I was living in the Five Dynasties period, just after crossing the Zhongdu Bridge.

The next day, Shen Lie got up very early.

Although the hangover still bothered him, he dared not delay his trip to the armory for even a moment.

Although Shi Hongzhao gave him face, whether that face can be exchanged for real benefits depends on the skill of the person in charge.

The armory clerks were mostly cunning old hands who had been in the business for a long time and were very good at judging people by their appearance.

Today, Commander Shi has granted you special privileges. If you don't seize the opportunity and move the goods quickly, when Commander Shi is busy with official duties tomorrow, these warehouse clerks will have countless ways to get rid of you with inferior goods.

On the battlefield, however, one would have to risk their life to fill the gaps.

This task should have been handled by Yang Ting, the commander of the personal guards.

But Shen Lie really couldn't trust him.

It's not that I don't trust Yang Ting, it's just that Yang Ting is too rough around the edges. I'm afraid I'll be sold out and then still have to count the money for him.

Although he has been given a second chance at life, Shen Lie is still a person who cherishes his life and, more importantly, his soldiers.

He originally planned to personally oversee this matter, even if it meant banging on the table and cursing in the armory, he was determined to get the good stuff for his brothers.

Just as Shen Lie was getting dressed and preparing to leave, the gatekeeper of the Li residence hurriedly came to report that someone from the Guo residence had arrived.

The visitor was none other than Guo Rong, whom he had met twice the day before.

"Young Master Guo?"

Shen Lie was somewhat surprised and quickly went out of the mansion to greet him personally.

Guo Rong did not come alone today; a young man followed behind him.

The young man had delicate features and seemed quite clever.

"I was unaware of Brother Guo's presence. What brings you here? If it is for that trivial matter of rice yesterday, I, Shen, am truly ashamed to accept such an honor."

"Commander Shen, you flatter me."

Guo Rong cupped his hands and smiled.

"I hope my unauthorized visit hasn't disturbed Commander Shen's peaceful sleep?"

"Don't mention it."

Shen Lie stepped forward, but his gaze fell on the young man.

"This is my younger brother, Guo Tong, whom everyone in the family calls Qing-ge'er." Guo Rong stepped aside to introduce him, "Qing-ge'er, this is Commander Shen Lie whom Father mentioned yesterday."

Guo Tong stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Brother Shen."

"You're too kind, Brother Qing."

Shen Lie quickly returned the greeting, then turned to Guo Rong and asked, "Brother Guo, you probably didn't know you came here to introduce your younger brother, did you?"

Guo Rong smiled and made no attempt to hide it, "Not at all, I am indeed here today as a persuader."

"A lobbyist?"

Shen Lie's heart stirred slightly.

He was new to the city and didn't know many people.

The fact that Guo Rong could be persuaded to act as an advocate suggests that this matter carries considerable weight.

"Could it be either Grand Councilor Guo or Commander Shi, who wants me to identify the person?"

This was Shen Lie's first reaction.

Logically speaking, Shen Lie is now considered to be part of Shi Hongzhao's faction, and also a former subordinate of Wang Qing whom Guo Wei values.

This invitation was most likely an invitation from these two big shots to help him make more connections in Daliang City, paving the way for his future trip to Ye City.

Moreover, Li Congxi had instructed him last night that this rest period was for him to cultivate connections.

However, Guo Rong shook his head.

"It's the left guard."

The Left Guard is one of the Twelve Guards of the Southern Palace, in charge of guarding the palace and also responsible for the defense of the palace city.

Since they were the imperial guards in charge of palace security, it was natural that those close to them held power.

The current leader of the Left Guard is Liu Chengxun, the Left Guard General, who is also the son of Liu Zhiyuan.

As for Liu Chengyou's position as Left Guard General, he was slightly inferior.

Although Liu Zhiyuan has not yet formally appointed a crown prince, Liu Chengxun is kind and benevolent, and has a good reputation for virtue, making him Liu Zhiyuan's favorite.

Although Liu Chengyou was also favored, he was ultimately eccentric in nature.

"Since it was the Left Guard who invited you, may I ask which prince it is..." Shen Lie asked tentatively.

