sovbooks Chapter 41 Building a Career
Chapter 41 Building a Career
The next day, at Zuiyue Pavilion.
When Lin Chen saw the newly renovated restaurant, his eyes lit up—no, they were amazed.
The five-story building features flying eaves and bracket sets, with glazed tiles that gleam in the sunlight.
Two majestic white jade lions stood guard at the entrance, while eight guards dressed in uniform dark blue outfits lined up on either side, their auras calm and steady—all first-rank martial artists!
Lin Chen had no shortage of first-grade martial artists.
"Eighth Brother is here!" Wen Ruoxi greeted him upon hearing the news.
Today she changed into a moon-white embroidered gold ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), her hair styled in a high bun, exuding both the competence of a merchant and the noble air of a duke's wife.
"Come and see, it's built exactly according to your ideas."
Upon entering the lobby, even the well-traveled Lin Chen couldn't help but admire it.
The ground is paved with warm jade bricks transported from Nanzhao, which are warm in winter and cool in summer.
Twelve golden nanmu pillars support a three-story high space, each pillar carved with a different auspicious beast pattern.
In the very center is a three-zhang-high artificial mountain and water feature, with flowing water and koi swimming around.
"The Listening to the Rain Pavilion on the first floor has thirty-six elegant seats for ordinary members to enjoy tea and socialize," Wen Ruoxi introduced, leading the way.
"The second floor, Guanyun Pavilion, has twelve private rooms, which can only be booked by silver card members."
The third-floor viewing platform features six premium rooms, exclusively for Gold Card members.
"What about the fourth floor?" Lin Chen looked up.
"The fourth floor is not open to the public," Wen Ruoxi said in a low voice.
"As you commanded, set up the 'Secret Talk Pavilion,' the 'Meditation Hall,' and the 'Martial Arts Arena.'"
The Secret Talk Pavilion is equipped with a soundproof array, personally set up by Mr. Li, making it impossible for anyone below the Celestial Realm to eavesdrop.
The meditation hall is equipped with a spirit-gathering array for cultivation, while the martial arts arena has a protective array, allowing for sparring without damaging the buildings.
Lin Chen nodded: "Fifth floor?"
"There's only one room on the fifth floor, 'Lingxiao Pavilion'." Excitement flashed in Wen Ruoxi's eyes.
"It occupies the entire floor and is divided into six rooms: music, chess, calligraphy, painting, tea, and martial arts. There is also an observatory and a hot spring pool."
Only open to VIP members, with an annual fee of 100,000 taels of gold. Currently... there are no eligibility requirements.
An annual fee of 100,000 taels of gold is not just a luxury, but a symbol of status.
"Has the membership system been finalized?" Lin Chen asked.
"It's settled." Wen Ruoxi took out a gilded booklet.
"Divided into four levels: Ordinary members, with an entry fee of 5,000 taels and an annual fee of 1,000 taels, enjoy first-floor services and exclusive butler services."
Silver card members pay an entry fee of 20,000 taels and an annual fee of 5,000 taels. They enjoy access to the second floor, priority booking, a private carriage service, and business matchmaking services.
"Gold Card Membership: Entrance fee 50,000 taels, annual fee 10,000 taels. Access to the third floor, customized services, emergency shelter, and expert escorts (limited to Grandmaster-level experts and ten first-rank knights)"
"VIP members are not openly recruited at this time; you will be invited personally."
"Enjoy all the facilities on the fourth floor, political asylum at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, a one-time opportunity to speak with Mr. Yuan, and..." Wen Ruoxi smiled mysteriously.
"Priority access to the intelligence network of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion."
Lin Chen clapped his hands: "Wonderful! This is what a top-tier club should be! It not only provides enjoyment, but also guarantees resources and security."
Wen Ruoxi smiled and said:
"As soon as the news was released, seventeen people applied for gold cards and over a hundred for silver cards. Even the Azure Dragon Sect and the Vermilion Bird Sect sent out invitations."
The money from memberships alone equaled the entire revenue of the Duke's Mansion over the previous few years, something Wen Ruoxi couldn't even imagine.
Of course, without Lin Chen and Yuan Tiangang's remarkable achievements, this effect would not have been possible.
