In Chenliu Commandery, within a house...
A minor official sat in a side room, draining the half-pot of wine on his desk. He then let out a long sigh.
He slammed his fist heavily onto the table, his face etched with extreme solemnity.
This was Man Chong, Man Chong who hated evil with a passion. He felt his official career was over, completely over.
As for the reason…
In Chenliu Commandery, Yan Province, his uprightness had offended many. Moreover, many of the Cao and Xiahou clans had fallen into his hands…
Yet, no matter who interceded for them, it was useless. Man Chong tolerated no wrongdoing and punished them all severely.
Originally, this was not a problem.
But recently… news arrived from Xudu. These members of the Cao and Xiahou clans, their masters had achieved merits. They had made great contributions in welcoming the Son of Heaven.
One by one, they were all enfeoffed as generals of the imperial court, and many even received noble titles.
Given this…
He, Man Chong, a mere minor official, would surely be resented by these newly appointed generals and marquises. He knew that with his rank, he was in no position to contend with these decorated officials from Qiao and Pei.
However, Man Chong was of that character; he acted according to his will, come what may. For the crimes already judged, let alone these Qiao and Pei nobles, even if Cao Cao himself came, he would show no leniency.
Therefore, Man Chong did not report for duty at the yamen today. He stayed quietly at home, awaiting Cao Cao's dispatch to dismiss him from his post, or perhaps even… to punish him.
As expected…
Cao Cao's dispatch arrived. But to his surprise, he was not dismissed, but rather… promoted to the position of Prefect of Xudu!
Hiss… Prefect of Xudu?
This was a position responsible for the affairs of the imperial capital. He, Man Chong, was previously just a minor official in the yamen. To say nothing of Prefect of Xudu, even the Governor of Chenliu was ten thousand miles away!
How could he have skipped countless ranks and been directly promoted to Prefect of Xudu?
There was no trace of joy on Man Chong's face. In his view, something must have been mistaken!
He had offended a large number of Qiao and Pei nobles!
The disciples of Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong had both fallen into his hands. Now… Cao Hong was enfeoffed as Counsellor-in-Ordinary and General of Brilliant Arms, and Xiahou Dun was enfeoffed as Governor of Henan and General who Conquers the East…
With them around, it would be fortunate if Man Chong was not framed with fabricated charges and imprisoned. Dismissal was almost a certainty.
Man Chong looked suspicious… Could it be that someone in Cao's camp had recommended him?
"Your Excellency, have you perhaps misremembered? How could the Son of Heaven issue an edict appointing me, Man Chong, as Prefect of Xudu?"
"Or perhaps… this imperial edict is mistaken. I believe there is someone with the same name and surname. This Man Chong is not this Man Chong. My courtesy name is Boning. It would be good if Your Excellency could confirm."
Facing the envoy from the Imperial Secretariat, Man Chong was still very polite…
Of course, the Imperial Secretariat had just been established, and some oversights were understandable. Man Chong truly believed that…
This Prefect of Xudu position had nothing to do with him.
"Ahem…" The envoy from the Imperial Secretariat looked at Man Chong strangely…
His tone became even more certain. "Lord Man, please do not jest with this subordinate. The memorial requesting an official position for Lord Man was personally presented to the emperor by Commander Cao. This imperial edict was drafted by the Imperial Secretariat and approved by His Majesty's own brush. How could it be false?"
In fact, this envoy was also bewildered… He had followed Xun Yu from Yan Province to Xudu, an old hand.
He had heard of Man Chong before.
But… Prefect of Xudu, such an important official title, how could it possibly fall to him, a minor official like Man Chong?
He even felt it was unfair!
But… did he have the right to question it?
On his way here, he had repeatedly confirmed it. The newly appointed Prefect of Xudu was indeed this Man Chong, Man Boning, no doubt about it!
This was awkward…
Let alone daring to question it, he knew Man Chong's character all too well.
Hateful of evil, gloomy and cunning. Now that he had risen rapidly to become Prefect of Xudu, as an envoy… he was afraid of offending this Lord Man with a single wrong word, which would be very bad if he held a grudge.
Therefore…
The envoy maintained a very gentle tone, almost to the point of fawning.
Hiss… Man Chong patted his forehead.
Correct?
Not mistaken?
Prefect of Xudu? That was him, Man Chong? Man Boning?
This…
Although he could not understand the connection, he had, after all, been promoted. The envoy had traveled a great distance to deliver the decree, and his efforts deserved recognition, even if there were no merits.
Man Chong, true to his nature, would not engage in illicit exchanges.
However, a cup of tea and a simple meal were still necessary to entertain the envoy.
"Your Excellency, please wait a moment. You must be thirsty after traveling such a distance. How about this, allow me to go to the wine shop outside to fetch a pot of wine and bring back two small dishes. We can have a simple meal at my humble abode."
