"Is that the building?"

After walking for about an hour, Sha Lifei pointed ahead.

There by the lakeside, in the midst of the brightest lights, stood a magnificent pavilion built by the water.

The building was two stories high, adorned with architraves and flying eaves, painted red with gold details. Hanging beneath the eaves were a row of large red lanterns inscribed with the three gilded characters "Yanbo Building," conspicuous even amidst the daylight-like illumination of the lakeside.

Its vast size exceeded the surrounding structures, justifying its reputation as the renowned "money-squandering den" of Jinan City.

In front of the building, there was a continuous stream of carriages and sedans, decorated in luxurious styles.

Officials, merchants, and scholars clad in splendid clothing, seemingly romantic with their folding fans, entered endlessly, welcomed by enchanting and beautiful women.

The air was filled with a sweet and cloying scent of makeup, distinctly different from the fresh fragrance of lotus leaves by the lakeside.

Li Yan nodded slightly, and the two merged into the crowd and approached.

Upon reaching the entrance, a wave of warmth mixed with fragrant wine and sweat hit them.

The hooker greeting guests at the door had keen eyes; seeing their outfits not exceptionally luxurious, yet their demeanor impressive, he greeted them with a warm yet reserved smile, "First time here at our Yanbo Building, gentlemen? Do you have a familiar lady you'd like to meet? I could introduce someone for you."

Sha Lifei waved his hand brusquely, "No nonsense, find us a quiet and elegant spot. Bring out your best wines and dishes! I've heard your 'Dengzhou Old Brew' is quite good."

"Certainly! Upstairs, gentlemen!"

The hooker diligently led them to the second floor.

Once upstairs, the interior of Yanbo Building was even more astonishing.

Compared to the bustling crowd downstairs, the second floor was spacious and elegant.

At the center was a wide hall, with flower-patterned carpets, decorated with antique paintings and redwood furniture.

Though not the time for a formal performance, in the corner, a few beautiful geishas quietly played their lutes or zithers, gentle and refined.

The entire space was cleverly divided into numerous elegant rooms and private booths by carved wooden screens and light silk curtains.

Through the half-open curtains, shadows and lights danced. Inside, glimpses of people toasting and exchanging drinks could be seen.

Whether speaking loudly or whispering quietly, all were immersed in the silk and bamboo music.

The waitstaff, deft and light-footed, traversed the passageways between booths, carrying trays filled with food and wine.

Their actions were skillful, their steps brisk, all highly trained.

The hooker led the two to an elegant seat by the window.

The location was excellent; one could admire the shimmering night view of Daming Lake on one side, while overlooking most of the building's interior on the other. Inside the elegant booth, soft cushions and low tables were already arranged, surrounded by the scent of mosquito-repelling mugwort burning.

"Please sit, gentlemen. The food and drinks will arrive shortly," the hooker bowed and withdrew.

Sha Lifei sat comfortably, picking up the warm towel on the table to wipe his face, "Finally a moment to breathe! Brother Yan, what's next? Who are we meeting?"

Li Yan did not answer immediately. He accepted the towel from Sha Lifei, and while slowly wiping his hands, he observed the entire interior and flow of Yanbo Building calmly.

Suddenly, his gaze sharpened, and he paused, his expression becoming peculiar.

"What's wrong?" Sha Lifei immediately asked when he noticed.

Li Yan shook his head slightly, "Old Sha, do you remember the Shangluo Lu Family?"

"Of course, I remember."

Sha Lifei sighed, "Left Minister Lu Kang, he once backed Old Monkey Zhou Pan, almost drove us to ruin. That old fox was quite the schemer, but man's plans can't outwit heaven's, ultimately it all amounted to nothing, and the Lu Family fled to avoid disaster."

Li Yan nodded, "Look over there, who do you see?"

Sha Lifei followed his gaze to the largest hall in the depths, where a small night banquet was in full swing.

On several tables lay seasonal delicacies: famous Lu sugar-coated Yellow River carp, glazed and fragrant 'Nine Turn Large Intestine,' tender stir-fried chicken strips with cucumber, along with various exquisite pastries.

Seven or eight dancers dressed in sheer veils danced gracefully among the tables, moving fluidly, their water sleeves fluttering.

A group of seemingly wealthy or noble guests toasted and laughed loudly, while several women with heavy makeup accompanied, either softly laughing or diligently offering drinks.

Outside the hall stood several burly men, arms crossed, their gaze occasionally sweeping over the entire scene.

The person leading them stood straight, possessing a certain air of officialdom.

"Hey~" Sha Lifei widened his eyes, "Isn't that Feng Ping?"

Back then in Shan State, Lu Kang returned home as bait, attracting numerous brigands, for some reason, they once traveled the Zhongnan Ancient Road together, and the two were quite familiar with the Lu Family's Guard Commander.

Seeing him, Sha Lifei chuckled, "That guy loves to put on an act, even wears official boots outdoors."

He looked inside again and commented, "Isn't that the second son of the Lu Family? He ended up in Jinan City, look at their flamboyant manner, seems they've made a comeback."

Of course, they were merely expressing their feelings.

Their situation reversal was nothing compared to their own achievements.

Even with Lu Kang present, they wouldn't regard him as significant.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen!"

Amid the conversation, the hooker hurriedly ran over, sweating profusely and bending so low it was almost touching his knees, his voice trembling with great fear, "Please forgive me, gentlemen, for my foolishness in not recognizing Taishan, seating you outside! The shopkeeper insisted on relocating you to 'Tingtai Pavilion' on the top floor, our quietest and best scenic spot."

Sha Lifei chuckled, "Your Eye Power is quite decent apparently."

Li Yan remained calm, only nodding slightly and saying nothing further.