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“I, your humble servant, volunteer to go.”
In the faintly audible silence of the Qingqiong Hall, I slowly raised my eyes while standing in the interplay of light and shadow.
“Hmm?” The King's countenance darkened.
I gathered my white tablet and said brightly, “Your humble servant, Feng Yunqing, is willing to be dispatched to Qingzhou.”
A flash of bright red flickered at the corner of my eye; Yunzhi’s eyes burned like fire.
The King slowly rose from his seat, casting a sidelong glance downwards. “The spring examinations are set to begin in three months. Does my esteemed official have any thoughts about heading west?” His tone carried a faint warning.
“All preparations for the spring examinations are complete. If the absence of one person renders everything futile, then the new laws I drafted are as good as waste paper.” I faced the chilling aura emanating from the throne and bowed again, “I, your humble servant, am willing to go!”
Yuan Zhong stepped out from the right column, turning to look at me. “Even if the new laws cannot function without every single person, this is still the first year. It may not be appropriate for Minister Feng to leave the capital now.” He lowered his gaze, sharply scanning the left column. “Let the officials from the Ministry of Rites take responsibility for matters in Qingzhou.”
Several pairs of boots skillfully retreated, none daring to respond. With a cold glance, I waved my sleeve and declared, “I will return before the spring examinations.”
Upon these words, chaos erupted in the court.
“Minister Feng,” Yunzhi stood backlit, his face woven with shadows that were obscure and unreadable. “Such bold talk should not be uttered.”
“Thank you, Your Highness, for your advice.” I swept a glance over the delighted crowd of officials, a faint smile curving my lips. “Before the third month, Feng Yunqing will deliver the southwestern four provinces of Qianyou. If I speak falsely, may I meet the same fate as this tablet!”
With a forceful grip, the ivory tablet struck the pillar and split, exuding a soft, delicate brilliance.
Silence enveloped the hall, awash with quiet spring light. Yunzhi turned around, his slender peach blossom eyes vast and deep, tiny waves rippling in his profound gaze.
I looked up frankly, meeting the King's fierce eyes: “Your humble servant, Feng Yunqing, volunteers to be dispatched to Qingzhou!”
“Feng Yunqing volunteers to be dispatched to Qingzhou!”
“Volunteers to go to Qingzhou!”
“Qingzhou!”
The echoes reverberated, stretching far and wide...
...
Bridal processions stretched for miles, gazing towards the departing spring day. The lively joyous music mingled with birdsong, encircling the branches. Outside Xiling Gate, the carriages accompanying me on this diplomatic mission pulled aside, watching as the welcoming procession of the Liu family from Liang gradually disappeared into the distance. Behind the elegant red carriage, a small pink sedan chair swayed tremulously, resembling a fragile peach blossom.
“Who would have thought the head of the Liu family to be so benevolent, willing to marry a woman who has lost her virtue,” praised the onlookers.
“Ah, what a pity. I heard the concubine is Miss Qiu from the Qiu family, originally destined to be the main wife,” lamented another.
“Someone accepting her is truly merciful!” A portly middle-aged woman spoke fervently, “Moreover, the main wife seated in the red carriage is her own sister. Can such companionship possibly harm her?”
“Yes, yes, there might not be many in the world with such good fortune.”
“What do you mean by 'not many'? There might only be this one girl!”
The crowd enthusiastically surrounded them, not hiding their envy for the two brides.
“Master, it's time to depart,” softly reminded Alu, his legs awkwardly bent.
I raised an eyebrow, glancing behind me. Such an eyesore.
“Zhu Mingde.” I curved my lips into a smile.
The ceremonial officer from the Ministry of Rites awkwardly withdrew his paw-like hand, reluctantly removing his lustful gaze from Yanqiu.
“Master,” he responded.
“It’s about time; let us proceed,” I slowly walked towards the carriage, my sleeves brushing past Yanqiu beside me. “What are you dawdling for? Do you think I need your assistance to walk?”
As if waking from a dream, Yanqiu stepped back and closely followed.
“Wait!” A rider emerged from within Xiling Gate, shouting atop his horse, “By order, request Minister Feng of the Ministry of Rites to stay for a moment at Eternal Hate Slope!”
