Water Margin: Lu Bu sits on Mount Liang

In mid-summer, temperatures rise, and the weather feels comfortable.

The Qi delegation was less than twenty li from the capital of Song. The capital city of Bianliang was still bustling with activity, with caravans and ships coming and going in an endless stream. Goods brought in from all directions were unloaded from the ships by laborers, placed on carts, and then pulled into the city by pack animals.

Prices in the city began to drop as spring arrived. Men and women, dressed in light and cheerful clothes, walked the streets, comparing the goods they liked. Occasionally, a few arrogant young masters would walk by, instantly silencing the noise on the street. Many young wives would lower their heads and hunch their chests as they quickly walked away.

"Get out of the way! Get out of the way! Get out of the way!"

The Imperial Guards, dressed in crimson uniforms and carrying spears and banners, ran through the streets, instantly clearing them of the city. People of all ages, both soldiers and civilians, quickly moved aside, watching the group of red-clad figures run past, spitting and cursing, "You damned bastards!"

Watching the Imperial Guards escort several officials to the city gate, disperse the people who were about to enter the city, and take over the sentry posts inside and outside the city gate.

Soldiers carrying buckets of water and yellow sand ran over, splashing clean water on the street and paving the road with yellow earth, getting things done very quickly.

The general in front, clad in a suit of finely forged iron armor, turned around, looked at the several court officials approaching from behind, and hurriedly ran forward, giving a fawning smile. His somewhat shrill voice rang out, "Minister Li, everything is ready."

"Good, Lord Chen Yu is indeed efficient. Instruct your men to be respectful when the Qi people arrive." The official named Li Ye nodded, patted the fair-skinned Chen Xizhen in front of him with great appreciation, and then looked him over: "Your voice... is rather special."

"Yes, I will certainly not disappoint you, Censor." Chen Xizhen bowed, still smiling obsequiously, and then stroked his beard: "My voice is just like that."

The soldiers carrying buckets retreated, and the wind and percussion instruments were taken by two rows of soldiers and arranged neatly under the shouts of their respective officers.

Li Ye wasn't necessarily going to find out anything. He nodded upon hearing this and offered a few words of encouragement. Just then, a messenger on horseback came galloping over: "The Qi delegation has arrived."

"Quickly, get your men in the spirit." Li Ye didn't have time to say more, pointed towards the outside of the city, and Chen Xizhen immediately ran over, "Cheer up, don't embarrass me."

Two rows of Imperial Guards soldiers, clad in gleaming armor, ran over. They were all tall and muscular, with broad shoulders and narrow waists, and handsome faces that made them instantly likable.

In the distance, a large banner with the character "Qi" appeared at the end of the official road. Black-armored soldiers riding tall warhorses were rapidly approaching, a cloud of dust rising behind them and obscuring the view behind them.

"play music--"

A loud voice came from Chen Xizhen's mouth, and a melodious sound came from the musical instruments in the hands of the Imperial Guards soldiers.

Boom boom boom——

The sound of warhorses trotting reached Yang Pu's ears, along with music drifting in from afar.

The Minister of Rites on horseback glanced back, the crimson figure already left behind, then looked ahead. As they moved forward, the music grew clearer, and a look of surprise appeared on his usually stern face. He couldn't help but look at Wang Yin beside him: "Does the Southern Dynasty place such importance on rites and music?"

"Huh?" Wang Yin turned to look at him, then realized what he meant and spread his hands: "The highest official I've ever met was the governor of a county, so I'm not very clear on these things."

"Interesting...it's quite different from what we're used to."

After uttering a few words, Yang Pu stroked his beard and said nothing more. Amidst the roar of warhorses, a Song general abandoned his escort and rode ahead, giving Yang Pu and Wang Yin an apologetic smile before quickly galloping forward.

He ran up to Li Ye and whispered something in his ear. The official glared at him and said, "You can't even keep an eye on people. How can you do your job?"

"This... I failed in my duty. The Qi people were riding warhorses and were extremely domineering. They wouldn't listen to my orders, so I had no choice but to leave my foot soldiers behind and come forward to tell you."

"Go down."

Li Ye waved helplessly. As the smoke and dust gradually approached, he quickly checked his clothes and, seeing that there were no flaws, hurried forward.

The thunderous sound of hooves gradually subsided, and a drawn-out "Stop—" was heard. Thousands of warhorses were pulled back, and almost as soon as the last note faded, the trotting herd of warhorses came to a halt.

Li Ye, who was not very knowledgeable about warfare, stepped forward and merely praised the scene in his heart, saying it was well-organized. Then, his gaze shifted to Chen Xizhen, whose face was somewhat serious. He frowned and scolded, "Who are you trying to fool with that deadpan face? Smile!"

Chen Xizhen was taken aback for a moment, then realized that she was talking about herself, and quickly adjusted her facial expression, putting on a smiling face.

