Chapter 93: Leftover Warrior

Liu Liwa led by example and successfully taught Yang Xiaosi and Shen Zuijin the way of doing things where leaders first sought benefits for themselves and then for the people. It was also a good inspiration for others. He hoped this method would be passed down through generations, so that when corrupt officials in the future were accused, they could say, “It’s not that we wanted to be corrupt—this is just tradition!”

Even so, Shen Zuijin would not do something so obvious, so she took those dozen or so girls back to her room. Everyone was eager and ready, but only five people could be chosen. What criteria would Shen Zuijin use for selection? Could it be that her preferences were…

Yang Xiaosi also hurriedly went upstairs. Starting today, he was the supervisor of the second floor. What he needed to do now was to inform the girls and maids on the second floor about the leader’s interests and hobbies!

Soon, the hall, which had been noisy and on the verge of causing casualties, returned to peace because of the huge shift in everyone’s mindset. The other young masters, under Wang Meng’s supervision, reluctantly went back to the backyard, though they were not happy about it. This story taught them that even when trying to flatter someone, one must act quickly.

“Brother Xiaoqi, you truly have skill. In such a short time, you’ve already made a name for yourself. One day, you will surely rise again…” After everyone had dispersed, the five who were just selected immediately began to flatter Liu Liwa. They had finally understood how to survive.

“What do you mean ‘rise again’? It should be ‘start anew and shine brighter than before,'” another young master corrected.

“Right, right. Brother Xiaoqi cut off his past early on and is starting from scratch.”

“Yes, Brother Xiaoqi is a dragon among men. One day, he will soar through the nine heavens. We vow to follow Brother Xiaoqi to the death!”

The five expressed their loyalty together, and Liu Liwa was very happy. In his previous life, he had said these kinds of things to Furong and Yufeng. In this life, someone was finally saying them to him. It made him overjoyed. Of course, the massive change in these people also pleased him greatly. Now they saw him as their only pillar and support, and they would surely be fiercely loyal. If he had known earlier, he would have just used a big stick on the first day—they would have obeyed long ago!

“Right, you are correct. From now on, if you follow me, I guarantee you can live the same kind of lives as young masters and nobles before. I promise I won’t treat you unfairly. However, we are still in the stage of building from scratch, so I can’t give you too much right now. But I also can’t let you call me ‘Brother Xiaoqi’ for nothing. I know you haven’t had a full meal lately. Later, I’ll get some good mutton to stew with fresh radishes for you!” Liu Liwa said cheerfully. His essence was on those radishes. After all, immortal cultivation experts often encountered magical treasures and divine beasts that required a drop of blood to recognize their master. Since these five would be his followers from now on, it was time for a ‘drink the essence to recognize the master’ ceremony!

The five were overjoyed at the thought of having meat to eat. Over the past ten or so days here, and even during their time in the prison before that, they hadn’t seen any meat—they had even gnawed off three layers of skin from their own fingers. The five hurriedly expressed their thanks: “Thank you for your care, Brother Xiaoqi. You are like a second parent to us, with kindness as deep as rebirth. In the future, we will serve you tirelessly, going through fire and water.”

“No need to be so polite. From now on, we are brothers striving together, with no distinctions between us,” Liu Liwa said righteously. He had heard that Liu Bei was especially fond of this approach. So was Liu Bang—a tradition of the Liu family.

The five were moved to tears; it was clear their emotions were genuine. Offering help in times of need always earned sincere gratitude.

“Alright, brothers, let the past be gone with the wind. We won’t mention it or think about it anymore. Let’s reintroduce ourselves now. My name is Liu Xiaoqi!” Liu Liwa said.

The five immediately straightened up and introduced themselves one by one: “I am Bai Qiuyun, Pang Songyuan, Tian Shaozheng, Zhang Runjian, Xing Yinglong…”

Liu Liwa watched them announce their names proudly, just like when Young Master Ye had done so, as if their names were incredibly impressive. It was clear they were holding back—they were probably used to adding their fathers’ titles and official positions before their names. However, each of their names was indeed mighty, far stronger than his own name, Liu Liwa. If they all announced their names together when they went out into the world someday, what face would he have left?

“No, no,” Liu Liwa firmly denied. He was the leader, after all, and couldn’t let his followers outshine him in any aspect. So, he solemnly stated, “Your names are all no good. I just praised you for knowing what’s appropriate—why are you being foolish again now?”

“Brother Xiaoqi, what’s wrong with our names? Aren’t they good?” the five asked, puzzled.

“It’s not that they’re not good—they’re too good,” Liu Liwa sighed. “Your names were crafted by great masters. Some contain references to seasons, some incorporate the five elements, and others have profound meanings. But think about it—this is Intoxication Pavilion. Names here are either Hong Hong or Yan Yan. Male servants’ names are either Xiaosi or Xiaoqi. Now look at you—your names are both mighty and meaningful. Do they sound like the names of servants and attendants? Also, many of the guests who come here are rough men who started from nothing. Take those two regulars, for example—one is called Li Yuchun, the other Zeng Yike. Their names are quite ordinary. What would they think if they heard your names?”

The five thought it over and immediately understood the implication of outshining others. Besides, their new leader’s real name wasn’t even Liu Xiaoqi. That was what it truly meant to be a hero who knew when to yield. The five quickly expressed their agreement: “Brother Xiaoqi is absolutely right. Here, we need to keep a low profile.”

“No need to put it so sadly. This isn’t about keeping a low profile—it’s called being low-key!” Liu Liwa corrected.

“Yes, low-key, low-key!” everyone immediately echoed. “I’ll change my name to follow your example, Brother Xiaoqi. From now on, I’ll be called Bai Xiaoba.”

“I’ll be called Pang Xiaojiu.”

“I’ll be called Tian Xiaoshi.”

Liu Liwa smiled and nodded as he looked at the two remaining, wondering how they would arrange their names—would they be ‘Eleven’ and ‘Twelve’? Or maybe ‘J’ and ‘Q’?

The other two flushed bright red—they simply couldn’t bring themselves to say ‘Eleven’ or ‘Twelve’! Finally, having no other choice, they turned to their leader for help: “Brother Qi, we’re uneducated and really can’t come up with names. How about you give us one?”

“Great!” Liu Liwa had been waiting for this. These would be his followers from now on, his basic team. They needed a unified and impressive name that would show they were the followers and he was the leader, as well as indicate they were a group, a team. What should they be called? Were there any classic five-member guard groups? The classics included the Four Great Constables, the imperial ‘Congratulations and Prosperity’ four spies, and the Ming Cult’s Four Dharma Kings—but all of those were missing one person! A group of five—aha!

Liu Liwa’s eyes lit up as he thought of the classic, loyal, strong, and brave five-member group. He immediately gave them names: “From today onward, you will be called Xing Shi, Zi Long, Bing He, A Sun, Yi Hui…”