Approaching closer, we could see the token in his hand inscribed with the word “Ning” in seal script. Not long after, the crowd that had yet to disperse stirred again, the thunderous sound of hooves trembling through the heart. At the forefront of dozens of riders was a crimson-robed figure, Yunzhi, whose long cloak fluttered behind him, displaying captivating elegance.
“Your Highness,” I stepped forward voluntarily, which slightly softened the gloom in his eyes.
“Hmph.” His peach blossom eyes lifted, his demeanor distant as he casually beckoned. Liuyao presented two jade goblets, each floating with fragrant liquor.
I accepted the goblet, bowing slightly, “Yunzhi, thank you for coming specially to see me off.”
“Specially?” A trace of peculiar brightness flickered in his handsome pupils, “Minister Feng, you flatter yourself too much.”
I paused momentarily, then chuckled lightly, touching my nose.
Spring sunlight painted a gentle warmth on Yunzhi's brow. He tipped his head back, drinking fully, then arched his brows to look at me again. Hiding my face behind my sleeve, I swallowed the sweet-spicy jade nectar smoothly down my throat.
“In the twelfth month of last year, this Marquis also bid farewell to the ceremonial officer dispatched to Qingzhou at Eternal Hate Slope.” His voice unusually gentle, his beautiful eyes soft. “This time, however, is different.”
I glanced at the imposing line of horses behind him, sighing slightly, “Indeed, quite different from your usual style.”
“Hmph! What does this count for?” Overflowing confidence danced at the corners of his eyes and brows. “If you can make such bold claims, how can I afford to lose to you?” Leaning down, his lips curved beautifully. “When you return victorious, I will present you with an entirely new political landscape.”
Is it beginning? I smiled with understanding.
“Qingqing.” His gaze sharpened abruptly, teeth clenched as he whispered, “Do not die.”
I frowned, looking at him; his eyes concealed a ruthless intent. “If you dare to risk your life, I will ensure your most cherished possession becomes a sacrifice.”
Yunzhi, if you are worried about me, why must you act this way? Subconsciously, I traced the jade pendant at my waist with my fingertips, lightly sighing, “Rest assured, I cherish life greatly.”
Hearing this, he straightened himself, his charming pupils lazily flickering, startling Alu beside me into a hasty retreat.
“The dogs of Third Brother,” Yunzhi murmured meaningfully, his voice low enough for only me to hear, “With me in the court, handle it as you see fit.”
I nodded slightly, placing the goblet back onto the wooden tray, taking one last look at Yundu. The cool yet warm spring sun cascaded, here lay those I loved dearly.
“What are you looking at!” Yunzhi's sharp reprimand startled me, his handsome face tinged with anger. “How can such childish sentimentality hope to achieve great things? Depart swiftly!” He swung his short whip, the horses behind him lined up, thoroughly blocking Xiling Gate.
Yunzhi, oh Yunzhi, how can someone as intelligent as you not understand? Given Xiu Yuan's status, would he really send me out of the city moat?
I turned to leave, suddenly a voice rang out from behind: “Catch!”
A slight change in the air, I extended my right hand without looking back, seizing something mid-air and gripping it tightly in my palm. Once inside the carriage, I opened the purple silk package, and seeing the seal in my hand, I couldn't help but smile. Is there anything in this world that can stump you?
The cool breeze of early spring stirred the soft curtain like scattered pages.
A splash of bright red, gracefully sketched at the edge of the curtain...
...
The curtain occasionally parted slightly, revealing a few spots of tender green, accentuating an already green face. Finishing my practice, I amusingly watched someone prostrated. “Alu, when did you start practicing the Toad Kung Fu?”
Tsk, a big roll of the eyes.
“Yanqiu, bring me some water!” Alu's lower limbs twitched almost imperceptibly, his lips instantly turning pale.
“Wait.” I stopped Yanqiu, snatching the bamboo cup. “It seems it was I who was punished, not you, Alu. What play are you performing?”
“What play am I performing?” Alu half-raised his body, extending his neck. “Isn't it all because of you! Would I have been punished if not for you?” His eyes shifted uneasily, clearly withholding the full truth.
“Master!” A low call came from outside the carriage, “We're about to exit Yangmen Pass.”
I put away my jesting expression, slowly lowering my eyes. “Are the people behind still following?”
