I Don't Agree to the Terms
Chapter 522 - 287: Did I Take It? Who Saw?

Chapter 522: Chapter 287: Did I Take It? Who Saw?

"Xuanzhou really is no good."

After arriving in Xuanzhou, Gu Shanhai couldn’t help but lament.

It felt like a poorer version of Liang State.

It was probably already poor and remote, but with Jiang Lu bringing his troops back and forth, it had become even worse.

"You’ll have to ask Marquis to save us now, who doesn’t know, today’s Liang State is all thanks to you, Marquis," said a man walking beside Gu Shanhai, flattering him a bit.

This man, named Xu En, was a troop leader, responsible for escorting Gu Shanhai, but mostly he ran errands and did odd jobs.

He was quite a clever person, quick on his feet, acting as if he was not just a troop leader, but as if he was slaving away for Gu Shanhai.

Gu Shanhai saw through him; the guy was trying to curry favor with him.

"This flattery of yours has hit the horse’s legs," Gu Shanhai teased, completely indifferent to Xu En’s compliments, and then said, "Do more concrete work, and I might recommend you, but flattery is useless."

Xu En was not just about flattery and sucking up; he was a man of action, otherwise Jiang Lu wouldn’t have sent him to Gu Shanhai.

He was slick and very astute in handling matters.

Hearing this, Xu En could only give a wry smile. Throughout the journey, he hadn’t found an opportunity to start a conversation with Gu Shanhai, who was constantly refining "The Thirty-Six Stratagems" in his carriage, naturally having no time to chat.

This rare lament was indeed a good opportunity in Xu En’s eyes.

"So, where are we heading next?" Gu Shanhai asked casually.

He was unaware of the protocol, his main role being to intimidate, not to actually work; nobody expects a nuclear bomb to participate in catching thieves.

"We have already informed the Dai State Governor; he should be arriving soon," Xu En had done his job well, arrangements had been made before their arrival.

"Oh, could it be a show of force to us?" Gu Shanhai asked with slight excitement; this was a perfect opportunity for him to make a strong impression.

He even started thinking about how to make his entry smoother.

Just as this thought lingered for less than a minute, the loud sound of gongs and drums were heard from the city, leading a procession.

They were very sincere, no one rode horses, all were on foot.

They started off with a grand gesture.

"Subordinate, Dai State Governor Jiang Geng, meets the Marquis," Jiang Geng was humble, and a large group followed him in kneeling.

Gu Shanhai was speechless; just as he thought of how to respond sharply, the other party came to greet him, seemingly spineless.

Jiang Geng wasn’t foolish, daring to challenge Gu Shanhai? That would be suicidal.

If he dared today, he would be gone tomorrow; did he really think Gu Shanhai was one of those powerless individuals, or that Xuanzhou was under his control?

He would fear that if this incident got out, by the next day military generals along with Daoist Soldiers would seek him out for a ’talk’. If the talk went well, he could live; otherwise, he would become a sacrificial flag.

As a defeated party, any pride or backbone would be completely crushed.

Especially for someone like Gu Shanhai, the best approach was to present oneself honestly, not to confront him.

With the power to annihilate him without needing to consider the consequences, even if he was the dumbest, he wouldn’t dare.

"Rise, why have you come with such fanfare? I said to keep it low-key," Gu Shanhai spoke as well, since the other party hadn’t made things difficult for him, there was no need for him to be difficult either.

"Dare not, I have arranged a welcome banquet for the Marquis, please grace us with your presence," said Jiang Geng after rising, his tone respectful yet dignified.

"That works, it’s my first visit here, and I hope Governor can guide me well," replied Gu Shanhai, not putting on airs, nor displaying his usual disorderliness or frivolity.

In foreign lands, maintaining one’s image is crucial.

The subsequent entry into the city and residence went smoothly, without incidents of assassination or provocation. Xu En, along with the three thousand Daoist Soldiers he brought, were indeed formidable; while he showed Gu Shanhai some flattery, his rise was based on military merits, with flattery merely making his ascent a bit easier.

"Please take your seat, Marquis," Jiang Geng invited Gu Shanhai to the main seat.

The guests at the banquet had long since arrived, including some officials from Xuanzhou and Family Heads from prestigious families, all of significant status.

Gu Shanhai also began making polite refusals, "Governor is joking, I am not the host, how can I take the main seat? Please, Governor, take the seat."

After some back and forth, Jiang Geng reluctantly took the seat.

The banquet had no confrontations or snide remarks; offending Gu Shanhai in this setting would have its consequences. Because such an action would target not just Gu Shanhai, but also Dai State Governor Jiang Geng.

High-ranking people are always surrounded by good people, the malicious ones lurk in the shadows, not daring to confront openly.

After rounds of drinks and various dishes, musicians were brought in with dancers for entertainment, displaying a scene of sensual pleasure.

Gu Shanhai had little interest in this, but there were no issues in terms of etiquette.