Chapter 55 — Rancui Gains A Loyal Puppy

Edited by DancingDolphinsYo

Rancui did not miss out on Wu Xingzi’s mumblings. He lifted his teacup, hiding a small smile behind it. A plan formed rapidly in his head, but none of it was revealed on his face. Instead, he gently persuaded Wu Xingzi, “If you’re starting to become homesick, why don’t you mention it to the general? Three days later, Mr. Lu will be getting married, and the general should be free then. It’s probably likely that he will be willing to take you back to Qingcheng County.”

“Oh?” Wu Xingzi looked hesitant. He was now reluctant to interact with Guan Shanjin too often, afraid that his own feelings would develop further. However, unconsciously, he started to recall the day when the two of them had left his hometown after celebrating the Chinese New Year, and how they had agreed that they would return together to pay respects to the tombs of his ancestors.

His gloomy feelings dredging up old memories, Wu Xingzi remembered how both his father and Guan Shanjin had said that he was indifferent by nature, never fighting for anything, and was someone who always reconciled himself to his circumstances. These words were too complimentary for him.

He went with the flow, only wanting to live a calm and peaceful life, but it was only because he understood how he had no qualifications to fight for anything with anyone.

If they talked about his talents, he was already sixteen when he became the top scholar in his village. His father had achieved this at the young age of twelve, and even in the entire Great Xia dynasty, his father would be considered an astonishing genius. Although it was not sure why he did not continue to attempt the higher examinations, his father was still extremely talented as a teacher.

As for his looks, what could even be mentioned? Wu Xingzi could only be said to look ordinary, and that all his features were present, with nothing missing.

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If it was his family background, throughout the county, they all said that he was a jinx who would live alone forever. His life was so ill-fated, that the deaths of his parents were because of his accursedeness, and he was not able to keep anyone by his side… Wasn’t it so?! If Yan Wenxin had not gone to the capital for the imperial examinations then, but had chosen to spend their lives together, who knew if he would still be alive now?

With everything laid out like this, how could Wu Xingzi have the confidence to fight with others? Of course, when it came to something he could fight for, he would definitely do so! They only had to look at that grave plot of his, did he not fight for that?

Recalling that grave, Wu Xingzi’s mood improved greatly. He then thought about the pengornis drawings that he had tucked away. Recently, he had collected about seven or eight new drawings, but he did not dare bring them back, instead he asked Rancui to help hold on to them for him. Amongst them was the Pan An1 of pengornises, so very straight and thick. Wu Xingzi was not sure if it was specially instructed by Rancui, but this drawing was even coloured, a pinkish-tone shining through its fairness, like a precious stone gleaming in the light.

Ah, it’s truly good looking! It just loses to Guan Shanjin’s by a little bit.

Wu Xingzi had never wallowed in self-pity for too long. Time still carried on, and there was no point in thinking too much about things that had already been done. He might as well try to make his days pass a little happier.

At least Guan Shanjin had not disappointed him, and he had even led him out of his well to take a look at the big wide world. Wu Xingzi should be satisfied.

Watching how Wu Xingzi’s brows gradually smoothened out from his original gloomy expression, Rancui could not help but be inwardly surprised. It could be said that he had never seen anyone with such a disposition before, as though no clouds could ever remain hanging long over their heads, and with such a weed-like tenacity. Wu Xingzi looked very shy and reserved, but his back was always more upright than anyone else, and nothing could make him bend.

“Manager Rancui, many thanks for your snacks. I’ve disturbed you for quite some time already today, and so I shan’t bother you anymore.” Wu Xingzi stood up and cupped his hands towards Rancui, then slid another glance at the qin.

“If my qin-playing is acceptable, shall I play a few more songs for you next time?” Rancui too stood up and returned the polite gesture.

After some courteous smalltalk, Wu Xingzi bade his farewell and made his way out. However, just before he was about to turn and leave the pavilion, Rancui called out and stopped him. “Adviser Wu, if you’d like to return to Qingcheng County, and the general is not able to accompany you, I’m willing to make the journey with you. I happen to need to return to Goose City four days later, and if you like, why don’t…”

Before Rancui had finished speaking, Wu Xingzi’s eyes already turned bright, and he was nodding his head, expressing his thanks.

