Edited By: DancingdolphinsYo
With a swift horse, it would take about fifteen days to travel from Bastion City to Goose City, but Guan Shanjin made it in nine days.
Travel-worn, they reached Goose City, and asked for three luxury rooms in the city’s biggest inn. After washing off the dust of the journey and taking a meal, Guan Shanjin wanted to directly look for the Peng Society, but was persuaded not to do so by the subordinates who accompanied him. They said that those were the instructions of Vice General Man, who hoped that the general would only go to the Peng Society to look for trouble after a good rest and a refreshed mind.
Knowing that Vice General Man and his subordinates were only thinking of him, Guan Shanjin did not trouble them, and really returned to the room to sleep. He completely did not know that his four subordinates did not have a good rest the entire night due to their anxiety, worried that he would sneak out in the middle of the night to make a fuss. The next morning, all four of them had bags under their eyes.
Goose City was a bustling place, and unlike Bastion City, had not gone through the chaos of the war that took place five years ago. Although Bastion City had been recovering during the last five years, as it had once been utterly damaged, its progress was not rapid, and so it was far behind from Goose City in terms of peace and prosperity. The citizens were also unlike that of Bastion City’s, who somewhat had a slight murderous air to them. The citizens of Goose City were like quails, gentle, soft and silly.
Having stayed by the border for so long, Guan Shanjin took awhile to acclimatise to this. He first strolled around the city streets before reaching Goose City’s most prosperous street, then led his subordinates and headed straight for the antique shop that was used as a cover for the Peng Society.
This place made him think of the capital.
Whether it was the furnishings or the atmosphere, they were all sumptuous but not ostentatious, extremely delicate but vibrant. Although it was a store meant as a disguise, there were really quite many valuable items available. There were clusters of customers around the place, and from their clothes and temperament, they were definitely from some of the most wealthy and influential families of Goose City.
“Hello, may I ask if you’re looking for anything?” A salesman welcomed them in. He was pleasant looking, and his smile was a little uncouth yet not dislikable.
This Dong Shucheng was really good at training his people.
“I just want to take a look, don’t stand there and be an eyesore.” Guan Shanjin waved him off. Although he had ulterior motives, he suddenly remembered that Man Yue had not told him the catchphrase to gain entry into the Peng Society. This guy’s guts had really grown quite a bit, but it was also because he was in such a hurry that he forgot about it.
Thinking that this was really a customer here to look at the antiques, the salesman apologised and retreated.
Just as he was thinking about how to get the catchphrase from Man Yue, he heard a clear, gentle and soft voice that felt like a spring breeze in March behind him.
“I’m looking for a jade pagoda from the Han Dynasty.”
The salesman asked, “What type of Han jade pagoda would you like, mister?”
That voice was laced with a little uneasiness, and said softly, “O-one that Dong Xian used to play with.”
“Dong Xian?” The salesman smiled. “Sir, I’m afraid that I’m not too familiar with such an item. Would you like to speak to our manager yourself, at the back of our store?”
“Sure, sure…” That man gave a huge sigh of relief, and out of rare curiosity, Guan Shanjin looked in his direction.
He only saw the back of a person dressed in a somewhat old, dark green robe. His long hair was in a neat bun with a simple bamboo hairpin in it. The back of his neck was extremely fair, and the greenish blue veins could be vaguely seen.
That neck was very slender, looking as though it would break immediately if it was hit. This person was also very thin, making his robe look voluminous. It gathered around his waist, and he looked tempting.
“Dong Xian?” Guan Shanjin repeated quietly, but the man who was about to step into the back seemed to have heard him. His ears tinted red and he sneaked a peek at him.
That face, it stunned Guan Shanjin. Even as that thin figure vanished behind the door, he was still in a daze.
He really looks very similar… Although his nose was a little fleshier and droopier, his lips thicker and his philtrum shorter, with eyes dewy like a startled deer, he really did look very similar.
“That’s… Mr Lu?” A subordinate was unable to keep the surprise from his lowered voice, and that finally pulled him out of his trance.
“No.” He snorted coldly. At first glance, he did look like Mr Lu, but after some consideration, it would be clear that these two people were as different as chalk and cheese. Ignoring that low-class ordinary facial features, it was that inborn shyness and timidness that was far different to Mr Lu’s elegant demeanour.
