Chapter 100: Tian Xiangwen

In the most prosperous and precious part of the city, the venerable Zhang’s Musical Instrument Shop welcomed its most important customer of the day. Out of courtesy, Shopkeeper Zhang did not immediately invite Liu Sheng to the back room; instead, he first led her through the spacious main hall to admire the various instruments on display, even allowing Liu Sheng to try some on the spot.

Liu Sheng, true to her name, was well-versed in all kinds of instruments. The array before her dazzled her eyes, and she did not hesitate to demonstrate her skills, leaving both Xu Hong and Shopkeeper Zhang utterly astonished. Especially Zhang, who was himself an expert, could not help but admire her prowess silently.

“*Clap, clap...*”

A series of slow, resonant claps sounded. Having finished her performance, Liu Sheng rose gracefully, smiling warmly at Xu Hong and Shopkeeper Zhang. Yet, suddenly her expression stiffened. She realized the applause was not from the two of them but from Tian Xiangwen, who had entered the shop unnoticed.

Of course, Liu Sheng did not know his identity. She merely felt a strange discomfort despite the radiant smile on his face. Out of politeness, she responded with a smile to his applause.

Tian Xiangwen’s smile faltered briefly but quickly resumed its usual confident charm. He took slow, measured steps toward Liu Sheng, bowing with hands clasped and politely inquiring, “May I be so fortunate as to learn the lady’s name?”

Liu Sheng was not impressed or softened by his smile. Instead, an inexplicable tightness gripped her heart. Seeing the complex look in his eyes, a flicker of caution rose deep within her gaze. For a moment, she froze, unsure how to respond, and cast an imploring glance toward Xu Hong and Shopkeeper Zhang.

Xu Hong did not recognize Tian Xiangwen, but Shopkeeper Zhang certainly did—a face despised and feared by all. He forced out a smile more painful than tears and cautiously greeted Tian Xiangwen with a bow, his voice trembling, “M-Master Tian, your honorable presence graces us unexpectedly. Please forgive our poor hospitality!”

“Shopkeeper, you flatter me! I was merely passing by and was enchanted by the beautiful music—more intoxicating than fine wine—so I could not help but enter,” Tian Xiangwen said, perhaps wishing to maintain a good image before Liu Sheng. Contrary to his usual demeanor, he bowed politely to Shopkeeper Zhang, then turned his gaze back to Liu Sheng, eyes sparkling with unhidden admiration. “To my surprise, the source of such enchanting music is even more captivating than the melody itself!”

His eyes roved unabashedly over Liu Sheng, who wore a flowing emerald green gown that accentuated her slender waist and a soft yellow brocade short jacket. The sheer silk shawl draped over her shoulders and arms lent her an ethereal aura.

Though Liu Sheng’s eyes betrayed a hint of anxiety, their clarity and brightness only stirred Tian Xiangwen’s heart further, almost giving him the illusion of a welcome invitation.

“Young sir, please wait!” Xu Hong, sensing the unusual identity of this Tian gentleman from Shopkeeper Zhang’s expression and words, stepped forward with the pride inherent in a scholar. No longer the poor, humble student he once was, backed now by Ding Li and the Nanhai Gang, he did not regard Tian Xiangwen lightly. With a firm step forward, he raised his arm to block Tian’s path, his face impassive but his eyes brimming with defiance. “I beg your pardon, but my lady has important matters today. Please excuse us!”

“Hmm?” Tian Xiangwen frowned, unused to such treatment. He glanced at Xu Hong, then quickly smoothed his face back into a smile, suppressing his anger as he replied, “I know a little about instruments myself and merely wished to converse with your lady.”

He turned again to Liu Sheng, his tone deferential. “Might the lady honor me with a private session in the back room?”

Without waiting for Liu Sheng’s response, he looked meaningfully at Shopkeeper Zhang. “Shopkeeper, would that be convenient?”

Shopkeeper Zhang was caught in a dilemma. He knew who Liu Sheng was; he knew all too well what kind of man Tian Xiangwen was. Neither side was someone he dared offend. Stammering, he could not utter a single word.

Just as Tian Xiangwen’s expression darkened, Xu Hong stepped forward again, placing himself squarely between Liu Sheng and Tian. He lifted his chin and refused coldly, “Today is truly inconvenient, sir. Please forgive us.”

