Ren Shanyu fell onto the street, but Xu Fengnian did not immediately reveal himself. Mentally counting to sixteen, he still saw no one stepping forward. Looking down from his vantage point, Xu Fengnian could clearly see Ren Shanyu struggling. She could not even sit up, let alone stand. Just as Xu Fengnian was about to act, someone finally darted out from the Chai Fei Courtyard, snatched up Ren Shanyu, and vanished into the alleyways. It was Hong Shuwen, neither an eagle warrior nor a wandering falcon. A dark shadow crossed Xu Fengnian’s face. Xu Yanbing, the ever-elusive figure, reappeared by the window and nodded at Xu Fengnian, signaling that the Chai Fei Courtyard had been dealt with cleanly.
Xu Fengnian turned his head, his expression returning to normal. He asked Cao Zhen about the exact location of Wang Yunshu’s family estate and then requested from Xue Yi the broken zither that had been slashed by a flying sword. Under one arm, he carried the flower vase that produced the harmonious tones of bells and chimes. Without much conversation with Cao Zhen and Xue Yi, he told them not to see him off, merely flashing a smile that left the two courtesans flustered with delight. Usually quick-witted, the young manager of the Taosai Pavilion dared not overdo things. Standing awkwardly in the corridor, she watched the two disappear around the corner. She noticed the side profile of the young man with grayish hair—sharp-featured, and whether it was an illusion or not, the young man seemed to carry an air that could stir up storms in Huangnan.
After he left, Cao Zhen leaned against the doorway. Glancing at Xue Yi, who clearly wanted to watch longer but was too shy, Cao Zhen couldn’t help but smile at her. She pointed toward the window, and Xue Yi, startled at first, quickly understood and hurriedly ran toward the window, lifting her skirt as she went.
Cao Zhen did not overdo it, watching Xue Yi’s retreating figure. Her mother always complained that this girl lacked femininity and didn’t know how to flirt with men. But wasn’t she showing it now? Cao Zhen pulled her thoughts back, beginning to ponder the implications of this young master from Lanzhou making an appearance. Could it bring a turning point for Taosai Pavilion, which had long been suppressed by the Chai Fei Courtyard? As for a broken zither and a flower vase whose authenticity was unknown, they were trivial matters. If that man was willing, even a girl like Xue Yi from Taosai Pavilion could be given away.
Outside the building, Xu Fengnian climbed into the carriage. Xu Yanbing drove toward the residence of Wang Gongcao, the current head of the Shuijing Wang Clan. Wang Xihua, the head of this family, had long been locked in rivalry with Li Degong. Now that Li had risen to the rank of a second-grade official in Beiliang, the Longyi Wang Clan had risen in power, growing arrogant and domineering. The Zijin Wang Clan, previously allied with Longyi, could no longer tolerate it. The Shuijing Wang Clan took the opportunity to draw them in, and with the Ling Su Wang Clan, the three clans united under Wang Xihua, who was respected for his scholarly achievements and political acumen. Thus, Wang Xihua’s life was not as difficult as outsiders imagined.
In recent years, Wang’s estate had been bustling with visitors. Even newly arrived scholars from other regions came to seek his guidance in classical studies. However, a carriage arriving late at night was still unusual. Although Wang Yunshu had a notorious reputation in Huangnan, giving the impression of lax family discipline, the gatekeepers of the Wang estate wielded invisible power, often on par with seventh- or eighth-grade officials. They had to be careful in their dealings; a minor mistake could lead to a scolding, or even expulsion. Therefore, when the gatekeeper saw an unfamiliar young nobleman step out of the carriage, he hurriedly came out through the side gate, descended the steps, and inquired about his business. To his surprise, the young man was unlike the usual noble sons who expected grand welcomes. Instead, he said he would simply wait at the gate. The gatekeeper immediately understood—most likely another young noble who had caused trouble in Huangnan and now sought out the eldest son, Wang Xihua, who had the connections and influence to resolve such matters. Just recently, a senior member of the Ling Su Wang Clan had been caught in a scandalous affair, publicly shamed by a jealous wife. It was Wang Xihua who had smoothed things over—something even the Prefect could not handle.
Since this was not a visit to discuss scholarship with the master of the house, the gatekeeper assumed the young man was just another spoiled noble brat and gave him a dismissive glance, saving himself the trouble of unnecessary pleasantries. As he returned to the side gate, he glanced back and saw the young man squatting beside the stone lion. The gatekeeper couldn’t help but think that this noble must have hit a snag he couldn’t overcome, otherwise why resort to such a foolish method of waiting in the bitter cold, like a hare waiting for a rabbit to run into a tree? In winter, wouldn’t any noble be enjoying wine and beauty?
He glanced a few times at the tall, imposing man standing below the steps. What a pity, he thought, for such a distinguished-looking retainer to have chosen the wrong master.
