The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 173 The struggle for favor in the harem, so 'cruel'

The next morning, the sun was high in the sky.

Ximen Da Guanren was in high spirits, his muscles and bones relaxed, and he scrambled to his feet.

His movement, though seemingly insignificant, seemed to startle the mandarin ducks and stir up the spring pond, waking the two beauties, Li Guijie and Pan Jinlian, who were still in the land of tenderness, their bones soft and their bodies weak, deep in a sweet dream.

The two were half-asleep, feeling warm and heavy all over, as if they were filled with lead.

After rubbing her almond-shaped eyes and taking a closer look, she couldn't help but exclaim "Oh dear!" as two red clouds rose up on her cheeks in embarrassment!

It turned out that these two, one with her jade thigh lying across her fragrant shoulder, and the other with her pink leg draped over her slender waist, their four white lotus-like arms and legs, one draped over the other, the other wrapped around the other, were stuck together like a twisted candy, making it impossible to distinguish between Zhang San and Li Si, or who was right and who was wrong.
The two were usually like ice and fire, and this sudden physical intimacy ignited a fire in her heart, causing her face to turn cold.

"Ah!" Pan Jinlian exclaimed softly, as if she had been branded with a hot iron. She suddenly pulled back one of her pink legs that was pressing against Li Guijie's lower abdomen, causing the brocade quilt to flutter.

Li Guijie hurriedly pulled her jade arm, which had been resting on Jinlian'er's snow-white breasts, back away.

The two moved almost simultaneously and looked up at the same time. Their four gazes clashed like knives, and each of them coldly snorted from their noses, their eyes filled with disgust and contempt, as if they had been tainted by something filthy.

I wish I could wash myself clean immediately. The passionate moments we shared last night have long been forgotten.

The official, who was watching closely from the side, chuckled to himself, finding the scene of jealousy and resentment even more amusing.

He neither pointed it out nor stopped it, but just laughed, and then lifted the brocade quilt with the mandarin ducks playing in the water and jumped down to the ground.

Seeing this, the two beauties no longer cared about their petty squabbles. They were only afraid that if they served their master too late in changing his clothes, the other would gain the upper hand.

They immediately became flustered and scrambled to their feet.

They were both wearing only skin-hugging tube tops; one was like a freshly peeled peach kernel, radiating a pinkish hue; the other was like a tenderly picked scallion, exuding a verdant green.

With their snow-white arms exposed, their smooth, slippery backs bare, and their white, jade-like feet exposed, they didn't care about the cold floor tiles. Like butterflies flitting among flowers, they rushed to surround the master, chattering sweetly as they offered to help him change clothes and wash.

What a clever and shrewd person Li Guijie was! She grew up in the brothel Lichun, watching her mothers and sisters serve high-ranking officials and nobles. From childhood to university, she had mastered the art of loosening belts and clothes, wiping faces and serving water. This was her specialty, and she was extremely skilled at it.

She moved nimbly, her slender waist swaying, and snatched the moon-white silk undershirt draped over the sandalwood screen. With a flick of her wrist, she unfolded it and said softly, "Master, please lift your hand." As she spoke, her body pressed against him like a boneless water snake.

As instructed, the official raised his hand to put on his clothes, and her soft, boneless hands naturally reached under his armpits and along his ribs to gently knead and rub several sensitive spots with her fingertips, as delicate as plucking orchids.

The pressure was just right, a tingling and numbing sensation that went straight to his bones, making Ximen Qing squint his eyes and let out a few pleasant hums.

When it came time to tie the scarf, Li Guijie put in all her effort. She gracefully squatted down, her waist curving into an extremely alluring arc, her buttocks slightly upturned, perfectly revealing her charming and graceful figure.

Her fingers danced like butterflies, fastening the knot quickly and securely. Finally, she raised her face, which appeared even more radiant in the morning light, and asked with a half-smile, "Master, is it too tight? If it is, just say the word and I'll loosen it for you."

Looking at Pan Jinlian, she also hurriedly got out of bed. She was quite adept at serving people in this deep mansion.

However, compared to Li Guijie at this moment, her hands and feet appeared somewhat clumsy and awkward, like a newly arrived maidservant, showing discomfort everywhere.

