Her thought didn't last long before it was shattered, and Jingyun shook his head with a look of regret.
"No, the Madam is still alive. I heard she had a fight with Ding Haowen. This Madam was also a famous beauty in Suzhou when she was young. It's said her martial arts were extremely high. The two have always been affectionate for so many years, how can she endure this happening now? So tonight, most people are going to watch the spectacle."
Yun Xiao sat in the light, her expression changing unpredictably. She wasn't someone who enjoyed watching a spectacle.
But her heart seemed to hold a sense of unease, or perhaps a defiant voice, and the Qin music she'd heard on the bridge, which was filled with a strong sense of killing.
All of this made her want to go and see the excitement, or perhaps if there was something she could help with, she raised her face and spoke softly.
"Forget it, we won't eat. Let's go see the excitement tonight. Do you know where the Ding manor is?"
Jingyun chuckled twice upon hearing his master's words, nodding repeatedly. He put down his chopsticks, looking smug.
"Master, I knew you were someone who enjoyed watching a spectacle."
Yun Xiao was utterly speechless, while Liu Xing and Wan Wan simultaneously looked at Jingyun.
This fellow dared to speak without thinking in front of his master. The one who enjoyed watching a spectacle was clearly him, wasn't it? He had described the event so dramatically and movingly, just to get his master to go and watch.
And now it seemed his master was the one who enjoyed spectacles.
With a snap, Jingyun received a blow, and Liu Xing and Wan Wan spoke in unison, "Serves you right."
Yun Xiao had already stood up, waved her hand, and ordered, "Let's go. Anyway, there will be many people tonight, and we don't know who is who. Let's bring a gift."
Jingyun rubbed his head and quickly opened the door. A stack of exquisite gift boxes was brought in, and he said with a fawning smile.
"Master, I have already prepared them for you."
The three people in the room looked at the ceiling and walked out directly, not looking at him at all. He was left carrying a stack of gift boxes, following behind them, calling out as he walked.
"Hey, someone help me carry this, help me carry it."
Unfortunately, no one paid him any attention. They all completely ignored him.
The Suzhou night was truly beautiful, with a clear sky as transparent as glazed glass. The streets were lined with all sorts of lanterns.
Looking at them from afar, they resembled a brilliant long dragon. Amidst the hazy lights, vendors could be seen everywhere, calling out from time to time. Carriages and horses flowed endlessly through the streets and alleys, and figures bustled about.
The air was filled with the scent of rouge, and from time to time, seductive and sweet voices could be heard from brothels.
"Sir, come in and play, this humble servant is waiting for you."
That soft, sweet voice pierced directly into people's hearts, making them shiver involuntarily.
Inside the carriage, Yun Xiao looked up at Liu Xing and Jingyun, scrutinizing them with peculiar curiosity. Finally, she asked.
"Do all men like women with this kind of appeal?"
"Master, what are you thinking about?" These two fellows, for the first time, spoke in unison, their expressions extremely serious, as if Yun Xiao had offended their dignity. On the side, Wan Wan couldn't help but exclaim.
"Come on, you guys, aren't you men?"
Upon hearing Wan Wan's words, Jingyun glared at her. A cacophony erupted inside the carriage, like the sound of exploding firecrackers. The verbal sparring had officially begun.
Yun Xiao, who had long grown accustomed to it, was able to close her eyes and rest amidst this verbal barrage. Liu Xing was full of admiration for this, but he couldn't stand it any longer and leaped out, sitting beside the coachman.
After the carriage had traveled for a while, it stopped. Liu Xing's voice sounded from outside.
"Master, we've arrived."
As soon as he spoke, the carriage became deathly silent. Then, Jingyun's joyous voice rang out: "We're here! Hurry, don't be late, or we'll miss the excitement."
A typical instigator, he was delighted to witness the chaos while others were likely in deep sorrow.
This time, Yun Xiao shot him a cold glare, and Jingyun immediately became alert and stopped speaking, not daring to utter another word. The three of them alighted from the carriage one after another.
The Ding manor, lanterns hung high.
On the grand lintel, two powerful characters, 'Ding Manor', were inscribed. The tall, vermilion gate clearly indicated its age. The stone lions at the gate, playfully kicking a ball, exuded an imposing and majestic aura. This was the home of the former Martial Alliance Leader.
Indeed, it was different from other places.
Outside the manor gate, the crowds were very lively. Countless fine horses and carriages arrived, and guests flowed in without end. A long line of servants stood at the entrance, led by what was likely the Ding manor's steward, who, with remarkable finesse, was assigning staff to entertain the guests.
To be a steward in such a household, one must have long cultivated excellent social skills, otherwise, they would not have been able to manage.
Groups of guests were led inside, and then more groups arrived. Yun Xiao glanced around and saw that most of these guests were carrying swords and sabers. This was probably what was called the martial world. It was indeed different from other places.
The few of them walked over, following behind a group of people and heading inside.
In truth, the steward didn't recognize many of the guests tonight. He only knew how to accept gifts and usher guests in. So, when Yun Xiao led her group over, the steward ordered the person behind him: "Come, lead the guests inside."
Immediately, two young servants walked over, took the gift, handed it in, and then turned back to respectfully salute Yun Xiao: "Guests, please follow me inside."
Yun Xiao cupped her fist, saying nothing more, and followed the servant inside.
Along the way, she saw people coming and going. Occasionally, acquaintances would greet each other with clasped fists, then link arms, appearing brotherly, entering together. Such scenes were everywhere.
Looking further, among the guests, there were many women in men's attire, carrying swords and sabers, looking heroic, unrestrained, and capable.
The Ding family was indeed wealthy and powerful. This large manor not only occupied a vast area but was also arranged with meticulous attention to detail.
The grand and imposing front hall was packed with people, nearly a hundred of them. Their voices were loud and rough, typical of martial artists.
However, because there were so many people, it felt a bit chaotic. Yun Xiao frowned and huddled in a corner, not attracting any attention.
Suddenly, a resonant voice echoed from the front of the main hall.
"Thank you all for coming to celebrate Ding's concubine-taking ceremony today. We will be drinking heartily and eating heartily later. Please do not blame us if the reception is not up to par."
Despite the noisy crowd, the hall immediately fell silent when this person spoke. Although Yun Xiao lacked internal energy and did not understand martial arts,
From the man's strong and resonant voice, she could vaguely tell that he possessed deep internal energy and extraordinary skill. This alone showed that he was still vigorous and likely the host of tonight's concubine-taking ceremony, Ding Haowen, the former Martial Alliance Leader...
Although Ding Haowen was the former Martial Alliance Leader, he had an excellent relationship with the current leader, so he was still highly respected by people in the martial world. As soon as he spoke, someone laughed loudly and responded.
"Brother Ding, what are you saying? Why should we be so polite with you? Tonight is Brother Ding's great occasion, and we must drink until we are drunk."
A chorus of agreement filled the hall, and Ding Haowen laughed heartily again.
At this moment, the steward's smooth voice sounded from outside: "The Martial Alliance Leader has arrived."