Xu Yanbing hesitated for a moment, then squatted on a step one level lower than Xu Fengnian’s. To others, it would seem like an overstepping. In the bitter cold, Xu Fengnian kept his hands in his sleeves and chuckled softly, “Sorry to drag you into this, Xu Uncle. I could have announced my name and asked Wang Gongcao for a few cups of hot tea to warm me up. But since we’re putting on a show, we might as well do it thoroughly. Otherwise, tomorrow morning I’ll have to leave, and the Shuijing Wang Clan won’t feel the sincerity of this Lanzhou General.”
Xu Yanbing glanced at the sky, “Need a heavy snowfall? That would add more sincerity.”
Xu Fengnian was surprised, “That works?”
Xu Yanbing smiled, “Back in my younger days, I traveled far and wide, and had the good fortune to meet some extraordinary experts. I picked up many unconventional techniques. Now that my cultivation is sufficient, I can probably coax a heavy winter snowfall from the heavens.”
Xu Fengnian asked curiously, “Could Liu Haoshi do something like that?”
Xu Yanbing thought for a moment and calmly replied, “That old scoundrel probably couldn’t. Not that I’m necessarily at a higher level than Liu Haoshi. It’s like how different scholars specialize in different fields. I once went to Nanhai and killed a group of cultivators, acquiring several secret manuals. But when it comes to killing, two Liu Haoshis wouldn’t stand a chance. These years, I’ve heard that when it comes to killing techniques, Deng Tai’a is the best under heaven. I’ve always wanted to spar with that Peach Blossom Sword God.”
Xu Fengnian laughed and asked, “Li Chungan entered the Tianxiang realm before he was thirty. Then there’s Deng Tai’a, and you, Xu Uncle. You all seem to have advanced smoothly in martial cultivation, like an unstoppable tide. How did you do it?”
Xu Yanbing thought carefully about this question and finally gave Xu Fengnian an answer that made him laugh helplessly, “Go with the flow.”
As if finding Xu Fengnian’s expression amusing, Xu Yanbing added something that fit the current weather, “Actually, Xu Yanbing has always believed that his success today is thanks to his youthful good looks, which were no less handsome than the young master’s.”
Xu Fengnian burst into laughter, then sighed helplessly, “You and Yuan Er must get along famously.”
Xu Yanbing smiled calmly, “That wooden blockhead’s cavalry lance techniques were indeed taught by me.”
Xu Fengnian had no reply.
Suddenly, Xu Yanbing asked, “The Your Highness probably doesn’t know that Yuan Zuozong started practicing swordsmanship at twenty-one. But after losing to Gu Jiantang once, he never displayed his sword skills in public again. Back then, in the martial Master rankings of the Liangyang army, Beiliang had Chen Zhibao and Yuan Zuozong occupying the second and third spots. If Gu Jiantang still only has that one trick, the ‘Fangcun Lei,’ he might well end up at the bottom. However, Gu Jiantang is a cunning strategist. After so many years, he surely hasn’t remained stagnant. Your Highness, if you still have aspirations in martial cultivation, perhaps you should take Xu Yanbing’s advice and select two minor masters who haven’t yet reached the first rank. Let them fight willingly—whether it’s a life-or-death duel or a mutual test of skills. That’s why they should be below the first rank. Because whether it’s the Diamond or the Finger Divination, once someone has witnessed the grandeur of the first rank, their spirit and vitality will inevitably be affected to some extent.”
Xu Fengnian nodded, “I understand. It’s like how the governor Li Degong, standing high and seeing far, knows the dangers of court politics and thus behaves humbly, unable to be as bold and unrestrained as he once was. In contrast, those who govern small counties and command their own little kingdoms are more full of spirit and ambition. Following Xu Uncle’s logic, a fierce battle between two minor masters of the second rank would be more likely to be intense and satisfying.”
Xu Yanbing stopped there, saying no more.
About an hour later, the sound of galloping hooves echoed sharply on the quiet winter night. Xu Fengnian turned his head and saw a group of riders approaching. Two rode side by side, and even as they charged forward at full speed, the two riders still managed to converse in voices just loud enough to be heard. Their faces showed a mix of seriousness and restrained excitement. One of the riders, not wearing armor, was none other than Wang Yunshu. Seeing this scene, Xu Fengnian felt a touch of self-mockery—hiding one’s abilities and feigning mediocrity was not a skill he alone possessed. Xu Fengnian remained crouched in the shadow of the stone lion, sheltered from the cold wind, while Xu Yanbing had already returned to the lower steps.
Wang Yunshu rode furiously, showing signs of fatigue but mostly excitement. When he saw Xu Yanbing’s figure, his expression froze for a moment, then he lashed his horse hard, nearly tumbling off as he dismounted. Just as he was about to kneel, Xu Fengnian waved him off, “No need. Tell me how things went.”
Wang Yunshu hurried up the steps and cautiously asked, “Shall I report inside the estate?”
Xu Fengnian pointed to the spot beside him and shook his head, “I’m leaving now. Just give me the general idea.”
Jiao Wuyi, the adopted son of Wang Gongcao, had the other twenty-odd riders halt at a distance. He dismounted and knelt on one knee, saluting with a clenched fist, “Jiao Wuyi, Deputy Commander of Huangnan, pays homage to the Young Master!”
