Ying Prefecture, CityLiao Qing Ye the little adorable girl was snugged comfortably in the embrace of Pei Zi Yun as she pulled open the curtains of the ox-cart. She looked out and saw the crowd of people busily walking around.
The little girl caught a glimpse of several people selling kites by the side of the road. She then turned around to look at Pei Zi Yun, "Older brother, can you take me to fly kites next time, I’ve never flown kites with you before."
She tugged on the sleeves of Pei Zi Yun’s robes and asked. She then paused as if to think for some time before looking down sadly, "Father told me he would take me to fly kites when he was still around. But it didn’t happen."
Pei Zi Yun looked at her, and realized that her eyes were welling up with tears, "Sure, I shall bring you to fly kites next time."
Pei Zi Yun patted her gently on her head pitifully. This wish of hers to fly kites with her father would never happen. However, he can do his best to make of up for that by taking her.
"Thank you older brother!" The little girl’s face turned to one of smiles as she exclaimed. She extended her chubby hands and hugged Pei Zi Yun tightly.
Her once skinny and boney hands has now turned chubby.
"Young Master, we’ve arrived at Fu Mansion." The ox-cart driver shouted out. When Pei Zi Yun got off, a group of people had gathered at the entrance of the mansion. They received Pei Zi Yun and handled the luggages, allowing them to settle in within no time. When Pei Zi Yun walked into the main hall, High Scholar Fu spoke, "Take a sit. I heard you haven’t eaten, I’ve instructed the kitchen to prepare some food and desert for you."
Pei Zi Yun waved a hand before asking, "What’s the situation in Ying Prefecture like?"
High Scholar Fu didn’t exactly understand the purpose of his question, but answered anyway, "The sea trading routes and markets are being controlled by the Governor, and three ports have sprang up. They’ve established strong trade thus far, and have earned revenue of two hundred thousand silver taels."
"The Imperial Court has shifted the Governor’s main office to another district, and allowed the Governor to ramp up sea trade and open more ports across the nation. Since the existing ports were doing so well, the Governor was tasked with opening more ports in other prefectures."
"Anything regarding Ji Bei Hou?" Pei Zi Yun glanced across at High Scholar Fu and asked.
"Still not bad. It’s been heard that he’s dismantled his force completely and received praise from the Emperor himself for doing that without fuss. He thus gained some face and admiration for receiving the Emperor’s praise. Apparently he’s formed his own shipping crew, which trades to and from the j.a.panese lands, and earned quite a significant profit."
"Shipping crew, profits." Pei Zi Yun took two steps forward. He naturally knew how profitable such a venture would be. If this happened in the past, Pei Zi Yun would definitely join in and earn some money for himself as well. At this point however, he had bigger things to worry about. He stood at the entrance and gazed outside, not speaking for a long time.
High Scholar Fu was taken aback by his demeanor, "I heard your family received t.i.tles bestowed by the Emperor and wanted to congratulate you. But seeing your expressions, I wonder what difficulties you’re facing?"
Pei Zi Yun shook his head and forced a laugh, "Disaster and blessings have happened to me!"
At this point High Scholar Fu retrieved a letter from the folds of his robes and whispered, "Young Master, the third master of Hou Mansion sent someone to deliver this letter just now."
Pei Zi Yun received the letter and ripped away the seal. Wei Ang’s handwriting could then be seen clearly on the paper, "Brother Pei, we last saw each other a month ago. Although there were certain misunderstandings, I had hoped it wouldn’t ruin our intimate relationship with each other. I sincerely hope my junior brother will meet me, and allow senior brother to make up for the wrongs I’ve done. Let’s meet at Rushing Duke Shrine. I hope junior brother will show up."
"Rushing Duke Shrine? Wasn’t that where we were attacked when Wei Ang and I explored the area?" Seeing the letter, Pei Zi Yun hesitated. He then looked at the servant nearby, "Is the person who delivered this letter still around?"
"Young Master, the person left immediately after sending this letter here." The servant replied hurriedly.
"Hm, you can leave." Pei Zi Yun waved a hand to dismiss him before having his lunch hastily. He walked around in the yard for some time, his expression down cast, and deep in thought. He looked up at the sky before walking into his room, where he retrieved several bank notes before leaving.
The night was getting deeper, and the mountainous roads were still and quiet. All of a sudden, a loud howl of wind could be heard, making him shiver.
The Rushing Duke Shrine which was at the peak of the mountain had been locked up, and the lights had been extinguished. The shrine was at the edge of the mountain. Pei Zi Yun stood still and glanced down. He could see the city from where he stood, and noticed that many households still had their lanterns and candles hanging outside their homes.
