Chapter 17 – A Beauty’s Favour is the Hardest to Enjoy
Edited by DancingdolphinsYo
Under the situation where Wu Xingzi did not have time to reject, nor was he able to reject, General Guan officially moved in, suffocating Adviser Wu.
The books said: A beauty’s favour was the hardest to enjoy.
Wu Xingzi had many feelings about this, and his feelings felt as though they were pervading into his bones! There was no way he would be able to go to the?Peng?Society. Guan Shanjin was following him daily, they ate together, slept together, and even when he went to the magistrate’s office, he was right there behind him. At first, the county magistrate had planned on chasing that extraneous person away, but who would have guessed that they would freeze upon seeing each other! Delighted, the magistrate quickly made his way towards them, bowing deeply at Guan Shanjin.
“Haiwang-xiong1!”
“Li Jian?”
Guan Shanjin was first surprised, then he smiled. As an eyewitness, Wu Xingzi’s stomach was aching with curiosity. He had never asked the magistrate about his past with General Guan and only knew that even this safe space of the magistrate’s office had fallen. This young and promising general was really making one unable to enjoy himself.
Adviser Wu wearily made his way into his office. With a sigh, he fell into introspection. What did he do wrong?
Those books had clearly always said that those people in high positions would only have casual affairs with the common folk. They might take pity on them, or even like them, but they would never be reluctant to part from them.
He even finished reading the book that Manager Rancui had given to him, and thought that he really met a general who only wanted a casual affair. Who would have thought that once the affair was over, Guan Shanjin would still refuse to leave and insist on staying next to him? He would squeeze with him on that narrow bed, cook every day for him, and even accompany him everywhere he went… Thinking of Manager Rancui, he would think about?The Pengornisseur, and Adviser Wu’s heart ached!
What exactly was Guan Shanjin thinking? Wu Xingzi sank into contemplation. He definitely did not believe that Guan Shanjin liked him, he still had this little bit of self-awareness. He was old and not good looking, old-fashioned and timid. His lifestyle was boring, and he also ate a lot. If he was Guan Shanjin, he also would not like a person like Wu Xingzi.
“What are you thinking about?” After reminiscing with the magistrate, Guan Shanjin entered the room to see Wu Xingzi in a daze, his eyes staring blankly at the files spread open upon his table.
This foolish look naturally did not resemble Mr Lu at all. Guan Shanjin detested it, and so, he reached out to pinch Wu Xingzi’s cheeks.
“Ow!” In pain, Wu Xingzi jerked up. He rubbed his cheeks, looking at the man, who was smirking at him, pitifully.
Even though the smile was very wicked, it was still as beautiful as a painting, and Wu Xingzi was entranced by it.
He had wanted to order this old fellow to never display an expression like that, as the reason Guan Shanjin stayed here was for that little trace of Mr Lu in Wu Xingzi. Treating Wu Xingzi very well over the past few days was because when he smiled, his shyness was the most similar to Mr Lu, but this old fellow more often than not had that silly and foolish look on his face instead.
Guan Shanjin was unhappy, but on an impulse, he instead scratched at Adviser Wu’s fleshy nose with a finger, smiling, “Why are you always in a daze?”
A beauty’s scolding was really like a poisoned wine!
Wu Xingzi’s face reddened, immediately forgetting all about how Guan Shanjin had been obstructing his life. He joyfully observed the beauty and shyly thought that it was also a good thing that his?pengornis?and his little hole could interact at night!
So, the two of them continued on like that for another month, each with their own thoughts. The rumours spread even more vividly and wildly within Qingcheng County, and erupted in today’s showdown between Auntie Liu and the other aunties.
Guan Shanjin knew about this rumour, but he was not bothered by it. After all, he was the god-like man admired by everyone, and towards the obscene words spoken by these vulgar villagers, he did not concern himself with them.
As for Wu Xingzi, he had long allowed the villagers to go on with their rumours, and so, he naturally never paid attention to them. In the end, without him knowing, half of them had thought that he could draw charms and cast spells, resulting in him being able to capture a god-like man such as Guan Shanjin.
