Chapter 3: Uninvited Guests

"Weier, go instruct Aunt Xue to grind two cups of the coffee your sister-in-law just got."

On weekdays, the elder brother always admonishes him that his attire should be simple and elegant, and that every gesture must reflect the caution and composure of a member of the Yang family, embodying humility and courtesy

This feeling of anger in my heart, my elder brother has finally imposed such an inexplicable punishment on him

He Lili spat a mouthful of coffee onto the coffee table, sticking out her tongue and exclaiming without regard for her image: "What on earth is this taste?"

Recently, I recalled the reports in the newspapers about the Japanese repeatedly provoking during military exercises in Northeast China, destroying civilian homes to create incidents, while the central government remains indifferent. Instead, they have deployed so many troops to the mountains to suppress the Red Bandits, who, after all, are resisting the Japanese. This time, after suffering a defeat, Han Wei became increasingly frustrated and humorously remarked: "A few days ago, a pamphlet circulated in the market titled 'The Kingdom of Cats,' which describes how cats do not catch mice but instead engage in infighting between white cats and black cats. This time, the white cat challenged the black cat and ended up being bitten and covered in blood, becoming a 'red cat,' and then went to the mouse's home to buy grain and make peace."

Ah? Han Wei inquired with a long tone, then mumbled, "Brother, should we copy one? We won't finish it tonight anyway. It would be more satisfying for you to give Wei'er a beating instead."

"If you don't believe me, try this cup of mine." He Lili said in exasperation, her temper as a young lady flaring up.

Han Wei hurried a few steps forward, slightly bowing and smiling as he said to Mao Xingbang: "Brother Mao, having traveled a long distance, it is unfortunate that my elder brother is not at home at this moment. Please wait a moment, and in the meantime, do enjoy the new Bai Jian tea from Longcheng. I have already sent someone to notify my elder brother to return quickly, and I hope you can forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."

Elder brother, Wei Er should not tease Miss He. Han Wei tentatively admitted his mistake

Han Wei stole a glance at his elder brother; the silence in the room was the most terrifying, as it indicated that his brother was angry. He could not tell what his brother was contemplating at that moment.

Minghan, when do you plan to contact the Red Bandits? It is better to do it sooner rather than later. If we lose General Wang Zanhui, who would dare to serve the old man in the future?" Mao Xingbang spoke directly.

Han Wei understood that the term "old man" in Mao Xingbang's mouth referred to Premier He.

Han Wei followed the direction of his elder brother's finger and looked over. It was a jade monkey paperweight that had been placed on his brother's desk for many years. The three adorable little monkeys, connected in a playful manner, covered their ears, eyes, and mouth respectively, representing the Confucian principle of "do not listen to what is improper, do not look at what is improper, do not speak what is improper"

The sound of clattering boots echoed as Brother Han Chen, clad in military attire, entered the living room, followed closely by the enchanting secretary, Miss He Lili.

"Go copy the 'Letters of Zeng Wenzheng Gong,'" the elder brother instructed without even raising his head

Seeing that the elder brother was still focused and expressionless while drawing plum blossoms in the book, Han Wei mischievously added, "And a spoonful of pepper."

Elder brother Hancheng finally put down his pen and glanced at him. Hanwei quickly lowered his head and admitted his mistake, saying: "Elder brother, Wei'er will not dare to do it again next time"

Han Chen can only do his best. He needs to find a way to establish contact with the Red Bandits in order to begin negotiations; otherwise, who will I, Yang Han Chen, negotiate with?" Han Chen paused and then asked, "Does Mrs. Wang or the central authorities have any channels for contact? Please inform Han Chen, as it could save some time.

Place this on your desk

Mao Xingbang looked up and down at Han Wei, revealing a face full of admiration: "Han Wei, little brother, there's no need for such pretentious gestures with your third brother; we are all on the same side." After saying this, he introduced Mrs. Wang, whom he had brought, to Han Wei.

The elder brother must be angry; today he sarcastically criticized the central government's attitude towards resisting Japan and waging a civil war. He is also frustrated that he is still intervening in the case of the plum blossom woman's corpse, using this matter to give him a warning.

"Younger brother, make a cup of coffee for your sister." He Lili's fingers, adorned with nail polish, lightly rested on the teacup as she instructed Han Wei, who was pouring tea for everyone from a small purple clay pot.

"It was just out of curiosity that I asked," Mao Xingbang said, trying to lighten the mood.

Han Chen brought the seal to his lips, exhaled gently, and pressed it squarely onto the paper, saying: "Either honestly copy the book, or face the family discipline before copying; you may decide for yourself."

Han Wei wore an expression of innocence, directing his gaze towards Mao Xingbang, who curiously remarked, "The taste is quite good."

