Chapter Fifty-Eight: Spending a Fortune in One Throw

"But," Wen Niang deliberately paused before continuing, "but esteemed gentlemen, please bear with me a little longer and listen to what I have to say." Once again, Wen Niang drew the attention of the audience toward herself, speaking gracefully: "This Gallic woman is no ordinary person. According to the people of Great Qin, her father is a descendant of the governor of Gaul beyond the mountains, with pure noble blood." As she spoke, Wen Niang pulled down Aili's outer garment, leaving her upper body clad only in a tight corset, the rest exposed to the air.

Heavy breathing echoed from the audience; even Li Wenyuan found his own breath unsteady upon witnessing the scene. When his gaze met those violet eyes, a surge of wicked desire rose within him, his mind teetering on the verge of losing control. Fortunately, years of exposure to modern films had tempered his self-restraint. Sensing something amiss, he bit his tongue, the sharp pain jolting him back to his senses.

He glanced to either side: Zhang Juntai and the scout were both staring, eyes glazed, at Aili on stage. Li Wenyuan shook his head and returned his attention to the auction.

At that moment, Wen Niang pointed to Aili's waist and abdomen inside the cage, saying, "In those far western lands, everyone values martial prowess, and this woman is no exception. Gentlemen, observe her waist—slender and strong, a testament to years of training. What’s more, that waist is not only fit for wielding weapons... but also..." Wen Niang laughed coquettishly, leaving the implication unsaid. Some with lesser fortitude shuddered and slumped weakly in their seats.

Li Wenyuan shook his head, though he too felt a stir in his heart. Qiu Niang’s side lacked manpower, and judging by Aili’s physique, she must be skilled; her eyes were clear, her mind calm. If it were an ordinary person, the knowledge of being sold would have driven them to panic and desperate escape, earning them lashes and scars. Yet Aili bore no marks—proof she had not tried to flee, but waited for the opportune moment.

Moreover, this woman carried an innate sensual allure, an unfailing weapon against men. If she could be brought into the Night Owl group, she would be invaluable for future assassinations. Li Wenyuan’s eyes grew hot with anticipation.

Wen Niang continued, "And the gentleman who purchases her will also receive a chest of rare family books and a treasured sword from Great Qin, all included."

"Well then, gentlemen, two thousand taels of silver," Wen Niang said with a smile.

Li Wenyuan offered two thousand five hundred taels, but was quickly outbid. He remained unhurried, taking a fresh cup of hot tea from the attendant and sipping slowly. The tea master here was truly skilled; just one sip left a lingering fragrance, a clear mind, and endless sweetness upon the tongue. Drinking tea and watching the merchants below argue with flushed faces, he felt a sense of transcendence, as if a celestial being watching all under heaven.

Before he finished his cup, the price had soared to eight thousand taels. The bidding voices dwindled; many lacking the means regretfully withdrew. Yet a dozen well-capitalized merchants continued, though at a much slower pace.

Zhang Juntai watched eagerly, wanting to bid but too embarrassed to say so to Li Wenyuan, fidgeting like an ant on a hot wok. Li Wenyuan noticed his usually calm friend’s agitation and found it amusing, pretending not to see, continuing to sip tea while chatting with the attendant about the tea master. He learned the tea master was a slave from the Central Plains purchased by the city lord, whose skill earned him a post here. Further conversation revealed the auction house was also founded by the city lord.

Zhang Juntai grew increasingly anxious, gripping the chair’s arms, his eyes fixed on Aili. The bidding voices below dwindled until only two remained, arguing fiercely. Li Wenyuan looked down: a slightly plump merchant said to a lean one, "Old Jia, just look at your frail body—buy her now and you’ll be dead in two years, leaving her for someone else in the end!"

The lean merchant retorted, "Old Liu, you’re the one who’ll leave her to others—given your grain-sized member, can you even use it?"

Old Liu’s face turned blue with anger. "Old Jia, believe it or not, I’ll tell your wife you’re buying a pretty girl!"

Old Jia, clearly henpecked, faltered, "Old Liu, if you’re so shameless, don’t blame me for buying up your stock at a high price. My family’s big, I can afford it; if you’re not afraid to lose everything, stick with me to the bitter end—let’s see who blinks first."

Old Liu opened his mouth to retort, but nothing came out. He grabbed his teacup as if to throw it, but glanced at the bouncers nearby and sheepishly set it down, returning to his seat in frustration.

Seeing Old Liu drop out, Old Jia’s heart leapt. He looked to Wen Niang, as if urging her to declare him the winner of this exotic girl.

Li Wenyuan asked the attendant for the current bid. The attendant replied, "Nine thousand taels." Li Wenyuan weighed his assets and said, "One thousand taels of gold."

The attendant went to the window and announced, "Number seven, one thousand taels of gold."

The room fell silent, everyone watching quietly. Old Jia looked at Li Wenyuan’s private room, gritted his teeth, and called out, "One thousand taels of gold, and one thousand taels of silver!"

Li Wenyuan, without hesitation, had the attendant add another thousand taels of silver. Old Jia pondered briefly, then matched the increase. Li Wenyuan had an idea, signaled the attendant to make way, and leaned against the window with his teacup, raising it to Old Jia and saying, "Congratulations, brother."

Seeing no further bids, Wen Niang said, "Alright, congratulations to the gentleman who won this lot. All items for tonight have been sold; next month begins a new round of auctions. Please do come again, gentlemen."

The merchants rose and departed, leaving only Old Liu and Old Jia slumped in their chairs. Li Wenyuan chuckled inwardly: Compete with me? There are plenty of tricks in later generations—haven’t eaten pork, but I’ve seen pigs run.

Zhang Juntai looked disappointed, but he knew that a thousand taels of gold was a third of Li Wenyuan’s assets; it was reasonable not to keep bidding. He composed himself, preparing to leave, but Li Wenyuan pressed him back into his seat and said, "Don’t rush, we’ll meet a friend shortly."