Chapter 52: Shared Elegant Residence

Whether the Xie family could bring honor to their ancestors was not the most crucial thing; what mattered most was having a wise leader guide the family, ensuring its enduring prosperity and a far-reaching future.

Chuyu continued, "Precisely because he is a loyal minister without a faction, his supporters are few. He needs people to work for him, to work for the emperor. You must remember that when a man achieves the Dao, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. Those who follow him will naturally attain great wealth and glory."

At this point, Chuyu added, "It is also possible that they might waste their entire lives in mediocrity. After all, what a loyal minister can accomplish depends on whether the emperor has the boldness, whether the emperor grants him such vast authority, and how long the emperor's trust in him lasts, as well as the depth of that trust."

Xie Renfeng nodded with satisfaction, then said to the younger generation, "It doesn't matter if you don't understand; just go back and ponder it slowly, and you will figure it out."

He waved his hand, signaling them all to rest.

"We set off at first light tomorrow."

Xie Chuyu was left behind by Xie Renfeng, who rubbed his hands and asked meaningfully, "Who do you think he will leave behind?"

"Xie Lan." This time, Chuyu gave the answer without the slightest hesitation.

"Why him? Among your several clan brothers, he is the most mediocre."

Chuyu replied, "Precisely because of his mediocrity, elder brother Xie Lan is the one most able to quiet his mind and work diligently."

Xie Renfeng pondered for a moment and smiled.

***

At Xiaomi Peak, standing upon a massive boulder at the summit, Mu Weihu faced the fierce wind.

Behind him stood two hundred-household commanders.

"My lord, many of these men only recently joined the band and have committed no heinous crimes."

Mu Weihu said, "If we had not come, would they have stopped murdering and looting? Would they have stopped raiding homes and robbing villages?"

The two commanders exchanged glances, then turned around and waved their hands.

Inside the mounted bandits' stronghold atop Xiaomi Peak, heads rolled and blood flowed like rivers.

After plundering the valuables, they put the entire stronghold to the torch.

Wei Song, bound tightly like a rice dumpling, trembled all over as he stared wide-eyed at the unfolding carnage.

Just an hour ago, the very commander who had chatted and laughed with him had turned into a Rakshasa from the netherworld in the blink of an eye.

He could already picture his own ending, and he envisioned the Wei family estate suffering the same fate as this bandit stronghold, with not a single chicken or dog left alive.

He finally understood why, upon reaching Yashan, these men had stopped wearing face masks, as if it no longer mattered whether he saw their faces clearly or not.

Moreover, their leader was no bandit chief; they all respectfully addressed him as "My Lord."

These men were government troops!

From the very moment this group breached the Wei family estate, Wei Song was already a dead man.

The thunderous weapons in their hands were utterly demonic; a single throwable device could kill multiple people at once. When they annihilated Sumanzi, it was a complete massacre. Sumanzi was a veteran of many battles, yet he had not the slightest opportunity to fight back.

The fire blazing atop Xiaomi Peak could be seen clearly even from the Xie family residence.

***

Several clan elders gathered together in silence.

They had just received news that the Wei family estate had been sacked by Sumanzi of Xiaomi Peak, and shortly afterward, thick plumes of black smoke began billowing from the peak.

Anyone with eyes could see how the people of the Wei family estate could possibly have been killed by Sumanzi.

It was then that the elders of the Xie family suddenly realized what an immensely wise choice Xie Renfeng had made.

Sometimes, bowing one's head is simply a means to survive.

It was solely due to Xie Renfeng's compromise that the Xie family was preserved.

"Word has just come that the Wei family estate has been officially sealed by the authorities, and all property and valuables have been confiscated for the public treasury."

An elder strode in, his expression solemn.

"Why do I feel that... this magistrate..."

Another person remarked, "I'm afraid he won't live long."

"Such a ruthless executioner, truly a butcher. He actually dared to slaughter an entire household."

***

Xiao Zhi received this news by the evening of the next day.

His carriage arrived in Jinan Prefecture.

