Chapter 211 - A Conversation Before War
Shui Wuyin continued slowly, "Some people from the lower castes can do them too. Since the Four Seasons Tower is a massive, all-encompassing organization, it won’t exclude the darker sides of society. Perhaps I should say… places that people usually don’t take note of."
Yun Yang looked concerned as he asked, "For example?"
"For example… brothels, casinos, gangsters, beggars, bodyguard establishments, banks… maybe even Tiantang City’s slumps."
Shui Wuyin was combing through his thoughts unhurriedly as he spoke of his perspective bit by bit, "If I were to be in charge of the Four Seasons Tower, I will never rule out the main bosses of the red-light districts. These are people I must have in my hands."
"Because those places can have unexpected effects under specific circumstances."
Yun Yang nodded again as he mulled over what was being said. Listening to Shui Wuyin, it was as if his perspectives had broadened.
Shui Wuyin was right. He had been tackling the entire issue only from the significant aspects while not paying much attention to everything and everyone from the lower classes.
Just like the family of generals’ case the other day – if he had noticed the rumors spread among the people earlier, the entire incident could have been nipped in the bud!
This was indeed a blind spot in his thinking process.
"Although young master is the think tank of Nine Supremes, having exceptional intelligence, all of young master’s focus has always been on the military conflicts. That is why young master will also always tackle things from the macro view." Shui Wuyin commented.
"It’s not that young master missed out on the two mistakes I’ve mentioned earlier. Young master has simply never come across such a situation before this."
"But they’re what we must face afterward… Wuyin can only hope that I could patch young master’s loopholes at any given time. Still, we can’t afford any surprises. We must have everything within our control!"
Yun Yang sighed and replied, "Wuyin, you need not comfort me. It’s true that I’ve never thought of them; a mistake is a mistake. I can’t and need not deny this. If I cover it up, I will only commit the same mistake in the future."
"Just like what you said, we can’t afford any accidents. And in this world right now, any careless step could cause a mistake from which we can never recover from. We can’t afford to err."
"So, it is my oversight." Yun Yang emphasized his words, "I admit it and I shall remember to never commit it again!"
Looking at Shui Wuyin, Yun Yang spoke seriously, "Wuyin, I am lucky to have you."
Shui Wuyin’s eyes flashed with admiration and relief. "I can rest my worries now that young master can think so. Our first target, for now, will be Mi Kongqun!"
"Let’s first focus on the target that shows itself. Only then we shall look for those that are concealed." Shui Wuyin said, "The intel we have right now is limited but Supreme Lord Spring Frost, He Hanqing, must have the name list of everyone belonging to the Four Seasons Tower’s Hall of Spring!"
"It's like pulling chestnuts out of the fire. We have to go through it step by step; we can’t be impatient nor can we err!"
Shui Wuyin heaved a long puff of air; he had finally finished his analysis. He could not help rubbing his temples, this was indeed tiring to the mind.
"Great!"
Yun Yang puffed as a sharpness tinged his gaze.
"Since we’ve decided on the target, we shall delay no longer. Let’s do it!"
Mi Kongqun would be first on their list!
It was night at the Cirrus House.
Yun Yang had recently formed an unusual habit. Each time when he was about to do something, he would come here first. Although he let nothing out of the bag, it was as if he was subconsciously reporting it to his brothers.
"I’m going to end them!"
"I’m going to seek revenge for us!"
He could even persuade himself that as long as he did so, his brothers would know – and they would bless and protect him.
"They will be very happy when I succeed!"
"As long as I uncover the spies and kill the enemy, then perhaps my brothers will clink their goblets of wine together in the underworld to celebrate for me too."
Even when he knew that his thoughts were self-indulging and self-deceiving, he was willing to believe it, willing to be deceived!
Of course, everything was true to one who was willing to be deceived by himself, even when it was false!
When Yun Yang saw Yun Zuiyue today, instinct told him that something was vaguely amiss but he could not tell what it was.
Yun Zuiyue’s gaze towards him seemed to be more affectionate and sympathetic than it used to be; she had always treated him very well but the friendliness seemed to be a bit more than the norm today.
Also, Cirrus House had very few patrons tonight.
Yun Yang was very familiar with the people in Cirrus House. With a single glance, he was sure that other than Qing Shanxue and a few other familiar faces, the rest of the Cirrus House’s staff, including a few sworn sisters who were the closest to Yun Zuiyue, were all gone.
"Where are the staff? Why are there so few of them now? Has something happened in the Cirrus House?" Yun Yang was naturally puzzled about it.
Looking at Yun Zuiyue, he could somehow show his true self to a certain extent, thus directly asking the questions that were at the top of his head.
