Book 7 Chap 6 – Sisters in trouble
After returning, Teng Yi said quietly to him, "Yanran is waiting for you at the inner hall." Xiang Shaolong was just about to look for her and quickened his steps on hearing that.
Teng Yi ran after him and asked, "Why did the King of Zhao summon you?" Xiang Shaolong was embarrassed and stopped to tell him briefly what happened and laughed, "We're considered lucky, there should be no problem if we stay in Handan for 1 to 2 more months." Teng Yi gave him a push and said, "Go in quickly! You're really lucky in love." Xiang Shaolong did not expect this burly man to suddenly utter such a phrase. Obviously Shanlan has changed him a lot. He replied with a smile and walked towards his bedroom.
He had just closed the door when the great beauty Ji Yanran ran into his arm with a gush of fragrance, her passion so fiery that he almost melted.
Women who have just started eating the forbidden fruit will be especially clingy and Learned Lady Ji is no exception. After the joining, they started talking, limbs entwined.
Before Xiang Shaolong had a chance to ask her about Li Yuan, this beauty admitted it first, "Xiang Lang, please don't blame Yanran. I've agreed to go with Li Yuan tomorrow to Lake Feng at the south of the city to admire the red leaves. Hai! This lovelorn person is really sincere, to run after me all the way from Chu and kept on pleading with me. Yanran had no choice but to entertain him a little. I will then find a chance to clarify with him my stand and tell him to give up on me."
Xiang Shaolong remained silent on hearing how Ji Yanran is still treating Li Yuan so nicely. Ji Yanran pouted a little, "Are you unhappy? It's just a normal outing! If you're still worried, I'll ask Mister Zou to come along."
Xiang Shaolong sighed and said, "From my observation and information obtained, this person's interior is not as good as his exterior but if I say this at this point of time, it would seem that I lack graciousness."
Ji Yanran disengaged herself from his arms and sat up on the bed, revealing her perfect upper body to his eyes as she said unhappily, "Do you think I am a person who would see you as someone carrying tales? I already belong to you while in Daliang, so why should you be afraid to speak your mind."
Xiang Shaolong pulled her back into his arms, flipped her over and pressed down on her, telling her how he made use of Li Yanyan to take part in the evil scheme set up by Lord Chunshen, and also what happened at the feast tonight.
When Yanran heard how Li Yuan was pressurizing the King of Zhao to deal with her 'Xiang Shaolong', and how he publicly announced during the feast about his appointment with her, her expression changed and she said, "I did not expect him to be such a shallow and conniving person, Yanran must really be blind."
Xiang Shaolong replied, "This person may have had a hard time suppressing himself in Chu so now that he's in Zhao, he would reveal the real him when he's not afraid that others will know."
Ji Yanran breathed out a gush of cold air as she said, "Luckily Xiang Lang has reminded Yanran, so I won't be taken in by him. Hai! When can Xiang Lang take me to Xianyang? It's really torturous being so secretive. Mister Zou is also very envious of Qin and hopes that he can go there quickly."
Xiang Shaolong sighed, "Who wouldn't want to leave this godforsaken place, it's just that now we still have to wait for the right time."
Ji Yanran sat up unwillingly and said, " I have to go. This time you don't have to send me off, it'll be difficult to argue if someone bumps into us." Then added with a smile, "Why don't we put on another show, the title of the act will be called 'The Horse Fanatic gets Ji Yanran'. If we can infuriate that Li Yuan to death, won't it be fun? Then we don't have to be so secretive and scared all the time. I can even openly move in to stay with you."
Xiang Shaolong sat up, hooking his arm around her pretty neck and tasted the lipstick on her pink lips again as he said, "It's 'The Horse Fanatic having sole possession of Beauty Ji', or maybe 'Fanatic Dong flirts with pretty Yanran'. This is a very tempting thought, but if it incurs the jealousy of Lord Longyang, then it'll be really terrible."
Ji Yanran replied with a smile, "This Lord Longyang likes to think that he's smart. If we do it just right, seemingly having feelings at times, moving along in steadily, it will instead quell his doubts and it will even make him think that I have nothing to do with that Xiang Shaolong, otherwise why would I have fallen for another man. She added with a sweet smile, "The terms Xiang Lang uses are the best in the world."
