You're Trying to Scam Me

In just one day and night, Shen Li had already made two large jars of alcohol, or rather, distilled two jars of alcohol.

At first, she was full of doubts, thinking Luo Yu was tricking her. But when the wine aroma filled the air, she knew she was wrong. Having brewed wine before, she understood this was definitely high-quality wine!

Luo Yu had already brought the two jars of wine to Han Shuo's residence, confident that today he would take those twenty warhorses back.

"You have time to visit me today?"

Han Shuo asked curiously:

"You recruited so many new soldiers. Shouldn't you stay in camp to train them?"

"Sir, I came to discuss important matters today."

Luo Yu took the initiative to pour tea for Han Shuo:

"Sir, the Xiqiang soldiers all come from the grasslands, skilled in horseback riding and archery. If we want to fight the Xiqiang head-on, cavalry is essential. Relying solely on infantry makes the battle too difficult."

Han Shuo's lips curled into a playful smile:

"Go on."

"I have considerable experience training cavalry. These days, I've been training everyone's riding skills. My brothers are brave and fierce, having killed many Xiqiang bandits.

I'm determined to form an elite cavalry unit to fight enemies and earn military merit. The only problem is the lack of warhorses."

Luo Yu looked troubled, rubbing his hands:

"I heard the general's mansion just assigned twenty warhorses to you?"

"Ha ha, I understand now. So you came for the horses?"

Han Shuo's smile grew wider:

"I was wondering why Captain Luo, who usually doesn't smile much, learned to pour tea today. Turns out you had something to ask of me.

But I have several captains under me. Who doesn't know a bit about riding? Who doesn't want to form cavalry? Just with your grand words, you want twenty warhorses? That's quite a fantasy.

I remember telling you, this is the battlefield. Military rations, salaries, and warhorses are all top-priority resources. If you want them, you need to earn them with merit."

"Please rest assured, sir, these horses will be put to good use!"

Luo Yu patted his chest:

"I can sign a military oath. Next time in battle, I'll earn more merit than anyone else!"

"I do believe in Captain Luo's abilities."

Han Shuo slowly crossed his legs and sipped his tea:

"But that's in the future, something uncertain. If I give you twenty warhorses now for no reason, others would say I favor you unfairly, causing unnecessary gossip.

So, Captain Luo, please return."

Han Shuo's expression showed no sign of giving in, even turning his head to the side.

Luo Yu didn't care about his dignity, quickly moving to the other side:

"Sir, don't be in such a hurry. I heard you love wine. Today I brought you two jars of good wine."

Luo Yu's face was full of smiles, but inside he cursed himself for being so shameless. When had he ever been so fawning? For the sake of horses, he was willing to go all out.

Han Shuo casually glanced at the wine jars, having seen them already, and coldly said:

"So what? You think two jars of wine can win me over? I do love wine, but what fine wine can match twenty warhorses?

Let me tell you, I never accept bribes! And I started abstaining from alcohol yesterday..."

"Bang!"

Before he could finish his righteous speech, Luo Yu slapped open the wine jar, the fragrance spreading immediately. Han Shuo's eyes went wide, sniffing repeatedly.

He was a drunkard, able to tell good wine just by smell. This was top-quality wine!

Luo Yu pretended to be regretful:

"Oh, you don't like this kind of thing and have quit drinking. I was too presumptuous, please forgive me!

I'll have someone take the wine away right away, so it doesn't offend your eyes!

Someone!"

"Wait! Stop!"

Han Shuo quickly grabbed Luo Yu:

"Cough, two large jars of wine are quite heavy. Moving them back and forth is too much trouble. Just leave them here."

He spoke to Luo Yu but his eyes were fixed on the wine jars, drooling.

"Right, sir is considerate of your subordinates."

Luo Yu immediately poured a full cup:

"Since it's here, sir, why don't you taste it? Consider it a tasting for me. This is wine I made using my family's secret recipe."

