Chapter 511: Open the Door Without Seeing the Mountain

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, at a crossroads where two post roads, one horizontal and one vertical, intersected at the border of Liang and Ling prefectures, an escort team displaying the banner of the Jinmen Escort Agency turned onto the wide, north-south post road. Following closely behind two carriages, the escorts moved at a fast pace. Escorting goods was fraught with unpredictable dangers, so whenever they could travel on relatively safe official roads, they would ride quickly to make up for the time lost due to cautious, slow progress on mountain paths and river routes. This escort team was quite impressive, boasting over thirty burly men, mostly young and strong, including the escort leaders and guards.

As the escort team overtook the two carriages ahead, a curtain on one of the carriages suddenly lifted, and a grey-haired head emerged. The man smiled and called out to an escort guard, "Brave man, do you still remember me? We drank green ant wine together at a roadside inn last autumn."

The escort guard, surprised, slowed his horse and moved closer to the carriage. With a joyful expression, he nodded and loudly replied, "Remember? Of course, I remember! Young Master writes beautifully, and your father is incredibly generous; he treated us brothers to two large jars of green ant wine and five catties of beef for free. Are you heading to Lingzhou as well, Young Master?"

Xu Fengnian laughed, "Indeed! I'm making a living in Lingzhou city now. I just spent New Year at home and now I have to rush back—such a toilsome life. If I'm not mistaken, there's an inn a few miles ahead with authentic food and drink at fair prices. If it's on your way and doesn't delay your escort, let's eat a meal together. It would be livelier, and it's my treat."

The escort guard, Dou Liang, who had come from Liaodong to seek a livelihood in Beiliang, found himself in a dilemma. He and his two brothers had been driven to desperation by a 'mad dog' named Yuan, leaving only the three of them from their entire sect of over a hundred members. That 'mad dog' also had a father-in-law whose power in the Liyang court could be called overwhelming. After much thought, they felt that only Beiliang would be beyond his reach. Now, although they had managed to secure a stable job by relying on their martial arts skills, they were still living under another's roof. He was just a new escort guard in the agency and had to constantly watch the old escort leader's expression, so he was torn. Fortunately, the old escort leader, Bao Fengshou, who held considerable authority in the Jinmen Escort Agency, had sharp, discerning eyes. After carefully observing the two carriages for a moment, he laughed loudly and said, "Since this young master is an old acquaintance of our Brother Dou, he is a friend of our Jinmen Escort Agency. I know that inn ahead; it's one of our usual stops. Later, we absolutely cannot let the young master pay; we will cover the cost of the wine. Even if the Jinmen Escort Agency is poor, it must afford this much!"

Xu Fengnian did not refuse. Without him even speaking, Xu Yanbing, acting as the coachman, was already whipping the horses into a faster pace. This detail made the old escort leader secretly marvel; he hadn't expected that not only did the young master, who clearly came from a good family, seem approachable, but even his personal attendant was a sensible man.

Both groups arrived simultaneously at the familiar inn, which was considered "clean" from an escort agency's perspective. The innkeeper was already familiar with the eating habits of these repeat customers and, without needing to be told, quickly and efficiently instructed the staff to serve dishes and wine. There was plenty of meat and rice, but little wine; not allowing heavy drinking was an ironclad old rule in their profession. Often, only one or two highly respected and seasoned veterans in an escort team were allowed a few sips. Xu Yanbing and Hong Shuwen did not sit at the table. Huyan Guanyin was not hungry, and once the woman who had shared her carriage alighted, she was even less willing to leave the warm carriage compartment. Thus, the main table with wine was occupied by Xu Fengnian, Xu Beizhi, and Pei Nanwei, with Pei Nanwei seated next to Xu Fengnian. Also present were Bao Fengshou, the old escort leader who was leading this trip, and Dou Liang, the man from Liaodong, who technically didn't have the qualifications to sit at this table. Pei Nanwei wore an expensive white fox fur coat, as white as freshly fallen snow, and a fox fur hat. Usually, such an outfit would make a woman with slightly darker skin look like charcoal, but her attire, on the contrary, created a beautiful scene where her skin seemed whiter than snow. The old escort leader, who had traveled extensively for most of his life, still struggled mightily to tear his gaze away, thinking, "I swear I've never seen such a stunning woman in my entire life. This meal was well worth the cost."

The young waiter, who was responsible for serving dishes and wine, nearly dropped the wine jar to the ground. His face flushed red, and he grudgingly looked back over his shoulder several times, only to be kicked by the exasperated innkeeper, making him yelp in pain.