After being on cloud nine, Xiang Shaolong thought over it and found it reasonable and was greatly energized. If he can eliminate Lord Longyang's suspicions of Ji Yanran, it'll be easier for their mission in future. Otherwise if they let this man-woman find out about their affair, his identity may be revealed immediately. Because there's no way for him to hide if they decide to look at his false face in detail.
To the Zhaos, it's better to let him get Ji Yanran than to let Li Yuan have the advantage. The 2 of them were so excited they started their entanglements again before discussing the details.
Xiang Shaolong remembered Zhao Zhi, and it was only after much persuasion that Ji Yanran reluctantly left him quietly.
Xiang Shaolong took the opportunity to take a nap after Ji Yanran left and Teng Yi woke him up at midnight.
This guesthouse originally had a housekeeper and a group of servants but they have been transferred to work at the outer residence to stop them from being a hindrance.
While he was washing up, Teng Yi said from behind him, "A few suspicious looking men started hiding around the front of the street and back alley an hour ago. I wonder who they could be. Really feel like going out to teach them a lesson."
Xiang Shaolong replied, "It's easy to teach them a lesson. We just have to inform Zhao Mu tomorrow. That conniving thief will certainly have his ways to find out who they are."
Teng Yi said, "Be careful when you go out. I think I'd better go with you, at least I can take care of you."
Xiang Shaolong guffawed, "I'm just going for a rendezvous, why would I need to be taken care of."
Teng Yi no longer insisted and changed the topic, "When do you intend to make contact with the 2 groups belonging to Pu Bu and Zhao Da?"
Xiang Shaolong wore his mask and said, "We can only decide on this at a later date, and we must not let them know that Dong Kuang is Xiang Shaolong. A person's heart is unfathomable, who knows if any one of them would betray us?"
Teng Yi heaved a sigh of relief and said, "I'm relieved to know that you can think it this way."
Xiang Shaolong gave him a strong hug around the shoulders and after he helped him with wearing his full gear, he climbed over the wall and left the residence, turning into the dark streets.
Although it's late in the night, there are still carriages and people on the streets as well as patrolling guards. The cities of this era are huge and not as densely populated so general security is still good.
Keeping alert along the way, he reached his destination an hour later. He's still worried about being followed so he deliberately hid on a tree, waiting until he was sure no one was following before jumping down and walking into the bamboo forest next to Zhao Zhi's house.
It was an ordinary house, only slightly bigger than the average home. What's special is that there's a small river on the left while this bamboo forest is on the other side, separating this house from the nearby houses. This bamboo forest is also the path that one must go past in order to reach the house.
Xiang Shaolong cast aside his remorse towards Jing Jun, consoling himself by thinking that small details should not be haggled over if one wants to accomplish big things before walking out of the bamboo forest.
The deep barks of dogs were heard, then they were silent. Obviously Zhao Zhi had stopped them.
Zhao Zhi's residence is split into the front, middle and back, with a small courtyard at the back planted with flowers and trees. The surroundings have a quiet elegance.
The rooms at the back were joined with the garden so he only have to climb the wall into the back courtyard and will easily reach Zhao Zhi's bedroom.
Right at this time, the lamp in one of the rooms was lighted, and then extinguished again. It continued for 3 times before it remained lit.
Xiang Shaolong knows that this is Zhao Zhi's signal, and excitement welled in his heart from having an illicit affair. Zhao Zhi wins in being matured enough, a unique character and style that can intoxicate a person. The deepest impression she gives is that although she is not past 20, she has an air of weariness as if she has been through a lot. It seems that she must have had a sad past.
Xiang Shaolong knows that there's not much time left. A moment of night is worth a thousand taels of gold. He moved swiftly, climbing over the wall into the house and entering through the window.
It turned out to be a small study, simply and comfortably decorated. Zhao Zhi was wearing a pale maroon long dress, lounging on a rectangular bed, the table next to her filled with fine wine and snacks, looking at him climbing in through the window with a smile.
Xiang Shaolong was about to smile in return when an alarm suddenly went off in his heart but before he had the time to react, something is already pressing down on his waist from the back.
The reason why he did not have a proper feel is because it's separated by the belt that was filled with flying needles tied around his waist.
A low but melodious female voice behind him said, "Don't move, unless you can move faster that the specially made mechanical strong bow."
Xiang Shaolong felt the voice sounded familiar but he could not remember who this person threatening him from the back could be.
Zhao Zhi jumped up excitedly and exclaimed with a dainty smile, "Everyone keeps saying how formidable Xiang Shaolong is, but he still fall into us sisters' trap."
