Xianyang was a bustling metropolis, famous for its courtesan pavilions and magnificent pleasure houses that dazzled at night, always lively with year-round festivals. In Xianyang, there was also a person who was no less famous than the city itself. Every resident of Xianyang knew of him.
It was not only within Xianyang that this world-renowned figure was known; even those in the jianghu knew of him.
He was Jin Aotian.
From that name alone, one could guess what kind of person Jin Aotian was. A name often reveals one's nature, after all. If he had given himself the name Aotian, then he was truly an arrogant man who looked down on heaven itself. But if it was a name bestowed upon him by his parents, then he could be excused to some extent.
Regardless, Aotian was still Aotian.
No matter what his name was, it was not the name that made Jin Aotian famous. He was renowned in the jianghu, and especially in Xianyang, because of his illustrious background.
Even if all the finest pleasure houses in Xianyang, all the private estates, and all the most beautiful places in the city were combined into one, they still could not compare to "Jin Manor"—the most beautiful and magnificent estate in Xianyang. The world did not know the exact extent of Jin Manor's immense wealth, but people rumored among themselves that its fortune could buy anything in this world.
They even whispered that if the reigning Emperor were to put his throne up for sale, Jin Manor could buy that too. It was the sheer scale of Jin Manor's wealth that made Jin Aotian famous, even though he was barely twenty years old.
Despite such fame and such a massive estate, not a single figure from the underworld of the martial world dared to cast an eye on Jin Manor. This was because, among its mere retainers, Jin Manor housed peerless grandmasters of the jianghu. Just hearing their names was enough to make one's soul scatter in fear, let alone thinking of bringing trouble to Jin Manor, to say nothing of trying to seize its wealth.
This unique, heaven-sent background was what made Jin Aotian so famous in Xianyang. It was also because of this very background that everyone dreamed of being as fortunate as him. Whomever Heaven blesses, that person enjoys it; Heaven blessed Jin Aotian, so he enjoyed Heaven's favor, while others could only dream of it. Perhaps because Heaven had bestowed upon him the dreams of tens of thousands of others, he was able to take the name Aotian. Generally, when people have too much good fortune in their lives, they tend to become arrogant. Perhaps Aotian was indeed such a man.
There was only one thing in which Jin Aotian was not as fortunate as others: he had no father. From the moment he was born, Jin Aotian never knew who his father was, having only a mother who loved him more than the entire fortune of Jin Manor.
Ao Tian had only a very vague understanding of his mother's background. Ling Beifen had never spoken to him about her past, so Ao Tian only knew one thing: he was the luckiest person in the world, a pampered young master loved by his mother, cherished like a precious gem. Ao Tian only vaguely knew that his mother was once a highly renowned figure in the martial world, the jianghu, but had since washed her hands of it and retired. To him, knowing this was more than enough. Why would he need to know her background? Even if he wanted to find out, she probably wouldn't tell him anyway. Besides, the sheer scale of Jin Manor was enough to prove to everyone in Xianyang and the jianghu alike that Jin Ao Tian was by no means an ordinary person. Because of this, there was only one person in Jin Ao Tian's heart whom he truly admired, and that was none other than his mother, Ling Beifen.
Perhaps in his heart, in all of Xianyang, Madam Ling Beifen was the person he admired most, even more than the Creator himself. It was for this reason that Jin Ao Tian had given himself the name Ao Tian, meaning he held even Heaven in lower regard than his mother. And indeed, this was only right. After all, only Jin Manor had raised him to adulthood, and only Jin Manor had brought him his fame. More than that, only Ling Beifen had given birth to and raised him. Thus, Ao Tian knew only Madam Ling, admired only Madam Ling, and respected only Madam Ling.
Anyone in Ao Tian's circumstances would feel the same way, for it was a blessing bestowed by heaven.
Just like any other day, as soon as the lights of Xianyang were lit, Jin Ao Tian would make his way to the Xianyang Centennial Tavern. This had become a habit of his. The wine at the Xianyang Centennial Tavern could not compare to the fine liquor at Jin Manor, nor could it even match the wine used to entertain their household guests. It was a tavern, not a brothel. Yet, the pampered young master of Jin Manor loved to go there. What drew Jin Ao Tian to the Xianyang Centennial Tavern? It was simply that he had friends there, and more importantly, it was where he could hear the most pleasing, flattering words. After all, who wouldn't want to be praised and fawned over?
When Ao Tian stepped into the Xianyang Centennial Tavern, the atmosphere instantly livened up, as if the God of Wealth himself had knocked on the tavern's door. All the patrons present eagerly welcomed Ao Tian, as if greeting a beloved relative returning from a long journey.
