If Ye Feng had only been somewhat expectant at the start,
then,
when the first courtesan stepped forward, he sensed he was about to strike it rich.
Especially,
when he heard the courtesan's self-introduction, Ye Feng became even more certain.
Old Cao was about to be cuckolded!
Hm?
No, that's not right!
This woman has no relationship with Old Cao now, so there's no talk of cuckoldry.
Even so,
as Ye Feng listened to the courtesan's introduction, a strange feeling stirred within him.
"Human Wife Cao, you have a day like this too?"
Just you wait!
If I don't take away everyone that Old Cao fancies, then I, Old Ye, will have come for nothing.
The wild thoughts in his mind did not affect Ye Feng's actions.
Therefore,
when the courtesan finished her introduction and intended to leave, Ye Feng raised his hand.
"Bian Yuer?"
"Uh..."
The courtesan, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, stiffened all over and timidly raised her head.
"My... my lord..."
"Not bad!"
After scrutinizing the woman for a few moments, Ye Feng beckoned her over without politeness.
"Come here!"
"This..."
Bian Yuer's heart clenched, and she felt an inexplicable urge to cry.
No way?
Big brother!
You should at least listen to the introductions of the other sisters before making a decision!
You've already decided?
Although being fancied by you is my honor, I truly do not want this honor!
"Hm?"
Seeing Bian Yuer hesitate and not step forward, Ye Feng's brow furrowed slightly.
However,
before he could figure out how to speak, Zhang Miao, who was beside him, had already put on a stern expression.
After glaring fiercely at Wei Zi beside him, Zhang Miao looked at Bian Yuer, who was in a dilemma.
"Bian Yuer, is it?"
Recalling the woman's information, Zhang Miao's tone was exceptionally sharp.
"Although your father is the Marquis of Kaiyang Jing, if you offend me, he will not fare well either."
"Believe me!"
"Even if the Marquis of Kaiyang Jing were here in person, nothing would change."
"I..."
Bian Yuer, who was only slightly bewildered, quickly bowed slightly upon hearing this.
"Governor Zhang, you misunderstand. This humble woman was merely taken aback for a moment!"
Saying this, Bian Yuer gracefully took a step forward and stood beside Ye Feng, a professional smile appearing on her face.
"My lord, I apologize for my rudeness just now. I beg your forgiveness!"
"It's alright!"
Ye Feng waved his hand upon hearing this, his smile exceptionally sincere.
If he had only been generally certain at the start,
then,
when the title Marquis of Kaiyang Jing was revealed, Ye Feng was already convinced.
This was the Empress Bian of later generations!
He didn't know how she went from a mere courtesan to the position of Old Cao's legitimate wife.
But none of that mattered anymore!
After all,
from this point onwards, she would have nothing to do with Old Cao, and even if she tried any tricks, it would be under his nose.
Disobedient?
Women who fall into his Ye family's embrace and are disobedient face dire consequences.
With this thought,
Ye Feng's smile became more sincere, and he stated with utmost earnestness,
"Bian Yuer, is it?"
"From the moment this Provincial Governor saw you, whether you are willing or not, you will not escape tonight!"
"Resign yourself to fate!"
"From now on, stay by this Provincial Governor's side, and he will not mistreat you!"
"..."
Even though she had prepared herself mentally, Bian Yuer was still stunned by Ye Feng's directness.
No way?
Can such a brazen act be spoken so openly?
Even the actions of noble families were no different from those of bandits, but at least they knew to cover it up.
This guy is something else!
If he fancies you, you belong to him?
Why so arrogant?
With your might, does His Majesty know about this?
"Heh heh~!"
Perhaps sensing Bian Yuer's thoughts, or perhaps it was a mere coincidence.
Just as this thought flashed through Bian Yuer's mind, Zhang Miao, seated at the head of the table, asked a similar question.
"Provincial Governor Ye~!"
Raising his wine cup to toast Ye Feng, Zhang Miao tentatively asked,
"May I know the progress of the King of Qin's allied forces?"
"The King of Qin's allied forces, you say?"
After draining a cup of rice wine, Ye Feng wiped his mouth, placed a large hand on Bian Yuer's shoulder, and said carelessly,
"The King of Qin's allied forces have been defeated. The Yellow Turban rebels have entered Hulao Pass and are pressing towards Luoyang!"
"Clang~!"
"Bang!"
"What?!"
As Ye Feng's words fell, a series of wine cups hitting the floor echoed through the banquet hall.
Among them,
Chen Gong's voice was the most piercing, even overshadowing Zhang Miao's.
"Hmm?"
Ye Feng, who had long anticipated this scene, was not flustered at all. Instead, he looked curiously at the two youths at the back.
Interesting!
Shouting and making a scene at the Governor's mansion banquet, are these two the legendary second-generation heirs?
With this thought,
feeling a bit displeased, Ye Feng frowned and looked over.
"May I know who these two gentlemen are?"
"This..."
Startled by Ye Feng's voice, the previously slightly noisy hall fell silent.
The next moment,
all eyes turned to the two youths at the back, including Zhang Miao.
However,
after merely glancing at the faces of the two youths, Zhang Miao's gaze shifted to Wei Zi.
What the hell is this guy up to?
The singing girls were uncooperative,
and now he's brought in these two youngsters who clearly aren't qualified to be seated?
Did he take a bribe?
That shouldn't be the case!
