Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 478 - 249: Let’s See How You Act

Chapter 478: Chapter 249: Let’s See How You Act

The promotion of Wanshou Mountains and Rivers was indeed effective.

Soon the news that the female master Dugu Luoxue was taking on disciples spread, causing much discussion among the people.

The hot topic was that this fellow named "Jiang Yi" had become one of the candidates for the future lord of Wanshou Mountains and Rivers, while at the same time, Shangguan Yunjin’s candidacy was revoked.

As soon as this news broke, there was an immediate uproar among the public.

Out of the four gentlemen of Wanshou Mountains and Rivers, Shangguan Yunjin undoubtedly had a high popularity.

Moreover, with the rumors of his romance with the princess, he was unmatched in the spotlight.

The women who admired Shangguan Yunjin on regular days could not accept this news and insisted that Wanshou Mountains and Rivers must give an explanation.

My giegie works so hard, why should he be denied?

Various conspiracy theories also emerged online.

At the same time, another piece of news also stirred up a heated discussion in the Jianghu.

That was the news that the Sword Demon Yan Changqing had taken on a disciple named "Jiang Mo".

Although the fact that Jiang Mo was Yan Changqing’s disciple was not deliberately concealed, not many people knew about it.

But this time, it suddenly spread, as if someone was deliberately creating momentum.

Many people in the Jianghu didn’t believe that the Sword Demon, who usually kept to himself and was as elusive as the dragon’s head but not its tail, would suddenly take on a disciple.

Therefore, compared to the official announcement from Wanshou Mountains and Rivers, people who didn’t know the inside story were skeptical about this message that seemingly popped up out of nowhere and could only wait for Yan Changqing to confirm it himself.

Nevertheless, the name Jiang Mo eventually sparked discussions among the common folk.

The level of discussion was second only to Jiang Yi.

Even some Jianghu characters who liked to ride on the coattails of hype gave their newborn children names like Jiang Jia, Jiang Bing, Jiang Ding, or Jiang Bai, Jiang Hei... No matter the surname, adding a "Jiang" seemed to be fail-safe.

As Zhuge Xuanji once hoodwinked someone, riding on the coattails of a big shot could mean snatching some of their fortune.

For example, there were quite a few young people in the Jianghu named Yan Changqing.

But when Jiang Shouzhong heard these two pieces of news, he was deeply engaged in conversation with Oiran Liu Wuxu at Jinse Pavilion.

It was already late at night with a clear moon and sparse stars.

In the fragrance-filled elegant room, the sound of the pipa was melodious, like a mountain stream bubbling along, wafting through the faint lingering fragrance, ceaselessly entwining.

After finishing her piece, Liu Wuxu looked at Jiang Shouzhong with shimmering eyes, "Jiang, what do you think?"

Jiang Shouzhong smiled and nodded, "Miss Liu has made great progress, but there are occasional bursts of passion in the piece that seem to lack a bit of sharpness. If you could add a bit more force in your fingering and be a little more unrestrained, it would be better."

As he spoke, he suddenly remembered Qin Shier.

Her pipa skills were truly formidable; light plucking was like a spring breeze brushing the willows, and heavy strumming was like rain tapping at the window — insidiously deadly techniques disguised in music.

Liu Wuxu furrowed her brow in thought for a moment and earnestly nodded, "Wuxu has taken note."

Jiang Shouzhong chuckled, "Actually, I’m just an outsider and don’t understand these professional nuances in music. Miss Liu need not take my words too seriously."

Liu Wuxu smiled gracefully, "Jiang, you are too modest. Besides, if I may be frank, a tune is meant for the layman to listen to. No matter how profound and professional the playing technique, if no one enjoys it, it’s just self-indulgence."

"That is true."

Jiang Shouzhong picked up his cup and took a sip.

Liu Wuxu’s eyes sparkled as she spoke softly,

"Moreover, now that Jiang is one of the candidates for the future lord of Wanshou Mountains and Rivers, it’s truly a fortunate event that the future lord is advising me, and I’m basking in the good fortune."