Ansheng had wanted to remind him a few times, but for some reason in front of Guan Shanjin, Ansheng was like a quail with a noose around its neck. Pinned under those charming and alluring eyes, his voice stuck in his throat, and his heart jolted. For this, he was fairly angry with himself.
However, seeing that Wu Xingzi was eating well and sleeping well, together with how he got along with Guan Shanjin, Ansheng felt that it was good that he did not say anything about it too. Why must he use those rumours and upset Wu Xingzi? At most he would observe the ongoings with Auntie Liu, and they would think of another way to correct the information.
On the way home, Wu Xingzi asked the man who was hugging him, “I haven’t seen you the entire day, is there something you’re busy with?”
“Mn. I’ve received some news from Bastion City, I’ll need to deal with it.” Guan Shanjin did not hide it from him. He was a little gloomy, as the news was mainly related to his military affairs, while there was nothing from Mr Lu. Instead, it was Man Yue who told him about Hua Shu.
Guan Shanjin only had a vague recollection of who Hua Shu was. If not for the fact that he was someone next to Mr Lu, Guan Shanjin would not have even remembered his name.
In Man Yue’s letter, Hua Shu had been recently asking after him quite frequently. Apparently, Mr Lu had missed the general, and he was unwilling to see Mr Lu become melancholic, and so, he would like to invite the general to go visit Mr Lu.
However, Man Yue also mentioned that Mr Lu had recently been quite intimate with the third miss of the Yue family. The two of them were constantly in contact with each other, and the Yue family seemed rather interested in becoming Mr Lu’s in-laws. Man Yue was afraid Mr Lu did not really miss the general that much. At least, he did not miss him as much as Hua Shu had said, and that was how Man Yue unceremoniously ended the letter.
Guan Shanjin was vexed by looking at the letter. He knew that Mr Lu had always been dreaming of marrying and settling down. Mr Lu was already thirty-six this year, and was at the age where, despite being a man, people would discuss his age behind his back. The Yue family was a well-known one in Bastion City, and was always extremely deferential towards the troops based there. They had always presented themselves in a very humble position, and it was understandable why they would want to have a marriage alliance with Mr Lu.
In this matter, each person had something they were looking for. The marriage was also something Guan Shanjin could not interfere with. He was unwilling to make Mr Lu angry with him and did not want to leave Mr Lu the impression that he was a person who would coerce others with his power. Already irritated, he still had to deal with some middling military affairs, and the entire day made Guan Shanjin furious. He sent a reply, demanding Man Yue to get Hua Shu replaced. Mr Lu did not need such a scheming person next to him, and neither did he want this person to continue bothering Man Yue. After all, Man Yue had already sent a letter to him airing his grievances, and whether it was publicly or privately, he had to support Man Yue.
However, after seeing Wu Xingzi, the gloominess in Guan Shanjin had lessened quite a bit.
The current expression of this old fellow clearly did not even have a shadow of Mr Lu. He looked like a silly quail, so foolish that a person’s heart would soften just by looking at him.
“Is your military rank very high?” This was the first time Wu Xingzi had asked about Guan Shanjin’s personal matters.
For some unknown reason, Guan Shanjin was delighted by his question, and so he hugged him even tighter before answering, “It’s not too low, there’s no one who can do anything about me.”
“Even the great South Garrison General can’t do anything about you?” Wu Xingzi was surprised. He held the South Garrison General in awe, as that general was truly renowned. He had heard that the battle, where the southern barbarians were completely defeated, was a difficult one, the ground drowning in three feet of blood, and up till now, the blood could be seen on the earth.
“He can’t.” Guan Shanjin smiled and kissed his face.
Already used to such periodic kisses, Wu Xingzi even obligingly turned his head, allowing Guan Shanjin to reach his lips easily.
The two of them went home like that, clinging onto each other. Guan Shanjin headed into the kitchen to prepare a few dishes to accompany the buns, as well as to stew a pot of fish soup. The soup was a milky, creamy colour. Together with the spiciness from the ginger, it was extremely fresh and sweet.
Wu Xingzi ate a lot, and the few buns were not enough for two people. After emptying the plates and finishing the soup, he kept feeling as though there was still space in his stomach for him to stuff a bit more within it.
