Chapter 41: The Stanislavski Method of Acting

Wang Lu did not leave behind any explanations. His relationship with Yang Chen required only those few words; Yang Chen would naturally know how to handle the rest.

Back on the battlefield of Sarhu, Wang Lu and Shen Lian had saved three men: Lu Wenzhao, Guo Zhen, and the third—who was not actually Yang Chen, but his older brother, Yang Huan.

However, much like Wang Lu, these two brothers had lost their parents early in life, leaving them to rely on each other with a deep, inseparable bond. Their connection was not obvious, and they rarely interacted; over eight years, they had only met three times, each time introduced by Yang Huan.

Still, Wang Lu had not spent these eight years in the capital in vain. Beyond preparing for the unfolding plot, he had consolidated his network, analyzed the personalities of those around him, and categorized them into those who would be useful and those who would not, all to navigate the plot he knew so well.

Yang Chen was the most critical piece. A large portion of the inheritance left by Wang Lu's father in this world had been invested into Yang Chen. Now, Yang Chen had gained the favor of Wei Zhongxian and was counted among the "Five Tigers."

Beyond these connections, individual capability was even more paramount. This was why Wang Lu poured all his energy into mastering the blade. It was the only source of true confidence; without swordsmanship, no amount of strategy would hold weight in this world.

If this were the historical Ming Dynasty, Wang Lu might have used his knowledge of the future to engage in speculation or minor inventions. But this world had clearly been altered by dark, supernatural forces—it was a Ming Dynasty steeped in the traditions of *wuxia*. Consequently, blade work outweighed strategy, and Wang Lu didn't fancy himself clever enough to orchestrate grand, earth-shattering conspiracies anyway.

In Wang Lu’s philosophy, ability was the essential preparation for when opportunity arrived. Without strength, one could never accomplish anything, regardless of opportunity. A master at growing watermelons would never produce any prize-worthy varieties if born in a land where they could not thrive. Shen Lian possessed peerless swordsmanship, yet he ended up a fugitive in the northern frontier. Ding Xiu was truly the best under heaven, yet he spent his days only avenging his junior brother and clamoring for more pay.

Opportunity was the key to success. Without the spy Wang Lu had encountered in the second year of the Tianqi reign, his official career would never have been so smooth. Without the Wanggongchang Explosion, the Tianqi Emperor’s son would not have been frightened to death, which in turn would not have planted unwanted ambitions in the heart of the Prince of Xin.

Wang Lu was ready. Every day now was an opportunity.

He had missed the chance regarding the Tianqi Emperor’s fall into the water, but now, knowing every detail, he would not let any possibility for gain slip through his fingers.

When Wang Lu returned to the company commander’s office, the sun was already hanging in the east. He looked into the office with high spirits, only to find the two gate-guarding officers standing at rigid attention, which seemed quite out of place.

As they cupped their hands in salute, one whispered, "Commander Lu is here."

Wang Lu nodded. "Understood. Thank you for your hard work."

The two men stood up with looks of honor. They watched Wang Lu’s retreating back as he entered the office, feeling deeply moved. Only Commander Wang Lu would treat them with such humility. The commanders they had encountered in the past, regardless of whether they had risen from the bottom like Wang Lu, would act as if they had suddenly ascended to power, often treating their subordinates with even greater disdain. Wang Lu was clearly an anomaly.

This distinction was naturally welcomed by the rank-and-file Jinyiwei, though Wang Lu’s peers occasionally criticized it, claiming it would lead to a lack of respect. But one could respond with the words of a great man: If the people welcome it and you do not, who do you think you are?

Wang Lu was not so socially inept as to express it that way, but the sentiment remained the same. In truth, unlike others, Wang Lu possessed enough strength that he had no need to look down on his subordinates to assert his status. During his eight years in the capital, he had practiced his blade work relentlessly. Among the Jinyiwei below the rank of centurion, everyone knew how refined his skills were. His habit of challenging others to spars ensured that no subordinate would ever look down on him because of his politeness—lest they find themselves forced into a spar with him.

Inside the office, Wang Lu’s seat had been occupied, and a soft fox fur had been spread over it. Lu Wenzhao, wearing a white cloak, was reviewing official documents, but Wang Lu knew the moment he entered that his mind was not on the paperwork.

"Wang Lu of the Northern Suppressing Bureau, reporting to Commander Lu." Lu Wenzhao had not brought anyone with him, allowing Wang Lu to enter and salute smoothly.

"Hmm." Lu Wenzhao coughed, squinting as if he hadn't fully woken up. "Wang Lu, just arrived?"

"I was out for a moment." Wang Lu was no fool. Even if Lu Wenzhao looked as harmless as a retiring old man, Wang Lu would not give him any leverage. He knew well: never tell a lie that doesn't need to be told.

"What were you doing out?" Lu Wenzhao followed up.

"Taking care of some business," Wang Lu replied, utilizing "nonsense literature." He didn't lie, but he didn't want to answer either; the art of saying nothing was highly effective.

Whether this aroused Lu Wenzhao’s suspicion did not matter. Wang Lu could offer many explanations for not wanting to speak, but lying was a different level of risk. A little doubt from Lu Wenzhao was a small price to pay.

Lu Wenzhao sighed. "Word came from the palace yesterday afternoon. Eunuch Guo is missing."

"What!" Wang Lu looked stunned. "Eunuch Guo is missing? Where did he disappear? Are there any leads?!"

Lu Wenzhao stared suspiciously at Wang Lu’s worried face. "You truly know nothing?"

"Nothing at all!" Wang Lu said firmly. "Every time I went to the brothels, it was Eunuch Guo who provided the coin. I have long regarded him as my dearest friend! Sir, let me investigate! I will definitely bring him back!"

"Uh... don't be so anxious. This might be related to another matter. I have already assigned it to Shen Lian." Seeing that Wang Lu’s concern did not seem feigned, Lu Wenzhao changed his tone and smiled. "I came here today for another reason. Congratulations, Commander Wang."

As he spoke, Lu Wenzhao produced a document from his robes and handed it to Wang Lu.

A spark of excitement flickered in Wang Lu’s heart. The position of Deputy Thousand-Man Commander was his. On the surface, however, he maintained his expression of grief and anger—there was no need to explain the importance of a complete performance.

"Is this the promotion to Deputy Thousand-Man Commander?" Wang Lu asked, his face sorrowful. "Commander Lu and Eunuch Guo fought for this together for me. I never imagined that the Eunuch would be gone now. I would rather trade this position to have him back!"

"Sigh, don't be too sad. None of us wanted to see this happen." Lu Wenzhao patted Wang Lu’s shoulder. "You know Shen Lian's capabilities; he will surely get to the bottom of this. Rest assured, Eunuch Guo is our friend. I will give Shen Lian my full support to find him!"

After saying this, Lu Wenzhao handed over the document again. "Take it. I’ll give you one day to settle your affairs here. Report to the Thousand-Man Commander’s office tomorrow. Then, I will finally have a Deputy I can truly rely on."

"Commander Lu thinks too highly of me," Wang Lu said, taking the document with a sigh.

"Ah, there is no need for such talk between us," Lu Wenzhao replied. "At the level of Deputy, you have the authority to recruit your own men. I’ll give you five slots from here to take with you immediately; for the rest, you can choose them yourself and just give me the list."

Wang Lu nodded, and for a moment, the two stood in silence.