Chapter 46: Chapter 46
Lu Wenyu looked at Zhao Jiu’s utterly shameless, roguish expression. Combined with the flattery from earlier, it put him in an excellent mood, so his tone naturally became much more relaxed.
“Pockface, scholars often say, ‘A loyal minister does not serve two masters, and a virtuous woman does not take a second husband.’ Yet you certainly let go easily.”
Zhao Jiu had already achieved his goal. Probing any deeper probably would not yield much. Besides, Lu Wenyu was all smiles—who knew what wicked schemes he might be harboring? Military strategy teaches us: meet all changes by remaining unchanged!
“Lord Lu, you’re treating me like an outsider. We’re family now. I’ve only ever heard of people being affectionate behind closed doors; it’s rare to see them split into separate households the moment the doors open. Muzhi. Call me Muzhi, not Pockface!”
Lu Wenyu burst into laughter, apparently accepting Zhao Jiu’s crooked reasoning. He stroked his beard as the delayed kick of Immortal’s Intoxication set in, leaving his cheeks faintly flushed.
“Muzhi or Pockface, do you really think you’re a Lower Fourth-Rank Official? A wise man knows which way the wind blows. You have a bright future ahead of you!”
Zhao Jiu merely smiled without agreeing with him, lowering one hand to stroke Zhaocai’s back.
For a time, the two exchanged pleasantries like old friends while sipping wine. Beneath the shroud of night, an oddly cozy atmosphere settled over them.
When they finished the first jug, Zhao Jiu thoughtfully brought Lu Wenyu another. It was not until the third jug was empty that Lu Wenyu indicated he wanted no more. He reclined in the Grand Tutor’s Chair with both feet resting flat on the table, seemingly savoring the aftertaste.
Only after the night had deepened and a cool breeze began to rise did Lu Wenyu stand. Supported by Zhao Jiu, he walked out of The Little Tavern.
Zhao Jiu considerately handed him a wine gourd. “Lord Lu, it’s cold. Drink some warm wine and you’ll sleep better.”
“You’re a thoughtful brat. No wonder Eunuch Chen can’t stop thinking about you!” Lu Wenyu breathed out a gust of wine-laden air and accepted the gourd with one hand behind his back. “Kid, if anyone asks in the future, tell them you’re my own nephew. Stop calling me Lord Lu as well. I’m the fifth-born in my clan, so just call me Fifth Master.”
After taking a few steps, he seemed to remember something and turned around.
“Come back to Jiangnan with me in a few days. You’ll need to show your face around first if you want things to go smoothly.”
Zhao Jiu had no reason to refuse. Naturally, he agreed repeatedly and thanked Lu Wenyu profusely as he saw him off.
After closing the door of The Little Tavern, Zhao Jiu lay back in his personal recliner. His face repeatedly contracted and swelled as it returned to its original appearance. The instant Lu Wenyu had entered, Zhao Jiu had activated Complete Transformation, making himself somewhat gaunt to match his appearance when he killed Jiang Ruhai.
He had done this for two reasons. First, he wanted to test Lu Wenyu’s intentions. Second, he wanted to find out exactly how much information Lu Wenyu possessed.
His first objective had become clear the moment Lu Wenyu uttered the word “Pockface.” His intentions were definitely not simple, but at least he had not come for Zhao Jiu’s life. As for everything else, they had talked intermittently for so long, yet Lu Wenyu had neither pointed out any flaw in his appearance nor shown that he sensed anything unusual.
That proved two things. First, they had no idea what the person who killed Jiang Ruhai looked like—or rather, Jiang Ruhai simply was not important!
Second, and most importantly, Complete Transformation was extremely useful! Even at such close range, after spending so long together, it was extremely difficult for an expert of Lu Wenyu’s caliber to notice anything!
At that thought, Zhao Jiu finally released a long sigh of relief. Dancing with a wolf like this was truly perilous. Fortunately, the outcome had been good. He had learned everything he wanted to know. As for why Lu Wenyu had offered such an outrageous price, that was something he would have to investigate slowly.
Reclining comfortably in his chair, he sipped his tea. The moonlight was faint, yet it lent the night a distinctive charm. As for what came next, he could only take things one step at a time.
By the time he finished a pot of tea, much of his stress had finally subsided.
Wash up, then sleep!
