Chapter 4, did you flirt with a respectable young lady? Is there such a thing?

"Am I really shameless?" Wang Zhongxiao was indignant, "How can I be shameless? I, Wang Zhongxiao, am a man of integrity, standing tall and upright. How can I be considered a shameless person?"

Look, is there such a father?

However, Wang Zhongxiao did not dare to argue with Wang Fuchan on this matter, because in his memory, he had not faced serious consequences for defying Wang Fuchan in other areas. Even teasing Wang Fuchan's most favored concubine, the Ninth Aunt, Xiao Jinlian, was not a big deal. The only thing he could not challenge Wang Fuchan on was the "Martial Arts"; otherwise, he would truly be hanged up and beaten to death.

"Afraid of him?" Wang Zhongxiao quickly straightened his neck, "How could that be? I have won against him before!"

What happened?" Wang Fuchen glanced at his son, "Kid, you aren't afraid of him just because Wu Shijue gave you a beating, are you?"

Wang Zhongxiao turned around and saw Wu Shicong looking at Wu Shijue with a face full of astonishment, while Wu Shijue was glaring at a certain shameless person

The father and son continued to converse while on their way. The group soon arrived at a relatively open official road, where wildflowers bloomed vibrantly on both sides, covering the ground in a myriad of colors

Wang Zhongxiao, being still a commoner and not a subordinate of Wu Sangui, had to wait for the summons from the Prince of Pingxi before he could ascend Wuhua Mountain, so he first waited at the estate of Wu Guigui.

Wang Zhongxiao is a person who dares to think and act, but regardless of who Wu Xiaotu's father is or who her brother is, he boldly takes her delicate hand when he is tempted, and when he is hungry, he dares to embrace her slender waist. He even, after having a few too many drinks, secretly went to admire the beauty while she was bathing. As a result, he startled the beauty and attracted the attention of her brother... Then Wang Zhongxiao had a duel with the beauty's brother, Wu Shijue, and in a moment of carelessness, he was knocked off his horse, hitting his head and losing his senses; it was truly tragic!

This old fellow believes he is justified in hitting someone, claiming that if one does not learn properly now, they will end up as cannon fodder on the battlefield in the future. He argues that it would be better to die early than to bring shame upon oneself.

Thus, Wang Zhongxiao and Wu Guogui were quite familiar with each other, and Wu Guogui's son, Wu Shijue, could also be considered a childhood companion. However, today, for some reason, when Wang Zhongxiao heard that they were going to rest at Wu Guogui's estate, his expression suddenly darkened, and he exclaimed, "What? Go, go to Uncle Wu's estate?"

Father, we are almost at Kunming City, shall we take the official road?

Seeing the line of people behind him all drenched, Wang Zhongxiao smiled and discussed with his father.

"With whom? With you!" Wu Shijue looked at Wang Zhongxiao with a face full of anger, "Wang Er, you rascal, you are nothing but a shameless scoundrel!"

However, Wang Fuchen was very eager to go to Wuhua Mountain to pay a visit to the Prince of Pingxi, Wu Sangui, so he did not stay long at the estate of Wu Guogui. After sitting for a while, he stood up to take his leave and, accompanied by Wang Jizhen, who was carrying the title of a candidate county official from Yunnan, took a few attendants and headed towards Kunming City.

Wu Shicong and Wu Shijue were quite courteous to Wang Fuchen, first welcoming him into the estate, inviting him into the main hall, and exchanging pleasantries with him, addressing him as "uncle" repeatedly. They also instructed their servants to prepare guest rooms and a banquet.

Moreover, Wang Fuchan sometimes did not allow Wang Zhongxiao and the others to use bows and arrows to hunt large game such as wild boars, but instead had them ride on horseback while he used a long spear to stab the wild boars to death himself

Moreover, this light beauty and Wang Zhongxiao got along quite well, having often played mischievously together since childhood, barely qualifying as childhood sweethearts, innocent and unsuspecting. However, as they continued to play, Wang Zhongxiao began to harbor ill intentions, starting to lust after the light beauty's body.