Xu Hong’s tone was harsh, even icy. The previous evening, Sai Yijia had instructed him to accompany Liu Sheng closely if she left the residence, holding him solely accountable for her safety. As a seasoned scholar, though down on his luck, Xu Hong sensed no scholarly aura from Tian Xiangwen, only something akin to a street thug despite his polite facade.

“What do you think you are?” Tian Xiangwen was already angered by Shopkeeper Zhang’s silence and now by Xu Hong’s obstruction, especially the latter’s aggressive stance. No one in Guangzhou dared treat him this way.

A low command barely audible outside the shop was followed by the sudden arrival of more than a dozen men, their faces fierce and hostile. Leading them was Tian Luo, who, seeing his master’s furious expression and Xu Hong’s defiant posture, understood immediately. Without hesitation, he barked to his men, “Throw that blind fool out!”

“Outrageous!” Xu Hong, fearless, raised his arm and pointed at the approaching men with burning anger. “In broad daylight, how dare you lay hands on anyone?”

His sharp reprimand halted their advance. Even Tian Xiangwen instinctively stepped back, his pride stung. Regaining composure, he coldly ordered, “Throw him out!”

“You insolent whelp! You dare defy us?” Tian Luo sneered, emboldened by numbers, and his men moved swiftly. Perhaps restrained by his orders, they did not strike Xu Hong but roughly seized his limbs, hoisting him up despite his struggles and shouts as they headed for the door.

“Help! Help! Protect the lady!” Xu Hong shouted, straining against their grip, while reassuring Liu Sheng behind him, “Miss, do not fear!”

Since Tian Luo and his men burst into the shop, the Ding family servants accompanying Liu Sheng and Xu Hong sensed trouble but had no orders to intervene, remaining outside. Upon hearing Xu Hong’s cries, they hurried in a panic.

“Oh? Reinforcements?” Tian Luo sneered, mocking. He waved dismissively to his men, “Go, deal with them. Toss them in the gutter!”

*Bang! Bang!*

Just then, two muffled sounds startled Tian Luo. Turning, he saw two men carrying Xu Hong stumble sideways, confronted by an enraged Sai Yijia standing at the door, flanked by a few capable members of the Nanhai Gang.

“You insolent scoundrels! You think you can toss around our Nanhai Gang members as you please?” Sai Yijia cursed fiercely, regardless of location. Drawing a short knife concealed beneath his jacket, he lunged without hesitation, slashing at one of the men’s chests. “Attack!”

Though Sai Yijia led only five men, they fought fiercely and decisively. As the order came, all drew short knives identical to Sai Yijia’s and engaged without hesitation.

“Damn it, it’s the Nanhai Gang again!” Tian Xiangwen’s face darkened. He recalled how the gang had insulted his carriage last time. Seeing Sai Yijia brandish a blade upon arrival, he barked orders, “Hit them with everything you’ve got! They’re too arrogant!”

The clash erupted in a spray of blood. Shopkeeper Zhang hastily dodged aside, as did Tian Luo, who relied solely on his tongue—anyone could knock him down in a fight.

Amid the chaos, Xu Hong, fallen and ignored on the ground, rubbed his side and glanced around. Seizing a moment, he crouched low and dashed toward Tian Luo’s back, delivering a fierce kick. Tian Luo’s sudden scream spurred Xu Hong to quicken his pace to Liu Sheng’s side. Influenced by Sai Yijia’s ferocity, he reached for his waist but noticed the panic in Liu Sheng’s eyes. He reassured her in a low voice, “Miss, don’t be afraid. With me here, no one will harm you...”

His words faltered mid-sentence. His hand returned empty from his waist. The boldness in his spirit diminished as he realized he was but a scholar—unlike Sai Yijia and his men, he carried no weapons.

Frozen in surprise, Xu Hong felt something hard press against his waist. Shuddering, he turned alertly to see a wooden stick held by Shopkeeper Zhang, whose face was marked by fear.

“Thank you!” Xu Hong’s courage surged anew. Taking the stick gratefully, he turned to stand before Liu Sheng, assuming a stance as if to guard her from all comers.

“You little brat! Remember this!” Tian Luo, who had intended to confront Xu Hong hand-to-hand to avenge the kick, halted upon seeing the weapon in Xu Hong’s hand. He glared fiercely but refrained from advancing, snarling his threat.

Xu Hong remained unmoved, brandishing the stick a few times in warning. Terrified, Tian Luo retreated two steps and scoffed dismissively.