Xiang Shaolong was secretly laughing dryly, this is the second time he got cheated by a woman. Maybe this is a man's greatest weakness, always putting their guards down when faced with a pretty woman.
But he was feeling puzzled. If Zhao Zhi wants to deal with him, she just has to run out to the streets and start shouting and he'll be done for, so why would she go through so much trouble to deal with him privately.
Or could it be she still has feelings for that dead Lian Jin? She won't feel happy unless she kills him personally? He pretended to be surprised and said, "What is Miss Zhi talking about? Who is Xiang Shaolong?"
Zhao Zhi exclaimed angrily, "Still denying! Haven't you already admitted while on the road to the Guo Residence?"
Xiang Shaolong deliberately antagonized her, "Who told you that I am Xiang Shaolong?"
Thinking back, Zhao Zhi realized that indeed he has not admitted to it but at that time his mannerisms and the way he talked is exactly like Xiang Shaolong. Now that he is denying it, it's obvious he's making a fool of her.
The lady behind him, who could either be Zhao Zhi's younger or older sister, said in a low voice, "If you're not Xiang Shaolong, than my only choice is to silence you immediately so that our secret will not be leaked."
Xiang Shaolong's heart shook, he finally recognized that this lady behind him is the female assassin who tried to assassinate Zhao Mu twice, the first time was a mistaken attack on the carriage and the other time happened the night before, which was thwarted by him.
What he couldn't figure out earlier suddenly became clear. No wonder the female assassin could sneak into the Marquis Residence, all because of Zhao Zhi who helped with the spying.
He sighed and said, "Then I'm dead for sure, because I don't even know who Xiang Shaolong is. I thought it's because Miss Zhi had taken a special liking to me…"
The lady behind said fiercely, "If you say one more time that you're not Xiang Shaolong, I'll retaliate immediately!"
Xiang Shaolong was secretly sniggering and thinking it'll be a miracle if she can shoot past those steel needles and said with a cold snort, "I, Horse Fanatic Dong Kuang, never likes to be threatened and neither am I afraid of death. If I am not Xiang Shaolong, I am not so why should I pretend to be. If you don't believe me you can come and scrutinize my face to see if I have done anything to it?"
This is called making a calculated bet, betting that never in their dreams would they imagine that in this world, there will be such a leather mask made so delicately by Xiao Yuetan and this mask has a natural stickiness that will stick so perfectly onto skin that not a gap can be found such that even facial expressions can be shown. If one doesn't know how, it won't be easy to remove the mask at all.
Zhao Zhi was momentarily stunned and came forward, extending her hand to touch his face.
Zhao Zhi touched and grabbed for a while before her expression changed thoroughly as she exclaimed, "Heavens! You're really not him!" Xiang Shaolong replied, "I may not be Xiang Shaolong, but please don't shoot, otherwise it will be a lose-lose situation." The 2 women were equally stunned and knew that something is not right.
Fast as lightning, Xiang Shaolong escaped from between the women and came to Zhao Zhi's back, his hand pulling out the dagger at his waist smoothly and placed it across Zhao Zhi's neck while his other hand was wrapped around her alluring waist, taking control of the situation.
That lady raised her strong bow, aiming at them but she dare not shoot.
Xiang Shaolong pulled Zhao Zhi along as he backed up to the wall before he steadied his nerves to weigh this female assassin whose swordsmanship and stratagems are both astounding.
She is a little shorter than Zhao Zhi, looks about 70-80% similar to her, but is more fair and delicate looking. Her eyes are sharp, with a hardness and viciousness that Zhao Zhi lacks. She is a little older, her body graceful and packed with power and now she looks like a female leopard that's about to find someone to bite.
Xiang Shaolong asked with a smile, "How do I address this elder sister here?"
Zhao Zhi ignored the sharp knife pointed at her throat and cried out piteously, "Eldest Sister release the arrow quickly, otherwise not only won't we be able to take revenge, living will become even worse than dying."
Xiang Shaolong was relieved for he knows that Zhao Zhi really believe that he is that horse fanatic Dong Kuang so he hurriedly said, "We ca talk things over slowly. I can swear not to reveal your secret. I'm a man of my words and will never go back on my promises."
The 2 of them can't help but look at each other. Since this person is not Xiang Shaolong, there's no reason for him to let them off. This is too illogical.