“They have stopped moving,” answered the guard.
“Mm.” Ever since passing through the capital camp, a group of riders had been trailing not too far behind our carriage. Had my brother been present during the morning court that day, what would it be like now? I closed my eyes with a sigh; it surely wouldn’t be as simple as distant protection.
“Guyi.” I called softly through the curtain; among the thirty escorts, half belonged to Yunzhi, and the other half were under the control of the Third Prince.
“Master.”
“Has there been any movement in the carriage ahead?” These days, apart from Zhu Mingde occasionally drooling over Yanqiu, there had been no other actions. If the Third Prince sent him along for no reason, who would believe it!
“Today, Lord Zhu invited several people into the carriage,” Guyi replied softly.
I opened my eyes, contemplating as I caressed the jade pendant at my waist, my fingers sliding slowly across the carved patterns of flowing clouds and floating moons. “Starting tonight, there will be no night watches.”
“Master?” Alu exclaimed softly, “After Yangmen Pass lies Yong Country. Currently, Yong is in turmoil, filled with refugees and bandits everywhere. Not to mention, you have a pack of jackals around you. How can you go without night protection? Isn't this asking to be attacked!”
I gently brushed my robe, lying down diagonally. “Without revealing flaws, how can we lure the wolves out of their den?” Propping my chin on my hand, I glanced at the boy who was as calm as still water. “If even Yanqiu isn't afraid, why are you martial artists making such a fuss?”
He looked up from his book, his enchanting eyes somewhat bewildered.
Yanqiu, are you really not one of the Third Prince's men? This is my final test for you. If you pass, I will treat you sincerely and consider you as my own younger brother.
The sky is adorned with clouds and rosy hues, resplendent like brocade. The western journey stretches long and winding.
I slowly closed my eyes, a beautiful yet cruel emotion quietly spreading, stirring hearts...
...
After exiting Yangmen Pass, our group disguised ourselves as ordinary merchant caravans, crossing the Lei River westward. One more day of travel would bring us to Qingzhou.
“Master, it's getting late. We'll have to camp in the wild tonight,” announced Gu Yi, the captain of the guards outside the carriage.
Alu crawled up groaning, descending the carriage alongside Yanqiu. After a brief pause, I moved slowly, staggering slightly as I emerged from the curtains, rigidly walking down the carriage steps supported by Alu and Yanqiu's hands.
“These days of travel have caused you suffering, Master,” Zhu Mingde fawned, approaching with restless, mung-bean-sized eyes rolling around. “It seems your wounds from the punishment have not healed yet.” Saying this, he affectionately supported my left arm, his chubby white hand “accidentally” sliding over Yanqiu's skin.
I elbowed him away, equally “accidentally” striking his face. “Oh, sorry.”
“No... no...” Zhu Mingde squinted his mung-bean eyes, his mouth slightly downturned. “It's fine! Fine!” He spoke lightly, his lewd gaze once again drifting towards Yanqiu. “Master is truly refined, never forgetting to bring exquisite company even while traveling.”
I slowed my pace, speaking clearly, “That's natural. I never bring useless people.”
My left arm seemed to stiffen slightly; Yanqiu's tranquil brows quivered subtly.
“Yes, yes, useful indeed, very useful.” Zhu Mingde rubbed his hands together. “I heard Qian Tong is also bisexual, Master's approach is truly brilliant, absolutely brilliant!”
Allowing him to indulge in his fantasies, I looked around at the wilderness. Here near the Lei River, endless sails stretched far beyond sight, embracing the sunset's beauty. The river wind was cool, ceaselessly narrating the age-old legends.
“Where is this?” I slightly furrowed my brows.
“Master, this is the famous Ancient Zither Terrace,” Zhu Mingde said obsequiously. “Legend has it that during the Sage Emperor's tour of the lands, he learned that the Lei River ferry was the gate of hell. He played the zither here for three days and nights. During that ghost month, the hundred ghosts roaming at night could not approach the Sage Emperor even a bit. All ministers sighed, claiming the Emperor was a true dragon son, and wandering spirits were separated from him by the heavens and earth. Upon hearing this, the Emperor became furious, breaking his zither strings and vowing never to play again.”