Although Pan Jinlian was stunningly beautiful and knew a few words and had studied some refined arts such as music, chess, calligraphy and painting, she was nothing more than a plaything for wealthy families to maintain appearances and fetch a good price. She had never received the kind of meticulous training that was designed specifically to please men in brothels.
When it comes to the delicate skills of intimate service and seduction, how can her natural beauty compete with the techniques honed through countless trials and tribulations in the brothel?

Seeing Li Guijie's movements as fluid as flowing water, every gesture and step exuding a captivating charm, and then seeing Ximen Qing's half-closed eyes and blissful expression, Pan Jinlian felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. Her face flushed red and then turned pale, as if she had opened a dye shop.

She bit her lower lip hard, but her almond-shaped eyes were fixed on Li Guijie like hooks:

Watching her rub against him so closely, how she lightly and almost imperceptibly touched his skin, the pressure of her fingertips, the flickering lightness and heaviness in her eyes… a surge of competitive rage rose within him, and he cursed Li Guijie a thousand times over in his heart:
"What a shameless little slut! Just because you learned these few shameless tricks in the brothel, you dare to flaunt your sexiness right under my nose! Bah! Do you think I can't learn these lowlife tricks?"

"Open your lecherous eyes and look carefully. With my innate cleverness and photographic memory, once I've completely learned all your seductive tricks and added my own cunning, I'll be ten times, a hundred times better than you! Then, let's see if your father still cares about your cheap tricks! I'll teach you a lesson, you little slut, to drink my foot-washing water!"

While cursing under her breath, Pan Jinlian diligently studied Li Guijie's methods and tricks of serving others, imprinting them all in her mind like a branding iron.

Seeing that she was almost finished changing, she seized an opportunity and hurriedly grabbed the gold basin filled with warm water, thinking to herself, "Surely it's my turn to get started on this washing task?"

Unexpectedly, just as she brought the steaming basin of noodles closer, Sister Li Gui had already gently pushed Master Ximen towards the large armchair by the window, which was covered with a thick brocade rug—

"Father, sit tight here." The voice was sweet and soft.

The official was taken aback when she pushed him. Then he remembered the way this little hussy had served him when he went to the toilet at the Lichun Courtyard that night. He understood immediately and leaned back comfortably in the chair, basking lazily in the morning light streaming in through the window, just waiting to enjoy himself.

As Li Guijie moved gracefully past Pan Jinlian, she deliberately cast a glance at her, her eyes revealing seven parts smugness and three parts provocation.

She then stretched out her pair of jade-like arms, as white as lotus roots, and without saying a word, took the heavy red-gold basin from Jin Lian'er's hands.

The hot water in the basin was poured by Jinlian'er, and a few refreshing mint and agastache leaves were floating at the bottom, with steam rising and a fragrant aroma wafting through the air.

But instead of letting Ximen Qing do it, she placed the golden basin steadily on the low table next to her, reached into the water herself, and wrung out a hot, soft cotton towel.

"Father, please lie down comfortably and close your eyes to rest."

Li Guijie leaned against the armrest of the chair and bent down softly: "Leave these rough and clumsy tasks to me." Her breath was fragrant, and the hot air almost hit the master's face.

Ximen Qing found it novel and interesting and was happy to enjoy it. Sure enough, he closed his eyes, leaned back casually, and looked like he was ready to be taken advantage of.

Li Guijie then used the warm, soft towel, her movements both gentle and nimble, to first apply it to Ximen Qing's face, waiting for his pores to open before carefully wiping him.

Her fingertips were slightly cool, with a thin layer of calluses. Ximen Qing knew in his heart that these were the marks left by her daily practice of playing the zither and pipa.

Gui Jie'er's touch was perfectly measured. She first gently wiped her forehead and temples, then her brows, bridge of her nose, and cheeks. She even took good care of those hard-to-reach places like behind her ears and the bend of her neck where sweat tends to accumulate.

A hot towel was applied to his face, and his fingertips pressed and kneaded it with varying pressure, seemingly in accordance with some kind of guiding principle. This made Ximen Da Guanren feel completely comfortable, and he couldn't help but let out a series of pleasant "Mmm...uh..." sounds.

After wiping my face clean, it was time to clean my teeth and rinse my mouth.

Li Guijie put down the still-warm soft towel in her hand, turned around and took out a small pinch of finely ground salt from a delicate carved red lacquer box next to her with her two jade-like fingers.

