Chapter Eleven: Reaching Consensus

At this moment, Linger also set aside her earlier sense of disdain. After all, what Li Zisheng had just conveyed was that he, too, had powerful backing and was not someone to be taken lightly. Since she had agreed to his proposal, she would have to see it through. A merchant values profit, and having weighed her choices, she knew she could not simply refuse.

Noticing the change in Linger’s expression, Li Zisheng realized his display of borrowed authority had worked. Now, it was time for Linger to introduce herself, for he still knew nothing of Sanwei Residence.

As expected, Linger looked at Li Zisheng. “Little Brother Zisheng, since you’ve made your position clear and I’ve promised you a share of the profits, I won’t keep you in the dark about the affairs of Sanwei Residence. Let me explain: Sanwei Residence is a colossal entity. However, the portion of profits you’ll receive is only from this particular establishment—not from the entire organization. If it were otherwise, even I would not have the authority to decide. The jade token I just gave you is a symbol of my identity. Within the Guannei Circuit, it holds considerable sway—you can use it at any Sanwei Residence to collect a small amount of silver, as well as to obtain some information you might need.”

Though Li Zisheng had anticipated as much, he was still somewhat stunned to hear it. He had just mentioned the Grand Marshal of the Guannei Circuit, and while Linger’s attitude had shifted, her pride was evident when she spoke of Sanwei Residence’s vastness. Clearly, the forces behind Sanwei Residence were beyond his imagination.

“Then, I must trouble you, Sister Linger, to help me seek out Medicine King Wei,” Li Zisheng said, flattering her, since he still needed her help. The note he had written could indeed elevate Sanwei Residence, but until it was realized, it remained a promise yet to be fulfilled.

“Come, little brother, here are one hundred taels of silver.” The corpulent proprietor returned, a sizable bundle in his hands.

Baliang followed behind the proprietor. Li Zisheng signaled to Baliang, who took the bundle from the proprietor. Feeling its weight, Baliang first sized up everyone present, then cautiously opened a small slit in the package to sneak a peek inside.

Afterward, he took a deep breath, quickly sealed the package again, and clutched it tightly to his chest.

Seeing Baliang act this way, even Li Zisheng felt a slight tightening in his own expression. While he was indifferent to money, a hundred taels was no small fortune in these times.

Having achieved his goal, Li Zisheng’s attention shifted to the affairs of Sanwei Residence.

“Young man, I plan to promote these two poems of yours, but your name can’t be used. I’ll assign you a pseudonym. Rest assured, your poems will not go unappreciated,” Linger said, sensing Li Zisheng’s intention to leave.

“But if you go now, there’s another matter to consider: the crowd outside has not yet dispersed. If you go out now, you’ll become the target of all eyes, and such early exposure can only bring you harm.”

Li Zisheng understood. Entering Sanwei Residence had been a matter of chance, and he had not given it much thought. But if anyone with ill intent investigated, it could spell trouble.

“One more thing, Brother Zisheng—thank you for your insights on drinking. You’ve helped me a great deal,” Linger said with a delighted smile, the gloom beneath her veil seeming to lift.

“Sister Linger, you praise me too highly—it was nothing,” he replied.

“I must say, I’m curious, little brother. At such a young age, you seem to have the understanding of a seasoned adult when it comes to drinking,” Linger teased.

“Brother Zisheng, news of Medicine King Wei will reach you within two days. Proprietor Sun, please show our guest out.”

The corpulent proprietor complied, leading Baliang and Li Zisheng into a secret passage and out of the establishment, blindfolding them both. After winding through countless turns, Li Zisheng suddenly felt a blaze of light piercing through the cloth over his eyes, so bright that even the black fabric could hardly block it.

“We’ve arrived, Young Master Li,” the proprietor’s voice sounded in his ear.

“Thank you for guiding us, Proprietor Sun,” Li Zisheng said, removing his blindfold as he spoke.

Opening his eyes, he found himself just outside the military encampment of Lingzhou, concealed within a grove. He had no idea how he’d gotten there, but his estimation of Sanwei Residence’s power grew even greater—bold enough to build a secret passage leading outside the military camp.

Baliang was equally shocked. The two of them had entered what seemed an ordinary tavern, yet it wielded such influence and treated his young master with such respect. For the first time, Baliang doubted his own advice to avoid entanglements with such forces. Perhaps his young master truly could contend with these mysterious powers. But just as the thought crossed his mind, he quickly dismissed it. Baliang was a man who repaid kindness; he had resolved to follow his young master for the rest of his life and had to put his master’s safety first. He could not, out of personal ambition, put his master at risk.

Thinking thus, he tightened his hold on the bundle of silver, clutching it as if it were his very lifeline.

Li Zisheng bid farewell to Proprietor Sun and slowly left the woods, making his way toward the barracks. He felt as though, without meaning to, he had stumbled upon a fertile opportunity. Sanwei Residence was a giant force he could leverage, and there was now a viable path to find Medicine King Wei. His next order of business would be to prepare for the literary contest with the Turkic delegation.

There were also the puzzles left by Governor Zhang and the matter of his revered teacher that required attention.

Yet he knew, before long, the mysterious force Baliang had mentioned would surely come searching for him. He would have to be fully prepared.

The rain had not yet ceased, drizzling on relentlessly, but Li Zisheng’s mood was as if a glimmer of light had pierced through the thickest gloom. He had finally found a point of breakthrough, and Sanwei Residence was to be his starting point.

“Baliang, let’s go back—the rain is getting chilly,” Li Zisheng said, at last speaking with ease for the first time since his arrival at Huile.

Baliang agreed, holding an umbrella for Li Zisheng as they made their way, step by step, toward the encampment. Watching the small figure of his master ahead, Baliang—for the first time—felt that Li Zisheng was truly larger than life.

Li Zisheng’s sudden appearance outside the camp as he returned to the barracks immediately caught the attention of General Deng.

“Where on earth did Li Zisheng go? Why did he return to camp so abruptly?” General Deng asked in surprise, turning to Mr. Lin.

“General, the boy Li Zisheng harbors many secrets. The soldiers report that he and his companion were strolling in Lecheng, but then vanished suddenly from sight. Not long after, Li Zisheng simply reappeared outside the camp.”

“What? You’re saying Li Zisheng appeared outside the camp out of nowhere?”

The shock was shared by Zhong Bai in the deputy’s tent.