Nine

He turned and stepped back. The guest, under the soft afternoon sunlight, curiously picked up a piece of pickled vegetable, dipped it in the water dish, and put it in his mouth. As he chewed, a smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of his mouth. He raised his hand and said, "Bring me another bottle of chilled gourd wine, along with this delicious pickled vegetable."

I wonder if there are any candidates for the seven young samurai

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "There is still some water in the dish, it has been washed with plain water, it is not salty"

Yangquan is located to the west of Nanhua, a rural town. The tavern that bears this name is not large, situated outside a grove of birch trees on the outskirts of the city. It serves as a place for hunters returning from the woods to have a drink of rough liquor in the evening. It is often empty before sunset, frequently devoid of any patrons.

The guest referred to as the general waved his hand casually, "Mr. Ji is far superior to me in both age and official experience. General Yudian Yu is merely an honorary title. Since Mr. Ji and I have met in this humble establishment, there is no need for formalities. If there is anything, please feel free to speak directly, Mr. Ji. The Ji family has been a pillar of each dynasty, and I will not decline any request within my capabilities"

Ji Qianzheng and his companions had traveled quite a distance, and the sky was gradually becoming overcast. The innkeeper cautiously approached to take a look; the guest in black sat quietly drinking, the ember of his smoking pipe flickering in the dim light. He felt a sense of unease, sensing that although the old patron was still drinking, something about him seemed different.

The sovereign personally sent a letter of recommendation to me, recommending a child from the Ming You family, named You Yin. There are also several young men in the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace who have received letters of recommendation. In addition, Xi Yan has a nephew, Xi Yuan, who is of little merit; he has studied some swordsmanship and military science, and he has recommended himself.

Outside of Nanhuaicheng, at the Yangquan tavern

"It is precisely this matter that I beseech you," Ji Qianzheng suddenly stood up and respectfully performed a deep bow. "Our Ji family has been a prominent lineage throughout the ages, but unfortunately, it has been overturned in chaotic times, leaving only the lineage of Ji Qianzheng. However, my heart for serving the country has never wavered for a moment. Ji Qianzheng has an unworthy son, Ji Changye, who practices swordsmanship and is also well-versed in literature and reason, possessing great aspirations to serve the country. Unfortunately, he has always lacked opportunities. I earnestly request General Xi to lend a helping hand!"

Ji Qianzheng hurriedly turned around and said, "May I ask, General?"

The legendary gun that once killed a dragon with a single shot," General Xi said淡淡地, "I would like to see it.

General Xi poured himself a drink and said, "Yes. This time it is to welcome the heir of the barbarian ally, Qingyang. In order to enhance the national prestige of our Lower Tang, the sovereign has prepared a martial arts competition between seven young warriors and the attendants of the barbarian heir. As a reward, the prize is a nine-tael golden chrysanthemum used in the palace, and the final victor will also be awarded the title of deputy general"

He recalled that by the time he reached the door, the figure of the guest in black had already disappeared at the end of the small path leading to Nanhuaicheng. He felt a twinge of regret, knowing that he might never see this guest again in his lifetime

General

Forget it," the guest shook his head, "Your wine has never been good, just that pickled vegetable has a bit of flavor... It is you who betrayed me. Otherwise, how would an ordinary person know that I come here every afternoon to have a little wine

Ji Qianzheng was stunned, about to bow deeply, but was stopped by General Xi with a hand.

Ji Qian moved lightly, standing respectfully by the guest's table, adjusting his robe sleeves, and was about to pay his respects. However, the guest handed over a long bench, saying, "Mr. Ji, there is no need for such formalities. In this humble establishment, we have no fine tables or chairs, and our hospitality is lacking, so let us dispense with the formalities. If you do not find the local wine too coarse, please have a glass; the pickles here are quite exceptional."

Moreover, he has other matters of greater concern that cannot distract him

The Celestial Driver, the ancestor is a warrior of the Celestial Driver

"Get out of here," the shopkeeper pushed the assistant aside, "Is this a business card for us? Such a tall person, yet doesn't know how to use their eyes."

"No need for that, Mr. Ji is too courteous," he said, shaking his head slightly. "Does Mr. Ji enjoy drinking?"

