In the Bottle Alley by Lake Jiaqing, every willow tree along the lakeshore was adorned with large red lanterns, making the night as bright as day. This was convenient for certain patrons who harbored peculiar tastes for watching wild mandarin ducks frolicking in the water, revealing the extent of the alley’s shameless pursuit of business. However, tonight, the men lingering in Bottle Alley seemed to lack such deviant inclinations, and Lake Jiaqing was tranquil and serene. Tanchi Konghou led the way to a waterside pavilion bearing a plaque inscribed with the words “Sky and Water Converge.” She brazenly imitated the posture of a rough martial artist, straddling a chair with her legs wide apart, then raised one hand, signaling that the martial contest could begin.
She naturally held little regard for the ostentatious swordsman with the saber at his waist. Her servant was more than capable. Though the martial world had rankings above the Third Tier, such as the Second Tier and the Fourth Tier’s pinnacle of the First Tier, a martial artist of the Third Tier could still rarely encounter an equal on the Jianghu, if not outright dominate. After all, the Second and First Tier cultivators maintained the dignity befitting top experts—they seldom appeared publicly and were reluctant to engage in combat. Demonic master Xie Ling, for instance, viewed such young men’s squabbles with the same indifference as an adult watching a child throw a tantrum. He had no interest in intervening, for such engagements brought no benefit to one’s martial cultivation. The higher one’s cultivation, the more one’s patience and perseverance were tested. One could never afford to slack off, especially upon reaching the First Tier, where the gates of heaven opened wide, like a vast landscape scroll unfurling before one’s eyes. Those within the scroll were immersed in its beauty, while those outside were but insignificant, their worlds coarse and vulgar.
Mubai Konghou, who had expected a swift resolution, noticed her attendant, Yang Dianqing, formally lifting his robe and securing it at his waist, stepping forward with a courteous gesture. She instinctively leaned forward, surprised. Could it be that she had actually caught a big fish? Otherwise, why would this proud personal guard of the city magistrate’s mansion take such matters so seriously?
The personal guard, a master of external martial arts, did not rush to attack. He spoke gravely, “My grandfather Yang Huqing studied under Master Fu Qiujian, the twelfth-generation patriarch of the Heroic Intent Fist (Xiongyi Fist) from the Central Plains. Upon returning home, he founded the Dragon Form Fist, which the world regards as a hard external style, though it is actually a balanced blend of internal and external techniques. My father refined it further during his time in the military, making it particularly adept at close-range, direct attacks. He never hesitated or concerned himself with public opinion. If my strikes seem unreasonable, young master, do not be surprised.”
Xu Fengnian smiled and nodded, mirroring the gesture with one foot forward and one hand extended in courtesy.
Impatient Tanchi Konghou rolled her eyes. This Yang Dianqing was being far too meticulous. A few moves and it would be over, yet he insisted on such formality. She had made plans with her second brother to attend a concert in Anyang, and this arrogant personal guard of the city magistrate’s mansion was taking things far too seriously. She finally shouted, “Hey! Are you two going to finish or not? Are you two old friends meeting in a foreign land? Get on with it! There’s winning and there’s losing—what’s with all the pleasantries!”
Yang Dianqing, the city magistrate’s attendant, struck first, launching a straight punch with a stable lower stance. His feet kicked up dust from the ground, and his entire body twisted like a rope, revealing immense explosive power. This was the first time Tanchi Konghou had seen him exert himself fully. Her eyes widened with excitement. So this Yang fellow did have some real skill after all—previously, dealing with those clueless young ruffians had been like using a butcher’s knife to kill a chicken.
The young swordsman, with his left hand resting on the plain short saber’s scabbard, met the attack with his right arm alone. Yang Dianqing, clearly irritated by the young man’s arrogance, launched a tight, rapid series of punches, his body and footwork seamlessly integrated, advancing with a preemptive inch of momentum, his force as swift as a rainbow.
