Near Youzhou

A crude tea shack stood by the road. When the waiter saw customers approaching, he hurriedly greeted them. "Please come inside, gentlemen."

The waiter poured several bowls of water and withdrew. Once the three had seated themselves, Li Yuanfang looked at Hu Jinghui and could not help laughing.

Hu Jinghui was somewhat bewildered. Seeing both men looking at him, he asked, "What is it?"

Di Renjie smiled. "He's laughing at you."

Li Yuanfang finally managed to suppress his laughter. "General Hu truly deserves to be called the leader of the imperial guards. You certainly looked every inch the great general, imposing in all directions."

Di Renjie joined in the teasing. "You, this isn't the capital, and you aren't a Qianniu Guards general here. Why were you glaring and throwing your weight around? You made me lose several taels of silver for nothing."

After that, all three of them could not help laughing.

"My lord, Yuanfang? General Hu, what are the three of you doing here?"

Suddenly, a surprised voice rang out from within the tea shack.

"Brother Li?"

"Brother Li?"

"Earl Li?"

Hu Jinghui also realized what his problem had been at the city gate. Embarrassed, he said, "My lord, I... I was simply unable to contain my anger for a moment!"

Di Renjie said softly, "Do not forget, I am not an imperial envoy, nor are you a general. We are merely ordinary commoners."

Hu Jinghui scratched his head and gave a quiet acknowledgment.

Di Renjie asked, "Brother Li, what are you doing here?"

Li Xiao did not look much younger than him, and in order not to expose their identities, Di Renjie simply addressed him as Brother Li.

"Hehe, my lord, you could say I am the owner here now.

"I have bought this place and plan to