“General is right.” The subordinates would certainly never refute Guan Shanjin’s words. They were just surprised that there could actually be someone who looked so similar to Mr Lu at first glance.
But… Guan Shanjin waved a salesman over and asked with a smile, “I’m looking for a jade pagoda from the Han Dynasty.”
“What type of Han jade pagoda would you like, mister?” The salesman’s eyes flashed, but it was not concealed from Guan Shanjin.
“One that Dong Xian used to play with.” Hearing that answer, this salesman did not respond the same way as the other one, leading him to the back. Instead he observed Guan Shanjin and the four towering armed guards behind him. He only replied after a moment of ponder, “Sir, our little shop does not have a treasure like this. Why don’t you take a look…”
“Pengornis.” Guan Shanjin straightforwardly cut off the salesman. Although they were not alike, since he had seen that person, even if he had to tear this shop apart today, he must enter.
The salesman immediately stopped, and seeming a little strange, he cupped his hands towards Guan Shanjin. “Sir, I have to first inform the manager, please wait a moment.” He ran hurriedly towards the back, and did not dare to look back.
The salesmen of the Peng Society were all very clever. Naturally, he could see the murderous air in the eyes of this awe-inspiring, imposing beauty. This was not an air that a normal wealthy family could produce, it was so sharp that it was almost tangible, and made the fine hairs on his neck shiver.
Guan Shanjin waited leisurely, picking up some of the valuable objects in the shop and playing with them before the panting salesman returned.
“Sir, the manager would like to invite you for a chat, please follow me.” That briefly fawning look made a few customers standing by the side express a face of curiosity, and their eyes secretly measured up Guan Shanjin.
“Lead the way.” Guan Shanjin’s lips curled up slightly, he was starting to become interested in this manager. Looking at the attitude of this salesman, it was likely that he knew his identity already. It was only such a short period of time, but he was actually able to get information on him?
The backyard of the shop was a lot more spacious than Guan Shanjin had estimated. It was lush with grass and trees, with flowers blooming everywhere. Courtyards upon courtyards stretched in front of him, and ordinary people would easily lose their sense of direction while going in.
Finally, they arrived at a man-made lake. In the middle of that small and exquisite lake was a pavilion made of white jade. A green bamboo bridge connected it to the shore, and on the surface of the water was an emerald green reflection of the bridge, extremely picturesque.
The salesman led the group of them to the pavilion, then cupped his hands at them. “General Guan, please wait a moment. The manager is still attending to a guest, and will join you later. Please enjoy the tea and snacks.”
As expected, they knew about his background. Guan Shanjin smiled, and naturally he would not find trouble for the salesman; he just waved him off.
The furniture of the pavilion was made of black bamboo, the bamboo gleaming in the light, cool and smooth to touch. On the bamboo table, there were two cups of tea placed, still steaming. The snacks were also exquisite looking, so appealing that people could not bear to eat them.
Guan Shanjin never had a sweet tooth. He smiled at one of his guards, “Hei’er, I remember that you like sweet things, take them.”
“Thank you, General.” Hei’er did not stand on ceremony, he picked up the snacks and started eating.
In no time at all, there were not even crumbs left of the snacks. Hei’er, wishing for more, was licking his fingers, and got laughingly scolded by Guan Shanjin. The four people were then shoo-ed back by Guan Shanjin. Everyone knew what would happen next, but Guan Shanjin did not wish to talk about it in front of his subordinates.
He did not have to wait too long. A slim and delicate figure drew closer from afar, as it crossed the bamboo bridge and stepped into the pavilion, greeting the imposing Guan Shanjin.
“The ordinary civilian Rancui greets the Great South Garrison General.”
“Manager Rancui.” Guan Shanjin too cupped his hands at him.
“To have let the General wait so long, I’m sorry, please do pardon me.” Rancui gave a beguiling smile, his voice and dressing both somewhat androgynous. His alluring eyes were very bewitching, and looked like a seasoned courtesan.
