Chapter 58

Chapter 58

After all, everyone has their desires and weaknesses.

Since he isn't greedy for wealth, then let's see if he has a weakness for women.

When it comes to men, it usually boils down to just a few things.

Magistrate Pang hatched a plan and took a leisurely sip of his tea, thinking that Shen Yuan was just a teenager from the countryside, born into a poor family. He must have never seen a truly beautiful woman before.

He didn't believe Shen Yuan could remain as unshakable as a rock this time.

One thing everyone acknowledged about Magistrate Pang was his drive to get things done.

But he always used that drive for crooked schemes.

On Shen Yuan's first day at the yamen, he spent the entire day getting acquainted with his duties.

Over these past few days, he was starting to get some ideas for his next story.

The ancient setting limited the range of topics he could write about.

Wuxia was a hugely popular genre for a period in the future, and he was also a big fan of such stories.

The world of jianghu—with its swordfights, chivalry, and righteous courage—was captivating and alluring.

He wanted to try writing one, but while choosing the genre was easy, figuring out the actual plot wasn't so simple.

He still needed to think more about how exactly to write it.

The moment the copper gong rang, signaling the end of the workday, Shen Yuan packed up his things to leave, but someone was even faster, having waited for him at the entrance in advance.

Magistrate Pang had come himself. Seeing Shen Yuan come out, his slightly chubby cheeks lifted in a smile as he coaxed Shen Yuan in a gentle voice, "Ah, Lord Shen, you've worked hard today. I've prepared a table of wine and dishes at a restaurant to celebrate your appointment. Lord Shen must honor me with your presence."

If he dodged it once, they would just keep pestering him later.

Shen Yuan also wanted to know what Magistrate Pang was planning. He had bodyguards shadowing him, so he wasn't too worried about anything happening.

"Very well."

Magistrate Pang had been ready to say more to persuade him, but he didn't expect Shen Yuan to agree so directly, making the smile on his face deepen.

Magistrate Pang wanted Shen Yuan to ride in his carriage, but Shen Yuan declined, preferring to ride his own horse.

Since his main objective was already achieved, Magistrate Pang didn't mind these minor details.

Ji Ping'an was off doing who-knows-what. He'd been at the yamen in the morning but was gone the rest of the day.

Shen Yuan had originally thought about having a meal together with a few people, but it seemed that would have to be postponed.

The streets were still quite busy at this hour. Unlike before, now in the county town, you'd see groups of people gathered at regular intervals, sometimes cheering, sometimes cursing angrily, sometimes gasping in shock.

They were all listening to storytelling. Currently, "Love Between Human and Ghost" had completely captured the public's imagination; even three-year-olds knew ghosts were real.

The crowd ahead suddenly parted, and Shen Yuan guided his horse to the side as well.

From horseback, he had a broader view. Ahead was a funeral procession.

The procession was scattering white cloth coins along the way and carrying white funeral banners.

This was all described in "Love Between Human and Ghost." Because Wu Country had no paper, the folk version—which focused more on sacrificial rites—had changed them to white cloth cut into coin shapes.

So far, these were the only things the people of Qingyun County could replicate.

As for funeral music, that wasn't possible yet.

Musicians would only play for their social superiors.

Although there was no music, the intermittent wails of crying sufficed. Running into a funeral procession at dusk didn't help; Shen Yuan felt a chill run down his spine.

In his previous life, he'd been most afraid of the Ghost Festival. After 6 p.m. on that day, he would avoid going out if possible.

It was a bit embarrassing, but he wasn't scared of anything else—just these invisible, intangible ghosts.

It was a psychological fear. The images his own mind conjured were enough to shatter him from within.

He knew his own "weakness" best. When his imagination ran wild, he couldn't help but scare himself silly.

Shen Yuan looked away. But influenced by "Love Between Human and Ghost," Qingyun County now placed great importance on funerals, souls of the deceased, and such matters.

