Chapter 52: Is This a Cushy Job?

"You worthless fools, I did not recognize the young lord’s true appearance—I deserve to die, I deserve to die!" Before Wei Wuji’s horse, a group of merchants were so terrified they were wailing and crying for their parents.

Ordinarily, these men stood high above the common folk, lording their status over others. Even in times of chaos and war, as long as they switched allegiances quickly, they could retain their wealth and honor. None of them had ever faced such a display; now, every soul was scared out of their wits, afraid the young lord might cut off their heads with a single stroke.

Wei Wuji’s heart soared with joy—this was precisely how a young noble ought to make his entrance! Yet outwardly, he maintained a stern demeanor, riding high and looking down upon the crowd.

He nearly blurted out, "Who stands before the court?" but instead declared, "Who are you people?" Wei Wuji pressed his hand to the sword at his waist and spoke in a deep voice. He cut an imposing figure, and his gesture sent a chill through the assembled gentry, whose souls nearly fled their bodies. If Wei Wuji truly slaughtered them, they would have nowhere to plead their case.

"Today, I know the delight of playing the part!" Wei Wuji secretly rejoiced. Yet, he soon found the amusement hollow—bullying commoners was no true achievement.

He had grander ambitions: to trounce the Duke of Qin, to thrash the Duke of Qi. Wei Wuji mused, and suddenly felt somewhat ashamed of his current antics.

At that moment, Wang Xiu hurried over, addressing the crowd: "This is the young lord of Great Wei. You lowly commoners, show your respect!"

Prompted by Wang Xiu, the merchants hastily replied, "Your humble servant so-and-so pays respects to the young lord of Great Wei."

Seeing the situation resolved, Wang Xiu approached Wei Wuji, bowed, and said, "Young lord, it is entirely my fault—I failed to explain matters clearly."

"Never mind, it’s not your fault," Wei Wuji, still basking in his recent display, was in high spirits, and naturally held no grievance. Truth be told, he never intended to blame anyone.

Satisfied that all was settled, Wang Xiu turned to the kneeling crowd. "The young lord is merciful. You may all rise."

Wei Wuji then leapt from his horse, handed the reins to a guard, and strode ahead alone, Wang Xiu immediately following.

As he moved forward, Wang Xiu gestured to the merchants to follow as well.

Falling half a step behind, Wang Xiu explained, "Young lord, these wealthy merchants have come to provide provisions for the army. Since our forces are stationed here, they must show their support."

"Provide provisions?" Wei Wuji walked ahead, hands clasped behind his back.

"Indeed," Wang Xiu replied.

He continued, "Furthermore, Master Gu has offered his mansion as your residence, young lord."

He gestured to Gu Mu among those following behind.

Wei Wuji turned to glance at Gu Mu. Seeing the young lord’s attention, Gu Mu’s smile grew even brighter. For merchants like him, in the chaotic rivalry of the states, the ability to smile and ingratiate themselves was basic survival—otherwise, they’d have died a thousand deaths already!

Indeed, faced with Gu Mu’s radiant smile, Wei Wuji felt it would be hard to refuse.

"Is this proper?" Wei Wuji hesitated, turning to Wang Xiu. The arrangement needed to be aboveboard; otherwise, he feared accusations of seizing property or harming the goodwill between Wei and Chen.

Wang Xiu had no idea Wei Wuji was concerned about such matters and replied cheerfully, "Young lord, the previous Grain Commandant of Tie Lin City also resided at the Gu family mansion."

This reassured Wei Wuji somewhat. He glanced at the dilapidated houses lining the street—he certainly had no desire to stay in one. As the owner of such wealth, Gu’s home should be quite comfortable, he thought.

Since his arrival in this world, he had either slept outdoors or stayed in military tents. Never had he properly lodged in a grand residence.

"In that case, let us go," Wei Wuji said, after pretending to deliberate.

"Yes, I will have everything prepared," Wang Xiu replied, then prepared to depart.

"Wait," Wei Wuji called out.