Ji Qianzheng did not dare to be negligent, he sat down sideways, cleared his throat, and said, "I am Ji Qianzheng, and I have long heard of General Xi's renowned reputation, but regrettably have not had the opportunity to pay my respects. It is a great joy to meet General Xi here today"

Ji Ye was severely punished with a bamboo whip by the family, and it took a full two weeks for the bruises on his body to fade. However, the figure of that girl still appeared beside the Ji family mansion every few days. Whenever the sound of a bamboo whistle or a call echoed from outside the wall, Ji Ye would leap up and flip over the back wall, no matter what he was doing, and Ji Qian could not catch up with him.

"In order to serve the country, even in death, I will not retreat; let alone if I am injured"

I have heard that the sovereign is once again selecting promising young generals

Although the marksmanship is strong, General Xi considered for a moment and said, "Then I will also write a letter of recommendation for Young Master Ji Ye to fill the quota of seven people"

He shook his head, lifted the bamboo curtain of the window beside him, and said, "Mr. Ji? Please come in and speak."

A figure dressed in a long black robe, with a white belt, sat in the best sunlit spot as the sole guest, drinking wine accompanied by a plate of marinated tofu and a plate of salted peanuts

Although this world is vast, how many places are left for people like us? Just as I was about to leave, the shopkeeper heard a low sigh.

Ji Qianzheng hesitated for a moment, "Because... because..."

The man brought an umbrella up, and he rewarded with a silver coin, raising the umbrella.

Outside the tavern, there was merely a simple country dirt road, yet at this moment, a finely crafted bamboo sedan chair was halted on the path. A Confucian scholar dressed in azure robes stood motionless, accompanied by four servants, performing a long bow, though it was unclear how long they had been standing there. The exquisite box held by the servants appeared to be a gift, adorned with patterns in real gold.

The guest suddenly stood up and tossed several gold dinars onto the table. As he brushed past the innkeeper, he patted him on the shoulder, saying, "From now on, I will not come again. Please settle the bill for this month's drinks in full."

Ji Qianzheng was momentarily taken aback, but soon felt great joy. Before his arrival, he had never anticipated that such a distinguished individual would be so easy to converse with

Is it because he was later killed in Bichicheng under the name of a rebel party

The shopkeeper stood there in a daze, no longer daring to say anything. He glanced down at the long, heavy ancient sword at the guest's waist, dark and completely unadorned. It was from this sword that he deduced the identity of the guest, having sold this information for ten gold zhu to the middle-aged scholar who had just arrived.

Then I shall not see you off. General Xi calmly sat back down in his chair

"The esteemed customer, a person of great wealth and status," the attendant lifted the bamboo curtain at the window slightly, "but they do not come in; instead, they ask me to present this business card. How can our humble shop receive their business card?"

He placed the business card on a wooden tray and carefully brought it to the table of the guest in black, bowing his head as he presented it. The guest chewed on a piece of pickled vegetable for a long time, then let out a low sigh, took the business card, opened it, and read softly: "Son of the late Grand Minister of State Ji Lan, former Deputy Minister of the Imperial Treasury Ji Qianzheng, respectfully wishes His Excellency General Xi good health ... ... "

With a turn, the curtain at the entrance of the tavern was lifted

Ji Qianzheng hesitated for a moment, "General, Chang Ye indeed wields a sword as his weapon. If we speak of the Tiger Tooth Spear, it is in the hands of my eldest son, Ji Ye. Unfortunately, although his spear skills are strong, his character is unruly, and I do not dare to act rashly..."

Mr. Ji's business card states that he is the son of Ji Lan, the Grand Minister of the Capital. However, among the Ji family's ancestors, the highest-ranking official was not his father, but his grandfather, Ji Yang. The Marquis of Zhenwu, Commander of the Three Armies of Chunguoguo, once led three thousand infantry deep into the Northern Lands during the Northern Expedition of the Iron Army, fighting all the way to the sacred mountain of the barbarians, Tongyun Mountain, where he erected an iron monument and burned the mountain to offer sacrifices to the heavens. Even the Emperor of Fengyan, as well as Generals Su Jingshen and Li Lingxin, did not venture this far into the Northern Lands. Why is it that his name is not recorded?

General Xi smiled and said, "Then I suppose we must let it go. I originally wanted to invite Mr. Ji to sit down and share a drink of the local rough wine, but since Mr. Ji does not drink, it is indeed a pity."

