Xu Fengnian rode alongside a sinister creature, a Yin-born infant adept in alchemy, who had wrapped its head in a cloth and hidden its hands within its sleeves. He didn’t mind the oddity of the situation, especially since the creature was holding his pulse, guiding the chaotic energy down to Kunlun. At that moment, Xu Fengnian had no time to dwell on discomfort.
After rejoining the White Horse Righteous Cavalry, they rode back to Northern Liang.
As they approached the border, Xu Fengnian raised his hand, and the extraordinary Azure Phoenix plummeted straight down and perched on his arm. Soon after, a rhythmic and extremely concise sound of hooves reached his ears. The leading figure was a man so fat he could be described as grotesquely obese, riding a heavy-boned, precious steed of Sweat and Blood. Surprisingly, the fat man had donned a set of light armor, and due to his size, the sword at his waist was barely noticeable. It was hard to imagine this man was a general who had seen a hundred battles, let alone believe he had once performed the astonishing feat of leading a thousand riders into Shu. After putting on armor, this time when Chu Lushan saw the prince, he did not immediately dismount and kneel, shedding tears and snot as usual, but merely bowed respectfully on horseback and said, “Your Highness, I have cleared a safe path.”
Xu Fengnian frowned, “Has Xu Xiao also come?”
Chu Lushan, who had brought only three hundred elite cavalry, grinned and looked up, “With just the general alone, he has already scared Gu Jian Tang’s former six thousand troops into soiling themselves.”
Xu Fengnian, his face pale, nodded.
They easily crossed the unguarded border, and Xu Fengnian saw a rider approaching swiftly.
A father and son met, gazing at each other in silence.
After riding twenty miles, Xu Xiao finally spoke, “How badly are you injured?”
Xu Fengnian shook his head, “I won’t die.”
Xu Xiao glared, “What nonsense you speak, you brat!”
Xu Fengnian glared back.
Xu Xiao immediately lost his temper, sighed, and looked ahead, “You’ve had it rough.”
Xu Fengnian replied with a sour tone, “You’re speaking nonsense too.”
Xu Xiao nodded and fell silent again.
Huang Man’er dragged the The Talisman General in Golden Armor behind him, walking swiftly and grinning foolishly behind Xu Xiao and Xu Fengnian.
Yuan Zuozong and Chu Lushan rode side by side, but they detested each other, maintaining a distance of two zhang, never exchanging glances from start to finish.
Chu Lushan didn’t even look at Yuan Zuozong, chuckling, “General Yuan, judging by the situation, you didn’t exert yourself much, did you? Both your arms and legs are still intact, but the prince is heavily injured. What’s the matter, no one worthy of your old man’s attention? Oh my, you don’t even fear the venerable Yang?”
Yuan Zuozong ignored Chu Lushan’s sarcastic remarks, one hand clapping won’t make a sound.
Unfortunately, Chu Lushan was the kind of person who could make a racket all by himself, “I say, General Yuan, don’t act like you’re above us lesser folks who can only cheer for you from afar. Come on, tell me about your great achievements outside the Iron Gate, I’ll even build a monument for you, or maybe a shrine while you’re still alive? Not a problem at all.”
Yuan Zuozong remained indifferent, neither listening nor responding in anger.
Chu Lushan continued to chatter on, though he lowered his voice slightly, “Hey, I thought you’d follow Chen Zhibao to the western Shu to become a king, you and Qi Dangguo, that simpleton, have disappointed me. Look at Yao Jian and Ye Xizhen, those ungrateful bastards, they didn’t disappoint me at all.”
Yuan Zuozong narrowed his almond-shaped eyes.
The fat man hadn’t yet satisfied his urge to talk, twisting his short, thick neck, preparing to speak again, when Xu Fengnian turned back and scolded him, “Luo Qiu’er, go back to Bei Liang and drink your green ants! If that’s not enough, drink milk or piss, it’s up to you!”
Chu Lushan shrank his neck, finally unable to maintain his composure, and with a fawning smile, said, “Whatever the prince says goes.”
Yuan Zuozong remained calm.
Chu Lushan muttered, “Those who should rebel don’t, and those who shouldn’t are the ones rebelling, damn it.”
