Chapter 80 It’s a Small World
"Oh." Wen Yao laughed.
The wound on the back of her hand extended from the end of her index finger to the wrist bone. Blood gushed out and soon soaked the handkerchief.
Chu Yutang sat sideways, glancing at the wound on Wen Yao's hand, the corners of his lips curving slightly. Seeing this, his steward hurried forward and took out two porcelain bottles of medicine from a wooden box in the hands of a nearby waiter, handing them to Wen Yao and Bu Guanlan respectively.
The porcelain bottle contains the best medicine.
Zhao Xuanxu scooped out the paste and rubbed it between his fingertips. He then took Wen Yao's hand and gently applied it to the wound. The wound, which had been burning and painful, immediately felt cooler and the bleeding stopped.
"Good!" The crowd around them roared with applause. Their blood was boiling, and even though Wen Yao and Bu Guanlan didn't win in the end, they were still excited.
Taking advantage of this atmosphere, Wen Yao turned around, waved, and said loudly: "Everyone!"
"Today, the Wu Zhao Division is leading the charge, and the Ghost Market Master is hosting. I've left my name on the invitation, and I sincerely invite you all to come. I'm sure everyone knows why."
"I know, I know!" Huang Shi sat cross-legged at the front, throwing his heavy sword to the ground with a "whoosh", the tip of the sword naturally sinking deep into the ground. "You want to persuade us to join the Wu Zhao Si as officials... I won't do it anyway! The court is full of corrupt officials, and I'm a rough man. I can't do anything like playing tricks in the court! Wen Yao, you used to be a happy person. Is it because of this Yan Wang coming to Bianliang? The daughter of the Jianghu is very ambitious. Today I advise you not to let love bind your hands and feet and wrong yourself!"
He has a really generous personality and would say such words even in front of Zhao Xuanxu.
"Yes, at first I did go from the northwest to Bianliang for him, and I only planned to stay in Bianliang for three years." Wen Yao also admitted quite generously, "But now it's different. Now I am willing to stay. You all know that the son of the old emperor of Northern Liao died in our Tianshui! A battle with Northern Liao is inevitable. I'm afraid we will have to fight. You are all important figures in the martial arts world, among the best masters in Tianshui, and you all have virtue. You entered the martial arts world with a sense of justice and want to punish evil. Being a knight-errant can only take advantage of the moment, but it can't help the country and the people. Only being a general can do that! Now there is an opportunity to directly become a military officer, why not take it?"
"The Jianghu and the imperial court have nothing to do with each other."
"There is such a rule." Wen Yao nodded. "But you are not people who are bound by false reputations. In the face of national crisis, do you really have to consider such unfounded rules? I can tell you today that the Wu Zhao Si has requested a special order. If you enter the Wu Zhao Si, you don't need to kneel unless you see the emperor. Both men and women can fight on the battlefield to gain fame and honor. It is not impossible to be crowned as the Wolf's Lair and leave your name in history!"
After these words were spoken, the crowd, which had been noisy just now, became quiet, some turning their wine cups around, some leaning on their long swords, without saying a word.
Baili Cheng stood up, propped up the table, walked to the center, and bowed to the others. "You all must have heard of my Baili family. When we first joined the imperial court, the people in the martial arts world had quite a few complaints about us. Yes, I can't say that the Baili family is completely indifferent to power! But in my heart, Baili Cheng, I truly hate the weakness of Tianshui's military, and I want to do my best to serve the country. I understand your concerns, and I just want you to trust me this time. The Baili family is willing to be a stepping stone for us to take the first step! I ask the Wu Zhaosi to support you all forward!"
He was humble, without a trace of arrogance. He was also quite an old man, and his earnest words made people feel his sincerity. Many people looked at him, their expressions softening.
"The Military Recruiting Office is located on the North and South Imperial Streets. You have been staying in Bianliang for a while now. If you are interested, you can come to the Military Recruiting Office at any time to register. The Military Recruiting Office will immediately arrange accommodation for you, issue your salaries, and arrange for you to join the army." After Baili Cheng finished speaking, he bowed deeply and said, "I, Baili Cheng, thank you all on behalf of the people of the world!"
Almost there.
Chu Yutang put away the fan in his hand.
"General Baili, please stand up quickly. Everyone here is smart and already knows your intentions. From now on, whether to stay or leave is up to you." He stood up and laughed heartily, "We're here at the Ghost Market today to eat. For this meal, I've transferred half of Fanlou's chefs over, and we'll be serving fine wine and delicious food. It's a rare opportunity for the Master of Liuli Island to come. How many more opportunities will we have to have everyone sit so neatly together in the future?"
"Good wine?" Mingtai Jianzhong was full of drunkards. Their eyes lit up when they heard this: "Is it better than those jars just now?"
