Book 21 Chapter 10 - A Shattered Dream
Following Xu Ran, Xiang Shaolong stepped into the cabins and came to a door.
Xu Ran stopped in his tracks and pushed the door inwards. He gestured: “Master Zhang is inside, you can go in on your own!”
Surprisingly, there was no ambush along the corridors. Instead, melodious music can be heard from the upper decks. This is a brilliant situation to trap Xiang Shaolong. Even if he shouted for help, no one can hear him.
Xiang Shaolong grinned and viciously used his own shoulder to smash into Xu Ran’s shoulder.
Caught unaware, Xu Ran called out in shock and stumbled into the cabin.
A black cloth bag swiftly clamped down and enveloped Xu Ran’s head and face. The bag was secured and Xu Ran was dragged deeper into the cabin. Gu Ming, Fu Yan, a few other drivers, Wu Xun and a few family warriors pounced upon Xu Ran, raining merciless, heavy blows on him.
Xiang Shaolong slipped into the cabin and closed the door behind him. Xu Ran is already pitifully writhing on the floor like a freshly cooked shrimp.
These men may be overly excited to carry out their task and did not notice that they were beating the wrong person. Xiang Shaolong and Xu Ran are dressed very differently and have different body builds as well.
Gu Ming was the first to notice that the man standing at the cabin door is Xiang Shaolong and not Xu Ran. Flabbergasted, he pointed dumbly at Xiang Shaolong but no words can come out from his mouth.
By now, everyone realized they have laid their hands on the wrong person.
Xiang Shaolong shook his head slowly and sighed, “Do you know what your mistake is?”
Xiang Shaolong dashed forward and came to the side of the short strongman, Wu Xun, in a flash. Using his momentum, he kneeled Wu Xun in his nether regions.
Back in the 21st century, Xiang Shaolong is an expert when it comes to bar fights. He totally understood the principle - To capture a man, shoot his horse; to nab the thieves, capture the bandit king.
Wu Xun is a strong, well-built and courageous man. Otherwise, he would not posses the strength to push Xiang Shaolong down the gangplank. Therefore, Xiang Shaolong chose to attack him first and attacked his most vulnerable spot as well.
His speed is too incredible and Wu Xun did not have the slightest chance to defend himself.
The next moment, Xiang Shaolong has already slipped in between the two family warriors. Using his two elbows, he strike both men heavily at the side of the rib cages.
These close combat techniques are most applicable while fighting in tight and narrow s.p.a.ces. It is hard for the opponents to predict his moves and he can easily use the opponents’ bodies to shield himself.
Both family warriors cried out in pain and collapsed.
By now, Xiang Shaolong has leapt to the front of Fu Yan. Avoiding a punch to his face, he grabbed Fu Yan’s neck with both hands and kneeled him twice below his abdomen.
With another flying kick, he sent another driver soaring through the air. PIAK! The driver hit the ship’s wall.
From the upper decks, the music became more lively and high pitched, as if it is cheering Xiang Shaolong.
Out of a sudden, someone grabbed Xiang Shaolong from behind. Releasing Fu Yan and letting him kneel down to the ground, Xiang Shaolong used Judo and flipped the man behind him over his own head, aiming to slam him in the direction of the cabin window.
BANG! The man’s spine hit the cabin window frame and the man rolled to the corner of the ship’s wall.
Gu Ming and the other two drivers advanced towards Xiang Shaolong. Using hand-grabbing techniques, Xiang Shaolong had a grip on one of the driver’s wrist and kicked him twice in his abdomen. The driver bent over in pain.
Tugging the driver with his enormous strength, he managed to cause the stumbling man to crash head on with the other driver. Both drivers collapsed into a tangled heap.
Gu Ming is now facing Xiang Shaolong alone. The two family warriors had managed to get on their feet but were still in a daze.
