Chapter 206: Wei Family
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Shangguan Ru allowed her killers to act freely by leveraging on her authority.
Gu Shenwei realized that he made a wise move of not killing Shangguan Ru at that point in time as this was the best opportunity to act freely without the need to bear much responsibility.
In the eyes of outsiders, Stone Castle's Tenth Young Master seemed to become stranger, tougher and more ruthless as though she wanted to take over the entire South City. However, only three killers knew the truth. Shangguan Ru became fearful and she was unable to overcome this ordeal. On some occasions, she wanted to stay away from killing people. On other occasions, she became overcome with ambition and wanted to do something extraordinary. This was the main reason why she stayed in South City even though she did not do much there.
The killers knew what they needed to do. Maid Lotus stood by Shangguan Ru's side so as to prevent other machetemen and servants from learning about Shangguan Ru's emotions. Liuhua played the role of a Shadow Guard and protected her master secretly. Slave Huan focused on expanding the influence and power of Kun Society.
The three of them reached a consensus. Even though their master was depressed, they would want to build a strong front. Although Gu Shenwei didn't really trust Liuhua, both he and Maid Lotus became more vigilant so to prevent further complications.
Wildhorse's strategy was useful. Gu Shenwei revisited those influential old swordsmen, especially those who were more reputable. He recruited the best machetemen through their recommendation and they ensured Gu Shenwei of the machetemen's loyalty. Gu Shenwei didn't hire stragglers. Through this method, it not only ensured the stability of the society, but also built up multiple forces within the society. This prevented any party from dominating in the society.
After Gu Shenwei gathered ten teams, which was approximately three hundred machetemen, the behavior Kun Society caught the attention of many. Some praised its actions, some became alerted and still others were baffled. The first who visited them was Commandant Zhong Heng.
As usual, Zhong Heng made merry. He then hinted that Kun Society had to hand over the Protective Talisman, which was 1.15 million taels, in a few days time. However, he felt that Kun Society had been spending much money recently and it might not have much left.
"Please be assured, Lord Zhong. Please assure Lord Governor when you get back. I'll ensure that everyone is happy."
Zhong Heng left without worry. He visited again once every two or three days. He would come for a chat. On some occasions, he would head to Xu Yanwei's place to stay for the night as if he was an evasive supervisor.
Gu Shenwei investigated the origin of the Governor. However, not many people in South City knew about the Governor. He could only obtain some information from North City.
The incumbent Governor came from the Central Plain. His surname was Wei and his name was Song. He came to the Western Region to broaden his horizon. Unlike Zhong Heng who stayed in Western Region after he stepped down, Lord Wei would return back to Central Plain after three years. He would then likely be promoted to Duke.
Gu Shenwei didn't care much about it initially. After a few days, he suddenly felt that the name Wei Song sounded familiar.
He lived in the Central Plain for twelve years. As he was too young then, he could only remember a few good friends' surnames, but none of them surnamed Wei. He thought, since Wei Song was the emperor, he might have known his father Gu Lun. It was normal to have a little impression.
He did not have a good impression of the Governor. When Wei Song was in power, it was one or two months after the annihilation of the Gu family. He had never heard of Master Wei seeking redress for the citizens of Central Plain. Master Wei was not as righteous as Marshal Yang.
He had to rely on himself especially when it came to taking revenge. He regarded the governorship as a form of influence and he could use this influence to suppress Golden Roc Fort.
It was less than ten days till the return of the "Protective Talisman" when a famous man visited Jade City. He caused much trouble for Gu Shenwei, but he reminded Gu Shenwei of his past.
This man was Governor Wei Song's son, Wei Lingmiao. His name sounded feminine, but he was very handsome.
He was more famous than his father, especially in South City.
The first time Gu Shenwei heard about him was through Xu Yanwei.
Xu Yanwei became excited when Wei Lingmiao was mentioned as though both of them were old friends. However, neither of them had met before. She said, "I was little when he visited Jade City. I knew nothing. Pot-bellied Buddha wanted to marry me off but he couldn't find any way to do so. Sigh. That was my only regret. If Master Wei wanted to marry me, I would now be living at the Central Plain."
Gu Shenwei couldn't help but snort. As Wei Lingmiao was a lustful person, his love for Xu Yanwei would be short-lived. He laughed, "You would probably live in one of the brothels in Central Plains."
"What about it? I'm a prostitute. I would be better off staying anywhere else instead of this city."
Upon mentioning about South City, Xu Yanwei' anger began to boil. She continued speaking after she vented her frustration. She said, "By the way, Master Wei is rumored to be young, handsome, humorous, romantic, rich and generous. Compared to him, those poor machetemen are nothing."
Gu Shenwei snorted again. The Weis was obviously rich. Their bribes amounted to millions and the entire Jade City had to accumulate four to five million taels so to bribe the Governor.
"If you have the ability, you should make Master Wei spend a million taels on you."
"Hmph. Do you think that I'm incapable and not worth a million taels? Your crippled master said that if I could control my temper I'll be the best prostitute in Pleasure Alley. I can control myself in front of a gentle master." She heaved a sigh. "I don't know if I have a chance to see him."
