The small teahouse, usually quiet and secluded, finally experienced a rare moment of liveliness. Word of mouth had brought many curious listeners, eager to hear the blind storyteller recount the adventures of the young master of Beiliang three times a day. Three performances were already the limit for the old man’s aging body. At his age, no matter how stubborn he was, he could not defy the heavens. One day, the heavens might grow angry and take his life away. Moreover, while storytelling was mostly just moving one’s lips, occasionally tapping bamboo clappers and sipping wine to moisten the throat, his granddaughter, who accompanied the tales with the pipa, suffered far more. Life was harsh, and they could not afford the luxury of peach resin finger guards. After just one performance, her fingers were already bruised and purple. During the break, she dared not let her grandfather worry, so she quietly rubbed her fingers against her clothes to ease the pain.
The teahouse owner watched the second group of customers enter with excitement and sat behind the counter, sipping tea with a satisfied smile. Small businesses related to food and drink thrived on constant turnover. Old customers must leave for new ones to come. Without much thought, the owner glanced at a table by the window and then turned his attention elsewhere.
The old Confucian scholar seemed determined to hear another performance and politely asked a waiter for a pot of tea. He didn’t drink much, instead using the tea to draw strange symbols on the table. The swordsman seated nearby remained as still as a clay statue in a small temple, his cultivation of inner peace truly remarkable.
The old scholar smiled and said, “Shao Pu, a drink?”
The middle-aged man shook his head respectfully. “No, thank you.”
The old scholar laughed as if he had heard a great joke, pointing at the younger man. “You dared to openly assassinate Li Mibi. Is there anything in the world you, Sun Shao Pu, dare not do?”
The swordsman, ever serious and without a hint of humor, replied, “Then, I shall have a drink.”
The old scholar shook his head. “No, you won’t. You dull fellow.”
Rubbing his face gently, the old man continued, “I criticized Li Lao Tou’s corrupt ways that would plague the Northern Barbarians for a hundred years, and he called me foolish and unworthy of being an imperial teacher. These were all open debates in the imperial court, conducted in the emperor’s presence, and could be considered gentlemanly disputes. Shao Pu, you mustn’t provoke Li Mibi again. A knife has only one edge, so it is inherently unbalanced, making it a deadly weapon. A sword, however, has two edges, balanced and just. A gentleman’s path lies in using the sword to save people. A kingdom needs both the knife and the sword, the warrior and the gentleman. Of course, these are just formalities. In truth, you are the head of the Sword Pavilion of the Chess and Sword Music Bureau. It is beneath your dignity to personally engage in bloodshed. The prestige of the sect must be earned by the younger generation, while the foundation is upheld by you and your peers. As the storyteller said, Li Chungan is the greatest swordsman in the world. In my opinion, the Sword Saint’s sword, which never leaves its scabbard, embodies an infinite sword intent within his heart. This surpasses even the Green Snake Sleeves and the Sword Opening Heaven’s Gate as the ultimate realm of the sword path. Shao Pu, you should learn from him.”
The middle-aged man nodded. In his life, he had only ever respected this one man. The old man had left the Northern Barbarians alone before the great conflict in the Central Plains was settled, heading south. After the unification of the Spring and Autumn Periods, he had remained in that distant land, gradually free of the smoke of war, for twenty long years.
The swordsman’s name was Ci Pai Ming Jian Qi Jin.
Hong Jingyan, who ranked high on the martial list, was his secluded disciple.
The old Confucian scholar listened to the next two performances in full, nodding and shaking his head at times. No one paid much attention to him, except for a somewhat imposing swordsman at the same table. During the performances, two groups of hooligans from Feihu City caused trouble. The first group was bribed away by the teahouse owner. The second group was far more ruthless. The blind storyteller, protecting his granddaughter who played the pipa, was punched in the face. This enraged the audience, who had paid their money to hear stories. The hooligans could act tough, but they shouldn’t have struck the old man’s face. What if he was injured? Then they would have wasted their money. The thugs spat threats, vowing to beat the old man again if he dared to praise the young master of Beiliang once more. They then swaggered away.
As the third performance neared its end, a few fine horses arrived outside the teahouse. Several young nobles from Feihu City dismounted, followed by six or seven brutal servants. Without hesitation, they rushed at the blind storyteller. One nobleman sneered as he grabbed the little girl’s hair, threatening to throw her, a small Beiliang girl, into the lowest brothel to become a prostitute.
The old scholar’s expression remained calm. “When commoners fight, let them settle it themselves. Life and death are matters of fate. But when officials fight with the people, I must intervene.”
“Shao Pu.”
In an instant, upon hearing the command, the swordsman did not draw his blade, yet his sword qi surged.
The old scholar did not look at the bloody scene. He wiped away the intricate map of the border defenses he had drawn on the table, muttering hoarsely, “In twenty years, I have been a meticulous merchant, a wandering farmer, a night watchman, a scribe for corrupt officials, a lyricist for courtesans, a bodyguard for traveling merchants, a jester for famous scholars, and even a county magistrate. I have experienced all walks of life. I have traveled through the nine nations of the Spring and Autumn Periods. If I spend another two or three years exploring the eight provinces of the Northern Barbarians, I will be ready to present a grand strategy to the emperor in the imperial city.”
