Chapter 69: Shen Que: Little Brother, I Have a “Gift” for You
Returning to Dragon Manor, Xiao Wen stretched lazily and looked at the empty estate, thinking that he should recruit some servants for the place.
He couldn't keep making the White Dragon Cavalry handle all the miscellaneous chores forever, could he?
Still, that was something for later.
Right now, the most important thing was finding Shen Que and getting some intelligence from him regarding the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
Although Xiao Wen had participated in the Yellow Turban Rebellion during his previous life, the battlefield he had chosen was Yingchuan.
After fighting through the entire campaign, he had gained absolutely nothing worthwhile.
When the Yellow Turban campaign finally ended, all he could do was watch enviously as the players who had chosen the Zhuo Commandery battlefield feasted on rewards after helping Imperial Uncle Liu, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei defeat the Yellow Turban generals Cheng Zhiyuan and Deng Mao.
Though Xiao Wen wasn't particularly fond of Big-Eared Liu himself, watching those people enjoy such benefits still made him extremely jealous.
More importantly, weren't those people all destiny NPCs within the game?
Especially from the late Han period through the Three Kingdoms era, Liu Bei, Sun Quan, and Cao Cao were undoubtedly hidden super bosses, each possessing tremendous power and potential.
If one could replace any of those three figures, then their future journey in the game would not merely be smooth—it would be extraordinarily successful.
Of course, replacing any of them was far easier said than done.
For now, it was better to ask Shen Que first.
With that thought, Xiao Wen wasted no time. He immediately left Dragon Manor and headed toward the clothing store.
Today, the store's doors stood open, yet there wasn't a single person inside.
Walking into the shop, Xiao Wen glanced at the account book resting on the nearby counter. Seeing that the ink was still somewhat wet, he instantly realized that the shop owner had only left a short while ago.
"It seems this Commandant of Sili already knows about the Yellow Turban news. In that case, I'll just wait here for him to return."
The thought crossed his mind, but Xiao Wen wasn't bothered in the slightest. He dragged over a small stool, sat down heavily, and quietly waited inside the shop.
However, before the shop owner returned, quite a few passing players spotted Xiao Wen and came over to strike up conversations.
Xiao Wen rejected every one of them.
Whenever they asked what he was doing there, he simply answered that he was waiting to buy clothes.
Whether they believed him or not was another matter.
In fact, many players immediately suspected that this tiny clothing store might be hiding a quest.
Otherwise, why would a top-tier player like Half-Journey Through the Mortal World choose to sit here waiting?
There had to be something suspicious going on.
Once one player voiced that theory, the rumor quickly spread through a small circle.
Before long, a crowd of players gathered around the clothing store. They lingered nearby without entering, maintaining a careful distance while hoping to learn something.
About half an hour later, Shen Que finally returned.
The clothing store owner's expression was rather unpleasant.
Especially when he reached the entrance and noticed dozens of eyes fixed on him from all directions, his face darkened even further.
Damn it!
Why are there suddenly so many people around my shop?
Could it be that those Ten Attendants bastards have noticed me?
That shouldn't be possible!
I'm pretty sure I've hidden myself well!
Various thoughts flashed through Shen Que's mind.
Then he stepped into the store and immediately spotted Xiao Wen sitting inside.
His expression improved slightly.
Quickly replacing his grim look with a warm smile, he said:
"Little brother, what brings you here? Have you come to deliver another good treasure to your old brother?"
Xiao Wen smiled without answering and merely glanced toward the shop entrance.
Understanding immediately, Shen Que led him into the rear courtyard, poured him a cup of tea, and only then asked:
"Now you can talk. Those people outside—they're here because of you?"
Xiao Wen shook his head.
Earlier, perhaps they had been.
But now...
They were probably here because of this NPC in front of him.
A clothing store owner with hidden quests?
If that rumor spread, business at this shop would probably become quite lively.
The only question was whether the owner would be grateful or furious.
"They might be here for you, old brother. After today, your clothing store may become the liveliest place in all of Luoyang."
"In the future, your business will surely prosper. Becoming wealthy beyond measure will no longer be a dream."
"When that day comes, don't forget your little brother here."
Xiao Wen lifted his teacup, took a sip, and casually shifted all responsibility away from himself.
Shen Que froze briefly, then looked rather surprised.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
A better clothing business?
To be honest, he wasn't interested.
After all, the shop owner identity was merely a disguise.
His true duties consisted of only two things.
Gather intelligence.
Make money.
But...
How much money could a clothing store really earn?
The real profits came from underground dealings.
"Don't worry, little brother. If that day truly comes, I certainly won't forget you. Let's get back to the main topic. What brings you here this time?" Shen Que asked.
"You have connections in high places, old brother. You must have heard the news regarding the Yellow Turbans. I've heard those rebels are preparing a major operation soon."
"When I hear such news, rage fills my heart. I wish I could slaughter every last one of those traitors!"
"But as you know, although I currently hold the position of Left Chief Secretary, it's nothing more than a nominal office."
As he spoke, Xiao Wen deliberately revealed a troubled expression.
He looked every bit the ambitious patriot who longed to serve but had no opportunity to do so.
Seeing this, Shen Que fell silent.
His expression shifted repeatedly as though considering something.
After a long pause, he finally opened his eyes and looked at Xiao Wen.
"In the battle outside the city that day, how many of those soldiers under your command do you still have?"
Soldiers?
Heavy cavalry?
White Dragon Cavalry?
Counting them all, the original five hundred plus the increased recruitment capacity after upgrading to a main city meant his maximum force had risen to fifteen hundred.
However, for this faction war, he could only bring one thousand troops.
"One thousand," Xiao Wen answered.
Hearing that number, Shen Que's eyes lit up slightly.
Looking at Xiao Wen with undisguised surprise, he lowered his voice and said:
"Little brother's foundation is even stronger than I expected!"
"In that case, I won't waste time beating around the bush. Let's get straight to the point."
"You wish to establish merit and make a name for yourself. Right now, there is an opportunity."
"The question is—do you dare accept it?"
Xiao Wen's eyes immediately brightened.
"Why wouldn't I?"
"You know Liu Yan, Governor of You Province. Though he is a member of the imperial clan, there have been signs in recent years that he harbors ambitions beyond his station."
"Within his jurisdiction lies a commandery called Zhuo Commandery. Within that commandery is a county called Zhuo County."
"This county occupies a strategically critical position within the region."
"There is intelligence indicating that the Yellow Turban rebels intend to strike there."
"The Son of Heaven is furious and wishes to appoint a capable individual as county magistrate to defend the area."
"Though your old brother is not particularly talented, I just so happen to know the minister responsible for this matter."
"And I am willing to recommend you."
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