She caught a glimpse of Pan Jinlian still standing there out of the corner of her eye, and sneered inwardly, but deliberately raised her chin and ordered in a high-pitched tone, "What are you standing there for? Get your father a fine porcelain cup! Don't you have any sense? Standing here like a block of wood, do you not want your father to be comfortable?"

These words were barbed and sarcastic, openly instructing while subtly belittling.

Jin Lian'er was so choked by these words that she felt like her three bodies were raging and her seven orifices were churning with anger! But in front of the high-ranking official, she dared not retaliate, and could only suppress her rage, while in her heart she was cursing Li Guijie's ancestors to the heavens:

"You shameless little whore! Even brushing your teeth is such a charade! I'll open my eyes and see what tricks you can pull off with the dirty tricks you learned in the brothel!"

Just as she was seething with anger, she heard Li Guijie's sweet voice instructing, "Remember to use warm water! Be careful not to let Father's teeth get cold!" This was clearly treating her like a lowly maid!

Pan Jinlian was so angry that her vision blurred, and she wished she could grab the golden basin and smash that vixen's face! But in the end, she didn't dare, and could only suppress her anger, grit her teeth, and stride away with her bare white legs to fetch water.

That pouty little mouth could hold an oil bottle.

But the next moment, when Pan Jinlian returned with the warm water, what she saw was truly like a frog in a well entering the city—it opened her eyes to a whole new world!

Instead of using the usual horsehair brush, Sister Li Gui extended her slender index finger, painted with bright red nail polish and as delicate as a tender bamboo shoot.

She first dipped her fingertips lightly in warm water, then carefully touched the snow-white salt powder, coating her fingertips with a layer of glistening salt.

"Father, please open your mouth and let it cool down." Her voice was soft and charming, with a coquettish tone.

Ximen Qing, intrigued, opened his mouth slightly as instructed. Li Guijie's cool, salty fingertips, like a nimble little snake, swiftly probed inside!

With her soft fingertips, she gently and carefully wiped Ximen Qing's teeth in circular motions. Her movements were both bold and skillful; with her knuckles slightly bent, she could even reach the innermost molars. Her touch was precise and, far from being repulsive, it exuded an air of intimacy.

The fine salt rubs between the teeth, making a soft "shush" sound, like silkworms eating leaves, and a cool and refreshing aroma fills the mouth and nose.

As Li Guijie carefully wiped him clean, she leaned closer and asked in a sweet, fragrant breath, "Father, should I clean under your tongue too? That's where dirt tends to accumulate." Before she finished speaking, her fingertips, glistening with salt, seemed to brush lightly across the back of the man's tongue, both unintentionally and intentionally!
"Mmm..." Ximen Qing let out a muffled sound of pleasure.

Pan Jinlian stood to the side holding the gold-plated bowl containing mouthwash, staring in disbelief, her face burning hot as if on fire!
In the past, when she served Ximen Qing, she would simply hand him a horsehair brush and a spittoon, or at most wipe his face haphazardly with a towel. She never imagined that there would be such elaborate and intimate gestures!

Not to mention that the high-ranking official didn't even have to lift a finger to be served so comfortably!

Such unheard-of and unseen seductive techniques shattered Jin Lian'er's competitive spirit! A strong sense of defeat and inferiority washed over her like ice water, making her wish she could disappear into the ground immediately!
After finally getting through the teeth cleaning, Li Guijie helped Ximen Qing rinse his mouth with warm water. Only then did she slowly and deliberately pull out her wet fingers and wipe them on a clean handkerchief that had been prepared for her.

Looking up, he saw Pan Jinlian still holding the basin in a daze. He immediately rolled his eyes, frowned, and scolded her in a tone like a matriarch: "Why are you standing there like a block of wood? Come over and let your father spit out his mouthwash. You have no sense at all. You're such a clever girl!"

Pan Jinlian was so angry that she felt her heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys were about to explode when she saw that this little slut was actually treating her like a lowly maid.
But her master was waiting with his mouth open to spit water, and even though she was filled with hatred, she dared not delay even for a moment.

He had no choice but to suppress the rage that was almost bursting from his skull, and rushed forward in three steps, holding the heavy, icy-cold gold rinsing bowl high and bringing it tightly to Ximen Qing's lips.