Xu Fengnian lightly tapped Yang Dianqing’s twisting punch with his right hand, sliding backward two steps. This gave Yang a moment to recover his breath and also created space for himself. As expected, Yang Dianqing, true to his word, adapted his family style without constraint, immediately launching a ruthless attack aimed at striking between the legs. Xu Fengnian bent his knee and raised his leg in a perfectly measured sidestep, lightly deflecting the fierce assault. Yang Dianqing, almost as if carried by the momentum, twisted his body like a bow and leaped into the air, delivering a swift whip kick. Tanchi Konghou clapped in delight.
Xu Fengnian still used only his right hand, blocking the kick with his palm and stepping back once more to dissipate the force. Without releasing his grip, he turned his body, almost as if carrying Yang on his shoulder, and spun in a wide arc, throwing Yang Dianqing backward. Yang landed lightly, his feet firmly rooted, showing no sign of defeat.
Tanchi Konghou, ever the troublemaker, cheered, though in her opinion, the match was far from decisive. The swordsman had merely used strange techniques to defend and had barely avoided a crushing defeat. She preferred Yang Dianqing’s straightforward, powerful style, which was a joy to watch.
Yang Dianqing, however, knew his own limits. Though he had launched a series of relentless attacks, each move had been guided by the young swordsman’s intent. If the opponent had truly wished to strike with full force, he doubted he could have lasted ten moves.
Just as he was about to bite down and unleash the Dragon Form Fist’s ultimate technique, a melodious voice, like celestial music, reached his ears: “Enough! Enough! Under the moon and among the flowers, both of you are masters—surely heroes should admire heroes. Why fight to the death? It spoils the mood. Konghou, if you keep this up, I won’t take you to the concert anymore.”
Xu Fengnian and Yang Dianqing exchanged a knowing smile and ceased their battle. Yang, with a grateful bow, showed great respect to the swordsman—an impressive gesture for someone of his standing in the city magistrate’s mansion. Xu Fengnian, well aware of martial artists’ customs, returned the bow with equal formality. After all, for someone like Yang Dianqing, with both family background and connections, this level of courtesy was no small feat.
“This is it?!” Tanchi Konghou, disappointed at the premature end of the spectacle, glared at the white-robed nobleman holding a birdcage. “Second Brother! What’s wrong with you?! Are you taking his side and forbidding me from having fun?! Are you even my second brother? I must be adopted, and that’s why you don’t care about me at all, right?!”
The white-robed nobleman stood by the lakeshore with a smile, holding a birdcage woven from purple bamboo, inside which was a rare and valuable dragon-tongued finch. Around twenty-five or twenty-six years old, he had a face as refined as jade, exuding elegance. Though perhaps not quite as striking as the true visage of the Crown Prince, compared to the masked Xu Fengnian, he was undeniably more impressive. He smiled wryly at his sister’s unreasonable outburst, saying, “My little miss, you’ll be the death of me! Would you believe me if I said I was adopted too?”
Tanchi Konghou, though sharp-tongued, softened her tone when addressing her brother, revealing a hint of playful affection. She ran out of the pavilion, stopping before him with her hands on her hips and lips pouted in mock indignation. “Liar! You and Big Brother are twins. If you were adopted, wouldn’t I be the only real daughter left?”
Dantai Chang’an, the city’s top playboy with no reputation for villainy, chuckled warmly, ruffling his sister’s hair with a wry smile. “If your Big Brother heard that, he’d tan your hide. I’m just more indulgent than that bookish fool. Come on, tell me who in the family loves you the most. Say it right, and I’ll give you a surprise.”
Tanchi Konghou’s eyes sparkled like crescent moons as she clung to her brother’s arm, giggling. “It’s definitely you, Second Brother. No contest!”
The handsome young nobleman laughed heartily, tapping her forehead gently. “You know full well that you’re a heartless little thing. As soon as you see that bookish fool, you’ll switch sides like a weathervane. But hearing you say it still makes me happy. I’ve had the servants prepare plum blossom porridge for you in the courtyard. The plum blossoms were handpicked by me during the late winter. I even fell from the tree a few times, but I never told you.”
Tanchi Konghou hugged her brother joyfully. “I knew you loved me the most! I’ll never marry—I’ll be your wife instead!”
