Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 65 - 61: The Bandit from Qingzhou

Chapter 65: Chapter 61: The Bandit from Qingzhou

He poured wine for the three of them in turn, and Liao, with his rough fingertips caressing the wine pitcher, said with a carefree laugh,

"It’s precisely because times are troubled that I must go. My ancestors were soldiers, and there were generals among them. My grandfather was a Colonel, and my father was a scout. As a child, I often heard them talk about war, and I deeply yearned to be like the men who established their careers on the battlefield.

Unfortunately, in the end, I only mixed it up as a constable at the yamen. After getting married and starting a family, that aspiration faded.

Fourteen years ago, I had the chance to join the army, but unfortunately, at that time, the court signed that humiliating ’Dan Yun Peace Treaty’ with Yanrong—paying indemnities and even sending off women. Damn it, I was so angry I didn’t go!"

By this point, a fierce and angry expression had converged between Liao’s brows.

Lu Renjia and Zhang Yunwu remained silent.

The shameful peace treaty that disgraced the great Central Plains was a pain in the heart of every Dazhou citizen.

As for Jiang Shouzhong, he was rather unmoved. Not to mention that it hadn’t even been two years since he had crossed over to this strange world, even if it were ten or eight years, he would still lack a sense of belonging.

Dissatisfied with the small wine cups, Liao decided to get a bowl and fill it up, saying with a laugh,

"Fortunately, the court has grown a spine, and last year, His Majesty forcefully rebuked those barbarians who came to demand money in the great hall, declaring that Dazhou would never give Yanrong a penny again.

Now, with the war flaring up again and my wife having passed away four years ago, my parents even earlier, and with no children to tie me down, I might as well use the strength I still have to dampen the spirits of those savages at the border."

He turned and patted Zhang Yunwu on the shoulder, musing,

"Actually, Zhang has the perfect physique for fighting at the border. I originally thought to ask him to come with me, but with Ms. Zhang critically ill and with a wife and child to look after, I extinguished that thought."

Zhang Yunwu scratched his head, uncertain of what to say.

After a moment of silence, Liao apologized, "With my departure, it’ll be much more difficult for you to seek the yamen’s assistance with cases. Cooperation will definitely happen, but whether there’s real effort is another matter."

A hint of worry showed on Lu Renjia’s face.

"Let’s not talk about these unlucky things anymore. We can worry about the future when it comes."

Lu Renjia was indeed open-minded, lifting his wine bowl and saying, "Liao, I, Jia, haven’t read many books and can’t say anything fancy for a farewell. I just hope you can survive and return, so we brothers can sit here and drink together again."

Jiang Shouzhong also picked up his wine bowl, "I don’t wish for great achievements, just for you, Liao, to come back alive."

The rough man Zhang Yunwu had reddened eyes and remained silent.

Although Zhang was slow-witted, he understood all too well what going to the smoke-filled border meant.

Liao laughed heartily, "There’s nothing warmer than these words. I, Liao, promise you, as long as the nation’s gate is not breached, I will definitely come back alive and drink our hearts out with you all!"

The four touched bowls and drank.

Perhaps the atmosphere was too somber, so they shifted the topic, choosing amusing stories to share as they drank and chatted.

The various absurd cases were so funny they could hardly keep from chuckling.

Even We Zhaodi, listening intently, occasionally trembled with suppressed laughter, managing to hold back her amusement and shedding some of her earlier sadness.

"Speaking of which, there’s been a prowling flower thief in the Capital recently that’s really given us a run for our money."

Liao, a little drunk, slurred his words, "This fellow originally committed his crimes in Qingzhou. It’s said that he went through the entire harem of the former Qingzhou Prefect, not sparing wives, concubines, or daughters.

The funniest part was that one of the concubines fell deeply in love with the flower thief. In a moment of passion, thinking of eloping, she impulsively reported the Magistrate, revealing all his sordid activities and providing plenty of evidence.

