BXG - 65

◎Military Rations◎

Wang Juqian also wanted to know Zhou Tan’s intentions, so he sneered half-believingly. “Alright, I’ll wait and see what Lord Zhou has up his sleeve after this bowl of rice porridge.”

Seeing Wang Juqian’s reaction, the others settled down, and no one attempted to leave forcibly again.

The ladies whispered among themselves. The Zhongjiang Lady who had been close to Qu You earlier quickly distanced herself. Qu You remained calm, leisurely finishing the snacks at hand.

Someone lowered their voice and asked, “Young Madam, what does Lord Zhou mean by this?”

Qu You clutched her chest, struggling to swallow the snack in her mouth. She swallowed too quickly and choked, tears welling up in her eyes as if genuinely frightened. “Uh… Great Madam asked me, but I—I’m just a woman of the inner quarters. How could I possibly know my husband’s plans?”

Whether they believed her or not was uncertain.

After a while, the guards who had carried the rice bags earlier returned with some maids, serving each person a bowl of freshly cooked white rice porridge.

The porridge was thick and fragrant, served in blue-and-white porcelain bowls, exuding an irresistible charm. The maids who brought the bowls were all respectful and composed, not casting a single extra glance. While the female guests were filled with suspicion, they couldn’t help but praise the maids’ etiquette, clearly trained in the refined households of Bian Du.

Zhou Tan raised his narrow, beautiful eyes, scanning the hall below. Wang Juqian examined the bowl of porridge from left to right, finding nothing unusual. “Lord Zhou, is there something special about this rice?”

“General will know after tasting it.”

Zhou Tan looked around the hall, not even glancing at him.

Infuriated by Zhou Tan’s dismissive attitude, Wang Juqian lifted the bowl and took a sip, tasting no difference.

He considered smashing the bowl but, mindful of the food inside, slammed it heavily onto the table instead. “Lord Zhou, I address you as an official out of respect for your origins in Bian Du! Now you’ve trapped everyone here playing dumb riddles. How uninteresting! What’s special about this rice? This porridge?”

Zhou Tan ignored him completely, calmly picking up a spoon to take a sip. His tone grew heavier than before, exuding more pressure. “Gentlemen, why aren’t you drinking?”

Unable to bear it any longer, Wang Juqian drew his sword and stood up, shouting, “You insolent brat!”

The sword approached Zhou Tan’s neck, but he remained calm, tapping the iron sword twice. It emitted a crisp “clang.”

“Hei Yi.”

Hei Yi responded from afar, “Master.”

“Go check if this porridge doesn’t suit the taste of the esteemed gentlemen of Ruo Zhou.” Zhou Tan turned to look at Wang Juqian, revealing a faint smile. “For those who refuse to drink, feed it to them.”

Hei Yi acknowledged with a “Yes,” immediately leading men toward the stunned crowd at the tables, intending to force them to drink.

Wang Juqian stared at him in shock, “You… Have you gone mad? Are you planning a rebellion in Ruo Zhou?”

“This is precisely what I should ask General Wang!” Zhou Tan seized the opportunity to counter-accuse. “Ruo Zhou may be far from the emperor, but it’s the frontline against Western Shao. If you dare to do such things within Ruo Zhou City, aren’t you plotting a rebellion?”

Though young, Zhou Tan’s stern words momentarily made even Wang Juqian feel the oppressive presence of someone in authority.

Wang Juqian inwardly regretted underestimating Zhou Tan. He had held at least a fourth-rank position in Bian Du. Their recent laxity made them regard him as an easy target, privately dismissing him with disdain.

Only now did he realize that Zhou Tan was indeed the jade-faced demon rumored to have emerged from the blood-soaked pits of criminal justice. Just the composure he displayed while having a sword pointed at him was unmatched by anyone present.

Nevertheless, Ruo Zhou was his territory. No matter how skilled Zhou Tan was at framing accusations, he couldn’t slander him recklessly here.

With this thought, Wang Juqian felt more confident. “Lord Zhou accuses me of plotting a rebellion? That’s a grave accusation of slander…”

Zhou Tan seemed amused. “Slander?”

As soon as he finished speaking, the guards who had earlier carried the rice bags approached, kneeling respectfully with trays holding the emptied coarse hemp grain bags.

Nonchalantly, Zhou Tan pressed Wang Juqian’s iron sword down slightly, bent down to pick up a grain bag, and showed the side with ink marks to Wang Juqian. “General Wang, take a look. Do you recognize this?”

Wang Juqian found it somewhat familiar and was momentarily stunned. Zhou Tan took the tray and violently overturned it in front of the hall. “Esteemed gentlemen, take a look. Do you recognize this?”

A military scribe nearby recognized it first. “Th-this isn’t the batch sent out last month…”

He immediately stopped, not continuing.

Wang Juqian set down his sword, incredulously looking at the bag Zhou Tan had handed him earlier. He then walked around the table to examine the grain bags on the ground, finally understanding.

Stiffly turning around, he asked, “Lord Zhou… Where did these come from?”

Zhou Tan sat back down, pouring another cup into the wine goblet on his seat. “Where did they come from? Sold on the streets, stored in the back of grain shops, mostly in areas of Ruo Zhou where the poor gather. They don’t recognize this, only knowing the rice is cheap. I merely sent some people to investigate briefly, and we gathered enough to serve everyone here a bowl. General Wang, guess how much more I haven’t uncovered in Ruo Zhou City?”

