Chapter 7: The Hero Saves the Beauty

Li Ke found the actions of the little girl quite amusing, so he decided to ignore her and attentively appreciate the scenery outside the window

The old man, seeing that Li Ke not only came to his aid but also provided him with money, excitedly took the girl's hand and said, "Xiaofu, quickly thank your benefactor"

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly felt that his question to Li Ke was somewhat abrupt. Just as he was about to apologize to him, he realized that Li Ke had already distanced himself. He hurriedly followed after him

After speaking, he took Xiaofu's hand and hurriedly walked downstairs

The old man glanced at Young Master Liu's lewd smile, then looked at his daughter nestled beside him, and said politely, "Esteemed guest, I shall have my daughter sing a song for you. As for visiting your residence, my humble status does not permit me to intrude."

The young lady named Xiaofu obediently greeted Li Ke, saying, "Xiaofu thanks you, benefactor"

The old man saw Young Master Liu being frightened away by Li Ke, and hurriedly took the young lady's hand, coming before Li Ke to kneel and say, "Thank you, Young Master, for your timely rescue. The old man and his daughter are immensely grateful."

After speaking, the laughter became even more unrestrained

What is the signature dish of your restaurant

However, it seems that the common people of Chang'an do not know who Li Ke is. Therefore, after Li Ke responded, Xiao Fu only paused briefly before following the old man down to the second floor

Li Ke replied, and as soon as the words left his mouth, he thought to himself, "This is bad"

As Xiaofu was about to descend the stairs, she suddenly turned around and asked, "May I inquire about your esteemed name, young sir?"

The old man trembled as he accepted Li Ke's silver coins, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you, benefactor. This old man will surely repay your kindness in the future."

After speaking, he ignored the little treasure and walked ahead alone

Upon hearing the shopkeeper mention that there were private rooms available, Li Ke thought to himself that they had already been taken. Feeling indignant, he pondered, who exactly is this so-called Young Master Liu? Judging by the shopkeeper's expression, it seemed he was quite afraid of him

Then, Li Ke took a bag of silver coins from the little boy's hands and said to the old man, "Elder, it is not suitable to stay here for long; you should hurry and leave the city."

Li Ke saw Young Master Liu being so arrogant and slammed the table, saying, "This is Chang'an of the Tang Dynasty. How dare you, a commoner, be so presumptuous and oppress the common people? Do you not fear the law of the king?"

The dark man behind him heard Li Ke's words and disdainfully said, "Kid, are you looking for death? How dare you..."

At this moment, the shopkeeper kindly said to Li Ke, "This young master, the Liu young master you just encountered is a notorious thug in Chang'an. Although you managed to scare them off just now, they will certainly not let this matter rest. I hope you will be more cautious in the future."

The restaurant was bustling with diners. By the time Li Ke and Xiao Baozi arrived, there were no private rooms available, so the two could only choose a table near the window on the second floor. After Li Ke sat down, he noticed Xiao Baozi standing behind him, which felt quite awkward, so he said, "Please sit down. It's not easy to come out, so let's enjoy a good meal today."

Of course, it is the tyrant's hoof flower

Looking in the direction of the voice, Li Ke saw a burly man, whose appearance was somewhat lewd, accompanied by a group of arrogant subordinates ascending from the first floor. It was a dark-faced man beside him who was shouting.

Li Ke

Then, glancing at the woman beside the old man, he said, "Today is your lucky day, both of you. Hmph, we are leaving"

After much hesitation, the young child respectfully sat two-thirds of the way into the chair opposite Li Ke

Xiao Baozi still wanted to retort, but Li Ke interrupted him, saying, "Then bring me the best dishes from your restaurant."

At this moment, the man beside him, with a sullen expression, whispered in Young Master Liu's ear, "Young Master, this fellow appears to be well-dressed, but to my knowledge, there is no such figure in Chang'an. It is likely that he is merely the son of a wealthy family from outside."

Upon hearing this, Young Master Liu's face turned a deep shade of purple, and he was instantly enraged, "Old fool, you are overstepping your bounds. Do you still wish to make a living in Chang'an?"

With a loud slap, Young Master Liu struck the gloomy man's face and angrily said, "No need for any more words, let's go!"

Before he could finish speaking, Young Master Liu suddenly interrupted him, "Enough."

