The two cousins were originally making merry at a brothel when they were suddenly thrown into the mercenary guild before they even had time to put on their clothes. Once they saw Xu Yan Ze appear, they began to cuss at him.
When Xu Yan Ze saw these two greasy-faced lads, he felt his head hurt and turned around to ask the steward, “Who are they?”
“They are the young master and the second young master,” The steward replied respectfully.
“Why did you bring them here?” Xu Yan Ze frowned. Although they had to pick from within the clan, it didn’t mean that this was a garbage collection point where anyone can just be thrown in here.
Seeing Xu Yan Ze’s disdain, Jin Da and Jin Er grew even angrier. Young Master Jin’s face flushed as he roared, “Surnamed Yan, what’s the meaning of this? Do you think this lord wants to come to this broken place? Hurry up and let us go. Do you really think of yourself as the Jin family’s master?”
“Exactly. Why don’t you take a look at your own status?” Second Master Jin echoed.
Xu Yan Ze couldn’t be bothered with them. He turned to the steward, “Throw them back from wherever you picked them up from.”
“That…” The steward was at a loss. He hesitated before speaking, “It’s the young master who ordered for them to be brought here. I heard that it was the old madam’s instructions.”
“Bullshit! Surnamed Yan, you and that fool… I mean, Third Brother, are in cahoots. Don’t think I can’t tell…mm…mmf!”
Xu Yan Ze shut them up and waved his hand, “Take them away and don’t give them any food for two days.”
Jin Da and Jin Er’s eyes widened. They stared at him incredulously.
Xu Yan Ze didn’t pay them any heed and directly headed back to the manor.
Xiang Han believed that one should complete their act all the way. After settling the matters at the mercenary guild, he began to organise the caravans.
Jin Xue Li could be considered a well-read person. Once he knew of this he insisted on lending a hand. After multiple sessions of spiritual force enlightenment, his mind had stabilised quite a bit. Although there were still some matters which he couldn’t quite let go of, it was difficult for him to have another relapse.
When Xu Yan Ze returned, they were talking excitedly in Chenghui courtyard.
Seeing him arrive, Xiang Han casually poured him a cup of tea and continued to listen to Jin Xue Li’s detailed analysis.
Xu Yan Ze was quite envious. He sat by the side, silently drinking his tea until his father-in-law finally left.
Xiang Han didn’t notice anything, giddily holding up the ‘plan’ and saying to him, “Yan Ze, I realised that my father is quite gifted in arithmetic and business. No wonder he’s never made it as an official.” He was clearly a science student, why did he have to go try a humanities-like subject?
“Mn.” Xu Yan Ze’s expression didn’t change, and he also didn’t waste another word. His entire being was exuding an aura that was practically saying ‘I’m not happy. Hurry up and coax me’.
Detecting this abnormality, Xiang Han put down the ‘plan’ and probed, “What’s wrong… not happy?”
Finally receiving some attention, Xu Yan Ze felt better, but he still refused to make a sound, remaining unperturbed.
Xiang Han thought for a bit and felt that the problem must lie in his two older cousins. Thus, he tried again, “Is it… my cousins who troubled you?”
Snorting, Xu Yan Ze finally opened his mouth, “Why did you send them over?”
“Cough, it’s because Grandmother found them too unreasonable and insisted on sending them to training.” Xiang Han knew he had caused trouble for the other person, and therefore, lacked confidence in his answer. After explaining, he continued, “Grandmother said they have been spoiled too much and have gotten out of hand, but that they can still be saved. If you don’t like it, you can just send them to someone else and pretend they’re not there.”
“That’s not the point.”
“Then… what is?” Xiang Han asked warily.
Xu Yan Ze leaned in closer, his voice growing stern, “The point is that your current behaviour is akin to burning the bridge after crossing it.”
“Ah?”
“After the mercenary guild was set up, you just threw it aside and constantly ignored me. Is it because you think that I’ve already agreed to help and aren’t afraid anymore?”