Xiang Shaolong did not give them a chance to speak. He first made a very deadly vow in Dong Kuang's name before saying, "Elder sister, put down your bow and arrow and I'll release your sister."
The pretty female assassin replied resentfully, "Who is your Elder sister?" But her hands naturally loosened the hold on the strong bow, throwing the bow and arrow aside, so coolly that it seems a little irrational.
Xiang Shaolong was thinking that this beautiful tigress is quite straightforward so he kept the dagger that was placed on Zhao Zhi's pretty neck.
Right at this time, he saw this woman give an eye signal to Zhao Zhi and knows that something is not right so he hurriedly move to the side and just happened to avoid Zhao Zhi's elbow.
That lady let out a high pitched whistle and at the same time pulled out the long sword from her back and launched an attack towards him.
Xiang Shaolong was furious. He was kindhearted enough to make a deadly vow not to reveal their secret because he did not want to silence them but not only did they not appreciate it, they are trying to silence him in turn. Blood Wave came out of its sheath lightning fast.
There was a strange sound coming from the door and he turned his head around to take a glance and secretly cursed. It turned out to be a large yellow dog, running through the door in an alarming speed, revealing its white teeth, the nostrils flaring and a thunderous growl from deep within its throat, jumping towards him. He suddenly realized that her whistle earlier was to summon this ferocious dog to help her.
Luckily in the past, one of the modules he was trained in was how to deal with aggressive dogs and although he has never put it to the real test, he had trained and fought with the military dogs that were even more muscular than this yellow dog. He swept his sword across to block the coming stab from the other party, lowered his body and kicked sideways, aiming right at the lower jaw of the ferocious dog that was in midair jumping towards him.
The beast howled as it was kicked aside and tumbled to the ground, unable to get up for the time being.
Zhao Zhi managed to grab a sword from somewhere and coordinated her attack with her sister, one attacking from the left and the other from the front and for a moment swords were flashing everywhere.
Xiang Shaolong knows that this 2 ladies are formidable but he has long since familiarized himself with the 3 killer moves of the Mohist addendum so his swordplay is not as unskilled as in the past. Since the ferocious dog has not pounced again, he took the chance to dash to the side of the elder sister and using all his tactics, slashed his sword down from the top.
The elder sister was shocked. It turned out that Xiang Shaolong's move was excellent and wondrous, for it can keep on changing in such a narrow space, making one totally clueless as to what is happening. She gritted her teeth and attacked the onslaught, not caring about the enemy's sword at all as she aimed lightning fast towards Xiang Shaolong's heart, absolutely having the intention of dying together.
Xiang Shaolong was secretly admiring her character and this is just what he wanted as well. He had crossed swords with her before and knows that the style of her swordplay is fast and ever changing and if someone unskilled fights with her, that person may be dead even before he gets to touch her sword. This is also a woman's distinctive way of using the sword so that they need not match their strength against men who are stronger by nature.
He immediately changed his move and swept his sword across to block. 'Clang!' The sound reverberated sharply, the pretty assassin's sword was blocked by Xiang Shaolong's sword.
Since she wants to launch an attack against another attack, she will have to use all her might and there is no room for retreat and this instead gave Xiang Shaolong the chance to use all his strength to fight with her.
Besides Xiao Weimou and Teng Yi, Xiang Shaolong's waist and arm strength can be considered unbeatable. Now matter how formidable she is, she is still a woman and restricted by her nature. As the swords struck at each other, the vibration caused her wrists to go numb and she retreated in astonishment.
Xiang Shaolong thought that he would be able to disarm her but who would have expected her to tolerate the effects, although barely. She gave a cold snort as she rolled towards the ground.
Zhao Zhi did not expect this horse fanatic to have such shocking swordsmanship and just as she was about to run up to help out, her retreating sister happened to knock into her and both of them tumbled back.
Right at this time that yellow dog came back again and was about to pounce on Xiang Shaolong. Zhao Zhi cried out in alarm, "Dahuang! No!"
By this time Xiang Shaolong is already holding the bow in his right hand and an arrow in his left hand, aiming towards the top agilely towards that Dahuang.
This dog is very smart and well trained by the 2 ladies. Once it saw the arrow pointing at itself, it gave a low moan and hid behind the 2 ladies.
Xiang Shaolong held the bow with his right hand and the sword with his left hand, pointing it at the 2 terrified ladies and asked with a smile, "What is elder sister's name, so that I know how to address you."
The 2 ladies were still feeling unsettled and cowered at the corner of the wall, not daring to move at all. In such a narrow space and short distance, it is ridiculous to think that one can fend off the light arrow shot by the strong bow.
The elder sister is very stubborn, her lips were drawn tight and she did not answer him. Instead it was Zhao Zhi who blurted out, "Her name is Tian Rou!"
Xiang Shaolong was surprised, "Shouldn't her surname be Zhao?" Zhao Zhi realized that she has slipped up and her face turned pale.
Xiang Shaolong and that Tian Rou looked at each other. He thought that since her surname is Tian, maybe she is related to Tian Dan. Zhao Mu has all along been in cahoots with Tian Dan, otherwise he wouldn't be in secret contact with Xiao Weimou. Once he though of this, he had a slight idea of what's happening so he pretended to be furious as he stared widely and said, "I actually had the intention of letting both of you go, but a pity that your surname is Tian and I hate people with this surname. Now I can only abandon all thoughts of taking pity on beauties and send you back to where you came from before you were born. You should be grateful to me for giving you an easy death."
Zhao Zhi looked at the bow and arrow he held in his hand and trembled, "Why do you hate those with the surname Tian so much."
Tian Rou hissed angrily, "Zhizhi! Don't talk to him, let him kill if he wants to!"
Xiang Shaolong was secretly feeling perplexed, could it be that there's only these 2 sisters in this house. Otherwise with such a commotion going on, not a single person has appeared. And where has Zhao Zhi's 'father' whom she live with hidden himself? Once he thought of this, he saw the ears of the yellow dog which Zhao Zhi was holding on to perk up as its eyes shot to attention. He secretly understood and shouted, "Don't come in, otherwise I'll shoot immediately."
The 2 ladies were shocked. They did not expect that he'd actually detect their help who is stealthily nearing them soundlessly and suddenly a sense of weakness and helplessness welled up in them as they felt that there's no way they can deal with this person.
Xiang Shaolong looked at Zhao Zhi and said, "Since you are already at death's door, there's no need for me to hide anything from you. The reason why I hate people with the surname Tian, is because one of them is called Tian Dan!"
The 2 ladies were momentarily stunned as they stared at him. Xiang Shaolong moved forward slowly, his arrow moving up and down so that the 2 ladies have no idea the targeted area he has chosen.
A very tempting thought occurred to him. He just have to shoot Tian Rou, then use his flying needles to deal with the person outside the door and Zhao Zhi. He is 100% sure that he can swiftly deal with all 3 of them and that will settle everything and there'll be no need to trouble himself over them anymore.
A old sounding voice outside the door shouted, "Hero please have mercy, Tian Dan is also the enemy of my 2 Missies, we're all on the same side."
Tian Rou and Zhao Zhi cried out in unison, "Uncle Zheng!"
Xiang Shaolong said with a frosty laugh, "How do I know if this is true? I deliberately told you this so that I can force myself to harden my heart and silence you. Otherwise if you leak this out, and Zhao Mu, who is in cahoots with Tian Dan, finds out, I'll be dead. Or maybe you still do not know that Tian Dan will be coming to Handan within these few days and this is the only chance for me to take revenge. I will not allow anyone to thwart me."
The 2 ladies were visibly moved, obviously they do not know that Tan Dan is coming to Zhao. Tian Rou's eyes opened widely as she stared at him, "Aren't you with Zhao Mu?"
Xiang Shaolong shouted, "Shut up! Who would be this conniving thief's partner! I'm just pretending and gaining his trust so that I can deal with Tian Dan. Hai! I've never killed women, I'll have no choice but to start tonight."
That Uncle Zheng who was outside the door cried out in alarm, "Hero do not be rash, the death of my 2 Missies' family were caused by Tian Dan and Zhao Mu. This is absolutely true, if there's any deceit in this, then may I die without a burial place with thousands of arrows piercing my heart."
Xiang Shaolong pretended to be deep in thought and said, "There's no doubt that both of you has a deep enmity with Zhao Mu, but one of them is in Qi while the other is in Zhao, so how did they become your enemies?"
Zhao Zhi cannot control her tears as she cried piteously, "My family was harmed by Tian Dan and forced to escape to Handan but who would have expected that the conniving thief Zhao Mu would actually capture all 183 people in my clan and ordered men to send us back to Tian Dan, where they were all tortured to death by him. Would you believe if I say this?"