“Do you want to go with me to Goose City?” Guan Shanjin reached out and rubbed at Wu Xingzi’s soft belly, feeling that it was a little hollow.
“Goose City?” Wu Xingzi blinked, tilting his head and considering it.
Tomorrow was an official holiday. Normally he would take the opportunity and help Auntie Liu out at her farm, then tidy up his own vegetable plot in his backyard. However, it was now winter, and all the plants had long been harvested. Alone at home, he could happily read some books and admire some?pengornises, but to let Guan Shanjin stay at home with him, how could he do that?!
Also, those?pengornis?drawings, no matter what, he could never let Guan Shanjin know about them.
“Sure, I’d like to visit Manager Rancui.” He might even have the chance to ask him about?The Pengornisseur.
“Then let’s go. On horseback we only need 3 hours to get there, and we can even get something to eat at Goose City.” Guan Shanjin was a man of action. He swiftly retrieved some furs from the wardrobe and covered Wu Xingzi in them, then dragged him out of the door.
“We’re going right now?” Alarmed by this rash and hasty action, when Wu Xingzi finally managed to ask the question, he had already been lifted up into Guan Shanjin’s arms, and they were flying through the trees.
“Of course, you haven’t eaten enough, right?” Looking down, Guan Shanjin smiled at him. The last rays of the sun were still visible, lighting that face of the unsurpassed beauty with a glow, and Guan Shanjin looked just like an immortal.
Wu Xingzi was naturally entranced, and so, he forgot to continue probing. Anyway, he was not a person who really liked to get to the bottom of everything. Whatever Guan Shanjin felt like doing, he would usually oblige him.
The horse was stabled on a hill a distance away, it was an area of fertile grassland. However, it was not part of the territory of Qingcheng County. For some reason, Qingcheng County always managed to avoid such fertile land and was instead situated on a barren land.
Wu Xingzi of course did not know how to ride a horse. Guan Shanjin carefully sheltered him in his arms and made sure that he was wrapped up tightly in the furs. After checking that he would not suffer a chill from the wind, he then kicked his horse off.
As a military man, Guan Shanjin’s riding skills were impeccable. His horse was also one of the best ones to be found in Great Xia. With their speed, they reached Goose City in two hours, just before the city gates closed.
“Where do you want to bring me to eat?” Only at this point did Wu Xingzi have the guts to expose his face and ask. On the way here, the horse was running too fast. Even though he was wearing Guan Shanjin’s furs, he could still vaguely feel the cold wind cutting through, and he did not know how the man behind him could maintain that warm body temperature.
“Have you eaten at House of?Taotie2An ancient Chinese mythological creature.?] before?” Galloping was forbidden in the city, so Guan Shanjin leisurely allowed the horse to make its way through the streets. Only occasionally would he then tug on the reins to direct it.
“House of?Taotie?” Wu Xingzi gasped, his eyes about to fall out of his sockets.
House of?Taotie?was the most famous and the most expensive restaurant in Goose City! Even amongst the top families in Goose City, not everyone had the chance to eat in House of?Taotie. It was not a matter of money, but it was the strange personality of the owner. If he did not like the customer, he would refuse them service and even get his staff to chase them out.
As for how he decided if he liked them, the criteria was both difficult and easy. It was by their appearances.
Wu Xingzi turned to look at Guan Shanjin. Due to their positions, he was only able to see skin that was as fair as jade, a well portioned and marvellous looking neck, a chin that looked perfect no matter how he looked at it, and a bit of the red lips that were like petals of a blossom.
If Guan Shanjin decided to demolish House of?Taotie, it was highly likely that the owner would joyfully watch the beauty demolish the place.
However… Wu Xingzi sighed, touching his own face.
“Why? Afraid that the owner of House of?Taotie?would chase you out of the doors?” Guan Shanjin saw through him immediately, laughing lowly and biting him on his ear lobe. “Don’t worry. The owner of House of?Taotie?is my childhood buddy. With my protection, he wouldn’t dare to touch you.” So they were childhood friends… Wu Xingzi was not surprised hearing this. If it was a few months ago, he would definitely be shocked, but Guan Shanjin was born in a top aristocratic family, and so it was expected that he would know these wealthy and powerful businessmen.
