Chapter 9: Having a Thick Skin is Also a Form of Talent
Another person said: "Indeed, a hero like him would certainly not want others to use his name to swindle and deceive. Once we see him, we will explain the situation, and he will surely go after that fraud to settle the score, thus avenging us!"
The young eunuchs, seeing that the situation had reached this point, were infuriated that this person could still act so arrogantly. They all shouted in unison, demanding to send Li Le to meet the Duke of Xu.
The young eunuchs exchanged glances, wondering how it was that the head steward, known for his ruthless demeanor in the palace, was now bowing down like a street thug. What could have prompted such a turn of events?
Nian Shan Song's heart stirred, and he asked, "Is Yu Wen Mu Zhou well-known in the capital?"
After spending a long time in the palace, Yan Shansong has seen everything and met all kinds of people. When encountering someone useful, one must cast a long line to catch a big fish, scattering a hundred baits; as long as one fish is caught, it is considered a success! Such profound thoughts and deep strategies are beyond the comprehension of the little eunuchs!
Nian Shan Song, however, had other plans in mind. He intended to win over the ministers for Consort Jing. Yu Wen Shu, being cunning and shrewd, was unlikely to be swayed easily. Yu Wen Cheng Du was quite capable, but without a proper approach, it would be difficult to win him over. However, Yu Wen Mu Zhou was different; this person had such a great reputation that he must be an extraordinary figure, precisely the kind of person Consort Jing needed. To win him over also required a proper approach, and today that little ruffian had conveniently provided him with one!
Nian Shansong was unwilling to waste any more time and led the young eunuchs to continue their journey to the residence of the Duke of Xu. On the way, one of the young eunuchs said, "Since Yu Wen Muzhou is the eldest grandson of the Duke, perhaps we might see him later!"
The official, with a bitter expression, said, "Oh dear, it's not just about fame; who in the entire capital doesn't know him!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he immediately realized there was a grammatical error. It seemed that this eunuch before him did not know who Yu Wenzhou was. Just as he was about to explain, he saw Nian Shansong nodding and waving his hand for the young eunuchs to mount their horses, seemingly too lazy to pay attention to this insignificant person. Feeling slighted, the official felt somewhat disgruntled, and his explanation remained unspoken.
Nianshan Song gave Li Le a thumbs up and said, "Young man, you are quite ruthless, your words are tough, and your skin is thick! Back when I, Nianshan Song, was mingling in the world, I did not possess your skills! If it were me who was exposed on the spot, I would never have the courage you have!" There was something he did not say: if he had had someone as audacious as Li Le back then, he would not have been chased around, ultimately having to hide in the palace.
Another person said: "That scoundrel is truly infuriating, his skin is thicker than the walls of Daxing City. We must ask Yu Wenmu to give him a good lesson!"
Li Le was so anxious that he stamped his feet. How could this surname Nian be so stubborn, impervious to both persuasion and coercion, truly leaving him at a loss! He angrily exclaimed, "What am I afraid of? Am I really going to create trouble for myself?"
As the cavalry approached, the leader on horseback cupped his fist in salute and asked, "Esteemed sir, what just transpired?"
Despite the enthusiasm displayed by Li Le and the young eunuch, he would not dare to fall out with someone like Yan Shansong, a senior eunuch. It is essential to discern whom to offend and whom not to. He smiled awkwardly and said, "Master Yan, I am not lying; I am indeed Yu Wen Muzhou, the eldest grandson of Duke Xu. If you do not believe me, we can go to the residence and verify it! If you do not trust me, surely you must trust the Duke, right?"
Be quiet! Nian Shan Song has been drinking.
A eunuch, covering his cheek, shouted: "What audacity! Do you take us for itinerant merchants? How dare you strike us at will? I and the librarians are servants of the palace, attendants of the Emperor!"
