Chapter 243 - 154: What Does This Mean?

The brothers looked at each other. Although it felt awkward, they quickly adapted.

"Yes! Mr. Wei!"

The captain of the first squad was the first to respond, and the other brothers also laughed and changed their address.

Han Lei nodded with satisfaction, "You guys first find an inn nearby to settle the horses and luggage, then come in and find me. We’ll drink, eat meat, and by the way, gather some gossip about the Capital City."

"Yes, sir!"

The brothers replied in unison and proceeded with their horses towards a nearby inn.

Han Lei watched them leave, then adjusted her attire and stepped into the Drunken Immortal Brew.

Upon entering, a wave of alcohol scent and chatter washed over her.

The tavern was bustling, a peak hour for guests.

Han Lei squinted slightly, her gaze sweeping over the packed hall, pleased with the business.

At this moment, the busy Tang Xiaotong promptly approached with an enthusiastic smile, his voice crisp and loud.

"How many people in your party, sir?"

Han Lei glanced at him, amused that he did not recognize her.

Feigning casualness, she gestured slightly, her voice low, "Five."

"Five," Tang Xiaotong echoed, his smile unchanging, "This way, please. We have a private seat that will surely make you comfortable!"

Han Lei shook her head and pointed to a humble little table in the corner: "That one, please. It’s quiet."

Tang Xiaotong followed her finger to the secluded table, feeling slightly perplexed but nodded with a smile.

"Certainly! This way, sir!" as he led the way, he called back, "Waiter, hurry and serve tea to the guest!"

Han Lei followed him to the corner and sat down, her eyes still fixed on Tang Xiaotong.

Tang Xiaotong was quick to pour her tea, his actions fluid, and kept a smile on his face.

"Enjoy your tea, sir, while you wait a moment, I’ll call someone to take your order."

Han Lei nodded, took a sip of tea, yet her gaze never left Tang Xiaotong.

She watched him turn to attend other customers, his steps light, voice resonant, and always with a cheerful smile.

Regardless of whether it was a wealthy merchant in fine attire or a common guest in plain clothes, he was at ease, neither ingratiating nor offending.

"This kid has grown quite a bit," Han Lei thought to herself, her eyes flashing with appreciation.

Soon, the waiter came to take her order.

Han Lei ordered a sumptuous meal and continued to sit in the corner, quietly observing Tang Xiaotong’s every move.

She watched him shuttle through the tavern, sometimes pouring wine for guests, sometimes joking with them, busy yet never flustered.

"Tang Xiaotong!" suddenly, a drunken guest loudly called, "Another pot of wine!"

"Got it! Right away!" Tang Xiaotong responded and went, his face still smiling, deftly pouring wine for the guest.

Han Lei watched his back, nodding silently: "Seems Yang Haibo has put in a lot of effort teaching him. This kid, in a few more years here in the Capital City, after gaining experience, will surely be a great talent."

As she was pondering, the brothers of the first squad also found their way in. Han Lei smiled slightly and gestured for them to come and sit.

"Han... Mr. Wei, this place is really nice," the captain of the first squad said with a lowered voice, smiling as he sat down, "It’s lively here, and the news is current."

"Everyone, feel free to eat." Han Lei nodded, her gaze still on Tang Xiaotong.

The brothers followed her gaze and saw it was Tang Xiaotong, naturally puzzled: "Mr. Wei, you are..."

Han Lei smiled, took a sip from her wine cup, and said softly, "That kid was the one who stole our wine last time. He’s now the shopkeeper of this tavern. What do you think?"

The brothers focused on Tang Xiaotong upon hearing this.

"So young?"

"Not bad, quite capable."

"In the Capital City, a place of mixed sorts, it’s challenging for him to find footing here."

The brothers all began to comment on Tang Xiaotong.

Tang Xiaotong seemed to notice something, glanced back at them, and saw they were some unfamiliar guests, smiled and nodded at the brothers, and continued his bustling.

As night fell, the tavern was brightly lit, drawing more guests, its atmosphere growing livelier, as if all the clamor of the Capital City gathered here.

Their table was filled with contemporary snacks.

Spicy peanuts, garlic chicken feet, seasoned beef jerky... these novel snacks previously unseen in the Capital City naturally drew praises from the drinkers.

The brothers of the first squad drank heartily and feasted, bursting into cheerful laughter from time to time. These were delicacies they couldn’t enjoy back in Qingshui County’s Tongfu Building.

However, Han Lei’s thoughts were not solely on the table.

Her ears subtly perked up, carefully catching the surrounding guests’ conversations.

The Drunken Immortal Brew was crowded and noisy, with all kinds of people, yet those who could afford to indulge here were mostly prominent figures of the Capital City.

Their conversations often contained secrets unbeknownst to others.

"Have you heard? Marshal Cao Xiong of the Beiguan Garrison was simultaneously impeached by two Generals for allegedly falsifying military intelligence," whispered a middle-aged man at the neighboring table.

"Indeed! What’s puzzling is, His Majesty not only spared Cao Xiong but reprimanded the two Generals instead. What’s the meaning behind this?" another drinker responded, his tone tinged with confusion.