Jiang Shouzhong chuckled speechlessly, but his heart was gloomy.

What is this beautiful master of mine doing

Pulling me into this lord candidate thing out of the blue, it’s utterly nonsensical.

Clearly, Jiang Shouzhong thought that Wanshou Mountains and Rivers appointing him as a candidate was a covert move by Dugu Luoxue.

As for the other news about "Jiang Mo", Jiang Shouzhong’s first thought was of Yeying.

Because the last time they met, Yeying mentioned she wanted to help create momentum for him.

Looking at the current buzz, Yeying’s skills were quite impressive indeed, a master of using social media to generate buzz if she were in the modern era.

Jiang Shouzhong brought his thoughts back to the present and casually inquired,

"Miss Liu mentioned yesterday that she overheard two merchants from Nanjin Country calling Jiang Mo a spy. Have those two merchants come back since then?"

Liu Wuxu lightly shook her head, "Wuxu has not seen them since."

Jiang Shouzhong uttered an "oh" and looked at her, "So what does Miss Liu think about it, is Jiang Mo really a spy for Nanjin Country?"

Liu Wuxu sighed helplessly, "Whether he is or isn’t, it has nothing to do with Wuxu. In places like these, guests often reveal many secrets when they are drunk. Often, we have to learn to forget what we hear and keep quiet."

Her words were watertight.

Regardless of whether the other party would be framed, it had nothing to do with her.

Jiang Shouzhong smiled and nodded, slowly drinking a few sips of tea before casually asking, "How long has Miss Liu been at Jinse Pavilion?"

Liu Wuxu’s expression turned somber, "It’s been five or six years now."

"That long?" Jiang Shouzhong feigned curiosity, "Where is Miss Liu from? A local from Qingzhou?"

Liu Wuxu shook her beautiful head, "Wuxu was originally from Fengcheng. My parents passed away early, and I have been wandering with my aunt since I was a child. After arriving in Qingzhou and my aunt fell seriously ill, in order to treat her illness, Wuxu sold herself to Jinse Pavilion, but sadly my aunt still didn’t make it."

To make someone believe a lie, it’s best to mix in some truth with the lie.

And in Liu Wuxu’s words, clearly, some parts were true, and some parts were false.

Jiang Shouzhong’s brain was working overtime as he analyzed the situation, and with a sigh of sympathy, he said, "So that’s how it is, Miss Liu has had it tough indeed."

"It’s not that difficult, one just needs to learn to live well."

Liu Wuxu picked up the wine jug to pour more wine for him, speaking softly,

"Speaking of which, Wuxu has not properly thanked you, Jiang. Yesterday, for my sake, you got into a conflict with Mr. Ma and almost got hurt. All these years, no one has ever truly cared for Wuxu like that..."

As she spoke, a trace of moisture welled up in the woman’s beautiful eyes, her sorrow tinged with vulnerability, like a piece of duckweed drifting on the vast ocean.

Jiang Shouzhong smiled and said, "Miss Liu, no need to thank me, I just couldn’t stand by and do nothing. If it hadn’t been for my master, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have been able to help you."

He reached out to pat her shoulder to comfort her.

But just as his fingers were about to touch her shoulder, the woman suddenly stood up with a graceful curtsy,

"I will never forget the kindness you’ve shown, Jiang, etched in my heart. At least now Wuxu knows that not everyone is after my body, but some truly care for Wuxu."

Jiang Shouzhong’s outstretched hand froze in mid-air, and then he picked up his cup and laughed, "It was nothing."

Liu Wuxu sat back down, lightly bit her lip, and presented a fragrance pouch to Jiang Shouzhong, "Jiang, I made this fragrance pouch myself and have carried it with me for many years.

I didn’t dare to give anything too valuable, fearing it would tarnish your status, but I hope you won’t disdain it. Please take it as a token of my gratitude... a bit of... sentiment."