Xu Fengnian, as always, introduced himself as Xu Qi to outsiders. In a brief conversation with Dou Liang and Bao Fengshou, he generally learned about Dou Liang's situation and the scale of the Jinmen Escort Agency. Dou Liang was straightforward but a bit thin-skinned, so he didn't exchange many polite pleasantries with Young Master Xu. Bao Fengshou, meeting Xu Fengnian for the first time, effortlessly struck up a rapport, repeatedly vowing that when he reached the Jinmen Escort Agency in Lingzhou city, he would personally visit Young Master Xu's residence to offer New Year's greetings. Especially after hearing that Xu Qi lived on Xingzi Street, the old veteran's eyes gleamed with much more eagerness. Xingzi Street, after all, was home to the Governor-General and a large number of Lingzhou's powerful figures, and recently, a General Xu had also moved in! Although Xingzi Street was long and not all its residents were officials, anyone who could live on that street, even if they lacked official power, belonged to the wealthiest group in Lingzhou. In the industry's jargon, the Jinmen Escort Agency had always handled "sparrow escorts"—small escorts with little profit. Large escort agencies, on the other hand, handled "sow escorts," earning so much money on a single trip that they'd be tired of counting it. If they could connect with influential figures on Xingzi Street and, through word-of-mouth, secure a few more lucrative assignments, the Jinmen Escort Agency could leverage this favorable situation to establish its reputation and truly prosper. Otherwise, who would willingly spend the New Year on the road? Xu Fengnian offered toasts five or six times, though mostly clinking bowls with Dou Liang. This gave Dou Liang, a displaced man like a dog that had lost its home, a silent warmth. Not being good with words, he simply drained every drop of green ant wine from his bowl, disregarding whether the escort leader would later make sarcastic remarks.

Full of food and drink, Xu Fengnian laughed, "My ancestors were also from Liaodong, from Jinzhou. So, Brother Dou, we are old acquaintances meeting far from home—how rare. When I return to Lingzhou city, Xu Qi will certainly visit the Jinmen Escort Agency to offer New Year's greetings. And I must properly meet the other two elder brothers. We didn't drink enough today, so let's save some for later. We won't go home until we're drunk then."

Bao Fengshou chuckled, "Young Master Xu also needs to be visited. The Jinmen Escort Agency absolutely cannot be impolite; it would be a laughingstock if word got out."

Xu Fengnian perfectly understood the old escort leader's calculations—he was afraid that "Xu Qi" might be from a humble family simply making baseless claims, and he would only be at ease after personally seeing the residence. Without exposing him, Xu Fengnian nodded and laughed, "No problem. If I have any goods to transport in the future, since Brother Dou is in your agency, I will specifically trouble your Jinmen Escort Agency."

The escort agency still had to continue their journey, so both parties clasped their hands and bid farewell. While settling the bill with the innkeeper, Bao Fengshou whispered and gave him a few extra pieces of silver, clearly knowing that Young Master Xu would order more food and drink, which the agency had already paid for upfront. Xu Fengnian sat back down on the long bench, only ordering another pot of warm, soothing green ant wine. He poured a little over half a bowl for both Xu Beizhi and Pei Nanwei. Xu Beizhi quietly chuckled, "Dou Liang's salary will surely increase after this escort."

Xu Fengnian was noncommittal and changed the topic, saying, "Chen Xiliang has to reform salt and iron monopolies and also fully manage river transport affairs. One involves contending with local gentry, and the other involves wrangling with imperial officials. He's managed to provoke both local powerhouses and powerful outsiders. Do you think he can do it?"

Xu Beizhi calmly replied, "I don't know."

Xu Fengnian pouted and continued to ask, "You are about to become the Prefect of Lingzhou, and Chen Xiliang doesn't even have a substantial official position yet. Do you think he harbors any resentment?"

Xu Beizhi merely drank his wine.

Xu Fengnian tsked, "I thought two intelligent people like you could avoid the common trap of intellectuals looking down on each other, but it seems you can't escape this strange cycle."

Xu Beizhi glared sideways, "You don't know a thing."

Xu Fengnian said insolently, "Be careful, I might actually fart on you!"

Xu Beizhi wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth. "When I become Prefect, you'd better get out of Lingzhou quickly. Out of sight, out of mind."

Xu Fengnian muttered curses to himself, but he was helpless. Pei Nanwei was somewhat puzzled; was there truly someone in this world who could keep this Beiliang scion in check?

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, the Lingzhou General did not enter Lingzhou city. This greatly disappointed many sharp-nosed, quick-to-react seasoned officials, who had flocked to the General's residence on Xingzi Street and now retreated one after another. They had frozen for a day for nothing, restraining the urge to stamp their feet and curse, praying inwardly that His Royal Highness the Scion would surely return to the city tomorrow, otherwise, when would this suffering and freezing end?