With a gurgling sound, the official spat out the mouthwash mixed with salt into the bowl.

Jinlian felt as if the golden bowl in her hand was as heavy as a thousand pounds. She felt like a superfluous, lowly servant, standing in this room full of brocade, warmth, and softness. Her whole body felt as if it was being pierced by thousands of steel needles. Every part of her body was uncomfortable and suffocated!

But it's not over yet!
Then, as if by magic, Sister Li Gui swayed her slender waist to the dressing table, picked up a delicate and translucent agate bottle, uncorked it, and poured out a few drops of clear, fragrant rose petal dew into her palm.

She clasped her hands together and gently warmed the flower dew before turning around and swaying gracefully to Ximen Qing's side.

Without saying a word, she gently placed her pair of smooth, warm hands, covered in fragrant dew, on Ximen Qing's freshly wiped face.

Those ten slender fingers, painted with nail polish, exuded a seductive warmth and smoothness. They didn't pat, but kneaded, pressed, and caressed, tracing delicately from the temples to the cheekbones, from the sides of the nose to the chin. She giggled and said, "Applying some floral dew in the morning will refresh you and keep you radiant all day long! I guarantee everyone who sees you will praise your 'good complexion'!"

Ximen Qing was thoroughly pleased by her smooth, considerate, and subtly charming service, feeling every pore of his body tingle with pleasure, as if he were in paradise! His large hand slid down Gui Jie's slender waist and pinched her pink buttocks: "What a sweet and understanding little thing! You know how to serve me so well, you're melting my heart!"

Li Guijie was pinched painfully by the master in public, but two red clouds rose on her face, and she giggled, her eyes full of pride: "If the master likes me, then I am blessed!"

Pan Jinlian stood frozen to the side, holding the still-sewage-stained gold basin, like a clay or wooden sculpture. Listening to her master's praise and teasing, and seeing the undisguised smugness and lust on Li Guijie's face, she felt a surge of true fire rush from the top of her head to the soles of her feet, burning her internal organs as if they were about to turn into charcoal!
She clenched her teeth so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms, her stomach churning violently.

"Good! What a shameless little slut! She should be trampled by thousands! But she's learned these shameless ways of serving others in the brothel! Even something as simple as washing her face, brushing her teeth, and applying perfume can be turned into so many seductive tricks, trying every possible way to seduce my soul! She's truly despicable to the core!"

As she tortured Li Guijie to death, her almond-shaped eyes, almost spitting fire, widened as she stared intently at Li Guijie's every move.
How did her jade hands warm the flower dew, how did her fingertips dip into it, how did she rub it in her palms, how did her fingertips caress the master's face, whether the force was light or heavy, whether the angle was right or wrong!
"You little slut! You just wait! I can learn all your tricks and seductive ways from a prostitute in one go! Once I've figured them out, I'll add a few more fresh and intoxicating moves, and I'll be even more attentive and seductive than you, making my father a thousand times, a million times unable to live without you!"

"By then, let's see what you'll have to show off in front of your old mother! It'll be your turn to serve her bowls and basins."

Mr. Ximen was thoroughly satisfied with Li Guijie's attentive service and got up contentedly.

He casually patted her rosy cheeks twice and said with a smile, "You came here in such a hurry that I didn't ask you to bring your jewelry, headwear, or bright clothes. I'm sorry to trouble you to make do with their old things for now."

The official paused for a moment, then continued, "When I have some free time, I will personally take you to the silver shop and pick out the finest gold jewelry, pearls, and jade to get you everything you need! Then we'll go to the silk shop and get a few bolts of the most fashionable fabrics from Suzhou and Hangzhou to make you a few bright and brand-new outfits, guaranteed to make you look more presentable than before!"

Li Guijie and Pan Jinlian were exchanging sharp glances, secretly vying for attention. Upon hearing this, her fair face froze in surprise for a moment, then her brows and eyes instantly relaxed, as if peach blossoms were suddenly in full bloom in March, and a tremendous surge of joy rushed to her head!

Her body went limp, and she let out a soft cry of "Oh dear!" as she made a move to kneel down and express her gratitude: "My lord's grace, I..." Before her knees even touched the ground, Ximen Qing, with quick eyes and hands, pulled her into his arms.