A simple meal?
Upon hearing this, the envoy trembled all over. "What do you mean? Lord Man… what… what do you mean? I… I am not that kind of person! I cannot eat this meal."
Who would dare to eat at Man Chong's place?
It was not unthinkable that after a sip of wine, Man Chong would turn hostile, accuse him, the envoy, of bribing a superior, and have him thrown into prison.
Man Chong was now the Prefect of Xudu, with immense power. Who could he reason with?
Uh…
Seeing the envoy's nervousness, Man Chong was perplexed. What did he mean… did he think the standard was too low? Was he afraid the meal at Man Chong's house… wouldn't be good?
He had not even considered "bribing a superior and engaging in illicit exchanges." He genuinely felt that since the envoy had come so far, and announced his appointment, he should at least offer him a meal.
"Hahaha!" Man Chong laughed. "Your Excellency dislikes my humble abode. In that case, let's go downstairs, to the Wei Family Sheep Farm Dumpling House next door. I will use this bowl of dumplings to express my gratitude!"
If anyone else had said this, it would have been "I am welcoming the honored envoy, and perhaps even offering some coins as a token of my appreciation…"
But for the upright Man Chong, being able to treat someone to a bowl of dumplings was already considered exceptional courtesy.
However…
The envoy's reaction was a bit strange, even a little fearful.
"Lord Man… you… you are the Prefect of Xudu, how can you… how can you take me to eat dumplings?"
"This official is clean-handed. If I say I won't eat, I won't eat. Not only will I not eat your food, Lord Man, but I won't eat from the common people or farmers either. I am not short of a bowl of dumplings. I… I am not that kind of person!"
The envoy adamantly refused…
He shielded himself with both hands. In front of such an unreasonable Prefect of Xudu, how could he possibly eat his dumplings? Wasn't this asking for trouble and imprisonment?
He stepped back step by step. "I… I have been an incorruptible official my entire life. I do not take a single needle or thread from the common people. Lord Man, you… you must not test me! And… and you must not frame me!"
This…
Man Chong was dumbfounded. He inwardly cried out, "I just wanted to treat you to a bowl of dumplings!"
He had never treated anyone before in his life. To have his first attempt at treating someone be so awkward was unexpected!
"Your Excellency misunderstands, it is truly just a simple meal! However… I have taken note. Your Excellency is upright, honest, noble in character, and clean-handed. Truly admirable!"
Upon receiving this statement from Man Chong, the envoy felt as if he could pass gas more smoothly.
He inwardly cried out, "Damn it… you said it yourself. From now on… don't come looking for trouble with me."
"Lord Man, please do not misunderstand either. This subordinate prefers to eat alone and does not like to be with others. Besides, I came here to announce the imperial decree. How can I let Lord Man suffer financial loss? Does that make sense?"
With that said… the envoy shoved the imperial edict and the Prefect of Xudu seal into Man Chong's hands, feeling a great sense of relief.
"Then… then this subordinate bids farewell… farewell!"
"Your Excellency, wait!" Man Chong stopped him. His eyes fixed, and the inherent pursuit of truth within him forced him to ask again, "Your Excellency, do you know why Commander Cao recommended me to His Majesty as Prefect of Xudu?"
This question was of great concern to Man Chong…
If he didn't get to the bottom of it, given his nature, he likely wouldn't be able to sleep.
"That… hmm…" The envoy's eyes darted around, and he looked at Man Chong suspiciously. "Does Lord Man truly not know?"
"I do not know!" Man Chong replied truthfully…
The envoy smacked his lips and finally said, "Lord Man, you are an ordinary official in Chenliu Commandery, yet you have managed to establish connections with Agricultural Minister Lu and the Dragon Riders. Truly… truly my respects!"
Ah…
Agricultural Minister Lu? Connections with the Dragon Riders?
The Dragon Riders, Man Chong was familiar with them. Who in all of Yan Province did not know of them, their mighty soldiers, their heroic army? They were troops under the command of Lu Yu, the Officer of Merit…
Wait, Officer of Merit Lu, Agricultural Minister Lu…
Suddenly, Man Chong realized.
So, the Governor's Officer of Merit, Lu Yu, had transformed into one of the Nine Ministers of the Han Dynasty, the Grand Minister of Agriculture? Big Wind Novel
In fact, this was nothing… it had nothing to do with him, Man Chong.
But… the envoy's words clearly had a hidden meaning, and how could he not understand it?
Most likely, this position of Prefect of Xudu was recommended to Commander Cao by Lu Yu, the commander of the Dragon Riders and the newly appointed Grand Minister of Agriculture!
If that were the case, then everything would make sense.
But… but Man Chong was not familiar with this Agricultural Minister Lu, and had even… never met him?
