Chapter 107: Such a Great Nephew

At some unknown moment, Dong Zhuo had quietly withdrawn.

In the rear hall, only Fan Li and Diao Chan remained.

Suddenly, Fan Li recalled the phrase "fish that sink and wild geese that fall, the moon hides and flowers feel ashamed"—wasn’t Diao Chan the embodiment of the "moon hides" among the Four Beauties?

He couldn’t help but admire the beauty before him once more.

The flickering candlelight cast a rosy glow, the beauty blushing shyly. Especially those enchanting eyes—just a glance exchanged with her left his mouth dry and his tongue parched.

"Using such a test for selecting officials?"

Fan Li was indeed momentarily captivated, but it was fleeting.

He had seen many beauties.

Diao Chan’s beauty was unparalleled in the world, yet at Fan Li’s level, he was not short of companions who were equally lovely.

"Even the Cold Moon Sovereign, if she were to shed her masculine attire, might not be your match," Fan Li said, his gaze gradually settling into calmness.

Diao Chan rose slowly.

She moved with grace, stepping closer to Fan Li, her voice soft and sweet: "Your servant offers wine to Lord Jin."

"Hmm." Fan Li nodded.

The imperial wine from the Han palace was fragrant and mellow, stirring Fan Li’s appetite.

Diao Chan poured the wine and brought exquisite dishes, carefully arranging them for Fan Li.

She truly resembled a common maidservant, attending her master’s meal without daring to overstep.

Fan Li sighed inwardly.

If Diao Chan had come forward to throw herself at him immediately, he would have been disappointed.

One of the legendary Four Beauties could not be mere entertainment at a brothel.

"Did Grand Tutor Dong just give you away like this?" Fan Li asked with a smile.

"If Lady Chan is fortunate, she wishes to follow Lord Jin back to Chu," Diao Chan lowered herself in a gentle bow. "If unfortunate, I will accept the tutor’s punishment."

Punishment?

How pitiful.

So delicate and charming, evoking pity at first sight—few men in the world would be willing to let her suffer any punishment.

If it weren’t for having heard the stories of the Three Kingdoms in a past life, Fan Li might have waved his hand and said, "From now on, you belong to me," before taking her to his bed.

Alas, Fan Li was after all a time traveler.

"I spend all day guarding against that Cold Moon woman; that’s enough trouble," he muttered internally.

"If I stir up Lü Bu for your sake, that’d be like an old man hanging himself—too much trouble for an old life."

Though he complained inwardly, Fan Li did not refuse outright.

"Very well."

"My family is prosperous; having one more servant won’t be a burden."

"When I take you back to Pengcheng, I’ll arrange for you to serve as a humble maid."

"It’s all tasks like fetching water, chopping wood, carrying rice and vegetables—dirty and tiring, but simple and easy to learn."

"And don’t worry about wages: five taels of silver a month, plus bonuses during festivals."

"Work for me ten years, and I’ll guarantee the down payment on a private home outside Pengcheng’s Sixth Ring..."

As Fan Li rambled on, he stole glances at Diao Chan from the corner of his eye.

This peerless beauty visibly trembled all over.

There was even a faint aura leaking from her.

So she was a cultivator after all?

Had she just been so angry that she wanted to draw her sword?

Fan Li wisely kept silent, picked up his chopsticks, and began to eat, no longer bothering Diao Chan to serve.

"Lord Jin..."

Diao Chan’s voice remained soft and gentle, but Fan Li heard the sound of silver teeth grinding.

"Lord Jin treats Chan’er very well; Chan’er is willing to follow you."

What the hell?

Was this for real?

This couldn’t be dissuaded?

Fan Li was increasingly convinced that Diao Chan was no ordinary gift—there was a scheme afoot!

Just as he was about to find an excuse to refuse, a figure suddenly appeared at the side door of the rear hall.

Majestic and imposing, extraordinary in demeanor.

