Book 23 Chapter 04 - Evil Upon One’s Door
Despite Feng Fei’s lack of admission, Xiang Shaolong is unwaveringly a.s.sured that her lover is Han Jie.
He can visualize Feng Fei getting to know Han Jie in Xianyang and both parties begin to rendezvous with full awareness that Lu Buwei or Lao Ai would surely object to their relationship. The critical factor is Lu Buwei is in cahoots with Lao Ai so even if Lao Ai approves of their relationship, it would still be in jeopardy.
As a result, the couple has decided to reunite in Qi before eloping or executing a similar plan. Since Han Jie is one of Cao Cuidao’s top disciples, he can openly travel with Lu Buwei to Qi with good reason.
In this aspect, Xiang Shaolong’s role as a troupe manager is absolutely crucial as Feng Fei requires someone to see to her travel arrangements and an appropriate cover up, allowing her to leave Qi unmolested.
Supposing Han Jie is Feng Fei’s Prince Charming, the perpetuators behind his a.s.sa.s.sination must be a joint scheme between Lao Ai and Lu Buwei. For Feng Fei to change her mind, it must be due to her intention to elope with Han Jie. It would be unwise to bear the risk of this murder charge.
Delving deeper, Feng Fei could be acting on Tian Dan’s instructions and was given the poisonous ring by Lu Buwei. With a slow acting venom taking his life several days later or a venom that causes blindness, she can safely depart once she completed her a.s.signment.
He may not possess all the fine details but Xiang Shaolong is confident that he has a good grasp of the big picture.
Before he could step out of the front hall, he collided with Xiao Yuetan who had came looking for him. The two men isolated themselves in the quiet eastern chamber.
Xiang Shaolong began: “Is there a way for you to obtain a blueprint of Qixia College?”
Xiao Yuetan was incredulous: “What do you want it for? Cao Cuidao is not to be trifled with.”
Xiang Shaolong explained: “I am only going to steal something that rightfully belongs to me. The King of Qi has bestowed my Hundred Battle Sabre to Cao Cuidao and it is now hanging in the main hall of Qixia College.”
Xiao Yuetan questioned: “I was about to tell you about it. Who did you get this information from?”
Xiang Shaolong told him everything about Han Chuang’s morning visit. Knitting his brows in a giant frown, Xiao Yuetan thought long and hard in complete silence.
He finally warned: “Shaolong must not blame me for being a nag but I know Han Chuang’s character very well. He is a greedy pervert and is extremely selfish. To achieve his goals, he can forsake his integrity and morals. Although he owes you a huge debt of grat.i.tude, it makes no difference when it comes to fulfilling his agenda.”
Recalling Han Chuang’s sincere outlook this morning, Xiang Shaolong found it arduous to agree with Xiao Yuetan’s point of view. Nevertheless Xiao Yuetan meant well and momentarily, Xiang Shaolong did not know what to reply.
Doing his best to persuade Xiang Shaolong, Xiao Yuetan advised: “Shaolong cannot afford to let your guard down. Presently, you are jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. You are not out of the woods yet. If I were you, I would never trust anyone from the Three States (Han Wei Zhao). Inversely, Li Yuan is much more reliable because at the end of the day, Chu is not under direct threat from Yingzheng’s aggressiveness.”
Xiang Shaolong bitterly smiled: “I am alone by myself. It would be awfully easy for Han Chuang or Lord Longyang to take my life.”
Xiao Yuetan shook his head: “You are too gullible. Firstly, Han Chuang and company knows that they must remain confidential about your presence. If Qi knows the truth, the King of Qi may welcome you as a VIP and honourably escort you back to Xianyang.”
Pausing, he added: “Or he may simply use this opportunity to get rid of you for good and no one will be the wiser.”
Xiang Shaolong kept silent.
Xiao Yuetan continued: “Currently, no one would dare to shoulder the responsibility of being your murderer. He who kills you today can expect the Great army of Qin descending on his city gates the next morning. I can a.s.sure you this is hardly amusing.”
Xiang Shaolong wondered: “If they killed me in secret, who would know about it?”
Xiao Yuetan replied: “At least Li Yuan would know. Han Chuang and Lord Longyang cannot choose to sit idle too.”
He added in laughter: “Our Shaolong is not a sitting duck and your sword skills are top notched. If you managed to escape a murderous attempt and coupled with the fact that this is not the territory of the Three States, who would have the guts to try and take your life a second time round? If I were in their shoes, I would do my best to reduce your suspicions and defenses, thereafter steadily luring you into an inescapable dead end before making my move. Even with your consummate abilities, strength and tricks, it would all be useless as you are ambushed and butchered.”
Though his entire body is breaking out in cold sweat, Xiang Shaolong is still doubtful and gave a cursory a.s.surance: “I will be careful!”