What did this have to do with anything? Xiang Han’s expression was dark. “It’s because I’ve been organizing the caravans recently and gotten busier.”
“But I’ve painstakingly helped you out to such an extent, yet I haven’t gotten any rewards at all.” Xu Yan Ze was still uncontented, pulling him closer. He lowered his voice and whispered, “How about, tonight we…”
Xiang Han coughed and shoved him away with a straight face, “Talk properly. You’ve trained those people for many days already. Can you help me find some information?”
Xu Yan Ze massaged his temples and replied grudgingly, “Not yet. But there are some matters where you don’t have to send anyone to find out information.”
“What is it?” Xiang Han asked curiously.
“The inner court.”
Xiang Han, “Uh…”
“Don’t look down on the women of the inner court, the potency of pillow-talks are nothing to be reckoned with.”
Xiang Han’s heart felt gloomy. “That’s right, I even experienced it personally…”
“Hmm?” Xu Yan Ze looked at him suspiciously. After his wife died, Jin Xue Li had almost been alone and he also didn’t pillow-talk Xiang Han, how could the little fool have experienced it? Unless… he has another vixen by his side?
His mind immediately flew to Jin Cui but he quickly dismissed it. It wasn’t like he was blind and couldn’t see Xiang Han’s ignorance to her.
But what about Jin Cui? Rumour had it that the old madam had intended for her to be his concubine. Thankfully, the little fool seemed to only have eyes for him.
Xu Yan Ze rejoiced and worried at the same time. In the beginning, he didn’t think much of Jin Cui’s role as a bed warmer, but now, thinking of this possibility made his skin crawl.
It’s over. Looks like this little fool has already grown on him. After a vexed moment, he thought of it from a different perspective and felt that having this fool as a companion didn’t seem that bad after all. Especially when he thought of a certain thing, his heart began to stir.
Men could even give birth in this world; having a few tiny fools was not a bad idea. His mind wandered and began to create a beautiful future for them.
Xiang Han coughed lightly, “So, what happens next?”
“Next?” Xu Yan Ze unconsciously replied, “We’ll have two children, one boy and one girl. When that time comes…”
“I’m talking about the inner courtyard. What did you hear about it?” Xiang Han was speechless and couldn’t help asking, “What are you thinking about?”
With a cough, Xu Yan Ze came back to his senses, wearing an expression of embarrassment. He cleared his throat, “This depends on who you want to take down. Xue Qing Lin or Chen Ting Hong?”
“What if I want them both?”
“That won’t be easy.”
“Chen Ting Hong, then.” Xiang Han chose the one he bore a direct grudge against.
Xu Yan Ze told him, “The Chens are a regular official’s family. Chen Ting Hong’s greatest backing is his elder sister, the regional commander’s wife.”
“I know that.” Xiang Han nodded, indicating for him to get to the point.
Xu Yan Ze continued, “Xue Qing Lin is very dandy and has many beauties in his harem. However, his wife is very intolerable and secretly punishes these people. There’s a concubine that goes by the surname Mei who is extremely favoured by Xue Qing Lin. But a year ago, she nearly lost her life during labour because of the main wife’s schemes. She managed to survive but lost her child and will never be able to conceive again.”
“So… you think we can use her?”
“Mn.” Xu Yan Ze nodded, “Lady Mei hates Xue Qing Lin’s wife to her bones. Perhaps, we can use her to destroy Chen Ting Hong’s backing. For example, if Cheng Ting Hong errs, Xue Qing Lin might spurn him. I initially wanted to plant a spy in their midst, but after investigating, I feel that instigation might be more effective.”
“I didn’t think you’d be so well-versed in the struggles of a harem as well.” Xiang Han sighed.
Xu Yan Ze listened helplessly. He had no choice after witnessing too many schemes in the post-apocalyptic world from as early as two years ago. Maybe it was solely because of this that he’d fallen for this little fool. Whenever they were together, he could let go of himself without needing to put up a guard.
