Chapter 72: Carrying Jade to the Birthday Banquet (Two‑in‑One)

They say that those who have never run a household don't know how expensive firewood, rice, oil and salt are; now with over two hundred people to feed, we have to keep them full, and from time to time we must get some meat to improve everyone's meals.

Of course, meat can't be enough to fill everyone; when it's time for meat, each person gets about three slices.

This kind of life makes the mountain bandits extremely happy; it's even better than when they farmed their own fields, let alone when they were wandering refugees.

It is worth mentioning that Jiang Jinshi recruited a newcomer named Xiao Hu.

This fellow is big and strong and can eat a lot; supposedly his family could no longer support him and drove him out, and when Jiang Jinshi met him, he was at the Jiangcheng gate snatching someone else's porridge.

Jiang Jinshiyi saw that this person had potential; on the path of mountain banditry he was practically self‑taught!

So he tossed an invitation his way; Xiao Hu didn't ask much, just asked whether it would let him eat his fill.

The confident Jiang Jinshi immediately affirmed that he could eat his fill; Xiao Hu, without further questions, followed Jiang Jinshi up the mountain.

The current reality is that Jiang Jinshi regrets it; although Xiao Hu can eat five meals' worth in one, he is strong and a great laborer, and Jiang Jinshi himself isn't unable to support him.

What leaves Jiang Jinshi speechless is his single‑mindedness!

"Xiao Hu!" Jiang Jinshi shouted from the main hall toward the doorway.

"Brother, what do you want me to do?" Xiao Hu carried Jiang Jinshi's long halberd and walked in.

Jiang Jinshi placed a hand on his forehead, his tone full of helplessness: "Why are you constantly holding the long halberd? Aren't you tired?"

Xiao Hu scratched his head, looking somewhat aggrieved: "Brother, didn't you tell me to hold it?"

"I just finished training and handed it to you casually, intending you to put it back, not to keep holding it!" Jiang Jinshi tried to control his tone to appear calm.

"Oh!" Xiao Hu walked toward the corner, muttering, "I clearly said the two words 'hold it,' not that many!"

Jiang Jinshi shook his head; he had considered giving Xiao Hu a Small Squad Leader position, but after much thought he gave up, deciding it was fine for him to just serve as a guard.

"Xiao Hu, let's go!" Jiang Jinshi planned to check the storeroom for something presentable as a gift.

Since Yangguangzhai began ambushing the road, they have had some daily gains.

In the past, the Five Poison Stronghold was too large to be attacked; the smaller ones didn't want to be robbed, when there were many people they wouldn't rob, and a solitary one that looked poor they also wouldn't rob.

And when they went down the mountain they would just lie in the grass and only act if something seemed suitable.

Nowadays Yangguangzhai is completely different; no matter how many of you are, they first come to search you, only robbing wealth, not women, treating both children and elders fairly.

If the villagers number three or fewer, they take only half of their belongings; for a small caravan they take everything.

If they cooperate with other strongholds, they accept it, but only after verifying authenticity; they can't just let you go because you claim to be from the Qin family!

As a result, the bandits of Yangguangzhai have become the most "diligent" bandits in Lianhuan Shan.

To other strongholds, the Yangguangzhai bandits descend each day full of vigor, as if they have endless energy.

The fact is that everyone is well fed, so they aren't lazy and only want to sleep, and the raids are rotated among three squads.

Robbing, training, and patrolling give each squad something to do, rotating daily in a three‑day cycle.

Upon arriving at the storeroom, Jiang Jinshi greeted Tang Lin in advance.

Although he is the chief, he must tell Tang Lin what he takes so Tang Lin can record it.

"Tang Lin, is there anything relatively cheap yet presentable as a gift? Preferably not too pricey," Jiang Jinshi said to Tang Lin.

Tang Lin rolled his eyes at this; a low‑price gift that's presentable—how can that be? You're asking for everything!

So he can't speak well; otherwise he'd have a few complaints.

But since his chief spoke up, whatever he says must be fulfilled, and he then seriously began flipping through the ledger.

The storeroom was filled with all sorts of junk; most came from the two previous strongholds, a few were recent spoils.

After searching for a long time, Tang Lin suddenly stopped, and took a dust‑stained wooden box from a corner.

Jiang Jinshi took the box, opened it, and inside lay a jade bi, quietly resting.

"Tang Lin, how much is this worth?" Jiang Jinshi asked curiously; he was naturally concerned about the price, as something too expensive couldn't be given.

Tang Lin wrote on paper— sixty to eighty silver!

Jiang Jinshi nodded in satisfaction; although he didn't understand jade, if Tang Lin's accounting says that amount, it should be correct.