Yun Zuiyue sat down gently and explained, smiling, "The eyes see and the mouths speak too much when there are a lot of people, so I simply sent some away. It’s much more orderly now."
Yun Yang was shocked hearing her words, instantly falling silent.
He could guess Yun Zuiyue’s thoughts. It was probably due to Ju Chen; that was why she had sent all those she was uncertain of or had doubts about away – nipping everything in its bud before they could possibly turn into a hidden disaster.
"Sister Yue’s expenditure must be quite high then? Especially those who have to be sent away despite the fact that they are no threat. Sister Yue probably doesn’t feel good about it too," Yun Yang said.
He had called her sister-in-law previously but upon Shui Wuyin’s reminder, Yun Yang felt that he had to be even more careful with his words and actions. For example, the current term of endearment; sister-in-law. If he were to form a habit addressing her so, it might become the reason for an unforeseen catastrophe. If Yun Zuiyue were to be stricken with a mishap, Yun Yang would definitely kill himself. Therefore, he reverted to calling her Sister Yue.
"Nothing so serious." Yun Zuiyue smiled.
"It’s not out of will that we sisters enter this field. As a woman, who doesn’t hope that they can find a good man and a stable home to return to; perhaps, a life that one dreams of. All the sisters who left this time, whether they have somewhere to go, were all given one million silver taels. I believe they can live well after this, it’s a life they can see future in."
Yun Zuiyue heaved a long sigh. "I sincerely wish all of them safety and happiness, leaving such a place to live lives belonging only to themselves, live that they have always dreamed of."
"An industry based on youth will always be temporary. How can it last?"
Yun Zuiyue chuckled bitterly. "The sisters will have to leave sooner or later. I only helped them decide that it would be sooner."
"Sister Yue is right. I hope they can really live life as they wish and be happy and safe," Yun Yang replied.
Looking as Yun Yang with her clear eyes, Yun Zuiyue asked with concern, "Does young brother not have good rest these days? You look frightful…"
Yun Yang laughed and replied, "Nothing as bad as that. My days are more comfortable and at ease than Sister Yue’s."
Yun Zuiyue nodded her head but could not help casting her eyes down, thinking, "All your brothers aren’t by your side now. You’re alone in the center of this whirlpool, facing life and death at every moment… How can you be more comfortable and at ease than me?"
"So many of Cirrus House’s sisters have left. I wonder if Sister Yue…" Yun Yang switched to another topic. "… will also have ... the life you dream of too?"
Just as the words rolled off his tongue, Yun Yang regretted them immediately, wanting very much to give himself a few harsh slaps.
It was likely prodding a terribly tender spot.
Yun Zuiyue chuckled softly and said, "If I leave too… won’t he have to spend more effort looking for me if he comes back? As for life that I dream of… it’s the life I have now!"
Yun Yang kept quiet, the melancholy rang deeper in his heart.
Yun Zuiyue continued softly with a faint smile, "The life of a woman is really simple actually; it’s all about waiting. It’s the same no matter what type of woman one is. When a woman is young, she waits for her man and a home. When she has a home, she waits still; she waits for her man to return home from work, waits for him to have a meal, waits for him to reunite, waits… when she gets older, she waits for their children and grandchildren…"
"As for me right now, I’m also waiting – waiting for my man."
Yun Zuiyue went on. "As for this wait, this process… it’s one that Sister Yue is happy to go through. As long as there’s someone in a woman’s life who’s worthy for her to keep on waiting like this… it’s also a kind of happiness."
Yun Yang’s Adam’s apple bobbed; he swallowed dryly before he spoke, "Yes… Yes. It’s indeed a kind of happiness. I have no doubt at all about Sister Yue’s words."
Yun Zuiyue chuckled, beautiful like flowers blooming. "Why is it always about me? Let’s talk about you this time. Young Brother Yun, if I’m correct, I’m afraid your real identity isn’t the only son of Marquis of Heavenly Clouds?"
Yun Yang was taken aback at once – stupefied; he obviously did not expect Yun Zuiyue to deliver her words so directly, so frankly.
"I’m just guessing." Yun Zuiyue’s eyebrows formed a pretty curve.
"Sister Yue is indeed intelligent. Your guess is right, I’m not Marquis Yun’s son by blood." Yun Yang sighed softly.
"Then is it acceptable for Young Brother Yun to disclose your real background?" Yun Zuiyue asked curiously.
Yun Yang wore a straight face when he answered, "I don’t even know this myself."
Yun Zuiyue made a sound of exclamation. "Pardon? What do you mean?"