Yuan Zuozong suddenly spoke, “On the way here, the prince said we’d get Qi Dangguo and have a drink together.”
Chu Lushan’s eyes widened, he turned his head and asked, “Say that again?!”
Yuan Zuozong returned to his silent, stone-Buddha-like state, saying nothing.
Chu Lushan wiped the scalding sweat from his forehead, “Mother, I was more nervous when I thought you were going to light my lanterns.”
Xu Xiao glanced at the two foster sons who had been at odds for years, sighing quietly.
Xu Fengnian inhaled deeply without exhaling for a long time, then exhaled heavily and turned to ask, “Why, Deathless A?”
Xu Xiao replied calmly, “Huang Man’er has never been close to his second sister since childhood, and there’s a reason for that.”
Xu Fengnian’s lips trembled, wanting to speak but holding back.
Xu Xiao said, “Although she isn’t my daughter or your mother’s, I’ve never treated her as just a Deathless A. I know I have two daughters and two sons. Three of the children are handsome, taking after their mother, but only the second daughter looks most like me, Xu Xiao. Who else should I dote on if not her? Raising sons and daughters is different, and as a father, I don’t know whether I’ve done right or wrong. Truthfully, the one who suffered the most was you. I’ve never scolded any of the other children, but I’ve only ever beaten you once, and repeatedly sent you away, not knowing when I might have to bury you, my son. Your mother passed away early, otherwise she would have beaten me to death.”
“Then why didn’t you stop my sister?”
“She couldn’t be stopped. I sent word to her that Cao Changqing would intercept her, but she still went. The Long Dragon cavalry nearly mutinied. This foolish daughter, she’s even more devoted than a real daughter. Don’t you think she’s like me?”
“She is. Oh, by the way, you should tell her yourself later.”
“Dare I? Every time you chase me with a broom or a bench, that daughter, when she’s angry, really will draw her sword.”
Xu Fengnian sighed helplessly, “Look at you, the mighty King of Bei Liang!”
Xu Xiao smiled, “As long as you have potential, that’s enough.”
Xu Fengnian gently shook his arm, and the Feng, who had been by his side for six years, soared into the sky with a flap of her wings.
Looking at the Feng, who gradually became a speck in the sky, Xu Fengnian whispered softly, “Who would have thought she’d look like a general once she put on armor.”
Xu Xiao also looked up at the sky, tenderly saying, “You’ll be the same someday.”
※※※
A luxurious carriage adorned with jade and precious stones entered the Bei Liang territory. It was said that one should not flaunt wealth when traveling in the martial world, but the master of this carriage seemed to be completely unaware of the dangers of the Rivers and Lakes. The coachman was a middle-aged man with a strong physique. Even in the chilly late autumn, he wore a tight black short robe, his muscles bulging, his breath steady and calm like a long river, clearly a master of external martial arts at the peak of his abilities. This showed that the person inside the carriage had reason to be so arrogant and had the means to back it up.
The middle-aged coachman was named Hong Biao. This journey had been one of blood and storm. From the southeast of the empire to the northwest of Liyang, in one night, the leaders or elders of no fewer than twenty sects and martial schools had turned into dried corpses. These figures were renowned in the martial world, not the kind of people who could gain fame with just a few tricks. Hong Biao sighed, feeling somewhat stuck between a rock and a hard place. Deep down, he was resigned, and increasingly respectful and fearful of the young master behind him. Some words he had even stopped saying to her face. He sought out martial cultivators for her to absorb their energy, acting as an accomplice, but was her journey into Bei Liang not also a case of entering a tiger’s den to negotiate its pelt?
Inside the carriage, the young woman, without any maids in attendance, was applying rouge in front of a mirror, wearing a large-sleeved purple dress, which only someone like her could carry off with such elegance. Her lips were already somewhat unnaturally purple, and she was using expensive peach-red rouge from a brocade box to tone them down, otherwise her aura would be more sinister than heroic. She pursed her lips, her eyes showing no emotion. Usually, when a woman applies makeup, especially one as beautiful as her, it should be a happy occasion. She casually threw away the copper mirror and the rouge box, then thought for a moment, picked up the mirror again, and with one finger, drew lines on its surface, creating a fragmented image.
She was the mistress of Huishan Guniu Gang, Xuan Yuan Qing Feng. Inside the carriage, there were more than a hundred martial arts manuals, mostly treasures collected by the Xuan Yuan family over centuries, which she was giving away as casually as throwing away scrap metal. The problem was that the recipient might not even accept them, making Xuan Yuan Qing Feng frown, her aura growing darker and more oppressive, like a withered osmanthus tree in rainy weather. According to family techniques, over the past year, she had acted like a female Taotie, absorbing countless martial artists’ energies, rapidly advancing her martial cultivation. Before descending the mountain, some old enemies of Huishan, taking advantage of her being a woman in charge, came to provoke her, disregarding the presence of a Taoist priest from the nearby Longhu Mountain. She turned more than a dozen of them into dried corpses. The previously friendly Tianshi Sect had already declared that no member of the Xuan Yuan family would be allowed to set foot on Longhu Mountain. But would Xuan Yuan Qing Feng care about that?
Xuan Yuan Qing Feng extended a finger, gently smoothing the rouge on her lips, her lips curving into a mocking smile. Wait until I reach the pinnacle of martial arts, my first target will be the yellow and purple nobles of the Tianshi Sect!
She lifted the curtain, lazily sitting behind the guest, Hong Biao. Hong Biao did not turn around, chuckling lightly, “We’ve entered the Bei Liang territory.”
Xuan Yuan Qing Feng nodded, asking, “Lu Zu has a bad poem, saying, ‘Received the Three Purity Longevity Techniques, Already Proven the King KongBody.’ Do you think the Mystic Finger level is higher than King Kongbecause the poem mentions the Longevity Techniques before the King KongBody?”
Hong Biao laughed out loud, “Such matters, young master, you should ask Huang Fangfo. I don’t understand much. All my life I’ve known is to practice martial arts diligently. In the past, I would get a manual and follow it to the end, later on Huishan, I only picked one or two to learn, never really wanting to read many more. In short, I’m just dumb, stubborn, and there’s no cure for it.”
The cool wind of Bei Liang was blowing gently, the autumn breeze brushing her face, Xuan Yuan Qing Feng’s mood lightened a bit, her sinister aura lessening, she smiled and said, “Uncle Hong, Huang Fangfo has pierced the paper-thin barrier of the first-level realm, you also need to catch up. Otherwise, there won’t be many people in Huishan who can show off in the martial world.”
Hong Biao nodded, “Don’t worry, young master. Hong Biao will not slack off. The external martial arts path is easy at the beginning but hard at the end, and it’s not easy to switch from external to internal martial arts. However, since young master has shown me a broad and clear path, if I still can’t reach the King Kong Realm of the first level, then I’m really just a useless brick in the toilet.”
The lazy Xuan Yuan Qing Feng hummed in agreement.
The master and servant were silent for a long time.
Xuan Yuan Qing Feng suddenly asked in what seemed like a joke, “Uncle Hong, will you one day stab me in the back when I’m surrounded by enemies?”
Hong Biao, who was facing away from her, slightly hesitated with the reins in his hand, then quickly waved them, laughing, “No. Hong Biao’s current position is all thanks to your father, Xuan Yuan Jingcheng. I may not understand the principles of righteousness and morality, but I stand by family, not reason, a principle ingrained since birth.”
Xuan Yuan Qing Feng’s smile was strange, her tone calm, “Then I’ll leave you in the Bei Liang army.”
Hong Biao barely resisted the urge to turn his head, softly asking, “What?”
“Uncle Hong, you are well-versed in military strategies and tactics. The Huishan private cavalry were all trained by you. That Bei Liang prince will most likely accept you. A new emperor brings new ministers; when he becomes the Bei Liang king, there will surely be a day when you rise to prominence. Compared to being a henchman for me, a martial world demoness, and getting your hands dirty, it’s a thousand times better. Whether you think I’m leaving you as a hostage to Bei Liang as part of an exchange, or that I don’t trust you enough to keep you by my side, it doesn’t matter. This is decided.”
Hong Biao said solemnly, “Even if I am in Bei Liang, I will never forget that I am a servant of Huishan!”
Xuan Yuan Qing Feng leaned against the sandalwood wall outside the carriage, saying nothing.
