"Is it that Yelv Xianyong has betrayed his master?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Then why would Dingbei Marquis be drinking with him?"
Their hushed conversation was quickly interrupted by the guard's harsh shout.
"Behave! No whispering, no secret talks. Or you'll get the stick!"
The two hurriedly separated, only communicating with faint whistle signals when the guard wasn't paying attention.
...
Inside Wutong Garden, Marquis Gu and Qin Yuan were lying in bed, chatting idly.
Qin Yuan asked, "Did Mr. Songshan teach you today's move?"
Marquis Gu smiled, "Not all of it. Mr. Songshan says, those who care for reputation—disparage them. Those who crave wealth—tempt them, shake their nature and you'll get the result you want. Scholars certainly have twisted guts, masterful at manipulating hearts."
"You managed to persuade Yelv Xianyong in just a few words today, that's impressive enough."
