Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

"Taiping County?" Lan Gongliang said calmly, "I've heard of it."

Shen Qing was quite surprised and puzzled, "Then why don't we go to exterminate those demons? Isn't this our duty?"

"Exterminate we must." Lan Gongliang looked Shen Qing up and down and said, "But right now, the demon issue is not urgent for the court. The crucial matter is Huang Tian the rebel. Besides, Taiping County is remote and desolate, a tiny place even if it rots won't matter much, no harm done. We can always go to eliminate the demons later, no hurry."

Shen Qing's heart stirred slightly, showing an enlightened look, "So that's how it is. Thank you, Lord, for the clarification."

Lan Gongliang waved his hand nonchalantly.

He glanced at the sky; the sun was dazzling, right at noon.

"It's getting late, and since no one went out today, how about a feast for lunch together." Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire

"Yes, Lord."

The government office of the Military Department is located in the bustling center of the Capital, surrounded by lively areas.

Stepping out from the back door of the third courtyard, they were greeted by a dusty street.

The street was paved with blue stone bricks, each the size of a washbasin, cut perfectly square and very smooth.

The street was bustling with people.

Many young people dressed in silk sashes and jade, accompanied by women, laughed openly as they strolled.

Quickly, they only walked a few steps to reach the back door of a tavern.

Shen Qing looked up and saw the black signboard above the tavern's back door, with four large gilt characters elegantly written: "Ancient Charm, Wine Aroma."

"Lord Lan, you've arrived! Quickly, please come in. The first-class private room is reserved for you today." A servant at the door greeted them with a knowing smile, as if he had known for a long time that Lan Gongliang and his party would come.

Lan Gongliang walked into the tavern without a word, hands behind his back, familiar with the way.

The tavern was divided into two floors, with a small pavilion in the middle where an elder and a young girl were performing.

The elder held a pipa and sat in a chair; the young girl stood in green attire, her voice melodious, singing tunes Shen Qing had never heard before.

From the spoken parts and lyrics, it seemed to be a love story of a destitute man meeting a wealthy girl before achieving success, somewhat similar to "The Romance of the Western Chamber."

The grandparent-grandchild duo performed skillfully, with clear recitations and good singing, coupled with the fact that many people from the Outer City were in the Capital City, this underdog story was quite straightforward.

Shen Qing glanced and noticed a lot of broken silver scattered on the ground in front of them, as tips for their performance.

"Today's performers at the Yuan Yang Pavilion are quite good."

After entering the tavern, Lan Gongliang, led by the servant, entered a private room directly facing the central pavilion with a great view.

After sitting down in an empty seat, he couldn't help but comment casually.

"If the Lord enjoys it, how about I invite them over to sing a couple of songs for you, just the two of them?" the servant said sycophantically.

Shen Qing took in the scene beside him.

It was evident that Lan Gongliang was a valued guest with high status at this tavern.

Lan Gongliang waved his hand and said, "We're just here for a meal, no need for trouble, let's just have the usual three specialties."

"Sure." The servant took the towel from his shoulder, swiftly wiped the table, and said with a smile, "Please wait a moment, honored guests."

Lan Gongliang pointed at the vacant seats and said, "Feel free to sit wherever you like."

The private room used a separate dining system, with each person having their individual table.

The group didn't stand on ceremony, each finding a seat.

There was no particular arrangement or consideration for seating.

However, Shen Qing was cautious and chose to sit at the lowest seat.

After they all sat down, five beautiful women and one handsome man entered the private room.

The group saluted respectfully, with the five women standing behind Shen Qing and the others, and the only man standing behind Zhao Lengyan.

'This is...'

It was Shen Qing's first time encountering such a setup, and he was slightly puzzled.

But he wisely did not ask questions, only observed quietly.

As Shen Qing still held some confusion in his heart, the young woman behind him knelt and began to massage his shoulders and back.

"Sir, is this strength alright?" The woman behind Shen Qing, around eighteen years old, exhaled a fragrant breath at his ear.

Only then did Shen Qing realize it was a thorough massage service.

Fortunately, in his past life, he was quite familiar with such things.

Sitting upright, Shen Qing said, "It's acceptable."

"If the strength isn't comfortable, sir can tell me anytime," the woman said.

Shen Qing slightly closed his eyes, choosing not to speak any further, and began to enjoy the gentle touch.

"Mm~" Shen Qing hummed lightly.

The Capital is truly different; even having a meal comes with so many fancies.

Shen Qing quietly glanced at Zhao Lengyan and the others and saw they were entirely accustomed to it.

Chief Officer Zeng Weifeng from the North had even quietly placed his hand on the maid's backside, kneading forcefully.

The maid continued to greet him with a smile.

After the time it takes to drink a pot of tea, the redwood tables were quickly filled with plates of food and wine.

The maid behind obediently served wine and distributed food to Shen Qing and the others.

In fact, Shen Qing had never experienced such treatment since practicing Martial Arts. Growing up, it was indeed his first time.

Lan Gongliang raised his wine glass and said, "This is the pear blossom white wine from this local tavern, made from the essence of pear blossoms blooming, with a color as white as snow and a pure taste. Such good wine can't be found outside. Today, as Shen Chief Officer joins us, it's the perfect occasion to enjoy such exquisite wine, thanks to Shen Chief Officer's blessing."