Dantai Chang’an flicked his sister’s forehead, feigning anger. “You can stay single, but calling yourself my wife? That’s going too far!”
He handed her the birdcage to hold, warning her with a stern look not to dare release the dragon-tongued finch lest she be denied plum blossom porridge. Seeing her pout, he smiled and turned to Xu Fengnian, bowing sincerely. “Xu Young Master, please forgive my unruly sister. She’s actually a good girl—just a bit mischievous and forever a child. If you’re still interested in meeting Wei Manxiu, I’d be honored to introduce you to her at the Pavilion of the Love Ball.”
Xu Fengnian smiled and shook his head. “I can’t trouble you so much, Master Dantai. I’ll return to Guanghan Pavilion tomorrow—I’ll manage on my own.”
Tanchi Konghou muttered, “Ungrateful.”
Dantai Chang’an shot her a warning glare, and she stuck out her tongue. She reached out to tease the dragon-tongued finch, whose mimicry was even more lifelike than a top-tier parrot. As she said, “Third Young Master’s martial arts are unrivaled,” the bird repeated the words in a voice identical to hers, making the childish Tanchi Konghou laugh uncontrollably.
Xu Fengnian chuckled softly. “A fine bird indeed.”
To his own surprise, Dantai Chang’an blushed slightly, glancing down at his crotch with a wistful sigh, as if sharing a rare camaraderie. “You have a keen eye, indeed! Come, let’s have a few drinks together.”
Before Xu Fengnian could refuse, Dantai Chang’an strode forward and grabbed his arm, leading him toward the secluded courtyard of Miss Anyang. “You know, I can’t explain it, but the moment I saw you, I felt an instant connection.”
Noticing Xu Fengnian’s skeptical look, Dantai Chang’an laughed heartily. “Don’t worry—I’m not one of those men who fancy men. I may not be the kind to crave women constantly, but I’d love to be the kind of man who can pleasure ten beauties in one night. But recently, I made a bet with a childhood friend at the Boiling Waves Pavilion, and I ended up injuring myself. For now, beautiful women are like tigers and dragons to me. But I still have no interest in men. You can rest easy.”
Xu Fengnian replied bluntly, “Not entirely reassuring.”
Dantai Chang’an didn’t take offense. Instead, he laughed again—loudly and freely, without a trace of gloom. This notorious playboy, known for his carefree nature, seemed to possess an innate charm that put people at ease. “Dealing with honest men is easy. Let me speak plainly—I’d rather be upfront than make you guess. If I take a liking to someone, as long as they mean no harm, even if they throw a few punches or curse me out, it’s all good. I might act like a spoiled nobleman at first, but I’ll regret it later. If you and I truly become friends, I hope you’ll forgive me for any such moments.”
Xu Fengnian followed him into a quiet courtyard where the tea had long gone cold, remarking bluntly, “Your friendships don’t seem to be worth much, Second Young Master. Do you befriend everyone you meet?”
Dantai Chang’an turned his head, feigning hurt.
Tanchi Konghou slapped her forehead. Having such a shameless second brother was truly embarrassing. Yet, she didn’t find it odd at all that her aristocratic brother would associate with a commoner, even treating him as an equal. Besides, this swordsman from afar wasn’t unattractive, and at such a young age, he had fought Yang Dianqing to a draw. If he had been spotted by her eldest brother, who cherished talent like gold, he would have been brought back to the magistrate’s mansion and treated like a deity.
Miss Anyang, as Xu Fengnian had seen from the second-floor window, was a plump, fair-skinned beauty draped in brocade, exuding the refined grace of a noblewoman raised in luxury. Such a dignified presence naturally stirred the desires of powerful men. The saying went: boys raised in hardship develop ambition, while girls raised in wealth develop grace. It was a simple truth.
In the Yan Yang Dynasty, the highest-class courtesans fell into three categories: the first were concubines and court ladies from fallen kingdoms of the Spring and Autumn Period, now a lost art; the second were daughters of disgraced officials; and the third were girls raised in brothels and trained to become courtesans. According to Li Liu, the top courtesan of Guanghan Pavilion, the young woman now holding the qin was the daughter of a once-prominent family from the Ju Zi Province, now fallen into ruin.
