https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-559-A-Grand-Spectacle-Destined-to-be-Uneventful/12536873/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-561-Accumulating-Meritorious-Deeds/12536875/
Chapter 560: Deviations from the Original Story
Chapter 560: Deviations from the Original Story
"Brother Lian!" Yang Kaitai greeted as he stepped forward.
"Brother Yang!" Lian Chengbi replied with a courteous smile.
Following Yang Kaitai was a group of people, including Iron Robe Master, Iron Ku Master from Shaolin Temple, Huiming Master from White Horse Temple, Yixin Master from Baozhu Temple, and Duning Master from Qinglong Zen Court.
The unwaveringly stoic Si Tu Zhongping, leader of the seventy-two allied escort agencies, was accompanied by twelve chief escorts, including Lu Shiheng, making for a total of thirteen.
Also present was Liu Yongnan, the eldest son of Liu Sangye, the Blossom Swordsman. By his side stood a man with a crisp and tidy appearance—Peng Pengfei, the chief escort of the Wan Sheng Escort Agency in Jizhong, known as the Golden Saber.
Peng Pengfei smiled and said, "I am an old acquaintance of Young Master Liu, and when I heard that he would be joining this endeavor, I decided to lend my strength as well."
Liu Yongnan smiled proudly, feeling his status elevated by association.
Si Tu Zhongping and the other chief escorts were also pleased. After all, the more capable individuals they had, the better their chances. Although the Wan Sheng Escort Agency was not part of the seventy-two allied agencies, the reputation of the Golden Knife was not to be underestimated.
Thus, they treated Liu Yongnan and Peng Pengfei with respect.
Of course, Lian Chengbi's reputation far outshone theirs.
The Martial Arts Prodigy, the Pure Young Master, the Leader of the Six Virtuous Gentlemen of the Martial World, and the Patriarch of the First Family of Jiangnan...
Even the most conservative estimates placed Lian Chengbi's martial arts prowess at the pinnacle of the martial world. It was believed that there were no more than ten people who could defeat him, and even then, they would be the leaders of the major sects or renowned veterans of the martial world.
Thus, upon hearing of Lian Chengbi's visit, everyone had come out to greet him together.
Even the most senior Shaolin elder present showed courtesy to Lian Chengbi.
After greeting the Shaolin elders and monks, Lian Chengbi exchanged courtesies with Si Tu Zhongping and the other escorts before standing side by side with Yang Kaitai in the center, as the group was ushered into the main hall of the Cold Fragrance Garden.
"Brother Yang, this escort mission of yours is quite something—eight million taels of silver. I assume it took at least a month to prepare for this?" Lian Chengbi said with a smile.
In his previous world, he had worked for an escort agency. The Red Flag Escort Agency had branches in eighteen cities in the Central Plains, but even after thirty years, they had never undertaken an escort mission worth more than one million taels of silver.
"It's been more than a month," Yang Kaitai sighed. "The last batch of thirty thousand taels of silver just arrived from Shu."
"Then it seems my arrival is quite timely," Lian Chengbi laughed.
"Indeed," Yang Kaitai agreed. "In fact, we had planned to rest today and set off tomorrow."
Si Tu Zhongping interjected, "We have already sent people ahead to scout the route. The earlier we depart, the less time we give to the bandits eyeing this escort mission."
Lian Chengbi chuckled, "I heard that quite a few bandits have their eyes on this shipment?"
Even the unflappable Si Tu Zhongping seemed a bit unsettled, "It's more than just a few. This mission has attracted the attention of almost the entire northern wilderness. I've even heard that horse bandits from beyond the border have disguised themselves and entered the pass."
Even the local power, the Huashan Sect, had retreated to their mountain. With no vested interest in the matter, they did not intend to get involved, which spoke volumes about the formidable alliance of bandits they were facing.
Lian Chengbi smiled, "What's there to fear? They may have the northern wilderness, but we have our very own 'Steady as Mount Tai'."
