Chapter 0010: The Overbearing General

Wang Shichong felt a sharp pain in the back of his head from the beating he had received years ago. He suppressed his displeasure and approached with a smiling face: "General Wang, it has been a long time. A Da is currently changing clothes and has instructed me to welcome you first. Please, General Wang, let us proceed to the reception room for a discussion"

Wang Shiji was also unreserved, directly sitting boldly in the main guest seat on the left, while Huangfu Xiaoxie stood behind him

After all the idle people in the hall had left, Wang He solemnly said to Wang Shiji: "Cousin, in your last letter, you mentioned that the Supreme Leader intends to launch a southern campaign against the Chen Dynasty to unify the realm. Is this news true?"

As soon as Wang Shiji saw Wang He, he immediately stepped forward and grasped Wang He's hand, repeatedly saying: "Cousin, how is it that after five years of not seeing each other, you appear to be so ill upon our first meeting? It truly worries me, your elder brother." Wang Shichong stood by, coldly watching his performance, inwardly laughing derisively.

Wang He sighed and said: "It is a blessing, not a curse; if it is a curse, it cannot be avoided. In any case, Wang Shiji has still come, which gives me, as his younger cousin, some face. Shishi, help me up; Shiwei, bring me my clothes; I need to tidy myself up. Shichong, you go ahead and take a look; he mentioned you in his letter and seems quite interested in you. Make sure to greet him well and lead him to the reception room, just say that A Da will arrive shortly."

Wang Shichong once again performed a gesture of respect: "I am indeed the one. Master A has instructed me to invite the general to the reception room for a discussion"

Wang Shiji quickly said, "Oh dear, why didn't you say so earlier? If I had known that my cousin was so ill, as his brother, I should have gone to pay my respects first. Young Master Shichong, please lead the way; I will go visit your elder brother right away"

The remaining servants of the Wang family took the opportunity to disperse the onlookers, while also leading the horses ridden by Wang Shiji and another person to a nearby stable for care

A follower dressed in black tight-fitting attire, robust as a bear, followed closely beside the imposing figure. It was none other than the renowned Huangfu Xiaoxie from years past, who held the reins of two tall steeds, standing with his head bowed behind Wang Shiji.

Wang Shiji cast a cold glance at Wang Shichong, his thick eyebrows resembling ink, and his gaze sharp as a knife. Standing at the door, he exuded an undeniable aura of a general, as imposing as a mountain. The man beside him, Huangfu Xiaoxie, appeared to be sturdier than several of the Wang family's brothers, yet he stood with his head bowed in deference, not daring to lift it even slightly.

Wang Shichong led Wang Shiji to the reception hall, where Wang He was already dressed in a blue silk long gown, seated in the main position on a elm chair, waiting for everyone. Meanwhile, Wang Shishi and Wang Shiwei stood at the door to welcome the guests

Wang Shiji secretly cursed the situation, fearing that if Wang He did not intervene, the money that was within reach would likely slip away. Compared to face, the tangible money was far more important.

Wang Shichong turned and ran out the door. The Wang family could be considered a prominent household in this Xinfeng City, but they only had two courtyards in total. In just a moment, Wang Shichong arrived at the front door.

Wang He still had a black bandage wrapped around his forehead. He nodded with difficulty and slightly raised his hand: "Cousin, there is no need for such formalities, please take a seat."

Only a few servants of the Wang family were guarding the front gate, while Wang Shiji stood outside the gate in casual attire, exuding an air of arrogance. After five years, his appearance had not changed much; he still looked formidable and strong. Even in casual clothing, he radiated an imposing presence that made it difficult for others to meet his gaze

Wang Shiji's dark face flushed slightly, but in an instant, he returned to his usual demeanor. He waved his hand and said, "In our dynasty, we govern the world with filial piety. No matter how significant the public affairs are, as relatives, we should first go to visit. We are kin within the five degrees of relationship; my cousin is gravely ill, and as his brother, if I do not visit him first, the people of the world will criticize me, Wang Shiji, for lacking in etiquette, and the censors in the court will also hold me accountable. Shichong, my virtuous nephew, please lead the way."

Wang He cleared his throat and said to Wang Shiji: "Cousin, let us first discuss official matters today, and then we can talk about family ties. What do you think of this arrangement?"