"As expected." Lin Chen nodded. "By the way, what about the Princess..."
"I just got back to them this morning." Wen Ruoxi said seriously.
"His Highness said he will come to visit at noon tomorrow. I have prepared Lingxiao Pavilion to the highest standard."
"very good."
After the inspection, Lin Chen was quite satisfied.
This Drunken Moon Pavilion is no longer just an entertainment venue.
It is also a platform that integrates high-end social networking, security, and resource matching, which is in line with his current status and resources.
In the world of martial arts, those with power and strength will never lack money.
……
As I stepped out of Zuiyue Pavilion, the sun was high in the sky.
Lin Chen stretched. He had finished his serious business and it was time to do something less serious.
"Lin Wu," he summoned his guard, "I heard that a new batch of courtesans from Jiangnan have arrived at the Imperial Music Bureau?"
Lin Wu was taken aback, and quickly said:
"Yes...yes, Eighth Master. Granny Li from the Jiaofangsi sent an invitation yesterday, saying that a new master of the four arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—has arrived and would like you to come and appreciate them."
"Appraise?" Lin Chen laughed. "Then let's go and appraise it. I can't bear the reputation of being a playboy for nothing."
"Eighth Master, your status is different now. Would it be...?" Lin Wu hesitated.
"What are you afraid of?" Lin Chen waved his hand.
"I'm not going to abduct any women. Listening to music and appreciating dance are refined pursuits. What's wrong with that?"
Besides, the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) was a government-run institution. As the Deputy Commander of the Imperial City Guard, what's wrong with me going there to inspect the local customs?
That's a perfectly plausible reason.
Lin Wu's lips twitched, and he could only agree.
"Let's invite Mr. Yuan along," Lin Chen added.
"With him around, who would dare to gossip?"
……
The Jiaofangsi was located in Furong Lane in the east of the city. Although it was called Jiaofang, it was actually a government-run high-class entertainment venue.
The musicians and dancers here are all relatives of disgraced officials or beauties selected from various places, each with exceptional talents.
As soon as Lin Chen's carriage arrived at the alley entrance, Granny Li from the Jiaofangsi (a type of entertainment institution) came out to greet him with her entourage.
"Oh, my Lord Duke! You've finally arrived!" Granny Li, in her forties, still possessed a charming demeanor, her face beaming with smiles.
"The four ladies, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, have been waiting for you for ages; they've changed the tea three times already!"
Lin Chen got out of the car and smiled:
"Granny, you're still so good with words. Aren't you busy today?"
"No matter how busy you are, you still have to serve the Duke well, don't you?" Granny Li led him inside.
"I heard you were coming, so I reserved the best room in Tianyin Pavilion for you—the one by the lake—the one with the best view!"
Tianyin Pavilion was the most luxurious private room in the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau), and it was usually reserved for nobles of the rank of princes and dukes.
Lin Chen had been a frequent visitor before, but he usually sat in a regular private room. This was his first time at Tianyin Pavilion.
Pushing open the door, it was indeed impressive.
The room was spacious, with windows on three sides, overlooking the Hibiscus Pond.
The interior is exquisitely furnished, complete with a zither stand, chess table, desk, and easel.
Four beautiful young women sat in different areas. When Lin Chen entered, they all stood up and bowed.
"This humble woman, Qin Xin (Chess Rhyme/Book Language/Painting Intent), greets Your Excellency, the Duke."
Each of the four girls has her own unique charm.
With a heart devoted to the guqin, she possesses a refined and aloof temperament.
Qi Yun sat before the chessboard, his eyes sparkling with intelligence.
Shuyu stands with pen in hand, gentle and serene.
The artist is mixing colors, creating a charming and delightful scene.
"Not bad." Lin Chen sat down in the main seat, crossed his legs, and said, "I heard you're from Jiangnan?"
"Yes." Qin Xin's voice was like pearls falling on a jade plate. "The four of us were originally musicians from the elegant pavilion in Jiangnan. We were just transferred to the capital last month."
Lin Chen nodded:
"Then play a song first, whatever you want, as long as it sounds good."
"I don't understand all that flowery language; I just want something lively and pleasant to the ear."
"Yes."