Chapter 728 - 726: One of Us? (Part 2)
Xia Sichen said proudly, "This place has a cellar that my father uses to store wine, all the good wine is in there."
As he spoke, he headed down, and Huangfu Jingchen followed.
The cellar wasn’t large, with ventilation holes, although the light was dim, everything inside could be seen clearly. Rows of wine jars came into view; indeed, it was a wine cellar.
Xia Sichen moved out a small jar from the innermost part and displayed it with flair, saying, "Smell this, Apricot Blossom Drunk Spring Rain, the first batch of wine, it’s aromatic!"
It was indeed fragrant, the wine aroma seemed to have permeated the jar.
Huangfu Jingchen accepted it with a smile; this was the signature wine of Yan Zui Xuan, which he had certainly heard of and tasted, only the first wine he hadn’t tried.
But the main concern now wasn’t drinking the first wine; he felt Xia Sichen deliberately brought him here, probably because there was something inconvenient for him to overhear over there?
Then he wouldn’t listen!
Huangfu Jingchen guessed correctly; over in the hall, Xia Wanqing soon entered the room. Although a banquet was set, it hadn’t started yet, and it was time to announce some things!
Upon seeing Xia Wanqing enter, Hua Yuanming immediately laughed and said, "Elder brother sent someone to notify us, we thought brother had some orders; turns out Old Fifth is here, brother kept it tight-lipped!"
Bai Feichen laughed and said, "Second brother, elder brother isn’t holding the banquet for me, I heard it’s to celebrate Wenjin’s safety and also to thank the two Young Masters who helped Wenjin! I’m just taking advantage of the situation!"
This statement made everyone laugh, for those present all knew about the abduction incident at the time of mentioning the banquet, Old Fifth hadn’t arrived yet.
Gu Hongxin said, "Regardless of the reason, our brothers from Haotian Village, the five of us along with Guardian Li and Master Hu, have gathered in the Capital City. Once the other brothers finish their work, they should come too, so we can start anew in the Capital City!"
Upon this remark, the hall’s atmosphere quieted, no one responded.
Huangfu Yuxuan stood up and said, "Are the uncles discussing village matters, should I excuse myself?"
Though he spoke, it was merely a gesture, for it wasn’t about discussing any major issues, and having stayed in the village for months, he was considered a familiar face.
Hua Yuanming first laughed and said, "Young Master Xuan, there’s no need to be so formal, as it’s not a major issue, and you’re not an outsider! Speaking of which, our arrival in the Capital City is due to you!"
Not an outsider, these few words made Huangfu Yuxuan happy. He clasped his hands in a Jianghu manner and smiled, "Thanks to the uncles for accepting me, I also wish to contribute in a minor way, hoping everyone can have a better and happier experience in the Capital City. If the uncles from the village are inclined to develop in the Capital City, I will certainly give full support!"
Gu Hongxin said warmly, "Young Master Xuan indeed has a kind heart, Second Brother and I were able to join the officialdom thanks to Young Master Xuan’s strong support. Although now only as low-rank military officers, with our abilities, as long as given the opportunity, surely there will be a chance for advancement!"
Hua Yuanming nodded and said, "Who would’ve thought our brothers in the Capital City could carve out a new world—how wonderful!"
No one followed up on that statement.
Feeling the awkward silence, Huangfu Yuxuan felt slightly chilled; these old foxes, having gone to such lengths, yet they hadn’t eased up?
Was he being too hasty?
After all, the Fourth Village Chief had only been in the Capital City for a few days, and the Fifth Village Chief reportedly only arrived yesterday; do they need to see how it goes before deciding to stay or leave?
Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin seemed also to have spent a long time in the Capital City before entering officialdom.
Is this their caution?
Huangfu Yuxuan sneered internally; it’s okay if it takes longer, and okay if it involves more effort, but once he brings the whole of Haotian Village under his control, his plan can start immediately!
Bai Feichen raised his eyes, clearly seeing Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin looking towards Huangfu Yuxuan. In the past, they would only look at the elder brother, now, things have changed!
He laughed and said, "Second brother, third brother, you are now holding positions in the officialdom, much more disciplined than us; your posture and stance adhere to regulations!"
Having entered the Capital Guard, it involves the military, where daily drills are unavoidable, the spirit of military men and the spirit of Jianghu people is uncertain.
Hua Yuanming waved and laughed, "Old Fifth, being an official is really simple, what we have to do is not much. Our brothers have many years of practice, naturally much stronger than those soldiers. Our Commander mentioned, given our abilities, this position is somewhat undeserving; with just a little merit, promotion is assured! When you come, with your brains, surely you’ll rise faster than us!"