As the words were spoken, the door to the room was pushed open, and a middle-aged man stepped in slowly, followed by a stout, round-faced fellow. There was one other person: Fan Peiyao, dressed in a pale yellow silk gown.

Her gown was similar to the one worn by Shisanniang; it was evident they had bought their silks from the same establishment, sharing a similar style, though not identical. The two women stood together, a brilliant contrast to each other.

Li Muzhan spared them only a glance before his focus returned to the middle-aged man. …………………………………………………… The middle-aged man was gaunt, with a long, thin face, eyes sunken deep beneath heavy brows, possessing a sharp, hawk-like gaze that seemed intent on dissecting the soul.

His entire bearing radiated taut, tensile strength. He positioned himself in front of Fan Peiyao, glaring coldly at Li Muzhan, and spoke in a deep, stern voice, “You are Mingkong, the hero who single-handedly broke the Black Eagle Riders, twenty strong?” Li Muzhan nodded, extending a hand, “Please, sit down… Miss Fan, how have you been?” He completely ignored the middle-aged man and addressed Fan Peiyao directly.

The man’s face immediately flushed crimson; he had never been so utterly slighted in his life. Despite standing beside Fan Peiyao, his imposing aura usually commanded respect; yet, before Li Muzhan, he had been thoroughly rebuffed.

“En.” Fan Peiyao glanced at him, opened her mouth, but only managed this single utterance. Li Muzhan smiled, pointing toward the round-faced man, “This brother here comes looking for trouble; this isn't Miss Fan’s intent, is it?” Fan Peiyao shot the big man a look, then turned back, “What if it is?

What if it isn’t?” Li Muzhan shook his head, “In the eyes of the Fan family, I am nothing but a mere pawn, powerless and ripe for the slaughter, correct?” “What nonsense are you spouting!” Fan Peiyao huffed. “Mingkong, you bald donkey!

I’ve come looking for you because I’m furious! How dare a mere little soldier like you anger the Young Miss!

You deserve to die!” the round-faced man declared boorishly. Li Muzhan couldn't be bothered to argue.

There was no reasoning with him; even if Li Muzhan spoke until the heavens fell, the man wouldn't listen, so it was best to conserve his breath. “Brother Ruan!” Fan Peiyao chastised him with a pout.

The round-faced man immediately chuckled, “Young Miss, shall I kill him for you to vent your anger?” Zhao Shengli let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head, “Quite the boast!” The round-faced man whirled around instantly, staring daggers at Zhao Shengli, “Boy, who the hell are you? State your name, and I’ll send you on your way first!” Zhao Shengli called out loudly, “Your grandfather, Zhao Sheng, is here!

Come on then!” The round-faced man pointed his axe forward, “Hurry up and accept death!” Li Muzhan held up a hand to stop him, saying gently, “Head Zhao, ignore him.” Zhao Shengli grumbled, “This fellow is too arrogant. Monk, you should have dealt with him earlier; why leave him alive!” Li Muzhan smiled, turning back to Fan Peiyao, “Miss Fan, I wonder what guidance you seek?

As for thanks, there’s no need to mention it; I couldn’t possibly accept it.” Fan Peiyao shook her head, “This time, it was truly a coincidence. We only came here to dine and didn't expect to run into you.

Uncle Ruan’s offense, I hope you can forgive us!” With that, she cupped her hands in a bow, her expression sincere and earnest. “Young Miss!” the round-faced man immediately widened his eyes and cried out indignantly.

……………………………………………………………… Fan Peiyao said, “Uncle Ruan! Master Mingkong has shown us great kindness; how could you dare offend him casually?

If Father finds out, he will certainly punish you!” The round-faced man snorted, “Even if I face the Master’s punishment, I must vent this anger for the Young Miss!” “Uncle Ruan, you are mistaken. I am not angry with him,” Fan Peiyao clarified.

“Oh?” The round-faced man paused, then quickly asked, “If it’s not him you’re angry with, who is it? Which scoundrel has upset the Young Miss?

Tell me, and I’ll cleave him in two!” “Uncle Ruan, if you phrase it like that, who would dare tell you!” Fan Peiyao chided. The round-faced man laughed a few times, “Heh heh, then, then, I won't cleave anyone and will leave!” Fan Peiyao gave him a sidelong glance and turned to Li Muzhan, “Master Mingkong, I apologize for the spectacle.” Li Muzhan smiled, picked up his large bowl, took a long drink of wine, and said no more.

Fan Peiyao immediately gritted her teeth. Seeing Li Muzhan’s relaxed and unconcerned demeanor, she couldn't help but become enraged, an unaccountable fire surging up within her.

He was clearly not taking her presence seriously, yet she couldn't vocalize her frustration, which only made her more stifled; she could only fume in silence. But anger notwithstanding, he was a benefactor to her family, so she couldn't possibly resort to violence; she had to endure it, which made her frustration even more intense and impossible to release.

“Young Miss, let’s go!” the middle-aged man suddenly said after staring at Li Muzhan for a few moments. Fan Peiyao nodded, “En.” The middle-aged man cupped his hands, turned, and stepped out of the room.

Fan Peiyao shot Li Muzhan one last glare and left. The round-faced man also glared at Zhao Shengli before turning and departing.

In the blink of an eye, quiet was restored to the room. Zhao Shengli muttered resentfully, “The Fan family, utterly outrageous!

