Chapter 134: Sudden Rain (Part Four)

The rain hung low, a curtain that had been falling for a full day without the slightest sign of abating.

In the upper chamber of the rear courtyard of Prefect Wang Rengong’s office, raindrops cascaded from the eaves like a string of pearls. Where they struck the bronze basin on the steps below, they produced a crisp, melodious tinkling.

A table was set within the chamber, where two bright-eyed, white-toothed maids, dressed in their finest, their fair and delicate skin exposed at their chests, were meticulously brewing tea brought all the way from Shu.

Across from each other at the table sat Wang Rengong and Liu Wenjing. Liu Wenjing was still dressed in his formal visiting attire, every accessory perfectly in place. Wang Rengong, however, wore a Daoist robe, sitting in a sprawling, unrestrained posture while idly waving a jade ruyi, embodying the eccentric, carefree spirit of the Wei and Jin literati.

Having arrived in Shanyang City and presented his calling card, Liu Wenjing had finally avoided the cold reception he had endured in Yunzhong. Wang Rengong had met with him promptly, hosting him for tea in his favorite chamber.

Even though Wang Rengong was far more courteous than Liu Wuzhou had been, Liu Wenjing, who maintained impeccable etiquette, felt the corner of his eye twitching. Liu Wuzhou was boorish and of humble origin, ignorant of the refined customs of aristocratic houses, so his slights were blatant insults. But Wang Rengong’s demeanor was a clear assertion that his own lineage was superior to Liu Wenjing’s, granting him the license to act with such abandon. To a man like Liu Wenjing, who was desperate to climb the social ladder and felt deeply ashamed of his own lack of pedigree, this was a far heavier insult.

As the tea was poured, the liquid swirled against the ceramic, creating countless patterns.

Liu Wenjing clapped and smiled. "Your Excellency’s maids are truly clever and refined. I never expected to find such grace within Mayi Commandery!"

Wang Rengong laughed heartily. "They are but lowly, house-born servants; how could they be worthy of Zhaoren’s praise? In the Jinyang Palace, there are countless peerless beauties of unmatched charm. In such matters, how could I ever hope to compare with the Duke of Tang?"

Rumors in the world held that after the Duke of Tang took command of Jinyang, he had taken many of the Emperor’s palace maids for himself. It was precisely because of this, some claimed, that he was amassing troops and horses in Hedong, harboring intentions of rebellion.

Yet, anyone with a discerning eye knew this was a joke. Firstly, the Duke of Tang was famously cautious regarding women, deeply devoted to his wife, Empress Dou. Moreover, even if he had taken a few palace maids, would he really risk treason and rebellion out of fear of the Emperor, who was far away in Jiangdu?

If the Duke of Tang were content to remain in Jinyang as a loyal subject of the Great Sui, the Emperor would have been only too happy to bestow upon him every last maid in the Jinyang Palace.

As the various heroes of the realm prepared to rise, it was simply because the fate of the Great Sui was exhausted, and every top-tier aristocratic family desired to contend for the empire. Given the noble lineage of the Duke of Tang—a rarity even within the Great Sui—how could he lack such ambition?

For Wang Rengong to speak these words to Liu Wenjing’s face was nothing more than another form of humiliation. Seeing that Liu Wenjing only smiled without speaking, Wang Rengong waved his hand. "These two maids shall be a gift to Zhaoren. You have traveled far to this remote commandery, so how could I not show some hospitality? It will save the gentlemen of the Central Plains from saying that I, Wang, have spent too long in Mayi and have forgotten the etiquette of a noble house."

Liu Wenjing smiled and bowed solemnly. "In that case, I thank Your Excellency."

The two maids listened quietly as Wang Rengong gave them away with a single sentence, their bright, beautiful smiles remaining unchanged. To the master of an aristocratic house, those in their service were never more than mere objects.

Wang Rengong picked up his teacup with a smile, watching the patterns in the tea without adding anything further.

Liu Wenjing then cupped his hands again. "My visit today is because the Duke of Tang wishes to assist Your Excellency in defeating Liu Wuzhou of Yunzhong. The Duke of Dai is overseeing the state in Chang'an, but he is young and lacks authority. The Emperor has entrusted the Duke of Tang with the security of the frontiers. Bound by generations of imperial grace, he has no choice but to disregard his own reputation and march upon Chang'an to stabilize the Guanzhong region. Once Guanzhong is secure, the Guandong region will follow, and the heartland of the Central Plains will be free from all worry..."

