Chapter 70: Robbers Again

Xu Fengnian inhaled deeply the fresh mountain air, feeling exhilarated. He joked, “Grandpa Wei, do immortals really exist who feed on morning mists and evening dews? Do you think there are true sages in Qingyang Palace who dine on the essence of sun and moon?”

The old Daoist chuckled, “This old Daoist has never heard of such true sages. My master back then could merely perform techniques of abstaining from grains and preserving vital essence. He was far from reaching the Realm of Fantasy of immortality.”

Xu Fengnian left the pavilion, lifting his head to gaze at the twin peaks of Qingyang Celestial Lord, resembling two horns locked in confrontation. He murmured to himself, “Qingcheng King – sounds impressive. The Celestial Master of Mount Longhu was only bestowed the title of national preceptor overseeing Daoism throughout the realm, while Mount Wudang is even more pitiful – its Abbot holds no status whatsoever. Yet here we have a king who rules his mountain domain. Perhaps we should pay a visit?”

Wei Shuyang simply smiled silently. Due to his exalted status and over a decade’s friendship with the young prince, he’d accompanied Xu Fengnian on horseback discussions and learned of the farce involving two geese exchanged for a eunuch. Now witnessing the prince drawing maps based on mountains and rivers, it seemed likely he intended to sketch the entire three-thousand-mile landscape from one border to the other. Would this path conceal hidden mysteries? The old Daoist of Jiudou Temple dared not probe further – better to keep thoughts to oneself. Too many words inevitably lead to missteps. In Beiliang, literati and eccentric scholars had been nearly silenced by the Grand Marshal, losing their tongues like slaughtered chickens. None dared discuss frontier military affairs, focusing only on composing poetry. Indeed, several courageous poets who enlisted in the army had produced bold and powerful verses in recent years, attracting numerous wandering knights seeking glory to join the border forces. Ironically, many Dandified young nobleman youths, tormented half-dead by the young prince, feeling trapped, also turned to the frontier to seek military merits. After all, there was no young prince on the border to suppress them relentlessly.

Seeing Jiang Ni in the Daoist temple – pale-faced and red-eyed – Xu Fengnian couldn’t help smiling faintly. This girl truly possessed the least courage imaginable. The only brave act she’d ever committed in her lifetime was attempting to kill him. Yu Youwei, in contrast, slept much more peacefully, her countenance serene, appearing to have comprehended matters previously unfathomable. Her gaze toward the prince carried a few more threads of clarity, fewer traces of self-pity and murky gloom. Xu Fengnian didn’t bother dwelling on these minor details, merely hastily finishing breakfast before seeking out the old sword immortal standing with hands clasped behind his back. The old man was staring at a faded, barely legible couplet on the temple gate. Xu Fengnian whispered, “I’ve placed some new items in the book chest on the carriage – in case we ever need to flee, please take both Jiang Ni and the chest with you.”

The old sword immortal replied lazily, “Depends on my mood.”

Xu Fengnian couldn’t help smirking. Considering the old master had agreed to observe his sparring session with Lü Qiantang, he refrained from mentally criticizing the old man’s aged decline. Suddenly, he couldn’t help but widen his grin when he saw this once top-tier martial artist from the Jianghu nonchalantly scratch his crotch with one arm. Old Lü, Grandpa Wei said you once roamed the Jianghu so suavely in your green robe with sword in hand that countless beautiful women adored you from afar. Yet judging by your current manner, isn’t your reputation grossly exaggerated? Indeed, it was extremely wise not to reveal to Grandpa Wei that this old man was actually Li Chungan. As the old man scratched his crotch, he then casually brushed his yellowed teeth, flicking away meat strands stuck there from last night’s feast. Witnessing all this, Xu Fengnian silently walked away, cursing inwardly the “landed sword immortal” to his mother.

Following the mountain path bypassing the two main peaks of Qingcheng, halfway up Huagai Peak, a commotion emerged from dense woods – a mix of shoving sounds and curses. Lü Qiantang, the muscular swordsman, halted his horse and squinted. This giant swordsman, mounted on a mighty steed with his crimson sword Chixia strapped to his back, exuded an imposing presence that could easily Intimidation petty thieves and scoundrels. To outsiders observing the prince’s retinue, Lü Qiantang might rank only slightly lower than General Ning Emei in terms of aura. This Dongyue swordsman proved a powerful deterrent against villains.

Lü Qiantang watched as a pale, emaciated youth was shoved out from the woods and stumbled onto the road, falling flat on his face in a humiliating sprawl. The boy, however, did not address the approaching party with the typical thief’s warning but turned back to shout, “Liu Luweigan! I’m definitely sleeping with your wife tonight! Why’d you push me? When you watched your wife crawling around on a wall, you didn’t seem nearly that eager. Pushing me out, huh? Wait ’til I expose that indecent business from last month when you felt up a girl’s breast at the market!”

Lü Qiantang’s cold gaze fixed on the scene as he slowly drew his massive sword.

A hoarse voice echoed from the forest: “Little brat, asking for death? Don’t you run! The wind turns fierce – disperse at once!”