Pei Zi Yun observed the city from afar and sighed. Seeing that n.o.body was around he turned around and pointed his finger at the ground. Instantly, a deep hole was formed in the rocky terrain.
Pei Zi Yun then unstrapped the backpack he was shouldering and took out a package. He placed it within the deep hole before covering the hole with soil. He buried it very thoroughly, only leaving a long thin string exposed. He then pointed at the patch of soil, and gra.s.s started growing out from the patch of gra.s.s instantly, covering up everything except the long thin string, which he disguised as a single piece of root.
The peak of the mountain, several patches of empty fields and even the pavilion were buried with all these packages which he had brought. All the long strings had also been covered up by slabs of rocks and soil. He then used his Dao arts to keep them in place. Once he wished to ignite it, all he would have to do would be to cut the long string, which now bore the appearance of an ordinary looking root.
Wne this was done, Pei Zi Yun then entered the Rushing Duke Shrine. He bowed deeply and saluted sincerely, "I apologize for the intrusion, Rushing Duke. If there are any disturbance in future, I shall do whatever I can to make up for it."
As he finished, he looked up at the stars and sighed, "Wei Ang, you and I are more than just fellow brothers, as we share so many common interests and get along well. Let’s hope this will not become a matter of life and death for me, as I will be forced to act."
Winter, Light snow
Several days after, Pei Zi Yun carried an umbrella over his head as his sword hung over his waist as he walked up the mountains. This was the second time he had been here in just a few days. The mountains had grown lush and thick vegetation all around. Although it was winter, a large field of pine trees could still be seen growing along the mountains. When he ascended up further, he saw Wei Ang waiting by the pavilion. He had a table placed in front of him, where tea cups and a pot were placed.
The gurgle of boiling water could be heard. When Wei Ang saw Pei Zi Yun he immediately called out to him, "You’ve come. The last time we mentioned sampling good tea together. Today I’ve brought some tea leaves to sample with you."
Pei Zi Yun walked up to him as they both sat down together. Wei Ang then retrieved several expensive looking tea leaves before submerging them into the hot water. Instantly there was a fragrant smell and the sound of bubbling. Wei Ang then raised his hand, "Please, have some!"
Pei Zi Yun retrieved the tea cup and looked in. He noticed that the tea leaves had caused the water to take a greenish tinge, and the full aroma of the tea swept up into his face. Smiling, Pei Zi Yun agreed.
Pei Zi Yun examined the contents and decided not to consume it. He then heard Wei Ang speak out, "I wonder what amazing works has my junior brother Pei composed of late?"
Hearing Wei Ang’s words, Pei Zi Yun placed his untouched teacup down on the table. He swept a glance around before replying, "Wei Ang, you’ve known me for long, and yet don’t understand me. There won’t be any poems without wine!"
"Indeed, I’ve forgotten. Men, fetch some wine for me." Wei Ang instructed.
Pei Zi Yun then smiled and waved his hands, "There’s no need, I’ve brought my own."
As he spoke, he then retrieved a silver flask from his robes and uncorked it before taking a deep drink. He then recited, "If only we met each other once, nothing sorrowful would happen. It’s not unusual to change people’s minds, for their hearts are paved with volatile intentions."
Snow was falling down upon the pavilion, as snowflakes settled onto the ground, and brought a chill to everyone outside. When Pei Zi Yun had finished reciting in his calm and collected tone, Wei Ang’s face turned pale. He paused for a second before recollecting himself and sighing, "What a good poem. You’re indeed the Wine Immortal. You’re right, how good would it be if everyone would only meet each other once."
When Wei Ang was finished, he smashed his cup down onto the ground, as it broke into a thousand fragments. Hearing this sound, a large group of armored soldiers rushed out from the temple. At this point, Wei Ang retreated hastily. He then spoke, "If I’m not born to this same family in my next life, I would still want to be close friends with you."
At this point the group of soldiers parted, and a eunuch walked through the path made by the soldiers.
The eunuch’s face was powdered white and had not a single strand of hair on his face. His demeanor was fierce and intimidating, and yet he had a look of pity on his face, "Master Top Scorer is truly a genius. Even I was moved while listening to your poem. It’s just that you’ve ruined things for someone above, and so I have to borrow your head to present to him today."