Tian Rou said angrily, "Don't beg him." Xiang Shaolong said with a smile, "Although there's a 'Rou'* in your name, you're not gentle at all."
(Note: Rou, meaning gentle)
Tian Rou was so furious that she couldn't speak. Xiang Shaolong added, "Why are the 3 of you left then?"
Uncle Zheng's voice drifted in, "The 2 Missies and I were late by a few days, that's why we escaped the calamity. For the past 7 years, we've been constantly thinking of revenge, Hero, please believe us."
Xiang Shaolong was relieved, and feeling a little guilty that he wanted to kill them earlier. Living in this warring era where lives are cheap, it's really easy to become influenced.
Xiang Shaolong released the trigger and the arrow shot between the 2 ladies faces with a whoosh, into the wall.
The 2 ladies were dumbfounded; they did not expect him to shoot at this moment. If the target is any one of them, they certainly won't be able to avoid it.
Xiang Shaolong threw the strong bow aside and kept his sword in the sheath as he said with a smile, "I am not interested in interfering in your matters, but I ask that you do not come and spoil my plans. Your real enemy is Tian Dan and not Zhao Mu and now that Zhao Mu is on the alert, to strike again would only be giving yourselves up for capture. Think about it! Such pretty girls like the both of you, if you fall into the hands of the evil, you will face a humiliation even worse than death. This is my advice, farewell!"
Under the amazed stare of the both of them, Xiang Shaolong strode towards the door and came face to face with that Uncle Zheng before leaving leisurely.
Book 7 Chap 7 – Glib-tongued
By the time Xiang Shaolong returned to the guesthouse, it's about 2 more hours to dawn. After telling Teng Yi what happened, he stretched and yawned.
Teng Yi sighed with admiration, "You've done this beautifully, Zhao Zhi no longer suspects that you are Xiang Shaolong. But from what I see this little lass has no ill intentions towards the real you, she just wants to coerce you to deal with Zhao Mu."
Xiang Shaolong exclaimed, "Her intentions are so good that she has to use that strong bow to aim at my back."
Teng Yi replied, "You spoiled that Miss's grand plan of assassination twice and that Tian Rou is so competitive so naturally she'll want to put you down a little."
Xiang Shaolong remembered that he was teasing Zhao Zhi while on the way to the Guo residence, the way she halfheartedly rejected him indeed reflected her interest in him. Now that she has 'mistakenly' think that the person who took advantage of her is 'Dong Kuang' and not 'Xiang Shaolong', how would she feel?
He remembered when she 'realized' that Xiang Shaolong is actually Dong Kuang, the look of disappointment on her face is something that cannot be faked.
Teng Yi said with a smile, "Since you're under imperial orders not to work hard, we don't have to pretend so why don't all of us go and have a good sleep. Who cares what will happen?"
Xiang Shaolong thought that sounded right, so he returned to his bedroom to have a good sleep. By the time Wu Guo came to wake him up, it was already past lunch and the sun is almost setting.
This is the first time in so many days that he's slept so soundly. Wu Guo said, "Second Master is waiting in the hall for Third Master for dinner!"
Xiang Shaolong got up energetically and after washing up went to meet Teng Yi. The 2 of them had a hearty meal.
Wu Guo said from the side, "Lady Ya sent someone here with a message, asking Third Master to go to her residence tomorrow night for a feast. She will send someone to pick you up and hopes that you will be able to go over to her place earlier."
Only now did Xiang Shaolong remember that she promised Li Yuan a feast last night. At that time he thought that she did not mean it, so he did not expect her to really be serious about it. He said with a wry smile, "Look why we are here in Handan, almost every night I have to go and socialize with those people."
Teng Yi said with a laugh, "It's not difficult to deal with Teng Yi, but dealing with those women is enough to make you suffer."
Xiang Shaolong replied, "I really want to give Zhao Ya a good f*ck to ease the hatred in my heart but this way she will surely be able to recognize me. Like what you've said, once she uses her nose to sniff, there's no way I can hide. Besides this expert in man is so familiar with my body."
Teng Yi shook his head and said, "I too, feel sad for your situation… oh!" His expression changed and he said, "It's not totally hopeless. While I was feeling bored yesterday, I tool a walk at the back garden and there is a kind of plant there. If we take the sap out and smear a little on the body, it will emit a smell very similar to that of a human body. It smells quite good, and a lot more natural than the fragrances women use to suffuse their clothes. This will solve the problem of scent. If there's not special marks on your body like moles or birthmarks, you may be able to make your way through the act if you extinguish the lights and do her in the dark."