Everyone laughed at his words, and even Si Tu Zhongping couldn't help but crack a smile before quickly regaining his composure. "Brother Yang trusts me, and I take this mission very seriously. As long as I am escorting this silver, I will not slack off for a moment. Rest assured that I will do my utmost to ensure the safe delivery of this shipment to Jiayuguan."
Yang Kaitai cupped his hands towards Si Tu Zhongping in gratitude.
Iron Robe Master joined his hands together and said in a deep voice, "Si Tu Hero is experienced and wise. If there is anything we can do to assist along the way, please do not hesitate to give us your instructions."
The group exchanged a few more flattering words before dispersing.
Yang Kaitai personally led Lian Chengbi and Shen Bijun to a certain courtyard within the garden. "I never expected this escort mission to attract so many bandits. Thank you, Brother Lian, for your righteous assistance. I am deeply grateful," Yang Kaitai expressed his gratitude.
"You're too kind, Brother Yang," Lian Chengbi smiled. "If I hadn't come to the northwest, it would be a different story. But since I'm going to Jiayuguan and I'm aware of your situation, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."
Yang Kaitai repeatedly thanked him and patted his chest, promising, "Brother Lian, if you need anything in the future, just give me a word!"
"Don't worry about money," Lian Chengbi laughed.
"Ahem!" Yang Kaitai coughed dryly, his face reddening. "It's... it's fine. Well, it's getting late. I'll go to the kitchen to check on dinner. Someone from the garden will bring it over later." With that, he hastily took his leave.
Shen Bijun couldn't help but smile. "My grandmother also told me about Yang Kaitai. She said he has a straightforward personality and keeps his promises, but he's stingy when it comes to money. I wonder why."
"It's because of the way he was raised," Lian Chengbi explained. "His family owns a money house, and he's the only young master of the Yuanshi bank. So, his father, Mr. Yang, worried that he wouldn't value money, and from a young age, he was taught to prioritize it."
Shen Bijun sighed, "But is this the right way to teach the value of money?"
Lian Chengbi nodded, "His education might have been misguided, but I assume they realized their mistake and couldn't correct it afterward."
"It's obvious," Shen Bijun smiled.
Yang Kaitai had received good family education, at least in terms of his core values and how to interact with others. His stinginess with money was a minor flaw that didn't detract from his overall character. At least when it came to important matters, he never lost sight of what was truly valuable.
"For example, he didn't skimp on hiring an escort agency for this mission, did he?" Lian Chengbi teased.
Shen Bijun laughed, "He's stingy, not foolish."
The couple rested for a while in the room and changed into fresh clothes before exploring the Cold Fragrance Garden together.
Despite being located in Guanzhong, the Cold Fragrance Garden was built south of Changan City, drawing its water from the springs of Mount Zhongnan, creating a thousand-acre garden.
The garden boasted winding paths, flowing streams, thick-tiled roofs, and deep eaves, exuding a unique charm and style of the northern landscape, distinct from the gardens of Qilu and Jiangnan.
"The architecture here truly reflects the weight of history in Guanzhong. It's impressive," Shen Bijun remarked.
"I heard that this Cold Fragrance Garden used to be the Han Dynasty's Upper Forest Garden, and its design was intentionally modeled after the Han style. I'm not sure if that's true, though," Lian Chengbi said.
As they strolled and chatted, they spotted Liu Yongnan turning onto a corridor up ahead. His eyes lit up when he saw them, and he quickened his steps.
Following closely behind Liu Yongnan was Peng Pengfei, who politely cupped his hands toward Lian Chengbi from a distance before turning away.
"The wise couple is also touring the garden?" Liu Yongnan smiled. "I arrived a few days earlier. May I have the honor of introducing the garden to you?"
"You're too kind, Liu Gongzi," Lian Chengbi politely declined. "My wife and I are just strolling casually and discussing some personal matters. There's no need to trouble you."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
