Chapter 896: The Jianghu (Part 1)

After settling his mules, the old man led the caravan crew into Tongfu Inn.

Wang Chen was among them.

The lobby of the inn was vast, with four robust wooden pillars supporting the expansive roof. Inside, a dozen dining tables were arranged, and an elevated second floor encircled the space, hosting even more tables.

Oil lamps hung from the walls, casting a warm glow over the bustling lobby, alive with chatter and activity.

Merchants, travelers, hunters, and lone wanderers from all corners gathered here, drinking from large bowls and feasting on hearty meals. Some whispered conspiratorially, while others laughed and spoke boisterously.

As Wang Chen crossed the threshold, a wave of warmth, mingled with the scents of wine and roasted meat, greeted him.

This, perhaps, was the true essence of the Jianghu!

The old man, familiar with the place, guided the caravan members to a corner table, one of the few still available. He then beckoned a waiter.

“Master Sun, you’ve arrived! How was the journey?”

The waiter, clearly recognizing the old man, greeted him with a cheerful smile. “We’ve got fresh beef today. Would you gentlemen like to start with a few pounds to whet your appetite?”

“Let’s have thirty pounds of braised beef to start!”

The old man laughed heartily. “And bring three jars of rice wine. By the way, where’s the innkeeper’s wife?”

“She’s in the kitchen, overseeing things!”

The waiter winked. “We’re swamped today, and the boss is run off his feet. Your braised beef will take a moment; I’ll bring the rice wine and some side dishes first.”

“No rush.”

The old man waved him off. “Carry on with your duties.”

After the waiter left, the old man turned to Wang Chen, seated beside him. “This Tongfu Inn has been here for years, always bustling. It’s a safe place to stay.”

No sooner had he spoken than the curtain behind the counter parted, and a woman in a red dress emerged gracefully.

She appeared to be in her late twenties or early thirties, at the peak of a woman’s beauty, with an oval face, bright eyes, a high nose, and lips as red as flames, exuding an irresistible charm.

The moment the woman in red appeared, the noisy lobby fell into a hush.

All eyes turned to her, filled with admiration and awe.

“That’s Madam Tong, the innkeeper…”

The old man whispered, “Young man, don’t get any foolish ideas!”

Wang Chen smiled.

Running such a large and thriving inn in this remote mountain area required more than just beauty.

Madam Tong was undoubtedly a rose with thorns.

The greedy yet cautious looks from the surrounding patrons made it clear she was not to be trifled with.

Nevertheless, a few bold souls approached the counter, grinning as they chatted with the innkeeper.

Madam Tong responded with a warm smile, handling them with ease, never allowing them to gain any advantage.

Just then, the drinks and side dishes for Wang Chen’s table arrived.

The old man personally poured a bowl of rice wine for Wang Chen, grinning as he said, “The rice wine and braised beef at Tongfu Inn are truly exceptional. Every time I stay here, I have to enjoy a few bowls and some meat to sleep comfortably. Young brother, you should try some too.”

“Thank you.”

Wang Chen raised the bowl and took a sip—the rice wine indeed had a delightful flavor.

It was low in alcohol content, with a sweet taste that didn’t burn the throat, and it warmed him pleasantly as it settled in his belly.

He drank two bowls in quick succession.

“Ah!”

Just then, a sudden scream drew everyone’s attention.

A man in plain clothes had collapsed on the floor in front of the counter, clutching his broken left arm and emitting chilling sounds of wailing.

Madam Tong, standing behind the counter, frowned and said, “That’s too unpleasant to hear. Someone, throw him out!”

As soon as she finished speaking, a waiter hurried over, grabbed the man, and dragged him to the door, tossing him out unceremoniously.

Bang!

Immediately, someone slammed their hand on the table and stood up, glaring at Madam Tong. “Madam Tong, don’t go too far!”

“Too far?”

Madam Tong’s expression darkened instantly. “Is this ruffian’s hand something he can touch? Acting crazy from drinking, I’ve been very lenient not to chop off his hand. Do you want to test your strength with me?”

The man was left speechless.

He knew his brother’s nature; a few bowls of rice wine would make him lose all sense of propriety.

But being publicly scolded like this was something he couldn’t swallow.

“Who?!”

In the next moment, a thunderous roar echoed as a short, stocky man burst out from the kitchen, wielding two cleavers.

His eyes, wide as copper bells, glared fiercely as he shouted, “Touch my wife’s hand, and see if these cleavers agree with you!”

The surrounding crowd felt their eardrums ring, and a wave of fear swept through them.

The stout man, holding two cleavers, radiated an overwhelming killing intent that filled the room.

The man who had been targeted by his glare broke into a cold sweat, his legs trembling uncontrollably.

He forced himself not to retreat and hastily pulled out a silver ingot, slamming it on the table. “No need for change.”

With that, he turned and bolted out the door.

His companions at the table quickly followed suit, not daring to linger for even a moment.

The stout man snorted, his sharp gaze sweeping the room, and no one dared to meet his eyes.

“Boss, what are you doing?”

Madam Tong emerged from behind the counter, her voice soft yet firm. “You’ve scared off all the guests. Just wait and see how I deal with you!”

With that, she twisted the stout man’s ear.

“Ouch!”

The stout man’s expression immediately softened, his killing intent dissipating as he was obediently led back to the kitchen by Madam Tong.

The tense atmosphere in the lobby eased considerably, and everyone resumed their drinking and chatting, though their voices were noticeably quieter.

Some of the patrons, visiting Tongfu Inn for the first time, couldn’t help but remark on the peculiarity of the couple, muttering phrases like “flowers growing on cow dung” under their breaths.

To be honest, compared to the enchanting Madam Tong, her husband was short, unattractive, and rough-mannered—a complete mismatch.

The old man chuckled, “These people…”

Boom!

At that moment, a loud thunderclap sounded outside.

One crash followed another, rumbling continuously, as if the heavens and earth were about to collapse.

Clearly, a heavy rainstorm was imminent.

Suddenly, a fierce wind swept into the inn, carrying with it scattered raindrops.

The waiter hurriedly shut the doors to keep the wind and rain at bay.

Wang Chen felt a stir in his heart and turned to look toward the door.

Amidst the raging storm, he sensed an unusual commotion and felt that something significant was about to happen.

And it wouldn’t be small!