Out of the ordinary came the news of a death, and the master of the mansion, Wei Fengchu, was initially furious upon hearing it. The maid Qiushui, who had come secretly to report the news, was so frightened that she dared not utter a word. However, years of cultivation in body and mind had long since transformed Wei Fengchu from an ordinary merchant into a gentleman-scholar with the composure of a seasoned official. He quickly suppressed his shock and anger, allowing Qiushui to lead the way. This second-tier maid in the household, fearing she might delay her master’s important affairs, quickened her pace. At first, Wei Fengchu remained silent, following closely behind as they ran through one courtyard after another.
As they walked along the narrow, dimly lit corridor known as the “avoidance lane” on either side, Wei Fengchu coughed once. The maid, a young girl named Huanghuadoukou, who had been carefully trained and purchased at a high price from the Jiangnan region, immediately slowed her steps. She turned her head with a delicate glance, just as expected, noticing her master lost in thought. Obediently, she resumed her pace with small, gentle steps. During this time, Wei Fengchu, a man seasoned by countless storms in business and politics, carefully weighed the situation. According to Qiushui’s somewhat fragmented account, Xu Gongzi had visited the house of the old man with a bow on his back, and shortly thereafter, this murder occurred. It seemed there had also been a conflict with Liu Niran, a woman from the Yulong Gang.
Rubbing his temples, Wei Fengchu approached the house where the body lay. He signaled Qiushui to remain in the corridor and quickened his pace alone. Entering the house with a worried expression, he did not immediately scold his distant nephew who had traveled far. Instead, he locked the door and, upon seeing the young man’s calm demeanor after committing murder, thought more highly of him. A spoiled young master killing someone in his own courtyard and remaining so defiantly composed was not impressive. But if someone caused trouble in another’s home, it either meant they were deeply calculating or had some hidden support. Either way, Wei Fengchu considered it a good sign. He thought to himself, “Old Qi has no sons, but he has this distant nephew worth nurturing. No wonder this business deal was entrusted to such a young man. Three thousand taels is no small matter.”
Wei Fengchu calmed himself, pulled up a chair, and sat down without showing the slightest sign of impatience. He asked, “What does Uncle Wei need to do?”
Xu Fengnian had already prepared a carefully crafted explanation, one that might not be airtight but would suffice to temporarily satisfy an old fox like Wei Fengchu. Of course, this relied on Liu Niran not going mad and causing unnecessary trouble. He had not expected Wei Fengchu to ask nothing at all, which caught Xu Fengnian off guard. The reason he dared to inform Wei Fengchu immediately was because he was borrowing the sensitive identity of a nobleman’s son from Lingshou, firmly believing Wei Fengchu would not dare to go to the authorities and bring trouble upon himself. As long as Wei Fengchu thought the matter could be resolved within the Wei household, there was room for negotiation. Seeing the expression in his nephew’s eyes, Wei Fengchu picked up a porcelain cup brought from Jiangnan, poured a cup of cold tea, and smiled, saying, “Let me speak frankly, young Xu. Not only a guest from a small gang like Yulong, but even Liu Niran, the granddaughter of the gang leader—if she’s in Uncle Wei’s house, you can do as you please. What, do you think the Lingshou authorities would dare to come to Liuxia City and arrest me? Or do you think the Yulong Gang would dare to cause trouble at the General’s Mansion? Even if I gave them ten bear hearts and leopard livers, they wouldn’t dare. Uncle Wei and Old Qi have a bond forged in life and death, not just polite words. Prostitutes have no feelings, actors have no loyalty. Merchants value money, scholars value reputation. The old saying is true, but it doesn’t mean those of us in Uncle Wei’s line of business don’t value sentiment at all.”
Seeing his nephew rise to bow again, Wei Fengchu glared and laughed, scolding, “Nephew, this habit of yours must be from the Lingshou aristocrats. If you want to make a name for yourself in Lingshou and the Northern Barbarians, this scholar’s pedantry is the first thing to discard. Try bowing again? See if Uncle Wei doesn’t kick you out of the mansion! Once you’re in the Northern Barbarians’ land, follow local customs. Drinking from large bowls and eating heartily will be more appreciated. Originally, Uncle Wei wanted the servants to show you around Liuxia City for some pleasure, but forget it. For the next few days, stay by Uncle Wei’s side and watch how business is done. Grind your sharp edges. Old Qi is full of chivalrous spirit, while Uncle Wei, though not as skilled in martial arts as him, understands the ways of the world that can be turned into real gold and silver.”