Gu Ming is mad with fury and anger is glimmering in his eyes. He drew out a dagger from his bosom and launched a piercing attack towards Xiang Shaolong’s chest.
Xiang Shaolong faked a movement and avoided the thrust. Using his hand in a chopping attack, he ruthlessly strikes down on his wrist.
Gu Ming’s dagger fell to the ground and he stumbled forward. Xiang Shaolong delivered a crushing punch to his back as he fell.
This overbearing driver landed flat on his face and is a pathetic sight to behold.
JIANG! JIANG! The two family warriors have regained their composure and their aggressive spirits have been ignited. Both drew out their swords.
Bloodwave left its sheath as well and turned into a sword storm.
Never in their wildest imagination did they expect Xiang Shaolong to be a G.o.dly swordsman. Among cries of panic, their long swords have long left their grasps and their wrists are bleeding.
Xiang Shaolong sheathed his sword and pressed forward, attacking with his iron fists.
Sounds of bones breaking and chilling screams followed. Three punches later, both men can no longer stand up.
As Gu Ming struggled to get up, Xiang Shaolong pressed him against the ship’s wall and landed four heavy blows to his abdomen. Gu Ming vomited a mouthful of fresh blood and sat down with his back against the ship’s wall. His pain is indescribable.
The cabin door swung open and was continued by Sister Ling’s shriek.
Except for Xiang Shaolong, n.o.body else is able to stand up.
Xiang Shaolong casually clapped his hands and joked, “How are you, Sister Ling? Aren’t you going to report me and get me fired?”
Sister Ling’s exquisite face has long been drained of any colour and she is still unable to believe her own eyes. Her lips were shuddering and she is speechless at the same time.
One of the family warriors managed to get on his knees but after puking a mouthful of blood, he fainted back onto the ground.
With his piercing eyes shining a deathly aura, Xiang Shaolong advanced towards Sister Ling.
Sister Ling screamed and fled the scene.
Xiang Shaolong stretched his limbs and believed that it is time for him to leave this ship soon.
Xiang Shaolong is standing confidently in the centre of the s.p.a.cious main hall of the ship.
Feng Fei is wearing her usual veil. Behind her stood Little Ping’er who is still dressed up as a boy.
This is the first time Xiang Shaolong laid his eyes on the second in command of the Song and Dance Troupe, Dong Shuzen. She is sitting beside Feng Fei and standing beside her is Sister Ling, who is still quivering with fear.
Dong Shuzen is around her twenties and extraordinary features lined her face. Her eyes sparkle like Christmas ornaments and are incredibly lively, betraying her intelligence.
The Head Musician Yun Niang (I typo Yun Liang previously) is present too. She is seated on the other side of Feng Fei. Presently in her middle age, she still retains much of her beauty and portrays a sense of maturity that is lacking in all the young la.s.ses. She is as mesmerizing and alluring as the courtesans.
Zhang Quan is seated on the side with a joyful expression.
Sa Li has been summoned from the other ship to partic.i.p.ate in this ‘court session.’ He is seated opposite Zhang Quan and his eyes are filled with hatred. He looked as if he wants to swallow Xiang Shaolong whole.
The two men and three ladies are seated like a fan, converging on the standing Xiang Shaolong.
Kun Shan and the other family warriors lined up two sides of the hall and the entrance of the hall. Although there are more than twenty people of them in the room, there was complete silence, adding to the stifling atmosphere.
Gu Ming, Fu Yan, Wu Xun, Xu Ran and the others have been properly bandaged. Weak and dejectedly looking, they sat on one side of the hall like a bunch of defeated c.o.c.ks. They look amusing and yet pitiful at the same time.
Dong Shuzen started, “Shen Liang, what is going on? Since you joined our troupe, there have been numerous incidents. Are you aware that our troupe forbids duelling?”
Her voice is sharp, clear and full of energy. Her singing should be delightful to the ears.
