Chapter 147: Chapter 133: Silver House Gambling, Rushing into the Brothel
Let me analyze the source text first to understand the context:
Literary genre: Chinese web novel/fantasy fiction with elements of martial arts and political intrigue
Language style: Narrative with dialogue, formal with some colloquialisms
Tone: Dramatic, tense, with some moments of humor and strategy
Plot keywords: power struggle, betting, ambush, trap, fire attack, brothel/pleasure house takeover
Characters:
- 祝婉儿 (Zhu Wan’Er): Young female character, daughter of a wealthy merchant family
- 魏天通 (Wei Tiantong): Older merchant/businessman, skeptical of Flower Square’s chances
- 华子奇 (Hua Ziqi): Younger merchant who seems interested in Wan’Er
- 武良辰 (Wu Liangchen): Martial artist who’s helping defend the Flower Square
- 谢三 (Xie San): Female character who runs Flower Square, being targeted by rivals
- 莫道远 (Mo Daoyuan): Military advisor/strategist for the attacking forces
- 张鹏程 (Zhang Pengcheng): Leader figure working with Mo Daoyuan
Major plot points:
1. A group of merchants are discussing the impending takeover of Flower Square (花悦坊) by the Beheading Gang (斩头帮)
2. Zhu Wan’Er believes the place can be saved by Wu Liangchen
3. The merchants make bets on the outcome, with only Wan’Er betting on Flower Square’s survival
4. The attack forces arrive to find Flower Square seemingly abandoned
5. They rush in only to be ambushed with fire traps
Now, I’ll translate the text while following all the rules:
1. I’ll use the glossary terms consistently
2. I’ll make sure the text is 100% in English
3. I’ll maintain the paragraph structure
4. I’ll make it sound natural in English
5. I’ll check for logical consistency with number references
6. I’ll mark inner thoughts with single quotes
7. I’ll mark scene transitions with 「」when appropriate
8. I’ll ensure proper dialogue formatting
Let me begin the translation:
So seeing Flower Square facing such a drastic change and about to get a new owner, he couldn’t help but feel a bit moved.
Once the Beheading Gang took over, they would surely squeeze these girls for all they were worth, which would inevitably affect his business as well.
That made him the person among this group who least wanted to see Flower Square lose.
"It seems premature to declare Flower Square’s defeat so conclusively," a female voice suddenly interjected. Everyone turned to look.
They saw a young woman sitting in the corner, her beautiful eyes sparkling with intelligence, making her delicate face even more attractive.
This was Zhu Wan’Er, who had only recently joined their tea meetings.
Though young, Zhu Wan’Er came from an extremely wealthy family that owned numerous restaurants and taverns, making them first-class merchants.
However, her family lacked many descendants. Her father had taken twenty concubines, yet only his legitimate daughter proved capable—the rest were all useless, pampered good-for-nothings.
This was why her father had been carefully grooming her, taking her everywhere with him. Especially in the past two years, as her father’s health deteriorated and he gradually withdrew from business circles, he even entrusted her to attend these tea meetings in his place.
After hearing her comment, the assembled business leaders were both surprised and amused.
After all, in their eyes, no matter how talented this Zhu Wan’Er might be, she was still just a wet-behind-the-ears young girl. Letting her sit among them was already a courtesy extended out of respect for her father.
They hadn’t expected her to contradict them when everyone believed Flower Square’s defeat was certain, which naturally amused them.
At this point, Hua Ziqi, the youngest person at the table besides Wan’Er, spoke up.
He looked Wan’Er up and down, then said with a snicker, "Miss Wan’Er, you say Flower Square won’t necessarily lose. What evidence do you have for that?"
"Evidence? Well... I’ve heard that Xie San escaped from the riverside because a young martial arts expert secretly intervened and saved her."
"Now this expert is helping her manage the situation, which is why I believe Flower Square might not lose," Wan’Er explained.
After hearing this, the group exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.
"Are you talking about that fugitive from Dinghai City, Wu Liangchen?" Hua Ziqi asked.
"That’s right, it’s him! I’ve heard he’s quite skilled in martial arts, both brave and clever. With him in charge, Flower Square might just have a fighting chance," Wan’Er replied.
"Heh, Miss Zhu, you’re being too presumptuous. Even if this Wu Liangchen could command respect despite being a newcomer, even if he could mobilize Flower Square’s people, don’t forget that the Black Banner Camp and Beheading Gang have deployed their elite forces. With such an absolute disparity in strength, I simply cannot imagine how he could turn the tables," Wei Tiantong said with a cold smile.
Wan’Er grew stubborn at this point, as unlike others present, she had carefully researched Wu Liangchen’s past.
At first, it was just curiosity—she felt this young martial expert who had suddenly appeared was different from the usual fighters in Huangpu Guard.
After investigating thoroughly, she discovered that Wu Liangchen was far more capable than he appeared on the surface.
He was particularly skilled at turning the tide in seemingly impossible situations. Otherwise, he couldn’t have escaped his pursuers and safely reached Huangpu Guard with his people.
So upon hearing Wei Tiantong’s words, Wan’Er gave a slight cold smile and said, "Since Uncle Wei doesn’t believe me, why don’t we make a bet?"