Han Chen looked at Mao Xingbang with a smile, causing Mao Xingbang to feel uneasy. He touched his face and asked, "What, what is it?"

"Are you suggesting that we negotiate with the Red Bandits to secure their release?" Han Chen asked

Mao Xingbang is quite familiar with San Ge Hanwei; he was a classmate of the elder brother at the military academy and is now the Director of the Central Attendant Office in Xijing, a favored individual by the "Son of Heaven." Furthermore, he is the nephew of Premier He of Xijing, being the son of the Premier's ex-wife's family.

Han Chen glanced at his younger brother, knowing that this little rascal was cunning and had surely started another verbal battle with He Lili

Mao Xingbang's casual remark caused the smile on Han Chens face to vanish instantly. In a low, steely tone, he revealed an oppressive chill: "What do you mean? Are you implying that I, Yang Hanchen, have private dealings with bandits?"

Mao Xingbang explained to Hancheng: "The central government has received news that General Wang is still alive, but he has been captured by the Red Bandits. Now, General Wang has entrusted someone to send a message to Mrs. Wang, asking the central government to ensure his rescue. He is willing to exhaust his family fortune to offer the Red Bandits in exchange for a chance at survival. Premier He is very concerned about this matter, stating that General Wang is a renowned general of the Party and the nation, and it is imperative to ensure his safety. Premier He has asked Xingbang to deliver a letter and some books to Brother Minghan, and he troubles Brother Minghan to take the time to consider this matter." Premier He is very concerned about this matter, stating that General Wang is a renowned general of the Party and the nation, and it is imperative to ensure his safety. Premier He has asked Xingbang to deliver a letter and some books to Brother Minghan, and he troubles Brother Minghan to take the time to consider this matter.

Although he acknowledged his mistake verbally, Han Wei secretly thought to himself that today he had not acted wisely and had been noticed by others. Next time, he would definitely let He Lili see his true capabilities

"Minghan, set a deadline. How long will it take to establish contact with the Red Bandits?" Mao Xingbang asked anxiously, "You don't understand, the old man has issued a death order; if Wang Zanhui is not rescued, my head will be offered as a sacrifice."

He Lili's enchanting eyes were half-open, as if in a dream, and she said in a delicate voice, "Tea is the least beneficial for women’s beauty. Haven't you noticed that your sister-in-law usually drinks coffee? Right, last month, didn't the secretary of Deputy Commander Hu send her a bag of authentic Brazilian coffee beans? Grind them up for your brother Mao San to try."

It turned out that she was Mrs. Wang Zanhui. Han Wei, astonished, couldn't help but glance several more times at Mrs. Wang, who was kneeling on the ground, beating her chest and crying out in anguish

"Commander Yang, help! Please save my husband, Old Wang. He cannot die; he is innocent!" Mrs. Wang cried uncontrollably, refusing to get up no matter who tried to persuade her.

Mao Xingbang suddenly changed the subject and asked: "Minghan, I heard that there was a strange case in Longcheng some time ago, where a female corpse floated down the Huanglong River, and the body had a plum blossom tattoo."

Upon entering the living room, Han Wei immediately spotted the rotund Mao Xingbang, whose suit was stretched tight, aimlessly looking around. Behind him, on the sofa, sat an unfamiliar middle-aged woman.

Han Wei, upon hearing this question and answer, felt as if his elder brother intended to conceal and downplay this case, and even He Lili seemed unaware of the situation. Meanwhile, Mao Xingbang was incessantly probing, as if he had caught wind of some rumors or whispers. What could be the intention behind his elder brother's actions? Could it be that he suspected the female corpse was a spy sent from Xijing? Was Mao Xingbang's current inquiry perhaps instigated by someone to investigate the truth behind the Hongmei female corpse case?

He Lili pushed the door open and Mao Xingbang changed the subject, saying: "Lili, seeing you beside Commander Yang, you look much better; you are even more charming than when I saw you in Xijing."

He Lili blinked her eyes and said with a charming smile, "Of course it’s good. With Commander Yang as a solid support, one naturally feels at ease and looks good."

Han Chen wore a look of disdain: "What do you think it is? There are plenty of living women, yet you are concerned about a corpse. Third Brother, are you bored? My younger brother just took a glance at the corpse, and he dreamt all night about the long-tongued female ghost from the play 'Red Plum Pavilion'"

Mao Xingbang was to escort Mrs. Wang to the restaurant for her to rest. As he bid farewell in the study, Mrs. Wang was captivated by the paintings on the wall. Gazing at a painting titled "Plum Blossoms Defying the Snow," she remarked: "Our old Wang also has a great fondness for plum blossoms. In our backyard, we have a few rare green calyx varieties, and the paintings and calligraphy are all famous species transplanted from the Plum Blossom Mountain in Xijing. I heard that the high-ranking officials in Xijing are all enamored with plum blossoms. Mrs. He even specially invited the families of us officials to appreciate the blossoms before the Spring Festival."

