When Qu Yunmei first entered, Xiao Rong was indeed drunk. His state while intoxicated was peculiar. He was clearly conscious and aware of his actions, but it seemed as if the alcohol had taken away a crucial string in his mind, causing his behavior to be somewhat unhinged.

 

…

 

As Qu Yunmei reached his limit and was about to kill him, Xiao Rong finally sobered up completely under the threat to his life.

 

In Xiao Rong’s preconceived (perhaps?) notion, Qu Yunmei was a fierce man, eight feet tall, broad-shouldered, with a full beard and a face full of scars. Although handsome actors always played him in TV dramas, Xiao Rong didn’t believe the dramas, only the books he had read, which also described Qu Yunmei in such a manner.

 

Now Xiao Rong realized how completely wrong he was, and the words in the historical texts shouldn’t be entirely trusted.

 

…

 

After being given a bowl of sobering soup and supported by Ah Shu, who had hurried back, Xiao Rong lay down to rest. While recalling Qu Yunmei’s appearance, he murmured very softly after a long while.

 

“What a waste of talent.

 

“Hmph.”

 

After saying this, he turned over and fell asleep. The concerns of tomorrow didn’t disturb him today.

 

The next day, Jian Qiao led Xiao Rong into the royal palace.

 

On the way, Jian Qiao reminded Xiao Rong, “The King has a violent temper and dislikes being contradicted. You must remember this, sir.”

 

“Also, the King does not believe in supernatural arts. Once inside, it’s best not to mention such things.”

 

“First apologize, then beg for mercy. Don’t say too much. Although the King was lenient yesterday, he might not be today, so be very careful.”

 

By this time, they had reached the entrance to Qu Yunmei’s bedchamber. Xiao Rong looked at the door and then at Jian Qiao. “General, have you finished?”

 

Jian Qiao hesitated. “…Um, yes, I’ve finished.”

 

Xiao Rong smiled. “Alright, I’ll go in now.”

 

Jian Qiao: “…”

 

Wait! Did you even listen to what I said?

 

Xiao Rong pushed open the door and walked in. The palace was indeed large, and the bedchamber was quite grand, but the decor inside was very minimalist. The spacious room had little furniture, and there were more weapons than furnishings, making it feel more like a large military camp than a palace.

 

No wonder later generations mocked the King of the North, saying in flowery language that he was like a wild boar that couldn’t appreciate fine grains.

 

…

 

As Xiao Rong entered, Qu Yunmei was resting with his head supported and eyes closed. It wasn’t until Xiao Rong was about ten feet away that Qu Yunmei suddenly opened his eyes and stared at Xiao Rong with sharp eyes, making him stop in his tracks reflexively.

 

Oh.

 

Xiao Rong realized he had stopped because Qu Yunmei startled him, and he couldn’t help but think that Qu Yunmei would be good at playing the game “statues.”

 

…

 

After a pause, Xiao Rong put away these disrespectful thoughts, raised his arms, crossed his hands at forehead height, and bowed deeply. This was a great courtesy among scholars, one Xiao Rong hadn’t performed many times since arriving here.

 

He spoke without arrogance or servility. “Xiao Rong greets the King.”

 

Generally, good-looking people have pleasant voices, and Xiao Rong’s voice was like a refreshing spring in a lush mountain, clear and soothing, easily leaving a good impression.

 

That is, if Qu Yunmei hadn’t heard how Xiao Rong used this pleasant voice to insult him before.

 

…

 

Qu Yunmei watched Xiao Rong quietly bow. He sat up and sneered. “Well, has the sir sobered up?”

 

Xiao Rong straightened up and nodded. “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fully sober now.”

 

Qu Yunmei asked, “Then, in your opinion, what should be your punishment?”

 

Xiao Rong lowered his eyes as if seriously thinking for a moment before saying, “For behaving improperly in the King’s presence, I deserve to be punished. However, for being honest and straightforward with the King, I deserve a reward. The reward and punishment cancel each other out, so there should be neither reward nor punishment.”

 

Yesterday he spoke plainly, but today he’s as pretentious as any other scholar. This shows how hypocritical he was.

 

Qu Yunmei smirked with anger. “You certainly are noble, sir, not asking for any rewards. But do you know that I am not like King Qi Wei, who rewards those who criticize him? Here, those who offend me can only expect punishment.”

 

Qu Yunmei looked at Xiao Rong’s face maliciously, expecting to see fear. However, Xiao Rong remained silent, thinking, ‘Well, well, you know King Qi Wei’s story. It seems you’re not entirely uneducated.’

