Chapter 58: Mutual Admiration

Wu Liniang led the ethereal beauty Qin Wan’er as they bowed to him. Wen Jun remained expressionless, staying calm even when facing Qin Wan’er’s transcendent beauty. But the soldiers guarding the door and Wang Meng’s group of thugs couldn’t help stealing glances at Qin Wan’er, showing just how captivating she was.

“Supervisory Commander, your presence brings great honor to our humble establishment. You must be tired from your journey. Please come upstairs to rest. I have already ordered food and drink to be prepared. This young lady, Wan’er, will serve you,” Wu Liniang said with a smile, but her tone was neither humble nor pushy, showing no sign of deliberate flattery.

Wen Jun finally spoke. He clasped his hands and bowed respectfully toward the west, his face filled with piety. “I give thanks for the late Emperor’s grace and the current Emperor’s great kindness, allowing a mere warrior like me to enjoy wealth and honor. The Emperor’s grace is vast, and I would die ten thousand times to repay it!”

Wen Jun grew more and more excited as he spoke, almost performing the full ceremonial bows. Wu Liniang seemed to have seen this before; not only was she unmoved, but a flash of disdain and annoyance even crossed her eyes. Meanwhile, Liu Liwa and Qin Wan’er were so shocked they nearly bit their tongues off. This guy had good character, knowing to remember those who helped him and feeling grateful for opportunities given. But this was too devout. Believers prayed before meals to thank their god for the food, but you prayed before visiting a pleasure house? Were you thanking the Emperor for letting you use public funds to pay for prostitutes?

Anyway, Wen Jun’s behavior fully proved he was a severe cleanliness freak. He was also a fanatically loyal supporter of the Imperial Family, a typical extremist. No wonder Wu Liniang had shown a trace of scorn and contempt earlier. Such die–hard fanatics couldn’t be bribed or won over by anyone. They could only hope for Qin Wan’er’s charm. But even if Qin Wan’er was utterly charming, and even if the Emperor allowed him to be seduced, Liu Liwa would not allow it.

As Wen Jun finished expressing his gratitude for the Emperor’s vast kindness and lifted his leg to go upstairs, Liu Liwa grew anxious. He had a plan, but he needed Qin Wan’er to carry it out. Right now, he had no way to call Qin Wan’er aside privately. What should he do?

Liu Liwa bitterly hated that he was just an insignificant nobody, even less than that guy who had his hands chopped off before—at least that guy was a foreman. But he wasn’t afraid. As the saying went, don’t bully the young for being poor. He had only been in this world for a few days. With his skills and the extraordinary patience and resilience he had honed while serving Furong and Yufeng, nothing could stump him.

For example, right now, at this critical moment, a noble person appeared.

Suddenly, the sound of swords being drawn came from the entrance, accompanied by a stern shout. “What are you doing? Armed guards—is this a pleasure house or a Yamen?”

Anyone who dared to question men with real blades was a true man. Ordinary people would have run far away at the sight, but now there really was someone unafraid of death. Even the incomparably domineering Wen Jun turned his head. Wu Liniang hurriedly explained at his side, “Supervisory Commander, this is the son of the newly appointed Vice Minister of War, Lord Ye. Please don’t harm him!”

Compared to this Imperial die–hard, the Vice Minister’s son was more worth winning over. But Liu Liwa was still somewhat worried. Wen Jun reported directly to the Emperor and commanded the Imperial Guard, which was outside the Ministry of War’s jurisdiction. Would he show face to the Vice Minister of War?

Unexpectedly, when Wen Jun heard Young Master Ye’s background, his eyes lit up. His scarred face actually broke into a delighted smile. He quickly turned and waved for the soldiers to let him through. Young Master Ye snorted and cursed as he entered. Wen Jun actually stepped forward to greet him, asking, “Might I ask, young sir, are you the son of the old general Ye Yongwu?”

Young Master Ye was taken aback, sizing up Wen Jun. With a scarred face and soldiers guarding him, he was clearly a military man. Young Master Ye quickly clasped his hands. “My apologies. Ye Yongwu is indeed my father!”

Hearing this, Wen Jun became very excited. A look of reminiscence crossed his face before he gazed at Young Master Ye with great joy. “How has Old General Ye been lately? Back when Old General Ye led the army to battle the enemy, I was his vanguard officer. Old General Ye was brave and skillful in battle, leading from the front. He was a model for our entire army. He shed blood on the battlefield many times, suffering over twenty wounds all over his body yet never leaving the frontline. He is truly an example for our generation!”

Hearing this, both Liu Liwa and Young Master Ye felt awkward. It sounded like he was praising Old General Ye’s might, but the earlier question ‘How has he been lately?’ made it seem like he was asking, with over twenty wounds, was he still alive?

Of course, Wen Jun didn’t mean it that way. He was simply reminiscing about the old days and his former commander’s extraordinary prowess. Young Master Ye forced a smile. “Thank you for your concern, sir. My father is doing well. He’s just old now and no longer able to lead campaigns. The Emperor, in his kindness, has granted my father the title of Vice Minister of War, allowing him to remain in the capital to enjoy his retirement.”

After speaking, Young Master Ye and Wen Jun unexpectedly both clasped their hands and bowed toward the west where the Emperor often was. In unison, they said, “The Emperor’s grace is vast! Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years!”

Damn… Seeing this scene, Liu Liwa felt so frustrated he wanted to bang his head against the wall. Cultivating these fanatics wasn’t easy! And don’t forget, there were still those ‘second generations’ who had been enslaved by the very benevolent and wise Emperor they kept praising. How must they feel, hearing you shout ‘long live’ like this?

The two men laughed heartily as if they had found a kindred spirit. Liu Liwa hadn’t expected the arrogant Wen Jun to be so nostalgic, nor had he expected that wastrel Young Master Ye’s father to be a battle–hardened old general. A general’s house indeed produces dogs! But from what Wen Jun said, Old General Ye was brave and skilled in battle, yet only ended up with the post of Vice Minister of War. It seemed rather undervalued. Since ancient times, except for founding Emperors, scholars always held power. Serving in court, no matter if you were a strategist, revolutionary, or thinker, it couldn’t compare to being called a politician!

After randomly paying respects to the Emperor, Wen Jun and Young Master Ye actually started chattering away. Wen Jun asked, “Might I ask what position Young Master Ye currently holds, and where you serve?”

Young Master Ye hurriedly waved his hands. “I dare not claim such. I am but a scholar, awaiting the New Emperor’s grace to hold a Grace Examination. I hope to top the Imperial Exam someday and bring honor to my family.”

“Old General Ye was accomplished in both civil and military affairs. A tiger father doesn’t beget a dog son. I’m sure you will top the exam soon.”

“You flatter me, Commander Wen. You are mighty and extraordinary, defending our borders and protecting our land. You are truly a pillar of our dynasty…”

The two men went back and forth, lavishing praise on each other and chatting very happily. They left Wu Liniang and Qin Wan’er aside, both feeling exasperated. This was a pleasure house—what were these two men chatting so animatedly for?