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墨書 Inktalez
It was clear that someone was asking a question they already knew the answer to, at least that was how Jiao Niang saw it at the time. It was normal for a prestigious establishment like the Prosperity Record to handle relationships, especially during holidays and festivals. Given that merchants were considered lower than scholars, farmers, and laborers, certain unspoken rules still had to be followed.
Did they think that running a legitimate business, without shortchanging anyone, was enough? If it weren't for the concern that the Tavern's business might not survive, who would want to deal with those sour faces?
Jiao Niang, who had clearly grown accustomed to this situation, quietly sat down and poured a full glass of wine for Luzi and herself. She told Luzi that she appreciated the Big Shopkeeper's good intentions, but such matters were quite normal. If they lost the support of these Nobility, how could the small shop continue to operate? Moreover, finding a stable job was not easy at the moment, and many Shop Assistants had families to support. If they lost their jobs, who would take care of this Elder?
The Tavern may not have seemed large, but it had everything one needed. No one could afford to offend anyone here; that was a fact!
Hearing this helplessness, Luzi scoffed disdainfully. He slammed his cup down on the table and exclaimed angrily, "In a country as great as this, the people could have lived in peace and prosperity. Yet everywhere you look, you see these social parasites! Not only do they fail to seek benefits for the citizens, but they also act arrogantly because of their connections!"
Unexpectedly, someone spoke so loudly in anger that Jiao Niang turned pale with fright and realized it was too late to stop him. She timidly glanced upstairs and happened to see distinguished guests looking down at them, which made her feel flustered.
Despite their relatively low Official Positions, these individuals represented the Government to ordinary people. Anyone chosen from among them would be someone no one could afford to offend. Was this the prelude to a crackdown?
At this point, Luzi deliberately paused and took a sip of tea to clear his throat. He had no intention of revealing the truth to anyone; doing so would tarnish the impressive image he had just established.
To officials from Qi State, the identity of Big Shopkeeper from Prosperity Pavilion was merely that of a merchant. However, Prosperity Pavilion's connections lay with the Queen of Qi and the Prime Minister of Qi. Regarding this matter, Housheng, who was second-in-command in Qi State, was more than willing for everyone to know. He even issued a stern warning that Prosperity Record was under his protection. If that lunatic dared to cause trouble at Prosperity Record, he better think twice about his own position first!
If someone else had been drunk and causing a scene, it could have been dealt with immediately. But this time it was Luzi from Prosperity Pavilion acting out; how could they handle it? The few who initially wanted to call for officials realized what was happening and pretended not to hear. They left hurriedly after paying their tab.
Xiao Yu'er, who had been quietly listening to the story, understood that things had ultimately been resolved properly. Otherwise, given Luzi's level of authority in leaving such a mess behind without reason, it would have been beyond Jiao Niang's ability alone to handle it well. Since Luzi was present at that moment, it seemed those Qi State officials who were scolded did not dare to seek trouble with Jiao Niang afterward.
News travels fast without legs, especially when Luzi spoke so justly in front of all the diners. Although many patrons did not dare to openly show their support, they cast admiring glances toward him. Additionally, some recognized Big Shopkeeper from Prosperity Pavilion; thus Ten-Mile Fragrant Tavern transformed into a subsidiary unit of Prosperity Record. With such a large group backing them up, Ten-Mile Fragrant Tavern naturally thrived in business thereafter.
Luzi put down the tea bowl and couldn't help but sigh as he recalled the events. He had always thought that in the Qi State, where Confucian culture prevailed, such things would not happen. Yet, he found it occurring right under his nose.
In his view, anyone in power should take the well-being of the common people as their responsibility. Only then could they be worthy of the support from the citizens! If one loses sight of this fundamental duty, how can they justify their own sustenance?
However, thoughts are just thoughts; when it comes to reality, he realized that what he initially considered a baseline was still too high, perhaps even a bit too idealistic. Was it his expectations that were too high, or was society simply meant to be this way?
All these questions stemmed from either the public's numbness towards justice or the low political awareness of officials selected through the Qi State's meritocratic system. All problems could only be explored gradually; perhaps this itself was a worthy issue to investigate and ultimately resolve.
As he pondered during the day, Luzi even dreamt about discussing this issue after sending Xiao Yu'er back to her room for a deep sleep. The setting of the dream seemed to be at Jixia Academy, resembling the discussions held by the Hundred Schools of Thought back in the day. He was still feeling dazed when awakened by the horn from the mountaintop, taking a while to adjust before breaking free from the noisy debate in his dream.
With lingering unease, Luzi looked around to confirm that the argument had merely been a dream. He found the Stone House empty and eerily quiet, and couldn't help but sigh at how intense and vigorous the debates among the Hundred Schools had been. The brilliant sparks of wisdom generated from their clashes had long transcended all realms of ancient and modern thought.
Since a battle was imminent, it was time to seize the moment and enjoy a hearty meal!
Meanwhile, Wei Wujie, who was also having breakfast, felt extremely displeased. The reconnaissance team he dispatched last night returned empty-handed. Just last night, he had sent out two teams to stealthily leave the Zhao Army camp, each with different objectives aimed at the eastern and western fortifications of Shanxia.
Of course! The reconnaissance mission was merely an excuse; if they could conveniently bring something back, that would be even better!
Setting aside what happened at the East Wall—where there was no one—the East Wall reconnaissance team returned first to report their findings. Wei Wujie, who hadn't slept at all, had no choice but to pin his hopes on the West Rampart reconnaissance team. He hoped they could achieve something significant to showcase the strength of Xingling Jun's retainers before the Plain King.
Unexpectedly, however, the West Rampart team also returned without success. It wasn't that Xingling Jun's retainers weren't trying hard; rather, the Qin Army was too cunning. Not only did they fail to sneak in and bring back any trophies, but they didn't even get close to touching the edges of Qin Army's walls. Moreover, they returned with two severely injured retainers.
The West Rampart guarded by the Qin Army was heavily fortified with sentries every few steps and both visible and hidden posts set up simultaneously. The most terrifying aspect wasn't just this; it was also the formidable crossbows of Qin State. Whenever there was even a slight movement detected there, they would shoot rapidly without hesitation. If it weren't for being able to see above through torches on the city wall illuminating where arrows were being fired by Qin Army, perhaps no one would have made it back!
I originally planned to go find the Plain King and show off to Wei Wujie in the morning, hoping to check on my injured brother. However, I had to completely abandon that idea. Worried about being discovered by someone and becoming a laughingstock, I immediately ordered someone to secretly take the Wounded away from the group. The farther we could get, the better; as long as outsiders didn't see him, that was all that mattered.
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