"I may be able to send you to him."
"Really?" Xu Yanwei replied. Her eyes glittered and jumped up as she almost embraced her master.
"However, I'm afraid that you will follow him back to Central Plain. Our three-year pact has yet to expire."
"That's a small matter. I can compensate you. Furthermore, Xiaoyi can stay behind."
Xu Xiaoyi was engrossed in the conversation. Upon hearing this sentence, he frowned with his brows and said, "Sister, you're too heartless. You're deserting me here if you leave Jade City."
"You can find me at Central Plain after three years. By then, I would have bought you a house and chosen a few wives for you."
Xu Xiaoyi laughed, "I would only want the house. I would rather choose my own wife as I don't trust your judgment."
The siblings got happier just by thinking of it. Xu Xiaoyi hadn't forgotten of his good friend and said, "Little Chu, you should come with me when time is ripe. You have no reason to stay here."
Chu Nanping listened intently. He appeared indifferent as though he couldn't manage to understand. He said, "No, I want to stay with Gu Shenwei to practice Heartless Swords."
"What if I go?"
"You won't go. I'll kill you first."
The conversation was getting off topic. Gu Shenwei interrupted, "I didn't say that I'll definitely send you over."
Xu Yanwei frowned and was about to throw a tantrum. She then let out a sweet smile and said, "Mr. Huan, please don't play with me. I know you have certain conditions. Say it and I'll agree to all of them."
In fact, Xu Yanwei was already chosen. Even though Wei Lingmiao hadn't arrived at the city, the person who was responsible for receiving him had started making preparations by finding the best prostitute in South City. Xu Yanwei was highly recommendated especially by Fifth Young Master Meng and Commandant Zhong Heng. They all had praise for her.
"It's very simple. I want to know all kinds of information about Master Wei, such as his temper, hobby and schedule."
Xu Yanwei blushed and tilted her head slightly. Her big eyes glanced to one side as though she didn't want to answer the question. She appeared slightly embarrassed. This was how she seduced men. She whispered, "Do I have to tell you what he does? What do you think he does when he is with me?"
Gu Shenwei took Chu Nanping with him and left immediately. He was uninterested in Wei Lingmiao and knew that Wei Lingmiao was finding a way not to pay bribes. Similar to the most conservative killers, Gu Shenwei hated lustful people. Killers like Tie Hanfeng were of a special kind and they were not respected by other killers.
One of the influential people from North City who was in charge of receiving Wei Lingmiao was Fifth Young Master Meng Mingshi. He finally recovered from his grief of losing Master Yu. Half a month ago, he resumed making merry at South City.
Gu Shenwei visited this enemy who always wanted to kill him and agreed to let Xu Yanwei serve Master Wei.
Meng Mingshi changed slightly. He became more tactful and less arrogant. He had also lost his infatuation. He said, "Ah. Master Wei is an interesting person. The person who received him during his last visit was my older brother as I was too young then..."
This was the second time Gu Shenwei heard such a story. He couldn't help but become curious. He wondered what kind of person Master Wei was as he was so well-liked.
"It was two or three years ago when Master Wei was playing a lot tricks in the city. Do you still remember the marriage of Stone Castle's Eighth Young Master? He came just before that. I heard that both Master Wei and Eighth Young Master had planned to take a good look at the daughter of Bighead Kingpin. They wanted to know if she was as beautiful as what the rumors said. I'm not sure if they have succeeded. It was a pity that Marquis Gao died. Both of them are best friends."
Gu Shenwei was able to guarantee that Master Wei didn't succeed as the daughter of Bighead Kingpin would have screamed so loudly that the entire Golden Roc Fort could hear if someone saw her.
Meng Mingshi received Slave Huan politely and enthusiastically. He even personally sent Gu Shenwei him out. It was as though he wanted to end the rivalry between both of them. He said, "Slave Huan, we're old friends. I hope you won't linger on the past?"
"I wouldn't dare. Fifth Young Master thinks so highly of me."
Mingshi chuckled. "We became friends after we exchanged blows. Now that you're owner of half of South City, both of us should plan and prepare well for the reception of Master Wei."
Fifth Young Master Meng treated a slave as his brother. Gu Shenwei was flattered and replied, "Fifth Young Master Meng should call the shots. I'll listen to your orders and serve you."
The meeting should have come to an end, but Gu Shenwei felt that he had overlooked something very important. He then remembered and asked, "Oh yes. As the Governor hadn't stepped up to his position when Eighth Young Master got married, why did Master Wei visit Jade City then?"
The question seemed slightly abrupt. Meng Mingshi was stunned momentarily and thought about it. He said, "I don't know. He probably helped his father to manage the outpost. Oh, I had an impression. It was rumored that he came to fetch the bride, but he didn't take the bride with him when he left. He brought back many concubines though."
Gu Shenwei had a good laugh with Mingshi over this, then he left. He realized why he had an impression of Wei Song and Wei Lingmiao. Wei Lingmiao was supposed to be his brother-in-law and the Weis family was supposed to his in-laws.