“You, you’re saying I colluded with merchants to sell military rations for profit?” Wang Juqian finally understood, feeling absurd. “Ridiculous! Though I’ve spent half my life in the military and read few books, I still know right from wrong! Isn’t Lord Zhou stealing these military ration bags from elsewhere to deliberately slander me?”

“General’s words are puzzling. I’ve only been in Ruo Zhou for a few days. Even if I wanted to frame you, I’d need connections and access to military rations.” Zhou Tan calmly replied.

He stood from his seat and walked a few steps into the courtyard. “Since discovering this, I’ve been deeply troubled day and night. I had no choice but to invite everyone to my courtyard and resort to this tactic to reveal the matter publicly. There was no other way… Not afraid to speak frankly to General Wang, though we’ve only just met, I intuitively feel you’re straightforward and sincere, concerned about killing enemies and caring for the people. I doubt you’d do such a despicable thing.”

Wang Juqian coldly snorted.

Zhou Tan swiftly changed his tone. “But knowing someone’s face doesn’t mean knowing their heart. You may be so, but can you guarantee everyone here is the same? The Mr. Zhao to my right, why have you been dodging and avoiding eye contact since the porridge arrived? And Mr. Zheng over there hasn’t touched a drop. Is selling military rations part of your dealings?”

Qu You, holding the now-cooled blue-and-white porcelain bowl, quietly approached Zhou Tan. After a glance, Zhou Tan smiled as Qu You said, “A few days ago, my husband bought the rice, and I was puzzled. Today, I was completely baffled by his actions. Only now do I understand a bit. We are close husband and wife, yet I didn’t know my husband’s plans. General Wang says this wasn’t your doing. Do you have close relatives capable and daring enough to do this?”

Her words were light, seemingly genuinely curious. Wang Juqian was momentarily stunned, his expression changing. Recalling something, he took a step back and collapsed into his seat.

Zhou Tan waved his hand, and the guards surrounding the courtyard withdrew. “My guards have withdrawn. Any esteemed gentlemen wishing to leave now may do so.”

Wang Juqian glanced sideways; no one moved, not even those Zhou Tan had named.

They trembled like sieves but didn’t dare take a step.

Everyone now fully understood Zhou Tan’s meaning.

Wu Fen’s tyranny in Ruo Zhou was well-known, shielded by Wang Juqian’s influence and military power. Despite dissatisfaction, no one dared to speak out.

His usual greed and lust were tolerable, but meddling with military rations was unforgivable. Wang Juqian trusted Wu Fen, allowing him to tamper with military supplies. Selling military rations in the harsh western borderlands struck Wang Juqian’s biggest sore spot.

This new Lord Zhou was indeed formidable, convincing Wang Juqian to turn against Wu Fen with just a few words.

But Wu Fen was Wang Juqian’s brother-in-law. Could he be swayed by such light words?

Seeing Wang Juqian’s uncertain expression, Zhou Tan slightly lowered his eyes. Qu You stepped back a few paces, lowering her voice. “General Wang, may I have a word?”

Startled, Wang Juqian glanced at Zhou Tan, who walked a few steps away, signaling the guards to withdraw. From afar, they saw Qu You whisper behind her fan to Zhou Tan. Wang Juqian’s eyes widened in disbelief, questioning her twice before sheathing his sword.

Without another word to Zhou Tan or acknowledging others, he stormed out of the mansion. Wang Juqian’s wife, clutching her handkerchief helplessly, watched him hastily ride away.

“Esteemed gentlemen, was today’s wine enjoyable?”

Holding a wine pot in one hand and a goblet in the other, Zhou Tan drank a full cup, expressing mild regret. “This fine wine is from Bian Du, not as fragrant as Ruo Zhou’s grape wine, but still palatable.”

Everyone understood his implication. Some immediately offered to bring wine next time, while others hurriedly drank their cups. The cautious ones remained silent, leaving Zhou’s residence after this cup.

However, everyone knew that after today, Ruo Zhou would change drastically.

He Yuan Kai had been sitting at the end of the courtyard. When most ladies had left, he wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, preparing to leave slowly. Unexpectedly, after a few steps, he heard a cheerful female voice behind him. “Mr. He, please stay.”

Turning around, he saw Zhou Tan’s beautiful wife, Qu You, calling him. She casually fanned herself and asked, “Did you enjoy today’s event?”

He Yuan Kai clasped his hands and replied, “Young Madam’s ingenuity is remarkable. This mansion is truly elegant; I’ve learned much.”

Qu You didn’t seem interested in riddles. After ensuring no outsiders were around, she directly stated, “My husband and I wouldn’t have achieved today’s performance without your efforts. I’m asking if you enjoyed my meticulously arranged grand play. After all…”

She continued leisurely, “The military ration bags and Wu’s former maid from years ago weren’t they both provided by you? If I hadn’t used them fully, wouldn’t it waste your good intentions?”

He Yuan Kai looked astonished at the woman before him. He had assumed today’s events were all Zhou Tan’s arrangements, not expecting this woman to be equally capable.

A glint flashed in his eyes as Zhou Tan approached from behind Qu You. He chuckled, “I wonder how Lord Zhou and Young Madam plan to thank me?”