Xu Fengnian raised his cup with a Bitter smile and said, “Uncle Wei, nephew drinks this tea as wine, shall we drink together?”
Wei Fengchu was pleased and said, “That’s acceptable.”
After drinking the tea, he stood up to pour another cup for Wei Fengchu. Sitting back down, Xu Fengnian slowly said, “Uncle Wei, today’s matter, nephew must speak openly with you old one, otherwise it’s not comfortable. The general’s eldest son has always coveted the Yulong Gang and Liu Niran, intending to take her as a concubine. Originally, this business deal, given the Yulong Gang’s lackluster strength in Lingshou, would never have been within their grasp. However, since the eldest son had his own selfish intentions, it could not be judged by ordinary standards. The deputy gang leader, Xiao Qiang, who accompanied us to the Northern Barbarians, has a son named Xiao Ling, who grew up with Liu Niran. There are rumors that when Xiao Qiang returns to Lingshou to retire, he will take the opportunity to propose a marriage between Xiao Ling and Liu Niran. How could the eldest son allow the Xiao family father and son to have their way? Therefore, after leaving Daoma Pass, nephew, who has some martial skills, followed the eldest son’s instructions and by luck assassinated Xiao Qiang, then framed several bands of horse thieves. Unexpectedly, the guest Gong Sunyang discovered some clues and threatened to inform Liu Niran and the Yulong Gang, forcing us to tear off the mask and hastily set up a rough scheme. I only told Liu Niran that Gong Sunyang was a remnant from the Spring and Autumn period secretly colluding with the Northern Barbarians. Thus, we barely managed to suppress Liu Niran’s simple-mindedness. Uncle Wei, is there any flaw in this plan? Please help me strategize. If I ruin the eldest son’s layout, even if I bring back silver, I won’t be able to rise in the General’s Mansion. I’m sure Uncle Wei knows that the second son, though a concubine’s child, is quick-witted and has already gained some reputation among the scholars of Lingshou, so mother and son are quite favored. The second son has repeatedly tried to win me over, which has already made the eldest son resentful. This journey to the Northern Barbarians is both an opportunity and a crisis for nephew. If successful, everything will be fine. If not, I may not even have a foothold.”
A glimmer of appreciation for his younger relative appeared in Wei Fengchu’s eyes. He smiled and nodded, stroking his beard. Sitting right beside the corpse, he still spoke slowly, “Nephew, you are meticulous in small matters and have a far-sighted vision in big matters. Very good, you are indeed a promising talent.”
Xu Fengnian lowered his voice, blushing slightly, and said, “Before leaving home, I had the audacity to ask my uncle for a letter to send to Uncle Wei, hoping he would speak a few good words for me. However, at the dinner table, my aunt had just started to mention it when my uncle scolded me mercilessly, saying that a man must rely on his own hands and feet to build a career, and that seeking favors and begging is not a real skill. Fortunately, my aunt slammed the bowl and said she would cook herself the next day, and only then did my uncle stop scolding me.”
Wei Fengchu laughed heartily, pointing his finger at Xu Fengnian in the air. For the first time, the old fox laughed so comfortably and thoroughly. Then he sighed, “Indeed, that’s the temper of Old Qi and your aunt. When I was young and destitute, I relied on them for three years, eating at their table. Although your aunt occasionally complained, it was out of frustration for my lack of success and concern for my plight. She hoped I would make something of myself, not begrudging those hard-earned bowls of rice, but she never looked down on me or harbored ill will. ‘A drop of water’s kindness deserves a spring’s worth of repayment,’ but Uncle Wei doesn’t have such a lofty realm. However, for three years of life-saving kindness, even if I were heartless, I wouldn’t dare to forget. These years, Uncle Wei has built a significant family business, but Old Qi and your aunt have never sent a single letter, fearing that any request would diminish the kindness of those days. Your uncle and aunt, though kind-hearted, are also ruthless in their own way. After all, we’re already at an age where half our bodies are in the grave, and who knows when we might fall asleep and never wake up. What’s the point of worrying about these things now? Now that you, my nephew, have come to Uncle Wei’s house, it’s all good! No letter from home is worth more than a thousand words.”
Xu Fengnian asked softly, “Uncle Wei, is there any trouble in finding a decent piece of land to bury this guest from the Yulong Gang decently?”