During the day, everyone was too busy. But at dusk, when people had more leisure time, and with white hemp cloth being affordable, many people on the road were drawing circles to burn cloth coins as offerings.

Those with means burned more; those without burned less.

Some even made a point of following richer funeral processions to pick up the scattered cloth coins and burn them themselves.

By the time he arrived, his clothes had picked up the smoky smell of burning offerings.

Along the way, Shen Yuan asked for directions twice before reaching the restaurant Magistrate Pang mentioned.

This area looked more like a district of residences for the wealthy and powerful. Fortunately, there were signboards and lanterns. Shen Yuan recognized the characters "Wei Xian Ju" (Taste Fresh Residence). That was the correct name. He then dismounted.

A doorman quickly came out, respectfully cupping his hands. Shen Yuan mentioned Magistrate Pang's invitation, and the doorman promptly called another person to specially escort Shen Yuan inside.

His horse was taken by the doorman to be watered and fed.

Wei Xian Ju looked like a residence from the outside, and even more so inside. It was likely a residential courtyard converted into a restaurant.

The scenery inside was quite nice. Although not overly elaborate, there were lotus leaves and flowers in the pond, various small flowers along the paths, and the bluestone-paved paths were simple and classical, giving it a unique charm.

There were several pavilions in the middle and around the pond, connected by covered corridors, all furnished with dining tables, slightly shielded by wooden carved screens.

The evening breeze was cool, carrying a scent of mugwort in the air, which the establishment burned to repel insects.

Shen Yuan followed the waiter further back until they reached a small two-story building, bustling with activity and brightly lit.

Shen Yuan stepped inside and saw a round platform in the center of the first floor. On it, three young and beautiful women were dancing. Their clothing was thin, and they waved long colorful ribbons with their movements.

The tables arranged around were filled with diners. Amidst the clinking of cups, their expressions ranged from suggestive to lecherous. Without exception, they were all staring at the women in the center of the platform.

Only then did Shen Yuan realize what Magistrate Pang was plotting.

So, when wealth couldn't tempt him, he switched to using beauty.

He had been in the county town for so long, yet he had never once heard of this place.

However, were there actually dancing girls in Qingyun County?

Song Zijun had told him before that apart from warfare, the Wu Country was backward in everything else.

Even in a place like Youyang, there aren't many dancing girls.

From the looks of it now, there are indeed few with aboveboard origins, but those brought in through shady means are likely countless.

Shen Yuan gave the stage only a passing glance before continuing to follow the waiter upstairs.

Magistrate Pang's carriage arrived a bit later than Shen Yuan's. Shen Yuan arrived first, and the waiter brought him tea.

Halfway through his tea, Magistrate Pang arrived in a rush, still wearing a cheerful smile, looking like the picture of a decent man. "Sorry to have kept you waiting, Registrar Shen! I'll make it up by punishing myself with three cups later. Today, we're drinking to our fill!"

Magistrate Pang immediately told the waiter to bring out the food and opened another jar of wine. Today, no matter what, he had to get this kid drunk and give him a real taste of pleasure!

Once he got a taste for it, the Magistrate would bring him out to play a few more times. Once he was hooked, wouldn't he follow along readily?

At the Xie family ancestral home, "Chen Yuye" was reporting matters related to the Chen family's tea trade. "According to the secret letter received, a meeting will take place at the Ancient Tea Manor on the tea route in three days."

This meant that there would be a shipment of smuggled salt at the Ancient Tea Manor in three days.

Since the undercover guard disguised as Chen Yuye infiltrated the Chen family, there were no more secrets within the entire household.

Patriarch Chen was now lying low. His daughter-in-law complained to her mother-in-law, saying her husband no longer returned to their room, often went out, and when he saw her, he would only nod without saying a word, not even being close with their own child.

The mother-in-law then approached Patriarch Chen, asking him to find out what was going on with their son.