Wu Guo who was at the side can't help but interjected, "Third Master's thing is certainly bigger than the average person, Zhao Ya will know once it goes in."
Teng Yi and Xiang Shaolong wrapped their arms around their stomachs and bowled over in laughter.
Xiang Shaolong said breathlessly, "You're such a bootlicker. But I was just saying it for fun, not that I really want to do her, nor is it worth taking such a huge risk. Hai! To treat her like an object just to expend my lust is not really very appropriate after all."
Teng Yi tried to control his laughter as he added, "But there's no harm applying a little of the sap of that 'love plant', so there'll be no problem even if you get a little closer with Zhao Ya. I'll go and prepare it immediately."
Wu Guo was dumbfounded, "To think that it has such a nice name."
Ever since Teng Yi had Shan Lan, he became a lot happier and easygoing. He extended his hand to pat his shoulder and sighed, "Now you've learnt something, this kind of love sap has slight aphrodisiac properties and women all like the smell of it. Young men from the villages around Jing Jun's age all like to apply some on their body when they go on dates with ladies. But it has to be mixed with rice water, otherwise it will cause the whole body to break out in rashes. Do you want to try?"
Wu Guo replied excitedly, "I must find a beauty to test this on once we get back to Xianyang." Xiang Shaolong asked, "Are there any other matters?"
Wu Zhuo answered, "Headmaster Zhao of the Martial Arts School has sent someone over with an invitation, saying that the Sword Meet tomorrow has been postponed to noon the day after and asked that Third Master must attend."
Xiang Shaolong told Teng Yi, "The other conniving devil Li Yuan is too detestable, maybe I will teach him a good lesson."
At this time someone came in to announce, "Lord Longyang is here to see Third Master and is waiting at the outer hall right now."
Xiang Shaolong was taken aback and asked Teng Yi with a dry look, "Are there any sap called 'Demon Riddance" to make him run to the other end of earth once he smells it."
Teng Yi guffawed, "This is the first time that I will not envy Third Brother's luck in love!"
On seeing the outstanding horse fanatic Dong Kuang striding out, Lord Longyang stood up gracefully with a pose that 'he' thinks is the most beautiful and even greeted him in the way a lady should greet.
Xiang Shaolong has no idea whether to laugh or cry and was secretly lamenting to himself but he pretended to smile and welcome him, "Lord is showing me such favor by coming here personally."
Lord Longyang's expressive eyes flitted towards him as he replied with a slow smile, "I came today to look for Mister Dong because something is troubling me and I won't feel happy until I say it."
Today he's gone back to dressing as a man but his clothes and accessories are still very colorful. If he's a real woman, Xiang Shaolong would certainly compliment her for her grace but now his heart is palpitating. If the things that he won't feel happy unless he says it are lovey-dovey words, heaven knows how he should deal with that.
After the both of them were seated, Lord Longyang said seriously, "I think that Mister Dong's decision to return to Zhao is really too rash."
Xiang Shaolong was taken aback, but also secretly relieved as he asked in bewilderment, "Why would you say that?"
Lord Longyang saw that there's no one around so he continued gently, "I admire Mister Dong's talent, that's why I'm speaking my mind with no restraints. The state of Zhao is now like a well that is almost drying up, so no matter how strong Mister is, how perfect and ample is your tools for filling and fixing the well, if you try to protect this well faithfully, ultimately you cannot escape the fate of the well drying and you dying."
Xiang Shaolong was secretly startled. All along he has little regard for this high ranking fellow who got his position from using his male charms to entice the King of Wei but now that he has heard his expressive analogy and how he has illustrated the state of Zhao straight to the point, he can't help but see him in a different light. He pretended to be surprised and said, "The Zhaos have recently gained a huge victory over the Yans, so how can they be a well that's almost drying?"
Lord Longyang said with a smile, "A dying person will have times when there's a surge of energy before they pass on, and the sun is the most beautiful right before dusk. And this is because Zhao still has 2 famous generals to hold the fort. Once these 2 are gone, do you think Zhao can produce any elixir to prolong her life?"
Xiang Shaolong asked, "Are you referring to Lian Po and Li Mu?"
