Read Novel Full Volume 1 Chapter 14 - The Casino
Volume 1 Chapter 14 - The Casino
“Sushang Zhai,” the most famous vegetarian teahouse in the capital, renowned for its vegetarian dishes that could produce a hundred flavors. It was highly favored by the elite, especially those noble ladies who followed Buddhism, often gathering here to drink tea and savor delicacies.
Leng Jiu originally came out to relax but discovered this excellent place. The vegetarian dishes were delicious yet light, and the tea served was top-grade Longjing. Located at the end of an alley, with a serene river on the other side and a gentle breeze, it was an ideal spot for afternoon tea. However, this wasn’t her destination.
Wearing a white silk male attire, adorned with a jade crown and horse boots, her tall figure looked natural in men’s clothing, exuding a touch of sharpness and heroism. Although she still retained a feminine appearance, her eyebrows now carried a hint of sharpness and masculinity. Walking like the wind, she displayed none of the coyness associated with women, appearing as an androgynous young man.
Leng Jiu was highly satisfied with her current appearance. She was stunning in female attire and handsome in male clothing, appealing to both genders. The only drawback was the tight chest binder, which made her feel somewhat suffocated.
Stopping under a signboard, she heard the thunderous cries from inside, “Big, big, big!” “Small, small, small!” “It’s open!” Indeed, this was the place she had come to today—the world of gambling!
If someone were to ask about her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she would admit her incompetence. However, when it came to gambling, she dared to guarantee that there were very few who could match her. The main industries of the underworld aristocratic family were casinos and nightclubs. She practically grew up in the casino, and by the time other kids were seven or eight, still carrying school bags to school, she could already win a villa in a casino!
Her current identity was the Queen Dowager, living in luxury and never worrying about food or clothing. Her status was incredibly prestigious, but for her, it was like a fleeting image. Those positions were bestowed upon her by others, and even if she enjoyed wealth and glory, it was still nothing but an illusion. Only the things held in her own hands were truly hers. That’s why she set her sights on the casino, her old trade. Whether it was power or status, nothing was as real as money. As that old man, her father, used to say, “Money can move mountains.” As long as you had money, there was nothing you couldn’t accomplish. Although she found the phrase crude and vulgar, she agreed after delving into the core of Daoist teachings—the power of money. When your wealth could buy a country, all those in power would become your slaves!
Thinking of her deceased father, Leng Jiu sighed. She had been dead for so long; he probably still had no idea. Who knew where he had drunkenly fallen into the embrace of which mistress!
Shaking off her thoughts, Leng Jiu stepped into the casino. Unlike modern ones with a variety of games, ancient casinos primarily featured dice and perhaps Pai Gow. She vaguely recalled that there might be chicken fights and cricket fights in history, but it was limited to these few activities!
Inside the casino, everyone’s attention was fixed on the gambling tables, and no one bothered to notice the newcomer. Leng Jiu casually found a spot to stand, scanning all the gambling tables with little interest. Compared to modern casinos, this place couldn’t compare at all. The tables were occupied by a bunch of wealthy men who, instead of using the available chairs, stood around, faces red and necks thick, displaying no elegance whatsoever. She had no interest in gambling with them.
Just as she was about to leave, the only staircase facing a room suddenly swung open. Two men carried a person out, and he rolled down the stairs, a dozen steps in total. While the fall wasn’t high, a bit of blood and scraped skin were expected, especially given the force used when the two men threw him out. This sudden commotion finally caught the attention of the gamblers, but it was only a momentary distraction before they resumed their gambling.
“Another one looking for trouble!”
“That’s right. No skill yet dares to go up. He’s lucky he didn’t lose his hands and feet!”
Leng Jiu’s eyes lit up upon hearing this. She patted the shoulder of the man who had just spoken, “Brother, I have something to inquire about.”
“Why are you shouting? Can’t you see I…” A cool object was placed in his hand, and when he looked, it was ten taels of silver. Immediately, all his anger dissipated, and upon seeing a young gentleman speaking, he smiled, “What does the young master want to know?”
Leng Jiu pointed to the room, “What’s going on in there?”
“Do you not know, young master? That’s our local gambling god, the young master and owner of this casino. His gambling skills are extraordinary, always winning in every game. That’s why there have been countless challengers, but they all end up like the one just now—boldly entering but getting thrown out in the end! Does the young master also want to try challenging him?”
“It’s possible.”
“I wouldn’t advise it, young master. Just a word of advice – it’s better not to go, or else a handsome young master like you getting thrown out wouldn’t look good!”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow with a mischievous gleam and casually grabbed a dice cup containing six dice. With a light shake, the six dice rolled and tumbled. “That’s when it becomes interesting!”