He must have intended to summon souls with the zither sounds, but Mianyue... ultimately fulfilled her promise... eternally separated from you.
As the last ray of sunset melted into the flowing water, darkness spread over the Ancient Zither Terrace, like the plucking of rippling zither strings.
“Master.” The bonfire illuminated Zhu Mingde's sly features, casting an eerie glow. Today, he was particularly attentive, even joining us for dinner. “To accompany Master on this diplomatic mission to Qingzhou is truly a three-life blessing.”
“Oh?” I slowly nibbled on a steamed bun, glancing askance.
“Master's grandeur in the court!” He rolled up his sleeves dramatically. “Feng Yunqing, if I speak falsely, swear upon this tablet!”
Yanqiu placed down his porcelain bowl, his eyes glowing slightly as he looked at me. The orange firelight added a touch of brilliance to his appearance.
“How could Master lack tenfold confidence to be so bold?” Zhu Mingde's mung-bean eyes rolled restlessly. “To create great achievements with Master, Mingde feels truly blessed by our ancestors, truly blessed!”
“Hah!” Alu, half-kneeling beside me, suddenly spoke. Though crippled by the punishment, he shouldn't be in this position. Why was he kneeling like this?
“Lord Zhu, you've misjudged!” He drank a bowl of vegetable porridge, untouched steamed bun in hand.
“Misjudged?” Zhu Mingde looked at him in mild surprise. “What do you mean?”
“Our master has no confidence whatsoever. He merely hopes to catch a lucky break, pulling off an empty-handed feat!” Alu glared at me viciously. “Before setting out, he had already arranged his affairs. Both Alu and Yanqiu wrote letters of no return. We never intended to come back.”
“What?” Zhu Mingde collapsed to the ground, trembling as he looked towards Yanqiu.
Yanqiu glanced at him, tacitly confirming.
“Mas... Mas... Master...” Zhu Mingde's face turned ashen, his sparse mustache quivering wildly. “Why... why...”
“So, Lord Zhu,” Alu's expression was vivid, his tone sorrowful. “You are the biggest fool here, willingly coming to die. But it's alright; there's one more companion on the path to the gates of hell.” Saying this, he gulped down the vegetable porridge, wiping his lips, his white teeth gleaming coldly.
Zhu Mingde sat stunned for a while, then suddenly stood up, his gaze pitiful as he glanced at me. “Master, I’ve eaten a bit too much. I’ll take a walk by the riverbank. Please, enjoy your meal slowly.”
Overeaten? I couldn’t help but chuckle lightly at the half-eaten steamed bun he left behind. Which path will the jackals below choose?
“I’ve had enough.” A mosquito-like voice came from Yanqiu beside me.
Slave? I frowned, glancing at him, only to find his enchanting eyes returned to the stillness of dead water.
“Already full with just this little?” I looked at the two intact steamed buns he returned, narrowing my eyes slightly. “What? Everyone today refuses to eat dry rations, hoping to become immortals?”
Alu suddenly choked, coughing violently on his own.
Yanqiu slowly knelt, his voice devoid of any ripple: “Before being used, this slave can only consume thin gruel.” I stared fiercely at his glossy, fine hair, my voice cold. “Raise your head.”
His dimly beautiful eyes obediently met mine; Yanqiu was as docile as a doll.
“Do you hold yourself in such contempt?” Rising flames scorched my cheeks.
He remained expressionless, showing no signs of defense.
“Yanqiu.” I extended my hand, lifting his delicate chin. “It's not your face that caught my attention.”
His long lashes trembled slightly, confusion seeping into his eyes.
“Alu, make him a mask to wear.” I withdrew my hand, slowly rising.
“Master...” Yanqiu knee-walked a step forward.
“Your appearance is too striking. For now, I can protect you, but once we enter Qingzhou, it will be difficult.” I sneered downward. “Wear it; it will save trouble.”
Those enchanting eyes seemed to have been infused with living water, rippling with vivid vitality.
I pointed at the untouched steamed bun in his hand and said gravely, “Growing tall and strong is what makes a man. Eat all of this.”
“Yes...” Yanqiu held the fine white bun, his red lips trembling as he managed a smile.
“Alu.” I strolled towards the Ancient Zither Terrace, the river breeze billowing my wide robe, swirling the heavy fabric colors.