It took him no time to get used to it. It was remarkable how people could adapt!
The horse proceeded and they soon arrived outside House of?Taotie. A staff was waiting by the door, and seeing Guan Shanjin in the distance, he quickly ran over, greeting warmly, “This must be General Guan? The owner welcomes you in.”
“Mn.” Guan Shanjin was calm, and hugging Wu Xingzi, he leapt off the horse and handed the reins over to the staff as he instructed him, “Zhu Xing has a fierce temper. There’s no need to tie him up, he won’t run away.”
“Your humble servant understands. General, please make your way inside.” The staff hurriedly gestured at someone inside. A middle-aged man looking like the manager walked out slowly, his appearance clean and fair. In between his brows, there was an awe-inspiring air, attracting everyone’s eyes.
“General Guan.” The manager cupped his hands towards Guan Shanjin. “The owner has assigned this humble servant to welcome the general.”
“Lead the way.” ?Guan Shanjin glanced at the manager, not paying much attention to him. Instead, he looked down and helped Wu Xingzi straighten his lapels, drawing his finger across his nose. “What’s wrong? You look like you’re in another world.”
Of course he was! There was a beauty! Wu Xingzi looked at the manager, his face flushing slightly. Although he was honest, he did have an admiration for beauty. Why else would he always be gripped tightly by Guan Shanjin’s appearance?
Also, he always preferred the sort of gentle, mild men.
The manager had also noticed his gaze and reservedly looked at him, frowning slightly. “If I may ask the general, who is this?”
“Adviser Wu from Qingcheng County.” Guan Shanjin’s answer was very casual. Pulling Wu Xingzi into his arms, he headed into the restaurant.
“May the general forgive us, however, House of?Taotie?has its house rules. Adviser Wu has an outstanding temperament, but…” The manager’s eyes were cold, even a little disgusted, and he was unwilling to look directly at Wu Xingzi.
Wu Xingzi had always been self-aware and did not feel insulted by the manager’s attitude. He only had a look of “told you so”, and shrugged at Guan Shanjin.
“You were just salivating over him, and now that person is looking down on you. Don’t you know how to get angry?” Guan Shanjin burst out laughing at Wu Xingzi’s attitude. Bending down, he kissed his brow then turned towards the manager, speaking coldly, “You don’t have the right to ask anything about who I want to bring into House of?Taotie. Ask Su Yang to come and speak with me.”
“The owner is waiting inside for the general. General, please…” The manager was about to continue, only to hear a soft sound of metal sliding against metal, and a cold, sharp feeling on his neck. By the time he regained his wits, he realised that there was a gleaming dark sword pointing at his throat.
“Ask Su Yang to speak with me.” Guan Shanjin’s tone was soft, but pressed on like an evil spirit. The manager broke out in a cold sweat, almost unable to stand.
“I was wondering why you still hadn’t gone in. You’ve even unsheathed?Chenyuan?Sword?” Following that voice was a man who seemed to have just come of age recently. A person would not be able to help thinking “On the street this man was like jade, and he had no equal” upon seeing him.
Adviser Wu, who loved looking at beauties, naturally could not drag his eyes away.
“Don’t look. This person is the epitome of not all that glitters is gold. Your eyes will only hurt after looking at him.” Guan Shanjin shielded Wu Xingzi’s eyes, his voice full of scorn.
“Hah, if we were to compare who is worse than trash, when General Guan declares himself in the second place, there would be no one in the world who would dare take the first place.” Su Yang, the owner of House of?Taotie?spat laughingly. However, when his eyes fell upon Wu Xingzi, he did not conceal the unhappiness in his eyes. “This is?”
“Adviser Wu from Qingcheng County.” Guan Shanjin introduced him again and cut Su Yang off. “He’s under me, you better think about it.” What he meant was,?you better think about whether your throat would be able to withstand?Chenyuan?Sword.
Su Yang’s brows creased. He reached out and touched his fair and flawless neck, and could only give in. “Come on in, the food’s waiting for you.”