He Lili is said to be proficient in four foreign languages: English, French, Japanese, and German. She prides herself on being the niece of Premier He from Xijing and has returned from studying abroad. Now, she has brought an official decree from Xijing to serve as a confidential secretary for her elder brother in Longcheng, where she exerts her influence. She usually dresses in a seductive and charming manner, flaunting herself in public, and engages in flirtatious banter with the men at the provincial government and military headquarters, discussing both risqué and innocent jokes without restraint. It seems that her elder brother is somewhat wary of this woman. Now that Sister-in-law Yuning is pregnant and has returned to her family to rest, He Lili frequently visits the Yang family.

The elder brother's gaze remained fixed on the ink swirling in the ink pool, until the concentration of the ink lifted by the ink stone was just right, neither too thick nor too thin. Only then did he use the long brush with seven purple and three sheep hairs to soak up the ink, effortlessly sketching the proud and rugged branches of the plum blossom on the paper.

Han Chen cast a puzzled glance at Mao Xingbang, who explained: "This is Major General Wang Zanhui's wife"

He Lili assisted Mrs. Wang to temporarily rest in the guest room, while Han Wei followed his elder brother and Mao Xingbang to the study

In the afternoon, Han Wei woke up and was eager to rush to the police station to discuss the case of the corpse of Hongmei with Inspector Zheng, but an unexpected guest arrived at the Yang residence. Although he felt displeased, he still had to greet the guest with a smile as if basking in the spring breeze

Han Wei, anxious to rush to the police station to investigate the case of the corpse of Hongmei, was unexpectedly hindered by an uninvited guest. Helplessly preparing tea for the guest, he noticed that Brother Mao had already made himself at home, holding a cigar between his fingers and leisurely surveying the surroundings.

General Wang Zanhui was ordered a few months ago to eliminate the Red Bandits in the Luan Mountain Range. Due to underestimating the enemy, he was lured deep into enemy territory, cut off from water and supplies, resulting in the annihilation of his 100,000 troops by just 30,000 Red Bandits. The news sent shockwaves through the central government. Han Wei vividly recalled General Wang Zanhui, who had a round face and a prosperous appearance. When General Wang's troops passed through Longcheng, he vowed by the banks of the Huanglong River that he would not return until the Red Bandits were defeated, displaying a spirit of determination. However, shortly after his departure, news of a catastrophic defeat arrived.

Upon hearing his elder brother speak, Han Wei felt indignant in his heart, yet he maintained the necessary humility on his face and responded accordingly

Han Wei harbored disdain against General Wang, feeling that it was shameful to lose and then write a letter begging for mercy, as well as to offer all his wealth to the Red Bandits in exchange for his life; it was utterly lacking in backbone

Han Wei, with keen eyes and quick hands, approached the table and swiftly added some water from a small clay pot into the ink pool of the Qixing Meihua Song Keng inkstone. With one hand, he picked up the piece of Li Tinggui's incense-scented ink, and with the other, he grasped the sleeve of his long robe, carefully grinding the ink.

Who will take her? You, I, Lily, and little Han Wei—let's book a nice private room for the four of us. I need to go and support Boss Wei. That Mrs. Wang is ignoring her; she cried so much in Xijing that it drove her husband crazy. This hot potato was thrown into my lap.

Is it really a crime of passion?" Mao Xingbang asked curiously

Since it is for the purpose of beauty, why not have Han Wei pour Miss He a glass of warm water? Warm water not only nourishes the skin but also promotes health; drinking seven cups of water daily is better than any elixir. It is said that Premier He from Xijing only drinks plain water and does not drink tea at all. Han Wei wore a sincere expression, leaving He Lili both amused and exasperated

When the coffee was served in the study, the exquisite heart-shaped jar was placed between the two cups of coffee

Han Wei felt even more confused, as it seemed that his elder brother was intentionally concealing something, downplaying a spy mystery into a mere scandal of infidelity

Han Wei thought to himself that his elder brother's implication likely indicated that the central authorities were beginning to suspect him. Upon realizing this, he felt a jolt in his heart. No wonder his elder brother was being overly cautious; if such words were merely a slip of the tongue from Mao San, it would be one thing, but if he were truly acting on someone else's instructions, then the situation would become quite complicated.

