After the assassination attempt at the Zhong residence, everything remained orderly despite the chaos. General Zhong Shentong did not even make an appearance, while Zhong Fu only briefly stood at the courtyard of Lu Gui’s residence, asking a few indifferent questions to a maid named Liu Daogu, and glancing at the ground scarred by sword qi without showing any sign of concern. Seeing the towering figure of Zhong Fu, Lu Gui felt relieved. Though he had disliked Zhong Fu’s eccentric ways since their youth, at times he could not help but be grateful that he was not the enemy of Zhong family’s second son. In Lu Cibu’s eyes, Zhong Fu’s actions were bizarre and unfathomable. When he and Zhong Shentong were still studying hard in the family school, the young Zhong Fu had already killed many. It was said that he once visited the Princess’s Tomb before his coming-of-age ceremony, thus missing the ceremony itself. Later, when he married, the bride was carried into the Zhong family mansion in a grand sedan chair, but the groom was nowhere to be found. His misdeeds enraged the old master of the Zhong family, who passed away without even seeing Zhong Fu one last time.
Lu Gui’s relief was not only due to Zhong Fu’s presence at the residence, but also because of a secret reason. Regarding Zhong Gui’s sudden death, he had already heard his daughter Lu Chen’s account, and deep down, he did not believe a word of it. However, since a skilled assassin had brazenly entered the residence to target Zhong Tan right after Zhong Gui’s death, it indirectly supported Lu Chen’s claim, which was excellent news for the Lu family. Misfortune and fortune are intertwined. With his daughter’s disfigurement, the ghost marriage, and the upcoming entry into the tomb of the Qin Emperor, once they returned to the Southern Dynasty, the Lu family would receive a substantial reward. Thinking of his poor daughter, Lu Gui muttered a contradictory phrase: “A pity she’s a daughter, but fortunate she’s a daughter.”
The only thing that could match the status of the Jie Jie Ling (Envoy) Helian Wuwei’s family was probably the lake created by diverting a spring into the residence. The night was deep, but sleep was shallow. Without Lu Yang present, the conversation among the three men grew more lively. They were all rough men, rarely indulging in lofty discussions or quoting classics. Through their conversation, Xu Fengnian learned that in the old Envoy’s eyes, Xu Xiao’s six adopted sons included Chen Zhibao as the undisputed general. However, the next two slightly inferior generals were ranked with Chu Lushan even ahead of Yuan Zuo’zong. Speaking of this fat man who had brought the old man the shame of defeat and capture, the man who held power over a province not only bore no grudge but openly expressed his admiration. He said that Chu Lushan was strict in military discipline and especially skilled at leading a lone army deep into certain death, making him a truly fortunate and fierce general who had survived countless battles and possessed both wisdom and bravery. Xu Fengnian, due to his young age, missed the great national battles of the Spring and Autumn Period. For him, he only remembered Chu Lushan’s smiling, plump face, so fat that his eyes and neck were almost invisible, making it hard to imagine him leading troops into battle. After hearing Helian Wuwei’s praise today, he was surprised to realize that if Chu Lushan really rebelled, it might be even more dangerous than Yuan Zuo’zong secretly gathering Chen Zhibao.
Helian Wuwei took a sip of wine, his face flushed red, his wrinkled skin resembling pine bark, making him look even more like an old farmer. “I’ve heard of some privileged aristocratic sons who eventually became martial arts experts, but I’ve never heard of a prince’s legitimate son achieving great success.”
The old white-haired Kuai retorted, “This kid is lucky to have masters like Jian Jiuhuang and Li Chungan to guide him. If I had access to a Tingchao Pavilion from a young age, I would have reached the first class before I was eighteen. With expert guidance, I would have definitely reached the Zhixuan realm before I was thirty.”
Helian Wuwei glanced sideways, “If you were to be the heir of Beiliang, you would have been reborn eighteen times already.”
Old Kuai glared angrily, but Helian Wuwei was not afraid of his intimidation and ignored him. Xu Fengnian humbly joked, “It was just good luck. Daoism says that a man’s innate talent starts from conception, and at fifty-six, which is seven times eight, one’s vitality is already gone, leaving only residual energy to sustain life. So, when old and wealthy men turn to Huanglao for longevity, it’s often a hopeless pursuit, only slightly extending life. It’s indeed very important to lay a foundation in martial arts before the age of eight and to work hard before sixteen; otherwise, becoming an expert is like dreaming. When I was young, I also wanted to become a top swordsman or a first-rate swordsman, but I delayed. Later, thanks to going to Wudang Mountain and being taught the Great Huangting by Master Wang, my cultivation rapidly advanced. In the end, it’s not much from myself, but mostly from my family background.”
Helian Wuwei shook his head, “I don’t like hearing this. I’ve been through it and know the hardships involved.”
Old Kuai finally said something honest, “Actually, you kid do have some resilience, which I can’t deny. But to be honest, in your lifetime, you’ll never catch up with monsters like Da Nian.”
Helian Wuwei scolded, “You talk too much!”