“If Manager Rancui doesn’t mind, we’ll make this journey together. We can also help and take care of each other along the way.”

“That’s great. You should ask the general first about his opinion, and I’ll wait respectfully for when you’re ready.”

Rancui wanted to see what Guan Shanjin would choose to do if Wu Xingzi was going to leave.

He walked Wu Xingzi out of the Peng Society, and they shared a bit more conversation. Only when he watched Wu Xingzi’s thin yet straight backed figure draw a distance away, did he then turn back.

A towering, sturdy figure appeared in front of him. Rancui’s lips curled up as he laughed, “Isn’t this Commander Hei? Coming to the Peng Society to destroy the place?”

“No…”

It was Hei’er. On that sharp, resolute face was a hint of anger. His brows were knitted tightly, and he glared at the amused Rancui with fierce eyes, his hands that were hanging by his side clenching slightly.

“Oh? Coming to this little shop, dare I ask if Commander Hei has any instructions?” Rancui remained standing by the door. He was dressed like a rich young man of noble, privileged family today. Looking placid and agreeable, like a gently flowing river, his smile was beautiful, his eyes were charming, and his good looks were tinged with a trace of seductiveness. In this manner, he cast a sidelong glance at Hei’er.

“Why did you goad Mr. Wu into leaving?” Hei’er took half a step forward. He looked at the ravishing, yet untouchable beauty in front of him, his mouth drying up. Despite so, his loyalty still lay with Guan Shanjin, and he dared not delay his mission on hand.

Snorting, Rancui replied. “I knew it. How could it be possible that Guan Shanjin would allow Adviser Wu to roam about alone in Bastion City? You’re definitely one loyal puppy, why don’t you let me hear you bark a couple of times?”

“This is a private matter between the general and Mr. Wu, you shouldn’t have put an oar in.” Although Hei’er was not as smart as Man Yue, he could still tell that Rancui’s actions had been deliberate, that he wanted to stir up trouble. He wondered, why was Rancui so against Guan Shanjin?

“I’m putting an oar in just by arranging a visit home with my fellow townsman?” Rancui smiled mockingly as he walked past Hei’er without a word, not even bothering to look at him.

Hei’er faltered for a moment, but still decided to follow. That salesman who came together with Rancui from Goose City watched the two of them, and after some deliberation, decided to pretend that he saw nothing. The manager had never been at a disadvantage before, and even if Commander Hei were to dismantle the place entirely, it would still be difficult for him to gain an advantage over the manager.

Rancui knew that Hei’er was following behind him, but he did not seem to be bothered. He led him all the way to the pavilion where he had been chatting with Wu Xingzi just now. The qin had been packed away by his maidservant, and a new putuan had been added, the tea and snacks also refilled. With their seats on opposite ends, the distance greatly satisfied Rancui.

“Take a seat.” Rancui chose to sit down first on the side by the lake. Compared to the elegance and dignity he had when meeting Wu Xingzi, towards Hei’er he was clearly a lot more uninhibited and unrestrained. He sat with a knee bent, his leg folded up, and a faint wickedness could be seen gathered across his brows.

“Many thanks.” Hei’er did not refuse.

“Tell me, have you been secretly following behind Adviser Wu for the past few days?” Rancui leant against the balustrade lazily, breaking apart the pastry in his hand piece by piece and feeding the fish. He did not stand on courtesy at all with Hei’er.

“I was following the general’s command.” Hei’er did not deny it. It was his duty from dawn until dusk, and occasionally, he even had to appear in front of others next to Man Yue to deal with matters, so as to better paint a picture of Wu Xingzi having lost favour. He had never asked about the plan behind such actions, so even if Rancui wanted to probe him for any information, he would be unable to provide anything.

“What a large game of chess.” Rancui snorted coldly, eyeing him. “Don’t you feel sorry for Adviser Wu? In the General’s estate, you’re the one who has been next to Adviser Wu for the longest period of time. When you escorted the adviser to Bastion City for the first time, have you never ever thought about letting him go?”

