Chapter 068 – The Second Wife

The next morning, Li Yuan woke in the large bed, his wife in his arms, gazing out at the vast, empty mansion. For a moment, the quiet space felt strangely unfamiliar.

He hurried through his morning routine, grabbed a simple breakfast, and set off into the inner district.

At Elder Liu’s, everything went smoothly as he obtained a travel permit and registered his details.

Clearly, Elder Liu harbored no objections to this rising star. Besides, getting a permit was standard procedure. After all, one had to venture outside the inner district for supplies or even daily necessities.

Normally, Elder Liu wouldn’t handle these matters herself, leaving them to a steward in her courtyard. But today, she happened to be there and took care of it for him. A long-term permit wasn’t available just yet. It would have to wait until conditions outside became more peaceful.

With the permit in hand, Li Yuan made his way back.

The inner district was spacious and nearly deserted. Most disciples were either at home cultivating their skills or out on errands—training, socializing, or carrying out assignments. Few wandered the streets aimlessly.

Clutching his permit, Li Yuan strolled along the lake of Silver Creek. As he looked around, he noted how the towering walls to the north, south, and west enclosed the area, lending a comforting sense of security.

Just as he neared his home, a uniformed guard dashed over. “Young Master Li, the sect master has ordered you to report to the Blood Fury Hall at noon seven days from now.”

“Thank you. I’ll be there on time,” Li Yuan replied with a respectful bow, not pressing for further details.

After all, this guard was sent by the sect master, and every word he uttered would be reported back.

Besides, those seven days were likely meant for Li Yuan to settle in before any serious matters were discussed. As a Blood Blade Sect disciple, he couldn’t simply enjoy the perks without shouldering responsibilities.

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That same afternoon, an ox cart pulled up just outside the gate of the inner district, where Li Yuan had been waiting. When the cart’s curtain was lifted, the proprietress’s charming face appeared.

“Big Sis,” Li Yuan greeted.

“Young Master Li,” she returned.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Li Yuan showed his permit to the gate guards, and the ox cart slowly rolled into the inner district. Trailing behind were three fine horses and a carriage, another gift from the proprietress.

Inside the cart, everything was provided...pots, bowls, and plates; pillows, quilts, and decorative flower pots; even finer items like brushes, ink, and calligraphy supplies.

Upon arriving at Li Yuan’s estate, the proprietress immediately set her staff to work tidying up the place. By dusk, the once empty home had begun to feel warm and inviting.

Just as she was about to take her leave, Yan Yu tugged gently at her sleeve. “Big Sis, please stay for dinner.”

The proprietress paused, glancing at the darkening sky.

She began to say, “Well...these days, the district is fine by day but can be dangerous at night. It might not be wise to have Young Master Li see me off...”

But suddenly, her heart skipped a beat, and the rest of the words caught in her throat. Her eyes sparkled as she stole a glance toward Li Yuan, who was not far away.

The young man was quite the specimen. He had long legs and muscular arms, a back as straight as a spear, radiating raw strength.

His features weren’t conventionally handsome, yet they were pleasing to the eye. His expression, which was far from arrogant, exuded a calm, mature restraint that belied his youth.

The more the proprietress looked, the more approachable he seemed, perhaps because she’d already known him for so long.

She recalled how Li Yuan had managed to dodge danger time and again. He’d survived that grim case of the disappearing people and later became Senior Li’s personal disciple.

She thought of the war that broke out between the Blood Blade Sect and Wei Family. Li Yuan had remained unscathed while Zhao Zimu had died. Not only that, but he had also risen further in rank and even moved into the inner district.

To think, when the two first met, Li Yuan had only been a simple mountain hunter—a good-natured young man who had been introduced as a meat source by one of her workers at the Ginger Tavern.

The proprietress felt a surge of wonder and reassurance. Seeing her lost in thought, Yan Yu gently nudged her and said with a smile, “Big Sis, why not stay over?”

Biting her lip, the proprietress suddenly felt a delightful tingle of anticipation. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded softly. “Alright...I’ll stay then.”

Before long, Auntie Wang bustled about in the kitchen, preparing a meal for the dining hall. She took her children to the back to eat, and afterward, she resumed boiling water.