The tense atmosphere suddenly relaxed as attendants filed in, serving a variety of fine wines and delicious dishes. It wasn't the usual elaborate fare at Fan Lou, but rather large hunks of meat, whole fish, and whole legs of lamb, neatly arranged, perfectly suited to the appetites of these rabble-rousers.
After a hearty meal and three rounds of wine, some, still feeling the heat, stood up, wine jars in hand, and began to dance with swords. Someone even started to jeer, "The people of Xingyi Sword must possess exceptional martial arts skills! The Prince of Yan was once renowned in Shu. Why wouldn't he show off his skills today?"
Zhao Xuanxu was still peeling shrimp for Wen Yao when his name was called. Wen Yao loved shrimp, but considering the wound on her hand, Zhao Xuanxu looked at her expression and carefully peeled three or four shrimp before calling her off.
Huang Shi wiped his mouth and waved his hand, then picked up the large, filled wine cup on the table and began to speak in a loud voice like a gong: "Wen Yao once stayed at my house for a while, and my wife treated her as her own sister. It's a rare opportunity to meet a prince today, so this glass of wine, I, Huang Shi, toast to you!"
With that, his internal energy circulated, and the wine glass in his hand flew straight towards Zhao Xuanxu's face with a strong wind. Zhao Xuanxu just happened to wipe his fingers clean, raised his hand and easily caught the cup without hesitation. The sharp internal energy was completely dissipated by him, and not a drop of wine spilled.
He tilted his head back, his Adam's apple rolling as he drank the whole glass of wine.
Wen Yao immediately thought to himself that something was wrong.
As expected, it would have been fine if Zhao Xuanxu didn't drink. Once he did, not only Huang Shi, but everyone else around him also became excited and toasted Zhao Xuanxu one after another.
Seeing that they were getting more and more aggressive, Wen Yao raised his hand to intercept the eighth wine glass, saying with a forced smile: "That's enough. If you keep making trouble, I'll beat you up."
"Ouch, ouch." Mingtai Jianzhong, the drunkard, staggered over the table and laughed heartily: "You've grown up and learned to care for men!"
Everyone was having fun and having fun.
Luo Jiu stared at everyone, and suddenly his eyes shifted to Bu Guanlan, who was sitting upright without saying a word or smiling.
"Master," he said, "the fish oil I gave Miss Wen last time is almost finished. Didn't I bring it specially? Find a chance to give it away in the next few days."
Bu Guanlan rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular forearms, which were tied with white cloth. He twirled the cup between his fingers, his expression indifferent, and nodded, "Okay."
And then it was gone. Luo Jiu waited and waited but there was no further news.
He looked at Bu Guanlan and then at Prince Yan opposite him, wanting to say something but stopping himself. In the end, he didn't know what to say. He could only sigh that his master was a mute who only did things and didn't talk.
Look at him, no matter how he behaves outside, he is always affectionate and sweet to Miss Wen. No wonder Miss Wen is so happy and reluctant to leave Bianliang. Thinking back to the days on Liuli Island, the master also asked about everything Miss Wen did - but he was a mute!
Everyone had their own thoughts. Overall, the meal was a feast for all, with many returning drunk and resting. The Meishan Sect members who returned weren't Yu Le or Liu Suling, but a few young men Wen Yao had never seen before.
They recognized Wen Yao and came up to talk to him.
"Eldest Sister said she would definitely come to Wuzhaosi." The Meishan Sect disciple said, "This time she comes down the mountain, she must travel for two years, and then come to Bianliang again."
The eldest sister refers to Yu Le.
"As long as she has this intention, there will always be a place for her in the Wu Zhao Si." Wen Yao still held A Yin in her arms. She smiled and nodded, said goodbye to the Meishan Sect disciples, and then handed A Yin to Xiao Dao.
Baili Cheng also came forward: "Commander Wen, thank you very much for this time."
"You yourself said that the Wu Zhao Si was established for the people of Tianshui." Wen Yao: "Then I won't be considered as doing you a favor this time, you don't need to thank me."
"No matter what, you and I have done our best. The final outcome of the Wu Zhao Si will depend on these few days." Baili Cheng bowed and said, "Your Highness, Commander Wen, Mayor Chu, I will be leaving first."
"Take care, General."
Chu Yutang walked forward, looked at Baili Cheng's back, and sighed slightly: "It's not easy for him either."
"I have to finish the road I have chosen even if I have to kneel down." Wen Yao patted Chu Yutang and said, "Thank you for your hospitality today."
"I'm taking advantage of you to make more friends. Please give me more face in the future. It's worth it." Chu Yutang waved his fan gracefully, with the demeanor of a noble young man in troubled times: "How about it, I still have some wine, how about we--"
Chu Yutang paused as he swung the white jade fan towards Wen Yao, Zhao Xuan, and Guan Lan. He then said meaningfully, "Continue drinking?"