Unbearable!” Li Muzhan smiled, “Head Zhao, this Miss Fan is actually quite reasonable… We can’t ask for too much; after all, the world runs on the principle of the weak serving the strong!” Zhao Shengli spat and grumbled, “Monk, just wait until we earn military merits and become generals, then we’ll see how we deal with them!” Xiong Sihai sighed, “With the Provincial Governor supporting them, even if you become a general, it will be useless.” Li Muzhan dismissed the topic with a wave, “Enough, let’s not speak of the Fan family anymore… We’ve eaten, let’s return early. Don’t delay, or you’ll face military law!” “Right, right, we must return quickly!” everyone nodded in agreement, not daring to be careless.

……………………………………………………………… Though they had fast horses, traveling from Tianlong City to Tenglong City required half a day. If they were truly late, Commander Li would certainly show no mercy; a dozen lashes would be the least of it.

Shisanniang laughed, “It seems military law is truly severe.” “Alas…” Zhao Shengli shook his head dramatically, sighing, “You have no idea, our military judge is formidable; no one gets an exception!” He pointed at Li Muzhan, “Take the Monk, for instance. Commander Li clearly favors the Monk, but when he breaks a military rule, he still has to sit in the Minglv Hall and accept punishment.

Otherwise, after killing those twenty-odd Black Eagle Riders, he’d already be a Captain by now!” “Head Zhao, stop flattering me. I don’t have the fate for it; striving for what isn't meant to be is pointless!” Li Muzhan laughed.

Zhao Shengli scoffed, “Hmph, you Monk, that’s the problem with you—so hypocritical!” Li Muzhan smiled and lifted his large bowl for a drink. Shisanniang glanced at him playfully, “Head Zhao, what you just said is truly astute!” “Hahaha…” Zhao Shengli roared with hearty laughter, and Shisanniang seized the chance to refill his cup.

Everyone chatted and laughed, eating and drinking. Soon, they were warmed by the wine, their voices growing louder with cheers, fully displaying their soldierly nature.

Just as they were midway through their lively discussion and drinking, there was another knock at the door. Xiao He went to open it and paused briefly; Fan Peiyao was standing outside.

“Miss Fan, are you going somewhere?” Xiao He asked gently. He had a very good impression of this young lady.

Despite being the Young Miss, she carried no arrogance and possessed a gentle disposition—truly rare. “I trouble you,” Fan Peiyao nodded slightly to him and called out loudly, “Master Mingkong, could you please step out for a moment?

Are you available?” Li Muzhan set down his large bowl and smiled, “Miss Fan, what is the matter?” Fan Peiyao replied, “Could the Master come over? We have a favor to ask.” Li Muzhan laughed, “There is nothing I cannot discuss with anyone, so speak freely.” Fan Peiyao bit her silver teeth, filled with annoyance, yet her face maintained a slight smile, “This matter is significant, and to prevent eavesdropping through the walls, perhaps you could step over here… Is the Master afraid I might harm you?” Li Muzhan stood up, shaking his head, “I am afraid of trouble.

Since that is the case, we shall go to your place.” Saying that, he smiled at his companions, “Head Zhao, you all continue drinking; I’ll be right back.” “En, Monk, if anything is amiss, just shout,” Zhao Shengli patted his shoulder and chuckled, even glancing at Fan Peiyao. Li Muzhan smiled; that remark was perhaps too casual, but it stemmed from his concern.

He followed Fan Peiyao out of the room into the adjacent chamber—the private room where they had been seated earlier. Inside, the middle-aged man sat loosely and nodded at him.

Fan Peiyao gestured for Li Muzhan to take the seat of honor, but Li Muzhan declined, sitting beside her instead, and smiling, “Miss Fan, I am merely a low-ranking soldier; how can I be of service?” Fan Peiyao hesitated, looked at the middle-aged man, who then nodded in agreement. …………………………………………………… Fan Peiyao spoke softly, “I heard the Master is skilled with the bow and arrow, unrivaled in archery, reputed as the finest in Shenwu.” Li Muzhan chuckled in amusement, shaking his head, “That is utterly preposterous exaggeration, Miss.

You shouldn't pay attention to such nonsense; the others are just fooling around.” Fan Peiyao insisted, “It can’t be entirely baseless; your archery must be truly exceptional.” Li Muzhan conceded, “I have some minor proficiency. Now, what exactly is the matter?” Fan Peiyao paused thoughtfully, “It is this: a shipment of ours was intercepted by the Taibai Stronghold… That stronghold is easily defended and hard to attack; we cannot deal with them ourselves and must rely on the army to quell the bandits.” Li Muzhan looked thoughtful and smiled, “Surely, Miss isn’t suggesting I help raid the bandits?” Fan Peiyao nodded, “Yes, we wish to invite the Master to lead a small contingent.” Li Muzhan laughed, “I am only a minor soldier, without official rank or position.

I cannot lead a team, and moreover, deploying troops is not easy.” Fan Peiyao explained, “We have already arranged for a contingent of men, but they said that among the current Shenwu Battalion, the Master is considered the foremost in archery.” Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow, looking at her in surprise. Fan Peiyao smiled faintly, “We have some acquaintance with your Commander.

He has already dispatched a group from the Flying Cavalry Battalion, supplemented by some infantry, totaling about two hundred men.” Li Muzhan secretly marveled at the influence of the Fan family; they were indeed formidable. He pondered for a moment, then looked up, “Miss Fan, what exactly was in that shipment?” “… Ginseng,” Fan Peiyao hesitated before stating slowly.

“Great Miss…” The middle-aged man’s expression changed drastically. Fan Peiyao looked deeply at Li Muzhan and smiled faintly, “I trust the Master can keep a secret!” Li Muzhan managed a wry smile, “I shouldn't have asked.” His six probing questions were intended to make Fan Peiyao feel awkward enough to retreat, but contrary to her delicate appearance, this Fan Peiyao possessed formidable resolve and told him directly.

“It was a thousand-year-old ginseng root,” Fan Peiyao whispered softly.