Patriarch Chen was at his wit's end. How could he tell the truth—that their son had attracted the interest of a man, which was why he was behaving this way?

Not only could he not say it, but he also had to cover for him, especially when he went to the Xie family ancestral home, going to great lengths to keep everyone in the dark.

Patriarch Chen was also in a quandary, wondering whether his initial decision was right or wrong.

Little did he know that the Chen Yuye before him was not his son at all.

Everything was proceeding according to plan. Xie Yulin gave a slight nod. "Personnel will be arranged in advance. You may go."

"Chen Yuye" withdrew, and soon another undercover guard entered to report.

It was the guard assigned to Shen Yuan, who came at a fixed time every day. Xie Yulin sipped his tea as was his habit while listening to the guard recount what Shen Yuan had done that day.

Previously, his days were either spent writing stories or telling stories. When he returned to the village, he would play with his little brother and sister and chat and laugh with the neighbors.

It was a very calm and repetitive life, yet Xie Yulin found it calming to hear, more settling than tea.

As expected, on the very first day, Shen Yuan did something that would make Magistrate Pang anxious.

However, these were trivial matters, and Xie Yulin listened to them as amusing anecdotes.

The undercover guard continued with a blank face, reporting in an even tone devoid of emotion. "Magistrate Pang hadn't managed to buy Registrar Shen's favor with money. After leaving the office, he took him to Wei Xian Ju. Our sources reported that Magistrate Pang prepared someone for Registrar Shen, with aphrodisiac incense burning in the room, waiting for him to be sent in once he was drunk."

Xie Yulin froze with his teacup halfway to his lips. "What did you say?"

Hearing the icy tone, the guard's heart sank. The master was angry.

Had he done something wrong?

The guard could only cautiously repeat himself.

Xie Yulin set down his teacup and inquired mildly, "Has he already been sent in?"

He didn't name anyone, but the guard's intuition guessed who he meant. After a moment of thought, he estimated, "When I left to report, they were on their way to Wei Xian Ju. They are likely drinking by now. The aphrodisiac incense has been checked and won't harm Registrar Shen's health. The person arranged by Magistrate Pang for Registrar Shen is also safe."

Protecting Shen Yuan's safety was their primary responsibility, and the guard kept this in mind, emphasizing to Xie Yulin that he hadn't forgotten the mission and that everything was confirmed to be safe.

Xie Yulin lowered his gaze and slowly removed his gloves. The attendant beside him immediately presented three pairs of gloves for Xie Yulin to choose from.

Xie Yulin tried them on one by one from left to right, and his emotions stabilized considerably before he spoke. "Summon Shen Yuan to see me. Tell him his aunt has been found."

Both the guard and the attendant were stunned, secretly surprised.

Weren't they supposed to test him this way? Why suddenly reveal the cards?

What their master was thinking was not for them to speculate. With the order given, the guard immediately nodded and withdrew.

...

The waiter brought a filter to strain the wine. The slightly greenish wine emitted a fragrant aroma. Shen Yuan had never tasted the wine here before and was curious about the straining process, his eyes fixed on it.

Magistrate Pang assumed Shen Yuan was inexperienced and had never drunk wine before. Thinking about it, it made sense—a country bumpkin who got lucky by clinging to the Xie family couldn't be anything remarkable.

As for the rumors of divine favor, Magistrate Pang simply smiled.

When he sought to become an official and asked someone to write a recommendation letter, he even claimed his mother dreamed of a deity speaking at his birth, saying he had an aura of immortality.

It was merely a tactic used by the nobility to distinguish themselves from ordinary people—nothing but nonsense, believed only by ignorant commoners.

Magistrate Pang genuinely believed that everything about Shen Yuan was orchestrated by the Xie family to elevate him.

As for why they wanted to elevate Shen Yuan, Magistrate Pang didn't know the reason yet and needed to investigate further.