Wei Fengchu waved his sleeve and said, “A trivial matter not worth mentioning. However, Uncle Wei will speak plainly. Compared to the indifferent relationship with the Arms Inspector, the bond with Old Qi is more important. Therefore, even if Liu Niran and I have a strained relationship for now, it doesn’t matter much, but you must not always neglect her. In the future, if she enters the General’s Mansion as a concubine and gains favor, remember that a woman whispering in the pillow can be more powerful than anything. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up hurting yourself. There are countless precedents for this, and you must be vigilant. To put it bluntly, nephew, your appearance and intelligence are top-notch. Why not go all the way and use some methods to win Liu Niran’s heart? If she thrives in the General’s Mansion, you’ll have another pillar of support. Fortune lies in danger. As long as you don’t defile her body, I believe in your caution. Taking chestnuts from the fire won’t be difficult for you. Throughout history, great achievers have always had several red beauties by their side!”
Xu Fengnian looked surprised, and Wei Fengchu smiled and said, “If before leaving Liuxia City, you can make Liu Niran, who hates you today, exchange glances with you affectionately, Uncle Wei will promise you eight thousand taels of silver as a reward for your expenses in cultivating connections within and outside the General’s Mansion.”
Xu Fengnian, with a thick face, haggled, “Uncle Wei, nephew has a greedy nature for money. How about rounding it up to ten thousand taels?”
Wei Fengchu was not angry but pleased, laughing heartily, “What a bold request! Uncle Wei likes it. I agree!”
Xu Fengnian’s face lit up with a bright smile. Wei Fengchu stood up, his smile revealing a hint of playfulness, “The two maids, Qiushui and Chunchun, in the mansion are both pure and clean. In the Northern Barbarians, there is a practice of raising ‘horses,’ which are not actual horses. Most of them are young girls carefully selected from the Jiangnan region of the Liyang Dynasty, bought at a high price, and taught the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, tea, and wine. After several years, out of ten beautiful girls, only three or four truly become accomplished. These two maids are among the best. If placed outside the mansion, they would fetch a price of fifty taels. If you like them, I’ll give them to you. They’re not of much use in my house. You can take them back to Lingshou to cultivate connections with those pretentious scholars and literati. With these clever and beautiful companions, you’ll achieve twice the result with half the effort.”
Xu Fengnian, feeling unexpectedly pleased, quickly smiled and said, “Thank you, Uncle Wei, for your generous gift.”
Wei Fengchu reached the door and whispered softly, “Uncle will find an opportunity to have the maid Qiushui deliver some words to Liu Niran, saying that the Wei household has already buried this guest according to your wishes. Words from others will be more sincere than your own explanation. Don’t worry, Qiushui has a clever heart. Liu Niran, with her limited experience, won’t see through the deception.”
Xu Fengnian praised, “Uncle Wei’s calculations are flawless. Nephew has learned much.”
“Luckily, Old Qi, with his stubborn temper, has such a sweet-talking good nephew. What a blessing!”
Wei Fengchu shook his head and laughed, as if recalling something. He asked carelessly, “How much do you know about poetry and painting? How is your handwriting? Uncle Wei has spent a lot of money over the years, buying about a hundred pieces, most of which were looted at low prices from the remnants of the Spring and Autumn period who fled to the Northern Barbarians. There are few learned people in the Wei household, and Uncle Wei fears being laughed at by experts. If you know a bit about it, help Uncle Wei take a look. If you happen to find a treasure, Uncle Wei will be in a good mood and might give you a few.”
Xu Fengnian rubbed his hands together and volunteered, “My uncle spent his whole life regretting not knowing how to read, so he always made me study hard to gain fame and fortune. My handwriting is not bad. Moreover, after serving as a companion to the eldest son for many years, I’ve had the chance to see some valuable calligraphy and paintings for authentication. I have some discernment skills. If Uncle Wei doesn’t mind, let me take a look. Hehe, but I’m afraid Uncle Wei might feel a bit reluctant then.”
Wei Fengchu sighed with a helpless look, “I should have known better than to bring this up.”
As Wei Fengchu left the house, Xu Fengnian saw the maid Qiushui at the end of the corridor, her posture graceful. She was clever and guessed that she was already this young master’s possession. Her face blushed, and as she left with her master, she turned back with a charming smile, her slender waist swaying with a unique charm.
