Chapter 1647 – Conquering Nan Sheng, Killing An Huan (Fifty-Seven)
You know, considering the starting point for these two, working as customer service, security, or cleaning staff really isn’t that bad. After all, it’s still better than squatting in a rural village, flaunting strength just to survive like some countryside brute. But, inevitably, it’s tough to strike a balance.
An had once treated them with great kindness, calling them brothers and valuing them highly.
But now? He didn’t need them anymore, and they’d been reduced from trusted aides to mere background characters, relegated to doing chores.
That wasn’t even the worst part; the most painful thing was that those who used to flatter them could now kick them while they’re down, making life increasingly miserable. With such a huge disparity, it’s no wonder they felt terrible inside. Yet they couldn’t complain, lest word reach An.
They still had a little bit of old affection with An, and if they lost even that, they might just return to being nobodies.
“Let’s not dwell on these unhappy matters. We haven’t gathered for a drink in ages.” He clapped his companion on the shoulder and sighed, “Sister-in-law has warmed up the wine and dishes at home. Let’s celebrate and drink until we can’t anymore, let’s go!”
Being fellow heartbroken souls, the two agreed to go get wildly drunk together.
Unexpectedly, on their way, they encountered the somewhat thinner Lü Zheng, who was just heading home.
The brothers’ eyes lit up, and one of them called out, “Lü Strategist, where are you off to?”
Lü Zheng’s situation wasn’t much better than theirs, and they both saw it clearly, keeping it in mind.
Lü Zheng had invested greatly for An, working hard over the first two years to establish An’s business, putting in countless effort and energy so An could enjoy today’s prosperity. But now, with someone like Hua Yuan who suited An’s tastes better popping up, Lü Zheng, the mismatched strategist, had been slowly pushed to the sidelines, becoming another obscure background figure. Truthfully, Lü Zheng was one of the few who still acknowledged the brothers, and thus they respected him greatly, greeting him politely whenever they met along the way.
Lü Zheng turned his head upon hearing them, replying casually, “Ah, it’s the two generals. I had gone to congratulate the Lord and am now heading home to celebrate the new year.”
Though there weren’t many people at Lü Zheng’s home, staying home during the New Year to keep vigil was an old tradition.
The brothers exchanged glances and cupped their fists in invitation, “We’re also out here alone for the New Year, so it would be a bit boring to keep vigil alone. Why not join us, Strategist?”
Lü Zheng nodded in agreement.
Celebrating the New Year should have some lively company; the more, the merrier!
The two brothers happily led the way, winding their way home where the lights were bright, and a graceful woman had been waiting at the door for a long while.
“Lady, hurry and prepare the fine wines and dishes. Tonight, we’re going to drink until we can’t anymore with the Strategist!”
The woman nodded, leading two maidservants to bring out the lovingly warmed fine wine and delicacies.
After a couple of bites, the sworn brother remarked, “Sister-in-law’s culinary skills are amazing; I haven’t had such good food in ages.”
The two brothers bantered over business, while Lü Zheng silently sat listening, saying little for a long time.
He recognized the lady; he had seen her once before and heard she was originally the wife of a minor noble family.
Due to the chaos of war, she had become separated from her family during a migration and fell into the hands of Southern bandits, bound like a prize on horseback.
Whether this was lucky or unlucky, the Southern bandits were about to take their spoils away when they crossed paths with An’s soldiers.
At that time, An’s career was just beginning, and the two sworn brothers were among his most valued generals.
One of the brothers killed the Southern bandits and rescued the woman, instantly captivated by her, taking her back to his tent without a second thought. To Lü Zheng, this strong-arming tactic was essentially no different from the Southern bandits; they were all just thieves!
But this lady had resigned herself to her fate, and Lü Zheng couldn’t say anything against it. He didn’t like this world; whether man or woman, they were all vulnerable targets against greedy robbers, and in the end, they were forced to accept the others as “heavens and earth,” which was quite ridiculous.
Lü Zheng was not one to chat much, and neither did the brothers see anything wrong in that.
As the wine flowed more freely, their faces flushed, their words began to slur, and they spoke without holding back.
Lü Zheng sighed inwardly.
No wonder An had grown distant from these two brothers.
Secrets couldn’t be kept; a little drinking and suddenly they were bold enough to say anything. Over time, a narrow-minded person like An would certainly start to feel resentment.
The two were right in the middle of discussing An’s supposed infertility when one remarked in surprise about how the other had gotten pregnant…
Not only did An’s views clash with theirs, but Lü Zheng also found their conversation quite uncomfortable.
If the idle folks were here, they would understand why.
Because every word from these brothers struck at the “g-point” of the typical bro mindset!
It was no surprise that a normally sensible person like Lü Zheng felt uncomfortable listening.
After a while, Lü Zheng excused himself to the corridor to sober up and enjoy the snowy scenery, as the noise from inside faded behind him.
“Has it started snowing?”
The bright moon poured cool light, completely dispersing the little alcohol in Lü Zheng’s system, returning his swollen head to clarity.
He held a question in his heart, one that aligned with what the two inside were wondering.
How did An suddenly have a child?
It seemed quite a coincidence, didn’t it?
An had been looking all blissful the entire day; he didn’t seem fake at all.
Questions aside, he wasn’t like some simpleton who would blurt it out.
Lü Zheng valued his life; if he provoked An’s murderous intent, wouldn’t that be a rather unjust death?
Even if he had a wild imagination, he never thought that Hua Yuan would pull such a bold move, appearing to plot for An while secretly intending to eliminate him. He never thought that the chance to plant the seeds would involve the Xichang Princess’s brother. Persons of a more righteous mindset wouldn’t think of this layer right away—unless they were someone observant like Jiang Ji or a severe split personality like Hua Yuan.
As he contemplated this, Lü Zheng heard the sound of wooden clogs crunching through the snow, a fragrant scent wafting through the air.
“Sir.”
A soft, delicate voice carried a warm tenderness, as the lady approached gracefully, setting down a bowl of wine-soothing soup.
Lü Zheng politely declined, “I scarcely had any wine, Lady, no need for the trouble.”
He wasn’t just some single guy; he could read a woman’s hints, and for a married woman, keeping a respectful distance was the proper way to go.
“No need to be nervous, sir. The Young Master is just enjoying drinks with his younger brother inside; they’re on the first few rounds and probably don’t notice the commotion here.” The lady chuckled, seeing Lü Zheng still keeping his distance, and added warmly, “Please don’t misconstrue my intentions…”
The lady secretly glanced inside the house and suddenly splashed the warm soup onto Lü Zheng while raising her voice, repeatedly apologizing profusely. Lü Zheng couldn’t help but facepalm, swatting away her attempts to wipe him with the napkin, his face clouded with anger.
“I’m sorry for my clumsiness, sir. We have spare clothes in the house; how about you change in the guest area? I’ll have a young servant escort you.”
Lü Zheng kept his thoughts to himself, shutting his eyes to rein in his feelings.
“Well then, I’ll trouble you to arrange someone to lead the way.”
