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

"Capital is swarming with nobility; if you throw a brick, whoever you hit will likely have connections to the court. Picking the wrong target could lead to unnecessary trouble for yourself."

"But, as you know, in our line of work, it's easiest to offend people, which is unavoidable. So, just remember to steer clear of those from the Eight Major Surnames."

"You'd better turn a blind eye to some things. The most important area in your jurisdiction is here."

Shen Qing calmly said, "So, even though we are officials of the court, do we still have to kneel before the Eight Great Families?"

"Don't make it sound so unpleasant," Wei Chengye said with a smile. "There are plenty of people who want to kneel and can't even get the chance."

Shen Qing asked, "Is there no way to stand?"

"There is, if your surname were Ji, no one would dare make you kneel."

"Excuse me, gentlemen, your food and drinks are here."

At this moment, the servant of the inn came up with plates full of food and drinks, interrupting the two.

Wei Chengye said, "Let's have a drink first."

He flipped his fingers, and the seal on the wine pot was effortlessly removed, releasing a strong scent of osmanthus mixed with the aroma of wine.

"Lord Shen, try the osmanthus wine here; it's much better than the overly sweet stuff outside."

Shen Qing didn't question further and raised his cup, saying, "Then I won't stand on ceremony and will indulge."

Glug glug.

Shen Qing tossed back his head and swallowed a large gulp of the wine in a hearty manner.

The amber liquid flowed down his throat like a torrent, bringing a sense of warmth and satisfaction, as a warm current spread from his stomach.

After drinking, the unique fragrance of osmanthus and a hint of sweetness emanated from his tongue.

Shen Qing immediately felt that this wine was indeed a bit different.

"Brother Shen, how's the wine?"

"Good wine."

"Hahaha," Wei Chengye said, "In the Capital, besides many other things, there's an abundance of wine here. Almost every inn has its unique flower wine. The annual Hundred Flowers Brew competition for the King of Wines is quite lively. In some days, you'll have the chance to see it."

Shen Qing picked up the chopsticks and said, "Then I'll definitely take a look when the time comes."

After a few more sips, Shen Qing suddenly remembered something and asked, "By any chance, does Big Brother Wei know about the affairs between the families and the city of Vegetables?"

Wei Chengye's smile instantly faded, and he asked, "Where did Brother Shen hear about this?"

"I overheard those noble brats mention it occasionally during the Rebellion Suppression Meeting," Shen Qing fabricated, pushing the matter onto someone deceased.

Wei Chengye sighed, very apprehensively saying, "The waters here are deep, beyond what we can tread into. It's best you don't inquire."

Seeing Wei Chengye's evasive demeanor, Shen Qing promptly asked no more questions.

Below the inn, an intricately carved carriage slowly stopped, the sound of hooves ceased abruptly, raising a faint cloud of dust.

The carriage curtain was lifted gently, revealing first a hand etched with the marks of time, followed by a venerable gentleman with white hair and beard, who slowly disembarked.

After alighting, he held the curtain aside and courteously said to someone inside, "Young Master, we have arrived."

"Hmm," a youthful voice hummed from the carriage.

A lively-eyed, delicate-featured youth emerged from the carriage.

He leapt down lightly, landing steadily, appearing clean and agile.

He was evidently a martial arts practitioner as well.

The innkeeper, Li Fu, was already waiting at the entrance.

He kept a keen eye on his surroundings and upon seeing the carriage pull up, hurriedly stepped over the threshold, with a face full of welcoming smiles, jogging forward to greet them, "Ah, Steward Li, Ninth Young Master, you've finally arrived; I've been waiting a long time!"

"Have you prepared everything? Today, I happen to be here to check the accounts of the inn. I noticed that quite a few accounts don't tally."

The innkeeper, Li Fu, broke into a cold sweat and said, "Ninth Young Master, surely you jest. We wouldn't dare falsify the accounts no matter what."

"Let's check first and talk later."

"This way, Ninth Young Master."

Under the innkeeper's escort, the elder and young man slowly entered the inn.

Though young, Ninth Young Master Li exuded an imposing presence not to be underestimated.

As soon as he stepped into the inn, he drew curious glances from the guests at the sudden air of ceremony.

