At last, they returned to the General’s Mansion in Lingshou. When Hong Shuwen dismounted, he loudly proclaimed, “We’re home!” Then he widened his eyes in surprise. A large group of suspicious characters were hiding around the small open space by the stone lion on the right side of the mansion. Hong Shuwen, coming from a prestigious family, immediately saw through their ruse. These individuals were pretending to be martial heroes and forest outlaws, hoping to gain a meal by joining the General’s Mansion. Their furs, either gray rat or raccoon, were the cheapest varieties, and two of them even wore identical styles, clearly having purchased them from the same shop during a sale, thus exposing their deception. Hong Shuwen approached and casually scanned the group of twenty or thirty men, finding none with the air of a true master, which made him, who had a natural disdain for martial artists, feel extremely bored. Just as he was about to turn away, the Prince arrived beside him, and Hong Shuwen discreetly stepped back.
Xu Fengnian smiled and said, “Brave warriors, who among you has the strength of the fourth rank? Please step forward.”
In the martial world, the fourth rank was a significant threshold. Those who reached this level could be considered formidable in a local county, and in a less martial region, they could even establish their own sects, not necessarily gaining great wealth, but at the very least, becoming influential local gentry. Hong Shuwen let out a surprised sound, expecting only two or three fourth-rank experts among this group of half-hearted heroes, but to his astonishment, fourteen or fifteen stepped forward. Xu Fengnian noticed a man whose eyes darted about and gave Hong Shuwen a meaningful look. Hong Hengzi took a few quick steps forward, exuding a fierce aura. He leapt into the air, his hands gripping the hilts of his two Northern Liang blades, delivering a knee strike to the man’s chest. The man, caught off guard, was about to suffer a serious blow when an elderly, thin man, who had not previously stepped forward, slid forward a few steps, his feet barely leaving the ground. With one hand, he pushed the man aside, and with the other, he pressed down on Hong Shuwen’s knee. Hong Shuwen, his mouth curling into a cold smile, suddenly drew his right blade, its light blinding. Many spectators instinctively squinted, but most could not clearly see the young retainer of the General’s Mansion draw his blade. They could only vaguely see the poor old man sidestep and bend forward, his hands clenched into fists, delivering a chest strike to Hong Shuwen, who had not yet landed. The old man’s fists, as they struck, created a howling wind and a fierce aura. Someone exclaimed that it was the “Heart-Piercing Cannon” of the Li Cang Yang family! Hong Shuwen raised his arm to block, sliding backward five or six steps on the ground, and drove his right blade into the ground to halt his retreat. He shook his left wrist and turned to look at the Prince with a smile, his eyes asking if he could go all out. Xu Fengnian shook his head and smiled, “Besides this old gentleman, who among you is a third-rank expert? Step forward boldly. People say that I, the Prince, enjoy abducting young maidens, but since none of you are beautiful young ladies, there’s no need to worry.”
A few fourth-rank experts in their prime smiled, thinking that the Prince was indeed a straightforward person. Some who had tried to sneak in also quietly retreated a few steps.
Besides the Li Cang Yang family elder skilled in long-range boxing, two other tall and strong men, clearly adept in external martial arts, stepped forward and announced their names in succession. Xu Fengnian nodded with a smile and then slightly lifted his chin, calling out to the crowd behind, “Brother, you clearly possess the strength of the second rank. Since you’ve come this far, why not reveal yourself? Do you want me, the Prince, to open the main gate of the General’s Mansion in Lingshou to welcome you?”
The crowd parted, and everyone noticed a middle-aged man in tattered clothes, leaning against the wall, reeking of alcohol, with several poorly made wine gourds scattered at his feet. When he looked up, his face was scarred, like a ghostly mask.
This ugly man, apparently addicted to alcohol and with a hoarse voice, asked, “May I ask, Your Highness, if you truly once ventured alone into the Northern Barbarian lands, bringing back two heads and returning unscathed?”
Xu Fengnian smiled lightly, and everyone felt a blur before hearing a loud boom. When the dust settled, they saw the Prince standing at the collapsed wall, clapping his hands.
