Chapter 138: The Pavilion of Ten Thousand Flowers

The young girl remained expressionless. After Chu Junhan finished speaking, she continued, "My master says that if the General does not wish to see him, he shall come to seek the General himself."

Having said this, she did not wait for Chu Junhan's response but turned and left with an air of arrogance and disdain.

"..."

Damn it! How could there be such an unreasonable and overbearing person?

Chu Junhan glared at the girl's retreating back, silently vowing that when he met this so-called Lord Jiuling, he would make him understand the difference between a general and a mere merchant.

"Junhan, should I stop her?" Tang Chen had already reached for his sword, his brow furrowing slightly. Although he did not bully women, he was more than willing to intercept a servant girl for Junhan's sake.

"No need. She is just a messenger. Let’s rest. We enter Pingzhou tomorrow; don't look so dispirited, or we shall be a laughingstock for others." Having said this, the youth crossed his arms and closed his eyes.

The next day in Pingzhou City, the common folk stood in the streets early in the morning, their eyes fixed on the city gates, filled with anticipation.

The young maidens in the prime of their youth were particularly striking, dressed in their finest, clearly having gone to great lengths to prepare.

In the Wangchun Pavilion, looking down at the street from a second-story window, Liu Yan'er sat on pins and needles, sipping tea cup after cup, her eyes also expectantly fixed on the city gates.

"Young General Chu is here!"

At the cry of an unknown voice, the entire street erupted.

A long black dragon of soldiers marched into the city in an orderly fashion, heading toward the General’s Mansion, while the remaining troops set up camp at the foot of the city walls.

Leading the procession were three youths. The one on the far left had a scar on his face and appeared the most composed; the youth on the right looked around with eyes full of curiosity; the youth in the center held a calm expression, his gaze deep and his features the most handsome of the three.

"Taohong, which one is Junhan?" Liu Yan'er leaned excitedly against the window, craning her neck repeatedly. Having not seen him in twelve years, she could no longer recognize Chu Junhan.

"Which one does the Young Miss think it is?"

"I think it is the youth in the middle," Liu Yan'er said, pointing with her finger. "In my memories, Junhan always had that same indifferent expression. It really hasn't changed at all."

"If the Young Miss believes it is the general in the center, then it is the general in the center."

Liu Yan'er responded softly, her heart fluttering like a trapped bird as she watched the youth pass by, her eyes filled with admiration.

Not until the Chu army had entered the General's Mansion did the pedestrians reluctantly disperse. The young maidens walked away, their hearts now harboring dreams of a perfect husband.

...

Inside the General's Mansion, the security was tight.

In the main hall, a youth stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the furnishings with a thoughtful expression.

"Junhan, Junyi's address." Tang Chen handed over a slip of paper, interrupting the youth's contemplation.

At this moment, Chu Junhan had already removed his armor. His hair was tied back simply with a white ribbon, and his attire was unadorned, giving him an air of detachment and tranquility.

"Wanhua Pavilion!" Chu Junhan burned the note to ashes and picked up a book of poetry. "Let's go see Brother Junyi."

Tang Chen followed closely behind, and the two arrived at the entrance of the brothel.

"Oh my, two young masters, please come in~" A middle-aged woman, her face caked in heavy makeup, twisted her plump body and beckoned with a silk fan, smiling obsequiously at Chu Junhan and his companion.

Chu Junhan stepped back in disgust, dodging the woman's hand, and brushed the powder that had fallen onto his clothes. He gave a light cough and said, "Lead the way."