Hong Biao did not continue to express gratitude.
Xuan Yuan Qing Feng’s gaze shifted from Hong Biao’s back to the willow trees along the roadside.
Liu, which sounds like Stay (to stay).
Xuan Yuan Qing Feng extended two fingers toward the roadside willow tree, making a motion as if to pinch it, and a section of the willow branch was cut off in mid-air, flying back into her hand.
Hong Biao’s breathing changed from fast to slow in an instant.
Xuan Yuan Qing Feng wove a willow ring and put it on her head, smiling sweetly.
The silk pouch, which was akin to a last testament, had clearly stated that Hong Biao had a rebellious nature, appearing honest but actually cunning, needing to be controlled by force. Xuan Yuan Qing Feng was not without confidence in making him submit, but she was afraid she couldn’t help herself and would end up devouring this rebellious fellow alive.
In her eyes, what was a Hong Biao?
She vowed to become the number one martial artist in the world as a woman!
※※※
Outside Xiangfan City, the vast rice fields had been harvested to about ninety percent, marking an excellent harvest year, and the people all said it was thanks to the new Jing’an King’s blessings.
However, this Jing’an King, Zhao Xun, had an increasingly good reputation among the common people, but his standing among the Qing Party in Qingzhou was plummeting. They cursed the prince for forgetting his roots and burning bridges, as soon as he became a prince and started leaning heavily towards the outside. The reason was that the court had issued an edict for each feudal lord to dispatch elite troops to the border for rotation and reinforcement. Jing’an King was the most enthusiastic about this, making the Qing Party, who had already been losing their voice in the imperial court, grumble incessantly. Indeed, this open move to weaken the feudal lords by the court was originally part of the “Two SparseThirteen Strategies” submitted by Zhao Xun when he went to the capital. Now, the stone he had lifted had hit his own foot. Zhao Xun, this “civil official” prince who had unusually taken on the role of a governor, was indeed ruthless, carrying out the task without hesitation. The generals from Qingzhou, who had been used to acting like local kings, cursed him without end. In private gatherings, they said such a prince with no ambition, what kind of Jing’an King was he, a prince who was supposed to bring peace and stability to his region, was only fit to be a deputy minister in the Ministry of Rites in the capital court.
However, judging from the situation, Prince Jing’an Zhao Xun seemed to be enjoying himself, doing many practical things that genuinely benefited the people. He was not at all bothered by being looked down upon by the senior elders of the Qing faction. Because of his special identity as a governor-general, he was not bound by the usual restrictions placed on feudal princes. He even visited the pillars of the Qing faction several times. He was not turned away at the door, but the old men and the younger generation of the powerful families still did not give him a warm reception. The deep friendships he had built over the years had all been diluted. Only the younger generation, those who had no real say within their families, still held a favorable view of Prince Zhao, and their opinion of him was gradually improving.
Today, a farming family on the outskirts of Xiangfan city was overwhelmed with surprise and delight. Two young gentlemen, who looked like scholars, actually stopped their horses and dismounted from their carriages. One of them, a scholar dressed in luxurious robes, even personally went into the fields to help them harvest rice. At first, the elderly farmer in charge dared not let the young nobleman do such labor, fearing he might cut his hands. But after being persistently begged by the young man’s smiling face, he finally nervously agreed. The young nobleman, who clearly looked like a learned scholar, picked up new skills quickly. After finishing the harvest on the first mu of land, by the second mu, his movements were as skilled as those of a seasoned villager. When the farmer’s granddaughter handed him a water jug, her face turned bright red. The old farmer was so delighted that he made a joking remark to his granddaughter, saying that the scholar was from a wealthy family and would certainly not be interested in a girl like her.
After finishing the golden rice harvest, the young nobleman even helped load the grain onto the ox cart. The dark-skinned farmer felt sorry for the young man’s fine clothes. Finally, watching his granddaughter sneak glances behind her as she walked away, the old man shook his head with a smile, feeling deeply that the young nobleman was truly a good person.
The young nobleman, who had personally gone into the fields to cut rice, sat down on the edge of the field, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and even took off his shoes and socks, stepping his bare feet into the muddy earth.
