Chapter 089: A Golden Opportunity for Wealth

Zhang Xutuo had his reasons for suggesting Qin Qiong join the garrison troops.

According to the Kaihuang Code of the Sui dynasty, all males over sixteen were required to serve four months annually in the garrison forces; failure to comply was punishable by law.

These young lads in the garrison performed tasks such as sharpening blades, feeding horses, chopping firewood, or handling various chores within the government offices—work suited to their strength—allowing them to familiarize themselves with military life early on. Those too young or born into affluent families, unable to undertake heavy labor, accompanied the military officers as attendants, performing duties akin to orderly servants.

Through repeated training and constant exposure, many youths gained basic martial skills during this period, learning to ride and shoot arrows. Upon reaching adulthood and formally joining the garrison, they became exceptionally brave warriors.

Over time, by the end of the Sui dynasty, the entire populace was practically militarized; thus, during the Sui and Tang periods, a fervent martial spirit pervaded the nation—people of all ages knew hand-to-hand combat. Even some women often overheard their fathers and brothers discussing military matters and were quite knowledgeable about warfare.

Zhang Xutuo said to Li Dong, “I originally intended for Qin Ai to join the garrison, but considering the harsh northern climate and his age, I thought his son, Qin Qiong, would be more suitable. He is young, strong, and able to endure the northern weather. Moreover, there may be unexpected opportunities for him, perhaps even securing an official position, which would offer him a broader path than Qin Ai. Besides, repairing weapons for the garrison is not futile labor; it comes with rewards.”

Li Dong was moved.

Zhang Xutuo, a seasoned veteran, had thoroughly considered numerous factors. Sending Qin Qiong to join the garrison as a weapons repairer meant he wouldn’t have to fight on the front lines, preserving his life while earning money.

Trading regularly with a garrison of over two million soldiers, amid brutal warfare and frequent weapon damage, without worrying about raw material costs, meant almost pure profit—only labor and time were required.

This was truly a first-rate opportunity.

“I will first thank you on Qin Qiong’s behalf for your generous kindness. When I return, I will convey your words and persuade him to join the garrison,” Li Dong said, bowing respectfully to Zhang Xutuo on Qin Qiong’s behalf.

Zhang Xutuo nodded and gestured toward the garden exit. “Let us return as well. General Lai is still waiting outside.”

“General Lai is an honored guest; I shall not linger and cause further disturbance. I haven’t seen Qin Qiong for some time—I’ll head back first. Thank you, Commander Zhang, for your efforts regarding Dong’e,” Li Dong politely declined to meet Lai Hu’er, wanting to avoid any unpleasantness.

It wasn’t fear of Lai Hu’er’s rank or command of troops, but rather not wanting to cause embarrassment to their host, Zhang Xutuo, by quarreling in his presence. Such basic social understanding was universal.

“Very well, respect must be met with obedience. If I need anything, I will come to your forge; and if you require anything, feel free to visit me,” Zhang Xutuo said without insisting, aware of Lai Hu’er’s company.

After bidding farewell to the commander, Li Dong rode back toward the forge, his heart already flying there before he arrived.

How were his sworn brothers Qin Qiong and Luo Shixin doing? He had so much to share with them and longed to be by their side in an instant, embracing them tightly.

Upon reaching the forge, the daily quota of ten pieces had been completed, and the workers had dispersed, leaving the front of the forge somewhat quiet.

When Li Dong arrived, Qin Qiong, Luo Shixin, and Qin’s father were tidying up to close for the day.

“I’m back,” Li Dong said upon seeing Qin Qiong and Luo Shixin, words failing him despite the flood of emotions. He could only express his feelings in the simplest way, as natural and essential as water or air, as if no time had passed.

The friendship of gentlemen is as pure and simple as water; the friendship of villains is as sweet as wine.

True friendship is not about dining boisterously or borrowing with no intention to repay, nor the casual camaraderie of slapping backs and calling each other brother—those habits tainted by the underworld.

True friends are mutual support, solace of the soul, a quiet constancy that lasts a lifetime.

Perhaps when you meet them, words may fail, but thinking of them will never leave you feeling alone.

You may quarrel fiercely over a single matter, only to be laughing and playing together days later as if nothing happened.

This is true friendship—without demands or fear, without coercion or clinginess, steadfast and unwavering.

“Ah…” Qin Qiong, tidying his things, recognized the voice and looked up to see Li Dong. He quickly dropped what he was holding and playfully punched Li Dong’s chest.

“Bang!” Qin Qiong’s fist landed solidly on Li Dong.

Li Dong did not dodge; though the blow was strong, it brought no pain—only a profound brotherly bond.

Luo Shixin reacted a beat slower. Seeing Li Dong smiling outside the forge, his eyes lit up as he cheerfully jumped forward and delivered a heavy blow.

Born with immense strength, able to snap ox horns and lift giant stones as if they were toys, Luo Shixin’s punches lacked finesse, unaware of how to moderate his force.