Xu Fengnian smiled, “Martial arts, after all, is something to be practiced.”
Old Kuai muttered, “Just like Jian Jiuhuang.”
Xu Fengnian seemed not to hear this and asked a crucial question, “Uncle Helian, will you agree to intercept the river this time, letting the tomb of the Qin Emperor resurface and reappear?”
Helian Wuwei sipped his wine, pondered for a long time, and slowly replied, “Originally, I didn’t plan to take the bait, but after Da Nian came to my residence, I changed my mind. Who is the cicada, the mantis, the oriole, or the slingshot depends on each one’s fate.”
Xu Fengnian suddenly smiled and said, “Uncle Helian, I want to learn from you about military and political affairs. Whatever little I can learn, I will take.”
The old Envoy said generously, “I won’t hide anything. I have no sons or daughters, and I’ve accumulated some knowledge over the years. I can’t take it all to the grave. Let me make it clear beforehand: if you genuinely want to learn, you must come with me and see things for yourself. I know little from books and am not willing to teach you.”
Xu Fengnian smiled and nodded. Old Kuai muttered, “You people, whether already officials or aspiring to be, never have a moment’s peace. It’s even more boring than practicing martial arts.”
The old and the young exchanged a smile. Talking about military and political affairs with Old Kuai was like playing the zither to a cow.
While drinking, Xu Fengnian silently calculated in his mind, like playing a game of chess.
The Princess’s Tomb was divided into two parts. Da Nian, Luoyang, seemingly had no other forces to command except for the guest Envoy Helian Wuwei. The problem was that this Envoy could not get too deeply involved, watching from the sidelines. Even if there was actual support, it would be impossible to openly deploy the powerful and well-equipped army under his command. Fortunately, the white-haired old Kuai, Chu Kuangnu, would likely participate in the game.
As for the other side, Xiao Nian, colluding with Zhong Fu, would at least turn a blind eye to the opening of the imperial tomb, and it was even very likely that they wanted to escape the shackles of their 800-year-old role as guardians.
As for the Zhong and Lu families, it goes without saying. Even a high-ranking official like Zhong Shentong, who was on the same level as Helian Wuwei, had personally come to Xihé Zhōu, and the power of the aristocratic families was bound to be formidable.
Besides that, whether there would be other opportunistic factions drawn by the scent of profit was still unclear, but it was certain that there would be, and they could not be underestimated.
Xu Fengnian was forcibly tied to one side by Luoyang. The amount of effort he would put in depended on how perilous the situation became. According to Xu Fengnian’s own wishes, it would be prudent not to get involved in such thankless and risky business. For someone who had grown up climbing the shelves of Tingchao Pavilion, he had little interest in secret manuals and treasures. Even if there was a chance to fish in troubled waters, the person fishing had to like fish to put in the effort.
A chaotic situation.
Xu Fengnian frowned and slowly drank his wine.
Helian Wuwei glanced at him, his smile old but intriguing.
※※※
Although the Liang Chan Temple is honored as the foremost temple in the world, and its abbot, the monk Longshu, is revered as the head of the Buddhist community, in reality, visiting there reveals that it is far from being a grand mountain temple with towering statues and grand halls. Especially the old abbot Longshu’s dwelling, which is particularly simple, no different from the huts of villagers in the countryside. It is a sturdy thatched cottage, cramped and narrow, with a courtyard that is not particularly spacious. One can only hear the distant sound of a babbling stream, but the stream itself is not visible. By the wall, there are old chickens and new tree fences; take a few more steps, and one might step on some chicken droppings. Behind the house stands an ancient cypress, with no mystical tales or sayings attached to it. Under the shade of the tree lies a large water vat. Under the example set by the abbot, the monks of Liang Chan Temple actively engage in labor, not considering farming as a disgrace. Every evening, after working in the fields, Longshu would go to the vat to wash off the mud, which would settle at the bottom of the vat. It is said that a famous scholar from Jiangnan once used this mud to make a famous teapot, which became widely circulated.
At this moment, a boy and a girl were whispering in front of the vat. The old abbot had left the temple to go down the mountain, intending to travel thousands of miles to the Northern Desert to argue with someone. Someone had to take care of the chickens and ducks, so he entrusted these two children, who had grown up on the mountain, to do so. They were the most familiar with the place, and the old monk felt very reassured. The little monk wore a brand new and clean green-brown kasaya. Unlike the Celestial Masters’ Temple on Mount Longhu, even if the temple received rewards from the imperial court, Liang Chan Temple did not like to wear purple. The little monk’s kasaya was already a rare high-level monk’s attire in the temple. However, the little monk with rosy lips and white teeth looked troubled, hesitating in his speech, “Lizi, someone has come to the temple again to ask for the mud from this big vat. Do you think we should give it to them or not?”
The girl reached out and stirred the clear water in the vat, adding a scornful glance, “Don’t give it! Where in the world is there a guest who comes to someone’s home and just takes things for free? That’s too shameless.”
The little monk frowned, “But the old abbot always agrees whenever someone asks for the mud.”
The girl glared, “Well, the old abbot isn’t here now. I’m in charge, and I say no!”
