Chapter 410: The Words “Emperor” on the Table

“Xu Xiao Nian.”

A woman at the door softly called out his name. Her face was plain, yet she exuded an aura of natural authority without anger. Beside her stood a young man who bore a resemblance to the eldest prince, Zhao Wu. However, unlike Zhao Wu’s rough and rugged demeanor, this young man possessed a refined and scholarly grace, clearly a seasoned expert in nurturing jade. Zhao Wu, who should have been furious after suffering such humiliation, allowed only a fleeting smirk to cross his lips. Only Xu Xiao Nian’s sharp eyes caught it, a moment so brief that even the woman who had been intently watching the heir of Beiliang might have missed it. Originally, Xu Xiao Nian had intended to cast his rod and fish out the elusive Han Diao Si, but instead Empress Zhao Zhi and the fourth prince, Zhao Zhuan, surfaced. With a smile, he slowly released Zhao Wu’s neck, turned around, and bowed slightly with a respectful tone, though his address was irreverently familiar: “Nephew greets Aunt Zhao.”

Zhao Zhi’s expression was complex, and long-buried guilt surfaced. She coldly said, “This is the first time you’ve addressed me thus, and it shall be the last. Mind your ways.”

The older generation of the Xu and Zhao families had already severed all ties. Zhao Zhi, who had once harbored a flicker of sympathy for the Xu family, now personally extinguished that wavering ember of kinship. Suddenly, she turned her gaze elsewhere. The pale-haired man, who had moments ago worn a dark expression, now smiled warmly, casting a shadow of unease across Zhao Zhi’s heart. She wasn’t afraid of this young man becoming another Xu Xiao, for Xu Xiao’s rise had been forged on the battlefields of the Spring and Autumn Period, conquering six kingdoms. It would be nearly impossible for any future generation to match his achievements through military exploits alone. Zhao Zhi was not even afraid of him following the bold and upright nature of that woman. What truly frightened her was his recklessness, like a rabid stray dog that bites without restraint.

Zhao Wu helped two golden-sabered guards to their feet, their injuries varying in severity. The fourth prince, Zhao Zhuan, stepped forward to assist the less severely injured among them, earning instant gratitude from the imperial retinue. The two princes, born of the same parents, exchanged a quiet glance and a smile. Zhao Wu even turned his head to flash a bloody throat-slashing gesture at the heir of Beiliang. Zhao Zhuan gently pushed Zhao Wu’s hand down and offered a slight apologetic smile toward Xu Xiao Nian.

Princess Sui Zhu, Zhao Feng Ya, kept her head lowered, her expression unreadable. Chen Yu, who had taken a tumble, remained composed and unperturbed, showing impressive self-cultivation.

Three women entered a carriage, while the eldest prince Zhao Wu and the fourth prince Zhao Zhuan rode on horseback to guard the procession.

Such a convoy was truly extraordinary.

Zhao Feng Ya’s eyes and brows brimmed with smiles, yet she scolded with her lips: “A mere brute!”

Zhao Zhi shook her head and said, “It was your fourth brother who set the ladder, and Xu Xiao Nian was clever. This way, both families have come down from the ladder.”

Zhao Feng Ya was puzzled and said, “I don’t understand.”

Zhao Zhi lifted the curtain and glared at her smug son Zhao Zhuan, who responded with a cheeky grin and a playful face.

Zhao Zhi said calmly, “Xu Xiao Nian is telling our Zhao family that from now on, the Xu family will only guard the nation’s borders for the common people of Li Yang, and has nothing to do with the Zhao family anymore.”

Zhao Feng Ya angrily said, “What audacity!”

Still fuming, Zhao Feng Ya couldn’t help but laugh to herself, nearly shedding tears. “Mother, if only I had the skills of Li Chun Gang! I’d imitate the old sword immortal and shout ‘Money come!’ ‘Horse come!’ ‘Sword come!’ near Beiliang, and in a whoosh, Xu Xiao Nian’s entire fortune would vanish, leaving nothing behind! Or I could imitate the white-robed monk and hang a Yellow River over his head, drowning him in a rush!”

Zhao Zhi lovingly patted her daughter’s head and said, “You’re still such a child, never growing up.”

Zhao Feng Ya curiously asked, “Then who is the boss lady? Last time I came here to eat lamb with Uncle Xu, she was chatting and laughing with us.”

Zhao Zhi’s face darkened slightly, and she shook her head. “An old account that can’t be settled.”

Zhao Feng Ya leaned into the current empress and whispered mischievously, “Mother, tell me the truth. You’re not that much younger than Uncle Xu. Did you secretly have a crush on him back then?”

Zhao Zhi was taken aback and pinched her daughter’s ear for such absurd words. “You’re impossible! I should marry you off as soon as possible!”

Chen Yu, who had always been distant from the mother and daughter pair, remained silent, neither speaking nor listening.

※※※

In some places, swords were drawn and tension was high.

In others, harmony and joy reigned.

Longhu and Wudang had vied for centuries as the ancestral temples of Daoism. Perhaps many had forgotten that before this, 120 years ago, there had been a young Daoist priest, like a wandering fox immortal, who had drawn dragon talismans in Tai’an City. Legends say that once his talismans were completed with the final eye, they would rise into the clouds. This rootless drifting weed could summon wind and thunder, subdue ghosts and spirits, and single-handedly overpower Longhu and Wudang. He gained the favor of the Li Yang emperor of the time, who bestowed upon him the title of Great Immortal of Tai Xuan Assistance, overseeing the talismans of the Three Sacred Mountains and presiding over all Daoist affairs in the nation. He was summoned to pray for snow and rain, and his prayers were always answered.

During the reign of the late Li Yang emperor, he was further honored with the title of The Venerable Master Chongde (Chong De Jiao Zhu), and upon the ascension of the current emperor, he was granted the title of Tai Xuan Ming Cheng Great Immortal. These honors were layered upon him, perhaps even surpassing the titles of the venerable masters of Longhu Mountain. Yet, two centuries later, the place where this immortal, who shared the same surname as the emperor, cultivated the Dao gradually fell into decline. No incense burned in the censers, and the cypress and pine trees, though verdant even in winter, lacked any trace of spiritual energy, instead exuding a sinister aura. Beneath an ancient cypress tree, a small table was set for two, with five maids standing behind them. One plump maid warmed the wine, while another slender maid brewed tea. The wine pot and tea kettle were placed on the table, clearly separated.

The man drinking wine had a stern, weathered face, appearing to be around forty years old, though his poor complexion gave him a gloomy air. The tea drinker, by contrast, was far more refined and elegant. His appearance was refined and graceful, and even in the bustling capital filled with all sorts. He was a rare man whose presence immediately gave the impression of being otherworldly, his demeanor more carefully cultivated than even the most delicate of women.

Sixty-seven pearls from Yuan Ben Xi. Sixty-four pearls from Na Lan You Ci.

Na Lan You Ci had five personal maids, well known to all: Feng Du, Dong Yue, Xi Shu San Shi, and Cheng Li, whose grand titles seemed to swallow the world in a single breath. The tea-brewing woman was San Shi, and the wine-warming maid was Cheng Li.

Na Lan You Ci lay on a sandalwood couch, stirring incense, and laughed as he asked, “Yuan Ben Xi, are you really going to cultivate Jin Lan Ting as your second Bi Yan Er? Be careful not to lose everything. Although I haven’t seen or heard him myself, from what others have said, he doesn’t seem to be the kind of prodigy you can entrust with great responsibility. At best, he could be a minister of a single department. He’s full of poverty and arrogance, his emotions plain to see on his face. He’s no good. If you let him assist in governing the country, won’t you fear that all your hard work will end in failure?”

Yuan Ben Xi mumbled, “The affairs of the capital are under my control. You needn’t worry about them.”

Na Lan You Ci took a black-glazed teacup, gently rotated the rim with his fingers, and inhaled the fragrant aroma, as if the tea scent could intoxicate him. He narrowed his eyes and said, “I think Lu Xu, the strategist under Prince Jing’an Zhao Xun, is quite good. Won’t you try to poach him? Without the young blind man’s help, controlling Xiangfan, the vital waist of Central Plains, would be entirely in your grasp. Lu Xu would also be able to inherit your skills in strategy.”

Yuan Ben Xi remained expressionless and slowly sipped his wine.

Na Lan You Ci slapped his own forehead, whether in self-mockery or laughter, then raised his eyes to look at the winter scenery in the courtyard. “I almost forgot, you Yuan Ben Xi have no children, no different from a eunuch. You don’t make enemies or form factions, which makes the Zhao family feel at ease. But if you had an heir, that would be the day you Yuan Ben Xi are discarded after your usefulness is done. In that sense, you should envy me.”

Yuan Ben Xi glanced at this man who stood behind Prince Yan Chi.

Na Lan You Ci laughed heartily, “Is Lu Xu really a pawn of Huang Long Shi? What about Chen Yu, that noble and honored girl?”