The elder brother did not look at him, and Han Wei thought it was not good, muttering, "It's just that I added two more spoons of salt to her coffee"

Han Wei stole a glance at his elder brother, like a child who had done something wrong. Perhaps it was because their parents had passed away too early, leaving the responsibility of raising him on his elder brother's shoulders. This elder brother, who was fourteen years his senior, truly embodied the saying "an elder brother is like a father" in Han Wei's heart

Elder brother, just now, Mao Sange inquired about the case of the plum blossom female corpse. Elder brother seems to suggest it is a crime of passion. Are you suspecting that the spy was sent by Premier He from the Central Government in Xijing? Otherwise, why would there be concealment even from Mao Sange

He Lili's words were reminiscent of the mistress of the Yang family, which made Han Wei feel quite annoyed. With Sister Yu Ning not at home, He Lili was foolishly trying to usurp the nest. With the young master of the Yang family guarding the door, this enchantress He Lili would not succeed.

He Lili was in a dire situation, suffering in silence, fully aware that she had been outmaneuvered by that little rascal Han Wei

Mao Xingbang further explained: "The 'old man' was also under pressure. Wang Zanhui agreed to the Red Bandits' request to personally contribute 2 million yuan in legal currency to purchase medicines and military supplies in Japan to be sent to the Red Bandits as a condition for seeking his life. The Red Bandits demanded the release of political prisoners arrested by the Xijing authorities as a condition. Minghan, you and I are both working for others, so do not overthink it"

Han Chen will certainly do his utmost. "Elder brother Han Chen said.

Some jokes should not be made lightly, and Han Chen certainly believes that San Ge means no harm

Han Wei took the coffee from Mao Xingbang's hand, took a sip, and innocently looked at his elder brother with his clear and bright eyes

The unexpected action startled Han Wei, and upon seeing his elder brother Han Chen's sullen expression, he bent down to assist Mrs. Wang together with He Lili.

How come you are inquiring about the scandalous tales among these painted ladies

"We cannot be slow; if we are even a moment late, my husband Wang will lose his life." Mrs. Wang, in a state of panic, grasped Han Chen's hand, her wandering gaze resembling that of someone who had lost their mind.

Han Wei pouted and said, "You have already vomited inside, yet you still expect others to taste it"

After seeing off the guests, Han Wei followed his elder brother back to the study. The elder brother paid him no mind and proceeded to spread out the felt and rice paper.

Mao Xingbang propped up his leg casually on the sofa and said lazily, "Minghan, you are a good person in every way, but you love to keep people in suspense. Your Longcheng is so close to the Luan Mountain bandits, is there still a need to ask me how to get in touch?"

Ah, I remember now. Minghan, I heard that the theater troupe 'Dexinshe' from Beiping has come to your Longcheng. Tomorrow, San Ge invites you to watch a play

Han Wei watched as the anguished Mrs. Wang was helped by the female secretary He Lili to sit back on the sofa, pounding her chest and weeping bitterly, feeling a twinge of compassion in his heart

"Madam, please take your time to speak," He Lili advised

Mrs. Wang, who had been silent, suddenly "thud" fell to her knees, crawling in front of Han Chen while sobbing uncontrollably, repeatedly banging her head against the ground.

Minghan, you are such a person, with so many thoughts. Third Brother has no such intention.

Mao Xingbang took the coffee offered by Han Wei, took a light sip, and praised, "You indeed have taste, truly worthy of being from Harvard in the United States"

Han Wei quietly listened from the side, trying to gauge the central government's attitude towards the matter of rescuing Wang Zanhui from the tone of the conversation

Han Wei looked at his elder brother with a sense of grievance and reluctantly replied, "Yes, elder brother."

Han Wei found his elder brother's response unexpected. Before he could think it through, he heard his brother say: "There are many brothels in the upper reaches of the Huanglong River. You know that Longcheng is famous for producing beautiful and handsome young men and women, attracting the brothels of Tianjin and the Eight Great Alleys of Beiping to come here to 'seek treasures.' This time, I don't know what kind of romantic debt that girl has incurred, but she was found dead by the Huanglong River. It's tragic.

Han Wei is very intelligent; having been by his elder brother's side for many years, he is well aware of every move and action of his elder brother.

Before he could finish speaking, the elder brother shot him a fierce glance, causing Han Wei to retract his head and stop his words

Mao Xingbang is the third in his family. It is said that he was the oldest among his peers at the Southwest Army Military Academy, and his classmates affectionately referred to him as "Third Brother".

Han Chen hesitated and suggested: "It may not be the right time to go watch the play now, just look at Mrs. Wang's anxious expression."

Han Wei deliberately changed into a light blue spring silk long gown, with the snow-white cuffs neatly rolled up to the wrists, partially covering the tiger's mouth, and his hair meticulously combed back.