Beside him, Wu Shicong was also a bit puzzled, "Yes, the second one, what happened to Wang Er?"

The virtuous young woman who was teased by Wang Zhongxiao is none other than the daughter of Wu Guogui, the sister of Wu Shijue, named Wu Xiaotu. In Wang Zhongxiao's memory, she was an unparalleled beauty. Although only fifteen years old, she had already grown into a graceful figure, possessing both beauty and a charming physique.

Wang Fuchen laughed heartily and said: "Exactly, victory and defeat are common occurrences in warfare, so what is there to fear! Kid, now that we are at your Uncle Wu's estate, you must make me proud, fight well, and do not lose again!"

When Wang Fuchen, Wang Jizhen, Wang Zhongxiao, and others arrived, Wu Guogui was not at home, as he had gone to serve at Wuhua Mountain. It was Wu Guogui's eldest son, Wu Shijue, who opened the estate's gate to receive Wang Fuchen and his son. Additionally, Wu Yingqi's eldest son, Wu Shicong, happened to be visiting Wu Guogui's estate and also came out to greet them.

The "Uncle Wu Er" mentioned by Wang Fuchen refers to His Highness Wu Guogui, the son of the Prince of Pingxi, Wu Sangui. Wang Fuchen and Wu Guogui have been old comrades for many years, having once pursued Emperor Yongli into Myanmar together. These two old gentlemen have likely developed a deep bond over time; while in Myanmar, they drank chicken blood wine and worshipped Lord Guan, thus becoming sworn brothers of different surnames.

According to Wang Zhongxiao, the generals under Wu Sangui's command have occupied land in Yunnan and constructed such types of estates. Just outside Kunming, there are no fewer than thirty of these estates, resembling stars surrounding the moon, encircling Wu Sangui's stronghold, Kunming. Next to the estate of Wu Guigui, there is another estate of similar size, belonging to Wu Sangui's grandson, Wu Shicong. Wu Shicong has a good relationship with Wang Zhongxiao; previously, when Wang Zhongxiao visited Kunming, he often played with Wu Shicong and Wu Shijue.

Although it is now the fourth month of the lunar calendar, it is already the early summer season. However, the weather in Kunming remains pleasantly cool and comfortable, much like spring.

Wang Zhongxiao widened his eyes and puffed out his chest, confidently stating: "Yes!"

The Wangjing Tower, which rises three stories above the Gongchen Gate, exudes a hint of grandeur under the sunlight

In fact, Wang Zhongxiao did not wish to be so ruthless, but that old man Wang Fuchan said that this was to train Wang Zhongxiao, Wang Zhongxian, Wang Zhongyi, Xiao Lizi, Wang An, and Wang Quan, these few "children" who had not been on the battlefield much (they had only been on the battlefield against the Miao people in Yunnan and Guizhou a few times, and had not seen a real large-scale battle). ... He also mentioned that the Eight Banners youths and the Su La family servants in Beijing practiced like this on a daily basis. If Wang Zhongxiao truly wanted to be selected as a guard, he had to work twice as hard ...! Is he completely talking nonsense? ! Where are such Eight Banners youths now?

What Father said is absolutely correct. Wang Zhongxiao said this, but in his heart, he was one hundred eighty percent unconvinced—not because he disrespected Wu Shijue, the reckless young man who had no sense of moderation when it came to fighting, but because he was unconvinced by the so-called White Armored Soldiers of Beijing.

Wu Shicong is two years older than Wang Zhongxiao, making him the eldest among the descendants of Wu Sangui. He is of medium build but has a fierce appearance, with particularly sharp eyes that give him a somewhat predatory look. He certainly resembles a ruthless person who might rebel, but unfortunately, in history, rebellions have often ended in failure and miscalculation.

... ...