He understood that the current emperor was planning an expedition against Goguryeo, widely recruiting soldiers among the populace. Many ruffians like Li Le were seizing the opportunity to enlist in hopes of wealth and status. If Li Le also joined the army, given his fierce determination, as long as he survived, there was an eighty to ninety percent chance he would make a name for himself. By accommodating him today, he might be useful in the future, which would also help the young prince build connections. Two taels of silver for a network is an exceptionally profitable deal. Even if Li Le does not rise to prominence, it does not matter; the loss would only be two taels of silver. What is the big deal? By accommodating him today, he might be useful in the future, which would also help the young prince build connections. Two taels of silver for a network is an exceptionally profitable deal. Even if Li Le does not rise to prominence, it does not matter; the loss would only be two taels of silver. What is the big deal?
Li Le came to his senses, swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and thought to himself: "Well, since you all insist that I am an imposter and claim that I am a fraud, if I do not play the rogue, wouldn't that be disrespectful to you all"
The thing that eunuchs despise the most is when others say they "lack courage." The four young eunuchs were nearly driven mad by this! The one grabbing Li Le by the collar shouted in a high-pitched voice: "Who are you calling lacking courage? You bastard, it's you who lacks courage! Go on, let’s go! The east wind blows and the war drums beat, gentlemen fight, who’s afraid of whom!"
The city guards had certainly heard of the name Yu Wen Mu Zhou, a truly troublesome character. The captain exclaimed in surprise, "Impossible, how could a thug impersonate Yu Wen Mu Zhou? Is he tired of living?" His words implied that Yu Wen Mu Zhou was the leader of thugs, and no petty criminal would dare to impersonate him.
All the eunuchs responded in unison.
Li Le grabbed his collar from behind and scolded, "You dead eunuch, you really dare to go! Fine, then I will accompany you! Let me tell you, I, Yu Wen Muzhou, fear nothing else, but I do not fear anyone challenging me! Let's go, right now!"
Nian Shansong gazed at Li Le's back and said: "Better to disappoint the white-haired elder than to deceive the young man. The youth is formidable and the books are profound! Let us consider this day as an opportunity to forge a good relationship"
Based on Nianshan Song's previous experiences, anyone who engages in such activities must be using a false identity, which is why he never trusted Li Le's words from the beginning to the end. In fact, he had previously extorted merchants, thus he did not leave his real name. However, Li Le was not trying to extort him; rather, he wanted him to successfully introduce himself into the government, so it was only natural to use his real name.
Suddenly, a eunuch rushed forward, grabbing Li Le by the collar, and shouted: "You rascal, you are truly despicable. I thought you were a good person just now, but it turns out you are a big villain! Come on, let's go see the authorities!"
Riding on horseback, Nianshan Song lightly tapped the boot with his riding whip, thinking: "I will go back and discuss with the Empress about finding a way to connect with Yu Wen Muzhou. I need to see what he likes—whether it is beautiful women, gold and silver, or perhaps a promotion. As long as he brings it up, we can provide it. Hmm, let’s send it in the name of the Little Prince! With this back and forth, I’m not worried he won’t board our ship!"
Seeing him in such a flustered state, Nian Shansong found it amusing but did not wish to pursue the matter further. He said, "You may leave. Considering you are my junior, I will let this matter go today." After saying this, he waved his hand to signal Li Le to leave. Given his current status, engaging in a serious confrontation with a thug on the street would only invite ridicule.
The young eunuchs were almost faint with anger. They had seen scoundrels before, but never one as outrageous as this! One young eunuch exclaimed in fury, "You have already been exposed, yet you still dare to ask for a reward. Do you really think we are so easily deceived like traveling merchants?" They were truly infuriated and genuinely wished to deliver a swift kick to Li Le, putting an end to him.
His eyes widened, and he stepped forward, saying: "Alright, thank you, Lord Nian, for your great kindness! However, it is not easy for us brothers to perform; you, being a person of great stature, should show your generosity and help us out with some meal money!"