Wang Shiji smiled faintly, set down the teacup he had just taken a sip from, and clasped his hands together, saying: "The guest may follow the host's wishes, and I shall comply with my cousin's instructions"

Wang Shichong responded and turned to glance at his two brothers: "Eldest brother, Third brother, A Da is seriously ill, I must trouble you to take extra care of him, please watch over him closely."

Wang Shichong respectfully performed a salute and said: "Since General Wang has come today to discuss official matters, it must be to assess the martial skills of us brothers. My father is gravely ill and can no longer serve in the military, but as long as the three of us are here, we can accompany you to the racetrack outside the city to compare our martial prowess."

At this moment, he stood tall with his chest out, and only then did Wang Shichong clearly see his appearance. He had a red face and thick beard, eyes like copper bells, several deep and shallow knife scars on his face, and an expression full of arrogance and ferocity

Wang He angrily scolded: "You two fools, what do you understand! Wang Shiji wants the money to establish his office. If he successfully conquers the South and Chen, he will definitely return as a pillar of the state, or even as a senior pillar. Just within the military office, there will be hundreds of aides. Who would come without at least 100,000 coins? Right now, he is putting on this act, thinking to first say that you few are useless, that he doesn't want it. Later, he will raise the price. Can't you see this?"

Wang Shichong chuckled coldly in his heart, but he put on a pained expression on his face: "Isn't that so? He has been bedridden since March, and for this period, it has been us brothers taking turns to serve him. Today, upon hearing that the general was coming, he insisted on getting out of bed to meet you. When I arrived, elder brother and third brother were helping him change his clothes."

Wang Shishi said with a serious expression: "Shichong, rest assured, hurry to the front. That fellow was already a bit impatient when we arrived."

Wang Shichong let out a cold laugh and said, "General Wang, official matters are of utmost importance. How can A Da's minor illness affect your significant task of selecting talents for the country? I believe it would be best for us brothers to accompany you first."

As Wang Shiji spoke his final few words, his tone became severe and his voice grew louder, causing Wang Shichong's eardrums to throb. The deep, lion-like voice also frightened the chattering people in the distance into silence, and the entire street fell quiet. Even the two horses behind him lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound

The three brothers of Wang Shichong were all seated opposite Wang Shiji, while five or six maidservants flitted about like butterflies, presenting fruit platters and tea to the hosts and guests in a flowing manner

Wang Shiji originally just wanted to quickly get Wang He out, but he did not expect to be caught off guard by Wang Shichong in front of him, who turned the tables on him. He could only nod and, bracing himself, said: "Indeed"

He rolled his eyes and put on a concerned expression, saying: "Shichong, is your father’s illness really that serious? Is he unable to take care of himself?"

Wang Shiji strode forward and entered the main gate of the Wang residence, while Huangfu Xiaoxie closely followed behind him, not leaving his side for a moment. Wang Shichong led the way in front, and several servants surrounded Wang Shiji as they made their way inside.

Wang Shiji's lips moved slightly, his voice deep and powerful: "You must be the esteemed nephew of Shichong? It has been five years since we last met, and you have grown so much."

Wang nodded slightly and gave a knowing glance to Wang Shichong, who understood the signal. He then stood up and addressed the maids and servants standing at the back of the hall, saying: "You all may leave for now"

Wang Shiji said in a deep voice: "Today I have come not to discuss personal matters, but to address official business. Your elder brother wrote to me, stating that you three brothers are all promising talents, and urged me to take care of you. Therefore, I have taken time out of my busy schedule to come and assess you, after all, your grandfather was once a general. However, just now I asked your elder brother and third brother to go in and inform your father, so that you could come out. Now that you are here, they have not come out. Are you all wasting my time like this?"

Wang Shichong turned to the servant Wang Cai behind him and said: "You heard what General Wang said, right? Now go and call the eldest young master and the third young master out. By the way, it's almost time for the master to take his medicine, remember to prepare the medicine. We probably won't be back tonight, and if anything goes wrong with the master's medication, I will hold you accountable!"

Wang Shichong furrowed his brows deeply, as his father's words echoed his own thoughts. Wang Shiji had come to the door with this attitude, clearly intending to make an exorbitant demand. If he truly looked down upon this sum of 100,000, then there would be no need to come here again.

Wang Shichong smiled slightly, turned his body to the side, and made a gesture inviting the guest to enter: "Uncle, please come in!"

Wang Shishi and Wang Shiwei were so frightened that they stuck out their tongues and lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound