Chapter 14: The Price of Politeness: Gu Enting’s Extortion

Tossing a gleaming silver ingot in his hand, Zhang Ergou grinned smugly as he made his way towards a restaurant, eager to indulge in some lavish spending.

He hadn’t anticipated, however, that the moment he reached the entrance, a waiter would step forward to block his path.

“My apologies, sir, but our Dream Drunken Immortal Restaurant has been reserved for a private event today. Please do come again another time.”

‘What on earth? Who’s so rich they’d book out Moxuan’s largest restaurant?’

Stretching his neck, Zhang Ergou peered into the restaurant’s main hall.

He saw two rows of attendants standing rigidly before the empty counter, their bodies clad in green brocade robes, their waists cinched with identical gold-lacquered belts.

Each of them carried a saber, projecting an exceptionally formidable aura.

Yet, what struck him as most peculiar was the small ceramic bowl balanced atop each of their heads, filled with clear water.

The slightest tremor would send the water splashing out.

“You people are utterly useless! To claim yourselves as the Sixteen Experts of the Imperial Treasury, yet you can’t even keep watch over an ordinary person with no martial arts skill? It’s simply disgraceful!”

Standing before them was a Dream Maiden who, at first glance, exuded an air of profound nobility.

Her head adorned with jade-inlaid golden hairpins, her shoulders draped in a light silk gauze, her delicate countenance was like a creation of crystal-clear jade, captivating all who beheld it.

“A bunch of good-for-nothing gluttons, you infuriate me! What if something untoward were to befall my husband…”

“Second Miss, our immediate priority should be to locate Young Master Gu. Any punishment can wait until our return!”

“Silence! Do you truly believe… I’m unaware of these things?!”

“Y-yes, yes, yes…”

‘Good heavens, this woman is stunning…’

Just as Zhang Ergou was muttering under his breath, a folding fan suddenly tapped the back of his head, startling him so profoundly that he bristled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

“Who?!”

“Move aside, please.”

Turning around, he saw none other than a solemn Gu Enting, who glared at the burly man before him with a hint of weariness in his voice.

“Could you please stop blocking the doorway?”

Upon recognizing Gu Enting, Zhang Ergou scurried to the side, his entire demeanor shifting as if a mouse had spotted a cat.

Gu Enting paused before the restaurant entrance, deliberately shaking his head to rouse his spirits.

He forced a somewhat theatrical smile, fanning himself with one hand while clutching a package of local delicacies wrapped in oil paper in the other, and strode quickly into the inn.

“Ah, my dear wife, why have you made this restaurant so terribly serious, as if it’s hosting a grand assembly?”

“My beloved husband!!!”

The Dream Maiden’s face, etched with vexation and worry, vanished in an instant at the sight of him, and she pounced on him like a little white rabbit.

“I was so worried about you, truly! Where on earth did you go?”

“Nothing major, merely a visit to an elderly teacher, and a pleasant chat about old times.”

“Visiting your teacher is commendable, but you shouldn’t have gone without me, leaving me to worry so…”

“There, there, my dear wife, look what I have here.”

Changing the subject with practiced ease, Gu Enting deftly produced the local specialty from his hand, successfully diverting her attention.

“Fragrant Nectar Crispy Lotus Root Slices!”

The Dream Maiden clung to his arm, cooing playfully, “You’re so good to me, always bringing me delicious treats.”

At this moment, Gu Enting cast a meaningful glance at the attendants, signaling them to remove the bowls from their heads.

“What are you all standing around for, dumbfounded? Hurry and pack our luggage; we’re departing for the next town immediately.

Any more delay, and it will be dark!”

“Yes, Young Master Gu!”

The sixteen attendants responded in unison, then swiftly removed the bowls from their heads, dispersing in a blink of an eye.

***

Just at this critical juncture, a group of fierce-looking ruffians suddenly appeared on the street.

Leading them was a middle-aged man with a perpetually sour expression, dressed in expensive attire that radiated the arrogance of a nouveau riche from head to toe.

Trailing behind him were a somewhat smug Lin Shaodong and a retinue of house guards, all marching menacingly towards the Dream Drunken Immortal Restaurant, causing everyone they encountered to scurry out of their way.

“Dong’er, is that fellow surnamed Gu in this inn?”

“That’s right, Ah Qiang confirmed it; that litigation-monger is lodging at this very restaurant!”

“Good, this old man wants to see just how formidable this Master Gu’s silver tongue truly is! Let’s go—!”

Lin Qinglong adjusted his belt, then, full of vigor, led his large contingent of men charging into the Dream Drunken Immortal Restaurant.