"Young lord, what are your orders?" Wang Xiu immediately turned.

"Where will the men be staying?" Wei Wuji asked.

"No need to worry, young lord. Master Gu has cleared his mansion and all the surrounding homes to ensure everyone can be accommodated," Wang Xiu explained.

"Oh..." Wei Wuji was reassured. He dared not stay alone in unfamiliar surroundings, and seeing his soldiers housed nearby gave him peace of mind.

"Go ahead," Wei Wuji waved, instructing Wang Xiu to make arrangements.

Wang Xiu took his leave, leading the wealthy merchants toward the distant end of the street.

Zheng Dali squeezed up beside Wei Wuji and asked, "Young lord, what are we—"

Before Zheng Dali could finish, Wei Wuji interrupted, "Dali! Well done just now. We must set the rules from the start; otherwise, how will others know the might of Great Wei?"

Huh? Zheng Dali was baffled—was this praise?

Before he could grasp the situation, Wei Wuji strode ahead. Having finally arrived "in the city," he was eager to explore.

"Hurry up and follow!" Zheng Dali called to the guards. Although Tie Lin City was under Wei’s control, as protectors, they dared not relax for a moment.

But Wei Wuji was disappointed—Tie Lin City was so small that in less than ten minutes, he reached the end of the street.

Yet along the way, he savored the classical scenery. Though less ornate than the period dramas from his previous life, the authentic, rustic charm was all the more striking.

While Wei Wuji lingered at the street corner, the master of Gu Mansion came to invite him for lunch.

Originally, the steward had said it was unnecessary to trouble the master, that he could invite the young lord himself. Gu Mu promptly slapped him—such negligence could bring disaster upon the master!

Now, Gu Mu bowed low, smiling as he said, "Young lord, my humble house has prepared a meal, and I invite you to stay."

"What about the other generals?" Wei Wuji inquired. Where had Wang Xiu gone? Was he to dine alone?

Seeing Wei Wuji’s cool demeanor, Gu Mu quickly explained, "Young lord, the other generals are busy arranging accommodations for their men and overseeing the city’s defenses."

Wei Wuji nodded. With nothing pressing to do, he might as well see what comforts this fellow had prepared.

He looked at the middle-aged man before him and nodded slightly. "Lead the way."

Gu Mu acknowledged and walked ahead, while Wei Wuji followed with Zheng Dali and the guards.

Along the way, Wei Wuji saw soldiers patrolling and others resting in prepared rooms. When they noticed him passing, they all saluted, faces full of excitement.

This slowed Wei Wuji’s progress, but he took the time to encourage each one.

After winding through several alleys, Wei Wuji finally arrived at Gu Mansion.

The sight of Gu Mansion was a breath of fresh air for Wei Wuji, who was used to the ramshackle houses outside. Though not ostentatious, it was far more pleasing to the eye.

At this point, Gu Mansion was completely under Wei’s control, with soldiers standing guard inside and out.

When Wei Wuji arrived, their spirits rose even higher.

Following Gu Mu inside, Wei Wuji saw the household staff bustling about.

And, for the first time since arriving in this world, he saw women—servants busy at their tasks.

Wei Wuji stared at the maidens, prompting Gu Mu’s curiosity. How could the young lord of Great Wei, who must have seen countless beauties, show interest in these rustic girls of seventeen or eighteen?

While Gu Mu pondered, Wei Wuji regained his composure. "Master Gu, let’s continue."

Gu Mu quickly responded and led the way through several courtyards, finally ushering Wei Wuji into an elegant chamber.

"Young lord, please enjoy some tea. I will have the servants bring the dishes shortly and return to invite your lordship," Gu Mu said.

Wei Wuji nodded, indicating Gu Mu could leave.

Once Gu Mu departed, Wei Wuji sank into the soft couch.

Taking the tea Zheng Dali handed him, Wei Wuji thought, "This is truly the height of comfort!"

Since arriving in this world, this was his finest enjoyment yet.

He realized, upon reflection, that this assignment might turn out to be a lucrative one after all.