klisemfg Chapter 128: At Least No One Would Think It Was a Lie
Chapter 128: At Least No One Would Think It Was a Lie
The city that had stood for so long had never been this ‘full of turmoil’ before, not even once, until tonight.The closing of the city gates signaled that tonight’s farce had finally reached its end. Perhaps someone had carefully counted: more than twenty households had exited the city that night alone, without exception, all officials of the Court.
When the rumors began, they were the first ones to withdraw.
The cold night wind tugged at the strands of hair around Sir’s temples.
Chen Changsheng tipped his head back and drank deeply from his wine gourd. He retracted his gaze, then descended the City Tower.
There was nothing left worth watching.
…
As rooster crows broke the silence, a blush of dawn painted the horizon. Dense fog clung to the distant mountain edges, blown into Shangjing City by the morning breeze.
Chen Changsheng went out early.
The Teahouse was quiet at this hour. Only a few patrons were present, and the Storyteller hadn’t arrived yet. A glance revealed the place largely empty.
A Teahouse attendant was wiping tables. Spotting Chen Changsheng enter, he approached to greet him. “Sir, you are exceptionally early today?”
Naturally, he recognized this gentleman. As a front-hall attendant, failing to remember a guest after a few visits would mean he shouldn’t hold the job.
“Free in the early hours, so I came ahead to wait,” Chen Changsheng replied.
The attendant knew exactly whom the gentleman was waiting for. He acknowledged and said, “Sir, please head upstairs.”
Once seated, Chen Changsheng said, “No need for tea yet.”
The attendant initially agreed, but turned and brought tea anyway.
Chen Changsheng was about to speak when the attendant pre-empted him, “Sir, please drink this first. When Lord Liu arrives, I’ll bring fresh. No charge for this pot.”
Chen Changsheng responded, “How can that be acceptable…”
The attendant shook his head, “Sir, you are Lord Liu’s friend. It’s just a pot of tea; it’s nothing.”
Chen Changsheng smiled faintly. “I am honored.”
The attendant smiled warmly. “Where do those words come from, Sir? Since Sir walks the same path as Lord Liu, Sir must also be a person greatly worthy of respect.”
Chen Changsheng cupped his hands slightly. “My thanks.”
“Sir is too polite. If there’s anything you need, just ask. I’ll be standing over here.” The attendant said cheerfully and moved to stand aside.
“There isn’t much going on this early. Why not chat with me for a bit?” Chen Changsheng suggested.o a large coat-making workshop, swallowing his pride to plead for winter garments…
Chen Changsheng listened patiently, sipping his tea occasionally.
Championing the people, putting the people first, soothing disasters, saving lives… compiling every story seemed like it could fill an entire biography.
Liu Huaizhang was a man hard to truly grasp.
He could lower himself utterly to secure a few clothes for those suffering. Yet on behalf of the people, he would unflinchingly speak blunt truth to power within the Imperial Court, demanding nothing but justice.
That was his way as an official…
The attendant talked until his throat grew dry, taking a deep breath as his emotions surged. Then, momentarily forgetting the boundaries of his position, he uttered a phrase tinged with real passion.
“In my humble servant’s eyes, Sir, in all of Shangjing City, after His Majesty… stands only Lord Liu.”
Chen Changsheng paused at these words.
Earlier, this attendant had displayed the ingrained caution born of front-hall experience. His trade involved speech aimed to please. One misplaced phrase could truly cost him his livelihood.
Yet, speaking of Liu Huaizhang, he uttered words that crossed a clear line—words of genuine, uncalculating admiration.
Chen Changsheng set his teacup down. “Aren’t you afraid those words could cost you your job?”
The attendant seemed startled at the bluntness, yet waved a dismissive hand. “It matters little. If they do cost me my job… so be it. At the very least, my conscience would be clear.”
“People like me, working the front hall… all we have, really, is our mouth, Sir. We learn the art: sometimes you talk like a human, sometimes like a ghost. We lose track of what’s fact and what’s flattery. Wanting to say something true… well, you worry it won’t sound sincere enough. Maybe that’s why I sounded so reckless just now. But at least…”
“Nobody would think it was a lie.”
Chen Changsheng’s inner thoughts halted. He looked closely at the attendant standing before him.
Here stood a front-hall attendant willing to risk his livelihood merely to speak glowingly of someone.
Chen Changsheng couldn’t suppress a deep sigh, the words escaping almost involuntarily.
“To reach such a pinnacle… in the path of service…”