At the last word "sentiment," the woman’s cheeks flushed red, revealing a shy bashfulness usually found in young girls.

Any man would have his thoughts stirred by such a beautiful woman offering a fragrance pouch worn close to her body for years, and sense the subtle, suggestive intimacy.

Jiang Shouzhong pretended to be a bit excited, then managed to restrain his emotions, accepting the fragrance pouch and said solemnly, "Miss Liu, rest assured, if anyone dares to bully you, they will be making an enemy of Jiang Yi! I will definitely protect you!"

"Thank you, Jiang."

Liu Wuxu looked at Jiang Shouzhong with affectionate eyes, radiant with charm.

Jiang Shouzhong, seemingly overwhelmed by his feelings, suddenly stood up and moved towards the woman, when a knock on the door interrupted him.

"Miss, Granny has something to look for you."

It was the voice of Liu Wuxu’s maidservant.

Jiang Shouzhong stopped in his tracks, somewhat awkwardly touched his nose, "Miss Liu, it so happens I have matters to attend to as well, so I won’t trouble you any longer."

"Mm, take care, Jiang."

Liu Wuxu spoke softly, with regret and apology in her gaze, "Please remember to visit Wuxu often, Jiang. From now on, Wuxu hopes to play music only for you."

"Definitely."

Jiang Shouzhong nodded emphatically.

As he left the Jinse Pavilion, Jiang Shouzhong glanced back at this place of decadence, a sneer forming on his lips as he muttered, "Playing the courtesan but still wanting a monument of virtue, what can you actually uphold?"

He took out the delicate fragrance pouch, a look of disgust crossing his features.

Just wait and see what kind of tricks you’ll play!

...

Upon returning to the small courtyard, the sight of a pair of delicate legs wrapped tightly in black stockings caught Jiang Shouzhong’s attention.

Great, that flamboyant old lady is back again.

However, to Jiang Shouzhong’s delight, Xia He was also there.

Although the four sisters all looked exactly alike, with little difference in height and build, distinguishing between them over a cup of bubble tea was still possible.

Especially Xia He, the easiest to recognize.

Mr. Li giving her the nickname "Poached Egg" was not without reason.

So Jiang Shouzhong recognized Xia He at a glance.

On seeing the man she loved, Xia He was naturally very happy, but because of the presence of the lady and the female master, the young girl had to maintain her icy image.

"Yo, Jiang, back from the brothels, are we?"

Jiang Yi teased with a twinkle in her eye, a playful smile on her lips.

Dugu Luoxue remained in her usual tranquil demeanor, with plain clothes and a simple hairpin, composed and as pure as snow.

The two women of contrasting styles created a striking juxtaposition.

Jiang Shouzhong indulged in untimely fantasies...

If these two were in one bed, that would truly define the very essence of "a clash of ice and fire."

"How come you’re here? Didn’t you say someone might be watching and following you?" Jiang Shouzhong asked, frowning.

Jiang Yi smiled sweetly, lifting a delicate pinky finger to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, the light flashing off her slender ear, as exquisite as finely carved jade, "Now you’re known as Jiang Yi of the Wanshou Mountains and Rivers, no one will suspect anything. It’s perfectly normal for me to visit."

Jiang Shouzhong realized then.

It seemed the identity of Jiang Yi was quite secure.

"Furthermore..."

Jiang Yi’s eyes twinkled, her tone teasing, "I’ve brought Xia He to relieve you of a night’s loneliness. Wouldn’t want you, as a disciple, to get too frustrated and assault your beautiful master; that would be a grave dishonor."

——

[Author’s note: Just chatting casually, I’ve seen many readers guessing that characters like Lu Renjia, who are close to the protagonist, might have hidden identities, but that’s not the case. I don’t really like writing about brotherly feuds or conspiracies.

I think it’s enough that they are simply good to the protagonist. Even if they can’t help much, they shouldn’t hold the protagonist back—a bit of intelligence is all they need.]