The official nodded in satisfaction. As the cavalry parted ahead, a figure in court attire appeared behind him, escorted by a general in iron armor carrying a long spear. He quickly stepped forward and bowed first, saying, "Li Ye, the official of the Great Song Dynasty, is here to welcome you all by imperial decree."

Yang Pu was about to dismount when he saw this, and with a sudden thought, he released the strength in his waist and legs and spoke on horseback: "I am Yang Pu, Minister of Rites of the Great Qi Dynasty." He then turned to the side and gestured with his hand: "This is General Jianwu, General Wang Yin."

When Wang Yin saw that Yang Pu hadn't dismounted, he immediately understood what was going on and, with a cold face, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Li Ye from his horse.

Li Ye was not offended at all: "Your army is truly as fierce as tigers and as powerful as dragons, they look extraordinary." Amidst the music, he turned to the side and gestured: "Please, a banquet has been prepared in the city. Once you have rested, His Majesty will summon you."

Yang Pu looked down at him from his horse and nodded: "Alright, thank you, Li Jishizhong."

Li Ye gently spurred his horse forward, and the group of over a thousand people slowly walked forward. Li Ye frowned. He hadn't prepared any carriages for this welcome, and now he was in a bit of a predicament as he watched the Qi people riding their horses into the area. He couldn't very well run alongside them; if someone saw that, they would probably report him to the emperor that evening for disgracing the nation.

"Your Excellency, please ride my horse." The voice in his ear made Li Ye turn his head and see Chen Xizhen smiling as he handed him the reins. He immediately felt a sense of goodwill: "Chen Xizhen is quite perceptive."

He stepped forward, took the reins, put his foot in the stirrup, and with a push, his body jerked upwards. "Ouch..." he cried out, then fell back down.

"puff--"

"They can't even mount a horse..."

Just then, Shi Bao and Li Tianrun, who happened to be passing by, couldn't help but burst out laughing, making Li Ye blush. He then felt annoyed, thinking, "I'm a proper scholar who passed the imperial examinations. When did I ever have to learn these things like you crude, violent men?"

"Careful, careful." Chen Xizhen quickly stepped forward and supported the person, then said softly, "This horse is a bit difficult to mount, please be careful."

Li Ye turned his head and coughed lightly: "You... are not bad." Chen Xizhen smiled from behind and quickly used her arm to lift him up, so that they could follow the Qi army in front.

Once he was mounted on his warhorse and had a moment of free time, he glanced around and saw the mottled knife marks on the enemy's armor. He couldn't help but curse inwardly, "A bunch of poor bastards, coming here dressed so shabbily," but he didn't show it on his face.

Knowing that he couldn't ride a horse, Chen Xizhen pulled on the reins and ran alongside him, occasionally whipping the horse to make it run faster and keep up with the Qi delegation ahead.

Subsequently, a grand banquet was held under his direction.

……

Most of the people of Bianliang did not care about the Qi people who entered the city today. The court had stood on this land for many years. Whether they won or lost, these matters were to be handled by the ministers in the court. Apart from the students of the Imperial Academy gathering together to discuss it, the rest of the people continued to eat and drink as usual and toil for their livelihood.

Liao San'er was one of these indifferent people. As a hotel waiter, his biggest thought was how to own his own hotel; he couldn't care less about these important matters of the imperial court. He counted the silver coins he had hidden in the box and smiled. He had saved quite a bit of money after working at Zhu's for ten years, and he calculated that he could start his own business in another three to five years.

Manager Liao!
Hehe, not bad either.

With a smile on his face, Liao San'er took off his clothes, changed into his usual attire for working at the hotel, washed his face, and then went out.

As dusk approached, it was the time for the taverns and restaurants to open. Along the way, I would bump into acquaintances and exchange casual greetings. Over the years, migrant workers from Bianliang had come and gone, and new ones had arrived, but some of the people I knew had stayed. Since we had no conflicts with each other, it was still acceptable to exchange a few words when we met.

I strolled leisurely into the hotel and saw the innkeeper standing there as soon as I entered. Next to him was Dong Kai, who was delivering fish. My innkeeper's son and the other man's son were playing together, picking up pebbles.

"San'er's here." Zhu Fu sensed someone coming in, looked up and saw it was his employee, and smiled: "You're here quite early today."

"I just strolled over here since I had nothing else to do, and figured I might as well grab a free dinner."

"You little rascal, you're so cunning." Zhu Fu laughed and scolded, then gestured to the back: "The kitchen is preparing food. Go and ask for whatever you want. Oh, and bring some good wine with you when you come out. I'll have a few drinks with your brother Dong later."

"got it."

Liao San'er chuckled twice. The shopkeeper was kind. As a long-time resident, he was allowed to freeload meals and drinks. He lifted the curtain leading to the back and went inside. A familiar aroma of food wafted into his nose.