Beside him sat a young scholar with a gentle smile, dressed simply, no different from a poor student. He had not gone into the field because he was blind.
A concealed retainer from a distance wanted to bring over a pot of chilled wine that had been rushed from the mansion, but the nobleman in fine silk clothes waved him off.
He laughed and asked, “Lu Xu, do you think I’ve finally come to understand the hardships of the common people?”
The blind scholar tugged at the corner of his mouth slightly, “If you could stop saying ‘this prince,’ then you might truly understand the suffering of the common folk.”
The nobleman burst into laughter, completely unfazed by such disrespectful words.
Prince Jing’an Zhao Xun.
The blind Lu Xu, who once made a living by gambling on chess games in Yongzi Alley.
Zhao Xun sighed, his voice filled with concern. “Lu Xu, regarding the Qing faction, you told me to first feed the small fish well, so that the big ones can be caught with a long line, and to slowly stew the old turtles. I’ve followed your strategy exactly. It’s not hard, after all, since they’re all essentially family. The Qing faction was already on the verge of collapse and destined to disintegrate. A group of scattered soldiers driven from the central court, most of them have no choice but to rely on me. But now we have an urgent crisis. The Song family in the capital, with their three outstanding members, are determined to target me. Song Guanhai, the old master who founded the Xinming School, has dominated the literary world for twenty years. After our dynasty pacified the Spring and Autumn era, the old scholar personally wrote the biographies of ‘Loyal Ministers’ and ‘Traitorous Ministers,’ compiled the ‘Nine Pavilion Complete Works,’ and every fifteenth day of the month, he reviews the nation’s scholars, even being allowed to ride a horse within the imperial city. He’s a figure greatly admired by scholars across the land. Young Master Song Zhiqiu, surpassing even his father, has taken over as the Right Sacrificial Official of the Imperial Academy. His words are worth a thousand pieces of gold, and even the Emperor praises him endlessly. Now, with the imperial examination system selecting officials, most scholars have no choice but to write in the ‘Song style’ to flatter the examiners. Song Keli, the Song family’s young prodigy, has also upheld the family’s scholarly tradition. He recently passed the imperial examination as the second-highest scorer, becoming a new Huangmen official. If he spends a few more years gaining experience in local posts, he’ll be sent to our side, making things even more difficult for us. Song Guanhai still holds a grudge against my father for publicly humiliating him as an old lecher in court. Now he mocks me constantly in the capital and keeps impeaching me in the court. Even though I’ve heard he’s now seriously ill and doesn’t have long to live, with Song Zhiqiu and Song Keli around, this will be a long and bitter struggle for us.”
Lu Xu, perhaps because of his blindness, seemed especially focused when listening to others speak.
He had a calm temperament, never interrupting others when they spoke, and certainly never making any lofty or impractical remarks. He quietly waited for Prince Jing’an to finish venting, then asked calmly, “Does Prince Jing’an know of Song Guanhai’s theory of loyal ministers and good ministers in court?”
Zhao Xun, influenced by Lu Xu’s calmness and naturally not impulsive, had already calmed down quite a bit. He nodded and said, “Of course I know. During and after the Spring and Autumn era, Song Guanhai, who had served three different masters, tried to clear his name by explaining the difference between loyal ministers and good ministers to the late Emperor. He said that good ministers act for their own selfish interests, unafraid of death, seeking to be remembered in history while allowing the emperor to bear the blame in historical records. Loyal ministers, on the other hand, diligently assist the emperor in building a great empire while also gaining a good reputation for themselves, ensuring their descendants inherit their legacy and enjoy endless blessings. Naturally, Song Guanhai saw himself as a loyal minister, repeatedly offering advice, even to the point of risking his life. Many times, even the Empress had personally pleaded with the Emperor on his behalf to spare him from imprisonment. I must admit, I do deeply admire the old scholar.”
Lu Xu’s lips curled into a faint sneer as he slowly shook his head. “That’s just the rhetoric of a strategist, switching between Confucianism, Huang-Lao philosophy, and Legalism without any real principles. He doesn’t deserve the title of ‘Master.’ The Emperor once said that Song Master is carefree and insightful, but I think he’s just flattering. Everyone thinks it’s a compliment, but if you look deeper, it’s not a good thing. Or rather, it’s a very ambiguous final judgment.”