The old scholar said calmly, “Huang San Jia, you used the nine nations of the Central Plains as your chessboard, while I used the two dynasties as black and white pieces. Perhaps you will lose your first rank.”
Suddenly, the old scholar laughed. “An old man with one foot in the grave still clings to the desire to win. Not good.”
In the inn, Xu Fengnian saw Tao Manwu, who had just stood on tiptoe to peek out the window, suddenly retreat as if she had seen a ghost. She ran to the bed, kicked off her shoes, and jumped beside him, hugging a curious box, her little face full of complex emotions.
Xu Fengnian teased, “What’s wrong? Did you really see your Uncle Dong? That’s not like you. If it were me, I’d shout and jump downstairs.”
Tao Manwu raised the box in her hand, tilted her head, and asked timidly, “If the little spider in the box weaves a web tomorrow, will you promise me one thing, okay?”
Xu Fengnian refused directly, “Do you think I’m stupid? If you ask me to meet your meritorious Uncle Dong or carry that money bag for you, I won’t agree.”
The little girl still held up the small wooden box, her eyes brimming with tears.
Xu Fengnian grumbled, “Go on, don’t try to charm me. There’s no such pretty girl in the world.”
After a moment’s hesitation, he added with self-mockery, “Even if there were, you’re just a yellow-haired girl of four or five.”
Xu Fengnian wanted to get up and see what was happening, but he felt her tug at his sleeve. Looking down, he saw the little girl’s eyes were wet, on the verge of a flood. Xu Fengnian’s sharp hearing caught the sound of a hundred elite cavalry riders passing outside. In Feihu City, few had the power to make such a display. Tan Tai Chang Ping was one, but the eldest son of the city’s governor was known for his low profile and would not parade his forces in the northeastern corner of the city. Considering Tao Manwu’s unusual expression, the truth became clear. For such an innocent little girl, who had only known each other for less than a month, there could be no deep romantic feelings. Xu Fengnian thought she would soon forget, and once she saw her Uncle Dong, who was rising in the political circles of the Northern Barbarians, she would quickly move on. How many vows of eternal love ended like this? Their relationship, entangled in debt and gratitude, could not withstand even a little wind and rain.
Xu Fengnian did not expose the truth, which was almost certain. He whispered, “I was going to entrust you to Tan Tai Chang’an. Later, I’ll have Old Sun take you to Bottle Alley and stay with Xi Yi for a while. Then, you can tell the governor’s second son to come to the restaurant for a meal.”
He wasn’t sure whether the second son, who looked impressive but might be hollow inside, would treat the little girl kindly. But based on Tan Tai Chang’an’s temperament, he believed he would probably be kind to a girl who couldn’t stir up much trouble. Of course, this wasn’t a perfect solution, but the situation forced Xu Fengnian’s hand. As for whether Tao Manwu would reveal her identity after some time together, and whether Tan Tai Chang’an would hand her over to Dong Fatso, it would be good for both the governor’s family and the little girl. Xu Fengnian was destined to travel deep into the heart of the Northern Barbarians, even to the distant northern frontier, and could not possibly take a little girl with him on a dangerous journey. This was not a romantic or exciting idea. One day, she might become a burden and be discarded like a pawn, dying under unknown blades and arrows. No matter how cold-hearted and ruthless Xu Fengnian was, he didn’t think watching her die was something he could take lightly.
The little girl turned her head and sulked, “I won’t go! Even if I go, I won’t say anything! I’ll just be a mute!”
Xu Fengnian laughed, “Do you think you have a choice?”
The little girl nodded firmly.
Xu Fengnian flicked her forehead gently, “One day, you’ll hate me and realize how rare it is to part ways amicably.”
Tao Manwu grabbed the porcelain pillow, wanting to hit the big bad guy, but when she saw him glare, she dared not. Afraid she would cry, she turned over, hugged the pillow and the box tightly, and then pulled the quilt over herself, hiding and sobbing quietly.
Her muffled, childish voice came out, “I hate you now!”
Crying and scolding at the same time, it must have been exhausting for her under the quilt.
Xu Fengnian waited for a while, and when it seemed endless, he sighed, took the quilt, and threw it aside. He hugged her in his arms, resting his chin on her head, gently saying, “Haven’t you been shouting every day that you want to see your Uncle Dong and have him teach me a lesson? Now that you’ve seen him, why are you hesitating?”
The little girl covered her face, her slender shoulders trembling softly, her voice broken, “Uncle Dong is a good person. I won’t let him hit you.”
Xu Fengnian shook his head, “Whether he hits me or not is not the main issue.”
