Drunken Moon Pavilion truly lives up to its reputation as the number one entertainment venue in Xijing. It covers a vast area, with the front hall painted entirely in bright red lacquer. The main doors stand wide open, and a plush, scarlet wool carpet feels soft and smooth underfoot, with long corridors stretching out on either side. At the very center stands a stone wall, painted with nine dragons in various poses, flanked by stone carvings of the Eight Immortals, and in the middle of the wall is an enormous mirror.

Stephen Blake pointed at the mirror and said, “Everyone, look—this mirror is a trophy that Marshal Gu seized from the Caesarians a year ago. Later, the owner here bought it and embedded it in this spot for people to admire.”

“Caesarian-made mirrors are indeed unique. This is the first time I’ve seen one so large.” Brian Cooper stepped forward, seeing his own reflection clearly in the glass, and couldn’t help but marvel.

Stephen Blake was a regular here. He waved away the doorman who had been leading them and took the group straight to a private room on the second floor.

Although he was only a deputy general in the logistics department, to have reached the rank of general meant he had his merits. Stephen Blake was specifically in charge of entertaining dignitaries from all over at the Western Front camp, and Drunken Moon Pavilion was his most frequented spot. This private room was one of the best in the establishment, reserved exclusively for the military.

Xijing was the stronghold of the Western camp, managed over the years with not a single leak. The military’s power here far exceeded that of the local authorities, so having such privileges was only natural. Moreover, the owner of this place had close ties with the Western camp; otherwise, he could never have established himself here, let alone acquired such rare trophies.

As the group entered the private room, maids immediately brought out warm, damp towels. Henry Sutton had just followed suit and wiped his face when the door to the room was pushed open. A middle-aged merchant in his forties or fifties entered, beaming with a broad smile.

“Aiya, Mr. Blake, why didn’t you let me know you were coming? I really failed to welcome you properly.” He patted his large belly, greeting them with great enthusiasm.

“Haha, no need for formalities, Mr. Brooks. Come, let me introduce you to a few young heroes.” Stephen Blake laughed heartily, stepping forward to shake his hand.

“This is General Brian Cooper from the Northern camp. General Fang just arrived, and with three thousand cavalry, he crushed thirty thousand Caesarian troops, earning the highest merit for our Han victory.”

“So this is General Fang! The whole city has heard of your deeds, General—your reputation precedes you. To have you here today is a true honor. I failed to recognize greatness—please forgive me.” Big Brooks looked genuinely astonished, his tone sincere, as if he was about to prostrate himself.

“I don’t deserve such praise; it’s General Blake who flatters me.” Hearing someone praise the proudest victory of his life, Brian Cooper couldn’t help but feel a bit pleased, though he maintained the necessary modesty.

“Mr. Brooks, this is Henry Sutton… Mr. Sutton.” Stephen Blake had intended to say Captain Xu, but after a moment’s hesitation, he chose to address him as Mister.

Big Brooks narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Henry Sutton, and finally let out a long sigh. “Could this be the Hero Sutton who personally led two thousand death-defying soldiers, held the camp for over twenty days, and slew more than fifty thousand Caesarian elites?”

Chapter Six: Replenishing Blood with Wine

“I dare not claim the credit; it was the work of all my brothers. Mr. Sutton would not dare to take all the glory.” Henry Sutton was taken aback, not expecting this big fellow to be so familiar with the details.

“I heard that after that battle, your unit was left with only one hundred and twenty-four men. Upon arriving in Xijing, with a single order from Hero Sutton, not a single man stepped out of the compound without permission for a whole month. Marshal Gu sent trophies three times, and unless Hero Sutton gave the word, not a soul dared to privately accept even a single copper coin. Such strict discipline is rare indeed, and all your subordinates obeyed without a word of complaint—truly unprecedented.” Mr. Brooks paused, gave a thumbs-up, and said, “As far as I know, Hero Sutton was a new recruit at the start of this year, while among the survivors there were many veterans, including two who had served as centurions. Yet after the battle, they all looked to Hero Sutton for leadership. Heh, as for why, I think we all know the answer—no need to say more.”

Mr. Brooks meant that Henry Sutton had performed outstandingly in the previous battle, earning the respect of all the survivors, so that they were completely convinced by him—even the two centurions who had outranked him willingly followed his orders. In fact, during that siege, aside from offering his own blood for everyone to soak in wine, Henry Sutton had contributed little else. But this was known to no one, and Henry Sutton would never speak of it himself.

Still, hearing this, Henry Sutton couldn’t help but think to himself that this big fellow’s influence was not to be underestimated. He even knew the details of their convalescence in the compound, which showed he was truly someone of importance, likely with high-ranking military contacts. Among those present, Stephen Blake, who shared his physique, was the most suspicious.

He glanced at Stephen Blake and Brian Cooper, only to find them completely unfazed, as if they had known all along. He couldn’t help but feel relieved—his order forbidding anyone from going out or causing trouble upon arrival in Xijing had been the right call. Clearly, there were many keeping an eye on him.