Chapter 10: A Chance Encounter

Old Li Seven was deeply reluctant, but the arm could not twist the thigh; when Li Gui had decided on something, what use was he as a mere puppet deputy leader?

After gathering all the gold, silver, and valuables, Li Gui took everything with him. Accompanied by Old Li Seven and five or six burly men, he descended from Yushan Mountain.

Although Old Li Seven and the others did not know the path to the prefecture town, they were very familiar with the surrounding roads.

With a few guides leading the way, Li Gui smoothly found a concealed trail, exited the mountains, and arrived at Shagou Town.

The goods they usually looted were sold here, and Li Gui was well acquainted with the locals.

If one wished to trade weapons and armor, they certainly had to connect with these familiar faces.

Outside the town, beside the dilapidated city gate, a wanted poster was pasted. From a distance, it depicted a man with eyes like copper bells, mouth wide enough to swallow the sky — a terrifying visage.

Approaching closer, Li Gui peered at the notice, which read:

“Criminal Li Gui, native of Yishui County, killed the Yishui magistrate, four constables, and seven civilians—ten heinous crimes. Anyone who brings the head of this man to the prefecture for report will receive a reward of three thousand strings of cash; those who provide information leading to his capture will receive one thousand strings. Anyone who conceals knowledge and fails to report shall bear the same guilt as the criminal.”

At the bottom were the date and signature, stamped with a red official seal.

Li Gui looked at the portrait — three parts more ghost than man — and couldn’t help but chuckle.

Such a crude image, finding this man would be like chasing ghosts!

But since his name was there, caution was necessary.

He glanced sideways at his men; they barely glanced at the wanted poster, showing no concern at all.

It seemed they were illiterate.

Usually, next to such notices, there would be constables assigned to explain the contents to illiterate people, but in this remote town, officials were there only to make a living, with not a single one genuinely responsible.

Today, the weather was stiflingly hot; standing long under the sun would likely cause heatstroke, but the officials cared nothing for the common folk.

Only the tax collector sitting in the shade by the city gate persisted; everyone else had long vanished.

Old Li Seven and the others often came down the mountain to fence stolen goods; the townsfolk recognized them by now and no longer raised alarms or tried to capture them.

After paying a small entry tax, they entered the town smoothly.

“Brother, shall we sell first or buy first?”

Li Gui looked up at the sun, estimated the time, and said, “It’s nearly noon; the brothers must be hungry. Let’s quell our hunger first.”

Old Li Seven nodded knowingly and led the way eastward through the town.

“The largest tavern in Shagou Town is the Thousand-Foot Pavilion, run by Mr. Li, a local official.”

“The chef here was specially hired from the prefecture, highly skilled, especially famous for Mount Yi Scorpion and Mount Yi Bachelor’s Chicken.”

“I’ve heard much about it, but could never afford it before. This time, it’s thanks to you, brother, that I can finally indulge.”

Old Li Seven laughed as he flattered, but Li Gui cut him off with a single sentence.

“Don’t worry. Once I unify the mountain strongholds, I’ll bring that chef up to the mountain—no big deal.”

At the thought of this new chief stirring things up in the mountain stronghold, Old Li Seven felt a chill run down his spine, losing all enthusiasm to speak further.

Arriving at the Thousand-Foot Pavilion, Li Gui looked up and found it barely reached four or five dozen feet—far from a thousand.

Those pedantic scholars must have invented the number to intimidate people!

Li Gui muttered a curse under his breath and strode into the tavern’s entrance, where a waiter warmly greeted them.

“Welcome, honored guests. Would you prefer the main hall or a private room upstairs?”

“A private room, please!”

With money comes courage; having coin in one’s pocket brings confidence.

Li Gui earned money easily and naturally spent it generously.

The waiter led them up to the third floor and into a private room.

The room was small but tastefully simple.

A round table stood at the center, surrounded by several round stools.

The window facing the street was open, with a pot of greenery on the sill. Li Gui couldn’t recognize the flower, but its fragrance was intoxicating.

A small table against the wall held a water pot and towels, alongside the four treasures of the study.

On the wall hung calligraphy and paintings, likely from local or regional celebrities, though probably of little importance.

Li Gui pulled over a stool and sat by the window, arms spread wide, leaning casually as he glanced down to see if any fair young ladies passed below.

Alas, such small towns were full of coarse, rough women—there wasn’t a single young beauty in sight.

The waiter swiftly wiped the already clean table again and asked, “What would the honored guests like to order?”

“Bring whatever fine wine and dishes you have! Also, all the chef’s specialties—one portion each. If it’s not enough, bring more.”

“Certainly, please wait a moment!”

As the waiter turned to leave, Li Gui suddenly called out, “Wait a moment. Tell me, where in town can we find a guide familiar with Yi Prefecture’s geography?”

“Sir, only Mr. Li’s household in Shagou Town has such guides who frequently travel all over. If you need one, try visiting his estate.”

Li Gui nodded slightly and casually tossed several dozen copper coins as a tip.

The waiter accepted the coins with a broad smile, thanked them, and left to bring tea, snacks, and fruit to whet their appetites.

After the light refreshments were finished, the hot dishes arrived in a continuous stream.

The men Li Gui brought along had never been valued by the previous mountain chief Zhao Black Head; in the past, when they came down the mountain, they did menial labor and had never tasted fine food.

Thankfully, since Li Gui’s brother had killed that ruthless Zhao Black Head and become the mountain’s chief, their fortunes had changed.

Li Gui’s brother was generous, bringing his men to enjoy the best food at the tavern—there was no room for complaints.

The group stuffed their cheeks, greedily devouring the meat dishes.

Only Li Gui savored the chef’s specialties with measured appreciation.

The Mount Yi Scorpion dish had long since vanished in later times, as wild scorpions were nearly extinct and protected. No one dared to eat them.

Even farm-raised scorpions tasted quite different and were somewhat inferior.

Li Gui had never imagined that, a millennium ago, he would taste such a delicacy again.

Just as he ate, the door suddenly opened, and someone entered.

“Haha, I knew it! It must be friends from Yushan!”