Chapter 26: Playing to One's Preferences

Pi Erding trailed Peng Xiaoyu from a distance as she left the post house and headed toward the west side of the city. Upon reaching an intersection, Peng Xiaoyu stopped and looked around, seemingly uncertain which way to go. Seizing the opportunity, Pi Erding quickened his pace and passed by her. As he did, Peng Xiaoyu called out, "Excuse me, sir, may I ask the way to the Timber Market?"

Pi Erding paused, touched his face, and gave an awkward laugh. "Young lady, am I... really that old?"

Peng Xiaoyu blushed, pinched her slender fingers together, and made a gesture, forcing a smile. "It was my mistake. Actually... you aren't old at all. I was just... just being polite."

Amused, Pi Erding laughed heartily. "Are you from out of town? Just arrived in Chang'an?"

Peng Xiaoyu nodded repeatedly. She glanced at the leather boots on Pi Erding’s feet and suddenly realized that this somewhat sleazy-looking man was a soldier. His overly enthusiastic approach was likely no coincidence; he had been tailing her. However, though she felt a momentary panic, she did not move a muscle.

Pi Erding noticed the wariness in her eyes but made no attempt to hide his intentions. He enthusiastically patted his chest and said, "Then come with me. There isn't a corner of the nine markets of Chang'an that I don't know. Who knows, I might even be able to help you haggle for a better price."

"Really? That would be wonderful," Peng Xiaoyu replied with a smile, following him forward.

The two arrived at the Timber Market and found a furniture shop. Peng Xiaoyu produced the blueprint for a foot-soaking tub and gestured to the shopkeeper, explaining her requirements. Although the shopkeeper could tell from her accent that she was an outsider and noted the blue bruise on her face, he was pleased by her prompt payment and her graceful, well-behaved manner, so he readily agreed.

"Very well. No problem. Can you come back in two days to collect it?"

"Shopkeeper, about that... the tub will be quite heavy. As a lone woman, it might be difficult for me. Could you have it delivered when it's ready? I can pay you extra."

"That..." The shopkeeper hesitated, gesturing toward his busy apprentices, and said apologetically, "Normally, that wouldn't be an issue. But as you can see, I really don't have anyone to spare..."

"You stubborn old fool, I'm talking to you nicely, and you refuse to listen, eh?" Pi Erding’s expression soured. He pulled an identification tag from his belt, flashed it before the shopkeeper, and then tucked it away. "Don't you recognize me, Pi Erding? You listen closely: in two days, deliver the tub this young lady ordered to the post house in front of the Governor's Mansion. If there is any skimping on materials or any funny business, I’ll have your shop sealed up immediately."

Terrified, the shopkeeper bowed repeatedly. "I was blind, sir, and didn't realize it was for you, Master Pi. Don't worry. It will definitely be delivered the day after tomorrow."

"And the price?" Pi Erding glared, unrelenting. "Are you trying to bully this young girl because she's an outsider, charging whatever you please? You’re bringing shame upon all of us in Chang'an. Regardless, Chang'an was once the imperial capital of the Han. We cannot allow greedy merchants like you to tarnish its reputation."

The shopkeeper turned pale, realizing he had run into a racketeer. He quickly retrieved the deposit he had just accepted and offered it with both hands to Pi Erding. Just as Pi Erding reached for it, Peng Xiaoyu blocked him, smiling. "Shopkeeper, Master Pi is just joking with you. Please keep the money; one can't expect to buy things for free."

Hearing this, Pi Erding’s hand stopped in mid-air before he sheepishly pulled it back. The shopkeeper was torn; he naturally hated to lose the money, but he feared Pi Erding might find an excuse to stir up trouble. He knew this soldier, who came from a background as a local thug, all too well. He might be useless in battle, but making life miserable for a carpenter was child's play.

Seeing this, Peng Xiaoyu quickly pulled Pi Erding away, laughing as they walked. "Master Pi, where is the Wine Market? You’ve helped me so much, and I have no way to repay you. Let me buy some wine to take back—a small refreshment for you, sir?"

Only then did Pi Erding’s anger turn to delight. After offering a few insincere pleasantries, he led Peng Xiaoyu toward the Wine Market. Along the way, he enthusiastically introduced the customs of Chang'an and asked about the purpose of the wooden tub. Extorting wine money was merely a bonus; his true intention was to get close to Peng Xiaoyu and gather information.

Peng Xiaoyu did not hide anything and explained the benefits of foot soaking one by one. Hearing about the health benefits, Pi Erding was intrigued and became even more helpful. After buying the wine and escorting Peng Xiaoyu back to the post house, he immediately returned to the Timber Market to extort a tub for himself, to be delivered to his own home later. The shopkeeper, though unwilling, dared not resist and had to swallow his pride, resigning himself to his bad luck.

Pi Erding later reported the events to Xiao Nuo. Xiao Nuo didn't think much of it, but after pondering it for a while and finding nothing suspicious, he filed a routine report to Xiahou Mao. Xiahou Mao found the report quite interesting and made a mental note of it.

Two days later, the tubs were delivered to the post house. Wei Ba inspected the goods, paid the balance, and tipped the worker, saying, "Don't bother unloading them here; just bring them along to the Governor's Mansion for me."

The worker already knew this man was associated with the Governor's Mansion and dared not offend him. Pleased with the tip, he didn't mind the extra distance, so he pushed his cart along with Wei Ba to the gates of the Governor's Mansion. The officer on duty that day was Commandant Tian Fu. Seeing Wei Ba arrive with a wooden tub to request an audience, he couldn't help but laugh. "Master Wei, what treasure is this? Could it be some mystical artifact for the Old Lord's convenience?"