Over this long period of time, Zhu Ji Hotel has opened three branches, but the kitchen staff has remained unchanged, making them the only group of employees in the hotel who have worked there longer than him.

I wish the guys I hire in the future were like them.

Liao San'er thought to himself, "These people may not be the best cooks, but their dishes are uniquely flavorful and stimulating. Many customers have gotten used to this taste and crave it if they don't eat it a few times a month. It's become the hotel's signature dish."

"Hey guys, we're busy."

The sound of chopping vegetables reached his ears. Liao San'er opened the kitchen door and said with a grin, "Brother hasn't had dinner yet, how about you make me a couple of dishes?"

"You little rascal, you're here to freeload again." The slightly chubby cook turned to look at him and said with a laugh, "Go wait outside. Brother Dong just delivered a lot of river delicacies today, I'll let you try some later."

"okay!"

Liao San'er wasn't annoyed. He turned and went out, remembering Zhu Fu's instructions. He first took out a few jars of wine and placed them on the counter. After dinner, as more and more customers came in, he quickly stood up to greet them.

As dusk settled, the number of diners in the hotel gradually increased. When customers arrived, Liao San'er and the waiters were so busy that they barely had time to breathe. Occasionally, they could see Zhu Fu and Dong Kai sitting there drinking and eating, but the two seemed to be slow, taking half a day to finish a pot of wine.

creak-

The shop door opened, and a thin, small man walked in, sniffed, and turned to look at the crowded space: "Waiter, is there any room left?"

"Oh, sir, unfortunately, we're all full. Would you like to share a table?" Liao San'er walked over and looked at the man, who was not even as tall as him and had rat whiskers on his face. He didn't look very good, but that didn't matter to him. He was only concerned with getting business and making tips.

"Heh, business is pretty good. Let's find a table. I just came from Jizhou today, so I'll get some of your specialties."

"okay."

Liao San'er called out and stretched out his hand, intending to lead the person to the table inside. He didn't see Zhu Fu and Dong Kai, who were drinking there, exchange a glance and straighten up at the same time.

"San'er, San'er!" Zhu Fu called out twice, causing Liao San'er to stop in his tracks: "Hey, shopkeeper."

"Please, guests from Jizhou, come and sit down." Zhu Fu smiled and raised his wine cup in a gesture of respect. "I happen to be quite interested in the north. I wonder if I could offer you a drink?"

Liao San'er was slightly taken aback, then turned to look at the skinny man following behind him.

"Alright."

The person behind nodded and smiled, and without Liao San'er leading the way, walked straight over. Liao San'er quickly brought over a stool, and after the person sat down, went to the kitchen to order dishes.

"Brother, this is Zhu Fu, the manager of this hotel. This is my good friend, Dong Kai." Zhu Fu picked up the wine pot and poured wine for the person who sat down.

"My name is Shi Qian." The thin man twitched his two beards, picked up his wine cup, and smiled so much that his eyes narrowed into slits: "It's a pleasure to meet you."

……

Bang Bang —

The sound of the night watchman's gong echoed through the streets. Under the hanging lanterns, figures moved at a leisurely pace. Bianliang had never had a curfew, and for many, life only began at night.

A man dressed in ordinary clothes leaned against the window, looking at the inn where people from Qi stayed not far away. He yawned boredly and said, "Why are we keeping an eye on this place? There's no curfew, and no one follows these people when they go out. Isn't this just like taking off your pants to fart—completely unnecessary?"

"Who knows what those gentlemen upstairs are thinking?" His companion, leaning against the windowsill, replied listlessly, "Let them talk nonsense. As long as I get paid, I'll go into battle for them."

He didn't even bother to give him a glance: "Go and fight the Qi people?"

"...Then forget it, I'm not stupid."

The two of them were joking around, completely unaware that a short figure was squatting on their roof, thoughtfully stroking his mustache, before turning over and disappearing into the night.

When Shi Qian returned, he didn't go through the main gate. Instead, he found a secluded spot, climbed over the wall into the inn, and made his way to Wang Yin's room.

The general who was in charge of the wolf cavalry guards this time hadn't gone to sleep yet. When he saw Shi Qian come in, he asked repeatedly, "How is it?"

"We've made contact." Shi Qian took out a ledger from his pocket and handed it over: "This is all the intelligence we've gathered since last year."

Wang Yin reached out and took it: "I didn't expect that there were already spies from the court in Bianliang."

"I didn't expect that either." Shi Qian shrugged, then pointed outside: "By the way, there's a house over there, and two people are watching us. Should we...?"

He slashed his hand: "Give me a lesson."

Wang Yin glanced outside and frowned. "Why are they staring at us?" he asked. After a moment's thought, he said, "Never mind them. We'll see that corrupt official the day after tomorrow." (End of Chapter)