 

…

 

Xiao Rong replied, “Your Majesty speaks frankly. If you wanted to punish me, you would have done so yesterday, rather than letting me sleep peacefully. Besides, those insulting words weren’t mine, they reflect the views of the people of Southern Yong about you.”

 

Xiao Rong lied without blinking and continued, “I came from Xinan, following your footsteps to the North. I saw and heard with my own eyes and ears that the people of Southern Yong have no sense of right and wrong, making baseless speculations. The officials are malicious, the commoners confused, and the rulers aren’t even as good as the commoners.”

 

Qu Yunmei looked at Xiao Rong coldly, “I haven’t seen what you describe, but I clearly saw you spouting nonsense yesterday.”

 

Xiao Rong smiled. “Indeed, those were wild words, but can you explain why, if I were like the people of Southern Yong, would I travel thousands of miles just to follow you?”

 

“Despite my chronic illness and the risk of exposing my abilities, I still came to Your Majesty’s side,” Xiao Rong said.

 

Qu Yunmei frowned. “Chronic illness?”

 

Now that he mentioned it, Qu Yunmei noticed that Xiao Rong didn’t look well today. His face showed signs of sickness, making it clear he didn’t have much time left in this world.

 

Qu Yunmei was merely observing him, but Xiao Rong took it as an inability to answer and quickly seized the initiative.

 

“Your Majesty doesn’t know the answer because there is none. Xiao Rong knows he doesn’t have much time left. With my ambitions, I cannot achieve them alone. Across the entire realm, the only person I respect and who has the power to help me is Your Majesty. If Your Majesty assists me, I will repay with my life. Just as already rolling stones can not be moved by someone, my loyalty to Your Majesty will never waver.”

 

As he finished, Xiao Rong looked up with a gaze as intense as fire, meeting Qu Yunmei’s eyes.

Qu Yunmei was used to dealing with rough men and had never encountered someone like Xiao Rong, who used both emotion and reason. He felt it might be his imagination, but he saw genuine determination and dedication in Xiao Rong’s eyes.

 

Yet, Qu Yunmei wasn’t ready to give in.

 

He smiled sarcastically. “I am sensitive and suspicious, a few flattering words won’t win me over.”

 

Xiao Rong: “…”

 

Such a narrow mind.

 

Xiao Rong bowed his head. “Your Majesty is right. If you still don’t trust me, why not keep me by your side? When you are in Yanmen, I will be in Yanmen. When you are in the camp, I will be in the camp. With your wisdom and might, none of my tricks will escape your keen eyes. This way, you can be reassured, and I can prove myself.”

 

Qu Yunmei scrutinized Xiao Rong, trying to detect any deceit, but Xiao Rong’s expression remained unchanged.

 

Cool and lofty, with the demeanor of a gentleman. Though Qu Yunmei disliked scholars, he had grown up in this culture and, like others, tended to show more courtesy to gentlemen. Moreover, Xiao Rong’s suggestion made sense. If Qu Yunmei didn’t trust him, keeping him close was the safest option. After all, Qu Yunmei prided himself on his martial prowess and never feared anyone trying to harm him.

 

After considering, he looked at Xiao Rong again and gave a sinister smile. “As you suggested.”

 

“Sir, do not disappoint me.”

 

Xiao Rong smiled far more genuinely, his face lighting up as he bowed. “I will not fail Your Majesty!”

 

Qu Yunmei: “…”

 

Seeing Xiao Rong so happy, Qu Yunmei felt like he had just punched a pillow. Who is this Xiao Rong, and why doesn’t he play by the rules?

 

Outside, Jian Qiao waited anxiously. Finally, Xiao Rong emerged, standing in the sunlight and smiling at Jian Qiao.

 

Jian Qiao rushed over and asked, “How did it go?”

 

Xiao Rong nodded confidently. “It’s done.”

 

Jian Qiao was overjoyed. “Really? The King spared you?”

 

Xiao Rong blinked. “Spared me? I meant the King agreed to let me join the army. Before that, he asked me to stay in the palace. Thank you, General Jian, for your hospitality yesterday. From now on, we will be colleagues, so please look after me.”

 

After laughing and waving, Xiao Rong happily went to pack his things.

 

Watching Xiao Rong’s departing figure, Jian Qiao was stunned again.

 

After saying such reckless things, not only did he escape punishment, but he also convinced the King to let him stay in the palace?!

 

Who is this Xiao Rong? Could he really be a deity in disguise?

 

Jian Qiao looked up at the sky, seeing nothing unusual. Slowly, he closed his mouth, realizing one thing for sure.

 

No matter if Xiao Rong was human, ghost, or deity, he must never be offended…

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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