Yuan Ben Xi tilted his head and quickly drank a cup of wine.

Na Lan You Ci knew this man’s temperament and didn’t bother to dig deeper, changing the subject, “You couldn’t catch Huang Long Shi, that visiting rat, in your own courtyard?”

Yuan Ben Xi shook his head.

Na Lan You Ci felt a chill and raised his hand. A maid named Feng Du, whose body was as smooth and delicate as congealed fat, bent down and gently took her master’s white jade-like hand, placing it into her warm bosom. Only then did Na Lan You Ci lazily say, “It’s really absurd to think about. You Yuan Ben Xi planned the case of the white-robed man in the capital and convinced Zhao Zhi to make that boy her son-in-law, all in the hope that Beiliang would end with this generation. Now, after finally waiting for the heir of Beiliang to come to the capital, he can’t be killed in the city. Instead, he must be protected like a beloved son, and even Han Diao Si is not allowed to cause trouble in the city. He can only attack him beyond five hundred miles from the capital.”

Yuan Ben Xi, who had cut off half his tongue years ago, spoke indistinctly, “That Xu Xiao Nian outlasted Chen Zhi Bao. I lost this game to Beiliang, so I’ll drink to Li Yi Shan.”

Na Lan You Ci sincerely laughed, “You’re stronger than me in this. I accept defeat willingly, but I don’t have such grace. Otherwise, I’d still be friends with that Xie fellow now. After his death, not only would I not toast him, but I’d dig up his grave. I heard he has descendants left, not bearing his surname, and I’ve been searching for them for years without success. It wasn’t until I saw the Rouge Rankings (Yanzhi Ping) that I learned his name was Nan Gong Pu She.”

Yuan Ben Xi raised his arm and paused with his cup, his mind wandering far away, completely ignoring this topic.

Na Lan You Ci softly laughed, “Princes inherit their titles for generations, and according to the ancestral laws, they must observe three years of mourning. I guess Xu Xiao will certainly provoke a border conflict before his death and fight another battle with Beiman to ensure his eldest son’s smooth succession as king, to prevent any delays. Yuan Ben Xi, I advise you to act early, strike at the root, and disrupt Li Yi Shan’s final plans before they come to fruition.”

Yuan Ben Xi made a definitive statement, “Do you know why you can’t match Li Yi Shan?”

Na Lan You Ci calmly replied, “I know. Huang Long Shi scolded me for only being able to plan for ten years’ worth of gains and losses. You’re half a mute, and I’m half blind.”

Yuan Ben Xi smiled and let it go.

Na Lan You Ci frowned his delicate, feminine eyebrows, “Did that boy really go alone to Beiman and kill Xu Huai Nan and the fifth He, who was at the peak of his martial prowess?”

Yuan Ben Xi nodded.

Na Lan You Ci clicked his tongue, “Then aren’t you afraid?”

Yuan Ben Xi shook his head, “Unless he defeats Beiman, he won’t have the strength to use Zhao’s knife to kill me.”

Na Lan You Ci laughed, “If that’s the case, trading your life for a Beiliang and a Beiman would still be a profit.”

“What about Chen Zhi Bao? Aren’t you worried about nurturing a tiger that will bring disaster?”

“He’s no longer in the Spring and Autumn period; a brute can’t accomplish anything. When the world is in chaos, Shu is in chaos; when the world is at peace, Shu is still not at peace. Occupying Shu is no different from possessing Beiliang; there’s no hope of conquering the world.”

“Yuan Ben Xi, I must remind you, this is the experience of our fellow scholars. In the Spring and Autumn period, who could have imagined that a young general with only a second-grade cultivation level could become the Butcher of Men?”

“It’s different.”

Na Lan You Ci sighed, looking at the sky and murmuring, “Love can lead to death, not just romantic love between men and women. I’ve heard that Beiman’s Li Mi Bi has a cage with butterflies inside. In the end, we are all butterflies trapped in a cage, except for Huang Long Shi, who remains above it all. Yuan Ben Xi, have you ever thought about what he truly wants?”

Yuan Ben Xi stood up, “The three immortalities of life are establishing words, achievements, and virtue. The three great unifications of the world are loyalty, culture, and simplicity. It may take hundreds or even thousands of years to give Huang Long Shi a definitive evaluation.”

Na Lan You Ci did not see Yuan Ben Xi off, remaining seated on the small couch, “It would be best if Huang Long Shi died by your hands, then I died by the hands of that Xie boy, and you died by Xu Xiao Nian’s hands. Then the world would be at peace.”