Xiang Shaolong swept his gaze over the entire crowd and found everyone has their eyes on him. Only Feng Fei remains unfathomable. He grinned widely and deepened his voice, replying, “If you wish to know what has happened, why don’t you ask Sister Ling instead? She is the mastermind and should know much more than me.”
Sa Li interrupted furiously, “Shen Liang, who do you think you are? How dare you be so disrespectful! Kneel!”
Xiang Shaolong’s eyes lit up with iciness. He stared incessantly at Sa Li but maintained his silence.
The family warriors supporting Sa Li began to turn boisterous and unruly.
Feng Fei scolded, “Shut up!” Everyone quietened down.
Pressing his hand on his sword hilt, Xiang Shaolong raised his head and laughed, “I’d rather be killed than to be insulted. A man’s kneel is as valuable as gold. If you want me to kneel to crooks like Sa Li, you might as well take my life first.”
Sa Li stood up immediately and grabbed his sword handle. He grunted, “Then let me take your lowly life.”
Xiang Shaolong was greatly amused, “If you can withstand ten strikes from me, I will kow tow ten times to you.”
Sa Li is angry beyond comprehension. His face turned from red to white and red again. However, he dare not draw his sword.
Adding fuel to fire, Zhang Quan egged, “If a.s.sistant Manager Sa possesses excellent sword skills, I, Zhang Quan, will like to witness it.”
Yun Niang who has been silent all this while sighed, “You are all noisy and unruly. What is this troupe coming to? How can you solve any issues arguing like this?”
Sa Li took the opportunity to stand down. Boiling with rage, he returned to his seat.
Feng Fei softly decided, “Very good. Now let us understand the whole situation first. Wu Xun, you are the head of the family warriors. Tell me what is going on.”
Wu Xun is a simple-minded person and is not good with words. He could not find the words to express himself and his face is beginning to turn red.
Gu Ming intervened, “This matter is started by Shen Liang. We brothers are just enjoying ourselves in the cabin when Shen Liang…”
Little Ping’er called out in interruption, “Miss (Feng Fei) is asking Wu Xun, who are you to speak up?”
A grievous Gu Ming swallowed the rest of his words.
Wu Xun finally found his tongue and replied in an anxious tone, “Yes. Shen Liang barged into our cabin and began beating us up with no rhyme or reason. That is all.”
Zhang Quan dismissed, “How would he know that all of you are hiding in the cabin and enjoying yourself?”
Wu Xun is speechless once again.
Sa Li frantically countered, “Is General Manager trying to protect this criminal? It is obviously Shen Liang is the one attacking and injuring all these men. Looking at his disrespectful bearing, you should know he is the reckless perpetrator.”
Dong Shuzen began to a.s.sess Xiang Shaolong. She frowned, “Everyone keep quiet for now.”
Turning to Xiang Shaolong, she questioned, “Shen Liang, what do you have to say for yourself?”
Xiang Shaolong will definitely not offer an explanation. He behaved like he cannot be bothered and shrugged his shoulders, “I have nothing to add. Second Mistress just have to say it and I will leave the troupe, concluding this matter.”
Zhang Quan’s face changed colour, “How can you leave without explaining yourself?”
Xiang Shaolong shot him a cold glare and snorted, “Master Zhang is having ulterior motives in hiring me. Now that I have understood your malicious intentions, I will never allow myself to be used by you. What is the point of staying here?”
Zhang Quan is considerably infuriated that even the green veins on his forehead are protruding. In that moment, his guilty conscience held his tongue.
Sister Ling frostily reprimanded, “You insolent slave, you have injured so many men and there is no way we will let you leave like that!”
Dong Shuzen cut her sentence, “Little Ling, zip it!”
Sister Ling has always enjoyed Dong Shuzen’s affections and is seldom publicly admonished like the present situation. She began to tremble with fear and dared not speak anymore.
Xiang Shaolong is initially humoured and nonchalant, awaiting the decision to chase him out of the Song and Dance Troupe.
