Phoenix in the Moonlight

Chapter 17: Pawns

That was all she could do for them.

She couldn't promise them a good life or peace, but she could ensure that they were a little more equipped to protect themselves.

Wasn't that how she had been brought up even though she was not an orphan?

"Keep the weapons and documents here for now. You two can return later and sneak them into the house."

"Understood," they said in unison.

"Mian Mian, please prepare the fire. I have to cook lunch." A small smile crossed her face. Mian Mian bowed and scurried away, leaving Bai'er in the room.

"You may come to me if you have any concerns. I have never treated you poorly, and I will continue to take care of you. Treat me as an older sister and bare your soul to me."

Bottling one's concern in the heart was dangerous. Especially in their profession. It could lead to hesitation and muddled thoughts. They couldn't afford either of it.

"Thank you for your generosity, Miss." Xin gauged that he was unwilling to share his opinion. She sighed in her heart and waved her hand, letting him return to his duties.

- - -

His study was not overly crowded on a regular day. Apart from Eunuch Pei, only Li Jie and Boss Yi ever came to talk to him. On this eventful day, they plotted out the route of their new shipment.

"If they come from the west of the city, the magistrate and judicial office will fall on the path. They have strict rules and inspect every carriage that comes in," Li Jie commented as he pointed at the exact location. Putting a small pawn on the place, he stroked his chin and thought of another way.

"Have you considered that it is best to travel through that route? It will be least suspicious." Wang Yifeng looked at Boss Yi for his input. The older gentleman pursed his lips.

"I believe wangye wants to use my connection with the judicial office to let the shipments pass without a hitch?" he asked, just to be sure.

Wang Yifeng nodded. "I hear that the clerks are particularly nice to you and owe you quite a few debts. He sipped on the tea. He looked at it and then made a note to tell Eunuch Pei to stock up on this material. It was especially fragrant.

"It will be difficult, Your Highness." Boss Yi fell silent when he was Wang Yifeng's uncompromising gaze.

Wang Yifeng had his fingers in a lot of things at the same time. His subordinates were spread across the country monitoring scams, robberies, frauds, and shipments. Even though he had a small crew, the wheels of the organization ran smoothly. He answered to no one and he didn't need to compromise. They just had to find a way to get him what he wanted.

Be it taking care of commissions, crooked officials, or dealers, he handled it all.

Soon, a servant came knocking on the door. He called the servant in to find that Xin had arrived. A smile appeared on Wang Yifeng's face and he quickly touched his color as if to fix his clothes. This was done subconsciously.

"Welcome her in," he said, placing the cup on the side of the table. Xin entered, looking as ethereal as ever. "Xin," he muttered. He looked away quickly, clearing his head of the sinful thoughts that passed his mind the moment he set his eyes on her seductive figure.

"We will discuss this later," he told the other two. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Boss Yi stare at his woman. There was a slight burn in his chest that he did not understand. "Leave," he found himself saying. Li Jie smirked as he shook his head and bid adieu. Boss Yi, on the other hand, felt his jaw drop.

He was the Qinwang after all, he had to follow his commands. He gave her a sideward glance as he left.

Xin smiled under the veil, her eyes betraying nothing.

'Young Master Yifeng, it seems that our relationship is indeed going to be interesting.' She flicked her open hair and tucked it behind her ear. 'While you conspire with him, I am out for his blood. Whatever shall we do about this little conflict of interest?'

No matter, business was business and pleasure separate.

"You look lovely, he said as he got up from his seat. His heart quivered at the thought of being inside her that night.

She responded something softly that he couldn't catch as she rounded around his desk. She pushed Wang Yifeng down to take his seat again and placed herself on his lap. He placed a bag on the table and then slid her palms up his arms. "Have you eaten lunch yet, Young Master?"

Wang Yifeng shook his head, watching his hand move up her body. Over her thighs, across the fabric of her dress and up her flat stomach. He saw the pearl hairpin he had given her and smiled. It made him feel like she has his.

"Are you hungry?" His eyes found hers and he cupped her cheek in his palm.

"Yes," he answered sincerely. He knew that his kitchen had prepared something for him and it would come to him heated if he asked for it, but what was the fun in that? "But I do expect something more before lunch. I have another appetite." He leaned in and brushed his lip over the veil. "My little bird," he chuckled as she hummed.

"Why do you call me that?" she asked, acting all spoiled. He shrugged. He had no idea and he didn't care to explain. The name just fit her.

"Do you want me to call you Xin, then?"