Five days passed without incident at The Little Tavern. Since he had to wait for Lu Wenyu, Zhao Jiu had no choice but to open for business every day. He no longer dared to merely open his eyes at noon and then get up in the early afternoon. His perfectly good life of lying flat had turned into the “blessed” existence of a working man. For Zhao Jiu, who was accustomed to doing whatever he pleased, it felt as though countless ants were crawling all over him!
On the sixth day, Zhao Jiu could no longer endure it. Bolstered by his formidable willpower, he decisively returned to his natural routine of waking at noon.
It was nearly three in the afternoon by the time he had eaten and drunk his fill and returned to The Little Tavern. Without another word, the full four-piece combo—recliner, tea, a book over his face, and sleep—was mandatory. Although the early-spring chill still bit, the trees in the courtyard had already begun to bud. The fresh green was a delightful sight.
When he opened his eyes again, the sky was already dark. Zhao Jiu stretched luxuriously and went out for dinner. Sure enough, a carefree life was the most nourishing.
As he left Hengtong Restaurant, a fine rain began to fall. The endless spring drizzle moistened all things without a sound, and even the chill slowly seeped into his body. Braving the light rain, he returned to The Little Tavern and found a rather large carriage parked outside.
When the Carriage Driver saw Zhao Jiu return, he knocked on the carriage compartment. The curtain was drawn aside, and Lu Wenyu slowly emerged in a scarlet Flying Fish Robe, carrying a box.
“Fifth Master.”
Zhao Jiu cupped his hands and bowed respectfully. He then stepped forward to take the box and helped Lu Wenyu down from the carriage.
“Go inside and change. I can refill my wine gourd while I’m here. You don’t mind, do you?” Lu Wenyu shook the gourd and continued, “Ah, good wine really is something else. Its fragrance lingers on the lips and teeth, its aroma is delicate, and it refreshes the very heart. Haha!”
After Lu Wenyu had put it that way, what else could Zhao Jiu say? He could only let him have his way.
Carrying the box, Zhao Jiu opened the door and led the way. Lu Wenyu did not stand on ceremony. After entering, he ignored Zhao Jiu and expertly helped himself to more wine, while Zhao Jiu carried the box into the rear courtyard.
Back in his room, Zhao Jiu opened the box and discovered that it contained quite a few things. On top lay an official hat of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, a pair of black boots, a belt, and an Embroidered Uniform Guard waist token. Beneath them were a blue-green Flying Fish Robe and an Embroidered Spring Saber.
Zhao Jiu could not help but stare in astonishment.
Was this for real? Lu Wenyu was willing to spend this much?
According to regulations, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard wore a scarlet Flying Fish Robe, the Vice Commander wore a deep-crimson one, the Assistant Commander wore peach red, and Pacification Commissioners all wore blue-green. Everyone else wore black or white Flying Fish Robes or Bullfighting Robes. Among those without a Hereditary Appointment by Imperial Favor, only officials of Hundred-Household rank and above were entitled to carry Embroidered Spring Sabers. Everyone else carried Goose-Feather Sabers.
Since Lu Wenyu was willing to spend so much, Zhao Jiu naturally intended to take every advantage he could. How could he possibly let benefits already in his hands slip away?
He changed into the Flying Fish Robe, put on the official hat, and hung the waist token from his belt before putting everything else into his Storage Space. Then he walked out carrying the Embroidered Spring Saber.
If nothing else, from this day forward, he was officially a man on the government payroll!
Since this was Zhao Jiu’s first time wearing an official uniform, he naturally had not put it on properly. To make walking more comfortable, he could only spread his legs slightly and shuffle out like a crab, stumbling along one halting step at a time.
Lu Wenyu was dumbfounded when he saw Zhao Jiu emerge like that. It was the first time he had ever seen anyone walk with such an outrageously arrogant gait!
“Fifth Master, stop staring. I don’t know how to tie this…”
Zhao Jiu’s words made Lu Wenyu burst into laughter. Only after he had finished laughing did he show Zhao Jiu how to put everything on correctly. Zhao Jiu could hardly be blamed—he had no experience with this sort of thing!
After receiving some guidance, Zhao Jiu finally looked presentable, but he did not possess the slightest trace of official gravitas.
Neither of them wasted any more words. With Zhao Jiu leading Zhaocai and Lu Wenyu carrying his wine gourd, they boarded the carriage and set off toward Jiangnan.
After more than half a year of wandering, Zhao Jiu was finally going back to his loyal Jiangnan!