He purposely pushed the decision into Dong Shuzen’s authority because he a.s.sumed she would shield her own personal serving maid. When he heard her telling off Sister Ling, he began to worry.
The ship’s main hall is filled with total quietness except for Zhang Quan and Sa Li’s heavy breathing.
Dong Shuzen firstly looked at the amazing soundless Feng Fei and skimmed everyone in the room. Finally laying her eyes on Xiang Shaolong once again, she frowned slightly and lectured, “It is no longer the issue of the fighting but Shen Liang’s bad att.i.tude and lack of respect for others.”
Pausing a while, she continued, “You are an extraordinary man but we are just a simple Song and Dance troupe, I am afraid we cannot accommodate your talents here, therefore…”
Xiang Shaolong is about to send his thankful prayers to heaven when Feng Fei suddenly spoke up, “Hold it!”
Everybody turned their attention to her in awe.
Xiang Shaolong’s mind became agitated. If Feng Fei identified him, his life will turn into h.e.l.l.
He deliberately changed his voice, posture and with his new appearance, on top of their one and only meeting, by right he should be able to evade her detection.
Under the scrutiny of every eye in the hall, Feng Fei softly sighed, “Who can imagine that there will be so many issues even in a small troupe such as ours. The fault does not lie with Shen Liang but with the management. I have been very tolerant so far but things are really getting out of hand. I will no longer sit back and do nothing.”
Xiang Shaolong was consoled that his cover is not blown. Concurrently, he knows that things are not going according to his plans. If he is not dismissed, is he going to Qi instead? Zhang Quan, Sa Li and Sister Ling’s face lost colour upon hearing her words.
Dong Shuzen is feeling uneasy too. She can feel Feng Fei’s words are aimed at her as well.
Feng Fei judged, “Shen Liang, you can continue to be my driver with a peace of mind. If anyone were to make trouble for you, you can report to me directly.”
Xiang Shaolong was stunned beyond words. He wished he could start crying at the failure of his escape plan.
If he insisted on leaving, doubts will be raised.
Zhang Quan who mistook him for the real Shen Liang now hates him to the core. He may even plot against himself or have misgivings about his ident.i.ty.
He can only salute and give his thanks.
Feng Fei is now facing Zhang Quan and Sa Li. She gracefully took down her veil, revealed crystal sharp features that can rival Ji Yanran and Qin Qing.
However, her two eyes are frosty and her expression is one of displeasure.
Zhang Quan was terrified and he hastily kneeled down, kowtowing, “I know I am wrong. I know I am wrong!”
Sa Li is still banking on Dong Shuzen’s influence and tried to wriggle his way out. He argued, “Mistress, I wasn’t on this ship when the incident happened…”
Sister Ling shrieked, “How dare you talk back like this?”
An annoyed Dong Shuzen commanded, “Little Ling, kneel! From today onwards, you need not serve me anymore!”
Sister Ling pet.i.te frame was shaking uncontrollably. She broke down crying.
Sa Li finally came to his senses and kneeled down too, kowtowing non-stop.
Feng Fei plainly state, “At the next stop, Sa Li you better scram. Go as far as your legs can take you. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being heartless.”
Turning to Zhang Quan, she announced, “Taking into consideration all the years you have been with me, and taking into account you realized your mistake, I will only demote you to a.s.sistant Manager. Yu Niang will now control all the finances. Gu Ming and his partners in crime will all be fined a month’s salary. Anyone who opposes will be fired on the spot.”
Finishing, she ignored Sa Li’s pleas and rose, leaving the hall. Even Dong Shuzen was horrified and kneeling on the ground.
Xiang Shaolong has no choice but to kneel down as well. In his mind, he was contemplating to join Sa Li in ‘going as far as his legs can take him’.
Feng Fei’s astute judgment and insight is something he definitely did not antic.i.p.ate.