If others heard it was to accompany Ye Feng, wouldn't they flee as far as possible?
"Governor Zhang, please rest assured!"
Noticing Zhang Miao's gaze, Wei Zi stepped forward with a forced smile.
"Lord Ye, these two are your admirers, so I, your subordinate, dared to invite them in!"
"What?"
Hearing Wei Zi's explanation, Ye Feng was clearly taken aback. He instinctively pointed to himself, his face showing an expression of disbelief.
"Admirers?"
"Mine?"
"That's right!"
Although Wei Zi felt a bit guilty when he said this, he still forced himself to continue,
"Gongtai, Yuanmao, have you forgotten what you said earlier in the tavern?"
"Hoo~!"
Chen Gong, the first to recover, pulled Yuan Mao, who was about to stand up, back down.
"Official Wei, Governor Zhang, Provincial Governor Ye~!"
Saying this, Chen Gong bowed slightly, offering a greeting to each of the three adults present.
Then,
meeting Ye Feng's gaze, which was full of curiosity and astonishment, Chen Gong said word by word,
"This humble subject indeed supported Lord Ye in the tavern, and was brought here because of it!"
"Is that so?"
Unlike the relieved expressions of Wei Zi and Zhang Miao, Ye Feng remained noncommittal.
"Then tell me, what exactly did this Provincial Governor do that earned your admiration?"
"Expelling the barbarians!"
Facing Ye Feng's testing question, Chen Gong calmly replied,
"Just by the fact that Provincial Governor Ye avenged the common people in his jurisdiction, exterminated the Qiang and Hu, and launched an expedition to Goguryeo... etc.!"
"Based solely on these achievements, Provincial Governor Ye is worthy of our admiration as scholars!"
"Hmm..."
Even with Ye Feng's current thick skin, he felt a flush creep up his neck upon hearing the praise, which was clearly embellished by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Did these matters have anything to do with him?
Exterminating the Qiang and Hu?
Although he gave the order, the main force was Yue Fei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei!
Expedition to Goguryeo?
Don't be ridiculous!
He only found out about this matter after receiving a report from Li Xiuning!
The initial order he gave to Gongsun Zan was not to be afraid if attacked.
He didn't seem to have ordered a preemptive strike, did he?
Of course!
Although these thoughts flashed through his mind, Ye Feng had no intention of denying them.
Mainly because denial would be useless!
After all,
no matter how impressive the accomplishments of his subordinates, the boss automatically claims seventy percent of the credit.
This is an industry standard!
In any industry, the boss is absolutely the most hardworking and accomplished profession.
What?
You say some people aren't like that? Then they definitely won't be a good boss!
Are you kidding me?
If all the credit belongs to your subordinates, then what use is there for you, the boss?
This is also the origin of "merit that overshadows the lord."
Your achievements are even greater than your boss's, so will you be promoted?
Or promoted?
Promote you?
Then the highest position has already been rewarded to you, and there's no place left to accommodate me!
Don't promote you?
That's unreasonable!
After all,
you've achieved such great merits, and if you're not promoted, the people will be restless.
Then might as well fire you!
Anyway,
whether in ancient times or later generations, finding low-level workers is the easiest.
Therefore,
in the eyes of people like Zhang Miao and Chen Gong, these accomplishments were all attributed to Ye Feng's brilliant command.
What?
Ye Feng wasn't present during the expedition to Goguryeo, so it couldn't have been his brilliant command?
You're overthinking it, aren't you?
Isn't there also a plan called Jinlang's Clever Stratagem?
How do you know this wasn't something Ye Feng had arranged in advance?
However,
too many compliments can be detrimental, and it can easily harm the morale of subordinates.
Therefore,
Ye Feng smiled humbly and said with sincere words,
"My esteemed brother, Governor Zhang, you all praise me too highly. In fact, the credit belongs to my subordinates!"
"Provincial Governor Ye is righteous!"
Facing Ye Feng's refusal to take credit and his insistence on sharing it, Zhang Miao and the others became even more respectful.
Cough~!
Whether it was feigned or genuine, at least it looked that way at the moment, right?
Of course!
Zhang Miao and the others might not have been entirely sincere, but Chen Gong was truly moved at this moment.
After all,
a boss who possesses bravery (has many soldiers), wisdom (listens to advice), and does not covet credit is truly a rare specimen, encountered once in ten thousand years.
If it weren't for the unsuitable occasion, Chen Gong would have had the urge to kneel and pledge allegiance.
Even without actually doing so, the fervor in his eyes could not be concealed.
It was precisely by looking at the light in Chen Gong's eyes that Ye Feng could confirm one thing.
So, I really have admirers?
Regardless of the reason for their admiration, it clearly seemed sincere from their demeanor.
If such a person possessed even a sliver of ability, taking him as a subordinate would be a good choice.
What?
Poaching a talent?
Don't be ridiculous!
They've already brought the person to you, is that considered poaching?
With this thought,
Ye Feng maintained his humble smile and asked as if casually,
"By the way!"
"I still don't know the names of you two brothers? And what are your current positions?"
"Reporting to you, my lord~!"
As if guessing something, Chen Gong, full of joy, bowed to Ye Feng.
"This humble subject is Chen Gong, currently..."
"Pfft~!"
Ye Feng, who almost choked on his own saliva, stared at the young man before him in surprise.
"What did you say your name was?"