Seeing Shen Yuan still staring at the straining process, Magistrate Pang stroked his beard and unconsciously adopted a lecturing tone. "Registrar Shen, wine tastes much better after being strained. However, some prefer unstrained wine, claiming it has a unique flavor. In my opinion, that's all nonsense. What do they know about drinking? Today, Registrar Shen will drink with me, and I guarantee you'll learn what it truly means to enjoy wine."

Shen Yuan, who was merely curious about the straining process, was interrupted by Magistrate Pang, and the fleeting inspiration for a story that had just emerged vanished.

Shen Yuan looked up at Magistrate Pang with displeasure, his resentment palpable. "Magistrate Pang, you talk too much."

Magistrate Pang had intended to continue explaining how to drink wine, but Shen Yuan's blunt, unvarnished words cut him off, leaving the rest of his words stuck in his throat.

Inspiration was fleeting, and no matter how much Shen Yuan tried, it was useless, so he simply gave up.

Magistrate Pang also suppressed his anger. He had dominated Qingyun County for years and had never been so humiliated by a subordinate!

Couldn't Shen Yuan speak properly? If he couldn't, he should keep his mouth shut!

Yet, he could do nothing about Shen Yuan. He had to endure it, even pretending not to notice the disrespect and continuing to smile along.

Cheers erupted intermittently from downstairs. Shen Yuan rested his chin on his hand, looking relaxed as he listened.

His mind wandered aimlessly, thinking about all sorts of things without any particular order.

Only when the wine was strained and Magistrate Pang called out several times did Shen Yuan snap back to reality.

Magistrate Pang, who thought Shen Yuan was deliberately pretending to be aloof, gritted his teeth so hard he almost crushed them.

The moment Shen Yuan turned to look at him, Magistrate Pang immediately changed his expression.

He picked up the wine pot and poured wine for Shen Yuan. "This wine should be savored slowly to truly appreciate its flavor. After three or five cups, your head will feel slightly dizzy yet clear, as if you're walking on clouds. It's truly delightful."

Shen Yuan lowered his head to look at the faintly greenish wine, really curious about how it would taste.

In his previous life, he hadn’t been particularly fond of drinking, but he'd had to drink plenty for work. However, he had never tasted ancient wine before.

Magistrate Pang was a real shrewd character; he could see right away that Shen Yuan wanted to try it and couldn’t help but urge, “Go on, try it. Let’s see how it tastes.”

Although unfiltered wine wasn’t as strong as clear liquor, it was much more potent than rice wine. A veteran of the drinking scene, Magistrate Pang knew that finishing a whole jar of this unfiltered wine could leave one dazed and bleary-eyed.

He watched Shen Yuan eagerly. For someone who had never drunk before, a few cups of this unfiltered wine would surely knock them out.

Shen Yuan took a small sip, savoring it.

Even though it had been filtered, the simple strainer had its flaws, leaving a slightly gritty texture. Still, it was no big deal. Shen Yuan felt the alcohol content was quite low, similar to beer.

Shen Yuan downed the cup in one go. Magistrate Pang grinned from ear to ear and promptly refilled it.

“Tastes good, huh? Have another.”

Shen Yuan picked up the cup, raised an eyebrow at Magistrate Pang, and held the cup without moving, just staring at him.

Magistrate Pang inexplicably felt as though he had been seen through, but then he thought, *He’s just a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old kid, still wet behind the ears and from the countryside. What does he know about schemes?*

With that thought, Magistrate Pang composed himself and looked back at Shen Yuan, reminding him, “Why aren’t you drinking, Young Shen?”

From “Lord Shen” to “Young Lord Shen” to “Young Shen”—all within the time it took to finish one cup of wine.

Shen Yuan could clearly see that while Magistrate Pang was polite on the surface, his mind was teeming with thoughts.

*This setup is clearly meant to get me drunk. I wonder what he plans to do once I’m intoxicated.*

Shen Yuan decided to play along. Under Magistrate Pang’s watchful eye, he downed the cup of wine once more.