"Oh? What kind of bet?"
"Nothing too extravagant—one thousand silver coins as the stake. I bet Flower Square will survive this crisis. If I lose, I’ll pay up. If I win, Uncle Wei gives me one thousand silver coins. What do you say?"
"Hahaha, very well! We might as well have some fun. I’ll play along with you, young lady," Wei Tiantong agreed with a laugh.
"Can I join too?" Hua Ziqi asked from the side, looking eager.
It wasn’t about the thousand silver coins—he purely enjoyed the thrill of gambling.
"Of course," Wan’Er nodded in agreement.
"Count me in!"
"Me too!"
Wan’Er accepted all their bets. In the end, everyone bet on Flower Square’s defeat, with only her betting on its victory.
Among them, the man from Chengchun Mountain hesitated several times, almost joining Wan’Er’s side, but ultimately decided against it.
"Hehe, Miss Zhu, you’re going to lose a lot of money. I wonder if your pocket money from Elder Zhu will be enough. If not, I could help you out—no interest charged," Hua Ziqi said with schadenfreude, while discreetly glancing at Wan’Er’s slender waist, a greedy look flashing in his eyes.
Wan’Er keenly noticed this and frowned with disgust before coldly replying, "That won’t be necessary. This small amount is well within my means."
"Well then, let’s see how this conflict unfolds. Someone bring wine! Let’s drink while we wait," Wei Tiantong said excitedly.
While these business leaders were placing their bets to see who would win or lose, the entire Huangpu Guard was in an uproar over the matter.
Without exception, almost everyone bet against Flower Square.
Under these circumstances, the men from Black Banner Camp and Beheading Gang marched proudly to Flower Square.
Surprisingly, the entrance was completely deserted.
Not only were there no guards, but there wasn’t a single person in sight.
Furthermore, not a single light was visible in the entire Flower Square, making it eerily quiet.
Only swirling mist rose from the streets, adding a ghostly atmosphere to what was once a bustling marketplace.
This strange situation caused these previously arrogant men to change color, and they all stopped at the entrance, not daring to proceed carelessly.
At this moment, Mo Daoyuan and Zhang Pengcheng arrived. To show their close relationship, they shared a carriage. When they saw the troops suddenly halt, Mo Daoyuan immediately lifted the curtain and asked:
"What’s happening?"
"Military Advisor, Flower Square is completely empty. The brothers fear it might be a trap, so no one dared to move in rashly."
"Oh? No defenders?" Mo Daoyuan asked with surprise.
"None. The streets are deserted."
Mo Daoyuan stood on the carriage shaft and gazed into the distance. He confirmed that Flower Square appeared lifeless, like a ghost town. A cold smile spread across his face.
"Mere tricks and illusions!"
With that, he waved his hand. "Brothers, this Xie San has clearly run out of options, which is why she’s resorting to these theatrical tactics. Move in! Whoever captures Xie San first will be rewarded with five hundred silver coins."
Money moves hearts. Upon hearing the reward of five hundred silver coins, both the Beheading Gang members and Black Banner Camp soldiers started breathing heavily with excitement.
"Charge!"
With one command, the army advanced.
Over a thousand men surged forward like a black wave, pouring into Flower Square.
The carriage carrying Mo Daoyuan and Zhang Pengcheng followed closely behind, surrounded by guards as it entered Flower Square.
"What a magnificent place!" Zhang Pengcheng exclaimed, admiring the elegant buildings outside the carriage window.
This was his first time entering Flower Square, as it had previously been Xie San’s territory, and someone like him wouldn’t have been allowed in.
The same was true for Mo Daoyuan. Though he knew the streets and buildings intimately through his subordinates’ reports, this was his first time seeing the place with his own eyes.
Just thinking that this place would soon become his territory made Mo Daoyuan’s face flush with excitement.
Soon, the troops arrived at Moqin Pavilion.
The windows and doors of Moqin Pavilion were tightly shut, with no lights inside, making it impossible to see what was happening within.
But in the face of absolute power, all disguises were futile.
This time, without even waiting for orders from Mo Daoyuan or Zhang Pengcheng, the men rushed in like hungry wolves.
With a cacophony of noise, Moqin Pavilion quickly descended into chaos.
But soon, voices started calling from inside.
"No one on the first floor!"
"Second floor is empty too!"
"No one in the backyard!"
Amid these cries, Mo Daoyuan frowned slightly.
No one?
Could it be that Xie San, seeing the situation was hopeless, had already fled with her people?
If that were true, it would be excellent news. He could take over Flower Square without shedding a drop of blood.
Just as he was secretly rejoicing and about to order a thorough search, a whooshing sound filled the air as numerous large jars flew toward them.
These jars smashed against the pavilion building and instantly shattered, their liquid contents splashing everywhere.
Immediately after, the pungent smell of lamp oil spread through the air.
Mo Daoyuan and Zhang Pengcheng’s faces changed drastically as they shouted at the top of their lungs from the carriage:
"Get out of the building now!"
But it was too late. Before they could finish speaking, a streak of fire shot across the night sky, striking the building.
With a tremendous BOOM, flames erupted into the sky, illuminating the night and casting a red glow on their faces, now contorted with anger and fear.