Yuan Ben Xi suddenly turned around and smiled, “Wouldn’t it be more interesting if we all died by Xu Xiao Nian’s hands?”

Na Lan You Ci laughed and scolded, “What bad luck!”

After Yuan Ben Xi left the ruined Daoist temple, Na Lan You Ci thought for a moment, dipped his finger in tea, and wrote two characters on the table.

Emperor.

※※※

Sitting back at the table, Xuan Yuan Qing Feng sneered, “Letting your emotions get the better of you, were you framed by the eldest prince Zhao Wu, or was it the smiling fox Zhao Zhuan who set you up?”

Xu Xiao Nian calmly replied, “Most likely the fourth prince Zhao Si. Although Zhao Wu deliberately concealed his skills, he probably doesn’t have that kind of cunning.”

“I heard the crown prince is one of these two. Then you’ve inevitably offended the future emperor of Li Yang?”

“Who says otherwise?”

“Wow, even the Empress was genuinely angry, but you don’t seem worried at all. Are you pretending?”

“If I say I am pretending, will that do?”

“That woman must be Chen Yu from the Yanzhi Review. Is she going to be the eldest prince’s wife or a new concubine in the palace?”

“I have no interest in knowing.”

“I can see that your relationship with her is not simple.”

“You’re just guessing.”

“My intuition is always accurate.”

Xu Xiao Nian dipped a few slices of lamb into the pot, then divided them between Qing Niao and Wu’s bowls.

Appearance reflects the heart; a woman’s beauty changes with her heart. Xuan Yuan Qing Feng was a strange woman who changed greatly even after twenty. There was the spoiled charm of a carefree girl, the gloomy aura after her family’s downfall, and the righteous spirit after inheriting the imperial seal. Eighty wen, eighty-five wen, ninety wen, step by step, like lotus blossoms blooming. Looking at Xuan Yuan Qing Feng, Xu Xiao Nian often thought of that man who had reached sainthood on the Snowy Terrace. Xu Xiao Nian always had a prejudice against scholars, except for Han Shi Chen Xi Liang, whom he met on his second journey, and Xuan Yuan Jing Cheng. Of course, Xu Xiao Nian had no extra thoughts about Xuan Yuan Qing Feng. Whether it was mutual benefit or the sympathy of being in desperate situations with no way out, for the proud Xuan Yuan Qing Feng, who was like a peacock constantly displaying her feathers, he always showed some tolerance beyond the norm. Since the political arena and the martial world have always been battlegrounds for men, women caught in the tides often evoke extra care from Xu Xiao Nian. Women like Xu Xiao Niang in Da Ma Pass, who were independent and resilient despite their hardships, and the wine-selling bamboo girl in Beiman, who had lost her daughter early, were all examples.

Xu Xiao Nian seemed to recall something and smiled as he called out to the inner room behind the curtain, “Aunt Hong. You’re not being a proper elder!”

The woman pretended to spit, “Hmph! You little brat, you just called that woman Aunt Zhao, how can I be worthy of being called Aunt? You’ll shorten my life. Come here, let me have a good look at you. Tsk tsk, you look just like Wu Su. Luckily, you didn’t inherit Xu Xiao’s rough features; otherwise, what girl would be blind enough to marry you? I’ve been so worried all these years, afraid you wouldn’t find a wife.”

“First time we meet, and you’re already teasing me? I won’t pay the debt your old friend Xu Xiao owed you for those meals.”

“Call me Aunt, then. I’m old anyway, and I don’t mind getting older. As for the money, I’m not like your heartless Aunt Zhao. She’s fiercely protective of her own, like a mother hen. Once someone enters her territory, she pecks at anyone, regardless of past friendships. Back then, your mother and I, along with her, were like sisters, but she was the most calculating of us all. Unfortunately, that already thin bond of sisterhood was squandered by the two generations of men and their lofty ideals, leaving nothing behind.”

The woman squeezed onto the same bench as Xu Xiao Nian, while Xuan Yuan Qing Feng silently leaned against the wall. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the woman speaking while reaching out to pinch Xu Xiao Nian’s cheeks, clearly unable to resist showing her affection. Xu Xiao Nian couldn’t even stop her. Such an amusing scene was truly a once-in-a-century sight.

The woman gently stroked Xu Xiao Nian’s white hair and softly said, “You’ve been through a lot these years.”

Xu Xiao Nian pursed his lips and shook his head.