The First Young Master and the Unexpected Guest

A folk poem goes:

“Willow slender, cool melodies play,

Her fame ascends, captivating Huanzhou Province.

Sword light dances, sleeves softly sway,

Her gentle words, sweeter than Wu’s mellow.”

Jiang Buwei had long heard of this “First Young Master of Willow Lane” extolled in the poem.

He was the Crown Prince of the former Liangtang Dynasty, sent as a hostage to Western Huan in his youth.

However, after the new Liangtang emperor ascended the throne, he drifted here, his fate uncertain.

Though Jiang Buwei’s intelligence network hadn’t unearthed the full details of his past, his very ability to thrive and navigate the complexities of Liangqu City spoke volumes. It was clear that despite being a man, he was far from simple.

Beneath his gentle, jade-like exterior, an unyielding pride was etched into his very bones, like a lone wolf from beyond the Great Wall. Even when trapped in this worldly dust, he would never be content as a caged bird.

After careful consideration, Jiang Buwei still felt that the more naive “new branch” from the same Willow Lane would be a more suitable pawn to manipulate and move.

“Young Master Yan, this is none other than the renowned Chief Merchant Jiang, who dominates the trade routes of Western Huan’s Northern Frontier!”

Long Yan clapped Jiang Buwei heartily on the shoulder, introducing her to bridge the gap between them.

“Don’t let her youth deceive you. As a merchant, she has traveled extensively, gaining rich experience from north to south. She’s efficient, possesses a uniquely sharp and seasoned eye, and in terms of wisdom and foresight, those petty peddlers who only chase profit and engage in speculation can’t even compare. If we’re talking heroes among merchants, Chief Merchant Jiang is this!”

Long Yan gushed to Yan Bai, simultaneously giving Jiang Buwei a thumbs-up.

Though a bit exaggerated, those familiar with her knew this was the Upper General’s straightforward nature. She never stinted on praise for people and things worthy of recognition.

Jiang Buwei, however, maintained a serene, gentle smile, nodding in acknowledgment. Her tone was humble:

“Upper General, you flatter me. Buwei is merely driven by the need to make a living, scurrying about conducting small trades to put food on the table. It is only by heaven’s grace and your kind appreciation that I have achieved any modest success.

It’s rather presumptuous to say, but today I merely intended to select a few new horse harnesses, hoping to avail myself of the convenience at the military stable grounds. I never expected your generous invitation to this banquet, so I was hasty and didn’t even prepare a proper introductory gift…”

“See? You’re getting bogged down by all these tedious formalities again, aren’t you? Besides, Chief Merchant Jiang, you’ve traveled a long way. To share a table, to listen to anecdotes from your long journeys, and to sweep away the weariness of military life with some comfort—that is the finest gift of all.”

Long Yan waved her hand dismissively.

“As for the horse harnesses, my craftsmen in the military workshop are at your disposal. Whether you want gold wire inlaid with jade or dark iron carvings, they will custom-make them to your complete satisfaction!”

“I am grateful for your thoughtfulness, Upper General.”

Jiang Buwei replied with a smile, her gaze subtly sweeping over Long Yan’s hearty face.

Though the Upper General before her seemed utterly guileless in her words and actions, Jiang Buwei knew that today was surely more than just a simple chat, a drink, and a reunion.

Logically, the Upper General of Western Huan’s Northern Frontier, tasked with guarding Liangqu, knew how many feathers were on every wild goose that flew over the city walls.

Jiang Buwei was certain that Long Yan was fully aware of her movements upon entering Liangqu City’s borders this time.

If there were no other matters, this busy general would certainly not have chosen this particular day to invite someone, let alone arrange such a grand display, even bringing the Young Master of Willow Lane to accompany them.

As if to confirm her nascent suspicion, Long Yan’s laughter gradually subsided, then she paused abruptly.

“Oh, right—”

Having negotiated countless prices and met innumerable people as a merchant, Jiang Buwei knew better than anyone that whether someone was rambling about trivialities from across the land or discussing serious business, if they suddenly said “Oh, right,” then things were no longer right.

She remained silent, maintaining her polite smile, waiting for Long Yan to continue with the pre-planned turn of conversation.

“I almost forgot. Speaking of which, besides you two, there are a few other guests who have also traveled from afar today… Han Jue, go and bring the esteemed officials from the auxiliary camp over!”

Watching Han Jue leave the tent with the personal guards to fetch the guests, and with no other outsiders present, Long Yan lowered her voice slightly and continued her explanation.