“Gentlemen, please stop. The venue is privately booked today, so may I ask…”

Before the waiter could finish his sentence, a house guard shoved him aside, leaving him no room to retaliate.

“Why are you hitting people?!”

“Hmph—”

Upon seeing them, Gu Enting murmured under his breath, ‘It seems what I feared has come to pass…’

Lin Shaodong, who had always harbored a weakness for beautiful women, immediately smirked upon seeing Gu Enting’s wife, wicked thoughts stirring within him.

“Father, this woman is quite a looker. How about she becomes your daughter-in-law?”

His father replied with a look of displeasure, “Such a lack of ambition! Do you really want even secondhand goods like that?”

“Yes, I was wrong…”

Lin Qinglong, his face ashen, turned to Gu Enting and boomed in a mock-courteous tone, “May I inquire which gentleman is the esteemed Master Gu Enting?”

“Ah, my dear wife, this venerable gentleman is truly a paragon of politeness and decorum!

Despite there being only the two of us, a man and a woman, in this entire hall, making it obvious who Gu Enting is, he insists on asking first.

He truly gives me face before ‘everyone’!”

Lin Qinglong had intended to intimidate him, but instead, Gu Enting had savored it like sweet nectar.

“‘Everyone’… But aside from them, there’s no one else here, is there?” his wife asked, tilting her head.

“My dear wife, you misunderstand. This is precisely the gentleman’s brilliance.

He pretends there are people everywhere, using the pretense of ‘seeking someone’ to deliberately announce my name loudly and honorably.

Doesn’t it sound just like the palace attendants shouting ‘His Majesty arrives’?”

At this, Lin Shaodong’s face flushed crimson with rage.

He pointed a finger at Gu Enting’s nose and cursed, “You litigation-monger, how dare you compare my father to a palace attendant…”

“Dong’er, that’s enough rudeness! Just because others lack manners, must you follow suit?”

Gu Enting reacted swiftly, kicking the ball back to them.

“Indeed, Young Master Lin, how can you be as impolite as the waiter who blocked the door just now?”

“Huh?” The waiter, now caught in the crossfire, asked with a bewildered expression, “M-me? What did I do?”

Failing to gain any advantage after a few exchanges, Lin Qinglong’s face grew increasingly grim, devoid of any hint of a smile.

“Master Gu, this old man has yet to introduce himself.

My humble surname is Lin, and my given name is Qinglong.”

“A pleasure to meet you, a pleasure.”

“Master Gu has heard of this old man’s name?”

Gu Enting shrugged, an awkward smile playing on his lips.

“My apologies, I haven’t. That was merely a common courtesy.”

The waiter nearby barely managed to suppress a snicker.

“Hmph, Master Gu truly lives up to his reputation; his skill at making others uncomfortable is truly masterful.”

“Oh, just average, just average. How could I compare to Master Lin’s prowess? His talent for asking for trouble is truly unparalleled.”

Lin Qinglong remained silent, clenching his fists in secret, a furious fire simmering in his belly, eager to be unleashed.

“You litigation-monger…”

“Dong’er!” Lin Qinglong raised his arm to stop him.

“Master Gu, this old man has heard that my son had a small misunderstanding with you previously.

After much thought, I feel quite remorseful, and thus, I specifically invite you to honor my Lin Manor with your presence for a cup of tea, and to resolve any lingering grievances.

Would that be convenient for you?”

Hmph, such a display was hardly an invitation for tea; it was clearly an intention to seize him and slowly torment him at the manor!

“Given Master Lin’s generous invitation, how could this Gu possibly refuse? However, my humble wife and I are just about to depart Moxuan.

I fear I cannot accept your invitation to gather at the Lin Manor. It is truly a pity.”

“Is Master Gu implying he won’t grant this old man face?”

“It’s not that at all. It’s simply that the timing is most inconvenient. It is truly, truly, truly regrettable!”

“A gathering at my manor, where you and I can enjoy ourselves over wine.

Then, early tomorrow morning, I will personally escort Master Gu out of Moxuan Market Town.

Neither side would be delayed, wouldn’t that be splendid?”

“Ah, Master Lin, we genuinely cannot delay any longer.

My humble wife’s symptoms of acclimatization sickness are quite severe.

If we delay even a few more days, I fear something serious might occur!”

“Huh?” His wife blinked blankly.

“There’s no need to worry. My son has a rudimentary understanding of medicine and can treat your wife throughout the night.

Perhaps she’ll be well by the next morning?”

“Ah, Master Lin, how thoughtful you are!