They even jostled one another just to be noticed by Jin Ao Tian, even though in his heart, he did not consider them his friends at all.
Ao Tian continuously cupped his hands in salute to return the flattering remarks of the patrons. As the saying goes, where there is meat, even a lame duck will find its way.
The empty table reserved exclusively for Jin Ao Tian in the Xianyang Centennial Tavern was situated in the most prominent spot. Everyone in the spacious main hall could see Ao Tian, and vice versa. Furthermore, if Ao Tian wished to indulge in idle daydreaming, there was an arched window through which he could gaze out at the lush green hills and blue waters of Xianyang. As the precious son of Jin Manor, surely Jin Ao Tian deserved such a privilege?
Placing a banknote on the table, Ao Tian said smugly to the old keeper of the Xianyang Centennial Tavern:
"Lao Si... the usual."
Lao Si gave a fawning laugh and said:
"Lao Si has already prepared the finest delicacies for the young master."
Ao Tian blinked, feigning surprise at Lao Si's words.
"Just for Jin Ao Tian alone?"
Ao Tian spread his arms wide.
– If Lao Si is only preparing that rare delicacy for the Young Master, it must be dragon liver.
The crowd chimed in.
– That's right... exactly. Only dragon liver is worthy of Young Master Jin.
Aotian gestured for everyone to be quiet, then looked back at Lao Si.
– If you aren't making dragon liver, then serve it to everyone here. Only then will it be fun.
He looked down at the patrons and raised his voice.
– Do my brothers agree with Aotian?
The crowd roared in unison.
– We agree!
Hearing Aotian's words, Lao Si couldn't help but feel flustered. He said obsequiously:
– I will serve everyone right away, but I only fear...
Aotian raised his sword-like brows and looked at him.
– What does Lao Si fear?
– I only fear that the Young Master will spend too much silver.
Hearing this, Aotian stared in astonishment. Suddenly, he burst into laughter. Laughing, he said:
– Did you brothers hear what Lao Si said? Lao Si is afraid that Aotian will spend too much silver on the rare delicacy he is about to serve to treat my friends.
Aotian raised his hand above his head:
– For Lao Si to worry about Aotian like this is actually an insult to me. Do you all agree?
The crowd chanted.
– Agree... agree... Lao Si has insulted Young Master Jin!
Aotian waved his hand to silence everyone, then looked back at Lao Si.
– Lao Si, did you hear what they said?
As he spoke, Aotian reached into his robe, pulled out a stack of banknotes, and placed them on the table.
– Is this enough for Lao Si to serve dragon liver to this young master's brothers?
Looking at the stack of banknotes on the table, Lao Si said hurriedly:
– I wouldn't dare say... I wouldn't dare say another word.
Aotian raised an eyebrow at him.
– If you don't dare speak, then slap your own mouth.
– I will do so immediately.
Finishing his sentence, Lao Si slapped his own mouth, saying:
– This foul mouth dared to insult Young Master Jin... this foul mouth of mine!
Aotian waved his hand.
– Enough, enough... if you keep slapping yourself, your lips might wear thin, and I still won't get to eat that miraculous dish you mentioned.
Lao Si bowed obsequiously, cupping his hands.
– Eldest Young Master... thank you.
Lao Si bowed to Aotian again, then quickly turned and walked inside. Once Lao Si had left, Aotian poured wine into his cup, raised it, and said solemnly:
– Aotian greets his brothers. Just like any other day, we shall drink to our hearts' content, eat our fill, and then each of us will return to our own homes. Great joy to Xianyang, great fortune to the Jin Manor, long life to Madam Ling. Drink!
Everyone repeated Aotian's words.
Great joy to Xianyang, great fortune to the Jin Manor, long life to Madam Ling!
Hearing them chant those words, Jin Aotian's face beamed with delight.
Who wouldn't love free fine wine and delicious food bestowed by Young Master Jin? For just a few flattering words on the tip of their tongues, they got a sumptuous feast, and perhaps even more. Who wouldn't want to utter such beautiful, pleasing words?
The guests were delighted, Aotian was delighted, and it could be said that all of Xianyang was delighted—especially those present at the Xianyang Centennial Tavern.
The atmosphere in the tavern hall grew lively with the finest praises showered upon Jin Aotian and the Jin Manor.
After three rounds of wine, the clamor of the drunkards grew even louder, as they showered Aotian with every beautiful word they could possibly think of.
Aotian gestured for everyone to be quiet, then raised his wine cup and said solemnly:
– Aotian would like to use this cup of wine to ask you brothers a question.
The crowd stirred with excitement.
– Please ask, Young Master!