“Can’t let him hit me!” Li Dong nimbly dodged Luo Shixin’s iron fist and lightly tapped his back, teasing, “Shixin, I can’t handle your old man’s punch. Let me hit you once to feel better!”

“Oh no, this isn’t fun! If big brother hits little brother, it’s a complaint to the capital; if little brother hits big brother, it’s breakup!” Luo Shixin protested loudly. “You’re all elders bullying me, the younger brother. Not fair, not fun!”

Among the three—Li Dong, Luo Shixin, and Qin Qiong—Qin Qiong was eldest, so Luo Shixin’s words included Qin Qiong’s earlier punch to Li Dong.

Qin Qiong and Li Dong laughed heartily. The three linked hands and entered the forge, swiftly finishing the remaining tasks.

Qin’s father stood aside, watching the three young men playfully bickering, smiling broadly with contentment and pride. Once finished, he said, “There’s nothing to do this afternoon. Go have fun in Kuocheng!”

He handed over a string of coins. “Here, take this and enjoy yourselves!”

Qin Qiong accepted the money gratefully.

Li Dong waved his hands, declining, “No need, I have silver.”

Qin Qiong said, “It’s all the same whose money it is. Our family runs the forge; small change comes and goes quickly. Don’t argue.”

“Too much money for you all? Don’t give it to me!” Luo Shixin stretched out his hand, joking.

Their laughter rang out freely.

The Drunken Fragrance Inn stood two stories tall, its scent drifting for miles, always bustling with guests.

The upper floor was finely decorated, quieter, elegant, offering a view through the windows to ease the heart.

The lower floor was simple, crowded, noisy—a place for friends to gather and revel.

Li Dong and Qin Qiong took the lead; Luo Shixin followed, and they settled by the window on the upper floor.

The waiter lingered reluctantly before approaching. When Li Dong called him over, he cast a disdainful glance at Qin Qiong and Luo Shixin, noting their rough attire and thinking them unworthy of enjoying the upper floor.

The Qin family forge was a modest workshop, and Qin Qiong, shrewd and perceptive from years of experience, could tell at a glance the waiter looked down on them.

“Waiter, the best wine and the finest dishes, no matter the cost—bring only the best!” Qin Qiong said, slamming a string of coins heavily on the table. “And bring the sweetest smile, understand?”

The waiter, seasoned and worldly, was not impressed by the coins alone. Still, a string of coins was not insignificant. He forced a smile and said, “The best wines are Lotus Pond, Bamboo Leaf Green, and Daughter’s Red. Which would the guest prefer?”

“All of them—three jars of each!” Li Dong slammed down a ten-tael official silver ingot, meaningfully adding, “Wine must be good, but my elder brother said the smile must be sweeter. This ten taels is for your smile! Come on, give me a smile!”

The waiter’s eyes immediately widened as if two little hands reached out to grasp the silver. “What? If I smile for you, this... this is mine?”

The official silver, ten taels, trembled in his hands—a fortune enough for three years of living! Who wouldn’t be delighted?

Li Dong knew the waiter’s smile was more professional than genuine, but as long as he smiled, he was satisfied. The waiter’s disdain for Qin Qiong and Luo Shixin was, in fact, disdain for Li Dong himself. He would never allow anyone to belittle his brothers.

Money isn’t everything, but without it, nothing can be done.

“Sir, sir, I was wrong earlier, I apologize,” the waiter said cheerfully, regretting his earlier neglect. “But there are only three of you; nine jars of wine might be too much. Maybe...”

“Nonsense!” Luo Shixin grumbled. “If we can’t finish it, we’ll pour it out! Keep your money safe. If I find it, I’m keeping it!”

“All right, all right...” The waiter grinned, secretly thrilled. Today he had found wealthy patrons. Indeed, fortune smiled upon him. Next time, he could afford to be even more curt and maybe earn a windfall.

The waiter went downstairs to prepare their meal.

Qin Qiong sighed, “Such prejudice! But I feel uneasy letting my brother lose money.”

Li Dong waved off his concern carelessly, “We’re brothers in spirit; as long as we’re happy, money is trivial. But... there’s something I want to discuss with you. What do you say, Brother Qin?”

Qin Qiong responded candidly, “Speak freely. What could we brothers possibly hide?”

Just as Li Dong was about to explain Zhang Xutuo’s proposal for Qin Qiong to join the garrison, heading to Liaodong Commandery to repair weapons with ample official silver to be earned, a dark, imposing man came thundering up the stairs.

As soon as he reached the upper floor, he barked, “Waiter! Bring the wine and dishes! Also, I want that seat!”

The burly man pointed to the small table by the window where Li Dong, Qin Qiong, and Luo Shixin sat, ordering with domineering authority.

Acknowledgments to readers: Momo Ya Nu, Melancholy Dugu, Renshang, Changfeng for their generous support, and to the Serb Little Fish for their patronage.

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