“Master.” He hurried along with small steps.
“Tonight, let everyone pretend to sleep.” I brushed away the flying hairband in front of my eyes. “You keep a close eye on Yanqiu.”
“Yes.” Alu paused for a moment, then asked softly, “If he really is a spy, then...”
Below the zither terrace, the river waves pounded against the stone walls, emitting a mournful sound. I gently touched the jade pendant at my waist and slowly spoke, “Then give him a swift end.”
“Yes.” Alu's voice was also somewhat hoarse. “That child might... maybe not...”
“Mm, hopefully.” I stood with my hands behind my back, deeply sighing.
The white dew enveloped the water, the ripples shimmering brilliantly, dotted with fishing lights on the river.
I concealed my melancholy emotions and gave him a faint smile. “Alu, it seems you've been eating thin gruel lately, huh?”
Alu's face twitched slightly, dispelling the gloom on his features. “Haha,” he laughed extremely strained.
“If I recall correctly, the night before departure, wasn’t it Master Lin who hosted a farewell banquet for you?” I deepened my amused expression.
“Hahaha.” His eyes darted around.
“I heard that late at night, Master Lin fled from your room in a panic, disheveled and reeking of alcohol.” I nudged his ribs. “Congratulations, you finally succeeded.”
“Tch! It’s all your fault!” He kicked out his foot. “If you hadn’t lost your mind and dragged me into this death mission, would I... would I have resorted to such desperate measures?!”
“Alu, don’t worry.” I gazed at the increasingly weathered pillars of the Ancient Zither Terrace, a faint smile playing on my lips. “We will definitely return alive, definitely.” With that, I leaped up, landing on the dark eaves.
Behind me, Alu’s soft sigh drifted away with the wind.
“But, Senior Brother will never forgive me, never again...”
The endless sound of the waves echoed in my ears as I perched on a towering white poplar by the riverbank, leaning against the branch, listening quietly.
“Master, please don’t act rashly.” Under the tree, a tall guard tugged at Zhu Mingde’s sleeve. “Didn’t the Third Prince instruct us to wait until Minister Feng secures the four southwestern states before making our move? By then, all the credit will be ours.”
“Pfft!” Zhu Mingde spat in his face. “Credit? Huh? Credit?! That brat is here to gamble with his life! And you talk about credit!” He trembled with anger. “If we don’t act soon, once we enter Qingzhou, both you and I will truly accompany him to our deaths!”
“Master, you’re only basing this on what his servant said. How can you be so certain?”
“Iron Guard, I’ve been immersed in officialdom for decades; my judgment is much sharper than yours.” Zhu Mingde put on an authoritative air. “Not to mention how genuine that servant sounded, just look at Yanqiu’s reaction—it speaks volumes. Yanqiu was sent by the Third Prince, which means he’s one of us.”
Oh? From his words, it seems he’s only guessing. It appears Yanqiu hasn't contacted them yet.
“This kid has crawled under me several times. No matter how I played with him, he accepted everything submissively. Do you think such a puppet would lie?”
I silently clenched my fingers, murderous intent subtly floating.
“If even he has admitted it, how could there be any falsehood?” Zhu Mingde jumped around like a monkey. “Once we enter Qingzhou tomorrow, it’ll be impossible to escape!”
The guard seemed convinced, remaining silent for a moment before speaking again. “Wouldn’t acting here be too hasty?”
“Hmph, I’ve already checked. For these few nights, there are no guards near his side.” Zhu Mingde stroked a few strands of hair on his chin, smiling sinisterly. “Moreover, his wounds haven’t healed yet. Didn’t you see? He still needs two people to help him get out of the carriage. Acting tonight when he’s unprepared is perfect.”
A row of night-resting birds perched on the branches beside me—one, two, three… and I was the seventh.
“But wouldn’t returning empty-handed incur the King’s wrath?”
“Old Tie! Stop being such a coward! We’ll just say a wave hit the boat during the crossing, and Minister Feng’s entire crew drowned. If you don’t say anything, and I don’t say anything, how would the King know?!” Zhu Mingde spoke without restraint. “Besides, even if the King suspects something, he won’t do anything to us! The Third Prince just married Princess Tianjiao from Yi Country, and his momentum is threatening the throne itself.”
