Chapter 56

Wang Jiagui, as the Marquis, had a father named Wang Bi. Initially, he gathered the people of Fengyang to protect themselves. A year later, he led his followers to join Zhu Yuanzhang, who, recognizing his martial prowess, appointed Wang Bi as his personal guard.

Wang Bi was fearless in battle. During the campaign against Chen Youliang, he led the charge multiple times, breaking through the enemy's main forces. In the Battle of Poyang Lake, he personally slew several of the enemy's top generals, earning great merit and being promoted to Commander of the Right Wing of the Cavalry Guard.

When Zhang Shicheng was besieged, he fought fiercely to break through the western gate, which was guarded by Chang Yuchun. Knowing the strength of Zhang Shicheng's personal troops, Chang Yuchun asked Wang Bi, "They say you are a valiant general. Would you dare to lead the troops to strike hard?" Wang Bi readily agreed and indeed repelled Zhang Shicheng's main forces. Subsequently, Chang Yuchun took advantage of the situation to capture the city and ultimately defeat the enemy.

Zhu Yuanzhang called Wang Bi "My Double Saber Wang," highlighting his bravery. Wang Bi continued to achieve great feats and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Dingyuan. In the famous "Fishing Sea" battle, when General Lan Yu considered retreating after advancing a thousand miles, it was Wang Bi who persuaded him to continue, leading to the complete destruction of the Golden Family.

Now, Wang Bi is training troops in Hebei with Fu Youde and is not in the capital. The Wang family has eight siblings, including six brothers, and the youngest sister is married to the Prince of Chu.

With a wealthy and noble family to rely on, Wang's wife is not concerned about losing power at home. She is happy to let her younger siblings handle the trivial matters, allowing her to enjoy a carefree life. It was Wang's wife who persuaded her husband to switch to a military career. In recent years, generals like Lan Yu and Fu Youde have achieved great victories in the north and south, earning immense fame, while the Wei Guogong Mansion has remained low-key, gradually being forgotten by the world.

Xu Yaosu and his wife were not content with this situation, so under Wang Bi's recommendation, Xu Yaosu was promoted to a deputy commander in a certain guard in the capital, and his grandson Xu Wen was appointed as a hundred-household officer through imperial favor.

Xu Hao was unaware of these internal factors. He escorted the ladies into the magnificent Marquis of Dingyuan's Mansion and only then felt a sense of unease. He wondered about the fate of the Wang family, knowing that Zhu Yuanzhang had almost exterminated all his meritorious subjects. Would the Wang family meet the same end? Could it affect his own family? Logically, it shouldn't, as his uncle was just a minor deputy commander.

Xu Hao sighed, realizing that even with knowledge of the future, he was powerless. Even a genius could do little in less than a year. Trying to convince a renowned general who had fought for a lifetime to retire and hide like a turtle would be like a dreamer's fantasy.

In matters involving imperial power, one must be extremely cautious. The inspection of the land deeds that morning had already made Xu Hao break out in a cold sweat. He no longer dared to think that he could change the course of events with just his words.

With a complex expression, Xu Hao took one last look at the splendid Marquis's Mansion, sensing the hidden dangers beneath its grand facade. He did not want to be involved with the Wang family and hurriedly left with his people.

On the way, they passed several partially constructed buildings, which looked grand and impressive, all located on bustling streets. Xu Hao casually asked what was happening, and a servant ran to ask a passerby.

The servant returned and reported, "His Majesty said that with envoys from all over the world coming to court, our Great Ming must have appropriate inns to entertain them, so he ordered the construction of ten inns."

Is this true? Xu Hao thought, surprised that Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang had the foresight to build large inns. His interest was piqued, and he turned his horse toward the palace.

During the Lantern Festival, the entire inner city to the palace was open to pedestrians. Everywhere, vendors were selling various goods and snacks, and countless lanterns and mountain-shaped lanterns competed for beauty, with the streets crowded with people.

Following the crowd, Xu Hao finally reached the foot of the Imperial City. He squeezed to the Ministry of Works, where the walls were covered with notices. He read them carefully and soon found what he was looking for.

Xu Hao whispered, "With peace in the land, His Majesty wishes to share joy with the people. He has ordered the Ministry of Works to build ten inns outside the Jiangdong gates. The people can set up taverns in them to welcome guests from all directions. The inns are named Zui Xian, He Ming, Ou Ge, Gu Fu, Lai Bin, Chong Ze, and others. Due to the enthusiasm of the people, His Majesty is pleased and has ordered the construction of five more inns. The citizens of the capital can register with the government and choose suitable locations to open taverns."

Xu Hao decided he must secure one of these inns. It was a great opportunity, with the government providing the premises for free, saving a large sum of money. He only needed to manage the business, paying rent and taxes.

Food is the foundation of life, and running a tavern would be a good business. The question was who could register with the government. It had to be someone with a civilian identity. Xu Hao had a person in mind and instructed Li Hu, the cousin of Qiuxiang, who is eighteen years old, to return home.

On the way to the Wei Guogong Mansion, Xu Hao continued to think about the matter. He couldn't put all his eggs in one basket, and this business should not be linked to the Xu family. He needed a partner.

After some thought, Xu Hao said, "Let's not go to the Wei Guogong Mansion. We'll go to the Qianning Wang Mansion."