The very first thing he did upon entering the city was to send someone to the post station to check if there was any message dispatched by Mu Weihu.

The inn where Xiao Zhi stayed was called Fortune Arrival Inn—a vulgar name, yet loved by everyone.

This was precisely the same inn where Xie Renfeng had stayed the previous day.

Along the entire journey, Xiao Zhi had used He Qing as a comforting bolster, spending his time either lying down or sitting. Thick soft cushions were laid out inside the carriage, sparing him any fatigue from the journey.

After checking into the inn, Xiao Zhi summoned the waiter, tossing over a few copper coins first. Amidst the waiter's chorus of "Thank you, Master," he asked where one could find the most delicious braised pork belly in Jinan Prefecture.

The waiter blinked his fly-like eyes, pondering for a long time before replying, "What is braised pork belly? This humble one has never heard of it."

"What about clay-pot braised pork?"

The waiter still shook his head.

Xiao Zhi was deeply disappointed; it seemed this parallel world lacked such a delicacy.

"Then which restaurant in Jinan Prefecture is considered the best?"

Guided by the waiter's recommendation, Xiao Zhi walked across a street and spotted the establishment: Tongya Residence. Over its grand and imposing facade hung four tavern banners.

Whatever guests ordered, the establishment prepared.

This restaurant certainly held a grand ambition.

***

"Tonight, we dine here."

Xiao Zhi walked in first, closely followed by He Qing, whose large eyes flickered restlessly as he looked left and right, wishing he had been born with a few more eyes.

Right behind them were the hundred-household commander and the military officers.

To maintain a low profile along the way, they were all dressed in ordinary clothes, and even their sabers were concealed beneath the carriage rather than carried openly.

At this moment, they looked precisely like a young master traveling for pleasure with his servants.

If one asked where the finest chefs in the land were to be found, the answer was undoubtedly Shandong. Yet where were Shandong's finest chefs? In the capital, because the capital was home to numerous high-ranking officials and nobles.

The problem, however, lay right here: in an era without refrigerators or cold-chain logistics, even the best chef was helpless. This was dictated by the geographical reality of the capital.

The capital was surrounded by mountains, and its local produce was not particularly abundant.

Shandong, on the other hand, was entirely different. With access to the sea, land, and extensive plains, every ingredient available in the north could be found right here.

Because there were many of them, they requested the largest private dining room upon entering. After ordering a table full of dishes, the waiter diligently served a pot of tea.

Just as He Qing finished pouring tea for Xiao Zhi, the waiter who had just stepped out returned.

The waiter wore a troubled expression, smiling awkwardly as he said, "My lords, would it be possible for you to change to another table? The main hall outside is just as good."

"Why is that?" The hundred-household commander glared at the waiter. "Are you afraid this grandfather cannot afford the silver?"

"No, no, no, my lords jest. One can tell at a glance that you are extraordinary personages. However..."

Xiao Zhi understood immediately. Undoubtedly, some distinguished guest had suddenly arrived to dine, and the private rooms were insufficient.

After all, Xiao Zhi and his companions were travelers from afar, and driving them out would not offend anyone important.

"Qiantang, do not make things difficult for the waiter; he is not the one making the decisions."

Xiao Zhi motioned for the commander to sit down, then said to the waiter, "Go bring your manager here, or let whoever wants this room come and speak for themselves."

Judging by the imposing facade of Tongya Residence, those who came to dine were either wealthy or noble. Xiao Zhi genuinely wanted to see what the local tycoons of Shandong looked like.

Realizing he could not persuade them and daring to offend none of them, the waiter scurried away in a hurry.

Before long, a middle-aged man sporting a pair of waxed mustaches walked in. He wore a tall scholar's cap, strode with measured steps, puffed out his belly, and held his head high as if looking down at people through his nostrils.

"This humble person is the manager of Tongya Residence. Which esteemed guest wished to see me?"

Xiao Zhi smiled and asked, "Manager, isn't your establishment acting a bit too big for its britches and bullying its customers?"