Volume One: The Temptress Chapter 17: The House of Delights

“Xi Ke Inn? This is the one!” Jiang Hao glanced up at the sign above the shop and then strode in alongside Fan Caiyun.

The inn was tucked away discreetly deep within a quiet alley on the eastern side of Yong’an City, far removed from the bustling streets. Surrounded by towering ancient trees, it exuded a serene and refined atmosphere.

The exterior of the inn was rustic, with dark tiled eaves and walls entwined with lush green vines, blending harmoniously with nature and evoking a sense of stepping back in time.

Pushing open the weathered wooden door, a subtle fragrance greeted them—a mingling of fresh wood and herbal scents.

Though the main hall was modest in size, it was filled with a warm and inviting ambiance. Several hand-embroidered paintings depicting tranquil landscapes and pastoral scenes adorned the walls.

Behind a central wooden counter, a young waiter carefully polished tea sets, a gentle smile gracing his face as if eagerly awaiting each guest’s arrival.

In a corner of the hall, a few low tables gathered small groups of patrons who either whispered softly or sipped tea in silence. The entire space was suffused with a relaxed and joyful mood.

“Waiter, what are your signature dishes?” Jiang Hao asked as he and Fan Caiyun found a quiet corner to sit and rest.

Hearing his call, the waiter quickly set down the tea utensils and approached with a broad smile. “Sir, all our specialties at Xi Ke Inn are exquisite!”

“We have braised lion’s head meatballs, steamed osmanthus fish, stir-fried black bear paws, and nourishing herbal chicken…” the waiter enthusiastically listed the dishes.

“Excellent!” Jiang Hao waved his hand. “Bring all of those, then.”

“Sir, it’s just the two of you. Are you sure you can finish so many dishes?” The waiter was taken aback, looking to Jiang Hao for confirmation.

“I’m sure,” Jiang Hao nodded firmly.

“Brother Jiang Hao, aren’t we ordering too much? It would be wasteful if we can’t finish,” Fan Caiyun tugged gently at his sleeve, her face etched with worry.

“Relax, it’s a rare indulgence! We’ve been roughing it for so long in the wilderness. Now that we’re in the city, we must treat you well. Besides, Brother Jiang Hao has a big appetite!” He stroked her hair affectionately, his eyes full of tenderness.

To Jiang Hao, this girl had endured hardships alongside him in the misty forest, tirelessly attending to their meals each day. Now that they had finally reached the city, she deserved to feast heartily.

“Waiter, here’s three hundred silver coins. Also, please arrange two adjoining rooms for us. We’ll be staying for half a month, and during that time, we expect good food and drink. Is that all right?” Jiang Hao placed the hefty sum from his realm ring on the table.

The waiter’s eyes widened in astonishment. After a brief moment of stunned silence, he bowed to pocket the silver coins, smiling obsequiously. “Sir, you must be joking! Even if you and the lady stayed here for a year or more, it would be no problem at all.”

“It’s truly an honor to have you both stay at our humble inn!” The waiter, eager not to appear insufficiently hospitable, continued to flatter them warmly.

“Money makes the world go round,” Jiang Hao thought to himself with a sigh, then waved his hand to hasten the process. “All right, waiter, bring the dishes. We’re starving.”

As the waiter turned to leave, Fan Caiyun suddenly rose and called out, “Waiter, we need just one room.”

“Huh?” The waiter immediately halted and looked back at Jiang Hao respectfully for his decision. After all, this was their paying patron.

“Caiyun, we didn’t have this option before, but now that we do, it’s better to have two rooms. Besides, you’ll need the Bailing Dew for bathing and nourishing your spiritual veins. Since men and women must keep propriety, sharing one room would be inconvenient,” Jiang Hao explained earnestly.

“No!” Fan Caiyun rejected firmly.

Before Jiang Hao could respond, she threatened, “If Brother Jiang Hao doesn’t agree to this, then I won’t eat!”

“Sir, since the lady doesn’t mind, you should agree,” the waiter chuckled, clearly amused.

“Exactly!” Fan Caiyun pouted adorably in frustration.

“Well, you really leave me no choice,” Jiang Hao said helplessly, resigned to her demand.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll head to the kitchen to arrange the dishes!” The waiter smiled brightly as he asked.

“Go ahead,” Jiang Hao waved dismissively, inwardly sighing, “Two people in one room—doesn’t she realize one must undress to use the Bailing Dew bath?”

“Brother Jiang Hao, what are you thinking about?” Fan Caiyun leaned closer, whispering softly.

“Oh, nothing, just feeling a bit hungry,” Jiang Hao quickly changed the subject.

“Ha! I never thought Brother Jiang Hao could get hungry too! Then you better eat plenty later!” Fan Caiyun giggled, her voice as melodious as chimes.

…

“Sir, your dishes are ready!”

Shortly after, the waiter returned bearing a table laden with steaming, fragrant delicacies.

“Braised lion’s head meatballs made from our own farm’s pork—tender and flavorful. Steamed osmanthus fish caught fresh from the city moat, succulent and delicious. And the stir-fried black bear paws come from the wild bears on Black Bear Ridge outside the city…” The waiter introduced each dish proudly.

Faced with the sumptuous spread and the waiter’s enthusiastic explanations, Jiang Hao and Fan Caiyun could no longer restrain their appetites and began to eat heartily.

Seeing their eagerness, the waiter discreetly withdrew to give them privacy.

Before long, the table was cleared clean.

“Brother Jiang Hao, the food here is absolutely delicious!” Fan Caiyun covered her mouth and hiccupped, clearly satisfied.

“I’m glad you like it. Seems I chose the right inn,” Jiang Hao smiled in reply.

Suddenly, Fan Caiyun asked curiously, “Brother Jiang Hao, we passed many inns on the way. Why did we choose this somewhat secluded one?”

Jiang Hao smiled faintly and patiently explained, “A secluded place suits us better for resting and cultivating.”

“I see…” Fan Caiyun nodded, somewhat understanding.

Though the Wanbao Pavilion did not fear the Wild Wolf Gang, Jiang Hao sensed from Yan Tao’s gaze some lingering apprehension. Thus, he chose a relatively remote inn to avoid encounters with the gang.

“Have you eaten enough, girl?” Jiang Hao asked with a smile.

“Brother Jiang Hao, I’m so full I can’t even move! And you ask me that on purpose!” Fan Caiyun blushed, teasing.

“Ha! I just don’t want you going hungry,” Jiang Hao chuckled. “Since we’re full, let’s head upstairs to rest.”

“Mm-hmm, Brother Jiang Hao, I’m exhausted!” Fan Caiyun stretched and yawned.

Jiang Hao shook his head and softly called, “Waiter, show us to our rooms!”

“Right away, sir!” came the cheerful reply from afar.