Zhao Xun was momentarily stunned, then burst into delighted laughter, clapping his hands. “Fresh! Lu Xu, your words are truly refreshing. I almost want to drink now!”
Lu Xu remained calm and smiled faintly. “Last time, when a servant girl read me the secret letter you sent from the capital, there was a vague rumor that Song Guanhai had secretly kept copies of all the memorials he submitted to the Emperor, but had not yet handed them over to the historians. It seems he wants to be both a loyal minister and a good minister, never satisfied with what he has.”
Zhao Xun frowned. “The truth of this matter is still uncertain. Even if we assume Song Guanhai really did keep copies of those memorials, as long as he doesn’t hand them over to the historians, what can we do with that? If he takes them to his grave, then there’s even less we can do. The old scholar is practically guaranteed to have the Emperor write his epitaph after his death.”
Lu Xu spoke calmly. “Based on Song Guanhai’s personality, I’m sure it’s true. As for whether he will hand them over to the historians after his death, considering the welfare of his descendants, even if he becomes senile in old age, his son Song Zhiqiu will surely stop him. However…”
Zhao Xun couldn’t wait. “Come on, come on, tell me.”
Lu Xu, who hadn’t intended to keep Zhao Xun waiting, paused for a moment.
Zhao Xun quickly smiled and bowed in apology. “I was just too eager.”
Lu Xu said, “As people approach old age, especially when they know their time is limited, some powerful figures who have no long-term plans or immediate concerns often make small mistakes. Even if Song Zhiqiu tries to cover things up, it won’t be perfect. All we need to do is, after Song Guanhai’s death, act quickly, using the spies we’ve planted in the Song household to deliberately leak the matter to one of Song family’s rival factions in the capital. If we haven’t placed any spies, it doesn’t matter either. We can spread false rumors. There’s no shortage of petty people in the capital who love to stir up trouble. But there’s one crucial point: the information must be passed quickly, reaching the Emperor’s ears as soon as possible, leaving no time for the Song family to destroy the copies. If the copies are destroyed quickly, then to bring down Song Guanhai, we would have to take the lead and have someone compile all 342 memorials, spreading them throughout the capital. But doing so would inevitably involve you, which wouldn’t be wise. We can’t underestimate the Emperor’s sharp eyes and ears, or the sharp instincts of the old hands in the bureaucracy. Also, please remember that Song Guanhai is the teacher of both the eldest and fourth princes. Although you’ve met them once in the capital and seemed to get along well, for now, the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits. If this Song family disaster doesn’t require you to act personally and leaves no trace, then you can tarnish your own reputation by falsely claiming that the leak of the memorials was caused by you. This way, you can completely distance yourself from the capital’s political scene and temporarily stay away from the two princes. And you don’t have to worry about the Emperor suspecting you. After all, he’s not an ignorant fool, and he’ll only trust you more. For Xiangfan and you, as the governor-general, this is the right path.”
Prince Jing’an Zhao Xun carefully considered this and nodded repeatedly.
But Zhao Xun then asked, “Can such a small matter really bring down the Song family?”
Lu Xu, breathing in the unique fragrance of the autumn rice fields, finally allowed a slight smile to appear on his face. “In the world of politics, you can’t overdo it. It’s like stewing an old duck soup—you need to simmer it slowly to bring out the flavor, but if you go too long, it loses its taste. The Song family is skilled in scholarship, but far inferior to Prime Minister Zhang and Sacrificial Official Huan in governance. Compared to the old ministers of the Western Chu like Grand Secretary Sun, they’re even further behind. Also, since ancient times, writing must aim for grand ideas but start with small details. Seeing the big picture from small clues, don’t underestimate such small matters. The very thing that will cause the Song family’s decline from glory is precisely these small things. When one reaches the peak of honor, fortune and disaster always go hand in hand. Song Guanhai is not Xu Xiao or Gu Jiantang, nor is he like Zhang Julu, who seems unruly but has deep roots. The Song family, having enjoyed wealth for only three generations, lacks a solid foundation. Despite their apparent glory, Song Guanhai has made many enemies among the literary elite, making it hard for him to preserve his reputation until the end. Song Zhiqiu’s position as Right Sacrificial Official of the Imperial Academy and Song Keli’s role as a junior Huangmen official—if a major disaster strikes, most of their so-called disciples who claim to be ‘Song family dogs’ will rush home to write denunciations, and even those who refuse to pile on would be considered rare examples of integrity. Prince Jing’an, you can choose to act after Song Guanhai’s death, or even while he’s still seriously ill. If it’s the latter, you might even be able to scare the old man to death.”