"You made it yourself?"

Han Shuo was surprised, picking up the wine bowl with interest:

"Alright, I'll taste it! But let's be clear, it's just tasting."

"Right, tasting!"

The wine went down his throat, Han Shuo's face turned red, his throat burning hot, instantly warming his entire body:

"Whoa~"

"Such strong wine!"

Han Shuo was incredibly shocked, having never tasted such strong wine before. But what followed was a feeling of complete comfort.

"Did you really make this yourself?"

"Of course, sir. If you don't believe me, you can search the whole city. If you find the same wine, I'll buy it all and give it to you!"

Luo Yu hinted meaningfully:

"In other words, if sir wants to drink, you can only find me."

The room was quiet for a moment. Han Shuo's eyes darted around. He understood exactly what Luo Yu meant - if he wanted to drink, he'd have to trade horses for it.

"Alright, I'll give you five horses."

Han Shuo couldn't resist the temptation, holding up five fingers: "These two jars of wine are mine."

"Sir, if you're giving, why not give all twenty horses?"

Luo Yu also held up five fingers: "Besides these two jars, I'll give you five more!"

"You can have them all if you want. I want fifty jars of wine!"

"Sir, you might as well kill me. Fifty jars would take until the end of time! How about this, let's compromise.

One jar for one horse!

I'll make you twenty jars!"

"Deal!"

The two of them haggled like street vendors, finally settling on this deal.

"I'll have the horses sent over tomorrow."

Han Shuo was clearly happy: "Don't forget my wine!"

"Sir can rest assured, ha ha! I'll take my leave!"

Luo Yu walked out happily, feeling he had gotten a great deal. Actually, whether it was twenty or fifty jars made no difference to him. It was just Shen Li brewing them, the only difference being time.

Just as he reached the door, Han Shuo suddenly said:

"That idea about the wine, did Xiao Shaoyou tell you?"

Luo Yu froze, unsure how to respond.

Han Shuo's lips curled into a light smile:

"He probably didn't tell you those twenty horses were meant for you anyway."

"Damn Xiao Shaoyou, actually trying to scam me! Making me go through all this trouble for nothing!"

"Hahaha!"

Xiao Shaoyou laughed so hard he was bent over: "Who would have thought you're so smart, I don't get many chances to prank you."

"I think you're asking for it!"

Luo Yu flipped his hand, Dawn appearing:

"Let me see Captain Xiao's sword skills today!"

"Hey hey, it was just a joke, you didn't lose anything."

Xiao Shaoyou waved his hands, raising a big hand:

"Come on, lamb soup. I'll treat you today!"

"That's more like it, let's go! I'll eat you broke today!"

It was late at night, already dark. The two slowly walked out of the camp toward Old Li's stall, unknowingly entering a quiet, deserted alley. This was the only way to get to the lamb soup.

The night was pitch black, with only weak moonlight spilling onto the walls, making it seem eerie.

Xiao Shaoyou changed to a serious tone:

"General Kong has already arranged people to secretly monitor all the city gates. If anyone has ulterior motives, they'll be caught immediately. What we need to do next is wait patiently.

But are you really sure the traitor will come out on their own?"

"Whoever the traitor is, they can't control all the city guards."

Luo Yu sneered:

"If they really want to open the gates and collude with the Xiqiang without any mistakes, the best way is to control other military leaders in the city, even the other captains.

So they'll most likely look for a suitable opportunity to act, and this opportunity must involve everyone being together.

We just need to wait patiently."

"Alright, if you're confident, we'll follow your lead."

"Whoosh!"

A sharp whistling sound suddenly echoed in their ears. Luo Yu's hair stood on end, pushing Xiao Shaoyou away, both falling to the corners of the wall.

The short arrow just grazed between them, piercing straight into the mud, its tail still vibrating rapidly.

The quiet alley grew colder.

Luo Yu's eyes turned icy cold, gripping his dagger:

"Who's there? Come out!"