What year is it now? ... The White Armored Soldiers ...! ... The White Armored Soldiers have grown old!

Further ahead, one can see the North Gate of Kunming City, the Gongchen Gate

However, Wang Fuchen did not lead everyone towards Gongchenmen, but instead raised his riding whip and pointed to a farmhouse located about five or six li outside the city, saying to Wang Zhongxiao: "Second brother, this time we will do as we have in the past, first stop at your Uncle Wu's farmhouse outside the city to rest. Then, your brother and I will go to Wuhua Mountain to pay our respects to the prince, and you can go to Wuhua Mountain after the prince summons you."

"I can't lose! This time I will bring my true skills to compete with him! Victory is assured!"

It is truly cruel

Ah, there really is!

"Wu Er, who are you talking to?" Wang Zhongxiao said with a displeased expression

The estate of Wu Guigui, located outside the city of Kunming, is referred to as a village, but it resembles more of a fortress. It is surrounded by moats and high walls, and the main gate is constructed like a small city gate, complete with a drawbridge outside.

Wu Shijue snorted, raised his hand to point at Wang Zhongxiao, "You, you, you are teasing a respectable young lady! Is there such a thing? If you are a good man, do not deny it!"

Little did Wang Zhongxiao expect that just after he and Wu Shicong and Wu Shijue had sent Wang Fuchen and the others away, a loud shout rang in his ears: "You shameless scoundrel, dare to come to my house!"

This is not even the most exhausting part! Whenever the group sets up camp in the wilderness, Wang Fuchen, the father of this pitiful situation, leads Wang Zhongxiao, Wang Mazi, Xiao Lizi, and his other adopted son Wang Zhongyi, along with Wang Zhongxiao's two personal servants, the book boy Wang An and the groom Wang Quan, to hunt wild animals to improve their meals! They are not even afraid of parasites and viruses; it is truly unhygienic!

Because Wang Fuchen and Wu Guogui have a very close relationship, every time Wang Fuchen goes to Kunming to meet Wu Sangui, he always stops at Wu Guogui's estate to rest. Wang Zhongxiao, this unfilial son, often accompanies Wang Fuchen to visit Wu Guogui's estate.

Wu Shijue and Wang Zhongxiao are of similar age. He ranks second among the grandchildren of Wu Sangui, and Wang Zhongxiao often calls him "Wu Er." This Wu Er is quite handsome, tall, with fair skin, large eyes, and thick eyebrows, but his expression is somewhat unfriendly... He glares coldly at Wang Zhongxiao, looking very displeased, clearly a spoiled young man in need of discipline

From Qujing City to Kunming City, Wang Zhongxiao can be said to have been greatly troubled by his troublesome father. Instead of allowing him to take the proper official road, his father insisted that Wang Zhongxiao lead everyone along the small paths. ... When they encountered small streams and rivers blocking the way, they were not allowed to take boats or cross bridges, and Wang Zhongxiao was made to find some shallow spots to wade through ... ! ... He was not even afraid of getting his clothes wet !

Accompanied by the sound of hooves splashing in the water, Wang Fucheng and his son Wang Zhongxiao had already crossed an unnamed small stream on horseback. Following them were dozens of knights, all of whom had crossed over from the shallow area discovered by Wang Zhongxiao himself, stepping onto the southern bank of the stream

"Well, it's about the same as before," Wang Fuchen nodded, stroking his beard and said, "Er, your performance this time is slightly better than last time... but it still cannot compare to an ordinary White Armored Soldier. Therefore, this guard position is still a bit uncertain. If Master Ao is unwilling to promote you, then you should return to Yunnan to serve the Prince of Pingxi. Your abilities among the youth of the Pingxi fief are still commendable. You are on par with Wu Shicong and Wu Shijue."

However, it seems that there has been a slight issue with the friendship among these three companions recently

Good! Wang Fuchen laughed a few more times, then galloped away on his horse, swiftly heading towards the estate of the nobleman from Wu.