Back in his room, Xu Fengnian’s face no longer showed any smile. Their conversation had been pleasant, and if a girl like Liu Niran were present, she would probably think the elder was kind and the younger was obedient. But the hidden intrigues and power struggles between them were completely imperceptible to her. When he mentioned the family letter, Xu Fengnian realized he had made a small mistake. According to the information about the Qi family guest in the General’s Mansion, this person knew little of reading and writing and certainly couldn’t write letters. However, the young prince couldn’t help but test the old fox, Wei Fengchu. If Wei Fengchu lightly dismissed the matter with a few words, it would prove that he had already confirmed the young prince’s identity and trusted him enough not to nitpick over such small mistakes. But if he couldn’t help but react, it meant Wei Fengchu still had doubts in his heart. Indeed, as soon as the young prince laid a small trap, the old fox subtly countered with a bigger one before leaving, asking the young prince to appraise calligraphy and paintings. Fortunately, the young prince would never capsize in such a small ditch.
Moreover, Wei Fengchu’s discernment was sharp. He recognized that this nephew was a rare treasure, so he generously gave money and maids, all in anticipation of the young prince’s future success in Lingshou, which would naturally bring Abundant returns to his business. If the old fox were merely thinking of the old brotherhood, he wouldn’t be so generous.
How could a young woman like Liu Niran, who had just entered the world, avoid being bullied in a Rivers and Lakes where wolves and foxes roamed?
Xu Fengnian quietly waited for Wei Fengchu’s trusted men to come and remove the corpse. Standing by the window, he muttered to himself, “The Rivers and Lakes is perilous, and human relationships are complex. Master Gong Sun, if you were alive, would you prefer not to see this? Rest assured, if this prince returns alive to Beiliang, the Yulong Gang will receive some secret support. If I die in the Northern Barbarians, you and the petty-minded Miss Liu will also have your revenge. If I weren’t the prince, with Master Gong Sun’s character, we could have had a friendship across generations. I know Master Gong Sun would never betray anyone, and with that bag of green ant wine we shared, I won’t be the villain who tortures you for information. But if I were to turn a blind eye to your relationship with the Northern Barbarians, it would be too much to ask of this prince. I believe Master Gong Sun, from beyond the grave, will scold me a little less.”
Watching two of Wei Fengchu’s trusted guards carry away the corpse, which was now as cold as the cooling tea, Xu Fengnian returned to his room. Seeing Liu Niran’s door tightly closed, he thought it was indeed difficult for this straightforward girl not to have fought back on the spot.
It was strange. She was indeed an outstanding woman with inner beauty, but in the prince’s memory, the most vivid impression was not of her fighting alone at the Daoma Pass inn or leading the way through the desert sands. Instead, it was of her sitting on a hill, hugging her knees and lost in thought, and of her cracked, bleeding lips as she drank water at the well in Yanhui Pass.
As Qingming approached, how could there be no bitter rain to make travelers’ hearts ache?
The muddy roads to the graves made descendants walk an extra step, thinking more of their ancestors.
In the night, the heavens were not stingy with their drizzle. Xu Fengnian pushed open the window, a chill breeze blowing in. He listened to the raindrops hitting the lotus flowers, though his expression remained cold. It was uncertain whether the prince could hear the sorrow and loneliness in the rain.
In the Beiliang Prince’s Mansion, there should be a puppet with a similar build, wearing a mask carefully crafted by Shu Xiu, carefully playing the role of the prince.
Xu Fengnian leaned on the windowsill, not the slightest bit lost, his eyes unusually resolute.
At the village head of Daoma Pass, he had wanted to draw his sword for the first time but ultimately did not. At the city wall of Yanhui Pass, he had wanted to draw the Chunlei sword but could not.
Xu Fengnian seemed to be admiring the scenery but actually closed his eyes, his hands forming a mudra, repeatedly cleansing the energy within his body.
True yang must be born from the root, and The Hidden Talisman descends to Huang Ting from upstream. The river flows continuously, solidifying the spirit. This is the true man’s great refining of form.
Xu Fengnian stood there for a full hour, slowly exhaling a breath of energy shaped like a sword, following the Drill of the Sword Qi Rolls Like a Dragon’s Wall. It burst forth, stirring up a lotus flower in the pond, instantly turning it to dust.
But in the vast night rain, who would notice this terrifying detail?
Xu Fengnian sighed with relief, saying, “So this is what the Great Huangting means by ‘spitting out embroidery and Qiankun, igniting fire to obtain Chang’an.'”
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