In the dining hall, Li Yuan sat at the head of the table, flanked by two women who chatted and dined amiably. “Yan Yu, this estate is enormous... I’ve never seen a house this big even back in Beam Dragon Mountain,” the proprietress remarked excitedly, her cheeks flushed.

Yan Yu sighed, “Well, you know...it’s such a pity that a house this grand is so empty, with only the five of us living here.”

Her eyes sparkling, the proprietress suggested, “With Young Master Li’s status, you could hire some maids and guards to liven things up. And if he finds it inconvenient, you can always leave it to me.”

Yan Yu replied, “I even mentioned it to him. I suggested he pick up a few from the black market, but he wouldn’t agree.”

“Why is that?” the proprietress asked.

“Who knows what’s going through his mind?” Yan Yu shrugged.

The two women giggled and bantered back and forth, seemingly forgetting all about Li Yuan sitting nearby. Yet, as they continued their meal, the conversation naturally circled back to him.

Yan Yu remarked, “You know, isn’t it a bit dull living at the Full Moon Teahouse with the girls? Why not move in here with us?”

The proprietress retorted playfully, “You’re teasing me again. I’m not even from the inner district, so how could I possibly move in?”

Yan Yu continued, “Big Sis, you’re so young and beautiful, and having lost your husband so early...don’t you think...”

Suddenly, with a graceful movement, Yan Yu sprang up and hurried behind Li Yuan. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she beamed at the proprietress and said, “How about finding another man as wonderful as my husband?”

The proprietress’s face immediately flushed a deep red. Out in the world, she was known as a capable, no-nonsense woman. But when it came to matters of the heart, she only allowed herself to indulge those thoughts in the quiet of the night, tucked away beneath the covers.

She carried an air of worldly sophistication, yet inside she held a certain stubborn pride. No ordinary man could win her favor. And still, she longed for love...

After all, she was young and beautiful, her body still full of life, and she had yet to bear a child.

"But...I’ve already married..." the proprietress murmured, head bowed and stuttering.

In the flickering candlelight, her porcelain neck flushed scarlet, as though a little fawn were prancing inside her heart; her legs shifted, pressed tightly together.

Yan Yu giggled. "A woman who's been married knows how to cherish a man... Don’t you agree, Husband?"

Li Yuan regarded the proprietress thoughtfully. Just yesterday, his wife had told him everything about her.

The proprietress’s name was Xue Ning. She was 23 years old and hailed from Beam Dragon Mountain.

Five years ago, she had fled a sea raid along with her family and loyal maids. Yet once they arrived in Gemhill County, her family, worn out and traumatized by the long, arduous journey, soon fell ill and passed away.

In such dire circumstances, one might have expected Xue Ning to be left destitute. But fiercely independent and capable, she had boldly set up the Ginger Tavern.

Moreover, she had built a network among the local beggars. She didn’t simply pay them off but showed them a great deal of kindness.

The proprietress made sure that the restaurant stayed clean for them, paid for a dying beggar’s medical care, occasionally gifted them wine, mediated disputes, and even reserved a table for them at banquets.

Through these gestures, coupled with her generous yet commanding presence, many of the beggars came to regard her as a matron. Not only did they help her gather information discreetly, they even stepped in to defend the restaurant during times of crisis.

Outwardly, the Ginger Tavern was guarded by hired protectors; behind the scenes, these beggars lent their support.

In this way, Xue Ning had firmly established herself in Gemhill County.

One could say she was a rare blend of wealth, resourcefulness, and modest influence. And she was the very woman who had known Li Yuan long before his rise to prominence.

She needed Li Yuan. And Li Yuan needed her. This was not just a matter of mutual business benefits; on some level, it was also a physical, passionate necessity.

“Don’t you agree?” Yan Yu teased, gently nudging her husband.

Li Yuan turned to the proprietress. “Are you willing? If you are, Yan Yu shall be the first wife and you will be the second.”

Xue Ning’s face flushed a deep red as she fidgeted with her legs and lowered her gaze. “I...I am willing...just, please, do not let me down.”

Li Yuan’s tone turned earnest. “For a lifetime, I promise never to let you down.”

Xue Ning met his gaze with equal resolve. “And I will always support you.”