Ji Qianzheng was momentarily taken aback, but soon understood the other party's subtle hint to leave. He hurriedly waved his hand behind him. A servant from the Ji family approached with a box in hand, bowing his head. As Ji Qianzheng pressed down on the lock, he also placed his other hand over the servant's hand. General Xi smiled slightly, narrowing his eyes as he observed Ji Qianzheng for a moment.

The shopkeeper brought a plate of coarse salt pickles, piled with a bit of a smile, "Sit a while longer, this is a family recipe for pickles, best paired with drinks, no charge."

"Mr. Ji," General Xi's voice suddenly came from behind, "there is something I do not quite understand"

The guest in black glanced and said, "They are all large salt particles, could it be that they were killed by the salt?"

Ji Qianzheng had quietly followed them twice before he felt somewhat reassured. Yu Ran and Ji Ye were merely playing, stealing fruits, catching dragonflies, watching fireworks, and battling crickets, or else they would idly walk back and forth on the wall. Occasionally, Yu Ran would teach Ji Ye to read, which was the quietest moment for Ji Ye. Ji Qianzheng could hardly believe that his eldest son could sit peacefully for several hours, listening to others speak so much.

General Xi nodded slightly, "The Ji family's phoenix material, I have indeed heard of it in Nanhuai City. This time, we are indeed short of two warriors. I have received quite a few invitations these days, most of which are regarding this matter. Mr. Ji comes to this humble little shop to find me, so he must have high expectations. As for this letter of recommendation, I can write it myself. However, Mr. Ji must think carefully; the barbarian tribes are foreign entities, bloodthirsty and fond of killing. Although the opponent is a child, one cannot be careless. Any injuries that occur during the competition are unpredictable. Is the Ji family's phoenix material not afraid of injury?"

"There is no need to open this," he shook his head, "I respect the illustrious reputation of the Ji family, and this respect cannot be bought even if this place is filled with boxes."

Ji Qianzheng's face was slightly flushed. He was a descendant of a noble family and had been a member of the elite in the imperial capital until the age of thirty, never having the experience of flattering others with gifts. Although he had fallen from grace now, the indifference in General Xi's words when he refused the gift still made him feel sad. He did not dare to say anything further, and after a deep bow, he retreated slowly.

However, as long as Ji Ye does not have any dealings with that mysterious old man, the concerns that Ji Qian is worried about will not come to pass. Although they are not members of the organization, Ji Qian is acutely aware of its power and ironclad rules.

Ji Qianzheng was ultimately powerless against his eldest son

At first, he considered using a bamboo rod to intimidate his son, but every time he raised the rod, Ji Ye would take a step back, hold his breath, and tense his muscles, preparing to endure his father's beating. Thus, one would raise the bamboo rod high while the other braced himself for the strike. This scenario always ended with Ji Qianzheng letting out a long sigh and storming out.

General Xi let out a low sigh, lowered his head, and took out a small leather pouch from his waist. He pulled out some tobacco and firmly packed it into a slender ebony pipe. He lit it with the lamp beside him, took a deep puff, and then smiled, "It seems that one cannot make mistakes in life; a single mistake can bring shame to future generations. However... the weapon of the esteemed Ji Yang, the Tiger Tooth Spear, is reputed to be the finest spear in the Eastern Continent. It has performed in the Imperial Capital's Taiqing Pavilion, where it severed forty-five long swords. I wonder if I will have the fortune to see it in the competition?"

Ji Qianzheng did not dare to act rashly and brought back the box

The guest walked to the door, reached out to feel outside, and said, "It has started to rain..."

"Have I taught you to be careful in your work? Are you in such a hurry to bury him?" The shopkeeper glared fiercely.

Yes. In fact, grandfather did not betray the empire, he merely ... ...

The shopkeeper stammered, "Is the wine not good? There is still... there is still..."

Then, General Xi nodded, "In that case, I will write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Ji."

Yes

The shopkeeper laughed even more joyfully, holding up a white porcelain bottle for the guests to pour their own drinks. As he stepped back, he happened to encounter the curtain being lifted, and a servant hurriedly rushed in.

Ji Qianzheng hesitated for a moment, shook his head, and said, "My father always advised me to drink less and read more while he was alive. Since coming of age, I have stopped drinking altogether"