To not even bother inviting a doctor, but instead directly have your own son treat another’s wife – truly a rare and commendable example in this world!”

Gu Enting’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“As a junior, I must certainly learn from you.

In fact, I also have a rudimentary understanding of medicine.

Perhaps, while your esteemed son treats my wife all night, you could allow me to treat your concubine for a night as well?”

“Hehehe… What nonsense. My humble concubine is not as delicate as your fragile wife; her health is perfectly fine.”

“Ah, Master Lin, you jest!

In this world, what woman without some ailment would marry you?”

“You!!!” Lin Qinglong hadn’t expected such a direct jab and was momentarily speechless, unable to utter a single word.

Lin Shaodong, unable to bear it, forcefully interjected, “You litigation-monger, my father kindly invited you for drinks, yet you spoke so disrespectfully.

Isn’t that going too far?”

“Ah, what a grave injustice! How have I spoken disrespectfully?”

Gu Enting’s lips curved slightly as he calmly explained, “What normal woman would marry your father?

Of course, it would be a woman with an ailment who would marry him!

Everyone knows it’s an incurable disease called lovesickness, which every pair of lovers contracts!”

“This…” Lin Shaodong was instantly rendered speechless.

“Master Gu, my son is ill-mannered; please do not take offense.”

“You litigation-monger!”

“Dong’er!” Lin Shaodong was about to say something more, but Lin Qinglong roared at him.

“Stop making a fool of yourself! He makes a living with his mouth; we don’t need to get entangled in wordplay with him.”

“Master Lin truly jests,” Gu Enting said with a shrug and a smile.

“This Gu indeed makes a living with his mouth, and my humble wife also makes a living with her mouth.

I wonder which part Master Lin and Young Master Lin use to eat?”

Almost every sentence was a retort, and the Lin father and son’s faces grew darker and darker, the atmosphere becoming increasingly awkward.

“Master Gu, let us not beat around the bush.

A small drink at my manor, would that be agreeable?”

Lin Qinglong made a subtle gesture, and at his signal, the house guards immediately drew their weapons and surrounded them.

“Ah, Master Lin, does this mean you absolutely insist on inviting me, and I have no choice but to go?”

Lin Qinglong’s face was livid, showing he had no intention of giving any quarter, his eyes filled with the domineering aura of a landlord.

“You cannot refuse.”

“No room for negotiation, then?”

“No room for negotiation.

Even if it requires an eight-man sedan chair, Master Gu will be invited to my manor!”

“Hehehe…” Gu Enting once again put on a very theatrical, awkward smile.

At that very moment, his smile vanished, and he raised his hand, letting out a sharp whistle.

No sooner said than done, the sixteen attendants leaped into action, scattering like falling petals.

In the blink of an eye, they simultaneously drew their long sabers, pressing them against the necks of the house guards.

“This, this, this…” Lin Qinglong’s face instantly went white at the sight.

“Master Gu, this old man kindly invited you for a small gathering; how can you resort to drawing weapons?”

One of the attendants, his face stern and fierce, spoke, “What are you, anyway?

Our Young Master Gu and Second Miss are about to depart; how can we waste time in this provincial place because of you?”

“Provincial place…”

“Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, it’s all a misunderstanding.

Everyone, put away your blades,” Gu Enting stepped forward, playing the peacemaker.

“This is Master Lin of Moxuan Market Town, who specifically invited us for tea, conversation, and some casual chat.

There’s no malice intended.”

“Yes, yes, yes, a misunderstanding, it’s all a misunderstanding…” Lin Qinglong nodded repeatedly.

“Since Young Master Gu says so, it indeed appears to be a misunderstanding. I apologize for my rudeness!”

The attendants sheathed their sabers, then arrogantly bowed to Lin Qinglong in apology before turning to report to Gu Enting.

“Young Master Gu, we have packed almost everything; we can depart immediately!”

“No, no, my wife and I cannot depart.

This Master Lin is forcibly inviting me to his manor for tea, and I cannot refuse.

It’s truly impossible to decline!”

“Oh?” The attendant detected a hint of something amiss and turned to glare at Lin Qinglong.

“No need, no need, absolutely no need!” Lin Qinglong quickly changed his tune.

“Master Gu is a busy man with grand ambitions; how could he be delayed in this backwater?”

“Ah, Master Lin, that’s not right of you!

Just now, you insisted I had to go, and your tone was so forceful, one might have thought you intended to kidnap me!”

“No, no,” Lin Qinglong was like a changed man, bowing repeatedly and waving his hands.