***
The two cousins were originally making merry at a brothel when they were suddenly thrown into the mercenary guild before they even had time to put on their clothes. Once they saw Xu Yan Ze appear, they began to cuss at him.
When Xu Yan Ze saw these two greasy-faced lads, he felt his head hurt and turned around to ask the steward, “Who are they?”
“They are the young master and the second young master,” The steward replied respectfully.
“Why did you bring them here?” Xu Yan Ze frowned. Although they had to pick from within the clan, it didn’t mean that this was a garbage collection point where anyone can just be thrown in here.
Seeing Xu Yan Ze’s disdain, Jin Da and Jin Er grew even angrier. Young Master Jin’s face flushed as he roared, “Surnamed Yan, what’s the meaning of this? Do you think this lord wants to come to this broken place? Hurry up and let us go. Do you really think of yourself as the Jin family’s master?”
“Exactly. Why don’t you take a look at your own status?” Second Master Jin echoed.
Xu Yan Ze couldn’t be bothered with them. He turned to the steward, “Throw them back from wherever you picked them up from.”
“That…” The steward was at a loss. He hesitated before speaking, “It’s the young master who ordered for them to be brought here. I heard that it was the old madam’s instructions.”
“Bullshit! Surnamed Yan, you and that fool… I mean, Third Brother, are in cahoots. Don’t think I can’t tell…mm…mmf!”
Xu Yan Ze shut them up and waved his hand, “Take them away and don’t give them any food for two days.”
Jin Da and Jin Er’s eyes widened. They stared at him incredulously.
Xu Yan Ze didn’t pay them any heed and directly headed back to the manor.
Xiang Han believed that one should complete their act all the way. After settling the matters at the mercenary guild, he began to organise the caravans.
Jin Xue Li could be considered a well-read person. Once he knew of this he insisted on lending a hand. After multiple sessions of spiritual force enlightenment, his mind had stabilised quite a bit. Although there were still some matters which he couldn’t quite let go of, it was difficult for him to have another relapse.
When Xu Yan Ze returned, they were talking excitedly in Chenghui courtyard.
Seeing him arrive, Xiang Han casually poured him a cup of tea and continued to listen to Jin Xue Li’s detailed analysis.
Xu Yan Ze was quite envious. He sat by the side, silently drinking his tea until his father-in-law finally left.
Xiang Han didn’t notice anything, giddily holding up the ‘plan’ and saying to him, “Yan Ze, I realised that my father is quite gifted in arithmetic and business. No wonder he’s never made it as an official.” He was clearly a science student, why did he have to go try a humanities-like subject?
“Mn.” Xu Yan Ze’s expression didn’t change, and he also didn’t waste another word. His entire being was exuding an aura that was practically saying ‘I’m not happy. Hurry up and coax me’.
Detecting this abnormality, Xiang Han put down the ‘plan’ and probed, “What’s wrong… not happy?”
Finally receiving some attention, Xu Yan Ze felt better, but he still refused to make a sound, remaining unperturbed.
Xiang Han thought for a bit and felt that the problem must lie in his two older cousins. Thus, he tried again, “Is it… my cousins who troubled you?”
Snorting, Xu Yan Ze finally opened his mouth, “Why did you send them over?”
“Cough, it’s because Grandmother found them too unreasonable and insisted on sending them to training.” Xiang Han knew he had caused trouble for the other person, and therefore, lacked confidence in his answer. After explaining, he continued, “Grandmother said they have been spoiled too much and have gotten out of hand, but that they can still be saved. If you don’t like it, you can just send them to someone else and pretend they’re not there.”
“That’s not the point.”
“Then… what is?” Xiang Han asked warily.
Xu Yan Ze leaned in closer, his voice growing stern, “The point is that your current behaviour is akin to burning the bridge after crossing it.”
“Ah?”
“After the mercenary guild was set up, you just threw it aside and constantly ignored me. Is it because you think that I’ve already agreed to help and aren’t afraid anymore?”