As he spoke quietly, Liu Wenjing observed Wang Rengong’s expression. Yet, the trace of a smile seemed carved into Wang Rengong’s face, showing no change at all.

Liu Wenjing smiled inwardly. He had originally intended to go to Yunzhong to persuade Liu Wuzhou to work for Li Yuan and keep Wang Rengong in check. Who could have known that Liu Wuzhou, trapped between the Turks and Wang Rengong, had no intention of pulling chestnuts from the fire for Li Yuan, and refused to see him entirely?

Wang Rengong was arrogant and proud, believing himself to possess a powerful army; why would he ever listen to Li Yuan’s commands?

Liu Wenjing had long since changed his strategy: if he could sow discord and make Wang Rengong and Liu Wuzhou fight each other sooner, that would serve the same purpose of keeping both factions in check. By heaven's grace, someone named Xu Le had appeared in Yunzhong and captured Zhang Wansui. How could he not take advantage of such an opportunity?

With these thoughts swirling, Liu Wenjing’s voice remained calm as water.

"...Liu Wuzhou has a fierce army and strong horses. His Heng’an Eagle-Swoop unit is renowned throughout the world, and even the Turks fear him. Yet he is arrogant and unruly, ignoring all commands and turning a deaf ear to the directives of the commandery government. If internal strife breaks out in Mayi and the Turks take advantage of the situation to move south, what then? The Duke of Tang bears the burden of the northern frontier and has long been concerned with the fate of Mayi. Liu Wuzhou is a man of humble origin and base character, while Your Excellency is a pillar of the Great Sui, born of a prestigious clan. The Duke of Tang pins his hopes on you to settle the situation in Mayi. Whatever soldiers, weapons, or grain you require, a single word from you will suffice. Even if it requires the Hedong army to march north to help you sweep Yunzhong, it is but a matter of a single command!"

Liu Wenjing finished in one breath and lowered his head to drink his tea, his expression peaceful and his bearing dignified.

Wang Rengong swirled his cup, offering a faint smile. "The affairs of Mayi need not trouble the Duke of Tang. I am the Prefect of this commandery; the Duke of Tang should focus his concerns on the affairs of Hedong. As for Liu Wuzhou... he is but a captive in the palm of my hand. If the Duke of Tang is so worried about him, once I have captured Liu Wuzhou, I shall send him to Jinyang."

Liu Wenjing also smiled, lifting his head to meet Wang Rengong’s gaze.

"Then how is it that rumors in Shanyang say your general, Zhang Wansui, was captured in Yunzhong? It is said he was taken by an unknown figure under Liu Wuzhou named Xu Le. Zhang Wansui is your right-hand man, and under Liu Wuzhou, there are still tigers and wolves like Yuan Junzhang and Yuchi Gong!"

With a sharp *crack*, Wang Rengong slammed his teacup onto the floor. The light, airy expression vanished from his face, replaced by a fierce gaze as he reverted to the true nature of a frontier warlord who had shed blood like water.

"Tell Li Yuan that if he wants to go to Chang'an, he should just go. He need not reach his claws into Mayi Commandery! Perhaps one day, I shall pay a visit to Chang'an myself to see just how mighty the Hedong army under Li Yuan’s command truly is!"

The two maids knelt on the ground, trembling. Wang Rengong rose and flicked his sleeves. "Show him out!"

Liu Wenjing rose gracefully, bowed deeply, and turned to leave.

Wang Rengong stood by the railing, his chest heaving, and struck his palms together. A servant immediately climbed the stairs, bowing as he waited for orders.

Wang Rengong asked in a low voice, "Why is there still no news from Shi Chaozhi?"

The servant replied hurriedly, "I shall go and inquire at once!"

Wang Rengong muttered to himself, "Destroying the Xu family village will be enough to stifle the gossip in Shanyang. Li Yuan wants me to fight Liu Wuzhou now, but I refuse to play into his hands!"

He turned and pointed to the servant. "The autumn grain destined for Yunzhong—send it as planned!"