The Duel of Fortunes

The Jade Lotus House still pulsed with restless energy, even after the chaos of Han Jin's 300,000-tael bid and Lian Xue's staggering 8-million-tael redemption price. The once-raucous crowd had mellowed into a wine-soaked revelry, laughter and slurred voices spilling into the moonlit courtyard.

In a private chamber, Han Jin reclined on a silk couch, the faint scent of sandalwood clinging to the air. The room was softly lit, painted screens depicting frost-covered lotuses casting elegant shadows on the walls. Across from him sat Lian Xue, her veil discarded, revealing delicate features that were both cold and captivating. The lute she had played earlier now rested silently by her side, its strings still reverberating with the ghost of her last melody.

She poured tea with graceful precision, sliding the cup toward him. "You've made waves tonight, Young Master Han," she murmured, her voice smooth as the wine they had shared. "Gao Shun won't forget this. Nor will the capital."

Han Jin accepted the cup, smirking slightly as he peered over the rim. "Good. Forgetting me would be a tragedy." He took a slow sip, the warmth of the tea cutting through the haze of alcohol. His lips curled into a lazy grin. "And Gao Shun? He's just a stepping stone."

An angry one, he added silently, recalling the 500 Resonance Value points Gao Shun's fury had earned him earlier.

Before Lian Xue could respond, a sharp knock rattled the door. A servant slipped in, bowing low.

"Young Master Han, Young Master Gao Shun requests your presence in the main hall. He… insists it's urgent."

Han Jin arched a brow, the corner of his mouth twitching with amusement. Insists, does he?

He set the teacup down and rose leisurely. "Well then," he drawled, glancing at Lian Xue, "shall we see what the sore loser has planned?"

Her lips curved faintly, her eyes glinting with intrigue. "I wouldn't miss it."

Together, they stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the main hall. The crowd had thinned somewhat, but Prince Chen still lingered, his expression a mask of sardonic amusement, while Luo Ping slumped over a table, muttering incoherently about bankruptcy.

Below, Gao Shun stood in the center of the hall. His emerald-green robes were still pristine, his posture stiff with barely restrained fury. The room quieted as he raised his voice.

"Han Jin!" he called, the challenge ringing through the hall. "You think you've won with your gold and theatrics? I challenge you—a duel of wealth. My family's Silvercloud Mine against whatever you can muster. Three days from now, at the capital's auction square. Let's see who's the real prodigal here."

The hall fell into stunned silence before erupting into a wave of gasps and whispers.

The Silvercloud Mine? Han Jin's eyes narrowed slightly, though his grin only widened. The mine was the Gao family's lifeblood—a rich vein of ore that fueled their trade empire. And now, Gao Shun was betting it all.

The tension in the room thickened as Han Jin leaned casually against the balcony railing, playing to the crowd. His voice carried with deliberate mockery.

"A mine, huh?" he mused, his tone almost playful. "That's bold, Gao Shun. I'll take that bet." He let the words hang for a moment before adding, "But you'd better bring every last tael—you'll need it."

Gao Shun's eyes gleamed with cold satisfaction. "Winner takes all," he declared. "No backing out. Unless you'd rather run back to your Chancellor daddy?"

The crowd stirred at the taunt.

Han Jin chuckled softly, unbothered. "Back out?" His grin turned sharp. "I'd sooner marry Mu Qing tomorrow." He let the words hang in the air, the name alone drawing a collective gasp. Mu Qing, the warlord's daughter—his betrothed. The capital's tiger-eyed beauty with a temper that could burn down a province.

Prince Chen clapped him on the shoulder, laughing. "You're insane, Han Jin. I love it."

Luo Ping, still half-drunk, groaned loudly. "We're dead. Dead! My father will skin me alive!"

The system chimed softly in Han Jin's mind:

[Resonance System Notification: Emotional fluctuation detected. Mass reaction: +1,500 (10 points each, 150 affected). Total: 33,565.]

The crowd roared in approval, their excitement washing over him like a tide.

Han Jin waved the servant away with a flick of his wrist and turned to Lian Xue. His eyes glimmered with mischief. "Looks like the night isn't over yet. Care to keep me company while I figure out how to strip the Gao family bare?"

She tilted her head slightly, a ghost of a smile on her lips. "For 300,000 taels and a hairpin?" Her voice was soft, but her eyes were sharp. "I'll stay as long as you like, Young Master Han."

They returned to the chamber, the sliding door closing behind them. Lian Xue refilled his cup, her movements elegant but deliberate. She sat close this time, her gaze steady.

"You're playing a dangerous game," she said quietly, her voice almost a whisper. "Gao Shun's family won't take this lightly. And your betrothed—Mu Qing, was it? She's not one to let her future husband publicly offer to marry her out of mockery. Even here, I've heard of her."

Han Jin's grin widened slightly as he swirled the tea in his cup. "Danger's half the fun." He tapped his temple lightly, where the system notification flickered again:

[Resonance System Notification: Emotional fluctuation detected. Rumors reaching Mu Qing's camp: +600 (Mu Qing's rage peaks). Total: 34,165.]

Lian Xue watched him carefully but said nothing. Instead, she picked up her lute once more. Her fingers brushed the strings, coaxing out a soft, mournful tune that filled the chamber. The melody was slower this time—less haunting, more wistful.

Han Jin closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to simply listen.

When the song ended, Lian Xue set the lute aside and turned to him, her voice barely above a whisper.

"If you win this duel," she said, her eyes holding his, "if you keep this up… might you consider helping me reach that eight million?"

Han Jin opened one eye, regarding her with a lazy smirk. "Redemption, huh? You're ambitious, Snow Lotus. I like that." He reached over, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Keep singing. We'll see what I can do."

Her eyes glimmered with something unreadable—hope, perhaps, or something sharper. She nodded once, then picked up the lute again.

"Then I'll sing until dawn, if it pleases you."

The soft notes filled the chamber once more, and as they did, the system's familiar chime echoed in his mind:

[Resonance System Notification: Emotional fluctuation detected. Lian Xue's gratitude: +200. Total: 34,365.]

---

Far across the capital, in a dimly lit study, Gao Tianhao—the patriarch of the Gao Trading Guild—sat behind a lacquered desk. His fingers drummed slowly against the polished wood as he listened to his servant recount the night's events.

"300,000 taels. A spirit artifact. And now a duel for the Silvercloud Mine?" Gao Tianhao's voice was low, menacing. "This Han Jin is a pest. But his father, Han Zheng, is no fool."

He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Send word to our contacts at the Ministry of Revenue. I want dirt on Han Zheng—anything we can use. And tell Gao Shun to prepare the mine's full yield. We'll bury that brat in gold if we have to."

The servant bowed deeply. "Yes, Patriarch."

Gao Tianhao stared into the candlelight, his lips curling into a cold smile. "Enjoy your victory while you can, Han Jin. You won't hold it for long."

---

Back at the Jade Lotus House, Han Jin lounged lazily as Lian Xue's song played on. The system chimed again:

[Resonance System: 34,365 Resonance Value. Current Level: 3. Techniques: Iron Palm Strike (LV4), Gale Step (LV5). Upgrade Costs: Iron Palm Strike to LV5 (1,200 points), Gale Step to LV6 (4,000 points). Next lottery draw at LV4 (1,000 points spent).]

A slow, satisfied grin tugged at his lips.

Three days, he thought. Time to turn Gao Shun's challenge into my biggest payday yet.