Tavern

After completing the construction of the watchtower, Zhan Xiaobai and Sword Tyrant found themselves temporarily unable to erect any other buildings. The vast majority of structures required corresponding NPCs—such as peasant huts for farmers, carpenters’ workshops for carpenters, blacksmiths’ for blacksmiths, and so forth. Although Zhan Xiaobai was inclined to build a clothier’s house or a stonemason’s workshop, without skilled craftsmen, any such construction would be futile.

One day, Li Asan came to the administrative courtyard, greeted Zhan Xiaobai, Sword Tyrant, Autumn Water, and the others, then introduced a newcomer. “Lord, while wandering outside the village today, I encountered an NPC who wishes to settle here. I ask you to grant her permission to stay.”

Zhan Xiaobai could not help but smile. Since Old Li was being so formal, this person must be exceptional. “Asan, anyone who catches your special attention must be extraordinary. Let her stay. By the way, what does she do? Is there some particular skill that drew you to her?”

Li Asan’s face suddenly flushed, and he hurriedly replied, “She’s waiting outside. I’ll bring her in to meet you, and you’ll see for yourself.”

“Oh, please do!”

Soon enough, Li Asan led a mature, voluptuous woman into the hall. She was clad in silk ribbons—though she appeared to be in her forties or fifties, she retained a provocative charm, her face powdered, and her attire distinctly different from that of ordinary NPCs.

Zhan Xiaobai exchanged a perplexed glance with Sword Tyrant. Such an NPC was rare—he wondered about her background.

The woman swayed forward and, bowing to Zhan Xiaobai, smiled alluringly. “I am Lady Xu, a native of Chang’an. Having met with misfortune in business and squandered my fortune, I wandered to Xiliang. I greet you, Village Chief Xiaobai. You are clearly young, strong, and a gifted hero descended from the heavens. It is my great fortune to meet such a distinguished and elegant village chief in this desolate place.”

Lady Xu had a surname but no given name, not a person of note.

Zhan Xiaobai felt a chill. Good heavens, does she think she’s still eighteen, casting flirtatious glances in the dead of night meant to scare people? He hurriedly signaled her to stop.

Sword Tyrant was secretly amused—it was rare to see Xiaobai embarrassed.

Unexpectedly, Lady Xu’s gaze shifted to Sword Tyrant, her eyes lighting up. “Ah, you must be Elder Sword Tyrant, whom Old Li mentioned. What a robust physique! In former days, I would have personally attended you at night… but alas, now…”

Zhan Xiaobai burst out laughing, nearly choking. Her words were… certainly unrestrained.

Sword Tyrant almost dropped his cup in fright. Oh my, what is this formidable woman up to? Seducing the future youths of the nation? Not me—I’m not yet thirty, with a virtuous wife and beloved daughter. If they found out, they’d skin me alive. No way.

Lady Xu’s eyes rolled again, landing on Autumn Water. She exclaimed, “Oh, what a lovely little sister! When I was your age, I was never so beautiful. Have you pledged yourself to anyone yet? Even if you have, it doesn’t matter—you can break it off. With your looks, you could easily be the leading star at the most famous Red Pavilion in Chang’an.”

Autumn Water became visibly uncomfortable, her face icy and frosted, retorting coldly, “Who is she? How does she speak so indecently?”

Li Asan’s old face was redder than ever, and he hurried forward to explain, “Elder Autumn Water, please don’t be angry. Lady Xu is a woman of the night, once proprietor of a brothel in Chang’an… It’s her occupational habit. Please, Lord and elders, don’t take offense. The fault is mine for not clarifying earlier.”

Lady Xu then struck a pose (reminiscent of the famous Flower Lotus Lady), and with seductive flair declared, “I am indeed the madam of a brothel in Chang’an. Thirty years ago, I was the star courtesan.”

“A brothel!?” Zhan Xiaobai exclaimed in surprise, muttering, “Well, that’s an interesting building. If our little village could have a brothel, it would add another basic facility. With the madam ready, we could start right away.”

