Stronger by Killing

In an instant, the hall fell abruptly silent.

Red Lady’s face froze for a moment, then she forced a smile and spoke softly: "Let me pour wine for Lord Gu!"

As she spoke, Red Lady slowly bent at the waist, showing off her well-shaped figure. Still, she was dressed very conservatively—her alluring curves were all one could discern, nothing more.

Her jade-like hands were slender and elegant,

Just as she reached for the wine pot, Gu Zhan suddenly stretched out his hand, grabbing hers, his gaze cold, his tone flat: "What, do you think I lack a wine-pouring servant?"

Red Lady was used to such delicate maneuvers; her smile remained enchanting as she replied softly: "A man of your stature, Lord, could never lack anyone to pour wine. I’m simply overcome by your presence—uncontrollably so. If not, perhaps I could offer you a dance instead?"

Gu Zhan narrowed his eyes slightly, speaking in a deep voice: "Do I need to repeat myself? Strip!"

Red Lady gave an awkward smile, helplessly casting her gaze toward Luo Huaiyang.

Luo Huaiyang immediately smiled, saying: "Lord Gu, Red Lady’s dance is second to none in Pingyang City. Let’s all enjoy it, courtesy of your honor."

Gu Zhan released Red Lady’s hand, leaning back on his chair, speaking coolly: "I’ll say it one last time. Strip!"

Luo Huaiyang’s smile stiffened.

The tension in the hall solidified instantly.

A young man with the air of a dandy stood up, holding his wine cup, and said: "Lord Gu, Red Lady is an entertainer, not a courtesan. As the dignified Lord Thousand Households, why make things hard for a weak woman? On her behalf, please accept my apology—I’ll punish myself with a drink."

Saying this, the young man raised his cup and drained it in one gulp.

Gu Zhan placed his feet on the table, glanced at the young man, and said calmly: "Who are you?"

The young man hurriedly replied: "I am Du Yi, attached as Prefecture Government Warehouse Commander’s Order."

Gu Zhan shook his leg slightly, his voice cold: "I asked, who are you?"

Du Yi froze, then said again: "I am Du Yi, attached as Prefecture Government Warehouse Commander’s Order, in charge of the warehouse... Ah!"

Before Du Yi could finish,

Gu Zhan suddenly grabbed a cup from the table and smashed it against Du Yi’s forehead, sending him sprawling to the ground with blood pouring down his face.

The hall plunged into absolute silence.

Gu Zhan closed his eyes momentarily, then said softly: "You like drinking, huh? Eat the cup for me!"

Du Yi lay on the ground clutching his head, staring blankly at Luo Huaiyang.

Luo Huaiyang took a long breath, picked up his own cup and threw it at Du Yi, shouting angrily: "What the hell are you, can’t even figure out who you are? What gives you the right to apologize on behalf of Lord Gu? Get out!"

Du Yi scrambled up and rushed out the door.

Luo Huaiyang pulled a smile onto his face and looked at the flustered Red Lady, saying: "Red Lady, since Lord Gu has honored you with his attention, just follow his orders. Could Lord Gu possibly mistreat you?"

Red Lady was stunned,

She knew her own situation well enough. Though she was hailed as the top courtesan in Pingyang City, that didn’t really mean she was truly the most beautiful. There were others prettier, plenty just as attractive,

How did she achieve such a reputation,

That was merely a name built by the money spent by those supporting her,

To draw so many people like moths to flame,

She relied only on the reputation of being a "clean official",

The rich didn’t lack beautiful women; what they wanted was a feeling, a manufactured saintly image fallen into the dust,

If she truly stripped here before everyone, then her title as top courtesan would end tonight.

"Why are you just standing there? Go pour wine for Lord Gu!"

Just that, her patrons all relied on Luo Huaiyang for their foothold in Pingyang City; she dared not defy Luo Huaiyang’s command. So she slowly removed her outer garment, then untied the cords and slipped off the inner layer, leaving only a sheer underdress. Barefoot, she walked over to Gu Zhan, knelt beside him, and poured his wine. Instantly, the sight of pale skin dazzled the eyes.

Gu Zhan glanced at her, shifting his leg slightly.

Red Lady understood immediately, and leaned closer to gently knead Gu Zhan’s leg.

"Come, come," Luo Huaiyang raised his cup, "let’s drink together to welcome Lord Gu!"

The crowd all lifted their cups.

Gu Zhan too raised his cup and took a sip,

And once again the atmosphere in the hall reignited. Luo Huaiyang began introducing the officials present to Gu Zhan,

Just about all the Prefecture Government’s higher-ups had come.

After several rounds of drinks, Luo Huaiyang smiled and asked: "Lord Gu, so young and already in high office—now that you’ve taken charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in Pingyang City, what plans do you have?"

Gu Zhan chuckled: "I’m new here, not familiar with the local customs. Lord Luo, do you have any guidance?"

"I dare not presume to guide you," Luo Huaiyang replied. "I’m just a few years older, and may have some crude opinions. If you find them disagreeable, pay them no mind."

"Please speak, Lord Luo," Gu Zhan smiled.

Luo Huaiyang beamed: "As officials, we chase after just a few things—power and wealth. Lord Gu, you’re in high office; you certainly lack neither. Other than that, all that’s left is a good reputation, the hope to benefit the region in our tenure, right, Lord Gu?"

Around the hall, others continued eating and drinking, but all eyes were fixed on Gu Zhan.

Gu Zhan slowly put down his cup, smiled lightly, and said: "Lord Luo, you have a hidden message, probing me in a roundabout way."

Luo Huaiyang was about to speak, but Gu Zhan cut him off: "No need for formalities—I don’t like beating around the bush. Lord Luo, gentlemen, tonight’s banquet is hardly a friendly one.

I won’t play games, and you don’t need to probe me. If you hadn’t invited me tonight, I would’ve come myself."

The crowd put down their cups. Luo Huaiyang asked: "Please teach us, Lord Gu."

Gu Zhan spoke slowly: "I don’t have any grand ambition to purge the world, nor do I believe I have the ability to reshape the local order. Also, truth be told, I rather enjoy the uninhibited ways of Yunxi Land,

Because I—am used to being uninhibited."

Gu Zhan smiled and swept his gaze over the crowd, continuing: "When I work, I never like being restrained, nor do I like others telling me what to do. Wherever I go, that place follows my rules. So, do you understand?"

The hall was utterly silent.

After a while, Luo Huaiyang smiled lightly: "Lord Gu, you must be joking. We serve the Government Office, not Martial World Gangs; we have strict rules. It’s impossible to do everything as one pleases. You understand, Lord Gu?"

"Hmm,"

Gu Zhan nodded, speaking coolly:

"I understand. In that case,

let’s change the Government Office!"