What did this have to do with anything? Xiang Han’s expression was dark. “It’s because I’ve been organizing the caravans recently and gotten busier.”
“But I’ve painstakingly helped you out to such an extent, yet I haven’t gotten any rewards at all.” Xu Yan Ze was still uncontented, pulling him closer. He lowered his voice and whispered, “How about, tonight we…”
Xiang Han coughed and shoved him away with a straight face, “Talk properly. You’ve trained those people for many days already. Can you help me find some information?”
Xu Yan Ze massaged his temples and replied grudgingly, “Not yet. But there are some matters where you don’t have to send anyone to find out information.”
“What is it?” Xiang Han asked curiously.
“The inner court.”
Xiang Han, “Uh…”
“Don’t look down on the women of the inner court, the potency of pillow-talks are nothing to be reckoned with.”
Xiang Han’s heart felt gloomy. “That’s right, I even experienced it personally…”
“Hmm?” Xu Yan Ze looked at him suspiciously. After his wife died, Jin Xue Li had almost been alone and he also didn’t pillow-talk Xiang Han, how could the little fool have experienced it? Unless… he has another vixen by his side?
His mind immediately flew to Jin Cui but he quickly dismissed it. It wasn’t like he was blind and couldn’t see Xiang Han’s ignorance to her.
But what about Jin Cui? Rumour had it that the old madam had intended for her to be his concubine. Thankfully, the little fool seemed to only have eyes for him.
Xu Yan Ze rejoiced and worried at the same time. In the beginning, he didn’t think much of Jin Cui’s role as a bed warmer, but now, thinking of this possibility made his skin crawl.
It’s over. Looks like this little fool has already grown on him. After a vexed moment, he thought of it from a different perspective and felt that having this fool as a companion didn’t seem that bad after all. Especially when he thought of a certain thing, his heart began to stir.
Men could even give birth in this world; having a few tiny fools was not a bad idea. His mind wandered and began to create a beautiful future for them.
Xiang Han coughed lightly, “So, what happens next?”
“Next?” Xu Yan Ze unconsciously replied, “We’ll have two children, one boy and one girl. When that time comes…”
“I’m talking about the inner courtyard. What did you hear about it?” Xiang Han was speechless and couldn’t help asking, “What are you thinking about?”
With a cough, Xu Yan Ze came back to his senses, wearing an expression of embarrassment. He cleared his throat, “This depends on who you want to take down. Xue Qing Lin or Chen Ting Hong?”
“What if I want them both?”
“That won’t be easy.”
“Chen Ting Hong, then.” Xiang Han chose the one he bore a direct grudge against.
Xu Yan Ze told him, “The Chens are a regular official’s family. Chen Ting Hong’s greatest backing is his elder sister, the regional commander’s wife.”
“I know that.” Xiang Han nodded, indicating for him to get to the point.
Xu Yan Ze continued, “Xue Qing Lin is very dandy and has many beauties in his harem. However, his wife is very intolerable and secretly punishes these people. There’s a concubine that goes by the surname Mei who is extremely favoured by Xue Qing Lin. But a year ago, she nearly lost her life during labour because of the main wife’s schemes. She managed to survive but lost her child and will never be able to conceive again.”
“So… you think we can use her?”
“Mn.” Xu Yan Ze nodded, “Lady Mei hates Xue Qing Lin’s wife to her bones. Perhaps, we can use her to destroy Chen Ting Hong’s backing. For example, if Cheng Ting Hong errs, Xue Qing Lin might spurn him. I initially wanted to plant a spy in their midst, but after investigating, I feel that instigation might be more effective.”
“I didn’t think you’d be so well-versed in the struggles of a harem as well.” Xiang Han sighed.
Xu Yan Ze listened helplessly. He had no choice after witnessing too many schemes in the post-apocalyptic world from as early as two years ago. Maybe it was solely because of this that he’d fallen for this little fool. Whenever they were together, he could let go of himself without needing to put up a guard.
***