He did.

Hei’er’s head hung low. Solemn and stiff like a stone, his breathing was so light that it could be barely heard.

He had naturally thought about it before. After all, at that time, the only person the general had in his heart was Mr. Lu, and Wu Xingzi was nothing to him at all. As one of Guan Shanjin’s trusted guards, of course he knew what was going on between Guan Shanjin and those dalliances of his. When he liked someone, he would dote on them excessively, and once his feelings faded, he would forget about them once they were out of his sight. In Hei’er’s opinions, Wu Xingzi would be no different as well.

He had never thought that Wu Xingzi would unexpectedly become the one that took up space in Guan Shanjin’s heart. As such, that meant that Wu Xingzi was his master, and he naturally could not let his master be blinded by sweet words.

“Why? You don’t have the courage to answer me?” Rancui dusted off the crumbs on his hands, then picked up a walnut candy and placed it in his mouth. He seemed to have no intentions on concealing the ridicule and annoyance in his eyes.

Such a wolf-like man had always made Rancui shudder, and such people were also the only ones that he intuitively wanted to avoid. If not for obstructing Guan Shanjin, there was no way in hell that he would be willing to be alone with Hei’er.

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Needless to say, Hei’er could feel Rancui’s distaste and rejection of him, and his eyes were filled with resignation.

“It’s been months already,” Hei’er sighed, swiftly shooting Rancui a glance. “Manager Rancui is very incisive, and naturally should understand the sincerity of the general’s feelings for Mr. Wu. What is happening right now is only a necessity, and the general is not willing to see Mr. Wu getting hurt at all.”

“Oho, what pretty words. Even I feel sorry for the general now.” Putting on a show, Rancui lifted his sleeve to wipe his eyes. The mockery in his words was even sharper than a knife.

“Why… are you telling me this?” Hei’er wondered, did Rancui want to persuade him not to report what had happened today to the general?”

Very quickly, Hei’er discovered that he had been too naive. These quick-witted intelligent people, all of them only made others worried, and each and every one of their words was laden with implications. Weren’t they tired, living like this?

Rancui laughed lowly, then his expression turned serious. “Commander Hei, Adviser Wu can be considered your master as well, right?”

“Naturally.” Hei’er straightened his back, responding with quiet solemness.

“Great. Then, what would you do if your master was met with injustice?”

“I would of course help them overcome the difficulties.”

“Could you be a little more specific in what you would do exactly?”

Hei’er watched Rancui for a moment. Rancui generously allowed him to size himself up, leisurely drinking his tea and eating snacks. It seemed like he especially liked eating the walnut candies. Rancui held a bunch in his hand, tossing them piece by piece into his mouth. With his straight, white teeth, he crunched on them. Some roguish crumbs would spill onto his lips, and he would swipe them away with his little pink tongue. It was unclear if it was deliberate or unconscious, but the way he licked his lips was rather tantalising.

This image of him was completely different from how he was previously.

In the past, Hei’er could only see Rancui when accompanying Wu Xingzi. Rancui would be in his position as the manager of the Peng Society, looking both incomparably reserved and elegant.

He never appeared this lively, his every action and demeanour this unbridled, and this sparked an indescribable desire in Hei’er’s heart.

His breathing sped up a little, but soon steadied. Without a change in expression, he stared straight at that pair of bright, shiny eyes.

“May Manager Rancui please let me understand exactly what you’d like to know. I have much difficulty in answering that question of yours.”

“Hmph, Commander Hei, you’re not as dull as you seem.” Watching Hei’er, Rancui’s eyes curved along with his smile. The tip of his tongue dragged past his bright red lips, looking very much as though it was an invitation for a kiss.

Hei’er’s eyes darkened. He again lowered his head, avoiding the sight, and his hands that were resting on his knees had already tightened into fists.

“What if your master has been made use of, and the person making use of him is not someone you can stand up against, what would you do?”

This question could not be anymore direct.

