Heaven is the shore of mortal dust - Chapter 42
"Do you have anything to send to your fourth brother? I'll take it to him for you."
"I want to give myself to my fourth brother, but I'm afraid you won't dare to," Chen Chang said with a smile.
I really want to fly to his side and be with him, my heart will be filled with joy.
"Hahaha, I'm afraid he wouldn't dare to accept it." Li Tianqi laughed.
"Fourth Brother is so adorable! Will we brothers fight over him in the future? Huh?" Chen Chang smiled at Li Tianqi. The latter laughed, "Does Gongzhi like Fourth Brother so much that he doesn't mind that he's a man?"
"Hahaha..." Chen Chang laughed awkwardly, "Where's Boyuan?"
"I won't fight you. I don't have that kind of hobby. Ziju and I only have brotherly feelings for each other," Li Tianqi said calmly.
Though he said this, the brotherly affection he felt seemed rather unusual. That was because this fourth brother was truly extraordinary; thinking of him, a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.
“When did Boyuan become so sensitive to jokes? What else can men have besides brotherhood?” Chen Chang changed the subject again, “But Fourth Brother’s talent is truly admirable.”
"Stop calling me 'Fourth Brother,' think about your two concubines instead." Li Tianqi stopped.
"Sigh, those two women are really nothing to talk about, so boring." Chen Chang also stopped.
Looking at the distant, rolling Shiluo Mountain range, a trace of worry flashed in Li Tianqi's eyes.
"Shiluoman Mountain, I'm afraid the Turks' ambition has always been to cross Shiluoman Mountain. The Turkic army is exceptionally brave, but it's fortunate that the general leading the army this time lacked strategy and was stubborn. If the wise and brave Left Wise King were still alive, I'm afraid our territory would shrink again."
A barely audible sigh escaped, disappearing into the creaking ground. The wind on the frontier grew increasingly biting.
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In October, after a few rains, the Jiangnan region gradually cools down, and a slightly thicker quilt is needed at night. However, it is still very hot during the day, but the sunlight is obviously not as intense as before.
The business of Juyunlou flourished, and Wei Zijun's reputation spread throughout Lucheng. Everyone knew of this dashing and debonair manager. Legend had it that he had connections with many high-ranking officials and nobles; even the current emperor's son was his close friend, as was General Chen, the city's garrison commander. This manager was not only handsome, with a face like jade, lips like peach blossoms, eyes like autumn pools, a nose like a hanging gall, and teeth like pearls, but he was also chivalrous, kind-hearted, and exceptionally talented. For a time, suitors flocked to Juyunlou, breaking down the threshold, but Wei Zijun always turned them away, citing his engagement. This earned him a reputation for loyalty and affection. Many young women, their hearts fluttering, would gather at the entrance of Juyunlou, gazing at him. When Wei Zijun passed by, they would cover their mouths, giggle, and shove each other. Wei Zijun would always respond with a slight smile, eliciting screams and giggles from the young women.
Wei Zijun was very distressed by these things, but there was nothing she could do. She could only try to reduce the number of times she went out. She knew that Wei Jie, the handsome man of the Western Jin Dynasty, was killed because of being looked at. They shared the same surname, and it was hard to guarantee that she wouldn't follow in his footsteps.
Hiding in the shop today, with nothing to do, she tallied up last month's profits and found that the net profit was a staggering 6,300 taels. Curious, she converted the silver into modern currency and realized that she had become a millionaire in just one month.
"Young master!" Die'er brought over a cup of tea. "Those women are looking at you from across the street again! You've made them all yearn for you!"
"Butterfly, are you feeling the stirrings of spring?" Wei Zijun looked up and smiled. "Butterfly, I have plenty of good men here. Pick the best one you like."
“Young master—” Die’er said coquettishly, her cheeks flushed.
"What's there to be shy about? A girl should marry when she comes of age; it's only natural. If Die'er has someone she likes, just tell me, and I'll make the decision for her."
"Young master! You keep teasing me, I'm not talking to you anymore." Die'er ran away in embarrassment.
Wei Zijun laughed lightly.
It was almost noon, and customers began to arrive one after another. Soon the restaurant was full, and it began to bustle with activity. Thanks to Wei Zijun's training, the uniformed staff, though seemingly busy, were anything but chaotic. They efficiently announced the dishes, served food, poured tea, and processed payments. The customers could tell from the staff's professionalism that this was a high-class establishment, and they felt honored to dine there. Meanwhile, the Danhelou restaurant, since Manager Qiu's execution, had been taken over by his subordinates, but it seemed that very few people were going there anymore.
