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The carriage rolled through the imposing gates of Qinghe City, leaving behind the serenity of the forest for the vibrant energy of urban life.

 Qinghe City pulsed with activity—a metropolis of commerce and culture where fortunes were made and lost with each passing day. The streets teemed with merchants hawking their wares, their voices rising and falling in a symphony of commerce that echoed between the closely packed buildings.

As their carriage navigated the bustling thoroughfares, Wudi Egun observed the scene through half-lidded eyes, his expression betraying nothing of his inner thoughts. Beside him, Li Meixia adjusted her pristine white sleeve, seemingly unbothered by the dust and noise of the city streets.

"Qinghe has grown even more prosperous since my departure," she remarked, her melodious voice carrying easily over the city's clamor. "The summer trading season brings merchants from all corners of the country."

Wudi Egun nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the colorful stalls lining the streets. Vendors called out their prices, extolling the virtues of their merchandise with practiced enthusiasm. Customers haggled with equal fervor, the back-and-forth of negotiation as much a part of the transaction as the exchange of goods and currency.

"A prosperous city indeed," he replied, his tone measured and calm despite the chaos surrounding them. "One can gauge the strength of its ruling family by the wealth of its markets."

Li Meixia's lips curved into a subtle smile at his observation. "You speak with the wisdom of one who understands the true nature of power, Master Wudi."

The carriage continued its journey, leaving the commercial district behind as it entered the more refined quarters of the city. Here, the streets widened, the buildings grew more elegant, and the people moved with the unhurried grace of those unburdened by common concerns.

Finally, they approached a massive compound surrounded by high walls of polished stone. The walls, ancient yet impeccably maintained, spoke of generations of wealth and influence. 

Above the main gate, the emblem of the Li Family—the crossed swords and sleeping dragon—was carved in relief, the stone work so fine that even the scales of the dragon seemed to catch the afternoon light.

"Welcome to the Li Family Estate," Li Meixia announced as the gates swung open, revealing a sprawling complex of traditional architecture nestled among meticulously landscaped gardens.

The carriage passed through the gates and proceeded along a stone-paved path flanked by ancient trees whose branches formed a natural canopy overhead. The grounds were immaculate—not a blade of grass out of place, not a stone unpolished. Everything spoke of careful attention and abundant resources.

As the carriage came to a halt before the main residence, a contingent of servants emerged, arranging themselves in neat rows on either side of the path. They bowed in perfect unison as Driver Mo opened the carriage door.

Li Meixia descended first, her movements graceful and refined. Wudi Egun followed, his bearing no less dignified despite his shorter stature and plumper frame. If any of the servants found his appearance at odds with his demeanor, they gave no sign, maintaining their respectful postures as the pair approached.

"Young Lady, welcome home," the head servant, an older woman with a stern face but kind eyes, stepped forward with a deep bow. "Your journey was successful, I trust?"

"Indeed, Auntie Zhao," Li Meixia replied with a warm smile that transformed her elegant features. "Please inform Uncle Li that I have returned. Tell him I bring favorable news from Yunxu City."

"At once, Young Lady," the woman responded, gesturing to a younger servant who immediately departed to deliver the message.

Li Meixia then turned to another servant, a middle-aged man with a meticulous appearance. "Steward Chen, please prepare the Eastern Guest Pavilion for our honored guest, Master Wudi Egun. Ensure that all amenities are provided to the highest standard."

"It shall be done immediately, Young Lady," the steward replied with another bow before hurrying off to execute her commands.

Turning to Wudi Egun, Li Meixia gestured toward one of the pathways leading away from the main residence. "If you would follow me, Master Wudi, I shall show you to your accommodations personally."

As they walked along the stone path, servants bowed and stepped aside, their movements so practiced they seemed almost choreographed.

 The estate revealed itself gradually—a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural splendor. Ancient pavilions nestled among carefully pruned gardens, stone bridges arched over tranquil ponds where koi fish swam lazily beneath lily pads.

Throughout their walk, Wudi Egun maintained his facade of polite interest tinged with the subtle suggestion that he had seen far grander sights in his mysterious homeland. His expression remained composed, his posture relaxed yet dignified. Not once did his eyes widen in appreciation or his steps falter in surprise.

Yet behind this carefully constructed mask, his mind raced. The wealth on display surpassed even his expectations. The Li Family's resources were clearly vast—perhaps even greater than the rumors suggested. Each pavilion they passed, each garden they traversed, each servant who bowed in deference added to his mental calculation of the family's worth.

"The Eastern Guest Pavilion is one of our finest accommodations," Li Meixia explained as they approached a structure of exceptional beauty. 