Ao Tian nodded slightly. He drew a deep breath of true qi, expanding his chest, and spoke slowly:
"In this mortal realm, the current Son of Heaven is the highest. Is there anyone who is greater than the current Son of Heaven?"
Everyone suddenly fell silent. The silence caused the atmosphere in the tavern hall to freeze completely.
The clamor died down, replaced by a solemn quiet. Perhaps everyone was pondering Jin Ao Tian's words.
In this world, who could possibly compare to the current Emperor? The Son of Heaven was the child of heaven, ruling the country and caring for the people on heaven's behalf; no one could equal him, let alone surpass him. Yet Ao Tian had posed this question, as if to riddle everyone. It was a question that no one could think of an answer to. Who would dare compare the current Son of Heaven to anyone else in this world?
But finally, the silence was broken by a scrawny man who stepped forward.
Ao Tian looked at him and said:
"Does Brother Ma have an answer?"
Ma Shi stroked his chin, nodded, and said slowly:
"This Ma does not know if his thoughts are correct, but I must speak my mind."
Ao Tian cupped his fists.
"Please enlighten Ao Tian and our brothers, Brother Ma."
Ma Shi cupped his fists, bowed to everyone, and said solemnly:
"According to this Ma, the one who is greater than the Son of Heaven is none other than Young Master Jin Ao Tian."
He finished speaking and quickly glanced toward the door, as if afraid that some government runner might hear his words. Everyone stared in shock at Ma Shi. Each of them could not help but think:
"This fellow must have a death wish, or perhaps his gall is as vast as the heavens to dare utter such words. Does he no longer wish to live, daring to risk his entire clan by playing with the supreme authority of the Son of Heaven?"
Everyone thought this while looking at Ao Tian. They awaited Jin Ao Tian's rejection or agreement.
Ao Tian's sword-like brows furrowed. Everyone immediately noticed Ao Tian's frown and breathed a sigh of relief, for Ma Shi's answer had clearly met with Jin Ao Tian's disapproval.
Who would want to trade their life for a meaningless statement?
Letting out a breath, Ao Tian looked at Ma Shi and said:
"Brother Ma, you are mistaken."
All the patrons in the Xianyang Centennial Tavern breathed a sigh of relief, as if a mountain had just been lifted from their shoulders. Everyone suddenly became much more lively.
Ma Shi blushed. He cupped his fists and said reluctantly:
"Could Young Master Jin tell Ma Shi the answer?"
Ao Tian smiled and said:
"Brother Ma answered incorrectly, but your answer is still well worth one hundred taels of silver to buy wine while you ponder a second answer."
As Jin Ao Tian spoke, he took out a silver banknote worth one hundred taels and placed it in Ma Shi's hand. One hundred taels of silver for an incorrect answer was indeed an incredible temptation for everyone. The entire tavern hall erupted into a clamor, instantly becoming bustling and lively.
Ma Shi said eagerly:
"Thank you, Young Master Jin... thank you, Young Master Jin."
As Ma Shi spoke, he immediately slipped the banknote into his pocket. The amount of silver Ao Tian had spent sent the entire tavern hall into a frenzy. Now, everyone wanted to provide an answer to Ao Tian.
Another person stepped forward and said solemnly:
"Young Master... E Qing has an answer for you."
Ao Tian looked at E Qing.
"Please, Brother E."
"According to this E, the one who is greater than the current Son of Heaven is, of course, the Retired Emperor."
Ao Tian's brows furrowed. E Qing smiled and said confidently:
"Did E Qing guess Young Master's thoughts correctly?"
Ao Tian shook his head:
s pocket, it is very hard for it to pass to someone else. Does Young Master Jin believe that?” (Wait, "lão Cù" -> Old Qu. "Old Qu's pocket").
“Since you speak so honestly, sir, Ao Tian must believe you... but I only fear that your answer is incorrect.”
“How could Old Qu answer incorrectly? Old Qu will give the answer to Young Master Jin, and Young Master Jin only needs to explain to everyone why Old Qu's answer is correct. Just speak what is on your mind.”
“If Young Master Jin's explanation is correct, Old Qu will gift Young Master Jin...”
Old Qu left his sentence hanging in mid-air, reaching for the wine gourd hanging at his waist.
* Let's double check paragraph 34:
"Lão Cái bang gật đầu :"
"– Lão chắc chứ?"
"Ngạo Thiên mỉm cười, ôn nhu nói :"
Wait, "Lão chắc chứ?" is a question. "Lão chắc chứ?" -> "Are you sure, old man?"
Wait, who is asking?
Paragraph 32: "– Tiên sinh đã lấy tờ ngân phiếu hẳn đã biết chắc mình trả lời đúng." (Ao Tian says: Since you have taken the banknote, sir, you must be sure you have the correct answer.)