As a result, the Magistrate was jailed, to be taken to the Capital for interrogation. But unexpectedly, on the way there, he was killed by the Sect Master of the Sky Demon Sect, Qu Hongling, creating quite an uproar."

A flower-picking thief?

Jiang Shouzhong, who was pouring wine, flashed a look in his eyes. His slender fingers caressed the edge of the bowl, thoughtful.

He remembered the mysterious man who had had an affair with Zhao Wancang’s wife.

Called "Qing Ge."

Lu Renjia said in surprise, "I knew that the Magistrate was killed by Qu Hongling, but I didn’t expect there to be such an inside story. Is it possible that this flower-picking thief inadvertently did a good deed?"

Liao burst out laughing and cursed, "Good deed my ass, just a scoundrel. After the Magistrate was imprisoned, that flower-picking thief got scared out of his wits and fled Qingzhou overnight. If he hadn’t left some clues on the way, nobody would have known he had the nerve to come to the Capital."

Turning his head, Lu Renjia said to Wen Zhaodi, "Little sister, did you hear that? The Capital isn’t peaceful lately, be careful not to provoke the flower-picking thief."

Wen Zhaodi smiled and gently stroked the black hair at her temples.

...

After the third round of drinks, and it was nearing the end of the hour of the Pig, the farewell party finally came to an end.

Two more jars of wine were bought in the meantime, with Liao footing the bill.

In his words, back when he was a minor official, he was reluctant to pay for drinks because it was all about favor trading.

But now, at a true friend’s gathering, paying for the drinks felt naturally satisfying.

Stepping out of the Spring Rain Building, Jia, who had gotten thoroughly drunk, barely managed to lean against the wall to throw up before clamoring to go and clean Qing Niang’s latrine.

After a few steps, he lay down on the ground and fell into a deep sleep.

Everyone had no choice but to leave him at Zhang Yunwu’s home for the night.

Although Jiang Shouzhong and Liao were also flushed with drink, they retained some sobriety.

The two walked on the deserted streets.

"Jiang, I’ve always been a tricky man, with too many twists and turns in my ways. Except for young Zhang, I’ve always kept you guys at arm’s length," Liao said as he slapped his own face vigorously to dispel some of the drunkenness, laughing, "Although now I consider you all friends, the only one I’m genuinely close to is that stubborn bull, young Zhang. I’ve lived almost forty years and have only this one younger brother.

When this kid first started at the government office, he infuriated me. He was truly single-minded and I couldn’t stand the sight of him, letting others bully him. But as time passed, I found him increasingly pleasing to the eye.

Later, when he went to the Liushan Division, I worried he wouldn’t fit in and would get bullied again. I secretly pulled some strings, gave gifts, and took people out to meals, all in the hope that someone would take care of him."

Jiang Shouzhong said sentimentally, "To have a big brother like you is Zhang’s good fortune indeed."

Liao laughed then continued, "Luckily, though he went to the unremarkable Wind Thunder Hall, he had a good superior who looked after his subordinates. And he had you, a good brother, and old Jia, who’s not serious but has a good heart, and married a kind-hearted wife. With you all looking after him, I can rest easy.

Ms. Zhang always said that young Zhang was fortunate to meet you because you could help him see the path beneath his feet. I also think you’re very smart; it’s impossible for you to remain a mere lamplighter forever.

But at the same time, I don’t want young Zhang to follow you too far. Whether it’s the court or Jianghu, the farther one goes, the harder it is to turn back."

Understanding the subtext in Liao’s words, Jiang Shouzhong remained silent.

Just as he was about to speak, Liao raised his hand to stop him and said with a smile, "In any case, I entrust that fool to you from now on. The path he takes is ultimately up to him to choose."

Under the intermingling light of lamps and the moon, Liao stood still, turned to Jiang Shouzhong with a solemn bow of his fist.

"Please take care of him, brother Jiang."