The objective Xiao Yuetan nodded: “Maybe I have been thinking too much! But it is better to be safe than sorry. Theoretically, Lord Longyang has tried to harm you before and it would be more challenging for him to harden his resolve to repeat this crime. However, a man’s heart is unfathomable. Furthermore, this implicates the survival of one’s country and clan. Shaolong had better give it some serious thought!”
Patting Xiao Yuetan’s shoulder, Xiang Shaolong gratefully thanked: “Now, Senior Brother you is the only man I can place all my trust without any reservations. Feng Fei’s issue has grown in complexity.”
Xiao Yuetan hastily enquired and after Xiang Shaolong revealed his conclusions, Xiao Yuetan mused with his brows locked in a frown: “I do not know Han Jie personally but seeing that he came all the way to Xianyang to seek his fortune, would he be willing to give up his career over a lady?”
Xiang Shaolong agreed: “It is said that Han Jie is a member of the Han Royalty and got acquainted with Lao Ai in Han a long time ago. For someone to be a close friend of Lao Ai, one can hardly expect him to be a man of integrity. If he is out to deceive Feng Fei and does not truly love her, the problem will be bigger than what I imagined.”
Xiao Yuetan chuckled: “As outsiders, it is tough for us to comprehend the truth. Feng Fei is a definitely a beauty who can cause a man to sacrifice everything for her. Why don’t Shaolong have a go at her, at least it is better than letting Han Jie obtain her.”
Xiang Shaolong shook his head: “Knowing that her lover is Han Jie, I would be less inclined to get involved with her.”
Slamming the table, Xiao Yuetan exclaimed: “I’ve got it! Feng Fei must have decided to elope to Xianyang and become Han Jie’s secret mistress. This matter has been approved by Lao Ai and all they need to do is keep Lu Buwei in the dark.”
Xiang Shaolong sighed: “Feng Fei is really a cunning fox. Back on the ship when I confess to her that Lu Buwei is the mastermind behind Zhang Quan, she pretended to be surprise and desperate, thoroughly misleading me and implicating me in her devious scheme.”
Xiao Yuetan disclosed: “I have discovered a piece of information that will only add to your worries. Are you keen to hear about it?”
Xiang Shaolong bitterly laughed: “I am already numb to all these upheavals. It would not affect me much even if I know about it.”
Xiao Yuetan went on: “Upon my instructions, Zongsun Heji went looking for Zongsun Long to gather intelligence and he found out that this bloodsucker secretly spread rumours among the wayward students of Qixia, professing that you are proud of your capable swordsmanship and regarded the swordsmen of Qi with contempt. Aye! What a despicable cad. He is afraid of offending Li Yuan or Xie Ziyuan to resort to this underhand, indirect attack.”
Xiang Shaolong shrugged his shoulders, remarking: “Someone already tried to a.s.sault me but he failed miserably. If they wish to attack me in an open manner, there is nothing to be afraid of. Don’t tell me Cao Cuidao will personally come for me!”
Xiao Yuetan cautioned: “You must be extra vigilant against Ma Chenjia and Min Tingzhang. These two men enjoy creating trouble wherever they go and they simply thrive in chaos. In addition, their sword skills are truly amazing.”
Before he could complete his sentence, family warrior Fei Chun came to report in a fl.u.s.tered manner: “Manager, bad news, a gang of hostile swordsmen have come barging in, demanding to see n.o.body but you.”
Both men exchanged a look of astonishment, secretly startled at the coincidence.
Xiang Shaolong do not wish for Xiao Yuetan to be embroiled in this troublesome affair and expose their intimate friendship. He insisted on facing this rowdy crowd all by himself.
Since he uncovered Feng Fei’s lies from his conversation with Han Chuang this morning, his act of chivalry is being replaced by feelings of disillusionment.
With regards to Han Jie, which swords skills are comparable with his own, Xiang Shaolong neither adore nor detest him but if he were to label this man, Han Jie is unquestionably a man with dubious morals. Still, Feng Fei has fallen in love with his handsome looks so Feng Fei’s standing in his heart has fallen drastically. He may not be interested in Feng Fei but in the end, he would want her to dedicate the rest of her life to someone of good character.
With his new change of heart, he dreams of arranging the future paths of Dong Shuzen and her fellow courtesans, thereby accomplishing his mission and retiring from the scene. He would head back to Xianyang to reunite with his pretty wives and lovely son, and wait patiently for Xiao Pan’s coronation and his showdown between Lu Buwei and Lao Ai’s organization.
Xiao Yuetan may have pointed out Han Chuang’s unreliability but he still holds faith that Han Chuang places their friendship beyond the reach of the dark side.
Until today, he still has the naïve mindset that there is goodness in everyone’s heart because he himself is one shining example.
There is no one who abhors war and violence like himself but in these ancient times, it is as common as breathing.
In the midst of his thoughts, Xiang Shaolong crossed the door ledge and took his first step into the main hall of the front courtyard.
Five young Qi swordsmen of uneven height were standing in a single file in the centre of the hall. In the instant he treaded into the hall, he became the single focus of the ten eyeb.a.l.l.s.
They were dressed in lavish warrior uniforms and by simply observing their ornate swords; one could tell that they are either the descendants of high ranking officials or the sons of rich businessmen.
Zhang Quan’s trusted follower Kun Shan, together with family warriors Feng Liang and Lei Yun’er were wearing an angry expression on their faces as they stood at a side. It is obvious that they are annoyed at these arrogant and overbearing ruffians.
To be honest, Xiang Shaolong is not in the best of moods and would not mind venting his frustration on these men who had volunteered to be his punching bag. He is fully aware that acting out his emotions would only serve to blow the matter out of proportion and eventually lead to confrontations with the likes of Zongsun Xuanhua, Dan Chu, Ma Chenjia and Min Tingzhang, all the best fighters of Qi.
From their composure and aura, the five men in front of him are many notches below these accomplished swordsmen.
Nonetheless, he could not appear too subservient. Otherwise, these opponents would take advantage of the situation, causing him to lose his standing in Lin Zi.
Finding a balance among these factors is the true test of his competency.
Among them, the tallest and most burly youngster coldly grunted: “Are you the self-proclaimed Sword without Equal, dog-slave Shen Liang?”
Xiang Shaolong icily snorted and advanced quickly towards them.
The five men were shocked and all their hands move to press down on the hilt of their swords.
Halting suddenly about five feet away from the five men, his keen eyes speedily scanned and memorized the reactions of every one of them before Xiang Shaolong guffawed: “Who is this gentleman here and why did you make two mistakes in a single sentence?”
The lanky and stout youth seems to be the leader of the five men pack. Staring back, he answered in a sharp voice: “Throughout my life, my name is the owner of all my actions and will never change; ‘Fast Sword’ Nian Chang is the gentleman you are referring to. What mistakes did I make?”
From his tone, Xiang Shaolong knew that he (Nian Chang) has been stifled by his (XSL) own awe-inspiring aura. Secretly tickled, he plainly retorted: “Firstly, I do not think very much of my sword skills and secondly, I am not a dog-slave.”
Another shorter and stocky youth jested: “As a servant to the courtesans, who are you but a dog-slave?”
As the other four men began to jeer and howl with laughter, somebody added: “Get your Master to come out and apologise and we will consider letting you off!”
The expressions of Kun Shan, the two family warriors as well as Fei Chun who came in with Xiang Shaolong started turning ugly at the insults. In the same breath, they acknowledge that these men cannot be trifled with and were dejected with helplessness.
With an air of unaffectedness, Xiang Shaolong acted surprised and yelled: “AH! So anyone who is working for somebody else is cla.s.sified as a dog-slave. Therefore, in Qi, everyone besides the King is a dog-slave too?”
The five men are all brawn and no brains. Dumbfounded, they did not know how to verbally counter him.
His voice turning gentle, Xiang Shaolong saluted: “May I boldly ask the five gentlemen here, who personally told you I boasted about my swordsmanship as being without equal. Can we find this man to corroborate his statement with me? If it turns out to be true, I, Shen Liang, would kowtow to make amends.”
The five men glanced at one another speechlessly.
Using this break, Kun Shan interrupted: “Your servant had already told you it must be somebody slandering Manager Shen!”
With an irritated expression, Nian Chang dared: “Since we came all the way here, we cannot leave empty handed. Why don’t Manager Shen show us a move or two?”
Xiang Shaolong cackled: “This is easy. My sword skills may not be as good as the five gentlemen but I have some other tricks of my own. Watch it!”
In the middle of his roar, he lifted his left and right arm concurrently, allowing two concealed daggers to smoothly slide into his hands from his sleeves. In the same momentum, he shot out both daggers horizontally to his front, flawlessly and accurately embedding them into the frame of a window. There is no difference in height between the positions of the two daggers.
The faces of everyone present became void of colour, including Kun Shan.
The most challenging part is a simultaneous attack from both hands with deadly speed and accuracy.
Conscious that he has displayed enough prowess to satisfy these clowns, he bowed and paid his respects: “I have errands to run and will not send gentlemen off!” He solemnly turned his back to them and left the hall.
Under the cover of Xiao Yuetan’s carriage, Xiang Shaolong left Tingsong Villa and proceeded in search of the ‘most reliable’ Li Yuan.