Magistrate Pang continued refilling Shen Yuan’s cup, afraid he might not drink enough.

The original owner of this body had never tasted alcohol, but Shen Yuan from his previous life had a decent tolerance. Perhaps due to the fusion of soul and body, Shen Yuan didn't feel drunk at all after several cups.

Magistrate Pang grew anxious. *Half the jar is gone, yet this kid still isn’t drunk!*

Having seen enough of Magistrate Pang’s suspicious demeanor, Shen Yuan finally let his acting skills take over and began to pretend to be drunk.

His acting wasn't exceptional, but playing a drunk person was no problem for him.

After two more cups, Magistrate Pang clearly couldn’t wait any longer and tentatively asked, “Young Shen? How are you feeling now?”

Shen Yuan remained silent, his dark eyes glazed over with a misty haze. He nodded slowly, reacting half a beat late. “Feeling good.”

Magistrate Pang pressed him with another cup. Shen Yuan shook his head gently, his speech slowing down by half. His eyes fixed intently on Magistrate Pang, making him look exceptionally gullible. “I won’t drink anymore.”

Magistrate Pang studied him for a moment and realized Shen Yuan was drunk.

He wasn't like others who got visibly red when drunk, but his tone and pace of speech were clearly different from normal.

In his drunken state, he appeared guarded but was actually easy to manipulate.

Magistrate Pang picked up the cup and brought it to Shen Yuan’s lips, grinning broadly. “Young Shen, this is fine wine. We mustn’t waste it.”

Shen Yuan half-resisted and half-complied, tilting his head back to drink the cup. Magistrate Pang chuckled, filled with the joy of a scheme succeeding.

A bright future was waving at him.

“Young Shen, if you’re really unwell, shall I take you to rest?” Magistrate Pang put on the demeanor of a concerned official, showing feigned concern for his subordinate.

Shen Yuan lifted his eyelids lazily. “I want to go home. Otherwise, my younger brothers will worry.”

Magistrate Pang agreed without hesitation. “Of course. I’ll have someone escort you home right away. If you’re tired, just close your eyes and sleep.”

Shen Yuan lowered his gaze, nodded slowly, and then fell silent.

Watching Shen Yuan obediently slump onto the table, Magistrate Pang was so excited he could have danced.

He patted Shen Yuan’s face and cautiously called out twice, “Young Shen? Young Shen?”

Confirming that Shen Yuan was unresponsive and dead drunk, Magistrate Pang heaved a sigh of relief and summoned the people he had hidden earlier. “Quick, take him to the backyard!”

The front courtyard of Wei Xian Ju was for dining and scenery, the middle area for dining and watching dances, and the backyard was for guests to stay overnight.

Shen Yuan played the part of a drunk person well, letting his full weight rest on the person supporting him.

Along the way, he also kept an eye out for the hidden guards following him, though he hadn’t spotted them yet.

Just as he was thinking about the hidden guards, two men appeared ahead.

To ensure nothing went wrong, Magistrate Pang personally followed, wanting to see Shen Yuan enter the room before feeling at ease.

The newcomers were dressed in fine clothing, making Magistrate Pang’s heart skip a beat.

Sure enough, the two men stopped in front of them. One of them said coldly, “Young Master Lin wishes to see Registrar Shen. We’re taking him with us.”

Magistrate Pang felt a lump in his throat, stifling and uncomfortable.

All his efforts, wasted at the last moment!

What could he do? He couldn’t refuse.

Helpless, he handed Shen Yuan over with a pained and regretful expression, not forgetting to put on a show of camaraderie. “Registrar Shen is drunk. Please take care on the way, or he might feel unwell.”

The hidden guard who took Shen Yuan ignored Magistrate Pang. One of them immediately hoisted Shen Yuan onto his back and left.

Are you kidding? Young Master Lin wants to see him immediately. How dare they go slow?

Do they have a death wish?