Ninth Young Master Li appeared unflustered, showing no change of expression, composed as ever.

They ascended the stairs, and upon reaching the wooden floor of the second level, they encountered two individuals dressed in Military Department official attire: Shen Qing and Wei Chengye.

Ninth Young Master Li recognized one of them as the Chief Officer of the Military Department, Wei Chengye. But the other handsome gentleman was unfamiliar.

He turned to the elder beside him and asked, "Grandpa Tong, who is the one beside Wei Chengye?"

The elder servant gazed over, noticing Shen Qing's sharp appearance and vibrant eyes, but he couldn't recognize him either.

"Ninth Young Master, this old servant does not know either. I'll inquire a bit later."

Ninth Young Master Li softly acknowledged, then was ushered into a private room by innkeeper Li Fu.

Innkeeper Li Fu promptly had the servants prepare fruits and desserts and brought out the accounts, saying, "Ninth Young Master, here's the inn's turnover for nearly a year."

"Place it on the table. I'll review them one by one. Meanwhile, you and your men can leave."

Innkeeper Li Fu hurriedly retreated.

After a while, the elder servant tasked with gathering information returned to the side of the youth, waiting patiently.

The youth's brows knitted tightly as he reviewed the accounts. Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire

With a blank face, he closed the accounts and said, "Bring that innkeeper to me."

"Yes, Young Master."

Innkeeper Li Fu entered, trembling with fear, "Ninth Young Master, you called?"

Ninth Young Master Li coldly said, "Grandpa Tong, detach his head."

"Ah!" Innkeeper Li Fu was so terrified he nearly rolled over, pleading, "Ninth Young Master, I've worked here for so many years. Surely I deserve some credit despite hardships. I beg the Young Master to spare my life..."

Splat!

Blood spattered.

Innkeeper Li Fu's voice abruptly stopped.

His head was forcibly twisted off by the elder servant.

"After so many years, with accounts this poorly done, expecting to live?" Ninth Young Master Li snorted coldly, asking the elder servant, "Have you figured out the identity of the newcomer outside?"

The elder servant casually tossed the head onto the ground, respectfully replying, "Young Master, the old servant has found out. His name is Shen Qing; he recently survived the Rebellion Suppression Meeting and was appointed as the Southern Chief of the Military Department by His Majesty."

"I heard only one person survived the Rebellion Suppression Meeting, which is this man?" Ninth Young Master Li curiously asked.

"Yes, indeed."

"Coincidentally, he is nominally the chief of our market square." Glancing at the corpse on the floor, Ninth Young Master Li indifferently instructed, "Bring him here. I happen to want to inquire about Third Brother and the others."

"The deaths of Third Brother and the others at the Rebellion Suppression Meeting remain unclear, making Father very displeased. If we can pry some information about the Rebellion Suppression Meeting from his mouth to bring back, perhaps Father will feel somewhat relieved."

"Understood." The elder servant acknowledged and went straight to Shen Qing and Wei Chengye.

At this time, Shen Qing was casually chatting with Wei Chengye when suddenly a stranger stood beside him.

He eyed the elder servant, not understanding.

The elder servant, in a condescending manner, said, "Chief Officer Shen, my Young Master has questions for you; come along."

His tone was disrespectful, displeasing Shen Qing.

Seeing Shen Qing so aloof, the elder servant furrowed his brows briefly but then softened his tone humbly, saying, "Chief Officer Shen, my Ninth Young Master is at this inn and wishes to meet Lord Shen. I hope Lord Shen will oblige."

Wei Chengye, hearing the elder servant's identification, was momentarily surprised and said, "Ninth Young Master of the Li Family?"

"Exactly."

"I have heard the Ninth Young Master of the Li Manor has impressive martial talent among the young generation in the Li family. A pleasure to meet today, truly an honor." Wei Chengye introduced, lowering his voice, "Brother Shen, you might not know, but Young Master Li's father is the reigning Martial Marquis."

The intention was clear for Shen Qing to "bow" and acknowledge the bigger picture.

However, Shen Qing wasn't inclined to comply.

Shen Qing seriously put down his wine cup and stated, "Not going!"