Little Baozi watched the shop assistant leave and murmured softly, "How dare he compare himself to the imperial chef in the palace, I just came out of the palace."

Little Baozi watched the disappearing figure of Li Ke, stamped his foot in frustration, and followed him, saying, "Your Highness, it's almost noon. Why don't we go have something to eat first? I know a few restaurants in the West Market of Chang'an that serve excellent dishes"

Little Baozi reminded, "Your Highness, it is time to return to the palace. If the Empress finds out, I will be finished"

Young Master Liu, upon hearing this, became furious and said, "You little brat, who do you think you are to meddle in my affairs? Do you want to die?"

The two individuals arrived at the center of the second floor. The elder addressed all those present, saying, "Today, this old man and his young daughter find themselves on the streets, and we would like to present a small tune to all esteemed guests. We hope for your generous support."

Li Ke hurriedly helped the two people up and said, "Elder, please do not be overly courteous. Bullies oppress both men and women, and no one would stand by idly when encountering such a situation. I believe this person will not let the matter rest easily. Elder, you should no longer stay here to sing. I have some silver, not a lot, but enough for you to purchase a few acres of good land. You should take your daughter and leave Chang'an City."

Li Ke spoke confidently, "Isn't there still this king? If I don't say anything and you don't say anything, how would Mother know? Aren't you very familiar with Chang'an? Go ahead, where shall we go for a stroll?"

Upon hearing Young Master Liu insult Li Ke in such a manner, Xiao Baozi, without waiting for Li Ke to respond, interjected, "Bastard, have your dog eyes gone blind? Look closely, this is His Highness the Prince of Changsha."

Then, he turned around and went downstairs. Those underlings beside him did not expect that the boss, who usually looked down on everyone, would be so frightened by a kid. Although they were unwilling, they still left in a complete and disheartened manner.

Li Ke inquired

Upon hearing the waiter exaggerate the dishes in his establishment, the young child immediately retorted, "Your establishment is quite audacious, daring to compare with the imperial chefs in the palace?"

Xiao Baozi was left at a loss for words by Li Ke's seemingly nonsensical remarks, and after pondering for a while, he looked down in confusion and asked, "What do you see in me?"

At this moment, she came to her senses and cautiously ran to the big man, saying, "Young Master Liu, a private room has been reserved for you long ago. Please, come inside."

The shopkeeper was not to be outdone, saying, "What is there that cannot be compared? Good work is good work. Are you perhaps from the palace? Have you tasted the dishes made by the imperial chef? Hmph!"

Li Ke asked Xiao Baozi as if nothing had happened, showing no trace of the caution and concern that one would expect in the Cen residence

Upon hearing Li Ke's words, the shopkeeper realized that he was a wealthy individual, so he refrained from bickering with the young servant and said, "Alright, esteemed guest, please wait a moment; the food and drinks will be served shortly"

A Bao, where shall we go for a stroll next

Young Master Liu felt a sense of panic under Li Ke's piercing gaze. Having spent many years in the city of Chang'an, he had encountered all kinds of people. However, today, seeing the eyes of the youth before him—those beast-like, sharp eyes, along with the demeanor of someone who looked down upon the world—made him suddenly aware of his own humility and insignificance. Instantly, an inexplicable fear began to rise slowly from the depths of his heart; he started to fear Li Ke and dared not meet his gaze. Gradually, he felt as if he could hardly breathe under the invisible pressure exerted by the other.

Gradually entered the world of music

Li Ke expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, young man!"

Young Master Liu was clearly taken aback by Li Ke's words. Looking at the elegantly dressed Li Ke before him, he felt somewhat hesitant

The man ascended to the second floor and, after scanning the crowd with his peripheral vision, fixed his gaze on the woman singing.

Li Ke was about to assist Xiao Fu, but felt it was somewhat abrupt, so he insisted that Xiao Fu bow to him. He felt a bit embarrassed and said, "Miss, there is no need for such formality. It is only right for me to lend a helping hand when you two are in difficulty today"

The woman is not considered beautiful, but her pitiful demeanor evokes an instinctive desire to protect her

The shopkeeper said angrily, "Even the imperial chef in the palace cannot compare."

Li Ke was very pleased with Xiao Baozi's cooperation. He patted his shoulder and said, "A Bao, this is how it should be. You have a bright future. Work hard, and I have high hopes for you and the library."

