Chapter 153: How To Lend A Helping Hand (XI)

　　Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

　　Xu Ke raised his brows. “It seems you’re a victim, too.”

　　Qiguan Rang nodded. He still could not understand how Jiang Pengji knew so much

　　about people at first glance. Yet, her conversation with the military chief shed light on

　　it: the key was her keen observation.

　　Xu Ke smiled. “The good side is that people can rarely deceive the langjun. But his

　　strength also renders him stubborn and rigid.”

　　A man overconfident in his own observation and judgement was often too arrogant to

　　listen to opposition, which could be a problem for people who worked for him. There

　　would be a deadlock when neither side could convince the other.

　　Qiguan Rang contemplated before he lowered his voice. “Aren’t you worried about

　　your future then?”

　　Xu Ke replied, “Well, it’s not too bad. Langjun is proud, but he is willing to accept

　　reasonable opinions. He also seldom intervenes in work that he’s not familiar with.

　　That’s much better than those who think too highly of themselves and mess up

　　everything in the end.”

　　After that, he added, “Besides, even if he were one of those masters, I could not

　　leave before getting my slave contract back. The best choice I have is to accept what

　　has happened and avoid unnecessary troubles.”

　　The words “slave contract” surprised Qiguan Rang. He never suspected that Xu Ke

　　had entered the Liu’s as a slave. Common slaves would not have his cultivated

　　manner and competence.

　　“I was caught after an impulsive decision, and I was later bought by Langjun,” Xu Ke

　　explained with a gentle smile, which proved he was not really complaining. “There

　　was a time when I couldn’t even sleep at night.”

　　Qiguan Rang frowned. “What did Lanting do? He’s a bit strange, but he is a sensible

　　person.”

　　“Oh, it’s not Langjun,” mumbled Xu Ke. Liu She’s snake-like eyes still appeared in

　　his dreams from time to time.

　　They were chatting softly and could not be heard outside the distance of a few steps

　　away. Although Jiang Pengji could capture their words if she wanted to, she was

　　concentrating on the dark-faced man—the disguised military chief, Meng Hun.

　　Meng Hun was trying to talk about Meng Liang, yet she seemed not to have noticed

　　and kept asking about his family and what he had seen on his journey there. All his

　　attempts were in vain.

　　At last, she looked at him sincerely. “I’ve never left Hejian. I wish I could walk on

　　soils in all countries and see the boundless world like you!”

　　Her innocent pa.s.sion reminded him of his daughter, who used to protest against the

　　confinement at home; she wished to ride and fight like he did for their masters.

　　He faked a smile and said bitterly, “Life outside is desperate. People can hardly find

　　food and water among deserted mountains and waters. You would miss home as

　　soon as you leave it.”

　　“But we have to try it once, right? I’ll not let you put out the fire in me.” She appeared

　　unaffected. “Besides, how upsetting can the journey be if I take enough guards with

　　me? They will certainly protect me and provide me with the best.”

　　She then turned to him abruptly with glittering eyes. “You’re as strong as my guards

　　and much more experienced in traveling. I’m sure you can guide us to the safest

　　routes! As you don’t have a family and are fleeing from war in your homeland, how

　　about you stay at our home?”

　　Meng Hun’s lips trembled. It took a long time for him to utter an answer. “I must not

　　accept your generous offer. I’m just an inferior being to your family.”

　　Ordinary commoners would say yes without hesitation, but Meng Hun had to decline

　　her invitation. He did not want the Liu’s to get involved in his confrontation with the

　　Meng’s, especially after he had learned about the past between Liu She and Meng

　　Zhan.

　　Meng Liang must have entered the Liu’s under another ident.i.ty, or else why would

　　Liu She agree to let him stay?

　　If Meng Liang died at the Liu’s house, the Meng’s would definitely demand them to

　　hand out Meng Hun and then make the innocent family pay the price.

　　While Meng Hun had found Jiang Pengji’s gaze slightly eerie, he formed a good

　　impression for the amiable langjun who cared about the commoner’s living and

　　would not complain about his current life like his peers did. Some spoiled children

　　from the houses would even torture civilians and inflict females the way Meng Liang

　　did.

　　However, he was resolute to protect the Liu’s by keeping his distance.

　　As he expected, the apparently well-tempered langjun did not feel offended, but

　　sighed. “If it’s your decision, I will not force you.”

　　The sun was setting when the two returned from fis.h.i.+ng, each dragging a full basket.

　　Meng Hun, who believed he had finished “sounding Liu Xi out”, suggested he should

　　probably leave before dinner.

　　He then received another pack of items, which included two sets of thick clothes,

　　several pairs of cotton socks and large straw shoes, as well as dried food for the

　　coming few days and some medicine for injuries.

　　Jiang Pengji’s excuse was, “I’ve noticed the blisters on your feet. It’s better to heal

　　them before they fester.”

　　Her gesture warmed Meng Hun’s heart and he accepted the considerate gift.

　　Qiguan Rang and Xu Ke, who witnessed the whole scene, made a cool laugh.

　　Naïve! Liu Xi doesn’t send gifts for no reason.