“The general is not making use of Mr. Wu,” Hei’er objected with no hesitation.

“You should be well aware about whether he’s making use of him or not. He first doted on Adviser Wu, and now, he’s so deliberately distancing himself from him. Yet, he still assigns you to protect him secretly, and you’re telling me that there’s no intention of making use of Adviser Wu?”

“No, there isn’t. If we go with what you, Manager Rancui, had said, the general is also making use of Mr. Lu.” Hei’er had managed to avoid being dragged into agreeing with Rancui, but he inexplicably felt uneasy.

It was as though he had still fallen into a trap.

Rancui clapped his hands together, laughing. “That’s right. Looking at the situation, the general is making use of Mr. Lu. This is true, and I’m happy to see it happen.”

“Since that’s the case, why did you…” Hei’er watched him uncertainly. The beauty in front of him had a certain reckless allurement when he laughed. He was so brilliant, capturing the souls of others with his laughter, and Hei’er was quite enchanted.

“But how are they planning on making sure that Mr. Lu thinks that the general still likes him?” Rancui’s smile dropped abruptly. The change in his expression was swift and natural, momentarily making Hei’er unable to give an answer.

“You mean…”

“Seems like Guan Shanjin himself hasn’t realised it. He’s making use of Adviser Wu to set Lu Zezhi’s2 mind at ease, and let him misunderstand that in the end, Guan Shanjin still left the substitute and returned to him. In my eyes, this isn’t a noble move at all.”

Hei’er discovered that he was now unable to say a word in reply.

Thinking over it carefully, the general was making use of Wu Xingzi. Whether it was during their first meeting, or the current situation now, but… it was different.

“Manager Rancui, you’re being unreasonable.”

“So what if I am? What can you do about me?” Rancui again crunched on a piece of walnut candy.

Hei’er was truly at the end of his rope when facing Rancui. He sighed, and tried, “Manager Rancui, will you come straight to the point about any issues that you might have? I’m only a humble soldier, and I cannot compare to your quick wit.”

“Your mouth is pretty clever,” Rancui raised a brow. This time, his smile was a lot more genial, but Hei’er dared not relax for even a little bit.

“I don’t want much, just two options. The first option, I’d like you to close one eye, and let me take Adviser Wu back to Qingcheng County for a few peaceful days. We’ll just see if the general has any intentions of coming for him.” Rancui held a hand out, raising one finger first.

Next came his second finger. “The second option — the adviser is your master. Now that he has met with such injustice, shouldn’t you help him leave? The general would be heading back to the capital after Mr. Lu’s wedding, wouldn’t he? So, what would it matter if Mr. Wu goes first to the capital to enjoy himself, and take a break?”

“You want me to betray the general?” Hei’er frowned deeply. He had to hold himself back from leaving straight away.

“Commander Hei is overstating it. Why don’t you see it as a form of matchmaking? If there’s not even a little setback between the general and Mr. Wu, I’m afraid that the two of them wouldn’t last long as well. Also, no matter which option is chosen, if the general has the mind to do so, he would be able to find Mr. Wu, wouldn’t he? Where is the betrayal then?”

Even if Hei’er were to grow another seven or eight more mouths, he would never be able to win an argument against Rancui.

Hei’er remained silent for a moment, carefully pondering over every detail of Guan Shanjin and Wu Xingzi’s relationship. He also recalled Man Yue’s instructions, and finally sighed.

“Alright then. If Manager Rancui can make a promise to not deliberately meddle with the relationship between the general and Mr. Wu, I can help.”

“What’s so difficult about that? Let’s clap our hands together and make an oath! I’ll definitely not meddle deliberately with the relationship between Guan Shanjin and Adviser Wu.” Rancui then held his hand out towards Hei’er. His wide sleeve slipped down to his elbow, revealing a fair, slender and smooth arm. Hei’er could not help but take in a deep breath. Only by relying on his inner force to suppress himself, did he not turn into a fool.

Hei’er too held out his hand, clapping his hand with Rancui in the air three times, and that was their oath made. However, he did not notice the extra emphasis Rancui had given the word “deliberately”.

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