He… he had so many brothers in the Dragon Riders, and they all had such great achievements. Why would they recommend him?
This time… Man Chong was even more bewildered.
Just as he thought of this, the envoy bowed again to take his leave. Before leaving, he did not forget to leave a parting remark.
"Lord Man's ability to connect with Agricultural Minister Lu, this mere Prefect of Xudu… what is it worth? I fear greater heights await… it is truly, truly enviable!"
If it were anyone else, the envoy would have said something like, "I hope you will offer more guidance in the future." But to speak of guidance to Man Chong was too much. Being able to avoid causing him trouble in the future would already be a great blessing!
In short…
The envoy shook his head, seemingly complaining once again about the unfairness of heaven, and then slowly withdrew.
Only Man Chong remained, utterly bewildered, repeatedly muttering a certain name.
"Agricultural Minister Lu? Agricultural Minister Lu?"
It could be said that in Man Chong's heart, there were countless names in his little black book.
But… on the red list,呵呵… there was only Lu Yu!
Instantly, the usually gloomy and cunning Man Chong inexplicably developed some goodwill towards Lu Yu and the Dragon Riders.
Ahem…
With a slight cough, Man Chong collected his thoughts.
He should stop daydreaming and pack his belongings to assume his post in Xudu City.
—The so-called new official starts with three fires!
…
…
"Achoo…"
With the first ray of morning sunlight, Lu Yu let out a big yawn.
He was currently in a pleasure house…
The pleasure house was named "Yan Guan Tower," the largest pleasure house in Yingchuan Commandery, with exceptionally beautiful women.
Speaking of which, Lu Yu had been here for two days. In just these two days, it had spread throughout Yingchuan Commandery…
A wealthy young master had come from Xudu City and had, with one move, booked the entire Yan Guan Tower!
Of course, Lu Yu's purpose in doing so was to lure the snake out of its hole!
He figured that the talented and romantic individual would surely be curious… Who was it? Who shared such similar hobbies with him? And who… prevented him from indulging for several consecutive days!
Speaking of which, Xi Zhicai was quite considerate. His confidant had actively offered to arrange a meeting with Guo Jia. However… Lu Yu had flatly refused.
Arranging a meeting was too boring. Letting Guo Jia seek him out, driven by the interest of those women, to find Lu Yu… that would be more interesting.
"Achoo…"
Stretching again, Lu Yu put on his clothes.
To be honest, he disdained the women in the pleasure house. They were common and vulgar. Let alone comparing them to Sister Zhaoji, even compared to the two Madam Dings and Cao Mu, they were still far behind, lacking a certain charm…
To put it bluntly, they had beautiful exteriors but no "interesting souls" whatsoever.
Occasionally, listening to their music and chatting was fine. But if it came to sleeping, Lu Yu found it distasteful.
However…
After staying in Yan Guan Tower for two days, Lu Yu had thoroughly understood the procedures of this pleasure house… In fact, for the women in the pleasure house, there were only these ten steps in dealing with each guest!
First, the initial meeting; second, a small drink; third, bathing; fourth, cooling off;
Fifth, lying by the bedside; sixth, sharing a pillow; seventh, intercourse; eighth, pledging vows;
Ninth, waking up; tenth, farewell…
Learning these things, Lu Yu was greatly shocked. It turned out that in the Han Dynasty, the entire process of clubs from his previous life had already been established.
To put it plainly…
It was to play hard to get in the early stages, enticing you to spend more!
Then, in the room, it was all sweet talk and vows of eternal love. In reality… the woman was merely acting, and the man was paying for entertainment. This point… even Lu Yu from his previous life had felt deeply.
As the saying goes, when a boy no longer forces a good woman into prostitution, nor persuades a lady of the night to reform, then that boy has grown into a man and understands the pretense involved!
Just as Lu Yu was contemplating which girl to ask to sing today, Dian Wei hurried into the private room…
"Young Master Lu, the person has arrived!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu's spirits were lifted…
He thought that after booking Yan Guan Tower, Guo Fengxiao could hold out for one or two days, but could he hold out for ten or twenty days? He must have smelled the scent and come by now.
However… he had not expected that after only two days, he could no longer hold back. As expected, he was truly a talented and romantic individual.
"Thump thump thump…"
Turning a corner of the corridor, Lu Yu was going downstairs. Unexpectedly… he bumped into a young master head-on.
This young master was neither handsome nor ugly, just exceptionally thin. When he bumped into Lu Yu's slender frame, he stumbled and almost fell!
In this martial era, there were few people who could make Lu Yu stumble!
Dian Wei quickly whispered in Lu Yu's ear, "This person is Guo Fengxiao…"
A smile spread across Lu Yu's lips. He was about to speak when he saw the thin man in black in front of him, looking rather drunk… He immediately fell silent, waiting for Guo Jia to speak first.