After two months of acquaintance, although Wei Ba and Tian Fu were not exactly close, he knew the man had a significant background. His father was Tian Yu, the Colonel Protector of the Wuhuan, whose might shook the northern frontiers. Tian Fu was the second son and had no chance of inheriting the title, so he had sought his own path, becoming a commandant in Guanzhong. Having grown up in the north, he was skilled in archery and horsemanship and was well-suited for the Western Theater of Operations. However, with Guanzhong having been peaceful for years, he was bored to death.

"I possess no such treasures, just some simple health-care equipment. I would appreciate it if you could inform the General."

Tian Fu sent someone to report, and before long, Wei Ba was summoned inside. Upon entering the central hall, he saw Xiahou Mao practicing "Cloud Hands" in the courtyard. As he moved, he smiled at Wei Ba. "Ziyu, this 'Cloud Hands' is truly miraculous. I’ve only been practicing for a few days, and I already feel my energy channels flowing smoothly—I feel as light as if I might float away."

Though Xiahou Mao lacked great talent, he had a fine appearance, and his Cloud Hands looked quite authentic, giving him an air of immortality. Wei Ba bowed and smiled, "That is because the General has a predestined affinity for the Dao, and through sincere and persistent practice, while I dare not promise immortality, improved health is certainly to be expected."

Xiahou Mao laughed heartily. While continuing his movements, he glanced at the wooden tub. "What is this?"

"This is also a health-care device, though different from Cloud Hands. Cloud Hands clears the blood vessels in the hands and upper body, drawing energy from the top down, while this clears the blood vessels in the feet and legs, nourishing the upper body from the bottom up. When used in conjunction with Cloud Hands, they complement each other perfectly."

Xiahou Mao suddenly remembered the report from two days ago. He stopped his practice and asked, "Is this the tub for that... foot-soaking thing?"

Wei Ba smiled slightly. "The General is wise; that is exactly what it is." As a defecting general, he knew that while Xiahou Mao appeared to trust him, secret vigilance was inevitable. Pi Erding was one of the men tailing him, and he was well aware of it. The very reason he had Peng Xiaoyu order the tubs instead of going himself was to avoid suspicion.

Xiahou Mao was delighted. He took a cloth to wipe the light sweat from his forehead and, with great interest, examined the tub while asking about the foot-soaking process. Wei Ba leaned in and whispered, "The General deals with countless matters daily and must be exhausted. I see it and am filled with both admiration and concern. Such toil not only wears down your own health but also neglects the Princess who has traveled thousands of miles to be here. Even if the Princess is a woman of great understanding, she will eventually have complaints. Don't you agree, General?"

Xiahou Mao’s eyes shifted, and his smile vanished. His biggest headache over the past two days wasn't the possibility of Zhuge Liang invading, but the fact that Princess Qinghe would not let go of his dozen beautiful concubines and was determined to have their lovely little heads chopped off. He had spoken countless soft words to no avail. Having not seen those beauties for several months, he felt like he had dozens of mice scratching at his heart; he couldn't sleep at night. Wei Ba’s sudden mention of this made him feel a bit embarrassed.

"And... what of it?"

"General, after a day of hard work, enjoying a foot soak can soothe the spirit. If a beauty were to provide a massage, it would not only be a pleasure for the eyes but also for the mind. If one person enjoys it, it is a private pleasure; if two share it, it is not only good for health and vigor but can also foster harmony between husband and wife."

Xiahou Mao’s eyes lit up, though he quickly masked it with a hearty laugh, pointing at Wei Ba. "Wei Ziyu, oh Wei Ziyu! You have great talent, yet you don't use your mind on proper business. Spending your days pondering such things—is it not a waste?"

Wei Ba smiled. "With you here in Chang'an, the world is at peace; what need is there for me to prattle on? If I can serve you and ease your burdens, that is a great deed in itself. Don't you agree, General?"

Xiahou Mao was overjoyed, stroking his beard and nodding repeatedly. He glanced at the two brand-new tubs, reached out to pull Wei Ba toward the hall, and once seated, said solemnly, "Wei Ba, I was just about to look for you. I have reported your situation to the Imperial Court. His Majesty appreciates your loyalty and has issued an edict appointing you as the General of the Household for Promoting Righteousness. From now on, you are an officer of my Guanzhong Military Region. You must work diligently and serve His Majesty well."

Wei Ba knelt and bowed, expressing his endless gratitude.

Xiahou Mao had the seal and official robes brought out. Seeing Wei Ba dressed in them, he stroked his beard with satisfaction. "Young man, you are truly a fine figure of a man. You look even more imposing in these official robes. After this battle is won, come with me to Luoyang. I’m sure countless noble families will take a fancy to you. When you marry a beautiful wife in the future, don't forget to invite me for a drink."

Wei Ba was overjoyed and smiled, "I came to Guanzhong with nothing, and the General has treated me like a second father. If I achieve even a modicum of success, how could I ever forget you?"

"That's good." Xiahou Mao’s expression shifted; the official dignity he had just projected flew to the heavens, and his look became, in every sense, sleazy. "Ziyu, then let's not delay this foot-therapy business, shall we?"

Wei Ba understood immediately. "Rest assured, General. I will have my maidservant pass on the techniques immediately. General, how do you think we should proceed?"

Xiahou Mao twirled his beard and said with mock seriousness, "Naturally, the sooner, the better."