Chapter Eighty-One: A Night Conversation Between Father and Son

Master Liu stroked his beard in contemplation before asking, “Have you spoken to anyone outside about your little sister?”

Liu Cheng shook his head. He understood this well enough—his little sister was still so young. Even if others believed what he said, it would only stir up unnecessary trouble. A single rumor could lead to no end of problems.

Master Liu smiled, “You did the right thing. It’s best not to let outsiders know about your sister. When Qin’er first told me about her shop, she insisted on separating it from the Liu family’s name. I didn’t take it seriously at the time, but now I see it was the wisest choice. If the shop’s business was poor, it wouldn’t matter, but now that it’s just opened and is already so popular, it draws too much attention. Here in Wucheng, we’re already careful and keep a low profile, yet even so, that old fox Fang still finds ways to report us. If he learns this shop belongs to the Liu family, who knows what schemes he’ll devise or what false charges he’ll fabricate against me.”

Liu Cheng protested, “Does the Fang family not have enough businesses of their own? Just in Wucheng, their shops are everywhere, and in every profitable trade, they have a hand. They buy low and sell high, bully competitors, and everyone knows it.”

“How the Fang family conducts their affairs is their business. The Liu family has its own principles. Remember this: those who do evil will meet their end, and no one escapes retribution forever. Alas, I have no choice. The Jin faction has dominated the court for years; their power is immense. Though I’ve served as an official for many years and hold some authority, I have no influence in the capital and cannot oppose them. All these years I’ve managed only to maintain a fragile balance to keep us safe. As for confronting the Fang family, we simply don’t have the strength right now.”

Master Liu sighed, unwilling to admit this bitter truth, but there was no denying it. Hearing this, Liu Cheng lowered his head, his fists clenching tighter and tighter.

Master Liu sipped his tea, composed himself, and continued in a calmer tone, “By the way, you should say a word to Captain Zhao, ask him to look after things a bit. If he asks, just say the owner’s surname is Xiao.”

“Xiao?”

“Your little sister chose it herself, said it would make things easier for her in the future.”

Liu Cheng nodded. Captain Zhao was in charge of patrols and criminal investigations in the North District. With him keeping an eye out, no one would dare cause trouble at Nectar Pavilion.

Master Liu added, “Speak to your wife as well. Although few in the household know about Qin’er’s affairs, she’s been careless in her conduct lately. As she grows older, people are bound to talk. Tell your wife to keep everyone’s tongues in check—no gossip about our household must leak outside, lest your sister’s reputation be harmed.”

“Yes, Father. But... what about Mother?”

Though the Madam had heard bits and pieces from Master Liu, she wasn’t clear about the details, not even that the shop opened today. That was why Liu Cheng asked.

“I’ll speak to your mother. But she’s never approved of this in the first place. Best not to tell her more than she needs to know, so she won’t worry.”

Liu Cheng nodded again. The two discussed a while longer, turning to official matters at the yamen.

Liu Cheng recalled something he’d heard that day and said, “Father, that bodyguard Chen Zhi has been frequenting the Drunken Spring Brothel even more lately. When he’s off duty, he’s almost always there. Nothing suspicious otherwise, but I think it’d be best to transfer him away from your side, just in case.”

“No need. Just have someone keep a close eye on him. It’s good to expose a few flaws—otherwise, Fang Fengxian will just stir up trouble elsewhere.”

“But, Father—”

“Don’t worry. As things stand, we can’t bring down the Fang family, but they can’t touch us either. No one will make a move for now. At most, Fang is just looking for ways to provoke me, or he wouldn’t be so blatant.”

Master Liu and Fang Fengxian had been rivals for years and knew each other well. It’s said the one who understands you best isn’t your friend, but your enemy; this was certainly true for them. In public, both were high-ranking officials who maintained appearances. No matter how fiercely they fought in private, in the eyes of outsiders, their cordiality was impeccable.

Liu Cheng knew his father was right, but that night, he couldn’t sleep. As the eldest son, he bore the heaviest responsibilities and always had to put the Liu family first. He’d never thought much of it before, but tonight, he found himself wishing, just once, that he could be the youngest, like his little sister—free to do as he pleased, to act on his passions and grudges without concern...

Unbeknownst to Liu Qin, her father and brother had quietly cleared away many obstacles in her path.

Nectar Pavilion’s business continued to thrive. Though not packed to the rafters every day, it was always nearly full, and soon its reputation spread. Even wealthy families from the East and West districts came to taste its offerings. A few prominent merchants, after sampling the wine, even sent their servants regularly to buy more for their banquets.

Speaking of which, one cannot forget Young Master Ning, Liu Cheng’s friend, who came to support them on the first day. He was quite the character—scion of the illustrious Ning family, the wealthiest in Wucheng, and heir to the family business. Yet, he refused to be a dutiful young master, dreaming instead of a life roaming the jianghu.

A few years ago, he’d snuck away to see the world, only to be found by his father’s men and locked up at home for a while. Afterward, he didn’t try to run again but caused endless trouble—frequenting brothels and gambling dens, breaking off an arranged engagement, creating a scandal with the eldest Miss Cheng, and, not long ago, brazenly bringing a courtesan home, insisting on making her his concubine. Old Master Ning nearly died of rage and threw him out of the house once more.

With nothing better to do, the exiled Young Master Ning became a regular at Nectar Pavilion. Every day at opening, he’d show up bleary-eyed, claim the first private room, and drink and feast till mid-afternoon before staggering away. Though his reputation was poor, he was generous and lavish, so the staff at Nectar Pavilion always vied to serve him.

Liu Qin, too, was intrigued by him and had secretly observed him. In her eyes, though his conduct was improper and his manner frivolous, there was something odd about him. It seemed as if the persona he displayed was a deliberate act for others to see, a mask that hid his true self.

But that was his business. Whether his secrets ran deep or not, it was not her concern.

As for her own worries, there were few left. Nectar Pavilion was running smoothly, and business was so good they’d hired several more waiters, so their help was rarely needed. Fang Nuo managed the accounts with ease, and she needn’t worry about that either.

Datong, under Uncle Cheng’s guidance, was also coming along well. His greatest strength was his diligence and obedience, which greatly pleased Uncle Cheng. Although he sometimes lacked cleverness or flexibility, Uncle Cheng often said that in business, adaptability has its merits, but so does honest simplicity. In the end, sincerity always brings its reward.