Pei Zi Yun stood up, beneath the pavilion and he glanced quickly at his surroundings. He noticed that they were wearing mail for amour, and had sharpened blades. They all looked attentively and fiercely at Pei Zi Yun, poised to strike, "The black robed soldiers belonging to King Lu? Has Ji Bei Hou and King Lu collaborated together? I guess I’m the one who must apologize today." Wei Ang then spoke, "This cannot be counted as a collaboration. King Lu is our monarch, and we’re just mere subjects. Whatever our monarch orders, the subjects must obey."
"You’re right. Master Top Scorer can really discern matters well. It’s such a pity. The tea was laced with poison, which would make your death quick and painless, and even leave your body intact. Since you refuse to drink it, we have no choice but to bring our troops in."
"I’ve heard that you’ve even become a Yin Master. Maybe I shall get to glimpse your powers today?"
"Three years ago, the monastery leader of Immortal Cave Monastery, who was a Yin Master, had disrespected King Lu. I led the same group of armored men, and we took his head off effortlessly."
The eunuch glared at Pei Zi Yun who was still calm and unmoving. He then forced a laugh, "Master Top Scorer, I’ve had much experience dealing with Daoists such as yourself. Do you think I’m spewing a load of horse c.r.a.p?"
As he spoke, he retrieved a tile, which had the inscriptions of dragons. He tossed it to the ground and screamed out in a high pitched cry, "King Lu has decreed that Pei Zi Yun had committed an unforgivable crime. Die."
"Boom!" Pei Zi Yun could then hear a sound like the roaring of a dragon coming out from within his body. He trembled. He could feel his powers building up within him, and yet he could not use any of it.
"Keke, without any Dao arts, however strong and capable you are at fighting, can you defeat all of my armored soldiers?" The eunuch spoke. In the next moment, the entire group of soldiers started dashing towards him.
"Hahaha!" Pei Zi Yun started laughing hysterically. He then looked at the soldiers before him, and Wei Ang who was hiding behind them, "You were a good friend of mine, and yet we’ve come to such a predicament."
Hearing these words, Wei Ang raised his head and shouted, "Hold it!"
Immediately after hearing his outburst, the soldiers who were charging held their steps. Wei Ang seemed to be deep in thought, deciding whether or not to pursue Pei Zi Yun. He looked up at Pei Zi Yun’s face, he had a look of regret etched all over, "Although we’ve not known each other for long, I’ve treated you with sincerity and genuine, and saw you as a close friend. It’s just that I was born into the Hou family, and thus there’s nothing I can do."
"It took me a long time to realize, but I finally understand. I am the third son of Ji Bei Hou. Without the Hou mansion, I shall have nothing." Wei Ang spoke, his face reaching a sort of calmness, "But don’t you worry. I shall look after your mother. As long as I live, I shall ensure that she lives well and comfortably, and that she shall not be subjected to anyone’s bullying or humiliation."
"Haha, Wei Ang, you spoke very warmly and kindly. It’s just that I can say the same for you. If it’s possible, I will not kill off your entire family, just so that there shall be continuity in your blood. This shall be a token of my friendship to you." Pei Zi Yun exhaled, before exuding a cold smile. He didn’t look the least intimidated or fearful.
"You?" Wei Ang’s eyes were wide open as he shouted.
"Kill him!" The eunuch had a feeling that something was not quite right. A chill ran down his spine as hair stood all over his body. He then commanded the soldiers to his left and right. Instantaneously, he swarm of soldiers dashed forward.
"Wei Ang, do you know why I stalled for some time?" Pei Zi Yun laughed as he revealed a burning wooden splinter, which he had pulled out from under his arm, shielded from the vision of anyone else by his long robes.
He took a step forward and slashed away at the mound of gra.s.s which had grown over the long string. He then tossed the flaming splinter onto the string. All that could be heard was the sizzling sound, the burning of the string. Without hesitation, Pei Zi Yun turned around to smile, before leaping off the cliff, "Farewell then!"
As he shouted, he fell from the cliff.
"No! Hurry, run." A sense of dread and fear paralysed Wei Ang. When he finally could mobilize himself, he turned around to leave. However, all he managed to move was two steps before he could hear a loud "boom". The entire pavilion was thrown up into the air, as debris and wood were splintered into a million pieces, and an a.s.sortment of body parts along with it.
"Hm, so what if your soldiers numbered in mult.i.tudes. Are you able to win my explosives?"
"At the end, all your soldiers’ ashes have been mixed together with my gun powder and explosives."
As Pei Zi Yun fell from the cliff, he could feel the entire weight of his body lightening. He knew then that the restricting charms on his Dao arts had been lifted. He then extended a hand and pointed, and several large pieces of cloth attached themselves to his body, acting like makeshift wings as he navigated through the mountains. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared behind the tall cliffs.