“If Master Gu wishes to leave, how would this old man dare to forcibly detain him…?”

“So, my humble wife and I don’t need to spend the night at the Lin Manor and can depart for Tianyu now?”

“Of course, you can!

If anyone dares to block Master Gu, this old man will be the first to object!”

“Then it’s truly a shame that we can’t have tea…”

“If Master Gu has the inclination, the next time you visit Moxuan Market Town, let alone tea, you can have as much fine wine as you desire!”

“Master Lin is truly too polite,” Gu Enting chuckled slyly, clearly hatching a mischievous plan.

“No need for ‘next time’; let’s just convert it to cash now!”

Upon hearing this, Lin Qinglong’s mind went blank.

“Cash… cash?”

“Precisely!” Gu Enting raised an eyebrow.

“This way, Master Lin doesn’t lose face, and this Gu doesn’t delay his journey.

Isn’t that killing two birds with one stone?”

“Uh… yes, yes, yes,” Lin Qinglong finally caught on, but what could he do?

He reluctantly pulled out the money pouch he carried.

“The best tea on the market is Heavenly Fragrance Dragon Leaf; one pot is worth half an ingot of gleaming silver.”

With that, he took a gleaming silver ingot from his money pouch and handed it to Gu Enting.

“Master Gu and your esteemed wife make two people in total, one pot each…”

“Ah, Master Lin, there’s a saying, ‘When a man gets to heaven, even his chickens and dogs follow.’

My humble wife and I can drink such expensive tea, but are these attendants only to drink well water?”

“Oh…” Lin Qinglong swallowed, and with a trembling hand, took several more gleaming silver ingots from his money pouch, handing them to Gu Enting.

“These should be enough for all these brave warriors to have a pot each!”

Gu Enting was not so merciful.

He weighed the gleaming silver in his hand, his eyes glinting as he spoke again, “One can’t simply keep drinking tea; there should also be some dried fruits and candied treats nearby, to be enjoyed occasionally.

Surely, a man of Master Lin’s standing and etiquette wouldn’t be unaware of this?”

“Then… how many dried fruits and candied treats does Master Gu think we can consume?”

“Consumption is secondary; what matters is the grand display.

Imagine, dozens of varieties of dried fruits and candied treats, all arranged on large platters on the table for everyone to partake.

Such a magnificent display truly befits Master Lin’s prestige!”

“Yes, yes, yes…” Lin Qinglong fumbled out a few more gleaming silver ingots and handed them to Gu Enting.

“Now that we have tea and dried fruits, can we finally begin the tea party?”

“With only tea and dried fruits, Master Lin’s tea party would seem a bit too simple.

This Gu believes such a tea party is still missing some crucial elements.

Imagine, dancers gracefully performing in front, and singers elegantly playing the zither and singing nearby.

Wouldn’t such a unique tea party be elevated to a whole new level?”

“Elevated to a whole new level, a new…” Lin Qinglong was at his wit’s end and could only continue to dig into his pockets, his breathing becoming increasingly rapid as he did so.

“Even with dancers and singers, it’s not enough.

After all, Master Lin originally intended to keep us for an entire night…

How about we also book an opera troupe to perform a brilliant and exquisite ‘Dream of the Imperial Capital’!”

“Opera, opera, an opera troupe?”

“Master Lin, your complexion looks terrible.

Can you still stand?”

Lin Qinglong had paid so much that he was disoriented, barely able to stand steadily.

He struggled to support himself.

“Master Gu, this old man is feeling a bit unwell and is unable to respectfully see you all off from Moxuan Market Town.

Let’s chat another day…”

“Why didn’t you say you were feeling unwell sooner?”

With that, Gu Enting, with the speed of lightning, snatched the heavy money pouch from Lin Qinglong’s hand.

“Master Gu, why are you stealing this old man’s money…?”

“Who knows if you’ve contracted an infectious disease?

If our people were to catch it, that would be disastrous!

Now, calculating everyone’s medical expenses here, it’s just about enough. Thank you!”

Lin Shaodong cursed under his breath, ‘That litigation-monger, he’s even worse than a robber…’

“This, this, this…” Lin Qinglong was at a loss for words, feeling a sudden blackout before swaying backward, almost falling onto his backside.

“Father…” Lin Shaodong, quick-witted, rushed forward to support him.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, fine…” Lin Qinglong waved a hand, taking a deep breath to temporarily steady his fragile heart.

“Master Gu, this old man has extended all due courtesy; please, show some mercy!”

“Next time, remember,” the grinning Gu Enting sneered sarcastically, “don’t ask for trouble.”