Chapter 104: The Great Whirlpool

Liu Liwa did not answer easily. These were basically all difficult tasks to complete. Even if they were completed, if anything unexpected happened, each one could lead to immeasurable serious consequences.

“These three things seem very difficult, but given your current relationships with Young Master Ye, Wen Jun, and Miss Zhao, your chances of success are quite high. If you complete any one of these tasks, you can choose money, beautiful women, or power as you wish.” Wu Liniang said lightly, like an empress ruling the world, casually rewarding her subjects. But then her tone changed, and her aura became sharp: “However, I must warn you, do these things if you are willing and do your best. If you cannot do them, do not speculate randomly. If you want to know, I will tell you our purpose, but I suspect you probably do not really want to know.”

Liu Liwa knew she was deliberately scaring him to keep his mouth shut. He naturally understood the matter was of great importance and likely concealed terrifying secrets. He never had the habit of prying into others’ privacy. Even regarding Furong’s weight and Yufeng’s height—issues the outside world was most curious about—despite being in a position to find out, he was unwilling to pay attention. So, he had even less interest in knowing Wu Liniang’s secrets.

A simple conversation, like a Madam assigning tasks to a Brothel Steward, left Liu Liwa drenched in cold sweat after hearing it. The future was full of unknowns, completely beyond human prediction or control.

Wu Liniang chose him because he had been in the spotlight lately. Neither Young Master Ye nor Wen Jun could be approached or influenced by using women, let alone Miss Zhao. But every task she gave him was as difficult as reaching for the heavens, so Liu Liwa did not know how to respond to her for a moment.

Just then, he unintentionally glanced and saw a two-foot-long Rattan Cane hanging on the wall. He had seen it before—it was what Wu Liniang used to discipline the girls. Qin Wan’er once had scars from that Rattan Cane. At the same time, Liu Liwa also saw a set of shackles in the corner and a Saddle hidden under the bed with a rod attached—the legendary torture device known as the “wooden donkey.” Suddenly, Liu Liwa felt the entire room was filled with a sinister and terrifying atmosphere. Not only were girls disciplined here, but cruel methods were also used to punish them. Turning to look at the lofty, all-controlling Wu Liniang, this woman had undoubtedly harmed countless girls. As a friend to women, a blazing fire rose in Liu Liwa’s heart. Especially for Qin Wan’er, he had to seek revenge.

“Alright, I agree to do my best!” Liu Liwa made up his mind but did not commit completely. Moreover, he set a condition: “I am used to living freely and do not care for money or power. They say the higher you climb, the harder you fall. I only like simple meals to fill my stomach three times a day, one plow ox and half a field of land, and a warm family life with a wife and children. Of course, if the wife is a gentle and virtuous beauty, even scholars and refined gentlemen would surely like that. For example, someone as stunningly beautiful as you, Madam.”

Upon hearing this, Wu Liniang quietly pulled the covers over herself but did not react strongly. Being in the Pleasure House, she naturally knew the allure women had over men. Aside from a pervert like Wen Jun, few men could resist it, and Liu Liwa was no exception: “What do you want?”

“Very simple.” Liu Liwa looked at the Rattan Cane on the wall and said, “You just mentioned three tasks for me to do. If I complete them, I want you to agree to three conditions of mine. Don’t worry, I won’t make it difficult for you. If I complete one task, you must take off your top. If I complete two tasks, you must take off your bottom. If I complete all three, I want to use that Rattan Cane you use to discipline the girls to spank your bottom. Can you agree to that?”

“Hmph, do you know that if you fail to accomplish these three tasks, just for speaking disrespectfully to me, I could have you killed!” Wu Liniang said fiercely, her inviolable queenly demeanor flaring up again.

But Liu Liwa lazily replied, “If I accomplish all three tasks, will you agree to my conditions then?”

“Hmph, you’ve backed yourself into a corner. If you don’t handle this well and speak lightly to me, I won’t let you off easily either.” Wu Liniang said coldly.

Hmph! Liu Liwa responded with a cold snort of his own. He strode over, took down the Rattan Cane from the wall, and swung it forcefully a couple of times. The sound of it cutting through the air buzzed sharply. Wu Liniang was startled and instinctively hid under the covers. When she emerged again, Liu Liwa was already gone, leaving only the Rattan Cane swaying slightly on the wall. Her bottom felt inexplicably tingling…

Once outside, Liu Liwa went to the well himself, drew a bucket of water, and gulped down half a catty noisily. The cold wind blew, making him feel as if his whole body might fall apart. The scene just now was too perilous because right after he stepped out, he caught a glimpse of a flicker of cold light—Wang Meng and others hidden in the shadows, carrying weapons.

The Intoxication Pavilion was too eerie. Looking at this ancient building with its carved railings, painted pillars, and festive lanterns, it seemed to have turned into a mysterious and bizarre abyss. Once you stepped inside, you would get lost, every step fraught with danger. Liu Liwa considered simply leaving, but a small cottage opposite the Intoxication Pavilion weighed on his mind. He could leave, but what about Qin Wan’er? He had also promised Miss Liuyun to help her regain her freedom. A real man, when venturing into the world, must uphold the word “trust,” especially promises made to women.

Although Wu Liniang had warned him not to speculate about their purpose even if he did not undertake the tasks, as someone involved, he could not stop his thoughts from wandering. He climbed step by step onto the rooftop. Looking out, he could see the entire Linyu County spread out before him. Gazing farther, the city walls stood majestic, and the mountains rolled like waves—a magnificent painting of the land.

However, this splendid landscape was not whole. At this time, the world was divided into three parts: Eastpeace, Beiyan, and Nanchuan, standing in a tripartite balance. Eastpeace focused on agriculture and sideline occupations, Beiyan on animal husbandry, and Nanchuan on fishing and aquaculture. Each had its own characteristics, possessing strong power and keeping each other in check. There were no major conflicts, but minor frictions occurred constantly. Yet each nation harbored the ambitious dream of unifying the land and dominating the world. Among them, schemes and conspiracies surrounding this magnificent realm were certainly abundant. If he were truly drawn into such a huge whirlpool, his future would indeed be uncertain, with life and death hanging by a thread.

Ah, now he struggled alone at the front, with only a few women behind him. It could be said he had no relatives or friends, no support. Others had backgrounds, but he only had his own shadow.

Therefore, no matter what lay ahead—family, nation, or the world’s unification—even if it meant fighting off invaders from five planets, he could not concern himself with it. The most important thing was to build his own foundation and establish his own network. And at the moment, the most urgent task was to help Young Master Ye win over Third Miss Zhao.