In the twilight of the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, most of the visitors on Xingzi Street had departed, leaving only a scattering of high-ranking officials and nobles who already resided on the street. When they saw the two carriages slowly approaching, they were almost in tears. "My lord, you've finally deigned to arrive!" Regardless of their age, whether elderly or in their prime, they swiftly surged towards the carriages, exchanging warm greetings with the young man who slowly alighted. Each piece of flattery was unique, with not a single word repeated, save for the shared address of "His Royal Highness the Scion." A greenhorn official, if given the chance to stand by and listen, would certainly gain immense insight, realizing with a start that flattery could be so masterfully done. Some of the pompous high-ranking officials of yesteryear were now as respectful as if they were performing ancestral rites and seeing their ancestors in a portrait. Xu Fengnian smiled and acknowledged each one in turn. Even without them announcing their names or official titles, he could recite them without missing a single word, which not only flattered the Lingzhou dignitaries, who varied widely in age, but also filled their hearts with a mix of emotions. Even if we set aside everything else, just on this point, let's say His Royal Highness wasn't intelligent, he certainly wasn't foolish in the slightest. Xu Fengnian paused, asking a fifth-rank Lingzhou official to inform the Governor-General's residence that he would visit "Uncle Li" tomorrow. The old man, who was so aged that he would always return home to "recover from illness" whenever he encountered difficulties, was now astonishingly agile, leaving his colleagues speechless. Xu Fengnian led everyone into the General's official residence, then had the lower-ranking Xu Beizhi accompany him. In the study, he chatted individually with the "conscientious and loyal officials" of Lingzhou. Those waiting in the back saw the earlier ones leave with straight faces, though their brows were filled with an unmistakable joy. Slowly, they reached the corner of the corridor, where their steps suddenly became swift as the wind; they were most likely rushing home to report the good news.

Most guests entered the residence anxiously, but left elated and returned home.

Xu Beizhi, openly supported by His Royal Highness and soon to be promoted, showed no joy. He stood by the window, looking at the Governor-General's residence with a serious expression.

Xu Fengnian sat behind the desk, one hand propping his chin, the other rolling a copper coin between his fingers.

Xu Beizhi spoke, "Want to relax?"

Xu Fengnian thought for a moment. "Good. Come drink at the Jinmen Escort Agency with me. Before the wine in Lingzhou gets tainted with worldliness and bloodshed, shouldn't we drink a little more?"

Xu Beizhi, who had only ever been drunk once in his life, and that was in Beimang, nodded.

Xu Fengnian and Xu Beizhi got into the carriage. Xu Yanbing drove towards the Jinmen Escort Agency on the other side of the city.

Earlier, as he crossed the side gate's threshold, Xu Fengnian paused slightly and looked up. The sky was gloomy. With the time past, the peak of Mount Ling, visible only on clear days, was now hidden from view.

Upon reaching the gate of the Jinmen Escort Agency, Xu Fengnian introduced himself as Xu Qi from Xingzi Street, an acquaintance of the old escort leader Bao Fengshou and the new escort guard Dou Liang. The young gatekeeper's eyes lit up; the mention of "Xingzi Street" alone was enough, even more effective than mentioning Bao Fengshou. His impatient expression vanished, and he instinctively bowed. However, seeing the young master's genial smile, he immediately straightened up again. Heaven knows if this guy was bluffing! How many young masters from that street hadn't caused trouble with their extravagant lifestyles in Lingzhou city? Could he really smile warmly at a common gatekeeper of a small escort agency? Who would believe that! Bao Fengshou, who lived within the agency, rushed out, exceedingly warm and polite. Not only him, but even the head boss and second-in-command of the agency were alarmed. Xu Qi was also sensible; he directly revealed the identity of the young master accompanying him: he had served as a military aide in Longqing Commandery and now assisted Prefect Zhong Chengxin with miscellaneous tasks, but was soon to be incrementally promoted to the provincial administration. At this, the two bosses were not just joyful, but also somewhat awestruck. Who in Lingzhou didn't know General Zhong Hongwu and his eldest son Zhong Chengxin? Although it was rumored that their arrogance had been somewhat subdued by the proud and domineering Scion, a scrawny camel is still bigger than a horse. The Zhong family was undoubtedly still a top-tier noble family in Beiliang, seemingly unapproachable. Being able to be close to Prefect Zhong was a big deal for a small agency like Jinmen Escort Agency, which certainly couldn't afford to slight them.

