Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Xu Ke raised his brows. “It seems you’re a victim, too.”
Qiguan Rang nodded. He still could not understand how Jiang Pengji knew so much
about people at first glance. Yet, her conversation with the military chief shed light on
it: the key was her keen observation.
Xu Ke smiled. “The good side is that people can rarely deceive the langjun. But his
strength also renders him stubborn and rigid.”
A man overconfident in his own observation and judgement was often too arrogant to
listen to opposition, which could be a problem for people who worked for him. There
would be a deadlock when neither side could convince the other.
Qiguan Rang contemplated before he lowered his voice. “Aren’t you worried about
your future then?”
Xu Ke replied, “Well, it’s not too bad. Langjun is proud, but he is willing to accept
reasonable opinions. He also seldom intervenes in work that he’s not familiar with.
That’s much better than those who think too highly of themselves and mess up
everything in the end.”
After that, he added, “Besides, even if he were one of those masters, I could not
leave before getting my slave contract back. The best choice I have is to accept what
has happened and avoid unnecessary troubles.”
The words “slave contract” surprised Qiguan Rang. He never suspected that Xu Ke
had entered the Liu’s as a slave. Common slaves would not have his cultivated
manner and competence.
“I was caught after an impulsive decision, and I was later bought by Langjun,” Xu Ke
explained with a gentle smile, which proved he was not really complaining. “There
was a time when I couldn’t even sleep at night.”
Qiguan Rang frowned. “What did Lanting do? He’s a bit strange, but he is a sensible
person.”
“Oh, it’s not Langjun,” mumbled Xu Ke. Liu She’s snake-like eyes still appeared in
his dreams from time to time.
They were chatting softly and could not be heard outside the distance of a few steps
away. Although Jiang Pengji could capture their words if she wanted to, she was
concentrating on the dark-faced man—the disguised military chief, Meng Hun.
Meng Hun was trying to talk about Meng Liang, yet she seemed not to have noticed
and kept asking about his family and what he had seen on his journey there. All his
attempts were in vain.
At last, she looked at him sincerely. “I’ve never left Hejian. I wish I could walk on
soils in all countries and see the boundless world like you!”
Her innocent passion reminded him of his daughter, who used to protest against the
confinement at home; she wished to ride and fight like he did for their masters.
He faked a smile and said bitterly, “Life outside is desperate. People can hardly find
food and water among deserted mountains and waters. You would miss home as
soon as you leave it.”
“But we have to try it once, right? I’ll not let you put out the fire in me.” She appeared
unaffected. “Besides, how upsetting can the journey be if I take enough guards with
me? They will certainly protect me and provide me with the best.”
She then turned to him abruptly with glittering eyes. “You’re as strong as my guards
and much more experienced in traveling. I’m sure you can guide us to the safest
routes! As you don’t have a family and are fleeing from war in your homeland, how
about you stay at our home?”
Meng Hun’s lips trembled. It took a long time for him to utter an answer. “I must not
accept your generous offer. I’m just an inferior being to your family.”
Ordinary commoners would say yes without hesitation, but Meng Hun had to decline
her invitation. He did not want the Liu’s to get involved in his confrontation with the
Meng’s, especially after he had learned about the past between Liu She and Meng
Zhan.
Meng Liang must have entered the Liu’s under another identity, or else why would
Liu She agree to let him stay?
If Meng Liang died at the Liu’s house, the Meng’s would definitely demand them to
hand out Meng Hun and then make the innocent family pay the price.
While Meng Hun had found Jiang Pengji’s gaze slightly eerie, he formed a good
impression for the amiable langjun who cared about the commoner’s living and
would not complain about his current life like his peers did. Some spoiled children
from the houses would even torture civilians and inflict females the way Meng Liang
did.
However, he was resolute to protect the Liu’s by keeping his distance.
As he expected, the apparently well-tempered langjun did not feel offended, but
sighed. “If it’s your decision, I will not force you.”
The sun was setting when the two returned from fishing, each dragging a full basket.
Meng Hun, who believed he had finished “sounding Liu Xi out”, suggested he should
probably leave before dinner.
He then received another pack of items, which included two sets of thick clothes,
several pairs of cotton socks and large straw shoes, as well as dried food for the
coming few days and some medicine for injuries.
Jiang Pengji’s excuse was, “I’ve noticed the blisters on your feet. It’s better to heal
them before they fester.”
Her gesture warmed Meng Hun’s heart and he accepted the considerate gift.
Qiguan Rang and Xu Ke, who witnessed the whole scene, made a cool laugh.
Naïve! Liu Xi doesn’t send gifts for no reason.