Soft and fragrant in his embrace, Governor Liao’s face blossomed into a smile; the paleness gave way to a rosy flush as he encircled Lian Xiang in his arms and hugged her even tighter.

The way he carried himself was clearly that of an old acquaintance. Shen Hao, following behind, took it all in, wondering to himself if this Governor Liao was, in fact, the Big Financier behind Lian Xiang.

This was a Junior Fourth Grade high official! And a Junior Fourth Grade in the Xuanqing Guard—placed in any local office, he’d be far more influential than a Senior Fourth Grade.

Moreover, according to the customs of the Jingjiu Dynasty, all military positions, once they surpassed the Fifth Grade, would be shifted to the Imperial City, counted as Imperial City Officials. Generally, they no longer oversaw frontline affairs but moved closer to the center of power. The Xuanqing Guard, after all, was a military post. And given the Xuanqing Guard’s unique nature—quite different from ordinary military appointments—other military posts moved closer to the Imperial City to have their powers restricted; yet for the Xuanqing Guard, proximity to the Imperial City made their authority all the more significant.

From Shen Hao’s recollection, the Xuanqing Guard only had one Governor surnamed Liao, who happened to be Jiang Cheng’s direct superior: Liao Chengfeng.

If Liao Chengfeng was the financier behind Lian Xiang, it would explain why Jiang Cheng always treated Lian Xiang, a mere songstress, with such respect.

After the pleasantries, everyone settled into their seats. Shen Hao sat at the lowest place. By rights, someone with a Trial Hundred Households rank shouldn’t be seated at a banquet of this calibre, but since this was a private gathering and Shen Hao was clearly brought in specially by Jiang Cheng, the other three bosses said nothing—only curious as to Shen Hao’s identity and why Jiang Cheng was introducing him as if he were worthy of recommendation.

Sure enough, shortly after sitting, Jiang Cheng heartily pointed at Shen Hao to introduce: "Lord Liao, this is General Flag Officer Shen Hao of Li City Black Banner Battalion. He’s currently learning the ropes from me. I brought him here tonight to broaden his horizons."

"Oh? So he’s Shen Hao?"

Not only did Liao Chengfeng turn to look, the other two Households Officers also glanced at Shen Hao, their eyes filled with an inscrutable meaning, but clearly they’d heard of him before.

"Yes, this is Shen Hao. The recent operations in Fengri City were all accomplished through his efforts; he’s a capable young man with ideas." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Jiang Cheng’s words seemed casual yet carried layers of implication; he even referred to Shen Hao as ’youngster.’ There was no need to spell things out—everyone present understood perfectly well.

Liao Chengfeng’s eyes shone even brighter at this, his posture straighter as he smiled and looked Shen Hao up and down. "Even younger than I’d imagined. Quite distinguished in appearance!"

Shen Hao, somewhat startled by the honor, hadn’t expected Jiang Cheng to praise him so highly. He hurriedly bowed to Governor Liao, hands clasped, and declared loudly: "Shen Hao greets the lords! Any minor achievements I have are thanks to Lord Jiang’s guidance. I dare not accept such high praise from your lordships."

Liao Chengfeng shook his head with a smile. "Heh. Jiang Cheng is forthright—he never likes to embellish. If he says you’re capable, then you’re certainly capable. No need for false modesty."

At these words, Shen Hao immediately recalled Jiang Cheng’s advice at noon today, realizing now that Jiang Cheng had been preparing him for tonight’s drinking party. Liao Chengfeng was clearly not one for empty polite talk; excessive modesty would only earn displeasure. So he abandoned humility and simply grinned sheepishly.

Jiang Cheng, as host, raised his cup and set the evening’s banquet in motion.

Shen Hao, sharp-eyed, noticed tonight’s feast was quite unlike what he expected. From what he knew, Jiang Cheng was a boisterous sort: whether drinking or eating, he favored plenty, large portions, and boldness—meat by the slab, bowls of drink, loud bragging. That was his habit. Yet now, everything on the table was quite the opposite.

The wine was excellent, but it was sweet fruit wine; the cups weren’t horns, but delicate ones holding but five coins’ worth.

The dishes likewise avoided the ’plenty and large’ route, aiming instead for ’beauty and finesse.’

Even Jiang Cheng, who always laughed heartily after wine, spoke softly, refraining from raising his voice, and what’s more, managed not to look the least bit pent-up or uncomfortable.

Though Jiang Cheng was the host, the true guest of honor was Liao Chengfeng. All these changes at the table were shaped to suit this scholar-spirited main guest.

Sipping from fine cups and speaking in low voices soon had Shen Hao nearly drifting off from drink, unable to get comfortable, forced to wear a mask of enjoyment though he felt far from it.

Watching Jiang Cheng conversing with ease, Shen Hao couldn’t help but sigh to himself: People, really, have it tough.

After three rounds of wine and five courses, Liao Chengfeng set down his chopsticks. The others followed, elegantly picking up handkerchiefs to wipe their mouths—they knew it was time for the next ’act.’

"Jiang Cheng, shall we play a drinking game? Any objections from you all? Jiang Cheng, what do you say? Always drinking in silence—you ought to join in!" Liao Chengfeng laughed heartily.

"Exactly—Lord Jiang always dodges the drinking games, or just relies on his huge capacity to drink alone. No fun in that!"

"Haha, Lord Jiang’s all about his blade. When we play drinking games and compose poetry, of course he ends up drinking solo!"

The three—including Liao Chengfeng—were all serving in the Imperial City; long removed from the killing fields, the evil qi had faded, replaced by scholarly airs. After all, in the Imperial City, lacking refinement was a mark against a man; so, over time, they grew fond of such pursuits. It was only at moments like this that Jiang Cheng, big and bluff, struggled—he could drink robustly but not utter a line of poetry.

Their words poked fun at Jiang Cheng, but friendship made it gentle. Jiang Cheng took no offense; for him, recognizing characters was hard enough—writing poetry was out of the question.

This time, though, Jiang Cheng’s smile was broad, showing no intention to drink alone. With a sweep of his big hand, he pointed at Shen Hao in the lowest seat, declaring proudly: "I came prepared! Shen Hao is my subordinate, learning from me. Now that I face trouble, it’s only right he steps forward to support me, isn’t it?"

"What? You want Shen Hao to compose poetry for you? He won’t join in himself?"

"He’ll join—do double, in fact. This much, Shen Hao can handle."

Jiang Cheng spoke with confidence, surprising Liao Chengfeng and the others, until Lian Xiang beside them grinned, leaned in to whisper two words in Liao Chengfeng’s ear, and clarified the mystery.

"Haha! Jiang Cheng, so that’s why you’re so calm tonight—you brought in an expert for backup!" Liao Chengfeng laughed, amused at Jiang Cheng’s little scheme. He turned to the other Households Officers and explained: "Doesn’t Shen Hao’s name sound familiar to you? The author of ’A Cut of Plum’ and ’Bushi: You Live at the Head of the White River’—which have spread across the Imperial City’s Flower Houses and even the Book Workshops and tea rooms—is none other than this young man right here!"

With those two titles mentioned, everyone suddenly saw the light; their looks toward Shen Hao changed, tinged with new meaning.

No wonder these three had reacted slowly. Shen Hao’s aura was all evil qi and decisiveness—nothing of the gentle scholar. People simply never connected such martial bearing with the author of tender, romantic lyrics.

Yet none accused Jiang Cheng of shamelessness. Instead, they were curious whether this famed, talented lyricist would produce another masterpiece in tonight’s drinking game.