“That’s right, that’s right.”
“It’s settled! When the moon reaches its zenith, we’ll strike.” Zhu Mingde mimicked a hand knife.
“Understood.”
Under the shadow of the trees, the two walked side by side, the shorter, fatter one moving quite briskly.
"Lao Tie, leave Yan Qiu to me. I haven't seen enough of him yet, tsk, this taste ......"
That kind of taste, I loosened my robe, letting it flutter atop the treetops. The smell of the river filled my nostrils, wave after wave stirring my excited nerves. After bidding farewell to the early resting night birds, I leisurely leapt from branch to branch.
How much strength have I recovered? Let tonight be the test.
Outside the carriage, the river flowed incessantly. Yanqiu and Alu slept inside, while I sat facing the curtain. Without the sound of the watchman or drumbeats, I quietly counted my heartbeats.
The river breeze swept through, the silver glow adorning the curtain corners intermittently. The cloth curtain swayed lightly, opening and closing, opening and closing...
Finally, the moonlight lengthened several shadows, approaching, closer and closer, lifting the curtain gently.
“They’re here.” I chuckled softly.
Taking advantage of their astonished pause, I drew the soul-severing sword from my waist, kicked off with my foot, and slashed through their bodies. My rumpled robes remained unstained by blood.
I strolled into the clear moonlight, glancing at the dozen or so “dogs” surrounding me from the Third Prince’s entourage.
“Where’s Zhu Mingde?” I twisted my wrist, the soul-severing sword humming. “Ah, I forgot, dogs can’t speak.”
As they drew their swords and gathered around, I kept my lower body steady but leaned my upper body outward like newly bloomed lotus petals. With a flick of the sword, blood splattered everywhere. As I straightened, I caught sight of a short, stout figure running toward the riverside.
I slashed through the obstructing “jackal,” riding the wind upwards. “Alu, Guyi, leave no one alive!”
“Yes!” “Yes!” The clanging of swords and shouts of slaughter continued behind me.
I flipped onto the Ancient Zither Terrace, coldly watching Zhu Mingde fall to the ground.
“Master... Master...” He scrambled backward with his hands and feet. “It was all that damned Iron Guard’s idea! This lowly official... was forced, Master!”
I gazed at the worn brick patterns on the zither terrace, smoothed by wind and rain, and sheathed the soul-severing sword back at my waist.
“Master! Thank you, Master!” Zhu Mingde blinked his mung-bean eyes, squeezing out a few tears. “Thank you for sparing my life, this lowly official will surely...”
“Mingde.” I patted my sleeve. “Earlier, didn’t you say this place connects to the gates of hell?”
“Master...” He retracted his left leg that had just started to approach.
I took out a dagger, weighing it in my hand, glancing ahead. “Perfect, no need to take the long way.” Before the words faded, a streak of silver light flew from my palm.
I adjusted my slightly askew robe, bent down to pull the dagger from his throat, and kicked the corpse off the zither terrace. The Lei River, like a hungry beast, devoured it instantly.
The blood on the ground reddened the shallow moss, staining the ancient stone steps.
“Master.” “Master.” “Master.”
Under the moonlight stood a dozen men, wiping the blood from their faces and revealing content smiles.
I nodded slightly, walked to the carriage, and lifted the curtain. “Yanqiu, come out.”
He looked at the corpses on the ground, his expression unchanged. It seems I overthought it; he was indeed innocent.
“This is for you.” I handed him the bloody dagger.
He furrowed his brows, looking somewhat at a loss.
“Yanqiu, you are a person, not a slave.” I took a scabbard from my sleeve, sheathing the bloody blade. “If you are bullied, you can fight back. Never submit passively.”
“...” He opened his mouth, his eyes clouded with moisture.
“Just before we set out, I wanted to give this to you, but...” I sighed deeply, having harbored some suspicion towards him earlier. I shoved the dagger into his arms. “Keep it safe.”
Turning around, I finally trusted him with my back, lowering my guard completely.
“Ta Yong!” I shouted loudly. A neighing cry erupted, and a streak of light shot out from the herd. I pulled the reins and mounted swiftly. “Let’s go! Head to Qingzhou!”