Xu Fengnian smiled, “Rise, Jiao Deputy Commander.”
Wang Yunshu, ever the sycophant, climbed the steps eagerly and crouched beside Xu Fengnian, beginning to report the outcome of the mission to the Young Master. His adopted brother had gone to Qingrong Monastery. Coincidentally, just outside the monastery, about three miles away, they encountered a welcoming party of a senior Daoist and two high-ranking priests, who were there to greet some disciples who had completed their training in other monasteries and were returning. Originally, Jiao Wuyi wouldn’t have paid much attention to them. These middle-aged priests were genuine and respected figures in Huangnan’s largest Daoist temple. He might have even greeted them with a smile. But this time, Jiao Wuyi had come to Qingrong Monastery with the hope of gaining great rewards. Without hesitation, he ordered the arrest of the three priests. At first, the priests surrendered without resistance. However, when a scout returned to report that a Daoist had fled suspiciously and that thirty lightly armed cavalry had already been dispatched to pursue, the three priests suddenly turned violent. Fortunately, Jiao Wuyi had split his forces, giving half to Wang Yunshu before advancing rapidly, maintaining a formation where the front, middle, and rear units could support each other. Apart from more than ten scouts secretly gathering intelligence, each of the three cavalry units, numbering sixty riders, was spaced a mile apart. The three priests from Qingrong Monastery only saw the fifty-odd soldiers around Jiao Wuyi and decided to fight to the death. However, within a quarter of an hour, the next wave of cavalry arrived swiftly, and scouts secretly signaled the third group. This time, the third group did not charge directly but dismounted and spread out to encircle and eliminate the priests. In the end, two of the Qingrong priests were killed, and one was injured. Unfortunately, the two disciples who had returned after completing their training escaped. Wang Yunshu’s part of the operation was much less dramatic. He had simply gone along to watch the spectacle but ended up missing most of it. Only after the leader of the eagle warriors confirmed that he was the Young Master’s “trusted aide” did they bother to inform him of the details. Wang Yunshu then learned that the Lotus Pond faction, numbering one hundred and forty-three people, including women, children, and the elderly, had been completely wiped out. Only four minor figures, not on the list of those marked for death, had been spared. Even Zhang Ce, the top martial artist in Huangnan, had not survived. Wang Yunshu had gone along to help clean up the mess. The once-famous “Monkey of Lanzhou,” Zhang Ce, had died a truly gruesome death. Wang Yunshu, with nothing better to do, had counted the wounds on the corpse whose head had been cut off and nailed to a thick pillar. Excluding minor injuries, the body had six serious wounds. Both arms had been severed at the shoulder, and an arrow had pierced the chest. The other corpses scattered around were mostly unrecognizable from blood and gore, causing Wang Yunshu to vomit up all the food and wine he had consumed that day. Even now, he still felt a chill run through him. Before, he had thought he was ruthless enough, but now he realized that when it came to the Beiliang Falcon Corps, human lives were truly worth nothing.
Xu Fengnian listened quietly as Wang Yunshu finished his report, then stood up and smiled, “After all, Huangnan is your territory, and you understand it better. There are still some remaining tasks of pursuing and eliminating the remnants. If I need you and Deputy Commander Jiao to assist, I’ll have someone come to your estate to inform you.”
Wang Yunshu was delighted, and Jiao Wuyi bowed deeply, “It is my duty to serve the Your Highness. I would not hesitate to give my life for the Your Highness!”
Xu Fengnian stepped down from the platform, and Wang Yunshu whispered, “The Your Highness really won’t stay for the night? Even just a cup of warm wine?”
Xu Fengnian teased, “Alright, you’ve flattered me enough tonight. Wang Yunshu, when you get home, tell Wang Gongcao that if he ever has the chance to visit Liangzhou, he should come and visit me.”
Wang Yunshu was flustered, “Certainly, certainly.”
Xu Fengnian turned to Jiao Wuyi and said, “Deputy Commander Jiao, as the saying goes, one leaf reveals the coming of autumn. Your command of the troops is indeed skilled and seasoned. Once the affairs in Huangnan are settled, the Lanzhou General’s Office still needs a junior commander. After the New Year, bring your men with you, and I’ll give you another six hundred soldiers. A thousand would be more appropriate.”
Jiao Wuyi, who had suddenly risen to prominence at nearly forty, was moved to tears and knelt, “Jiao Wuyi is willing to give his life for the Your Highness!”
Xu Fengnian patted his shoulder and walked toward the carriage.
Wang Yunshu wanted to see him off, but Xu Fengnian, with his back to the estate gate, waved him off.
Wang Yunshu watched the carriage disappear into the distance and then turned his gaze back, softly saying, “Brother, the Your Highness has gone far.”
Jiao Wuyi, however, kept his hands on the ground, reluctant to rise.
Wang Yunshu turned around and looked at the magnificent plaque above the estate gate, inscribed two hundred years ago by imperial decree—“Yi Men Wang Clan.” He whispered, “Brother, don’t forget our Wang family in the future.”
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