"You… you are the young master who booked this Yan Guan Tower?"
Guo Jia slowly stood up, holding onto the stairs. His body was still swaying, and he looked as if he could collapse at any moment.
However…
Lu Yu knew that Guo Jia could not get drunk. In his life, besides his interest in women, he was particularly fond of "wine."
People say—Guo Fengxiao was born, and especially loved wine!
How could he be easily intoxicated by a few small cups of wine?
Of course… besides wine!
Before his transmigration, many keyboard historians also said that Guo Jia was a "vanguard in the romantic battlefield, Zhao Zilong among the peonies."
Lu Yu found this description very fitting.
"I am the one who booked Yan Guan Tower. My surname is Lu!" Lu Yu smiled slightly and continued, "I was in a hurry going downstairs and accidentally bumped into you, Sir. I apologize!"
"In that case, to express my apology, you may come to Yan Guan Tower freely these past few days. All expenses incurred here will be borne by me, how about it?"
Lu Yu stood tall and chest out, with the demeanor of… "Tonight's expenses are on Young Master Lu!"
Originally… Guo Jia had come excitedly to argue!
Who would have thought that with one move, he would book Yan Guan Tower with no time limit…
What was this?
Was this a case of the drought starving some and flooding others?
Was there any heaven? Was there any law? Guo Jia, the first to see this, fueled by a slight intoxication from a few cups of wine, was determined to argue.
Of course, Guo Jia's ancestors had all served as Court Officials for seven generations. They were well-versed in law. If it came to a battle of wits… even if Lu Yu was in the right… he would absolutely not be Guo Jia's match.
However…
Lu Yu first expressed his goodwill and even proposed that… Guo Jia's expenses at Yan Guan Tower for the next few days would be paid by Lu Yu!
This… for Guo Jia, was another story!
Suddenly, Guo Jia shifted from being furious and ready to argue to encountering a kindred spirit, a wealthy and generous friend.
In his eyes, anyone who liked women… could be classified as a good friend!
This was the camaraderie of having "slept together!"
"Young Master, is what you said true? Do not jest with me, Guo Fengxiao?" Guo Jia's lips curled as he gazed at Lu Yu.
"Whether it is true or not, Young Master Guo might as well try…" Lu Yu smiled slightly, then turned his head to instruct the manager of Yan Guan Tower… "Where is the wine? Why are you not serving it quickly? And the girls? With an honored guest arriving, why are they not attending to him? What… are you afraid my gold is not enough?"
Whoa…
As these words left his mouth, the girls who had initially been startled immediately resumed their smiles. One by one, they emerged from their chambers and walked towards Guo Jia.
After all, in their eyes, the new Young Master Lu was generous!
Whatever he asked them to do, the girls would do… and naturally, there would be rewards.
Although the Guo Gongzi in front of them was not as handsome as Young Master Lu, and was drunk, lacking the demeanor of a dashing young master. In fact… some girls even recognized Guo Fengxian and knew he was a pauper.
But… since Young Master Lu was willing to spend money on him, then Young Master Lu's money was warm in their pockets!
Instantly, they became extremely attentive to Guo Jia…
"Sir… would you honor me by drinking a few cups together?" Lu Yu suggested…
To get, you must first give…
As far as Lu Yu was concerned, Guo Jia was like most men: male, and fond of women! And fond of wine! Of course, he was more extreme.
Since that was the case… use "beauties" and "wine" to draw closer!
When sober, Guo Fengxiao's intelligence was sky-high!
But amidst women and under the influence of wine, it was possible… he might even become sworn brothers with Lu Yu!
Guo Jia, seeing Lu Yu's magnanimity, was delighted. "Good…" He generously put his arms around two girls, and with the daze of drunkenness, his hands had already unconsciously reached for…
"Young Master Lu is magnanimous! You suit my taste, Guo Jia. Today, I will drink heartily with Young Master Lu… We shall not return until we are drunk!"
"Hahaha!" Lu Yu laughed heartily. "I have long heard that Guo Fengxiao of Yingchuan is as familiar with all the beauties under heaven as if he were counting them, and is especially skilled at deducing the world's affairs with women by his side on the couch, hahaha… It is my life's fortune to be able to seek advice today!"
As he laughed, Lu Yu walked to Guo Jia's side… patted him on the shoulder, and whispered in his ear.
"Heh heh, Brother Guo, I also enjoy deducing the world's affairs with women by my side on the couch!"
"Let's chat about our experiences!"
With that said, Lu Yu walked towards the main hall first. The wine there had already been laid out, rich and fragrant!
The women there were already prepared with lute and pipa, oh, and a jade flute!
Today's wine is proper, but the people in the pleasure house may not be.
…
…