The drunken man, pushed into the wall by the Prince’s hand, sat on the ground, his expression calm.
Many wondered why the Prince was courteous to everyone but showed no mercy to this second-rank expert who should have been revered. Some less perceptive martial artists thought the Prince had hired the man to stage a performance. Otherwise, if the drunkard were truly a minor master, why would a single, effortless strike from the Prince send him retreating into the wall? A few third-rank experts, who could vaguely discern the situation, were shocked beyond measure. Xu Fengnian turned to everyone with a smile and said, “All guests are welcome, regardless of whether they enter the mansion. Each will receive three hundred taels of silver.”
He then instructed three of his White Horse Righteous Cavalry, “Tianguan, Yanru, you two go with the steward to collect the silver, and have the steward arrange accommodations for these brothers entering the mansion. Shuwen, later, you take these brave men to the best restaurant in the city for a feast. If you don’t spend enough, I’ll hold you accountable.”
The men who failed to enter the General’s Mansion in Lingshou watched those who entered with envy. Xu Fengnian did not hurry to leave but stood on the street, chatting with these martial artists below the fourth rank, asking about their origins, their martial arts masters, and whether they had considered joining the army. Regardless of whether these people had previously criticized Xu Fengnian when discussing matters in private, when they saw the Prince standing before them in the flesh, they felt extremely nervous. Those fortunate enough to exchange a few words with him at the front were nearly turning red in the neck, overwhelmed by the honor. The young man before them, with gray hair, was the future ruler of Northern Liang, commanding tens of thousands of troops across three provinces. When they returned home and told their families, especially their martial brothers, wouldn’t their eyes pop out in astonishment? Some were inevitably puzzled, having heard that the Prince not only dominated Northern Liang but was also arrogant wherever he went, such as confronting the thousands of iron cavalry of Prince Zhao Yi of Guangling on the Guangling River, relying on the old sword saint. How could such a high-ranking figure seem so approachable when chatting with them, almost too amiable to be believed? If one ignored his illustrious status and striking appearance and focused only on his attire and manner of speaking, he seemed no different from a well-mannered, scholarly young man from a wealthy family in a small county.
A luxurious procession of carriages and horses, marked by extravagance, approached the General’s Mansion in Lingshou with rapid hooves. This made the servants at the mansion of the Governor, who were already preparing to welcome an important guest, feel somewhat disheartened. At that very moment, someone lifted the curtain and peered toward the Li residence.， The gatekeeper fixed his gaze intently.， Shivered with a start.， Slap the head in realization， He hurriedly rushed towards the rear chambers of the mansion.。 Damn it， In Huangnan County, the lifelong nemesis who had been locked in a bitter feud with his own master for decades suddenly appeared in the capital of Lingzhou.， In the past, officials of the sixth rank and above from the seven prefectures of Lingzhou had to travel to the residence of the Governor-General to discuss important government affairs.， The one in the carriage has always claimed illness as an excuse to stay hidden.。 Xu Fengnian heard the thunderous sound of galloping hooves.， Turn your head away.， Seeing three carriages lined up in a row， Understood in the heart， Finally, to those martial heroes who failed to become honored guests or retainers of the Lingzhou General’s Manor…， mentioned something， Roughly speaking, this group of people has two paths they can take.， One is to join the military nearby.， As long as you pass the assessment， Becoming a squad leader is a piece of cake.， Another path is even more relaxed.， The various government offices in Lingzhou are in urgent need of numerous skilled and righteous martial artists from the Jianghu.， Taking up a minor and unranked official post upon leaving seclusion， Similar to the military and penal departments directly under the County Captain.， Consider it as upholding justice and eliminating evil.， In the future, as long as I achieve something， Deliver tangible achievements， The Lingzhou government will prioritize promotions.。 Everyone was surprised to hear that it was just the local authorities of Lingzhou who wanted someone.， rather than risking life and limb at the border， A weight lifted off one’s shoulders， Many ambitious men beamed with joy.， Staring at each other， Both saw the spark of eager anticipation in each other’s eyes.。