The pavilion stood on a small island in the center of a lotus-filled lake, connected to the shore by an elegant stone bridge. Its upturned eaves and intricate woodwork spoke of master craftsmanship, while the surrounding gardens created an atmosphere of serene isolation despite being within the bustling estate.

"It is adequate," Wudi Egun replied with a slight nod, as if he were accustomed to far more luxurious quarters—a blatant falsehood that his impassive expression concealed perfectly.

They crossed the bridge and entered the pavilion. The interior was even more impressive than the exterior—spacious rooms furnished with priceless antiques, silk tapestries depicting scenes from ancient legends, and furniture crafted from rare woods polished to a mirror shine. 

Large windows overlooked the lake, allowing the gentle breeze to carry the sweet scent of lotus blossoms into the rooms.

"Tonight, the Li Family will be hosting a banquet in celebration of our new business venture in Yunxu City," Li Meixia informed him as a servant silently entered to light the ornate lamps, then disappeared just as quietly. "It would be our honor if you would join us in the Gathering Hall. Many influential figures from Qinghe City will be in attendance—perhaps you might find some of them interesting in your... explorations."

The subtle emphasis she placed on the last word suggested she remained intrigued by his mysterious background and purpose.

"I shall attend," Wudi Egun replied with the air of one granting a favor rather than accepting an invitation. "It would be... educational to observe the social dynamics of Qinghe's elite."

A smile touched Li Meixia's lips, her eyes studying him with undisguised interest. "Then I shall look forward to your company this evening, Master Wudi. A servant will come to escort you when the time arrives."

She bowed slightly—a gesture of respect that, coming from one of her station, was no small honor—before turning to leave. At the doorway, she paused, glancing back over her shoulder. "Until tonight, then."

With those words, she departed, leaving Wudi Egun alone in the luxurious pavilion. He remained standing, perfectly still, until the sound of her footsteps faded completely. Only then did he allow himself to move, crossing to the door and sliding it firmly shut.

Alone at last, Wudi Egun drew in a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he surveyed his surroundings once more. The mask of aloof indifference slipped just a fraction, revealing a flash of naked avarice in his dark eyes as they swept over the opulent furnishings.

"Impressive," he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible. "Far more impressive than I anticipated."

He moved to the bed—a massive affair with silk sheets and embroidered coverlets that probably cost more than most commoners would see in a lifetime—and sat down on its edge. The mattress yielded beneath his weight, soft yet supportive, stuffed with the finest down.

For a moment, he allowed himself to marvel at the luxury surrounding him. The Li Family's wealth was evident in every detail, from the jade inlays in the furniture to the gold thread woven through the tapestries. Such resources could be immensely useful to someone with his ambitions.

With practiced movements, he reached for the black leather pouch secured at his left waist. The pouch, worn and unassuming, seemed out of place amid such splendor, yet he handled it with reverence. From within, he withdrew a brush of exceptional quality, a small container of ink, and a sheet of paper so thin it was nearly translucent.

Mixing the ink with a few drops of water from a nearby pitcher, he began to write. His brushstrokes were precise and confident, the characters forming with fluid grace despite the speed of his hand. 

The message was brief but detailed—observations about the Li Family estate, notes on Li Meixia's demeanor, and speculation about the business venture being celebrated that evening.

When he finished, he blew gently on the paper to dry the ink, then folded it with meticulous care into a tiny square. This he returned to the pouch, along with the brush and ink, before securing it once more at his waist.

Leaning back slightly, Wudi Egun allowed himself a small, cold smile—an expression entirely different from the polite mask he had worn in Li Meixia's presence. This smile never reached his eyes, which remained calculating and sharp.

"The Li Family," he mused quietly. "So powerful, so wealthy... and so very useful."

He rose from the bed and moved to the window, gazing out at the tranquil lake and the bustling estate beyond. 

Servants hurried along distant paths, carrying supplies and messages. Guards stood at strategic points, their postures alert despite the peaceful surroundings. Everything functioned with precision and purpose, like a well-oiled mechanism.

As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the gardens, Wudi Egun began to plan. The banquet would provide an opportunity to gather information, to identify potential allies and obstacles. Every conversation, every introduction, every seemingly casual observation would serve his purpose.

Behind his facade of benevolence and mystery, his mind worked tirelessly, calculating and scheming. 

The Li Family had unwittingly invited a wolf into their midst—one who wore the face of a harmless traveler but harbored the heart of a predator.

And as the shadows lengthened across the luxurious pavilion, Wudi Egun prepared himself for the evening ahead, his true nature concealed behind a mask of polite interest and mysterious charm.