanfen Xiangqi Tower had any connections with Bone Tao; rather, it was like grabbing opportunities by the hand.

There were still remnants of Bone Tao lurking around. Previously overwhelmed, he now had slowly started to manage things—it was time to look for them.

By the time he returned to the tea room, Zhongxuan Sheng hadn’t finished his pot of tea.

"That was quick?" he chuckled purposefully.

Jiang Wang ignored his tease; this chubby fellow could only indulge verbally now, as places like Sanfen Xiangqi Tower were out of his reach.

"Just delivered the warning; they seemed lucid enough, probably won’t act foolishly."

Zhongxuan Sheng was about to crack another joke when his gaze swept over the statue-like Fourteen, and he sobered up, "Being lucid is good. It’s indeed unfortunate. Sanfen Xiangqi Tower used to be well-behaved, but troubles started brewing the moment I partnered with them."

"Must be for some reason," Jiang Wang didn’t wish to dwell too much on Sanfen Xiangqi Tower, changing the subject, "I’d just come out when you pushed me into handling things. Is the Yellow River Gathering settled?"

"The Dog Steward sent the invitations; what could go wrong? Although the final list hasn’t been presented for royal viewing, it’s mostly decided," Zhongxuan Sheng replied, reveling in the schadenfreude, "His handling of emotions might be poor, but he knows how to manage such matters."

Jiang Wang, covering his face with his hand, "I don’t remember telling you about Yan Fu’s affairs."

"You and Yan Fu went bullying others with the Liu of Fufeng; that news has already spread," Zhongxuan Sheng sneered coldly, "Still trying to hide it from me?"

Jiang Wang only felt a headache coming on.

From start to end, I never spoke harshly; how has it become bullying?

Besides, Yan Fu indeed had both money and power; whom would I bully using him?

This rumor might be related to Liu Yingqi or someone else. There definitely were not a few in Linzi wanting to sabotage Yan Fu’s marriage... But since Liu Xiuzhang had promised to handle this matter, as soon as she took action, all rumors would dissipate...

Let Yan Fu stew in his own worries.

Jiang Wang then asked, "As for the Inner Mansion Realm, who are they?"

Probably annoyed by Jiang Wang withholding any "secrets of Yan Fu," Zhongxuan Sheng replied coldly and briefly—

"You, Lei Zhanqian, Cui Zhu."