"Get up, get up!" Ximen Qing embraced her soft, fragrant body, his large hand kneading her waist and hips, laughing nonchalantly, "There are rules in the manor, but not this strict! There's no need to kneel and kowtow all the time, it only diminishes your good fortune. In this matter, it's better to be a blessing, to serve the master comfortably with all your heart, that's better than anything else!"

Held in his arms, Li Guijie felt as if she had received an imperial edict; her heart leaped with joy! She nodded repeatedly, her voice sweet and soft: "Master loves me dearly, I know! I will serve you with all my heart!"

As she spoke, her body seemed to have no bones, as if she wanted to crush herself and melt into Ximen Qing's chest, and her jade arms tightly wrapped around the master's waist.

Jinlian'er, standing to the side, watched helplessly as the little slut nestled triumphantly in the master's arms. Her pretty face had already lost all color, turning deathly pale, and within that paleness was a trace of unconcealed fear—afraid that she would be outshone and lose the master's favor.

Fortunately, Ximen Qing did not show favoritism. After comforting Li Guijie, he indeed strolled over, reached out and pulled the stiff Pan Jinlian into his arms, patting her on the back with his large hand: "Don't be so impatient, you little rascal! You'll get your share eventually! Be a good girl in the house, and we'll provide for you too!"

Pan Jinlian's deathly pale face instantly warmed up after his embrace and coaxing, as if rouge had been applied. Her brows and eyes immediately relaxed, and a sweet and charming smile bloomed on her face. She said in a coquettish voice, "Thank you, Father."

As she spoke, she turned her head and gave Li Guijie a glare, then snorted smugly.

With two beauties on his left and right, Ximen Qing watched as they exchanged glances and their emotions surged. He suddenly thought of proper, dignified, and respectable young ladies from official families, such as Xue Baochai and Qin Keqing.

If they were to maintain their haughty demeanor and demure ways in the back courtyard, how could they possibly contend with such a vixen? They would probably be devoured to the bone in just a few days!

I suppose I also need to discipline myself and strive for improvement!
As soon as the official's figure disappeared outside the door, the harmonious smiles on Li Guijie and Pan Jinlian's faces vanished without a trace.

Li Guijie snorted coldly and contemptuously in Pan Jinlian's direction, raised her chin high, and swayed her hips as she went back to her room, her back view exuding smugness and disdain.

Pan Jinlian was enraged by Li Guijie's "humph" and glared back at her retreating figure, letting out an even louder "humph" through her teeth. Then, with heavy steps and a belly full of lingering resentment and scheming, she also returned to her room.

Let's lay low for now and wait for the next confrontation.

As soon as Master Ximen entered the hall, he remembered an important matter. He called out loudly, "Someone! Quickly summon Wang, Laixin, and the other two!"

Before long, the two deputy managers, Laiwang and Laixin, stood respectfully before him. Ximen Qing sat upright in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table, and said in a deep voice, "The shop's stock of ordinary Hangzhou silk and Suzhou satin is almost depleted, and we must replenish it as soon as possible. You two, along with the warehouse manager of the silk shop, take two thousand taels of silver and set off immediately for Zhang Dafu's old customer in the south!"

"Bring in more of the finest Yun brocade, Shu brocade, and gold-embroidered satin, if there are any new and fashionable pieces! The most important thing is to get as much of the common satin that sells in large quantities as possible, and get it shipped back as soon as possible!"

"The most important thing is to study hard. Also, pick up your clever little servants and have them study with you two. Whoever figures out the ins and outs of silk first will get to manage another shop."

The two were overjoyed and quickly expressed their gratitude!
Laiwang, being quick-witted, immediately bowed and said, "Father's instructions are correct. However, we have recently heard that the waterways and land routes in the south are not very peaceful. Some places are in turmoil, and there are more bandits..."

Ximen Qing frowned, then waved his hand to interrupt: "What are you afraid of! Take a dozen or so strong guards from the manor with you. I'll have Wu Ding pick some good men to accompany you! Be alert on the road, travel by day and rest by night, and avoid troublesome places. Make sure to bring the goods back to me safe and sound! If anything goes wrong, you'll be in big trouble!"

"Yes! We understand! We will not fail Father's orders!" The two replied in unison, not daring to delay, and hurriedly went to prepare their luggage and money.