Dou Liang and his two brothers, Wei Tang and Fan Yuyang, had not yet moved into the escort agency but had rented a small, secluded and simple house outside. The agency quickly sent someone to invite them over for drinks. The head boss, Yu Xiucai, personally set up a large charcoal brazier. After everyone took their seats, they drank without stop. As the drinking progressed, the two bosses, being men of strong character, became less reserved than before, chatting and laughing without restraint. Dou Liang's two brothers, Wei Tang and Fan Yuyang, had met Xu Fengnian once before and left a good impression then. Furthermore, their elder brother Dou Liang had already laid the groundwork upon his return from this escort, having spoken many good words about Xu Qi earlier. So, they were even more uninhibited while drinking and talking. Yu Xiucai's name sounded a bit scholarly, likely because his parents had earnestly hoped he would pass the imperial examinations and become a juren or something similar, but he was very rough-hewn, with a shocking knife scar across his face. When he spoke to Xu Fengnian and Xu Beizhi about this old incident, he spoke without any resentment. He had been slashed on the street over ten years ago by the son of a general who had forcefully abducted a civilian girl. He stubbornly didn't dare to fight back. In terms of martial arts, he could beat that bastard ten times with one hand, but in terms of backing, Yu Xiucai was utterly outmatched and had to admit defeat. The man only smiled and cursed under his breath even today. Xu Fengnian smiled and turned to Xu Beizhi, saying, "From now on, these messy things will be your job. You be the strict and impartial enforcer." Xu Beizhi was unmoved, merely drinking large gulps of wine. The men of Jinmen Escort Agency didn't take it too seriously either. Even if the two young masters surnamed Xu were high-ranking, Lingzhou city had deep and complex roots. Even the Lingzhou General couldn't fully exert his influence and was being collectively misled by everyone from top to bottom. It was said that the Governor-General was planning to give His Royal Highness the Scion a show of strength as a warning. So, no matter who it was, even a young official from a noble family, one couldn't just casually stir up trouble here.

Xu Fengnian raised his bowl; it was probably his seventh or eighth, yet he still drank it down neatly and decisively. The escort agency men couldn't help but applaud wholeheartedly; both his drinking capacity and his drinking etiquette were truly impressive! Xu Fengnian casually wiped his mouth and laughed, "Before I get too drunk to stand, let me say a few serious words. Elder Brother Dou, Elder Brother Wei, Elder Brother Fan, all three of you are Xu Qi's friends. I hope the two bosses and Old Escort Leader Bao will take good care of them in the future. Consider this bowl of wine my thanks."

Zhang He, the second-in-command, was already tongue-tied. He raised his large white bowl and loudly declared, "Young Master Xu is straightforward! Our escort agency is small, but none of us are fussy women! I, Zhang He, will speak from the heart with Young Master Xu. It's not that Dou Liang's three brothers lack skill; it's that their skill is too great! I see it. Wei Tang and Fan Yuyang, truly, not to mention becoming escort guards like Dou Liang, but even becoming escort leaders, would be only natural. But in our small place, the rules are the same as elsewhere: one damn word, many! There's nothing we can do; everyone has to work their way up, like a daughter-in-law enduring until she becomes a mother-in-law. Otherwise, others won't be convinced and will harbor resentment. I, Zhang He, dare not make empty boasts or nonsense about making the three brothers escort leaders tomorrow. I can only offer my apologies to Dou Liang and his two brothers. Head Boss, shall we all finish this bowl of wine in our hands?!"

Yu Xiucai raised his bowl and laughed heartily, "Cheers, brave men, let's drain our bowls and finish it!"

By the end, Xu Beizhi was dead drunk, already leaning on Xu Fengnian's shoulder. The rough men of the Jinmen Escort Agency were even more sprawled all over the place. Yu Xiucai, clutching a wine jar, was slurring drunken words, vaguely mumbling about how he hadn't managed to kill any Northern barbarians in his life.

Sun Fulu, the chief steward of the General's residence, appeared at the door, his forehead covered in sweat. He had been informed by His Royal Highness before he left that he was to come to this small escort agency.

Xu Fengnian, the only one still sober, had no choice but to carry the unconscious Xu Beizhi on his back. He laughed and bid farewell to the few escort guards who were cleaning up the mess. After stepping out of the main gate, Sun Fulu whispered, "Young Master, in the middle of the night, the Governor-General somehow arrested a man and brought him to the residence. What kind of strange trick is this?"

Xu Fengnian merely hummed in acknowledgment.

Xu Beizhi, whose drunken state was incredibly poor, thrashed about aimlessly. One hand patted His Royal Highness's head, the other casually smeared his face.

Sun Fulu's mouth twitched, shocked by the sight.

He thought, if this Xu Beizhi, who had drifted from Beimang all the way to our Beiliang, didn't become the Governor-General of Beiliang, then he, Sun Fulu, would simply change his name to Sunzi!

Xu Fengnian slowly carried "Xu Orange" (Xu Beizhi) towards the carriage. His steps were arduous.