The Qianning Wang Mansion, after the death of the Marquis Mu Ying last year, was inherited by his eldest son Mu Chun, who continued to govern Yunnan. This marked the beginning of the Mu family's unique status as the only hereditary noble family in the Ming Dynasty with actual territorial control, making Yunnan an integral part of Han civilization. The Mu family was highly respected by the Han people.

Mu Ying was posthumously enfeoffed as a king and worshipped in the imperial temple, and the mansion was respectfully called the Wang Mansion, although it still held the title of Marquis.

This year, the head of the family, Mu Chun, did not return to the capital for the festival. At the moment, his younger brother Mu Sheng was entertaining several friends in the front courtyard. Due to the mourning period, there was no music or entertainment.

Xu Hao felt a sense of reflection as he entered the mansion. The safest and most secure people were these second-generation officials whose fathers had died, enjoying wealth and status without the threat of death. The Mu family and Li Jinglong were examples of turning misfortune into fortune. In contrast, his own grandfather Xu Da, who was still strong, had become a ticking time bomb.

In the courtyard, he saw a group of young people drinking and chatting in a room with open windows. Xu Hao was about to continue down the corridor when he was spotted by Mu Sheng, who was sitting in the main seat.

"Xu Hao, come over. We were just talking about you."

Mu Sheng, twenty-five years old, was dark and muscular, unlike his elegant and beautiful sister. It was said that Mu Chun was as handsome as his name suggested, while the mischievous Mu Ang resembled his second brother.

Xu Hao had no choice but to approach. He had met Mu Sheng a couple of times, and Mu Sheng had been quite cold then. He wondered why he was so warm today.

Looking through the window, he recognized most of the people present: Li Jinglong, Xu Jingqin, and the eldest son of the Cao family, who was smiling at him.

Xu Hao entered the room and said, "Old Cao, you wait. A gentleman never lets a grudge go unavenged."

Cao stood up, swaying, and said, "You're a good man. We'll settle our accounts later. Come, brother, I'll toast you."

Conflicts among young nobles were common. Everyone was young and hot-headed, and who didn't have a few enemies? Xu Hao wasn't petty and took an empty cup, which a servant filled with wine.

"Cheers," Xu Hao said with a smile. Cao replied, "Good, let's drink to it."

After they both finished their drinks, Mu Sheng laughed, "I didn't expect you, Xu Hao, to match Li Jinglong. If I had known you had this ability, I would have treated you as a distinguished guest. I apologize for my earlier neglect, and I'll make it up to you with three large cups."

Xu Hao glanced at his elder cousin Xu Jingqin, who showed no signs of displeasure, and said, "I'm just a nominal leader. The real commanders are the Prince of Yan and my elder brother. They are the ones who have been generous to me."

Xu Jingqin smiled and said, "You're clever and have never interacted with us. Otherwise, how could you have outsmarted Li Jinglong? He is indeed formidable, quickly adapting and turning the tide. If it hadn't been for the heavy rain, we would have lost."

Xu Hao bowed to Li Jinglong, the future incompetent general, and said, "Brother Jinglong, I apologize for the sneak attack. On that day, we were not a match for you in a fair fight."

Li Jinglong laughed and walked over, patting Xu Hao on the shoulder. "In battle, one must do what is necessary. The art of war says to feign weakness when strong and strength when weak. You made me suffer a small loss, which is a rare talent."

Xu Hao smiled outwardly but inwardly despised him. If he hadn't let him off, Li Jinglong would have been completely defeated. He was easy to beat.

It seemed that after that mock battle, he had gained a reputation among the young nobles in the capital. His father had once commented on his elder cousin Xu Jingqin, saying he was arrogant and looked down on others. This was indeed true, as he was too proud to take credit for others' achievements.

Xu Hao's status was far below the young nobles present, but he spoke without deference, remaining calm and composed. In their eyes, he had the air of a distinguished scholar.

After a few rounds of drinks, Li Jinglong sighed, "How is your sister? Is your aunt well? I can't enter the inner quarters to visit her, but I've been thinking about her."

Xu Hao perked up, and Mu Sheng said, "We're family, brother. You can enter the inner quarters to see her. Why ask me?"

Xu Hao realized that Li Jinglong and Mu Sheng were both adopted sons of Zhu Yuanzhang, making them relatives, and it was natural for him to enter the inner quarters.

"Ah," Li Jinglong's face showed a fleeting pain, "She doesn't like me. Seeing her would only make us both uncomfortable. Just tell me, don't beat around the bush."

"It's a pity that my sister is so shortsighted. Since you're already married, don't dwell on the past," Mu Sheng said, glancing at Xu Hao. "She has been feeling unwell recently but has recovered."

Suddenly, the eldest Cao son asked, "What does Ningxue think? She doesn't like anyone. Is there no one among us she finds suitable?"

Mu Sheng smiled bitterly, "Don't ask me. She's always been independent and has the support of the Empress. Even my mother can't make decisions for her. Who can control her?"

Xu Jingqin, recalling his past proposal being rejected, still harbored resentment. He coldly said, "I think she doesn't like us warriors. She wants to marry a talented scholar. Scholars and beauties make a perfect match."

Mu Sheng nodded, "I agree. There are many beauties in the capital. Why should everyone be fixated on her? It's a waste of our manly spirit."

Xu Hao's heart sank. He didn't think he was much better than the others. Mu Ningxue's pride suggested that their relationship would remain a mere illusion.