“If the master and mistress find out, they’ll scold me again for not knowing how to treat guests properly.”
The girl’s bright eyes sparkled, proudly thinking she had found a compromise, “How about we sell one tael of mud for one tael of silver?”
The little monk was a stubborn fool, clearly not as clever, looked troubled, and dared not argue with the girl, so he remained silent.
The girl thought for a moment and said solemnly, “Selling one tael of mud for one tael of silver seems a bit too exploitative. Forget it, no matter how much he takes, we’ll just charge him one tael of silver. When you’re out in the world, you need to be shrewd, but when you’re at home, you should be honest. Look at how generous Xu Fengnian was when we visited the Northern Liang Prince’s Mansion last time. That’s called being generous, so I can’t be stingy either.”
The little monk Nanbei smiled brightly.
The girl Dongxi withdrew her hand from the vat and whispered a reminder, “When it comes to my mother and father and the old abbot, you mustn’t say I earned one tael of silver. Remember?”
The little monk chuckled and thought of a foolish way to avoid lying, “When I sell the mud later, I’ll go up the mountain to herd the chickens and ducks back into their cages, so I won’t see anything.”
Dongxi rolled her eyes, “When you get old, you’ll definitely die from being stupid. There’s no way you could achieve enlightenment and produce relics.”
The little monk touched his bald head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Just as Dongxi was about to go find the Jiangnan scholar who had been hanging around the temple unwillingly, she saw a tall white-robed monk slowly approaching. Her eyes sparkled like crescent moons as she ran up to him and called him “Dad.” The little monk, who was imitating a chicken call to herd the old chickens back into their cages, also raised a smile. The white-robed monk patted his daughter’s head and told her to go about her business. The little girl was innocent and carefree, giving a meaningful look to the StupidNanbei not to let the cat out of the bag before skipping away. Nanbei wasn’t actually Stupid. He only needed to look at his master’s expression to know something was wrong. He stopped his ridiculous act of herding chickens back to their coops. The white-robed monk, Li Dangxin, hesitated for a moment and said, “Your master’s master is no good at arguing or fighting. I have to go out for a while. While I’m away, you take care of Lizi.”
Nanbei nodded vigorously and then asked, “Does your wife know?”
Li Dangxin smiled, “For small matters, listen to her; for big matters, follow me. That’s how it’s been all these years.”
Nanbei turned his head, thinking that since he could remember, there had never been a big matter that followed his master’s decision. It was always his mistress who made the call.
The white-robed monk touched his bald head, knowing what his Stupiddisciple was thinking, and laughed, “Isn’t this a big matter this time?”
Nanbei asked cautiously, “Master, can the old abbot come back to the temple with you?”
The white-robed monk sighed, “I don’t know.”
Without another word, Nanbei chased after Lizi. Soon, he returned with the furious Dongxi girl. The white-robed monk Helplesssmiled. In his family of four, his wife’s words were more powerful than his daughter’s, and he could only nag at this disciple. Unfortunately, this Stupidguy always took their side.
The little girl put her hands on her hips and said, “Dad, you’re leaving the mountain, why didn’t you tell me?”
The white-robed monk scratched his head and said, “I was afraid you wouldn’t allow it.”
Lizi’s face quickly changed from gloom to affection, about to speak, but knowing his daughter well, Li Dangxin shook his head and said, “Lizi, you can’t go.”
Lizi’s face fell, looking down at her toes, seemingly hiding her red eyes, and asked, “Did Mom agree?”
The white-robed monk nodded.
Lizi approached him, gently tugging at his sleeve, “How about I go to Mom and ask for some money?”
“No need. Save it for buying rouge and cosmetics to make yourself pretty. Just thinking about my Lizi at home makes me not feel cold or hungry.”
“You’re boasting again. By the way, Dad, there are many bald old monks in the temple who know how to fight. Why don’t you ask one of them to go with you?”
“No need. Dad is fast, they can’t keep up.”
“Oh.”
“Dad won’t be home for a while. If you get bored, go down the mountain with Nanbei to play around. You haven’t been to Tai’an City, right? The rouge there is the best. Dad doesn’t have money, but your Dad’s master has many good things in his room. Selling them would be worth a lot, much more profitable than selling the stinky mud from the vat, like the old master’s meditation cushion.”
“Wouldn’t that be bad?”
“What’s bad about it? Let Nanbei weave a new one later.”
“Sigh, go then. Also, don’t flirt with any women who throw themselves at you and make your mother angry.”
“How could that be? In Dad’s eyes, there are only Lizi and your mother.”
On the way up the mountain, many pilgrims saw a monk in white robes.
Some young women and matrons couldn’t help but take a few more glances.
In the past hundred years of the martial world, the young swordsman Li Chungan, who carried a wooden horse and ox, was truly charming. When he rode a white horse and wore white robes into Tai’an, the emperor personally welcomed him and led his horse into the palace. At that time, Li Dangxin was also truly charming.
Far away from the Liang Chan Temple, in a place where no one was around, a white rainbow streaked across the sky.
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