“To be honest, the guests arriving are all treasury officials, assistant ministers, or superintendents from the Ministry of Works. They claim to be discussing winter provisions and military supplies—all troublesome people.

Buwei, you know that as a general guarding the frontier, I only do one thing: kill enemies, kill enemies, and kill enemies. I’ve always been indifferent to matters of calculation and accounting, so I wanted to ask for your help in advising them. Ah… never mind. In any case, both of you, please take your seats first. They will be here shortly.”

“I see…”

Jiang Buwei responded with a wry smile and a nod, exchanging a glance with Yan Bai. Inadvertently, she noticed a thoughtful, complex expression hidden deep within the young master’s eyes.

The large sand table and strategic maps behind the screen had been temporarily removed, replaced by a series of banquet tables arranged along the central aisle.

Small stoves on individual guest tables diffused fragrant aromas, and silver chopsticks and jade plates were already meticulously laid out, awaiting their occupants.

Before long, with a rustle outside the tent, ceremonial guards led six or seven exquisitely dressed women into the commander’s tent in the main military camp.

The elderly woman at the head wore a vermilion gold phoenix crown, and the eastern pearls embedded in her jade belt were perfectly round, like dragon’s eyes.

The middle-aged woman immediately following her was equally resplendent in her attire, with a filigree gold crown atop her high bun, and a bright, eye-catching green jade fish tally hanging from her waist.

Long Yan rose from her commander’s seat to greet them.

“Esteemed colleagues, having traveled so far, and as fellow officials of the Western Huan court, by rights, this general should have led the army to welcome you from afar. However, my military duties have kept me preoccupied, and only today do I find leisure. Please forgive me!”

Upon hearing this, the officials couldn’t help but exchange glances. Though not overtly expressed, a degree of resentment arose among them.

Who didn’t know that the Upper General of the Northern Frontier was inept with paperwork? To claim to be busy with official duties, when she wasn’t even seen during drills and patrols—she likely just hid in her camp drinking whenever there wasn’t a battle! She was clearly deliberately avoiding them.

Despite their grievances, the elderly woman at the head raised her voice, still managing to speak.

“General Long is incredibly busy. This old woman feels deeply honored that you could spare some time to meet us today—”

“Chief Steward Zhao, you jest. Come, come, let’s dispense with the pleasantries, please take your seats, everyone.”

Long Yan waved a hand, signaling the ceremonial guards to attend to the distinguished guests, and then returned to her main seat.

While the other officials greeted the Upper General, Jiang Buwei coolly observed this group of “distinguished guests.”

Superintendents from the Ministry of Works, warehouse officials from the Ministry of Revenue, commissaries from military logistics… all were powerful figures who held the lifeline of military supplies.

From their clothing and fabrics, it was evident that some were even royalty and nobility of Western Huan.

They appeared to bow respectfully to Long Yan, yet their gazes, sweeping over Jiang Buwei and Yan Bai, held undisguised disdain—a merchant reeking of copper, and a male courtesan of the lowest class. To sit at the same table with them was an insult to their status.

“This official has heard that the Upper General is always strict and fair in governing the army.”

The Superintendent stroked her jade bracelet, a cold smile playing on her lips.

“Now it seems rumors cannot be fully trusted. Even those from brothels can enter the main hall.”

The tent instantly fell silent.

Yan Bai lowered his eyes, pouring wine. The clear, tinkling sound of amber liquid falling into the cup was distinctly audible.

Jiang Buwei slowly peeled a grape, its purplish-red juice staining her fingertips a vibrant crimson, as if the recent taunt was nothing more than the buzzing of a fly.

Long Yan suddenly burst into laughter, making the cups and plates on the table clatter noisily.

“Your words, Superintendent, hit the mark! This general specifically invited Young Master Yan precisely to open your eyes—”

She clapped her hands three times, and immediately, a troop of male courtesans poured into the tent from outside.

Jiang Buwei had no intention of looking up, but a flurry of whispers piqued her curiosity, making her raise an eyebrow.

“Is Liangqu so devoid of people? Why are they even stuffing beggars in here…”

“What do you know? Perhaps the Northern Frontier just prefers this rough and wild style…”

She followed the sound and saw a white-clad youth mixed among the dazzling, jewel-bedecked male courtesans.

His raven-black hair was a messy tangle, and his plain, loose-fitting robe hung on him like a faded sackcloth. At this moment, he was furtively tugging at his overly long sleeves, utterly unaware of how conspicuous he was among a flock of peacocks.

Jiang Buwei’s hand trembled, and the grape plopped onto the table.

Xia Qian?!