Xu Fengnian finished discussing the serious matters in a friendly manner.， With a smile, I told them to make sure they eat well, drink well, and enjoy themselves to the fullest.， And if I truly become part of the bureaucratic circles in Lingzhou in the future…， Welcome them to the General’s Mansion as guests.。
Xu Fengnian turned around and slowly walked toward the three carriages.， The carriage owner stepped down and, without a word, quickened their pace.， When five steps apart， Three scholars of vastly differing ages knelt down in unison.。
“ His Royal Highness Prince Xihua of Huangnan County pays his respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince.。”
“ Prince Zhenlü of Huangnan County pays his respects to Your Highness, the Crown Prince.。”
“ Prince Huangnan of the Green Pavilion pays his respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince.。”
The three individuals are from the Wang clan of Shuijing in Huangnan County.、 The contemporary heads of the Lingsu Wang Clan and the Zijin Wang Clan.。 Wang Xihua was none other than Wang Yunshu’s father.， The current Merit Officer of Huangnan County， Ethereal Ancient Elegance， with the noble demeanor of ancient sages。 The Wang family of Shuijing was renowned throughout the world for their vast collection of books.， Throughout the generations, the renowned scholars of the clan have particularly excelled in exegesis and annotation.， The household is as stern as a government office.。 Yao Baifeng, the newly appointed Left Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, is determined to transform his family’s scholarly traditions into a national legacy.， Living anonymously in youth， He once served as a tutor for the Wang family in Guoshui.， Just to be close to the water and enjoy the moon—to immerse oneself in the vast sea of books.， Later, Yao Baifeng rose to fame.， Both the court and the commoners knew of his profound learning.， Old but sturdy， Revered as the Supreme Master of Northern Literature， Together with the two masters of the Song family, they jointly held the literary authority of the realm.， He still frequently borrowed, exchanged, and bought books with the old master of the Wang family.。 The silver-haired Wang Zhenlü hailed from the Ling Su Wang Clan.， There was once a great immortal who ascended to the heavens astride a crane.。 The origins of the Zijin Wang Clan are not as ancient as those of the other three Huangnan Wang families.， However, it was all because the previous dynasty had consecutively produced three Grand Masters of the Purple-Golden Light.， A scene emerged where three generations stood together in the grand hall.， What a pity it was just a flash in the pan.， In recent times, the Zijin Wang clan has not been particularly prominent.， The current family head, Wang Lüting, is not only young in age.， Only three years past the age of capping.， He was even more notoriously unconventional.， No one outside knew how such a notorious young man…， From a playboy who was as notorious as Wang Yunshu， transformed in the blink of an eye， He became the leading figure of the Zijin Wang Clan.。
Xu Fengnian was not so arrogant as to keep the three family heads kneeling on the street for long.， Let them rise.， Escorting them into the manor， After agreeing to rest for the night， Let’s discuss it in detail tomorrow.。
※※※
Li Manor， Governor Li Gongde was tending to a hollyhock in the garden.， Upon hearing the steward mention that Wang Xihua had gone to the general’s residence to pay respects to the young lord.， They also brought along the frail and elderly Wang Zhenlü and the still-wet-behind-the-ears Wang Lüting.， Li Gongde’s expression darkened slightly.， He sneered with a cold chuckle.， Speaking of：“ Old He， Isn’t it strange how some people can be?， You give a copper coin to someone every day.， The day when it’s no longer given， He stomped his feet and cursed furiously.。 You slap someone in the face every day.， When will the fighting ever stop， On the contrary, he felt deeply grateful.。 They say Huangnan County has produced four kings.， It is a land of exceptional fortune and auspicious feng shui.， But in my esteemed opinion…， This Huangnan County is nothing but a den of ungrateful wretches.， Only remember the bad, never the good.， It’s only been a year since I left.， begins to be ungrateful， If not for the path I paved and the bridges I built for them back in the day.， How could there be such a scene today?， Not to mention the other three families.， Only the Longyi Wang Clan is mentioned.， I rode their coattails to success, that much is true.， But all these years, I’ve still been paying Longyi back.， Far more than the scraps they once threw my way.？ The old man-in-law was just waiting for me to become the governor of Fengzhou.， only then would they deign to share the first New Year’s Eve dinner with a poor son-in-law like me， Now they’re begging to bring the whole family and live under one roof for five generations.。”
The steward surnamed He was so terrified by the master’s words that he dared not make a sound.， Back in the day, he was originally a servant of the Wang family.， Later, during the time when Li Gongde had not yet risen to prominence…， was the only minor steward who ever invited this son-in-law of the Wang family for a drink， Even Chief Steward He himself could hardly believe that Li Gongde had risen to such a position today.， Back in Huangnan County， Li Gongde is neither accomplished in literature nor skilled in martial arts.， Countless disdainful glances， To put it bluntly， Even the maids and grooms wouldn’t give him a proper glance.。 The reason why Steward He went to the trouble of doing that， Proactively invited Li Gongde to a courtesan banquet.， That was still an unexpected windfall of silver.， After searching high and low in the Wang family, they felt that only Li Gongde was suitable for him to boast and show off.， And yet, still able to summon the strength to move forward.。 Later, when one attains enlightenment, even the chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.， Steward He became one of the earliest founding elders of the Li family.， At first, he simply believed that the master would surely seek revenge for the slightest grievance.， A drop of kindness shall be repaid with a gushing spring.， Only later did I realize it was never that simple.， The master just wanted those Wang clansmen who once looked down on him to be consumed by regret.， In truth, he didn’t hold much admiration for He Chang at all.。
The matter of illicit sacrifices， Li Gongde ordered someone to expose and impeach Song Yan.， Li Fuzhen personally went to the Prefectural Office of Huangnan County.， He wanted his daughter to speak frankly with Song Yan on his behalf.， to maintain the relationship， Li Gongde originally believed that Song Yan would understand his good intentions.。 Of course, there was also an underlying intention to give Song Yan a subtle warning.， If Wang Xihua were to become the governor of Huangnan County…， Li Gongde, who was on the verge of losing even his position as the governor of Lingzhou.， I don’t want to even lose Huangnan County, the Li family’s backyard.。
However, my daughter has little understanding of the intricacies of officialdom.， But Li Gongde anticipated that she would surely bring Guo Fufeng along to Huangnan County.， Meet Song Yan and his daughter Song Huangmei.。 He stepped forward to negotiate.， Better than a muddle-headed daughter whose good intentions lead to disaster.。 Moreover, Li Gongde has already become aware of several acquaintances.“ Sneaking into the dog hole” disciples and former subordinates， She began exchanging flirtatious glances with Guo Fufeng.， This young man appears shrewd but is actually frivolous and impulsive.， Li Gongde also intended to let Song Yan give him the cold shoulder.， So that Guo Fufeng would know what it truly takes to enter the Li family’s inner circle.， Far from enough has been given.。
How pitiful the hearts of all parents are.， How pitiful。 Because children, before they become parents themselves,， It’s hard to appreciate this painstaking effort.， That’s why it’s so pitiful.。
A steward from the outer court rushed over in haste.， with a somewhat peculiar expression：“ Lord， The young lady has returned to the manor.。”
Li Gongde was extremely worldly-wise.， After a brief contemplation， Then he said impatiently,：“ Let that person come in together.。”
The steward bowed his head.， A look of delight flashed across his face.。 Unexpectedly, Li Gongde chuckled and said,：“ Jia Gui, ah， That young man gave you dozens of taels of silver, didn’t he?？”
Jia Gui immediately pulled out a banknote from his sleeve.， Bent over and trotting to hand it to Governor Jinglue.， Not a single word of nonsense.， Be honest and obedient Speaking of：“ fifty taels of silver。”
Li Gongde waved his hand.， Glanced at the silver note， a look of helplessness， muttering to himself：“ This silly girl， Using the silver your father gave you to fool your old man.。”