The wide street is bustling with people coming and going, flanked by tea houses, shops, taverns, restaurants, and workshops. Although lacking the opulence of modern architectural designs, the antique charm exudes a subtle elegance and luxury. The street is filled with a throng of people, resembling a "sea" of heads, with some being carried in sedan chairs, some riding horses, some carrying burdens, some with baskets on their backs, some wielding swords, and others brandishing guns. A diverse array of individuals creates a scene of busy activity. The vacant spaces along the street are lined with small vendors selling fruits, vegetables, daily necessities, medicinal plasters for injuries, as well as those sharpening knives and scissors, and fortune-tellers, with the sounds of their calls echoing continuously.

Just as Li Ke was fully engrossed in listening to the music, he suddenly heard a thin, elongated voice shout, "What a terrible song is being sung? It's unbearably unpleasant, change it."

After the instrument was played, a beautiful melody flew out from the old man's instrument, and the young woman began to sing along with the rhythm of the music

Before long, the dishes were served. Li Ke saw the table full of food and couldn't help but start eating.

What is there to be afraid of

After speaking, disregarding the pointing and whispering of the crowd, he walked out of the tavern with the little treasure.

At that moment, the shop assistant approached and courteously asked Li Ke, "May I inquire what the esteemed guest would like to order?"

Prince of Changsha

Li Ke observed the actions of the young child and said nothing further. He understood that throughout history, there has been a clear hierarchy of respect and status. Even in the open era of the Tang Dynasty, the relationship between master and servant remained distinctly defined.

The man beside him, with a sullen expression, noticed the change in Young Master Liu's demeanor and understood his thoughts. He stepped forward and, in a commanding tone, addressed the old man, "Old man, our Young Master Liu wishes to hear this young lady sing a song. We would like to know if you would be gracious enough to visit Liu Manor."

Young Master Liu and the group around him laughed, saying, "Him? Still the Prince of Changsha? What about me? Am I not the Hegemon-King of Western Chu?"

Young Master Liu clearly did not take the shopkeeper's words to heart, carefully scrutinizing the young girl before him, as a lewd expression gradually appeared on his face

As soon as he finished speaking, the group behind him began to stir up trouble again, causing the old man and the young woman from hetushu.com to tremble in fear

Before long, we arrived at the well-known restaurant in the West Market that Xiao Baozi mentioned—Wankeju. The restaurant has two floors, a spacious facade, and on either side, there are red banners displaying a couplet: "The fragrance of wine welcomes guests from all directions, the abundance of dishes retains a piece of heart."

Li Ke did not expect to encounter the legendary street performer here. Feeling a sense of novelty, he listened closely and seemed to sense the profound melancholy conveyed in the music.

After leaving the Cen residence, Li Ke did not rush to return. He wanted to stroll through the city of Chang'an and observe the ancient market life. Xiao Baozi closely followed him, fearing that he might encounter any mishap

The two walked in a leisurely manner, one in front and the other behind. The West Market truly deserves its reputation as the most prosperous area in Chang'an. When Li Ke came in the morning, he was preoccupied with his thoughts and did not take the time to appreciate the grandeur of the West Market. Now that the matters he needed to attend to had been resolved, he felt much more at ease. Thus, he began to carefully observe the bustling scene of the West Market.

At that moment, an old man and a young woman came up from the first floor, the old man holding a musical instrument, while the young woman nestled beside him

The music abruptly ceased, and the entire second floor was momentarily silenced by this sudden sound.

Having spoken, he walked away

The gloomy man beside him saw Young Master Liu attempting to leave and immediately said, "Young Master, you, you, what about this woman"

The reality is as the shopkeeper said, although the dishes in the shop are not as good as those made by the imperial chef, they have their own unique qualities, and Li Ke enjoyed them immensely. Xiao Baozi was no longer as reserved as before and also ate with great delight.

Li Ke ignored their mockery and stared at Young Master Liu with a stern expression, saying, "Today, let's consider this matter settled. You may leave now. If I encounter you again next time, it will not be so easy to talk."

At this moment, the diners in the restaurant began to point and whisper about Li Ke, wondering who he really was. How could he have frightened away the usually arrogant Young Master Liu with just a single sentence? Could he really be the Prince of Changsha? That seemed impossible. The crowd was filled with uncertainty.

From the second floor, the prosperity of the West Market presents a different scene.