Chapter 9: Over a Cup of Wine, Relinquishing Military Authority

In the evening, the campfire flickered, a crescent moon hung in the sky, illuminating the heavens and earth clearly.

Jiang Xiaomu's eyes were deep and solemn as he strode toward Ying Tuzi's tent; sure enough, many people had already gathered inside, all of them subordinates of the army guards.

As soon as they saw Jiang Xiaomu enter, everyone stopped what they were doing, their gazes strange.

Obviously, some had not expected that Jiang Xiaomu would actually dare to come.

"This brat's come looking for death?"

"Shut up, don't ruin big brother's plan; I've heard this brat has some skill, not easy to deal with."

The two muttered, but their words carried into Jiang Xiaomu's ears.

Since he exchanged for strength in the system, even his hearing improved.

Moreover, the residual medicinal power from the amber grass that Jiang Lüzhu had used up last time was also absorbed by Jiang Xiaomu; he now feels that his hearing, sight, and strength have all greatly improved.

"Brother Jiang has come, quickly come in."

Ying Tuzi walked out from the innermost tent, his face still bearing a hearty, open smile, appearing harmless.

"Big Brother Ying invited me; I dare not refuse."

Jiang Xiaomu spoke softly, his expression calm as he followed Ying Tuzi inside.

The tent inside was not large; a small square table stood in the middle, laden with food and drink, suggesting Ying Tuzi had spared no expense this time in his plot to kill him.

"Please sit, let's first drink a few cups heartily."

Ying Tuzi smiled broadly, sat upright on the ground, and poured a cup of wine for Jiang Xiaomu.

"From now on we are brothers; I've heard of Brother Jiang's deeds before—he not only produced salt, but also cured big brother's horse, truly extraordinary."

Ying Tuzi praised him repeatedly, his eyes full of sincerity.

If he didn't know Ying Tuzi's purpose, Jiang Xiaomu might have been deceived; he never expected Ying Tuzi's acting to be so good.

However, he was adept at countering moves, so there was nothing to fear.

"If Big Brother Ying has any orders, just tell me; being able to help the army guards makes me feel justified staying here."

Jiang Xiaomu was not polite either; he took the wine and drank it all in one gulp.

Just after finishing, Jiang Xiaomu raised his eyebrows—how could this wine taste like water?

He suddenly realized that this era lacked alcohol and various additives, so the wine was purely brewed from grain.

But among these refugees grain is extremely precious, so this wine is also of very poor quality, thus tasteless, drinking it like water.

"How is it? This is top-grade true spring brew."

Ying Tuzi spoke proudly, "This is the reward Hu Sandao gave me when I earned merit earlier; I've been reluctant to drink it, but now it's a bargain for this brat—also considered letting him enjoy a full belly before death."

"Good wine."

Jiang Xiaomu spoke without changing expression, but inwardly he complained, "No fart flavor."

They exchanged cups, and soon a bottle of wine went down; Ying Tuzi even felt a bit dazed.

He looked at Jiang Xiaomu and saw his complexion unchanged, drinking cup after cup just like water.

"This brat's alcohol tolerance is so good? It shouldn't be..."

Ying Tuzi muttered to himself, then lifted the wine cup, preparing to smash it on the ground.

This was the signal he had agreed on with his subordinates beforehand—smashing the cup would be the cue for them to rush in; he didn't believe they could fail to kill Jiang Xiaomu.

However, just as he raised his hand, Jiang Xiaomu took the cup from him and spoke with a smiling squint.

"Big Brother Ying won't drink; I'll drink it for you."

Having said that, Jiang Xiaomu drank it all in one gulp.

Ying Tuzi's face turned pale; he then lifted another cup, but before he could smash it, Jiang Xiaomu snatched it away and drank it.

Seeing bottle after bottle emptied, Ying Tuzi finally felt a pang of regret—this was wine he had treasured for years, and Jiang Xiaomu had drunk it all.

Even when the last cup was low, Ying Tuzi still hadn't had a chance to smash it.

And he was already drunk and dazed.

Looking again at Jiang Xiaomu, his eyes remained clear, his expression calm—he hadn't even gone to the bathroom once.

"Someone come."

Ying Tuzi finally could bear it no longer and shouted loudly.

However, outside there was no response; by this time everyone had grown weary of waiting and simply left.

"Big Brother Ying, what do you mean by this?"

Jiang Xiaomu asked, knowing full well.

Ying Tuzi sighed, seeing that the situation was already settled; this plot, he feared, was destined to end in failure.

"It's fine; I just wanted to call someone to see you off."

Ying Tuzi smiled again and personally saw Jiang Xiaomu out.

"Big Brother Ying drank to his heart's content today; let's gather again when we have time."

Before leaving, Jiang Xiaomu added with a smile,

Ying Tuzi nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood, but he endured it; only his smile remained somewhat stiff.

On the way back to the tent, the system lit up once again.

"Congratulations, host, for resolving the crisis with your wit and wisdom; the system awards fifteen Heaven's Mandate Points."

"The system grants the host a bottle of Marrow Cleansing Pill to aid in continuing the journey ahead."

Jiang Xiaomu raised his eyebrows; the three words 'Marrow Cleansing Pill' made his heart go 'thump-thump'.

This is the kind of pill that only appears in xianxia novels...

Soon a red pill appeared in Jiang Xiaomu's hand; he stared at it for a while, gave it a gentle sniff, then swallowed it without hesitation.

Only by improving himself faster can he better protect his sister, Jiang Lüzhu.

However, after swallowing the pill, Jiang Xiaomu felt nothing.

"Why isn't it working?"

Jiang Xiaomu muttered, the pill's name is awesome, but it didn't say what it does, leaving him quite puzzled.

But he had already eaten it, Jiang Xiaomu didn't worry, turned and ran quickly toward the tent.

Jiang Xiaomu returned to the tent and found that Jiang Lüzhu hadn't slept yet.

"Brother, you've finally come back."

Hearing Jiang Xiaomu return, Jiang Lüzhu quickly ran out and flung herself into his arms.

While waiting in the tent, Jiang Lüzhu remained anxious, fearing something might happen to Jiang Xiaomu, and only relaxed when he returned safely.

As soon as Jiang Xiaomu sat down, he felt warmth in his chest, as if the pill he had swallowed was taking effect.

"Lüzhu, don't worry, I'm fine; go to sleep first."

As soon as Jiang Xiaomu finished speaking, he promptly fainted.

Jiang Lüzhu worried incessantly, seeing her brother's face grow redder, yet she could do nothing.

At dawn, a ray of sunlight fell inside the tent.

Jiang Xiaomu also opened his eyes; at that moment his eyes were exceptionally clear,

"Brother, you've finally awakened,"

Jiang Lüzhu spoke excitedly, having guarded Jiang Xiaomu's side all night, fearing something might happen to him.

Fortunately, Jiang Xiaomu only had a flushed face and steady breathing, which eased her mind a little.

"You didn't sleep all night?"

Jiang Xiaomu looked at Jiang Lüzhu's dark circles and spoke helplessly.

"I was afraid something might happen to you, brother."

Jiang Lüzhu spoke earnestly, her egg-shaped small face full of grievance.

Jiang Xiaomu patted Jiang Lüzhu's forehead, a warm feeling welling up in his heart…

The next day, Jiang Xiaomu received an order from the military guardians to send a team to suppress bandits.

"Suppress bandits? That's a great opportunity."

Jiang Xiaomu murmured, having made up his mind.