During the midday rush hour, another group of more than a dozen customers arrived. The waiter hurried over to greet them: "Sir, how many of you are there? We're full right now, please wait a quarter of an hour, and a seat will become available soon."
"How many heads do you have? How dare you call me your grandpa?" said a man in a black short-sleeved shirt standing nearby.
"Oh! Gentlemen, how could I dare keep you waiting? But there are no seats available right now. What would you like to do?" The waiter quickly bowed, afraid of offending the guests, and then looked at Liu Lang, gesturing for him to come over.
Liu Lang put down the guests over there and came over. "Gentlemen, is there anything I have done wrong in our hospitality?"
"Oh dear—what happened to the dog that used to belong to Danhe Tower? How did it end up here as a stray? Has it changed hands so quickly?" said the leader of the men in black. His words clearly indicated he was there to cause trouble.
Upon closer inspection, Liu Lang realized it was the slanted-eyed man who had caused trouble at Danhelou that day. He had originally worked for Qiu Zaifang, but after Qiu Zaifang was beheaded, he took over the business at Danhelou. "Sir, are you here for a meal? If so, please wait a moment. If not, I won't keep you company." Liu Lang said, then turned and left.
"Stop!" The slanted-eyed man leaped in front of Liu Lang, blocking his way. "Give me a seat, or I'll smash this place to pieces."
"Who wants to smash up this shop?" Liu Yunde walked over. "Does this gentleman have a grudge against our shop?"
"Indeed, we have a grudge. Who told you to steal my Danhelou's business! If you were to discuss giving me a share of this restaurant, or pay some insurance premiums... I might consider not smashing your shop," the slanted-eyed man said arrogantly.
"What if we don't?" Liu Yunde said dismissively.
"Then you can forget about keeping this shop open." The squinty-eyed man snorted, his eyelids drooping.
"Give it a try!" Liu Yunde chuckled.
"Hey—there really are some fearless guys, hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee heee heee!" The squinting man looked at the people behind him, "Brothers, smash it!" As soon as he finished speaking, he kicked a chair and smashed it to pieces. Seeing this, the people grabbed whatever was at hand and started smashing it. In an instant, the customers were in a panic and scattered to escape.
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Note: ①Lunar calendar. All months in this book refer to the ancient lunar calendar. The term "lunar calendar" will not be used again. Lunar months are approximately one month later than Gregorian months.
②Left Wise King. Originally a title of the Xiongnu, it was rarely seen in the Turks, but it is indeed recorded in historical books. The Old Book of Tang, Biography 140, Turks: "In the fourth year of Kaiyuan, the Tele was appointed Left Wise King, who was in charge of the army." The Left Wise King was a military commander in the Turks, holding a high position and great power.
Also: Bhikkhu was the son of Kutlug, the founder of the Later Eastern Turks, and served as the Left Wise King of the Turks.
[Volume 1, Deer City Chapter: Chapter 37 Poison Wound]
Upon hearing the news, Wei Zijun ran downstairs and saw that Liu Yunde was already fighting with the squint-eyed man. She hurriedly instructed Liu Lang, "Liu Lang, go to the county office immediately and find Magistrate Wu Mingfu, and ask him to send someone over." Liu Lang responded and left.
She then turned to the guests who had hidden in the corner, saying, "Esteemed guests, please go upstairs to take shelter." She then led the guests upstairs while she stood guard at the stairwell. Some of the thugs who wanted to go upstairs were stopped by her fists and feet, and in a short time, several thugs were beaten and rolled on the ground.
Seeing this, the thugs surrounded her. At this moment, Wei Zijun's kung fu was no longer the weak and ineffective moves she had made a few months ago; the thugs were no match for her. She leaped into the air and lightly touched the ground with her toes, and several thugs fell to the ground. She then grabbed a handful of chopsticks and threw them, and several more fell to the ground.
Seeing this, the others drew their weapons from their waists, exchanged glances, and one of them suddenly raised his hand. Wei Zijun was about to counterattack when he was suddenly enveloped by a white mist, and his head suddenly became dizzy.
It turned out that the thug had thrown out a sleeping potion. When the thugs saw that she was under the influence of the drug, they raised their weapons and slashed at her. Liu Yunde, who had just subdued the squinty-eyed man, saw this and shouted as he leaped over, kicking away the long knife that was about to hit Wei Zijun, and threw himself to protect her.