"It is indeed the Left Guard General, Your Highness," Guo Rong explained with a smile, seemingly having read Shen Lie's thoughts.

"Brother Shen, please don't worry. Today, His Highness has just heard about your deeds at Zhongdu Bridge and wants to meet you in person. My father specifically asked me to bring Qing'er along so we can join in the fun."

Hearing that it was Liu Chengxun who had invited him, Shen Lie felt somewhat relieved.

After all, Su Fengji had suggested that he be assigned to the Left Guard yesterday. Although Guo Wei had refuted the suggestion, it was clear that the news had reached the ears of the person in charge.

If Liu Chengyou were to summon him, given his temperament, Shen Lie would likely face a difficult situation.

However, the fact that Guo Rong came to invite him personally indicates that Guo Wei tacitly approved of the matter, and it's even possible that Shi Hongzhao also gave his approval.

"Since Brother Guo has personally extended the invitation, how could I, Shen, dare to refuse?"

Shen Lie gave a wry smile, which was considered an agreement.

Once the business was over, the atmosphere became more relaxed.

Guo Tong, being a very outgoing person, chimed in when Shen Lie agreed, "Brother Shen, if you have the chance another day, could you tell me about the Zhongdu Bridge?"

Shen Lie looked at the boy and, as if possessed, reached out and patted him on the shoulder: "Of course."

However, this presents a problem: Shen Lie is currently unable to be in two places at once.

We must attend the banquet, and we can't skip the armory visit either.

Just as Shen Lie was in a dilemma, a voice broke the deadlock.

Zhao Kuangyin appeared from afar, looking gloomy.

"Yuan Lang, what's this?" Shen Lie asked, somewhat surprised.

Logically, Zhao Kuangyin should have been at home, either fulfilling his filial duties to Zhao Hongyin or reuniting with his long-separated wife.

That's why Shen Lie didn't consider asking him to handle the armory matter.

"Don't even mention it," Zhao Kuangyin said indignantly. "My father made me kneel in the ancestral hall to listen to his lectures early this morning. He even controlled which foot I should step with. If I didn't climb over the wall, I was afraid I would suffocate in that mansion."

That's the truth.

Zhao Kuangyin, who was used to being wild, could hardly stand the strict rules of the Zhao family.

In his opinion, rather than being a dutiful son who only follows the rules at home, he would rather come and have fun with his like-minded brother, Shen Lie.

"Who are these two?" Zhao Kuangyin asked, looking at Guo Rong and the other man.

"This is the eldest son of the Guo family, and this is the second son."

Shen Lie explained.

"This is Zhao Kuangyin, the son of Zhao Husheng," Shen Lie replied.

At this time, Zhao Kuangyin did not know Guo Rong. After all, he had been living near Daliang for a long time, and his original trip to Taiyuan was delayed by the battle of Zhangjiawu.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin cupped his hands in greeting.

"Nice to meet you," Guo Rong returned the greeting, his gaze lingering on Zhao Kuangyin for a moment, seemingly finding the man quite magnanimous, but not having time to get to know him better.

"But you've come at the right time."

Shen Lie had a sudden inspiration; it was a perfect idea.

I was originally worried that no one would take care of the armory.

"Yuen Long, since you're out here, you might as well just sit around doing nothing."

Shen Lie tossed his command token to Zhao Kuangyin, saying, "Go to the armory for me. I have a banquet to attend and can't get away. I'll leave the selection of weapons and armor to you."

"I'll go?" Zhao Kuangyin took the waist token. "Can't Yang Ting and the others go?"

"They're easily fooled, I don't trust them."

Zhao Kuangyin knew perfectly well why Shen Lie hadn't let Yang Ting go, and his question was also partly motivated by a desire to boast.

After all, he was only twenty-one years old at the time, still young and immature, so it was normal for him to ask for some face when there were outsiders present.

Shen Lie naturally understood what Zhao Kuangyin was thinking, and then smiled and said, "You are the son of the Commander of the Imperial Guard and an expert in weapons, so this job is naturally perfect for you."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't suppress a smile.

"Sure! Leave it to me."