Volume One: A Beauty’s Bane Chapter 43: Three Women Make a Crowd

"Take care, young master! We look forward to seeing you again!" the waiter called out, waving enthusiastically from the doorway.

Once Jiang Hao had walked a fair distance away, the waiter frowned and muttered to himself, "That’s strange. Why did that young lady's figure seem so familiar?"

"Could it have been Pavilion Master Qin of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion?" The waiter’s eyes widened in disbelief. He rubbed them vigorously, suspecting he had been seeing things.

"Forget it, why bother thinking about it? As long as there’s money to be made, that’s all that matters." Glancing down at the hundred silver coins in his palm, the waiter grinned from ear to ear before turning back into the inn.

...

After leaving the Happy Guest Inn, Jiang Hao and Qin Yumei, both carefully disguised, headed straight for the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

Although Qin Yumei had repeatedly assured Jiang Hao that even someone like Murong Hai would not be bold enough to kidnap them in broad daylight on the main streets, the situation remained delicate. While Murong Hai, as a hereditary prince, possessed the authority to command the city lord of Yong'an and mobilize the city guards, the reputation of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion was not to be trifled with; even the imperial family treated it with caution.

Nevertheless, Jiang Hao, believing that "caution is the parent of safety," followed the advice of his master, Feng Ling'er, and chose to remain as discreet as possible.

Before long, they arrived at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. As they stepped into the main hall, they found Yan Tao sternly reprimanding a group of subordinates.

"I’ve always said that soldiers are raised for a thousand days to be used in a single moment! The young miss has been missing for two days now, and you haven't even found a single shred of a lead!" Yan Tao’s voice thundered, her face filled with indignation.

"As guards of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, is this how you repay the young miss’s kindness?" Her piercing gaze forced the burly men to keep their heads bowed, silently enduring the harsh rebuke.

"I’m so anxious I could die! No, I must inform the Pavilion Master about what’s happened here!" Yan Tao paced back and forth, her heart heavy with worry.

Just as she was preparing to send someone to Longxia City, a familiar voice drifted in from the doorway behind her: "Xiao Tao, I’m back. Stop scolding them; this wasn't their fault."

"Young Miss!" Yan Tao gasped in excitement. She rushed to Qin Yumei, clutching her hands tightly, her voice trembling. Seeing Qin Yumei return safely, the heavy stone that had been weighing down Yan Tao’s heart finally fell away.

"Young Miss!" the others echoed in unison, their eyes filled with respect and relief.

"Yes, you may all withdraw," Qin Yumei said, removing her black cloak to reveal her exquisite features.

"Understood!" The group bowed respectfully before dispersing to their respective duties.

...

"Young Miss, you’ve finally returned. I was so worried I could have died!"

"Where on earth were you last night? I had people turn the entire city of Yong'an upside down, and we couldn't find a trace of you," Yan Tao asked, her voice brimming with emotion as she held Qin Yumei’s hands.

Qin Yumei patted her hand gently and said softly, "Xiao Tao, it’s a long story. This is not the place to talk; let us head inside."

"Yes, of course, Young Miss," Yan Tao replied, feeling a wave of relief.

It was then that she noticed Jiang Hao standing beside Qin Yumei. "Young Miss, who is this gentleman?"

Since Jiang Hao was still draped in his black cloak, his face remained hidden, and Yan Tao could not recognize him.

Qin Yumei offered a charming smile, cast a glance at Jiang Hao, and then took Yan Tao’s hand. "Let’s go, Xiao Tao. We’ll talk inside."

Led by Qin Yumei, the three went to her private chambers. After the ordeal of the previous night, Yan Tao dared not take any chances; she stationed a dozen elite guards outside the room to ensure their safety. Following Qin Yumei’s instructions, the Myriad Treasures Pavilion also announced it would be closed for three days.

Once Jiang Hao confirmed the area was secure, he released Fan Caiyun from his Qiankun ring. Qin Yumei, being thoughtful and kind, immediately prepared a sumptuous feast for the girl, fearing she had gone hungry.

...

"Outrageous! This Murong Hai is truly despicable!"

"It’s all my fault! I never imagined Murong Hai would dare send men to the Myriad Treasures Pavilion to abduct the young miss!" Inside the room, after hearing Qin Yumei’s account, Yan Tao slammed the table, her face flushed with fury.

"It’s alright, Xiao Tao. There’s a silver lining to everything. If I hadn't encountered this crisis last night, I wouldn't have met the most important man in my life." As she spoke, Qin Yumei looked at Jiang Hao with deep affection.

"The heavens surely watch over the young miss!" Yan Tao nodded, then bowed to Jiang Hao with heartfelt gratitude. "Young Master, we owe you so much for yesterday. If you hadn't stepped in to save her, the young miss would surely have fallen into grave danger!"

"I don't know how to thank you enough!" Yan Tao said with sincere, earnest words.

Jiang Hao waved his hand dismissively. "Sister Xiao Tao, there is no need for such formality. Defending the weak against injustice is the duty of any cultivator."

Yan Tao smiled slightly and whispered, "Young Master, I have heard of the poison the young miss was afflicted with—the Joyous Powder."

"I suppose I shall have to change how I address you to 'Young Master-in-law' from now on. You may just call me Xiao Tao, just as the young miss does." Her keen intuition had already grasped the subtlety of the situation.

Qin Yumei merely smiled, as if she had expected her maid to deduce what had transpired between her and Jiang Hao.

Meanwhile, Fan Caiyun, who had been busy devouring a roasted chicken, froze. She set down the leg, staring at Jiang Hao in utter disbelief.

"Brother Jiang Hao!"

"You... you actually..."

Jiang Hao blushed instantly, the tips of his ears turning crimson. He scratched his head awkwardly and laughed sheepishly. "Little one, the situation was critical back then. It was a last resort, really!"

"I don't want to hear it! Caiyun doesn't want to hear it!"

"Waaah!"

"Caiyun accidentally fell asleep last night, and the next day, Brother Jiang Hao had a wife!"

"If I had known, I wouldn't have slept at all! Then no one could have taken Brother Jiang Hao away from me!"

Fan Caiyun stomped her feet in frustration, her face burning like fire. She felt as if the sky had collapsed, and suddenly, the roasted chicken on the table lost all its appeal.

"This girl..." Jiang Hao sighed, shaking his head with a wry, helpless smile.

Qin Yumei stepped forward and gently stroked Fan Caiyun’s hair, comforting her with tenderness. "There, there, Sister Caiyun. It is all my fault for taking away a share of the love your Brother Jiang Hao has for you."

"But from today on, haven't you gained a new sister? Sister Yumei promises that from now on, I will cherish you even more than your Brother Jiang Hao does!" Qin Yumei’s expression was full of doting affection, her eyes radiating warmth.

Fan Caiyun slowly lifted her head, staring at the stunningly beautiful older woman before her. After a moment of hesitation, she whispered, "Sister, you really mean that? You’re not just saying it?"

"I promise, little one. If your Brother Jiang Hao ever bullies you, just tell me, and I will certainly settle the score for you!" Qin Yumei agreed without a moment’s hesitation.

"Hehe, Sister Yumei is the best!" Fan Caiyun giggled.

"As expected of the young miss; she managed to win over this little girl in one move," Yan Tao whispered behind her hand, stifling a laugh.

"They say three women make a show... thank goodness Master isn't here," Jiang Hao thought, watching the scene with a bewildered expression.