As the host of Guanghan Pavilion, Dantai Chang’an showed no condescension toward Miss Anyang, smiling as he said, “Dear Miss Anyang, could you play a piece of ‘High Mountains and Flowing Streams’? This gentleman beside me and I have taken quite a liking to each other.”
Miss Anyang smiled slightly, clearly familiar with Dantai’s personality. She simply nodded without unnecessary pleasantries.
Xu Fengnian sighed helplessly. “My name is Xu Qi. I’m from Gu Sai Province. My family has no officials—just merchants, dealing in various goods, mainly porcelain.”
Dantai Chang’an chuckled. “You probably already know who I am and my background, but to show sincerity, let me introduce myself properly. I’m Dantai Chang’an. Our Dantai family is merely a minor branch of the prestigious Dantai clan from Long Pass—a mere twig on a towering tree, not enough to impress true nobility. As for ‘Chang’an,’ I think my parents gave me that name not because they hoped for the city’s eternal peace, but simply for my own long-term safety. Xu Young Master, do I look like the kind of man with grand ambitions? I try to act the part to attract those high-spirited women who refuse to marry anyone less than a minister or general, but alas, I’m not up to their standards. I’m nowhere near as accomplished as my elder brother. Hey, Miss Anyang, play your qin properly! Don’t think I don’t notice your distraction. Among those women I just mentioned, you were one!”
Xu Fengnian felt a mixture of amusement and exasperation. His perception of danger was acute, enhanced by the Great Huangting cultivation technique, even sharper than the intuitive sensitivity of the clever little girl, Tao Manwu. Unless Dantai Changan was a martial expert at the Jinguang level or above, he was truly a harmless and interesting fellow. Yet, judging from his appearance and gait, he was clearly a dissipated young nobleman, his body hollowed out by indulgence in wine and women. If he was pretending to hide his true abilities, then whether Xu Fengnian entered this courtyard or not, he would be at a disadvantage, either way. So, he decided to take it as it came and remain calm.
Observing auras and reading omens was an essential skill for any wandering martial artist. Whether one could accurately gauge another depended largely on their respective cultivation levels. A high-level martial artist was like a rich man who didn’t flaunt his wealth—no need to wear a thick gold chain or carry strings of coins. When one’s wealth was vast enough to rival a nation, it was hidden beneath plain sleeves. Similarly, when a martial artist concealed their aura, only someone two levels higher could accurately perceive it from a superior vantage point. Otherwise, it was like trying to guess the value of jade hidden in stone. Just like the emerald hidden between the ample bosom of Lady Anyang, it might seem unremarkable among many gems, but it became valuable precisely because of the thrill of the gamble—cracking open the rough stone to reveal its hidden beauty. That was what made jade collecting so enthralling.
Martial experts were much the same. Most of them concealed their auras, making every encounter a kind of high-stakes game. Hence the saying, “unfathomable.” Otherwise, if every martial artist walked out the door and bystanders started shouting, “Look, look, it’s a second-tier expert!” or if a first-tier expert paraded through the streets, people would drag their families out to gawk. That would be absurd. That was the essence of the martial world’s allure—it could make you fall into a ditch or rise to fame by defeating others. Only when one reached the Realm of resonating with heaven and earth, the Tianxiang Realm, could their presence be unmistakably recognized, even without the need for observation. Even the so-called “Land Immortals” of the fourth realm could be identified with certainty, unless they were like the sages of the three great teachings, who deliberately concealed their power, making them impossible to judge by ordinary means. That was why Zhao Xuan’ou of Dragon and Tiger Mountain could deceive two sword immortals, Li Chungan and Deng Tai’a. As for martial artists who relied purely on brute force, they were still vulnerable to detection by the “Celestial Eye.”
