Auction

"Yue Ying, did you put up a barrier? We don't want unwelcome ears," Mingyao said, a serious expression forming.

"It's up, Pavilion Master," Yue Ying answered, her expression as stone faced as ever.

"Good."

Mingyao picked up one of the ledgers, her eyes analyzing its contents. A quick skim of the yearly profit summary showed earnings of 50,000 taels. After taxes and bribes, they would be left with around 40,000 taels. It was a good starting amount, but she knew there must be more. After all, one of the Yin Lian Pavilion's tasks was to play Robin Hood.

"The profits from the legal business look good. What about the money you 'collect' from the corrupt nobility?"

Yue Ying hesitated but eventually presented the hidden ledger detailing their underworld activities—assassinations, stolen assets, and all other Hidden Lotus operations. Mingyao glanced at the ledger, pleased to confirm that additional funds were available if needed, but returned both ledgers to Yue Ying without reviewing the second one.

"From your division, Mo Yan, do you have a list of all the corrupt officials?"

"I have more than just a list, Grandmaster. Did you have a specific official in mind?"

"I want to know the political affiliations of these officials. I need to understand how powerful our opponents are."

"It's a long list, so you'll need to be more specific."

"...The Fourth Prince is my current target. What does his circle look like?"

Mo Yan leaned forward, a serious tone in her voice. "It's substantial but not enough to be a threat yet. As you are now, you have no political backing in court other than the Su family, so sooner or later, he could become quite the deterrent to your ascension."

"Yes, I know. That's why I need to nip him in the bud before he does. So where does his strength lie?"

Mo Yan leaned back in her seat, making herself comfortable, before looking at Mingyao with a sly smile.

"Would you like to guess?"

"Mo Yan, please stop your foolishness and answer the Pavilion Master."

"Hmph, you're no fun. The answer is right in front of your face," Mo Yan said, her slim, delicate index finger pointing at the ledgers in Yue Ying's hands.

"What do you mean, Mo Yan?" Mingyao asked, her face expressing confusion.

"It's our biggest competitor in business, the Chen family."

"But isn't the Chen family just a merchant family?" Xue She asked.

"They may not be a noble house, but they hold influence," Mingyao answered as she analyzed the situation.

"Yep, money can give you quite the leverage," Mo Yan added.

"Mo Yan, do you have crucial information on the Chen family businesses?"

"More than you can imagine. They are my favorite tree to pick from."

"Good, give all the details so that I can analyze the best way to move forward."

"Why don't you try the Qian Fu Hall? The answer you seek will most likely be there."

"Qian Fu Hall? What's so special about it?"

"The Chen family is obsessed with it, so getting it under Hidden Lotus Pavilion assets is a great way of declaring war on them."

"Declaring war?"

"Yes, Xue She, declaring war."

Mingyao got lost in her thoughts.

"You don't need to think too much, Grandmaster. The Chen sons each hold the place dear, so it's worth it."

"...How do you propose we acquire it?"

"Through the auction, of course, Grandmaster."

"Auction?"

"Yes, auction. Qian Fu Hall has been struggling with poor business due to all the Chen gambling houses around. They have accrued debt, and with their owner recently passing away, the local bank decided to hold an auction to pay off the debt."

"Interesting. Do you have any information on the Chen sons?"

"More than I would like. I will present a nice report tonight."

"Okay, then it's settled—we will go after the Chens. Does anyone else have anything to report?"

"Not a report, just a question. Is the new look permanent? I kind of like having a female Grandmaster."

"Mo Yan!!"

"It's okay," Mingyao said, gesturing for Yue Ying to relax. "This body has potential, so it will be here for a while, but it's not permanent."

"Did you manifest it through the Thousand Faces Demon Art? It's very well made if you did."

"You think? Maybe I was female the whole time, and you just didn't notice," Mingyao said, a smirk forming. "Anyway, if there is nothing more, the meeting is adjourned. You can leave, even you, Xue She—I have something to discuss with the Sect Master."

"As you wish, Pavilion Master."

Xue She and Mo Yan walked out of the room, with Mo Yan taking on her male form before leaving, while Xue She waited outside to take the Pavilion Master wherever she wanted to go.

"Yue Ying, did you manage to find the divination master?"

"I haven't found his specific location, but I have a general idea of where he might be."

"Good, I will need more of his help with my situation. Keep working on it."

"Yes, Pavilion Master."

"What about the other thing? Did you find any clues?"

"Not yet, Master."

"It's okay. What about your memories? Have any of them returned? I know it's been almost a decade since you lost them."

"...No... Not yet, Master. I can't seem to remember anything past that day you found me."

"It's alright. We'll look for another physician to help with your situation. For now, let's focus on our current missions."

"Yes, Master."

"I am grateful to have you, Yue Ying. This organization started with just the two of us, and now look how big it has grown. I couldn't have done this without you. I am so thankful to have you as my right-hand woman and partner."

"You are too kind, Master. I will do all that is in my power to repay your kindness."

"You don't have to be so rigid with me, Yue Ying. After all, I've known you for almost half my life. You are my close confidant."

"..."

"I know it has been hard on you since I lost my Grandmaster status three years ago, but with this new body, I will quickly work towards it again. For now, keep striving to reach the peak of Master level."

"Yes, Master."

"Anyway, enough of that. Do you think Mo Yan can pull off being me, the Crown Prince? I can feel a summons for me to return to the palace coming soon."

"She is the best infiltrator we have, so playing the role for a while is easy for her, but she will need to study your habits. Is that okay?"

"Whatever she needs, as long as she can fool the Royal Palace."

"As you wish, Pavilion Master."

"Stop being so distant, Yue Ying. When we are alone, just call me Mingyu or Mingyao."

"I dare not."

"Please, just do it for me. You are one of the few people I hold dear in this life."

"I... I can't..."

"You are so rigid. Anyway, good work, Yue Ying. Let's grow this organization even more."

"Yes, Master."

"I will take my leave now, Yue Ying."

"Good day and safe travels, Master."

Mingyao walked out of the room to find Xue She waiting for her. She sighed before telling Xue She to take her back to the Su Estate. Mingyao could already hear the endless nagging she was going to receive from those two women.