Below the Ancient Zither Terrace, a torrent of green water rolled southward, beautifying countless springs and autumns...
Riding alongside the river at night, the waning crescent moon resembled a small boat heading west, a bright morning star hung high in the sky, and a faint orange glow appeared in the east.
I rode Ta Yong ahead of the carriages, the wind gradually subsiding around me. Suddenly, a waterbird startled from the riverbank.
“Master.”
I raised my palm, silencing Guyi’s soft call. He tightened the reins and gestured behind him; the guards behind unsheathed their swords.
I took a steamed bun from the saddlebag, kneading it into balls while glancing around. One, two, three waterbirds flew up—I twitched my palm, sending out several white balls.
With several cries of alarm, dozens of figures tumbled out from behind the reeds and embankments.
“Mother! It hurts so much, Mother!”
Why are they still kids? I stared agape at the ragtag band of shrimp soldiers and crab generals—old and young, dressed in tattered clothes, resembling refugees.
“Who dares block our path!” Guyi roared, startling over a dozen children into wailing.
A tall man emerged from the dense crowd, his square features and thick eyebrows arching into his temples.
“Yong territory is in chaos; we’re all fleeing for refuge.” He wore coarse patched clothing, his demeanor starkly contrasting with the surrounding men, women, and children.
I carefully surveyed the group, noticing more than one person stood out distinctly.
“Tsk, what luck, encountering refugee bandits.” Alu’s teasing voice came from within the carriage.
“We don’t want money or goods.” The sturdy man eyed the cavalry behind me warily, summoning courage as he raised his gleaming large saber. “But we want your clothes and travel permits!” (Travel permit: a pass required to enter cities or cross borders.)
So they’re not refugees. I looked at the eerie red knot fluttering below his saber handle, smirking knowingly. So that’s how it is.
The elderly and young nearby stared directly, their expressions somewhat dazed.
“You want travel permits?” I covertly channeled my qi; the soul-severing sword flew out of my hand. A silver chain encircled the crowd, returning to my hand in an instant.
“Mother!” A man’s pants dropped, and he wet himself in fear.
“My beard! My beard!”
“Waa... Mother! My little braid is gone!”
“Tiger, Tiger, the braid doesn’t matter. Quickly check if the bird is still there!”
Pandemonium broke out.
“Do you still want travel permits?” I blew off the downy hairs on the soul-severing sword’s blade, emitting a chilling clear sound.
“Monster! Monster!” Over a hundred people cried and screamed, scattering in all directions, leaving behind about ten men who drew their sabers from their waists. The dozen red knots stood out prominently in the dim night.
“Leave the travel permits!” The leader crouched, ready to attack at any moment.
I rode Ta Yong, slowly approaching the group. They retreated cautiously, step by step, until they had nowhere else to retreat. I leaned down and whispered, “Swearing to kill the traitor Qian, avenging General Xue, you are the righteous army of Qianyou, aren’t you?”
“You!” The men were taken aback.
I stared at those red knots and continued, “The righteous army of Qianyou uses the ‘Hairpin Knot’ as a symbol. It’s a well-known fact; being recognized was inevitable.”
They tightened their brows in frustration.
“After the fall of Qianyou, a group of loyalists rose along the western bank of the Lei River. They despised Qian Qiao for betraying the loyal and selling out his lord. They vowed to kill him, even at the cost of their families. But alas, Qian’s claws were deeply embedded in the southwest. Not only did they fail to kill Qian Qiao, but they also lost their household registers, becoming refugees.” I glanced downward, speaking slowly, “Without a household register, they could only hide and flee. Over the years, the remnants of Qianyou in the southwest suffered greatly under Qian’s exploitation. These loyalists united the common people, raising their banners again, forming an army of nearly ten thousand. Several uprisings occurred over the years, only to be suppressed each time by the state forces. Did I miss anything?”
“Brother Zhi!” Others panicked, looking at their leader.
“And now you’ve incited nearby villages to rob travelers, not for money but for travel permits. This is because the Qian family is cautious; without a travel permit, one cannot enter the city.” I faced Brother Zhi’s fierce gaze. “If I’m not mistaken, you’re planning another uprising, correct?”
“Brother Zhi!” “Brother Zhi!” “Kill this effeminate guy!” “This guy knows everything!”
