Chapter 10

Wang He was so angry that he cursed, "You two fools, what do you know! Wang Shiji wants the money to set up his military office. If he succeeds in the southern campaign against Chen, he will definitely return as a Pillar of the State, or even a Grand Pillar of the State. There will be hundreds of staff inside and outside his military office. Do you think he would come if it were less than ten thousand coins?"

At this moment, he put on this act, thinking of first saying that you few are no good, and that he doesn't want you, and then raising the price. Can't you see that?"

Wang Huashi and Wang Huawei stuck out their tongues in fear and dared not say a word.

Wang Huaqiang frowned deeply. His father's words were exactly what he had been thinking. Wang Shiji's attitude was clearly a ploy to demand a high price. If he really didn't want the ten thousand coins, he wouldn't have come here at all.

Wang He sighed deeply, "If it's a blessing, it won't be a disaster; if it's a disaster, it can't be avoided. No matter what, Wang Shiji has come, giving me, his cousin, some face. Huashi, help me up. Huawei, bring my clothes. I need to freshen up. Huaqiang, go to the front and see him. He mentioned you in his letter and seems quite interested in you. Greet him well and lead him to the reception hall. Tell him I'll be there shortly."

Wang Huaqiang responded and turned to look at his two brothers, "Elder Brother, Third Brother, Ah Da is very ill. Please take good care of him."

Wang Huashi said seriously, "Huaqiang, don't worry. Go quickly to the front. When we arrived, that guy was already getting impatient."

Wang Huaqiang turned and ran out the door. The Wang family was a prominent household in Xinfeng City, but they only had two courtyards. In no time, Wang Huaqiang reached the front door.

He saw his other brothers standing guard at the main gate, and Wang Shiji was standing outside in casual attire, looking as imposing as ever. After five years, his appearance hadn't changed much; he was still formidable and strong, even in casual clothes, his presence was intimidating, making people dare not look directly at him.

By his side was a servant dressed in black, a man as strong as a bear, who was none other than Huangfu Xiaoxie from years ago. He was holding two tall horses and stood with his head lowered behind Wang Shiji.

Wang Huaqiang's head, which had been hit years ago, throbbed with pain. He suppressed his annoyance and greeted Wang Shiji with a smile, "General Wang, it's been a long time. My father is changing his clothes and has asked me to welcome you first. Please come to the reception hall."

Wang Shiji looked at Wang Huaqiang coldly. His thick eyebrows were like ink, and his eyes were sharp like knives. Standing at the door, he exuded the aura of a general, making even the robust Huangfu Xiaoxie stand with his head bowed, not daring to look up.

Wang Shiji's mouth moved, and his voice was deep and powerful, "Are you Huaqiang? It's been five years, and you've grown so much."

Wang Huaqiang bowed again, "Yes, it's me. My father has instructed me to invite you to the reception hall."

Wang Shiji said in a deep voice, "Today, I have come not for personal matters but for official business. Your uncle wrote that you three brothers are promising talents and advised me to take care of you. So, I took the time out of my busy schedule to come and assess you, as your grandfather was also a general."

"But just now, I asked your elder brother and third brother to inform your father and for you to come out. Now that you're here, they haven't come out. Are you wasting my time like this?"

As Wang Shiji spoke the last few words, his voice became harsh and loud, making Wang Huaqiang's eardrums vibrate. The deep, powerful voice also frightened the people nearby, making the whole street quiet. Even the two horses behind him lowered their heads and dared not make a sound.

Wang Huaqiang bowed respectfully, "Since General Wang has come to discuss official business, it must be to test our martial skills. My father is seriously ill and cannot serve in the military anymore. As long as we three brothers are here, we can go to the horse racing field outside the city to test our skills."

Wang Shiji, who had only wanted to get Wang He to come out quickly, didn't expect to be cornered by Wang Huaqiang. He had no choice but to nod and said stiffly, "Yes."

Wang Huaqiang turned to the servant Wang Cai behind him, "Did you hear what General Wang said? Go and call the eldest and third masters out. By the way, it's almost time for the master to take his medicine. Remember to boil it. We probably won't be back tonight. If anything goes wrong with the master's medicine, I'll hold you responsible!"

Wang Shiji inwardly cursed. If Wang He didn't come out, the money he was after might be lost. Compared to face, solid money was more important.

He turned his eyes and put on a concerned look, "Huaqiang, is your uncle's illness really so serious that he can't take care of himself?"

Wang Huaqiang sneered inwardly but put on a pained expression, "Indeed, he has been bedridden since March, and we brothers have been taking turns to serve him. When he heard that you were coming, he insisted on getting out of bed to see you. When I left, the eldest and third brothers were helping him change."

Wang Shiji quickly said, "Oh, why didn't you say so earlier? If I had known your uncle was so ill, I would have gone to visit him first. Huaqiang, please lead the way, I'll go and see your uncle."

Wang Huaqiang sneered, "General Wang, official business is important. My father's minor illness shouldn't affect your important task of selecting talents for the country. I think we should go with you first."

Wang Shiji's black face turned slightly red but quickly returned to normal. He waved his hand, "Our dynasty values filial piety. No matter how important the official business, as a relative, I should visit first."

"We are close relatives. If I don't visit my sick cousin first, people will criticize me for lacking manners, and the censors in the court will impeach me. Huaqiang, please lead the way."

Wang Huaqiang smiled slightly, stepped aside, and made a gesture inviting him in, "Uncle, please come in!"

Wang Shiji strode forward, entered the Wang family's main gate, and Huangfu Xiaoxie followed closely behind. Wang Huaqiang led the way, and several servants escorted Wang Shiji inside.

The remaining servants took the opportunity to drive away the onlookers and took care of the horses Wang Shiji and Huangfu Xiaoxie had ridden.

Wang Huaqiang led Wang Shiji to the reception hall, where Wang He was already dressed in a blue silk robe, sitting on a main seat made of elm wood, waiting for everyone. Wang Huashi and Wang Huawei stood at the door to welcome guests.

As soon as Wang Shiji saw Wang He, he immediately went forward and held Wang He's hand, saying, "Cousin, how can you be so ill after five years? I'm very worried." Wang Huaqiang watched his performance coldly, sneering inwardly.

Wang He still had a black bandage on his forehead. He nodded with effort and raised his hand slightly, "Cousin, there's no need for formalities. Please take a seat."

Wang Shiji didn't hesitate and sat down on the main guest seat on the left, while Huangfu Xiaoxie stood behind him.

At this moment, he raised his head, and Wang Huaqiang could clearly see his face. He had a red face, thick beard, eyes like copper bells, and several deep and shallow scars on his face, looking fierce and arrogant.

Wang Huaqiang and his two brothers sat opposite Wang Shiji, and five or six maidservants, like butterflies, continuously served fruit and tea to the guests and host.

Wang He coughed lightly and said to Wang Shiji, "Cousin, let's discuss official business first, then family matters. What do you think?"

Wang Shiji smiled slightly, put down the teacup he had just sipped, and clasped his hands, "As the guest, I'll follow your lead. Please instruct, cousin."

Wang He nodded and gave a look to Wang Huaqiang, who understood and stood up, saying to the maidservants and servants standing behind everyone, "You can all go now."

After everyone in the hall had left, Wang He said seriously to Wang Shiji, "Cousin, in your last letter, you mentioned that the Emperor intends to campaign against Chen and unify the country. Is this true?"

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