Evidently, this gang of would-be robbers was much weaker than last night’s assailants, though their eyesight proved sharper. Most amusingly, the boy stared wide-eyed at Yu Youwei, Shu Xiu, and Qingniao, then bellowed before fleeing: “These older sisters are prettier than the celestial maidens of Qingyang Palace!”

Yú Yǒuwèi’s lips curved into a smile – this young rogue was far cuter than yesterday’s ill-fated villains.

Unnoticed, the prince suddenly rode forth, using his Xiudong knife to bat down Lü Qiantang’s hand that was drawing Chixia. A look of genuine, heartfelt joy spread across his face – an expression completely unfamiliar to Yu Youwei. Shouldering his Xiudong knife, he laughed heartily, “Xiaoshanzha?!”

The boy, already about to dart into the forest, abruptly halted. He turned back, gazing at the aristocratic young master on horseback. Though the face seemed vaguely familiar, he couldn’t possibly recognize such a splendidly attired nobleman. Good heavens, could it be – damn! – am I on the city bandit wanted list? Impossible! Our gang ranks lowest among Qingcheng Mountain’s dozen or so bandit groups. Not even our Big Chief Lao Menthoo has the honor of having his portrait posted on city walls. The Chief complains bitterly about this injustice, always spitting saliva as he bellows, “I’m the earliest bandit king of Qingcheng Mountain! Why won’t they list me? I’ve abducted several county officials’ wives and daughters – we just released them after taking their silver! Are they snubbing us?!”

The withered, juvenile youth addressed so affectionately by the prince as “Xiaoshanzha” hesitated, then stared hard for several moments before cautiously asking, “Xu Fengnian?”

The prince squinted his phoenix eyes and pursed his lips. Even the perpetually critical Shu Xiu found herself momentarily entranced. Such an enchanting prince would capture hearts across all age groups – from ten to eighty. Dismounting from his horse with a smile, Xu Fengnian replied, “Indeed it’s me. Only three years passed, yet you’ve already forgotten me?”

The boy truly was a naive calf unacquainted with worldly ways. Without hesitation, he let out an excited cry and ran toward Xu Fengnian, circling him twice, visibly thrilled. He reached out to touch the prince’s sword, then tugged at the prince’s embroidered sleeve, marveling all the while. Looking up, he asked, “Xu Fengnian, you’re even more imposing than last time. Has old Meng once again come to collect silver?”

Xu Fengnian didn’t mind his clothing getting soiled by the boy’s touch, merely tapping the youth’s head lightly with his Xiudong and playfully scolding, “Away with you! Last time you robbed me – this time, I should be the one robbing you.”

A dozen ragged ruffians leapt from the woods. Not one of them weighed over seventy-five kilograms. They were all wretchedly impoverished, mostly barefoot in homemade straw sandals. Only a few carried weapons, and those were nothing but fragile wooden spears and clubs. Compared to the gang that attacked the temple at night, the difference was like heaven and earth. Among them stood Big Chief Lao Meng, a gaunt old fellow weighing barely seventy-five kilograms. Rubbing his eyes, he finally recognized that this gentleman was indeed Xu Fengnian, the one he’d chased halfway up the mountain years ago. Eyeing nervously the imposing retainers on their fine steeds, he cautiously stepped forward a few paces and called out from a distance, “Xu Fengnian, let’s get this straight first – if you’re here for the silver I stole from you those years ago, old Meng has only his life to offer. Take it if you want – even if you make me flinch once, old Meng will gladly take your surname!”

Xu Fengnian scanned the crowd – Xiaoshanzha, timid Lao Meng, Liu Luweigan who cherished his wife above all, Kong Bobizi, and others. Their faces, each familiar, were all still there – alive.

His smile dazzling, Xu Fengnian embraced Xiaoshanzha’s small frame and declared loudly, “Old Meng, look at you! Not only did you lose your bandit den, you’re still trying to play the hero with me. I swear, don’t pretend with me. Go on, find a place near water and I’ll treat you all to a proper meal.”

Lao Meng stammered, “Xu Fengnian, aren’t you working as a constable now? Here to wipe us out?”

Xu Fengnian glared and cursed, “Shut your mouth! I’m here for sightseeing, and hoping I might run into you. Before coming up the mountain, I even worried you’d starved to death. Now seeing you’re practically halfway there, what kind of chief are you? I feel ashamed for you!”

Lao Meng’s subordinates, including Luweigan, burst into laughter, leaving the already-authority-lacking Big Chief thoroughly embarrassed. Rubbing his head sheepishly, Lao Meng muttered, “Heh, in these times, even heroes find it hard to rise. You boy, that sharp tongue of yours never changes. Alright, let’s go.”

Yu Youwei’s eyes widened in astonishment, and Shu Xiu’s seductive expression froze in bewilderment.

Jiang Ni peeked from behind the curtain, her little head puzzled beyond comprehension.

Guided by Lao Meng, they arrived at a picturesque spot beside clear waters. Several pitiable thatched huts stood there, with broken clothes hanging on bamboo poles. If this counted as a bandit stronghold, who else in the world would bother turning to banditry?