“The Manager is too polite, take a seat and let’s talk.” Guan Shanjin gestured. Although Rancui was very good looking, he was unable to stir even a little bit of his heart. Instead, because his identity had been exposed, his eyes looked a little sharp.
“Thank you, General.” Rancui took his seat elegantly, and picked up a teacup, holding it in front of his mouth. “May I ask, for the General to come here specially, is there someone you’re interested in?”
“You’re pretty smart.” Guan Shanjin sneered lightly.
“No, no. I only did it for the safety of the members of the Peng Society, and so had no choice but to pry into the General’s identity.” He covered his lips as he smiled, his alluring eyes curving lightly. His figure was very lithe, while his words were soft but forceful.
Shooting him a cold glance, Guan Shanjin also could not be bothered to spend any more time on this subject. He asked directly, “I want to know who that man just now was.”
“That man just now?” Rancui blinked, responding after pondering over it. “Oh, so the great General likes men like Old Master Bao? You really can’t judge a person by his appearance.”
“Old Master Bao?” Guan Shanjin frowned. Although he did not know the name of the person who looked ordinary and shared a slight resemblance to Mr Lu, he was sure that the person would not be addressed as an old master. According to his looks, he could at most be a village’s school teacher.
“Is it not? Don’t be shy, General. Although Old Master Bao is of a certain age, he has maintained his body very well and he also has properties under his name. He’s honest and devoted, if not for him becoming a widower, he also would not have come to the Peng Society.” It was as though Rancui had not noticed Guan Shanjin’s darkening expression, and continued introducing the man to him with a smile. “As for your preferences, the Peng Society never judges.”
“I guess I can only thank you for that.” Guan Shanjin smiled without any amusement, pulling Chenyuan Sword out and pointing it at Rancui’s neck. “I can’t be bothered to talk anymore nonsense with you. Treasure your life, Manager. You should take note of the situation.”
Clearly this straightforward threat had stunned Rancui. His eyes widened, as though frozen in horror, and only shifted to the side slowly after a few breaths. He smiled, “Calm down, General. I’ve only misunderstood. Just tell me what you want to know, there’s no need for any knifes or spears here.”
“This is Chenyuan Sword. It’s neither a knife nor a spear, you don’t have to be scared.” Guan Shanjin’s lips curved up as well, his tone consoling, as though he was flirting. However, that glinting sword tip never moved from its position.
Rancui’s hands, hidden in his sleeves, slowly fisted. He also knew that he could no longer beat around the bush. This person in front of him was the famed demon of Great Xia. If he were to kill him right now, he might not even blink, and no one could save him.
With no other choice, Rancui could only give a stiff smile. “Could it be that the general is asking about Qingcheng County’s adviser, Adviser Wu Xingzi?”
“Adviser Wu…” Guan Shanjin chuckled softly.
After knowing Adviser Wu’s name and personal details, Guan Shanjin did not act immediately on the information. His original purpose in coming here was also not for the adviser of this little place, but for another person on The Pengornisseur.
It was also another refined and gentle looking man, nearly forty years of age, and he had a quiet, elegant, scholarly air to him. He was an accountant in Sushui Village near Goose City, and his boss owned the biggest restaurant in the village. Other than two younger siblings who were already married, there was no one else in his family.
Although this face was slightly longer, it had a somewhat sordid feel to him, with eyes that were a little dim and not regular enough and his facial features were rather lacking, but staring hard he did look very like Mr Lu. This was why Guan Shanjin was astounded, and insisted on coming to Goose City despite Man Yue’s objection.
However, he had never expected to meet someone even more similar here.
He tapped his finger on Adviser Wu’s portrait. He could tell that the adviser was not good at drawing, his image was only about sixty percent similar, and the spirit of the drawing was even worse. He looked lifeless, and those soulless eyes, that bulbous nose, and that broad mouth seemed extremely dislikable.
Fortunately, to prevent the members’ poor drawing skills from affecting their possible marriages, the Peng Society would employ an expert painter to copy the drawing before sending it for publishing. By that time, Adviser Wu’s portrait would become even more similar to Mr Lu.
Guan Shanjin was satisfied. He decided that before the next month’s copy of The Pengornisseur was published, he would first make friends and have some fun with the accountant in Sushui Village.