Li Gongde narrowed his eyes.， Slowly, he tucked the silver note into his sleeve.，“ Guo， How dare you accept this silver note?， Not afraid of burning hands？”
One of the inner courtyard stewards, He Chang, quietly withdrew on his own initiative.。
Li Gongde, left alone, continued to tend to the towering hollyhock that stood as tall as a man.， Raise two fingers， Snapping off twigs and branches one by one， Nodding and shaking his head intermittently.。
※※※
The General’s Mansion laid down those first batches.“ From the Dragon” the wandering warriors of the martial world， Three more heads of the Wang family from Huangnan County have settled in.， Finally, there was some life.， Xu Fengnian sat in the study.， By the fading light， Bowing his head, he was carefully admiring a precious calligraphy and painting adorned with densely inscribed colophons.， Huyan Guanyin tiptoed into the study.， Holding the pot that had been scorned in both hands,“ Chrysanthemum Maiden” The Phoenix Fairy， Placed on the windowsill。 The obscured light， Xu Fengnian did not look up.， Waved at her.。 The calligraphy and painting spread on the table is an authentic masterpiece by the renowned Northern Liang master, Yao Baifeng.， In the wild years of Yao Baifeng， His time in office was still brief.。 Xu Xiao had indeed considered bringing him out of seclusion.， But Yao Baifeng never paid any attention.， Xu Fengnian’s fingers brushed across the calligraphy.， He sighed softly.， He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world.， It’s all fake.， He who wins the hearts of scholars shall truly rule the land.。 Xu Fengnian raised his head.， Seeing the retreating figure of Huyan Guanyin.， She stood by the window, lost in thought.， The fading golden glow spills across the land.， making her resemble a celestial dancer from the murals。 Xu Fengnian knew full well in his heart.， She is her own bait.， Northern Liang also had several Qi practitioners.， It must have been evident that she was extraordinary.， Xu Xiao deliberately kept her hidden away in this place.， On one hand, due to its rarity and high value…， More importantly, she must bear the weight of destiny.， All of it was shifted onto Xu Fengnian, whose fortune was as blank as raw rice paper.， The theory of fate and fortune， Seemingly ethereal and illusory， It’s actually quite simple.， For example, the so-called “couple resemblance” in the world.， That is a pair of lifelong companions.， Day and night together， The outcome of complementary destinies。 Huyan Guanyin often appears listless and dispirited.， Beyond the superficial discomfort of acclimatization， At its core, it was because the abundant destiny had been stolen by Xu Fengnian.。
Xu Fengnian rolled up the scroll.， Laughing at oneself：“ Even the walls have ears.。”
As for those Jianghu figures who willingly pledged allegiance to the General’s Mansion of Lingzhou， Are there any spies or assassins from outside Beiliang mixed in?， Xu Fengnian had plenty of ways to make them wish they were dead once their identities were exposed.。
Huyan Guanyin let out a startled cry.， Xu Fengnian raised his arm to let a messenger falcon perch.。
The contents of the secret letter caused Xu Fengnian’s pupils to contract sharply.。
The Lu family of Qingzhou fell victim to a covert assassination.， Just to protect Lu Chengyan， In the first-class rooms of the Fushui Society alone, four Peregrines perished.， The Tingyun Pavilion, which had been responsible for the arrangements in Qingzhou, suffered even more devastating losses.， Nearly all the elite forces were lost.。
Obviously, neither Liyang nor Beimang wished to see the Qingzhou Lu family and the Xu family form a marital alliance.， Then take root in Beiliang.。 As long as Lu Chengyan, who aspires to become the Princess of Beiliang, dies…， The Lu family completely gave up the idea of changing their allegiance.， As for which side is willing to spare no expense to stop the Lu family from going to Liangzhou…， The secret letter merely stated that it remains unclear.。 Xu Fengnian lit a thick red candle.， Burn the secret letter inch by inch into ashes.， A gentle breeze drifts through the window.， The candlelight flickers.， Embers scatter。 Huyan Guanyin saw that the letter had already been burned to ashes.， He remained in a focused stance, his two fingers held together near the candle flame.。
Xu Fengnian flicked his fingers.， Walking over to Huyan Guanyin’s side， His gaze was inscrutable and unfathomable.， Gently gazing at the upturned eaves of the Governor’s mansion.。
Huyan Guanyin heard him. muttering to himself：“ Perhaps I was wrong from the very beginning.。”
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