Even someone as mighty as Wang Xianzhi, the strongest in the world, or Tuoba Boshi, who followed closely behind him, were exceptions. They were said to be able to defeat the other eight together. They didn’t need any celestial signs; any martial artist could feel the terrifying pressure they exuded. Against anyone else, they would crush them effortlessly, no matter how powerful their opponent, even if they were a Land Immortal.
Dantai Changan was indeed pouring out his heart. Listening to the guqin music, he glanced at his younger sister, who was happily drinking the plum porridge he had cooked. He took a sip of wine, closed his eyes, and said, “To be honest, my ambition is to become a teacher at a village private school. I’ll use a chicken-feather duster on disobedient boys, and be a bit gentler with the girls. Not that I have any ulterior motives—I just enjoy imagining how they’ll grow up, elegant and graceful, becoming wives and mothers. I don’t know why, but thinking about it makes me happy.”
Xu Fengnian replied flatly, “How many friends have you told that lofty ambition to?”
Dantai Changan looked innocent. “Believe it or not, I’ve only ever told you.”
Xu Fengnian couldn’t help but glance at him sideways. “Dantai Changan, did you fall from the plum tree and hit your head?”
Dantai Konghou, who had been drinking porridge and listening, spat it out and gave him a thumbs-up. “Xu Qi, well said!”
Dantai Changan rolled his eyes. “Granny, who was it that just said I was turning against my own family? Shouldn’t I give you a piece of my mind? When it comes to verbal duels, who has your second brother ever lost to?”
Dantai Konghou stuck out her tongue. Looking at the young man with the saber, she found him much more agreeable. After all, her second brother had countless friends, but few dared to say he had a cracked skull. And this outsider had only just met them, yet he had the courage to speak so directly—that was exactly the kind of boldness she admired, just like this bowl of plum porridge! Was this what they called “not fighting, not knowing each other” in the martial world? She continued eating her porridge slowly, in a very good mood.
Dantai Changan asked, “Xu Qi, what’s your ambition? I can tell your martial arts are quite good. Are you going to be someone like Hong Jingyan, revered by thousands? Or like Luoyang, a ruthless demon? Or even more ambitious—become the Northern Yan’s War God, a figure so towering that he stands alone for a hundred years?”
Xu Fengnian thought for a moment and replied calmly, “I don’t have such grand ambitions. I just want my father to pass away peacefully, knowing that I’m there.”
Murong Konghou seemed to recall something she had said at the fourth floor and muttered softly, not caring whether Xu Qi could hear her, “Sorry, Xu Qi. I just said that at Guanghan Building.”
Dantai Changan unusually fell silent. After a long pause, he raised his cup and said softly, “That’s not bad. A little bigger than my ambition. I’ve never liked those who talk about saving the world. There are too many like that in Feihu City, even among my friends. They always look far away, but ignore what’s right under their feet. They don’t understand the meaning of staying close to their parents.”
Seeing Xu Fengnian’s gaze, Dantai Changan smiled awkwardly. “You know what I mean. I didn’t mean to criticize you. I’m not well-read. I just remember a few principles and blurt them out.”
Xu Fengnian smiled.
Dantai Changan looked as if he had seen a ghost and burst into laughter. “Xu Qi, Xu Qi! You finally gave me a smile, you stingy fellow! Come on, let’s have a toast, my brother!”
Xu Fengnian raised his cup and drank it all.
Thinking of many past events, he naturally cherished the carefree childhood when his mother was alive. He had played and laughed with his two loving older sisters. Even when his mother was strict about his studies, life was still worry-free. After all, his mother had a sword, and his father had thirty thousand iron cavalry. What did he have to fear?
The young prince also didn’t dislike his teenage years, spent with Li Hanlin, the easily swayed Yan Chiji, and the loyal but clumsy Kong Wuchi. Whenever something went wrong, he would take it out on Xu Xiao, even grabbing a broom and chasing him around. In any feudal prince’s mansion, or even any aristocratic family, such a scene would be unimaginably absurd. But Xu Xiao never got angry. At first, Xu Fengnian didn’t understand, only thinking that Xu Xiao had wronged his mother and deserved a beating. If Xu Xiao dared to get angry, he would run to his mother’s tomb to complain. As he grew older, he didn’t really want to argue with Xu Xiao anymore, nor did he carry any resentment. It was just a habit now, a natural reaction. As for what others thought, father and son truly didn’t care a bit.
Xu Fengnian said slowly, “Dantai Changan, if you’re not lying, your ambition is actually quite good.”
Dantai Changan nodded vigorously. “I knew you’d understand me. No more words, another toast!”
Xu Fengnian rolled his eyes. “Toast nothing. I already drank a whole pot of yellow wine at Xi Yi’s place just to save money for meeting Miss Wei. If I drink another, I’ll really have to lie here.”
Dantai Changan happily drank alone and said, “Impressive, Xu Qi. We both have the same taste in women. But no matter how hard I try to please her, Xi Yi never lets me into her room, let alone drink there. You know, ever since I first saw her at fifteen, when she was still the top courtesan, I was stunned. What a caring older sister! If anyone else takes this mature peony, I’ll fight them. But if it’s you, I’ll let it go. You’re my good brother! The reason I bought Guanghan Building was half for Xi Yi, and the other half, well, you know. To earn money for myself and to build connections for the family. Two birds with one stone. This is the only thing I’ve done that made my father happy.”
Even Xu Fengnian, who had seen countless eccentric noblemen, was at a loss for words.
If this guy met Li Hanlin, they’d probably become sworn brothers on the spot.
Dantai Changan was like someone who had never seen a man fall for a woman’s charms. He didn’t care whether Xu Fengnian drank with him, just kept pouring cup after cup. But these were all top-quality spirits, and soon his face was flushed. His body was already weak, and his speech was beginning to slur.
Xu Fengnian stood up and said, “It’s getting late. I’ll go first and come back tomorrow.”
Smiling, Xu Fengnian apologized to Lady Anyang. “Xu Qi is truly short on funds and dares not easily enter your courtyard, for fear of being driven away with sticks.”
The courtesan of Guanghan Building smiled modestly. “No problem. Tomorrow, meet Miss Xiu first, and the day after, come back to listen to my guqin. Since you’re the bosom friend of the second young master, if I still charged you, I’d lose my job.”
Dantai Changan staggered, sat back down, and clasped his hands. “Xu Qi, I won’t see you off, for fear you’ll think I’m checking up on you. Then we’d no longer be brothers, and I’d be terribly wronged.”
Xu Fengnian left the courtyard and went to the fourth floor to pick up Tao Manwu.
The small courtyard was quiet, so quiet that even the sound of a needle dropping could be heard.
Dantai Changan kept drinking, though more slowly now.
Lady Anyang rested her chin on her hand, gazing at this interesting, very interesting, extremely interesting young nobleman. She had watched him for many years, as if she had seen through him, yet she always felt there was more to him.
She felt that just watching him quietly like this, she would never tire of it.
Dantai Konghou tried to sneak a sip of wine but had her hand slapped. She pulled it back and muttered, “Stingy!”
Dantai Changan’s handsome face flushed red, and he slurred, “What are you doing drinking? If one day I’m not around and you get drunk with someone, and get taken advantage of, I’ll die of anger!”
The third young master of the Chengmu Mansion smiled sweetly, then grew serious. “Second brother, are you really not going to check up on Xu Qi’s background?”
The drunken Dantai Changan shook his head. “No.”
Dantai Konghou frowned. “Why? He’s barely past his coming-of-age ceremony, not much older than me, and yet he can fight Yang Dianchen to a draw. Isn’t that strange?”
Dantai Changan smiled sincerely. “See, my name is Dantai Changan. I’ve been safe all these years. Xu Qi, Xu Qi—odd as he is, what’s wrong with that?”
Dantai Konghou kicked her second brother and huffed, “Nonsense!”
When her brother ignored her, she asked curiously, “Second brother, are you really thinking of becoming a teacher? I’ve never heard you say that before. Did you lie to Xu Qi?”
Dantai Changan leaned on the table, holding his cup, gazing at the moonlit sky. “Too many words, half a sentence too many. A thousand cups for a true friend. I’m drunk, I’m drunk.”