After giving these important instructions, Ximen Qing felt somewhat relieved. He strolled to his study, pushed open the door, and was immediately greeted by a delicate fragrance of ink mixed with a faint, sweet warmth.

Xiangling was sitting at a small table by the window, engrossed in a book. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on her, making her appear even more slender and serene.

Hearing the door open, Xiangling, like a startled fawn, hurriedly put down her book, stood up, lowered her head, and said in a soft voice, "Master is here."

She quickly stepped aside to take the main seat, deftly spread out the Xuan paper, ground the pine soot ink, and respectfully handed a fine wolf-hair brush to Ximen Qing.

Ximen Qing sat down in the seat she had offered him. Besides the usual scents of ink and paper from the study, his nose was filled with a subtle, warm fragrance—neither quite orchid nor quite musk—emanating from the gentle woman beside him. This fragrance mingled with the cool scent of ink, creating a strangely comforting feeling.

"Hmm, practice a few characters today," Ximen Qing said casually, taking the brush with him.

Xiangling stood by and softly pointed out the direction of the strokes: "Master, this stroke needs to be heavier... this hook needs to be made more flexible with the wrist..."

She leaned slightly forward, her slender fingers lightly touching the paper, and the warm fragrance from her sleeves and temples became even more clearly wafted into Ximen Qing's nostrils.

Meanwhile, these past few days, Master Ximen has been living a carefree life in his mansion, truly enjoying the comforts of a warm chamber and the luxurious comfort of a fireplace.

It was early winter outside. The leaves of the sycamore trees in front of the courtyard had all fallen, and a few specks of frost clung to the bare branches. The weather was getting colder and colder, and when the wind blew, it whistled and seeped into the bones.

The high official, however, paid no heed, spending his days in his warm, fragrant study. He would pick up his brush and copy a few lines of calligraphy from previous dynasties, writing the vigorous and open style of Yan Zhenqing's calligraphy; or, when the mood struck him, he would arrange his three chubby little girls as a painting.

As the afternoon light began to brighten, the chill intensified. The official then strolled to the back garden to diligently practice his featherless arrows.

The three beautiful maids served him so well that he only needed to move a finger or hum a word, and they would understand and serve him perfectly. They even chewed up a piece of pastry and fed it to him mouth to mouth.

If it weren't for his excessive diligence at night, which consumed a lot of his energy, the master would probably have gained quite a bit of weight in the past few days.

After several days of this had passed, a servant finally announced from outside the door: "Father, Lord He has sent someone!"

The official's spirits lifted, and he hurriedly said, "Please come in quickly!"

A moment later, a clever and capable servant in a blue robe and small cap was led in. He clasped his hands and bowed, saying, "This servant kowtows to Master Ximen! My master instructed me to come and inform you that the military guards are all ready and request that you come to see me when you have time."

"Good! Good!" The official was delighted, but only a faint smile appeared on his face. He ordered, "Go, tell Dai'an to prepare the horses and come with me."

Upon hearing the sound, Dai'an trotted in and stood respectfully with his hands at his sides. The official glanced at him and noticed something unusual. Although Dai'an wasn't usually very robust, he was well-proportioned, with a fair complexion and a clever air about him.

But the man in front of me had lost his oily shine, and his face was darker and much thinner.

The official looked him up and down, and said in surprise, "You rascal, you've looked like a clay elf from a temple, half of your body eaten away by a wild cat—you've become so thin and emaciated! How did you end up looking like this?"

Upon hearing this, tears welled up in Dai'an's eyes, her lips turned down so low they could hold an oil bottle, and she choked a few times in her throat before the tears could no longer be contained and fell onto the terrazzo floor beneath her feet.

He fell to his knees with a thud, his knees hitting the brick floor with a dull thud, and cried out in a voice filled with piercing grievance:
"My dear father! You sit in your warm chamber, how could you know what kind of place that Wu Ding Tou is? Even Yama himself would find it filthy! It's truly not a place for a human to live!"

“Every day, before it was even pitch black, that damned whistle would start howling like a death knell! It was so cold that ice crystals would freeze into your bones, but you still had to crawl out of your warm bed! Once you got up, it was time to train!”

"Standing on those damn ice blocks for hours on end! My calves are twisted like pretzels, and my back aches like it's been soaked in vinegar! Now that winter is here, the cold seems to have grown legs, creeping in through my trouser legs and sleeves, making my insides ache!"

"That's not all! That Wu Ding instructor was even more ferocious than the demons in paintings! If you were even a step too slow, his leather whip would come down like a firecracker, 'whoosh—crack!'! My buttocks... were whipped open like eight petals, I can't sit or sleep peacefully!"

"I could endure the whipping, even if it broke my teeth! But his slaps, thick and heavy like a fan, could crack a stone slab with a single blow, yet he didn't know his own strength! The other day, I was a little slow, and he swung it around and slapped me across the back! It made me see stars and my throat tasted sweet! Even now, when I turn over in bed at night, my bones still ache, as if they've fallen apart!"

"I have meat and vegetables to eat every day, but I can't stand that I have to sleep later than the night watchman's clapper! I have to get up at the first cockcrow! Uncle... I... I've really fallen into an ice cave, being whipped and freezing, I've suffered so much!"

As he spoke, he truly disregarded everything, sobbing and crying, his face covered in snot and tears, glistening from the cold, looking utterly miserable.

Seeing his wretched, tearful state, Ximen Qing felt no pity. Instead, he burst out laughing, grabbed a half-eaten frozen pear core from the table, and pretended to throw it at him, laughing and scolding:

"You spineless wretch! Crying and wailing, what kind of behavior is this! Get up! What's a little bit of physical pain compared to what a real man does? Only by enduring hardship can one rise above others!"

"Once you hone your skills, become nimble and courageous, wouldn't that be your greatest fortune? Just endure a little longer, hone your skills, and you'll naturally no longer need to go to that filthy place. Is this little grievance something to whine about? Get up now, wipe your smeared face clean, and come with me!"

Seeing that the official spoke so casually and with a smile, Dai'an knew that crying and complaining would be a waste of time and effort. He had no choice but to swallow all his grievances, along with his snot and tears.

He could only wipe his face haphazardly a few times, and replied with a heavy nasal tone, "Yes... what Uncle says is true... I... understand."

Only then did he scramble to his feet, head down, shoulders drooping, and shuffle out to prepare the saddle. His back looked like that of a mangy dog ​​whose tendons had been pulled out.

The master and servant arrived at the garrison headquarters shortly afterward. Commander He, who had already received word, personally came out to greet them at the second gate, beaming with smiles and clasping his hands in greeting, saying, "Oh dear, my good brother! We've been waiting for you! Please come in and have some tea!"

Ximen Da Guanren smiled and returned the greeting: "Brother He, you must have finished your business. I am so happy to accept your invitation." The two walked hand in hand into the warm pavilion in the back hall, where they sat down as host and guest, and a junior officer served them fragrant tea.

After a few pleasantries, Lord He got straight to the point, lowering his voice to say, "My dear brother, regarding that outstanding achievement from before, the official imperial decree for my reward is still going through the tedious formalities and won't be ready anytime soon. However..."

A mysterious yet smug smile appeared on his face. "You've arrived first to claim this reward!" he said, pulling out a roll of stiffly pasted paper from his sleeve and handing it to Master Ximen with both hands.

The official's heart skipped a beat, and he took the paper and unfolded it. The ink on the paper was thick and black; it was an official government document, a "recruitment notice." The first line at the top was in large characters:
"A reward is offered for the capture of the traitor Shi Wengong!"
The following text explains it clearly:

"The Ministry of War's edict has been approved and verified by the Ministry of Justice. There is now a notorious bandit, Shi Wengong, who has plotted rebellion, murdered government troops, and plundered prefectures and counties. His crimes are heinous and countless. He is truly the most heinous and unforgivable traitor!"
In order to pacify the region and deter the wicked, this reward is hereby issued: Whoever captures Shi Wengong, dead or alive, and delivers him to the authorities, shall be rewarded with three thousand taels of silver of the highest rank! In addition, five hundred bolts of silk shall be bestowed upon him!
Anyone who knows his whereabouts should report it to the authorities. Whoever is caught will be rewarded with one thousand taels of silver!
Anyone who harbors, funds, or fails to report a crime shall be punished the same as a thief and shall not be let off lightly!
This notice is hereby posted so that all military personnel and civilians may know and be aware of it!

The bottom is stamped with the bright red seals of the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, and the local military command.

(End of this chapter)