Xiao Yuetan praised: “Shaolong understood the psychology of Qi citizens very well, mindful that they value their reputation above all else. After your excellent display, the five kids would surely hide the truth and lied that you apologized to them, causing other troublemakers to lose interest in you.”
Xiang Shaolong shook his head and sighed: “Zongsun Long is a Qi national too who values his reputation more than anyone else. He will not give up easily.”
Xiao Yuetan grinned: “Now that you are getting Li Yuan to intercede, Zongsun Long will have to let you go no matter what happens.”
Pausing, he questioned in a low voice: “Do you know that just a while ago, Feng Fei and Little Ping’er were escorted by several of her trusted subordinates out of the Villa through the back door?”
Xiang Shaolong was astounded: “How did you know?”
Xiao Yuetan responded: “It was Yun Niang who saw it and told me about it.”
Xiang Shaolong frowned: “Are they going to rendezvous with Han Jie? How I wish I can stalk her.”
Xiao Yuetan advised: “You are not familiar with Lin Zi and it would be a miracle if no one discovers you.”
In this moment, the sound of hoof beats can be heard as several horses tried to catch up to the carriage from the back.
Sticking his head out for a look, Xiang Shaolong saw that it was Boss Jin, Jin Chenjiu chasing him with several of his troupe members. Boss Jin called out: “Manager Shen, please wait up.”
Xiao Yuetan commanded the driver to stop the carriage.
Cantering to the side of the carriage window, Boss Jin professed: “Is Manager Shen available for a quick chat?”
Xiang Shaolong would never reject him and nodded his head in consent. To Xiao Yuetan, he whispered: “Senior Brother must remember to get me a map of Qixia College. I will make my way to Li Yuan’s residence on my own.”
As Xiang Shaolong disembarked from the horse carriage, Boss Jin dismounted from his horse and led him to a nearby wine house. After locating a secluded and quiet corner, he sat down and cautioned: “Brother Shen! Trouble awaits you.”
Xiang Shaolong bitterly laughed: “My troubles are endless as of now. An extra one would not make any difference.”
Gesturing a thumbs up, Boss Jin praised: “Brother Shen is a true hero indeed. I, Boss Jin, did not befriend the wrong person.”
Xiang Shaolong can feel his heart warming up: “Boss Jin is the better buddy between the two of us. What is it about?”
Boss Jin explained: “Tian Dan hosted a welcoming banquet for Lu Buwei last night and both Sufang and I were present. Incidentally, I was seated at the same table with a subordinate of Zongsun Long. As we chatted idly, he asked if I knew who you are. Of course I did not tell him the truth about our friendship.”
Xiang Shaolong chortled: “Are they issuing a reward for my precious head?”
Laughing raucously, Boss Jin commended: “Brother Shen is really open minded. Things are not so serious yet though. Have you heard of Qixia Sword Meet?”
Xiang Shaolong shook his head to indicate his ignorance.
Boss Jin articulated: “On the first day of every month, Qixia College would host a riding and archery jamboree, providing newcomers a platform to showcase their abilities. Today is the 27th. The next Sword Meet is three days later. As usual, they would invite some guests to partic.i.p.ate. Hey! It is just a polite way of saying it. In actual fact, they are looking for dueling opponents.”
Xiang Shaolong snickered: “If they try to invite me, I would fake an illness to reject the invitation. Don’t tell me they can make me attend the Sword Meet by force!”
Boss Jin sighed: “The invitation cards are sent out by the King of Qi. Does Brother Shen have the guts to reject the King’s invitation? I heard that Zongsun Xuanhua, the son of Zongsun Long, is infuriated with Brother Shen and has decided to personally teach you a lesson on the dueling ground. He would not dare to take your life and only wooden swords are used but due to his sword strength, he can easily break one of Brother Shen’s legs.”
His brows immediately creased into a huge frown. Xiang Shaolong is not concerned about the unbeatable fighter of Lin Zi, Zongsun Xuanhua. He is more concerned that Tian Dan and Lu Buwei may be spectators at the Meet and it would be a miracle if they failed to single him out.
Boss Jin a.s.sured in a low voice: “Brother Shen should leave Lin Zi under the cover of the night. I am positive Miss Feng would not bear grudges against you.”
Xiang Shaolong is highly motivated for this is a brilliant plan but what about Dong Shuzen and the other ladies? If he left without a care, this episode would surely become a knot in his heart and he will never find peace for the rest of his life.
Boss Jin continued to egg him on: “Zongsun Long’s influence is overwhelming such that even high ranking officials and men of influence and stature are terrified of him. Brother Shen can never hope to overcome him.”
Xiang Shaolong sighed with a breath of air: “My utmost appreciation for Boss’s reminder. I may just have a way to manage this situation.”
Finishing his sentence, he patted Boss Jin on his shoulder and went in search of Li Yuan.