NOVPUBThe air grew even more awkward instantly.
Finally, Táo Huā looked at Shen Roujia and spoke naturally, “Shu Nian anticipated this day when she founded the Glamorous Pavilion. You don’t need to be sentimental.”
Shen Roujia frowned. “What about Shu Nian’s funeral arrangements?”
Táo Huā sipped his tea before slowly replying, “I’ve been waiting for you for a few days. Her body has already been taken care of.”
Shen Roujia felt a jolt of surprise. Wasn’t it said that Shen Hexuan had arranged everything? How did it suddenly become handled here?
Although full of questions, Shen Roujia’s curiosity about the Glamorous Pavilion grew.
“The Glamorous Pavilion seems relatively new, yet it’s already quite powerful.”
Táo Huā did not deny it. “Yes, the Glamorous Pavilion has quickly become a formidable competitor to many in the capital. However, Shu Nian’s poison was congenital. This time, she was unlucky to encounter people from the Tower of All-Knowing.”
Shen Roujia furrowed her brow. “You mean those black-clad men were from the Tower of All-Knowing?”
Táo Huā nodded. “Correct.”
Before Shen Roujia could react, Táo Huā continued, “Since you have time today, let me briefly introduce you to your responsibilities.”
Shen Roujia stood there, bewildered, unsure of what to do.
Táo Huā glanced at Zhang San. “Why did you bring such a big burden along?”
Zhang San, oblivious to Táo Huā’s remark, smiled innocently.
Shen Roujia cleared her throat. “Let me introduce myself. If you mind, I won’t force you to accept me.”
Táo Huā raised an eyebrow. “Who you are doesn’t matter to me. What matters is that Shu Nian chose you.”
Shen Roujia paused, feeling a sense of sorrow.
“Shu Nian must have been important to you.”
A hint of confusion flashed in Táo Huā’s eyes. He didn’t quite understand emotions; Shu Nian was more of a habit to him. Having known for years that Shu Nian wouldn’t live past seventeen, he had already prepared for her departure.
He had even found a good burial site for Shu Nian.
But Shen Roujia’s words made Táo Huā feel a twinge of pain.
“Maybe.”
Shen Roujia saw his expression and refrained from saying more, sighing softly.
“Shu Nian knew I was the Master of the Hidden Pavilion. If I take over the Glamorous Pavilion, my identity must remain secret.”
Táo Huā looked at her in disbelief. “Appearances can be deceiving.”
Frowning, Shen Roujia listened as Táo Huā continued, “Interestingly, the Hidden Pavilion helped during the early days of the Glamorous Pavilion.”
Shen Roujia, unaware of past conflicts, was relieved as long as there were no enmities.
She finally relaxed a bit.
“So, what exactly does the Glamorous Pavilion do?”
Táo Huā smirked. “The Glamorous Pavilion connects the martial world with strategic intelligence.”
Shen Roujia pressed her lips together, beginning to understand.
Táo Huā explained, “The girls in the Pavilion are from the martial world. Our patrons are either officials or strategists. The Glamorous Pavilion gathers intelligence through performances and sells it.”
With pride, Táo Huā lifted his chin. “In just three years, the Glamorous Pavilion has mapped out the entire network of the capital and the affairs of the Martial Alliance.”