Nine feet tall, a true outstanding figure among men.

It was Lü Bu!

His right hand gripped the halberd tightly; veins bulged visibly.

His tiger-like eyes seemed ablaze with fire!

Fan Li’s heart skipped a beat.

What the hell was this?

Two men competing for one woman—the famous "Halberd Toss at Fengyi Pavilion" scene?

Dong Zhuo was actually himself?

Thinking quickly, Fan Li spoke before Lü Bu could react: "So this is the Marquis of Wen? I have long heard of your great name. Diao Chan, please invite the Marquis to sit; I must first propose three cups."

Both Lü Bu and Diao Chan were momentarily stunned by his words.

What does it mean to extend a hand without striking a smiling face?

Having lived two lives, Fan Li understood this well.

As Lord Jin of Chu, inviting Lü Bu—only a marquis—to share a seat and drink was a tremendous gesture of respect.

As expected, Lü Bu’s stern expression softened considerably.

With Diao Chan’s active invitation, he obediently took a seat, carefully setting his halberd aside as if afraid of causing a misunderstanding.

"Lord... Lord Jin, greetings. Lü Bu apologizes for the intrusion."

"General, please don’t be so formal," Fan Li smiled. "They say among men, Lü Bu is unparalleled, and among horses, Red Hare is unmatched. I have long admired your fame!"

"Really!?"

Flattered, Lü Bu seemed dizzy with delight, completely forgetting his original purpose.

Truly the martial peak of the Three Kingdoms, the intellectual bottom.

Fan Li mocked inwardly but continued: "Just now, I was chatting with the general’s father, but for some reason, your honored father suddenly left."

"My father?" Lü Bu was stunned. "Lord Jin, you must be mistaken. My father passed away many years ago."

Fan Li paused briefly, then laughed heartily: "I was referring to Grand Tutor Dong."

"Ah..."

Lü Bu was uneasy, clearly embarrassed but dared not lose his temper again.

Fan Li poured wine for him personally.

"I am like a brother to Grand Tutor Dong and regard you as a close nephew. You have come seeking me; please speak freely."

Refreshing!

Truly refreshing!

Who was Lü Bu?

My dear great nephew.

"Me!?"

Though younger, Lü Bu could not deny Fan Li’s seniority.

By rank, he should indeed respect him as an uncle.

Flushed red, Lü Bu was at a loss for words.

Yet his tiger-like eyes kept sneaking glances at the serene Diao Chan beside him.

"Oh?"

Fan Li feigned amusement; Lü Bu looked down awkwardly.

"My esteemed nephew, let me introduce you: this woman is called Diao Chan, a maid gifted to me by Grand Tutor Dong."

Upon hearing this, Lü Bu’s expression turned flustered.

But he was tongue-tied and didn’t know how to respond.

Fan Li shook his head and sighed deliberately.

"I really don’t understand what Grand Tutor Dong meant. Our Fan household is large, and the monthly expenses are considerable. Adding one more person means more costs."

Diao Chan froze at Fan Li’s words, her stunning face blank.

He hadn’t said this before!

Wasn’t there talk of working ten years and buying a house in Pengcheng?

"My nephew is willing to share the burden with his uncle!" Lü Bu blurted out immediately.

Hey!

Just what I was thinking!

Truly my good great nephew!

Fan Li smirked inwardly but feigned contemplation: "That’s good too; I just hope it’s not too much trouble for you."

Lü Bu’s face lit up with joy, his smile almost reaching the back of his head.

Fan Li said to Diao Chan: "You shall follow General Lü, to spare you the fatigue of travel when I journey to Chu. It grows late; I am weary and will first rest at the Ministry of Rites."

He rose and left.

Diao Chan wanted to follow, but Lü Bu’s eyes seemed glued to her as if they were attached.

"Miss?" Lü Bu reached out eagerly to hold the beauty.

She merely flicked her sleeve and broke free!

"I must report this matter to the Grand Tutor..."