Paragraph 33: "Lão Cái bang gật đầu :" (The old beggar nodded:)
Paragraph
The old man smiled genially and continued:
"This is a one-of-a-kind wine gourd in this world. A single cup of this is worth a hundred lifetimes of drinking for an ordinary man. This old fool will finish this gourd with the Young Master. Do you agree?"
Jin Aotian frowned, then forced a smile and said:
"This junior does not know what fine wine is in your gourd, sir. But if you want good wine, if you wish to drink good wine, this junior guarantees there is no wine better than that of Jin Manor."
"Heh... Old Qu knows your Jin Manor is famous and renowned, but Old Qu has no wine better than Old Qu's own wine. It took Old Qu ten thousand years to brew this one batch."
Aotian frowned, then smiled genially.
"How long have you lived, sir, to claim a ten-thousand-year-old gourd of wine? Aren't you exaggerating a bit?"
"Who doesn't boast? But this old man guarantees my wine is better than any other wine in this world. And to prove Old Qu's words, if Old Qu is wrong, Old Qu will slap his own mouth until his teeth fall out. Does Young Master Jin agree?"
"An old gentleman like you with no teeth... that would be quite pitiful."
"Only then would it be fair."
Aotian nodded.
"Very well, Aotian agrees. Sir, please answer my question."
"Old Qu is more than willing." Old Qu stroked his beard, looked at Aotian, and said solemnly:
"According to Old Qu, in the mind of Jin Aotian, the Young Master of Jin Manor, there is only one person who is greater than the Emperor."
He paused, looking at Aotian with a searching gaze, then continued solemnly:
"That person is none other than Madame Ling Beifen."
Everyone gasped, while Aotian stared intently at him. Aotian gestured for everyone to be quiet. Looking back at Old Qu, Aotian said in a serious tone:
"Old gentleman, say that one more time."
"Very well... in Young Master Jin's mind, Madame Ling Beifen is far superior to the Emperor." Everyone's eyes turned to Aotian.
Aotian rubbed his hands together. Old Qu said:
"Did this old man speak the truth?"
Aotian raised his hands above his head, suddenly lunging to grab him.
"Sir, you are absolutely right... very right..."
"If this old man is right, then Young Master Jin, please explain it to everyone here. If you do not explain, they might think Old Qu is just a flatterer, and they won't respect Old Qu."
He patted the gourd.
"Explain it correctly, and this gourd of wine will belong to Young Master Jin."
"Consider it a fair trade between us."
Among the guests, someone whispered.
"A gourd of wine worth barely a silver coin exchanged for five hundred taels—he certainly knows how to talk and trade." Old Qu paid no heed to those words, keeping his eyes on Aotian.
"Young Master Jin..."
Aotian nodded. Looking back at his guests, Aotian cupped his fists and said solemnly:
"Old Master Qu is absolutely correct. I asked you brothers that question based on my own thoughts. Anyone who truly understands this young master would have had the answer immediately, but unfortunately, none of you understand me at all. Now, I must explain it so that you brothers can understand. Otherwise, you might misunderstand Old Master Qu."
Everyone started buzzing with excitement.
"Please tell us, Young Master."
Aotian stroked his chin and said softly:
"The Emperor did not give birth to me, did not raise me, and did not make me who I am today. The one who gave me everything is my mother, Ling Beifen. Everyone here is drinking the wine and eating the food of Jin Manor, so in my eyes, how can the current Emperor compare to Mother Ling? Without my mother, would we even be here waiting for the Emperor? Everyone has a mother, so mother comes first, even above the Emperor."
Everyone was silent. They did not object, but neither did they have any intention of agreeing with Ao Tian. To agree with Ao Tian's words would mean committing the capital crime of lèse-majesté and disloyalty, a crime that could easily cost them their lives. No one wanted to trade their life for a feast, no matter how sumptuous it might be.
Ao Tian's face darkened when he saw that none of the retainers reacted to his explanation. Frowning with displeasure, he said:
"Whoever agrees with Young Master Jin will receive ten taels of silver for wine." As he spoke, Jin Ao Tian took out a stack of silver and placed it on the table.
The silence was quickly broken. Everyone suddenly became eager, and before long, they all agreed with Ao Tian's explanation.
Such was the power of silver.
Ao Tian looked back at Old Cu and said calmly:
"This junior was right."
Old Cu patted Jin Ao Tian on the shoulder and said:
"With silver like yours, Young Master, whatever you say is right."
Old Cu patted Jin Ao Tian's shoulder and said gently:
"In any case, Young Master Jin has explained it correctly to Old Cu. You and I can now share this pot of wine."