Suddenly, he noticed Autumn Water’s clear eyes glaring at him, evidently displeased.

Flustered, Zhan Xiaobai quickly spoke loudly and seriously, “What! A brothel? How could we permit such a thing in our village? Asan, say no more. This building must never be constructed.” He thought to himself: If a brothel were built and torched, that would be a minor issue, but if it caused internal turmoil, it would be a major disaster.

Seeing Zhan Xiaobai firmly reject the brothel idea, Autumn Water’s jade-like face finally softened with a hint of a smile.

Li Asan quietly lamented—he never suggested building a brothel. It was all this woman’s loose tongue causing misunderstanding among everyone.

“What, build a brothel?!” Lady Xu became excited. “I’d be delighted to serve the village chief, but I have no girls under me now. If we set up a brothel, we’d lack staff… Perhaps we could select a few maidens from the village…”

Li Asan saw Lady Xu’s indiscretion and noticed Autumn Water was nearly at her breaking point. He quickly silenced Lady Xu, inwardly distressed, “My dear lady, could you please say less? If you keep this up, I won’t be able to keep you here.”

Lady Xu was pulled away by Li Asan.

Li Asan hurried back and clarified the situation, “Lord, elders, please don’t blame me! I had no idea she’d be so outrageous. The reason I invited her here was for her skill in cooking and brewing, and her experience running taverns. I hoped she could open a tavern in our village.”

Zhan Xiaobai suppressed his laughter. “Very well, opening a tavern is no problem.” He understood Old Li’s intentions—perhaps his heart had been moved, which explained his eagerness to help Lady Xu settle. Adding a tavern-keeper with a colorful background to the village was not a bad idea.

“Autumn Water, what do you think?”

Autumn Water bit her lip lightly, considered the greater good, and nodded in agreement.

Since Autumn Water had no objections, Zhan Xiaobai granted Lady Xu the operating rights to the village’s first tavern.

Li Asan enthusiastically helped Lady Xu build a thatched hut in the busiest area on the east side of the village—a wooden tavern.

Primary Tavern:

1. There is a chance for quest NPCs to appear and issue quests here.
2. There is a chance for notable figures, generals, and wine connoisseurs to drink here.
3. The tavern serves NPCs and players; food can speed up the recovery of players’ stamina and health.
4. Drinking can boost NPC villagers’ morale.

Once the tavern was finished, Li Asan approached Zhan Xiaobai again, hesitantly proposing that the tavern be designated as the exclusive venue for issuing village quests. He was somewhat anxious, worried the lord might reject his suggestion.

Zhan Xiaobai laughed heartily—what a clever idea.

“Agreed!”

Li Asan was delighted. “Today, the tavern opens! I’ll host, and I invite you, lord, and the four elders to dine together.”

Old Li’s invitation could not be refused.

Zhan Xiaobai, Sword Tyrant, Autumn Water, Spring and Autumn Young Hero, Ah Fei, and all the notable figures of Xiaobai Village attended the grand opening of the tavern.

Outside the tavern, a lengthy purchase list was posted: “Peaches—1 copper for 20 pieces,” “Wild monkey fruit—1 copper for 10 pieces,” “Brewing wheat,” “Bear paw—5 copper,” “Celery—1 copper for 10 pounds,” “Cabbage,” “Wild greens,” “Venison—1 copper for 3 cuts,” “Mutton,” and so on. Several players spotted the list and brought their gathered wild vegetables, dried meats, and similar items to the tavern.

The tavern, having just opened, had not yet produced any wine, so only dishes could be served.

Unexpectedly, Lady Xu’s culinary skills were impressive—the dishes she prepared were exceptionally tasty.

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I received hundreds of reviews in one day—it startled me. I read everyone’s comments, and they were so well-written, almost rivaling my own (ha ha). The power outages these days are quite frustrating. Especially today, when the electricity was out from early morning till ten at night—I was nearly desperate. Thankfully, the power came back at ten, and I managed to finish a chapter.

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Regarding the brothel… What do you all think… Should it be built… If it is, I fear a certain heroine might rebel (sweat).

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