Zhao Xun lay back on the edge of the field, stretching out his legs and squinting at the sky. “What about Song Zhiqiu and Song Keli?”
Lu Xu replied, “It depends on how they respond. If they apologize and show loyalty to the court rather than their father, there’s still hope for a comeback. But if they insist on filial piety and even harbor the slightest hope of balancing loyalty and filial duty, they’ll end up in poverty and obscurity.”
Zhao Xun had no words.
Lu Xu remained silent, picking up a handful of soil.
Suddenly sitting up, Zhao Xun laughed and asked, “Where did you learn all these tricks?”
Lu Xu replied with self-mockery, “Since I went blind, I had nothing else to do, so I just kept thinking about things.”
Zhao Xun stretched lazily. “You know, that duck soup really sounds good. Should I have the servants make you a couple of pots later?”
Lu Xu nodded. “As long as it doesn’t come out of my salary.”
Zhao Xun, remembering the duck soup, patted the dust off his pants and stood up. Lu Xu gently put down the handful of soil in his hand and stood up quietly behind him, saying softly, “That woman’s background is unknown. I hope Prince Jing’an won’t get too involved with her. It’s fine to be moved by her, but don’t fall in love.”
Zhao Xun snapped, “How dare you!”
Lu Xu smiled without speaking.
They were at an impasse.
Zhao Xun suddenly changed his expression, gripping Lu Xu’s arm with sincere emotion. “I’ve been waiting for you to say this! I know very well that in all of Xiangfan, only you truly care about me. How could I not know, Zhao Xun? Lu Xu, I hope that in the future, when I go down the wrong path, you’ll speak up and tell me directly.”
“I’m just a blind man who can’t take the imperial exams or hold office. As long as Prince Jing’an is willing to tell me, I will speak without hesitation.”
“Heh, how about some bedroom talk? There’s even that which I can share with you!”
“That’s not proper to hear.”
“Don’t be like that! Lu Xu, Lu Xu, in everything else you teach me, today I must get one up on you and tell you all about love and relationships!”
“That’s not proper to hear.”
…
Before the old Prince Jing’an Zhao Heng passed away, Lu Xu had served in various minor government offices. After Zhao Xun inherited the title, he had lived in the palace ever since, surprisingly not taking any official position, serving only as a personal advisor and guest scholar. However, within the palace, no one dared to slight this most favored person by the prince, not even the senior steward who had served two generations of the Zhao family. When they encountered the blind Lu Xu, they would always greet him warmly and ask after his well-being, fearing any slight mistake. Lu Xu was indeed easygoing. Occasionally, when he had free time, he would naturally blend in with the servants and workers, telling stories of fox spirits and strange tales, helping people tell fortunes by reading palms, and writing Spring Festival couplets whenever asked. He was truly a carefree immortal figure, content and without desires. Even the most petty and difficult people couldn’t find any reason to dislike him. Who in their right mind would want to quarrel with a kind-hearted person who never tries to take anything from you but is always ready to help?
Lu Xu’s residence was quiet and elegant. Though it was a separate courtyard, it was not particularly grand. In the courtyard, besides a few female servants who handled chores, there was only a personal maid named Xinghua, who took care of the young blind man who lived in peace and harmony.
Late at night, when all was quiet.
Lu Xu sat in his study. Knowing that Xinghua was with him, he specially lit two oil lamps. Whether or not they used the finest pine oil, which was as valuable as gold, was something Lu Xu did not concern himself with.