I raised an eyebrow playfully; that statement fully confirmed my suspicions.
“Shut up!” Brother Zhi scolded harshly.
I toyed with the jade pendant at my waist, speaking nonchalantly. “To be honest with you all, there are over a dozen empty slots on my travel permit. Bringing you into the city would be effortless.” Those extra slots were now occupied by corpses.
Brother Zhi took a deep breath. “What are your conditions?”
“You’re a smart man.” I spurred Ta Yong, calming his growing restlessness. “The condition is to help me kill the Qian traitors!”
Dozens of eyes trembled as they looked at me.
“What?” “What?!”
I turned my horse around, smiling faintly at those behind. “This Hairpin Knot was used by the military families of Han Baiqing’s generation to pray for their distant battlefield kin. It contains twelve strands of red thread, symbolizing peace every month.”
“How do you know!” Brother Zhi’s voice quivered with excitement.
I gazed at the faint morning light, softly saying, “Because my mother also made one.” And she was the first to start it.
“If you trust me, follow me! Charge!” I whipped my short lash and galloped toward the sun…
...
“Are you an official?” The man on horseback frowned at me. His name was Qi Dazhi, and he appeared to be a high-ranking commander of the righteous army.
I smoothed my newly changed deep purple official robe and smirked at the dozen men disguised as guards. “Yes, but I am an official from Qing Country, here to eliminate the Qian family.”
“Qing Country?” Qi Dazhi urged his horse, circling around me. “You are both a relative of General Han’s army and an official of Qing Country.” He muttered to himself, “Do you know General Han Yuesha?”
I smiled at him amusedly. “I’ve fought alongside him on the battlefield. You could say we’re very familiar.”
“That... that…” The eight-foot-tall man blushed, and the men behind him looked at me with excitement and awkwardness.
I gazed at the slowly lowering drawbridge and said gravely, “Upon success, I can introduce you to General Han.”
“Wonderful!”
The heavy city gates slowly opened, and a richly dressed man led over a dozen others, smiling in welcome.
“Governor Qian Tong of Qingzhou personally welcomes the envoy from Qing Country!” Voices announced from the city walls.
“Qian Tong!” “That bastard!” The righteous army cursed under their breath.
I harshly transmitted my voice using a technique. “Impatience disrupts grand plans. The Han family army doesn’t need hot-headed rabble!”
Instantly, silence fell, save for heavy breathing. I signaled to Guyi, who understood and moved our people to the front, blocking the vengeful righteous army.
I dismounted and greeted the bright spring sun with a radiant smile: “I am Feng Yunqing, Minister of Rites of Qing Country. I have been specially dispatched by my King to negotiate with the four southwestern states.”
The officials of Qingzhou gasped and halted, their eyes flickering with admiration. The leading richly dressed man hesitated for a moment, then quickly approached.
I politely met his dark eyes, and my heartbeat suddenly disappeared, as if I had fallen into a sea of time and space, everything around me abruptly changed...
It was ten years ago at Lei Moon Shoal, those same eyes cruelly reflected the bodies of Zhuyun and Grandpa Xu sliding down slowly. Those same eyes ruthlessly reflected the blood-stained figure of Nong Mo. It was those same eyes that coldly watched me fall from a cliff over ten feet high, as cold as the bone-chilling water of the Lei River in December, unforgettable for life.
“Minister Feng, I am Qian Tong, the governor of Qingzhou.” In a daze, the richly dressed man approached warmly. My senses twisted; he seemed to be drenched in blood, emitting a strong stench.
I gritted my teeth and broke through the illusion before my eyes, slowly, slowly raising my eyebrows and curving my lips: “I’ve long admired your name, it resounds like thunder in my ears.”
“Much obliged, much obliged.” He enthusiastically led the way for me. “I have specially prepared a banquet to wash away the dust of your journey!”
“Thank you for your trouble, Governor Qian.” I softened my tone.
“No need to be so formal, we are all one family! One family!”
Amidst Qian Tong's hearty laughter, I turned my head to look at the slowly closing city gates, a plan forming in my mind.
Leaning on my sword, I let out a long whistle breaking the spring day, embarking on a journey of ten thousand li to eliminate foes under the vast clouds.
Arise, the winds of the old country...
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