Li Lexin mhetushu.com knows that it is impossible to meet Yu Wenshu today, but this cannot be blamed on him. When a small-time hoodlum encounters an old-timer, it is something no one could have anticipated! He stood in the street, his mind in a state of confusion, not having clearly heard what Nianshan Song said, and for a moment, he did not move from his spot
Li Le did not expect Nian Shan Song to actually give him money. Just as he was about to exchange a few more pleasantries, he suddenly saw a group of armored soldiers galloping from a distance; they were the city guards! He decided to save the pleasantries for another time, took the money, and without saying a word, turned and left
The more angry the young eunuchs became, the happier he was. As long as he could be brought into the Duke's residence, everything would be negotiable. Yu Wenshu would certainly not want this matter to be made public; he would privately handle these eunuchs. However, he would also worry about attracting more trouble for himself and would arrange a position for himself, allowing him to gradually develop. There would surely come a day when he would rise to prominence!
Li Lexin thought: "If I go to see the Jingzhaoyin, that matter could escalate, and it would be impossible to keep the family disgrace from spreading. I can forget about 'recognizing my ancestors and returning to my roots.' Yu Wenshu will definitely have me removed from the family tree! It’s better to lose face at home!"
Although the two individuals are engaged in the same activities, their purposes differ; Nianshan Song is unable to comprehend Li Le's actions
Seeing him leave, the young eunuch quietly asked Nian Shansong: "Chief Steward, isn't it enough to show mercy by not beating this person? Why give him silver as well?"
The few young eunuchs saw that he was still not leaving and shouted together: "Aren't you going yet? If this were someone else, they would have surely beaten you to a pulp! The chief steward has shown you mercy by letting you go, yet you still dare to stand here. Do you really intend to go see the authorities?"
The little eunuch beside him exclaimed in anger: "Why did you arrive only now! Just a moment ago, a villain committed an assault, and a thug impersonated the name of Yu Wenmu Prefecture to extort us. Our steward..."
Nian Shansong thought: "Do you think my brain and *picture* book bag are broken? To bring you into the Duke's residence and ask Duke Xu if this little rascal is your family's eldest grandson, wouldn't others think I'm a complete fool!"
Nian Shansong laughed heartily: "I am not as good as you, I am truly not as good as you! I have lived for over 40 years and have encountered countless ruthless characters, but you are the first one who dares to act tough at this point! Fine, if you want money, I will give it to you!" With that, he reached into his bosom and took out two large ingots of gold, handing them to Li Le
Clap, clap, clap, and then someone was heard applauding nearby! Everyone turned to look, and to their surprise, the one clapping was actually Nian Shansong
If soft measures won't work, then let's resort to hard ones! He also got fired up, straightened his neck, and glared, saying: "The position of the Jingzhaoyin is too low; let's go meet the Duke! The Duke's residence is just ahead. Do you dare to accompany me to see him and discuss this matter? If you have guts, let's all enter the residence together; that would be manly! If you lack guts, then let me go; you are nothing but cowards!"
The other two young eunuchs shouted in unison: "Yes, take him to see the official, please have Lord Jingzhaoyin punish him, and avenge us!"
As soon as Nian Shansong finished speaking, Li Le was so astonished that he nearly fell to the ground, while the four young eunuchs jumped up in surprise! They certainly trusted the words of Chief Steward Nian, and hearing him speak this way, they were all filled with indignation
He waved his hand, instructing the young eunuch to let Li Le go, and sighed, saying: "Since you have the audacity to perform in front of me, you must be someone of considerable standing in the capital. Yet, you still choose to impersonate Yu Wen Mu Zhou. That person must be quite remarkable. Are you not afraid that this hero will learn of your actions today and come to trouble you?"
However, in the ears of the eunuchs, it took on a different meaning. They simultaneously thought: "It turns out that Yu Wenmu Zhou is indeed an extraordinary hero; it seems that the little thug impersonating him will have a hard time ahead!"
Nian Shansong smiled and shook his head, remaining silent