The County Magistrate's birthday banquet is this afternoon, leaving Jiang Jinshi no extra time to consider further.

Jiang Jinshiyi casually brushed the dust off the box and tucked it under his arm.

"Xiao Hu, go! Brother will take you to the banquet!"

When Xiao Hu heard there would be food, he perked up and without a word followed Jiang Jinshi's pace.

A few days earlier, Tang Xiao Yu learned that Jiang Jinshi would attend the birthday banquet, and spent several days and nights making clothing.

Of course, the fabric was taken by Tang Lin from the storeroom, said to have been seized from a small caravan.

It must be said that Tang Xiao Yu's embroidery was quite good; now Jiang Jinshi wore a moon‑white robe embroidered with green bamboo as decoration, giving him a scholarly air.

Xiao Hu was ahead, leading a horse, making Jiang Jinshi look even more like a gentleman.

They say clothing makes the man and a saddle makes the horse; this proved true—wearing these clothes not only lifted his spirit, but walking through the city drew frequent glances from passersby.

When Jiang Jinshi arrived at the County Magistrate's house entrance, the celebratory clamor was already surging like boiling water beyond the threshold; the vermilion‑painted high gate was open, and the bluestone steps shone from the wear of passing shoes.

"Hiss! So many people, could I be late?" Jiang Jinshi inhaled a cold breath, thinking he was following the invitation's time, and he had even arrived early.

Even Jiang Jinshi wondered if Old Huo had deliberately given him the wrong time.

In fact, it wasn't Old Huo's fault; Jiang Jinshi simply didn't understand the unspoken rule.

The time on the invitation marks the start of the birthday banquet, but most people aren't there just for the meal.

Prominent figures from Jiangcheng gather here, and even those from neighboring towns; the big names can schedule their arrival, can a lowly person dare do the same?

To network with higher‑status individuals, most invitees arrive early, even if just to exchange a few words in the courtyard, to secure a chance to be seen by the important guests.

If you arrive late, the crowd is full and the dignitaries are busy chatting, leaving no time to notice you!

For some, such gatherings are a chance to soar, and they certainly won't miss it.

So an unspoken rule formed: the lower one's status, the earlier they arrive, while the main act appears last.

Of course, that's nothing special; many people linger near the entrance without invitations, only able to watch from outside.

For example, the woman standing in front of Jiang Jinshi has taken small steps back and forth twice already, each time pretending to stroll casually; on closer inspection one sees that most of the time her attention is on Jiang Jinshi.

Perhaps she thinks she is well hidden, but near County Magistrate Liu's residence there isn't a single street vendor, making the purpose of her "strolling" rather obvious.

Just as Jiang Jinshi was hesitating, Lao Huo in the crowd suddenly noticed him and hurried out to greet him.

"Jiang… brother, please come inside!"

Originally Lao Huo wanted to address him as Jiang the Great Head of Family, but felt it was unsuitable for this occasion, so he altered his words on the spot.

Jiang Jinshi did not shy away and asked directly, "Lao Huo, did you write the time for me incorrectly?"

"That's right! Jiang brother arrived just in time," Lao Huo said, taking the reins from Xiao Hu's hand and handing them to the young servant.

"Then why did these people arrive so early?" Jiang Jinshi indicated the noisy courtyard with his chin.

Lao Huo laughed, "These people are just here to join the fun, so they naturally came early."

Jiang Jinshi nodded, said nothing further, and led Xiao Hu across the threshold.

Those who receive an invitation may bring a guest to the banquet, but at most one.

This also allows many who did not receive an invitation to exploit a loophole; they can bid to purchase that spot.

The names written on the invitations are non‑transferable, let alone County Magistrate Liu's invitations—who would dare sell them within this three‑acre plot?

But the guests one brings can be chosen freely, providing ample room for maneuver.

After entering, Jiang Jinshi handed the wooden box he held to Lao Huo, who passed it to He Li, the person announcing the offering.

"Jiang Jinshi, presenting a jade bi."

One must comment on Tang Lin's particular choice; the quality gap of a jade bi can be huge—poor pieces are naturally cheap, but a top‑grade one is priceless.

This scene naturally attracted everyone's attention, since Jiang Jinshi's attire clearly did not look like that of an ordinary person.

"A jade bi! Just don't know what the price is!"

"Surely it's not cheap; anyone who can come at this time is no simple case."

"I just saw it—the person was personally greeted by Steward Lao Huo!"

Lao Huo, as County Magistrate Liu's steward, is normally the magistrate's representative when he goes out—a figure so important that even bowing to him is rare.

"Everyone here knows; say something we don't already know."

"Interestingly, He Li's announcements usually mention status, yet this person has only a single name."