Lu Xu was currently doing something he had started before he lost his sight, something he jokingly called “adding a dog’s tail to a fine piece of jade.” He was collecting the Twenty-Three Histories, the local records of all the states and counties, the writings and memorials of famous scholars from past dynasties, whether official records or secret writings of the people. He recorded everything he could find. In addition to the books in Prince Jing’an’s collection, he had even asked Zhao Xun to secretly purchase rare texts, spending untold sums of money, which Lu Xu never cared to calculate. Lu Xu had Xinghua read the texts aloud to him every day and help sketch the outlines of geographical maps. He himself would then write detailed annotations in tiny cursive script on the draft pages. So far, he had completed more than ten volumes, which were neatly placed in a bamboo basket in the corner of the study. The tentative title of the book was *The Spring and Autumn Records of the Illnesses and Remedies of the Prefectures and Counties*. He deliberately humbled himself, comparing himself to a lowly physician who only knows how to treat symptoms, diagnosing the ills of the land. Whether or not the remedies would work was left to future readers to decide. It couldn’t be accurately called a military treatise, nor was it simply a geographical record. Once, Zhao Xun had come to the study and casually flipped through the pages, but without much interest. Lu Xu, who considered writing this book merely a leisurely pastime, did not press him.
Lu Xu put down his brush and took a break, rotating his wrist. Apricot Blossom asked if he wanted a shoulder or back massage, but Lu Xu, still unaccustomed to being served so attentively, shook his head.
Apricot Blossom was an elite loyalist of the Jing’an Prince’s Mansion, passed from Zhao Heng to Zhao Xun. She was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but even more so in protecting and killing. She would willingly sacrifice herself to safeguard Lu Xu, yet could also kill him without hesitation upon Zhao Xun’s command. Though blind, Lu Xu understood this clearly, harboring no resentment toward either Apricot Blossom or the Prince Jing’an because of it.
After all, there is an old saying: “Trust those you employ; if you doubt them, do not employ them.” Yet another saying warns: “One must always be cautious of others.” In truth, all the principles under heaven have already been spoken, but when there are too many principles, they become as if none at all.
Lu Xu had long studied how to carefully weigh human hearts, yet his final conclusion was simple—something even women and children understood: people weigh their interests and dangers. Yet the fear remained of when a large weight is pitted against a small one. After much thought, Lu Xu could only devise what he considered a foolish method: measuring the sincerity of hearts by the number of Go stones.
Listening to the faint crackling sound of the lamp wick burning, Lu Xu smiled and said, “Apricot Blossom, with countless sounds in the world, which do you like best?”
Apricot Blossom’s appearance was plain, yet her voice was crisp and pleasant, and her figure was graceful. As she often read and occasionally wrote for him, she sat on a chair beside Lu Xu and replied with a smile, “Master, this servant does not know. But if the master offers some choices, this servant can answer.”
Lu Xu nodded slightly, thought for a moment, and then listed slowly, “The sound of flowing springs, the sound of the qin, the sound of wind through the pines, the sound of bamboo whistling, the calls of mountain birds, the sound of rain on banana leaves, the sound of falling leaves, the voice of a child reading, the song of a famous courtesan, and the call of a maiden selling flowers.”
Apricot Blossom covered her mouth and laughed, “This servant would definitely choose the call of flower sellers.”
Lu Xu chuckled, “I forgot your name is Apricot Blossom. But let me tell you, in a previous dynasty, there was a literary giant known as the ‘Celestial Master of Poets,’ and his view was the same as yours. He claimed that among the thousand pure and clear sounds of heaven and earth, the call of flower sellers in narrow alleys was the finest, capable of breaking the heart most deeply.”
Apricot Blossom asked in puzzlement, “Why is that, Master?”
Lu Xu, perhaps always in need of her company, was never reluctant to speak or smile, “I’ve been thinking about this for years too. I’ll let you know once I figure it out.”
Spending days and nights together with Lu Xu, Apricot Blossom had become more relaxed and teased him, “So even the master doesn’t understand everything?”
“There’s a lot I don’t understand.”
The blind scholar, once praised by the Prince Jing’an as “not inferior to Yuan Benxi,” said this and then picked up his brush again, bowing over his desk to continue writing the manuscript titled *Prescription*.
This prince was Zhao Heng, not Zhao Xun.
Even now, Lu Xu still did not understand who Yuan Benxi was, the person who had left Zhao Heng with lingering resentment even at the moment of death.
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