Trigger warning : Animal abuse
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Xiao Chiye had a quiet time for half a month before he finally received a reply from Ji Lei informing him that the matter of the military drill ground was a done deal. He immediately headed out of the city with Chen Yang to take a look at the place.
It was a piece of wasteland that was originally a mass burial site. The platform used for execution by decapitation was later shifted away to another place, and so this place became empty.
“Although Mount Feng stands between it and the city,” Chen Yang dismounted the horse, sized up the area, and continued, “it’s still too far.”
“We just have to run for three hours before dawn to reach it.” Xiao Chiye pointed his horsewhip at one end. “We have to treat those wily old men from the Ministry of Works to a good meal to cobble together some materials so that we can fill up this side. Tidy it up a little and make do with it. This place is so remote that even the patrols of the Eight Great Training Divisions will not make it here."
“Viceroy, for us to spend money on them.” Chen Yang said, “I can’t even say how uncomfortable that makes me.”
“Hold it in even if you are uncomfortable.” Xiao Chiye said. “Even if they squat on our heads to pee on us, we still have to fix up this place.”
“Okay.” Chen Yang did not dare to say a word more.
Xiao Chiye stayed until it was evening before he rode his horse back. The moment he entered the city, he saw Li Jianheng’s guard waiting for him at the entrance.
“What’s the matter?” Xiao Chiye reined in his horse and asked.
The guard paid his obeisances and said, “His Highness has organized a feast at Huixiang Tavern on Donglong Street. He’s waiting for Your Excellency to go over for a meal.”
Xiao Chiye thought for a moment, then spurred his horse over.
The main street of Donglong faced Kailing River. Lanterns blazed the moment night fell. Wine taverns and pleasure houses flanked both sides of the street, while all kinds of gaily painted pleasure boats and small, light boats parked on the river.
Xiao Chiye dismounted his horse at Huixiang Tavern. The shopkeeper followed at his beck and call and personally led him up upstairs. It was only when he raised the curtain for a look that he realized this feast was not simple.
Everyone present at the feast was either well-known or young masters whose fathers or elder brothers were working as governmental officials. Next to Prince Chu was a fair-faced little eunuch who looked delicate and pretty. This should be the grandson Pan Rugui had found for himself again after Xiaofuzi’s death.
“Ce’an is here!” Li Jianheng called out to him. “Come and take a seat. We’re waiting for you!”
Xiao Chiye picked a vacant seat at random to sit. He said with a smile, “What a large turnout.”
“Let me introduce. This is Pan-gonggong’s grandson, Feng Quan, Feng-gonggong!” Li Jianheng said to Feng Quan, “This is my good buddy, the Second Young Master of the Libei’s Xiao Clan, and the Viceroy of the Imperial Army, Xiao Ce’an.”
Feng Quan was more pleasing to the eye than Xiaofuzi had been. He bowed respectfully to Xiao Chiye and said, “I’ve heard a lot about the Viceroy.”
YOU ARE READING
Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)
Historical Fiction*Re-edited and intended for offline purpose only* The six prefectures of Zhongbo were surrendered to foreign enemies without resistance, and Shen Zechuan found himself apprehended in the capital, reduced to a state of utter disgrace, despised and co...