Yanching’s elusive Yang Qingfeng somehow appeared carrying an endless supply of game, making the bandits who struggled setting ten snares for possibly catching one hare or pheasant drool uncontrollably.

Xu Fengnian sat on a stone by the stream, with Xiaoshanzha clinging to his back, hugging his neck. Completely ignoring Lao Meng’s repeated sidelong glances, Xu Fengnian teased, “Alright, old Meng, you’re supposed to be Qingcheng’s number one hero – what’re you so scared of? Xiaoshanzha’s got more guts than you!”

Xiaoshanzha laughed joyfully, “I told old Meng to let me be the chief, but he wouldn’t give up. He insists on waiting a few more years.”

Xu Fengnian nodded with a smile, “He’s just fooling you – you actually believed him? How about coming down the mountain with me? I’ll treat you to meat and fish every day.”

Xiaoshanzha stole a glance at the distant “celestial” sisters, then grinned, “Nah, I was born and raised here. If I leave, old Meng would feel heartbroken. But Xu Fengnian, who are those sisters to you? They’re so pretty! Way prettier than Liu Luweigan’s Xiaoque’er.”

A twelve- or thirteen-year-old girl with hands on her hips shouted angrily, “Dead Xiaoshanzha, what are you saying?!”

Xu Fengnian turned his head and exclaimed in surprise, “Xiaoque’er, look at you – all grown up! Come, stand closer. Let big brother Xu have a good look.”

Xiaoshanzha whispered secretively, “Xu Fengnian, Que’er has a crush on you. I’ve heard her confess it in her sleep several times.”

The sun-darkened little girl flushed crimson, likely feeling inferior after seeing Yu Youwei and the others’ extraordinary beauty. She stood at a distance, too shy to approach. When she was younger, Xu Fengnian had taught her how to play a melody using a leaf. She’d practiced for a long time, finally mastering it. When alone, she’d silently play it a few times.

He’d once promised her that when she grew up, he’d come see her again.

It took considerable coaxing to finally lead the shy Xiaoque’er to sit beside him, eating roasted game, Lao Meng’s best dish. The little girl had truly grown – she now chewed delicately, without showing her teeth. Xu Fengnian noticed Lao Meng’s vacant, somewhat frightened gaze and frowned, asking, “Something on your mind, old Meng? Tell me about it.”

Lao Meng forced a smile and shook his head.

Xiaoshanzha, chewing a deer leg, couldn’t hold back the tears any longer, sobbing, “Xu Fengnian, we owe money we can’t pay back. They’re going to take Que’er! They already came last time and tore our house apart. If we can’t repay them within a couple of days, they’ll make Que’er their servant girl!”

Xu Fengnian smiled, “Don’t worry. I’ll settle it for you. Remember when you guys robbed me, and I claimed I was one of the richest young lords in the world? That wasn’t a lie.”

Lao Meng murmured, “It won’t work. We owe them over twenty taels. But it’s not really about the money – they want Que’er. You know on the mountain, young girls are the rarest treasure. Liu Luweigan and I have discussed it – we’ll fight to the death. At least Xiaoshanzha can escape down the mountain with Que’er while we old bones remain. We’ve lived here for over twenty years – we can’t bear to leave. We’re waiting for the day we die here, with even the grave site already picked. Xu Fengnian, old Meng appreciates your kind intentions, but those people aren’t kind-hearted. They kill and set fires without blinking. Who knows how many girls they’ve ruined already? After finishing the meal, you should leave quickly. Better yet, don’t even stay in Qingcheng Mountain – it’s dangerous here.”

Xu Fengnian asked, “Are the people you owe money to the ones led by a big guy with twin axes?”

Lao Meng shuddered, “No, if that were the case, we’d already be dead. Old Meng would rather starve than borrow from those people. Sigh. A man carries responsibility alone. Though old Meng lived in poverty all my life, I still have these brothers. I dare to ask you, young prince, to take care of Xiaoshanzha and Que’er. Poor children adapt well, but please don’t let them become servants. We came to the mountain because we still retained some manly pride back then. We can’t afford to sink lower in life. Just don’t let them starve to death, and if you agree, old Meng will gladly kneel. This kindness deserves a bow.”

Xu Fengnian’s expression remained impassive.

Lao Meng’s face turned bitter.

Lü Qiantang reported, bowing, “About a dozen newcomers have arrived.”

Xu Fengnian made a cold, throat-slitting gesture.

Lao Meng stared, dumbfounded.

Frowning, Xu Fengnian asked, “With Qingcheng Mountain so chaotic, won’t the Qingcheng King intervene?”

Lao Meng bitterly replied, “Why would they care? Those ‘celestial beings’ of Qingyang Palace never care about commoners’ lives.”

Xu Fengnian stood up, patted Xiaoshanzha’s head again, then took Que’er’s small hand, which wasn’t delicate or fair-skinned at all, and smiled brightly, “In the past I could carry you, but now you’re becoming a young lady. I can’t keep carrying you – your father might even challenge me with his hoe. Come, let’s take Que’er to Qingyang Palace to see some immortals.”