Xu Shao knew his friend very well and understood that Wang Yue was deeply passionate about fame and always wanted to become an official.
However, the court positions were monopolized by eunuchs and corrupt officials, making it impossible for Wang Yue to secure a position despite his unparalleled swordsmanship.
Now that an opportunity to become a close advisor to a future ruler was in front of him, even if the chances were slim, Wang Yue would still give it his all. Xu Shao feared that he wouldn't be able to dissuade him.
Wang Yue asked Xu Shao seriously, "Zijiang, tell me, who exactly is this greedy wolf of troubled times?"
Xu Shao smiled bitterly and replied, "You actually know this person. It's none other than Yuan Shu, the legitimate son of the famous Yuan family in Luoyang."
Upon hearing this, Wang Yue was greatly shocked.
"Yuan Shu? That notorious profligate wastrel Yuan Shu? Zijiang, are you sure you're not mistaken?"
Yuan Shu's wasteful lifestyle was infamous throughout Luoyang, and many people felt regretful that such a good-for-nothing came from the prestigious Yuan family. No one would have thought he could be the so-called greedy wolf of troubled times.
Could it be that Xu Shao was trying to discourage him from joining by deliberately bringing up such a notorious wastrel?
Seeing Wang Yue's doubt, Xu Shao sincerely said,
"Brother, it is not my wish for you to serve that greedy wolf.
But we have known each other for many years, and you know my character well.
If I didn't want to tell you, I could have chosen not to, but I would never fabricate lies to deceive you.
That Yuan Shu is indeed the greedy wolf of troubled times. He usually presents himself as a playboy, and even I was almost fooled by him."
After hearing Xu Shao's words, Wang Yue was not put off by Yuan Shu's deception but instead became excited and said,
"Great men do not fuss over minor details. This greedy wolf is truly my master! I must go and assist him!"
With that, he stood up and prepared to leave.
Xu Shao, seeing Wang Yue's anxious demeanor, didn't know what to say and called out,
"Brother, why are you in such a hurry? Do you even know where Yuan Shu is now?"
Without looking back, Wang Yue replied,
"To serve a wise lord, haste is essential. My disciple Shi A will find out Yuan Shu's whereabouts."
...
At the hour of You (5-7 PM), Yuan Shu and Xi Zhicai were happily strolling through the commercial street of Luoyang.
At that moment, they suddenly noticed that the area ahead was brightly decorated and bustling with excitement.
Yuan Shu turned to a servant beside him (as Yuan An had gone shopping, another steward from the Yuan family was temporarily taking his place) and asked,
"It looks so lively up ahead. Go and see what's going on."
"Yes, young master," the servant replied promptly and hurried forward to investigate.
Before long, the servant returned to Yuan Shu and reported:
"Young master, it seems that a new courtesan has arrived at Furong Pavilion, and they are holding a ceremony. Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of her beauty, which is why it's so lively."
Yuan Shu smiled at Xi Zhicai and said:
"A courtesan, huh? That sounds interesting. Why don't we go and have a look?"
Xi Zhicai responded:
"Since my lord has such refined taste, I am naturally happy to accompany you."
Xi Zhicai was also a carefree and uninhibited person, and visiting brothels and drinking with courtesans was no burden to him.
"Make way, make way! Young Master Yuan Shu is coming!" Several of the servants shouted as they pushed through the crowd, clearing a path for Yuan Shu and Xi Zhicai.
Yuan Shu's reputation in Luoyang was still quite effective.
Of course, it was a bad reputation. Even the young nobles of prominent families would give way upon hearing his name.
Especially after receiving the title of 'The Fierce Wolf of Luoyang, The Savage Ghost of the Streets' in today's Yue Dan Review, Yuan Shu's infamy had grown even more fearsome.
The servants did not have to put in much effort, as most people instinctively moved aside upon hearing Yuan Shu's name.
The waiter at the entrance of Furong Pavilion beamed with joy when he saw Yuan Shu. This infamous spendthrift of Luoyang was definitely one of their best customers.
He quickly stepped forward and said enthusiastically to Yuan Shu and Xi Zhicai:
"Gentlemen, our Furong Pavilion has welcomed a new courtesan today, who is said to outshine all others. You've come at the perfect time—she will personally perform on stage shortly."
Yuan Shu nodded and gave a subtle glance to his servant.
The servant immediately understood and stepped forward to say to the waiter:
"Do you know who this is? This is Young Master Yuan Shu of the Yuan family! Hurry and arrange the best seats for us, and rest assured, you will be well rewarded."
The waiter nodded repeatedly and said:
"Of course, of course! Who in Luoyang doesn't know Young Master Yuan Shu's great name? Please rest assured, sir, I will provide the finest service for Young Master Yuan."
He then stepped aside, gesturing invitingly:
"Gentlemen, the most exclusive seats on the upper floor have long been prepared for you!"
The two of them took their seats in the most central spot on the upper floor, with several servants attending to them.
Yuan Shu glanced around; the waiter hadn't lied—the view from here was indeed the best in the house.
In ancient times, brothels were different from taverns. Taverns mainly focused on food and drink.
Brothels, on the other hand, revolved around drinking and watching performances. Yuan Shu observed the entertainment style and the spending level here, finding it somewhat similar to modern-day bars.
Such places were money pits, and ordinary people wouldn't even dare step inside.
Just one bottle of wine could cost a month's wages, not to mention hiring two girls to accompany them.
So, those who came here were all high-ranking officials and nobles, making it the perfect place for someone like Yuan Shu, who made squandering wealth his profession.
By the time they arrived, there were already dancers performing on the stage—young beauties in their prime, dazzling the audience and sparking their imagination.
One of Yuan Shu's servants spoke to a waiter of Furong Pavilion, "Bring our young master your finest wine, and a few of your best appetizers."
The waiter responded and left, returning shortly with exquisite wine and a variety of delicious snacks.
Yuan Shu casually picked two dishes to taste and found them quite good. He thought that if this place existed today, it would definitely attract many fans of ancient aesthetics and anime culture.
Taking a sip of wine, Yuan Shu smiled at Xi Zhicai and asked, "Sir, how do you find this place?"
"It's quite nice. In fact, I really enjoy this kind of atmosphere, but I'm usually too short on funds to visit often," Xi Zhicai replied with a laugh, showing no sense of restraint.
Just as they were chatting, the dancers on stage suddenly shifted positions and moved aside. A veiled woman in white descended gracefully from above.
Her figure was slender, and her movements were elegant as she danced gracefully in mid-air.
"Miss Rong is here!" someone in the audience shouted, and all eyes turned to the veiled woman in white.
Yuan Shu carefully observed the woman and noticed that she was able to descend from the air because she was wrapped in two white silk ribbons.
So ancient people also used wire suspension tricks?
The woman in white landed lightly on the stage and bowed gracefully to the guests of Furong Pavilion.