"Still drinking? You've drunk so much." Wen Yao looked up at Zhao Xuanxu.
Tonight they drank aged strong liquor, and those ignorant people forced several large cups of it down their throats. Although Zhao Xuanxu's expression remained clear, a thin layer of red stained his chin and earlobes.
Wen Yao: "Go drink it yourself. Bu Guanlan, be careful when doing business with Chu Yutang. He is a cunning man, don't let him cheat you." After saying that, she took Zhao Xuanxu's hand and left.
Seeing this, Luo Jiu sighed deeply again. Xiao Dao, who was holding Ah Yin, looked sideways repeatedly, wondering what had suddenly happened to the calm and reliable Luo Jianshi.
Outside, Wen Yao and Zhao Xuanxu walked down a street, each still faintly aware of the drunkards' clamor. Interlocking their fingers, they strolled through the ghost market. Zhao Xuanxu's palms were warm, warm, and his broad, slender bones felt incredibly comfortable.
"Ayao." Zhao Xuanxu smiled, holding Wen Yao's book and swinging it, saying, "Your friends are all very interesting."
Wen Yao nodded: "He was a little noisy, but he was still a nice person... Hey, where's Chun Yanzi?" She stopped and found that Chun Yanzi had not followed her for some time.
Did you go to He Niang's shop?
Wen Yao turned around and pulled Zhao Xuanxu towards the Yongzhou Restaurant two blocks away. Unexpectedly, as she approached, she heard a burst of foul language coming from the street ahead.
Hao Chunhe was definitely there. He held a kitchen knife in his hand, protecting a waiter from the Yongzhou restaurant, his face sullen as he gazed at the group across from him. Wen Yuanyuan glanced over and immediately spotted several shoe prints on his clothes. The smile on her face suddenly faded, vanishing like the first snow after rain.
The Ghost Market was rarely closed for the Wuzhaosi's recruitment. Even though some people came and went, they were very sensible for the sake of the officers and soldiers and Chu Yutang, and did not commit the murder and robbery that they had done in the past.
But now, the group standing opposite Hao Chunhe were all large-bodied, with broadswords hanging from their waists, and they looked ferocious. The man in the lead was tall and thin, with dark circles under his eyes and yellowed teeth. The expensive brocade robe on him was extremely disproportionate to his appearance, making him look like a toad in a golden shell.
"You old bastard, do you even know who I am, your grandfather?" The man covered his arm, blood seeping from between his fingers. He was obviously shocked and angry. He said angrily, "Smash this store for me! I'm going to give that bitch in there a taste of her today!"
As soon as he finished speaking, He Niang rushed out with a long wooden bench in her hand, slamming it down on his feet with a loud thud. She became aggressive, her hands on her hips, and cursed, "I don't care who you are! Chunyanzi, get out of my way. I'm going to cut off this bastard's tongue today!"
The man sneered, took a step back and waved his hand. The people behind him picked up knives and rushed towards Hao Chunhe and He Niang like vicious dogs.
Wen Yao stood still, thinking that Hao Chunhe would be fine against a few small thugs. But Hao Chunhe hesitated and shrank back with a kitchen knife in hand, trying to avoid them and protect He Niang and the waiter, and was almost hit by the long knives of the group several times.
Wen Yao was very confused.
She bent down and picked up the firewood piled on the street, swung her arm and threw it with incredible precision, hitting the man in the face. His nose immediately bled and he fell to the ground in pain.
"Who's looking for death?" The man closed his eyes and touched his face, which was covered with blood and looked even more ferocious. He gasped for breath, opened his eyes and turned to look at Wen Yao standing on the street corner, with a murderous look.
Wen Yao didn't want to waste time talking to him and walked towards him.
She was carrying a sword, and it looked like she was not someone to be trifled with. The people around her with knives instantly became alert, stopped attacking Hao Chunhe, and raised their knives to chop at Wen Yao.
Wen Yao easily twisted one man's wrist and snatched the knife. Then, the blade smoothly whipped across several people, the sound of piercing air echoing, and the force was undeniably brutal. Soon, a circle of people lay on the ground, wailing and covering their bodies.
Seeing this, the man scrambled to his feet, using his hands and feet to lunge out. He hadn't taken a few steps when he felt a sudden weight on his back. Wen Yao stomped his foot hard on his back, knocking his chin against the ground, instantly removing a large layer of blood.
"You, you!" The man was terrified, struggling with his limbs and shouting wildly, "I am the brother of the current factory supervisor, Governor Song! If you dare to touch me, you will all die without a burial place!"
"oh."
Wen Yao didn't expect that the world was so small that he could hear Song Mingde's name in a random fight.
Her legs, which were pressed against the man's back, remained motionless. She folded her arms across her chest, lowered her body, and let her high-tied hair fall to one side as she carefully examined the face beneath her.
"Song Mingde's brother? His biological brother?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