He didn’t say what came next. Since the fat Dong Zhuo had brought a hundred riders to Feihu City, if it were just Dong Zhuo and his guards, Xu Fengnian wouldn’t even fear them, and might even consider killing Dong Zhuo, which would have a greater impact than killing ten Tao Qianzhi. But since Dong Zhuo had already become a key official in the Southern Court, whether the little spider in Tao Manwu’s box would weave a web didn’t matter to Xu Fengnian. However, the Northern Barbarian spiderweb behind Dong Zhuo might also be quietly spreading in Feihu City, waiting to catch its prey. For Xu Fengnian to kill a rising military star protected by loyal guards and succeed without being caught, he would need at least the Finger-Pointing Realm. Thinking of this, Xu Fengnian felt a pang of guilt. What sin had this little girl committed in her past life to meet him in this one?
Tao Manwu whispered softly, “My father said that deserting the battlefield is punishable by death!”
Xu Fengnian pinched her cheek, muttering, “Don’t say such bad things.”
After a long silence, Tao Manwu had no strength left to cry and clutched the big bad guy’s sleeve tightly, afraid he would leave at any moment.
Xu Fengnian looked at the bag of silver on the table, rubbed his forehead, and said, “Alright, alright, consider it a debt I owe you. Our little peach is so pretty, she might be snatched away by some ruffians on the way and forced to be someone’s little wife. I can’t let that happen. Listen, I’ll take you to your Uncle Dong, and that’s it.”
Outside the Feihu City inn, Dong Zhuo, who had just arrived and was about to rest, rushed out in a panic. He widened his eyes in surprise and joy. He had searched high and low without success, but now, the general who had ordered the city gates to be closed saw a ridiculous and unexpected sight: a young man leading his little niece’s hand with one hand and a poor horse with the other, appearing before him against all odds. Xiao Manwu carried a heavy-looking bag on one shoulder and held a porcelain pillow in one hand, her tears falling like pear blossoms in the rain. Dong Zhuo’s heart ached, but at least she was safe. He carefully examined her. The fat fox, who had dealt with cunning old foxes in the military and political circles for years, was now as perceptive as ever. He immediately felt a strange sense of jealousy, as if a father seeing his daughter bring home a would-be son-in-law for a beating. Damn it, his little girl wasn’t even ten years old yet. How could this bastard dare to lay a hand on her!
The fairy from the Mountain of Soldiers narrowed her eyes at the young man whose depth she couldn’t fathom. He had nothing in his hands, and the only weapon seemed to be a long cloth bag tied near the saddle of his poor horse, likely a blade similar to a Northern Barbarian saber. The more she tried to figure him out, the more cautious she became. Her martial arts skills were exceptional, and her judgment of people was top-notch. She couldn’t be sure whether this calm young man was a third or second-tier martial artist. However, when she saw her husband’s awkward expression, which was rare for him to be at a loss, she felt much more at ease. Since this unexpected guest dared to bring Xiao Manwu here, unless he was a clumsy assassin who had come to his doom, he was likely a guest rather than an enemy. She couldn’t keep a stern face any longer. When traveling, she had always remembered her mother’s advice on the mountain: besides knowing when to turn a blind eye, she must always support her husband’s dignity. That was the mark of a smart woman.
Tao Manwu looked back every few steps.
Xu Fengnian mounted his horse. Dong Zhuo smiled and said, “This noble knight who does good deeds without seeking recognition, are you leaving the city?”
Xu Fengnian nodded with a smile.
Dong Zhuo clapped his hands, “If you have any difficulties, don’t hesitate to ask. As long as it’s not a crime of treason, I can help. If you’re not comfortable with my reputation, that’s fine too. I’ll remember your kindness today for the rest of my life.”
Seeing the young man slowly turn his horse, clearly determined to leave, Dong Zhuo didn’t press further, shouting, “Send a rider to the city gate to open it!”
Watching the man and horse disappear into the distance, Dong Zhuo, in a comically exaggerated manner, ran to Tao Manwu, knelt down, and hugged her tightly. His wife hesitated to speak, but Dong Zhuo lifted Xiao Manwu onto his shoulder, turned around with a smile, and said, “I know what you’re thinking, my dear. This person came and went as he pleased. Of course, I’m suspicious, but I won’t do anything ungrateful. I’ve done enough wrong in my life. If something happens, like my son being born without an anus, who would I complain to? You two women would beat me from two hundred to one hundred pounds anyway. How hard is it for me to gain a pound?”
The woman smiled gracefully. That young gentleman was generous, but compared to her petty husband, he was still far superior.
Dong Zhuo looked around, his eyes suddenly cold and his voice low, “Listen up, I’ve already said it clearly. I said to let him go, so let him go. You’ve been following me, and I brought my private soldiers out of Gusei Province without permission, so I’m at fault first. Besides, my wife has been soothing me along the way, so I’ve endured it. If anyone dares to trip him up or do anything unnecessary, don’t blame me for being petty. I’ll dig up the graves of your ancestors for eighteen generations!”
After saying his threats, Dong Zhuo asked softly, “Dear, is the idiom ‘adding feet to a snake’ appropriate here?”
The woman was used to this and nodded, “It’s okay.”
Amid the little girl’s sobs, almost simultaneously, Xu Fengnian and Dong Zhuo, the two men, turned their heads and looked at each other from afar.
When they meet again, who knows in what glorious and opposing positions they will stand.
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