And just like that, he fell asleep, snoring.
When Xu Fengnian saw Xi Yi again, she was clearly displeased, still upset about that slap. Xu Fengnian was happy to play dumb, hugging Tao Manwu and walking downstairs, slowly leaving the quiet Bottle Alley. As he left the building, he waved at a window on the fourth floor.
Xi Yi quickly hid her body, blushing and muttering angrily, “Rascal!”
Instinctively, she rubbed her bottom, biting her lip, her eyes filled with a seductive charm that was unmatched in the entire city.
As Xu Fengnian left Bottle Alley, the little girl hugged her beloved porcelain pillow, her lips involuntarily curling into a smile. Hugging it was far more comfortable than carrying that heavy travel bag.
Xu Fengnian narrowed his eyes. His heart was not as calm and relaxed as he appeared.
Besides the face mask carefully crafted by Shu Xiu, and the puppet prince hidden in the Wutong Courtyard of the mansion, this journey north meant the meticulous operation of the entire Beiliang Prince’s Mansion’s intelligence network. They had done too many covert things in secret. For example, the travel permit Xu Fengnian now carried meant he came from a very “real” family in Gusai Prefecture, a legitimate son of a porcelain merchant family. Thus, the face mask he now wore was one of many identities he had prepared. As for the poor original owner of this identity, he was likely dead somewhere, his body never to return to the ancestral grave, his name never to be carved on a tombstone. Every link was tightly connected, and any mistake could unravel everything.
Xu Xiao had made it clear: once the young prince left Beiliang, no assassins would be sent to protect him. Li Yishan and the others had no objections, for they knew that any further protection would leave traces. After all, the Northern Yan had a vast web of spies covering the entire empire. And these bloodthirsty spiders were extremely sensitive to even the slightest tremor on the web.
The web was called Zhu Wang, a pun on the word “spider,” created by Li Mibu, a close advisor to the Northern Yan emperor, imitating the Zhao Gou of the Liyang Dynasty, but surpassing it. With a pole, they caught butterflies and dragonflies—sounding poetic, but in reality, extremely bloody. Once someone was stuck on the pole, their head would roll. Because this secret organization had the authority to act first and report later, it showed the Northern Yan Empress’s trust in Li Mibu. Thus, he was always regarded as the ninth shadow Jieyuan, a title of immense power. It was unimaginable that this bloodstained executioner had personally killed several members of the Yelü royal family, and most of the Murong clan had died by his hand. Twenty years ago, he had been nothing more than a frustrated scholar from a poor family in the Eastern Yue, perhaps truly like a tangerine that becomes a trifoliate orange when moved north—some people were destined to remain hidden until the storm came, and then rise as dragons. Li Yishan once said that killing Li Mibu was equivalent to cutting off one eye and one arm of the Northern Yan Empress.
But this old scholar, already in his sixties, could be considered the progenitor of assassins. Aside from dying of old age or being ordered to death by the Northern Marches’ empress, it was hardly possible for him to be assassinated.
As for whether Dan-tai Chang’an was genuinely charismatic or merely a playboy in disguise, Xun Fengnian could not immediately discern. However, after carefully weighing every detail upon entering Feihu City and calculating every possibility, he determined there was no chance he had revealed himself, so he ceased unnecessary worries. After all, at worst, he could always fight his way out of the city.
Tao Manwu suddenly whispered, “After you left, I didn’t say a single word. But Aunt Xi Yi called you a rogue.”
Xun Fengnian nodded and smiled, “What do you know? When a woman calls you a rogue, it’s actually a compliment.”
Tao Manwu murmured, “Oh,” and seemingly in retaliation for him forbidding her from speaking with Aunt Xi Yi, she kept repeating, “Rogue, rogue, rogue…”
Xun Fengnian sneered teasingly, “Little miss, if you think you can get this young master to pat your little bottom, you’re at least ten years too early!”
Tao Manwu shifted into a more comfortable position nestled in his arms and this time said only one word: “Rogue!”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage