Chapter 2: Socializing for Growth

“Ah, so it’s really been built?”

In the courtyard of the Yang family, the esteemed relative from the Sima clan circled around the peculiar two-wheeled African-style “bicycle” a few times.

This was the highlight of this year’s “performance evaluation”!

Shi Shouxin had transformed his own courtyard into a new equipment workshop, though it was officially under the court’s jurisdiction. The government not only provided funding but also allocated manpower and materials—many of which were beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.

Of course, Shi Shouxin had proven himself capable, having supplied many new implements to the Lesser Treasury over the past two years, earning him three official promotions. Yet such modest advancement did little to increase his power; rising three ranks barely changed his influence.

Moreover, there was no higher rank to attain without switching departments.

“This wheel must be quite bumpy on the road; how did you manage to solve that issue?”

Yang Hu asked with evident expertise.

Though the shape of this “two-wheeler” was unusual, it could be easily replicated. The core challenge was how to manage the vibrations while moving.

Shi Shouxin explained without reservation, “The bark and leaves of the Eucommia tree produce a sticky white sap when broken. We collected this sap and poured it into molds to dry in the sun. Then sulfur was added…”

He revealed the secret behind the thick layer wrapping the wheels.

Its principle was similar to rubber, yet it was a distinct kind of latex.

Yang Hu mounted the vehicle and pedaled around once, nodding approvingly.

“One person pushes it along, and grain can be piled in the hollow center. This way, the convoy can transport provisions even on narrow paths. Very practical.”

Yang Hu mused aloud, as if speaking to himself.

In fact, this “bicycle” resembled more a modern electric scooter with a recessed storage space in the middle.

Nearby, Li Wan admired Shi Shouxin’s vast knowledge and skill, feeling even happier hearing Yang Hu praise her husband more than Yang Hu praised herself.

“Ah, everyone’s so focused on this, I almost forgot the main matter.”

Yang Hu’s smile faded as he turned to Li Wan. “It’s too late to return now. Why don’t you stay at my residence tonight? There’s hardly anyone coming by anyway. Gantang and I need to go to the government office for an important discussion.”

He kept the matter confidential but made clear it was significant.

Li Wan considered it. It would be dangerous for a beautiful young woman like her to travel the roads at night, and Shi Shouxin would likely not return until past midnight. Staying was acceptable—it wasn’t the first time.

“Then go early and come back early,” she said, giving Shi Shouxin a knowing look, confident he understood the meaning.

Tonight, she planned to indulge Shi Shouxin thoroughly, like some enchanting temptress from a story. She even hoped to conceive another child, a brother for their eldest, Shi Yue.

Indeed, Li Wan felt it her duty as a wife to bear many children.

After exchanging greetings, Yang Hu and Shi Shouxin left the residence.

Walking through the streets, they noticed numerous vendors lining the way from the city gate to the palace.

Shi Shouxin observed that the livelihood of Luoyang’s people had improved somewhat over the past two years, though only slightly.

Yang Hu sighed, “Zhang Hua of the Secretariat is truly talented. He’s offered many suggestions to the Grand General in recent years. Allowing commoners to sell fish and shrimp in the city was his idea—proof that no good deed is too small.”

Indeed, the court had caused little turmoil lately, and Shi Shouxin sensed the ordinary folk’s lives had eased just a bit.

Yes, only a bit, but that was better than perishing in war or disaster.

“Lady Li, you and your husband are truly inseparable. When I helped you back then, it was a virtuous act; perhaps some merit was accrued.”

Yang Hu laughed heartily, clearly in good spirits.

Shi Shouxin suspected Yang Hu meant more than that. After all, he and Li Wan were frequent guests at the Yang residence, enjoying hospitality and more.

Why hadn’t Yang Hu ever said he and Li Wan were a perfect match during those visits?

The two men arrived at the Ministry of Personnel, where a junior clerk led them to the office where Shan Tao, the Ministry’s clerk, worked.

They knew each other well, and Shan Tao wasted no formalities. Looking at Shi Shouxin, he said, “Gantang, you’ll soon travel to Hedong Commandery to summon Ji Kang to official service. This is the court’s summons. Zhong Hui’s grand invitation was refused, and ordinary people likely can’t even meet him. So it falls to you.”

At that moment, it felt like someone was saying: “You, take this small knife and go kill the Tang Monk and his disciples!”

“Minister Shan, Zhong Hui is a high-ranking official. If even he failed, what good can I do?”

Shi Shouxin’s face was full of helplessness.

Shan Tao laughed heartily and said to Yang Hu, “See? Gantang’s clever with his hands and sharp with his tongue!”

When his laughter subsided, he became serious. “Whether Ji Kang comes or not is his choice. The court’s summons is mine to enforce. I’m only sending you with the message, not ordering Ji Kang to comply. He attended your wedding; when you visit his home, he must show some respect.”

Shi Shouxin nodded.

“That’s easy. Hedong isn’t far from Luoyang. I’ll make the trip.”

Though the realm was unstable, the official road from Luoyang to Hedong was fairly safe. Hedong was wealthy, producing abundant salt and enjoying vibrant trade with Luoyang. The route was well-established with relay stations.

If even this journey were dangerous, then eating and drinking would also risk choking; nothing in life is without risk.

Shi Shouxin had undertaken riskier ventures—sending kites to attract lightning, inoculating tenant farmers with cowpox. Traveling to Hedong was much safer!

“By the way, Lü Xun, formerly Chief Clerk at the Grand General’s mansion, now serves in Wenxi County of Hedong. The Grand General wishes to recall him. You can deliver his appointment letter as well; since it’s the same route, it’s no trouble.”

After speaking, Shan Tao handed Shi Shouxin two silk scrolls and urged him to depart soon.

Such a trivial errand assigned to an unrelated man suggested something unusual.

Shi Shouxin inquired solemnly, “Minister Shan, any other instructions? Surely it’s not just this?”

“Of course,” Shan Tao stroked his beard and continued, “You’ll be the messenger by day, but also a spy. Investigate whether there is military grain stored in the Hedong granaries, and how much. The Grand General might mobilize troops against Shu and require supplies. If anyone feigns loyalty while secretly obstructing, things could go awry.”

Here it came!

Yang Hu and Shi Shouxin exchanged a glance, excitement shining in their eyes.

Shan Tao noticed as well.

He explained, “Gantang, your work at the Lesser Treasury these past two years has been noted. The timing wasn’t right before, but once the campaign against Shu begins, you’ll surely be assigned to Guanzhong to oversee logistics for the front lines. Countless funds, provisions, and equipment will be under your watch. Your deployment to Guanzhong is inevitable, especially with your father-in-law there.”

Shan Tao’s words were no mere hint; they clearly conveyed: your promotion is imminent. When the Shu campaign starts, you’ll be sent out with a rank increase.

Afterward, you’ll be “transferred” back to Luoyang. The rank remains the same, but officials assigned outside the capital can’t match the influence of those inside.

Clearly, Shi Shouxin had caught the eye of some high officials; his career path was opening before him.

Why him? Was it solely his talent?

No, the crucial reason was that he was steadily building his own network of connections.

Step by step, his expanding web of relationships was lifting him up.

His father-in-law Li Yin, his sworn father Shi Bao, and his direct superior and mentor-figure Yang Hu—all were heavyweights.

Li Yin was in Guanzhong, making it easier for Shi Shouxin, as his son-in-law, to handle affairs there. It was like being carried in a sedan chair by influential bearers. In the world of the Tianlong elite, connections came before ability.

Shi Shouxin’s marriage greatly aided his career growth.

“Thank you, Minister Shan. I have no way to repay you except by humbly expressing my deepest gratitude.”

Shi Shouxin bowed deeply.

“Nonsense. Depart quickly. Now, let’s celebrate your journey. No one leaves sober tonight!”

Shan Tao was in high spirits—frank, generous, and unpretentious, a bit of a drinker. He never really wanted to be an official but was compelled by the Sima family to serve.

So even if he drank on the job, no one cared. If they did, he’d just resign and go home.

Shi Shouxin had come to understand the temperament of these Tianlong elites.

The Sima clan lacked integrity and enough prestige to enforce laws with dignity and justice, so these elites naturally followed suit.

If anything, they looked down on the Sima family.

Shi Shouxin sensed that although Luoyang and its surroundings had seen slight economic and social improvements, the moral decay and political corruption among the nobility and powerful clans’ heirs were accelerating.

“Tonight, no going back. Let’s drink heartily!”

Yang Hu laughed, handing Shi Shouxin a cup filled with wine.

Reluctantly, Shi Shouxin joined the drinking. What choice did he have? To live in the Tianlong realm, one must adapt to local customs.

Without socializing with these people, how could one survive the officialdom? Without officialdom, how could one advance?

He had endured being bound and paraded like livestock by slave traders—an indelible mark on his mind.

If he lost power and connections, not to mention his stunning wife Li Wan, coveted by the elite, she might fall prey to others’ whims.

Perhaps Sima Yan would treat her better, but no guarantees beyond that.

This kept Shi Shouxin constantly vigilant.

The three conversed and joked, drinking and boasting merrily.

Shan Tao and Yang Hu were not only talkative but also well-learned and talented. Shi Shouxin listened carefully, choosing his words cautiously, wary of revealing his ignorance.

Time passed, and Shi Shouxin recalled his “promise” to Li Wan—a burning desire to return quickly and “teach that little enchantress a lesson” in bed.

Tonight was to be a night of shameful play—how could he waste it drinking with two rough men?

Noticing Shi Shouxin’s distraction, Yang Hu smirked and teased, “Gantang, missing your wife’s company, are you?”

Shi Shouxin nodded slightly, not denying it.

Shan Tao’s face brightened with a sly smile.

He didn’t press further and quickly wrote a travel permit on a bamboo slip, handing it to Shi Shouxin. “If night watch soldiers stop you for curfew checks, show them this.”

As a high official at the Ministry, Shan Tao had privileges. If summoned by Sima Zhao to the Grand General’s mansion at night, he must be allowed passage.

Or if urgent matters arose requiring officials to enter or leave Luoyang after curfew, there were prearranged protocols.

The Wei Dynasty was a realm for Tianlong elites; outsiders found every step perilous, breathing cautiously.

“I shall take my leave now. Apologies for any imposition.”

Shi Shouxin bowed awkwardly, wary of drawing attention.

Shan Tao waved off the apology, chuckling, “Gantang cherishes his wife; the whole city knows. Yet he uses the paper he makes to wipe her rear! Only you could do such a ridiculous thing, hahahaha!”

Shan Tao’s laughter was hearty. In some ways, Li Wan’s treatment was even better than Sima Zhao’s concubines’.

Sima Zhao’s women wiped with toilet slips, bamboo boards, wooden planks, or even jade—not paper.

Not because Sima Zhao couldn’t afford paper or was stingy, but because paper was a medium for literature, highly esteemed by scholars—a matter of dignity. Using it for base purposes was undignified.

Sima Zhao sought to usurp the throne, so he carefully cultivated his reputation. As a scion of a noble clan, he wished to preserve honor while seizing power—a contradictory and tangled position.

Shi Shouxin, however, cared little for such niceties. He spoke plainly: “I do as I wish; none of your business!”

Yet this bluntness earned him some respect among the Tianlong elite, many of whom were somewhat neurotic.

Shi Shouxin left the Ministry with a sheepish smile.

Shan Tao watched his retreating figure, admiring, “This man has made rapid progress in just two years—truly a rising star.”

Yang Hu sighed, “Gantang is too headstrong. I fear he’ll be schemed against. How many must endure humiliation and compromise in life?”

Yang Hu himself was one to often yield. Some troubles could be resolved with wisdom; others could not. One need not bow the body, but often the head.

For instance, having a beautiful wife like Li Wan was a joy. Yet if the powerful took her, one could only accept misfortune. What else?

But Shi Shouxin was different. Anyone who touched his beloved wife would truly meet death, regardless of rank—he’d rather burn everything to ashes.

Yang Hu had discussed this with him many times, always receiving the same reply: “Try me if you dare. I will never submit.”

They admired Shi Shouxin not only for his ability and character but fundamentally because of three words: Tianlong elite.

Through marriage, Shi Shouxin had joined their ranks. His peers barely regarded him as an equal, but at least as a person.

Otherwise, how could a powerless man have such a beautiful wife? They’d demand she be given to them instead!

Many Tianlong elites would make their move. That was the harsh reality.

“Now that Jia Chong and Zhong Hui are consumed by ambition, this court is likely doomed…”

Shan Tao shook his head, unsure how to express it, ending with a long sigh.

…

The Wei Dynasty’s wine was low in alcohol but strong in aftereffects. When Shi Shouxin walked from the Ministry to Yang Hu’s residence, he was already swaying, barely holding on.

Yet his desire only grew, a fire kindling within as memories of Li Wan’s seductive charm flooded his mind. He longed to rush inside for another passionate encounter.

Shi Shouxin quietly opened the courtyard door with the key Yang Hu had given him, finding Old Yang, the gatekeeper, asleep inside.

Suppressing a chuckle, Shi Shouxin tiptoed in and locked the door without waking him.

Yang Hu was not sociable; his gatekeeper was lax and unalert.

Yang Hu’s home was in Taishan Commandery. His wife, Lady Xiahou, daughter of Xiahou Ba, had not come to Luoyang out of fear the Sima family would hold past grudges, so Yang Hu’s Luoyang residence had few servants.

Shi Shouxin entered his usual room at Yang Hu’s, finding the door ajar. Inside, darkness obscured the view.

He faintly made out a woman lying on her side, her silhouette graceful.

Yang Hu’s household had no female relatives or even female servants; only the old gatekeeper was on duty, from the Yang clan’s Taishan home.

A surge of desire swept through Shi Shouxin. He climbed onto the bed, embraced his beloved wife, and kissed her passionately.

Yet tonight, Li Wan was strangely resistant—pushing him away with her hands, though unable to repel him and eventually ceasing her struggle.

Perhaps she was tired from the day, unenthusiastic about intimacy, merely going through the motions without her usual fervor.

Fortunately, Shi Shouxin was an experienced lover and soon kindled her passion, making their embrace more mutual and eager.

They spent the night entwined in the dim light, moving countless times through wind and rain.

Finally, exhausted, Shi Shouxin fell asleep without even helping Li Wan dress, unlike before.

He slept soundly and only rose well past mid-morning the next day, discovering Li Wan had left for home alone—without leaving a note!

This was unprecedented in their two years of marriage!

If not for the disarray in the bed, which looked as if an elephant had trampled it, he might have thought their night together was a dream.

On the way home, Shi Shouxin’s mind was heavy. Had his drinking with Yang Hu and Shan Tao last night caused Li Wan to resent him? He felt guilty.

Though he entered marriage with practical intent, over two years he had fallen deeply in love with the lively, spirited young woman, seeing her as his soulmate.

Upon entering their home, Li Wan greeted him with a cold expression, asking, “Why are you only back now, Alang?”

“Stayed up too late drinking yesterday, slept a bit longer. Please don’t be angry, my lady.”

Shi Shouxin smiled awkwardly.

Li Wan suddenly giggled, linking arms with him. “I was just pretending. Did I scare you?”

“No way. I’m brave. How could I be scared by you, little lady?”

Shi Shouxin laughed heartily, his gloom lifted.

Seeing his good mood, Li Wan blushed and whispered into his ear, “I didn’t dance for you last night, but I’ll make up for it tonight. Absolutely.”

So that was it!

Shi Shouxin laughed and swung Li Wan around several times, joyously embracing her.