Jiang Jinshi remained silent; of course this was Lao Huo's arrangement, because if he were to call out the full title, it would be—Lianhuan Shan Yangguangzhai Great Head of Family Yangguang Old Ghost, Jiang Jinshi, presenting a jade bi!

Can one actually shout that?

No, you can't! Then you can only call the name.

This sparked countless speculations, with people guessing Jiang Jinshi's true identity; the only vague conclusion was that he must be an outsider, since no one in Jiangcheng had heard of him!

Thus, many young women, prompted by their fathers, walked over to greet Jiang Jinshi!

Just as Jiang Jinshi was about to lose himself amid the repeated calls of "young master," a loud shout caught his attention.

"Out‑of‑town Tang family head, Tang Yunhe, presenting a Red Gold Infinite Longevity Buddha statue, may the honored one enjoy a hundred years of health!"

Jiang Jinshi squinted at the newcomer, not expecting the Tang family head to attend County Magistrate Liu's birthday banquet in person.

It should be noted that the other three families only sent representatives with gifts; the heads themselves would not come.

Such a move is tantamount to lowering one's status, and at this precise moment, the visitor's motives cannot be that simple!

Sensing an unfriendly gaze, Tang Yunhe turned his head, his eyes meeting Jiang Jinshi's.

Jiang Jinshi neither flinched nor avoided, simply staring back.

"Lord Tang, please proceed!" Lao Huo arched his body, extending his arm to indicate the way for Tang Yunhe.

Tang Yunhe's expression revealed no joy or anger; he turned and walked toward the hall as if not recognizing Jiang Jinshi.

Watching Tang Yunhe depart, Jiang Jinshi continued to smile at the many onlookers.

"Then the music, then the dance."

"Huh? Young master…"

Jiang Jinshi looked at the increasingly crowded front courtyard and couldn't help but sigh.

Indeed, the sky is high and the road long; even a County Magistrate has such a display, unafraid of investigation or impeachment—how does that differ from open bribery?

The courtyard is divided into outer and inner sections, with status distinctions accordingly.

The inner courtyard is usually reserved for members of prominent families, notable figures from the two cities, or County Magistrate Liu's confidants.

Jiang Jinshi could naturally enter the inner courtyard, but Xiao Hu could only stay in the outer courtyard, unable to step in easily.

Most who can enter the inner courtyard bring attendants, trusted aides, or family, and these people must remain in the outer courtyard to dine once the banquet begins.

Thus Jiang Jinshi called out to Xiao Hu, "Whatever anyone tells you, ignore them; just say you don't know!"

Xiao Hu nodded solemnly, indicating he understood, and Jiang Jinshi felt at ease before heading toward the inner courtyard.

After entering the inner courtyard, the crowd indeed thinned, but the next moment Jiang Jinshi sensed a murderous intent emanating from behind.

He spun around abruptly, only to see a figure dart quickly to the side of a corridor.

Jiang Jinshi couldn't see the person's face, only a glimpse of a garment edge—this person…

"Brother Jiang, you arrived early!" County Magistrate Liu, his face flushed red, waved at Jiang Jinshi, walking up beside him.

Interrupted by County Magistrate Liu, Jiang Jinshi clasped his hands and replied, "Congratulations, Lord Liu, for governing this region and stabilizing the four corners."

"Alright, alright! Ha ha!" County Magistrate Liu placed his hand on Jiang Jinshi's shoulder; the two looked like close brothers.

Something's off!

Last time that damn fat pig wasn't this enthusiastic; there's definitely something fishy.

Jiang Jinshi forced a smile, his mind pondering the purpose behind County Magistrate Liu's actions.

At this moment, Tang Yunhe appeared before Jiang Jinshi, his iron‑blue complexion revealing an unpleased mood.

Tang Yunhe walked straight past Jiang Jinshi and County Magistrate Liu toward the outer courtyard, not glancing back at them.

Now Jiang Jinshi roughly guessed something: Tang Yunhe must have come to see County Magistrate Liu to discuss something, but the talk fell apart.

So County Magistrate Liu pretended to be very close to him, but actually to disgust Tang Yunhe?

Then the subject of their discussion should have revolved around themselves, or simply the division of benefits.

Jiang Jinshi's conjecture is not accurate, but it is all the information he can obtain for now; he just cannot verify his speculation.

A short distance away, a few people gathered for idle chat; they are administrators who, under County Magistrate Liu, oversee different industries.

"By the way, why hasn't the one who runs the tavern shown up yet?"

"Probably didn't receive the invitation, so felt embarrassed to come!"

"That's impossible; the day before yesterday I drank with him, and he said he would give a peerless treasure to the eastern family!"

"Peerless treasure? His shabby tavern can only earn a few coins; what could he compare with my gambling den?"