Lord Longyang replied, "Exactly these two. Lian Po is getting old, he can still defend but will have problems attacking. Recently there are rumors about his incapability in attacking Yan. King Xiaocheng has all along been suspicious of him so now there's talk in Handan about changing generals, no one knows if history of exchanging Lian Po with Zhao Gua will repeat itself."
Without giving him time to interrupt, Lord Longyang continued smoothly, "As for Li Mu he is loyal and straightforward but doesn't know how to flatter others and not glib enough. If he is under an able ruler, he will become a formidable general who can conquer the world. Pity he is under King Xiaocheng, a person who is overly suspicious and only craves stories of success. With the Marquis of Julu at the side navigating his thoughts, he will not come to a good end. A pity that he is not afraid of death and is stoutly loyal, refusing to leave, otherwise everyone in Great Wei, from the ruler to the officials, will all welcome him with open arms."
Once he said that Xiang Shaolong knew immediately that the Weis must have made contact with these 2 famous generals. Li Mu has rejected, but he wondered what is Lian Po's reply. This Lord Longyang is indeed formidable, if he is able to remove the 2 huge military pillars of Zhao with just some words, won't the state of Zhao be under the mercy of the Weis?
Lord Longyang saw that he was engrossed and thought that he has shaken his stand and tried to entice him further by saying, "Mister Dong may be wondering why am I so bold as to criticize the Zhaos in their capital. Firstly I do not hold them in regard at all and I bet they won't dare to do anything to me. Most importantly I really admire Mister Dong very much and does not wish to see your hard work go down the drain in future, or even ending up as a slave from a defeated country. Besides, the Qins and the Zhaos have deep enmity and will never let them off. A good bird will choose a good tree to nest in, so if Mister is willing to come and work for Great Wei, I guarantee that the houses and gifts offered will be something that the Zhaos cannot give. At least we won't be chasing Mister away in panic just because of a few words by the lackey of Lord Chunshen, Li Yuan, who has no power at all."
Xiang Shaolong was secretly thinking him formidable, knowing that Lord Longyang has spies around the King of Zhao, that's why he knows how to grab the best opportunity to cut in and persuade him to work for Wei instead.
He can't help but admire his father-in-law, Wu Yingyuan's foresight to give him this horse fanatic identity. Now all the various states place much emphasis on battles on horses and him as Dong Kuang is the dream talent of all the other states.
He pretended to be moved and said, "Your words are indeed thought-provoking, I will consider them carefully and I still have to explain to my clansmen. But for now…"
Lord Longyang saw that he did not reject immediately and looked ecstatic. He cast a flirting look at him and said, "I understand the problems faced by men, Mister Dong need not worry. It's best that you can find out the situation in Zhao, so that you will know that I have not lied."
Xiang Shaolong can't help but admire his skills of persuasion. Just a few words and he has revealed all the problems of Zhao. He sighed in reply, "If I am not a Zhao, I would have agreed immediately."
Lord Longyang said gently, "To King Xiaocheng, other than the Zhao family, who else does he consider a Zhao? If it's not Zhao Mu or Zhao Ya, anyone else who loses favor like the Wu family, would have been torn to pieces by him long ago. He does not treasure a talent at all and Xiang Shaolong is the best example. If Mister has not given them a thousand high quality warhorses, in less than a year, the Zhaos will not have any useful horses left."
Xiang Shaolong was secretly thinking that this person is really vicious. By pulling him away, it's akin to breaking the legs of the Zhaos.
Lord Longyang lowered his voice and said, "I heard that Zhao Ba had acceded to the request of that conceited Li Yuan and will be holding a Sword Exchange Meeting the day after at noon. If Mister will just nod your head, I can order someone to take him down a peg or two on that day, let's see if he still dares to be so arrogant."
Xiang Shaolong was secretly startled. Every time they talk about Li Yuan, Lord Longyang seems to be very angry. With the looks and build of Li Yuan, it's impossible that Lord Longyang won't take a liking to him. It seems that maybe Li Yuan has once rejected him with harsh words, that's why his love has turned into hatred.
Or maybe he does not like the kind of gentle and pretty faced men like Li Yuan, but likes rough and stout men like him… heh! What are his thoughts leading him to?
Surprisingly, Lord Longyang stood up and said before he left, "Mister, please think it over carefully and let me know once you have an answer. We'll then discuss the details and I'll make sure Mister will leave happily."
Xiang Shaolong was confused by his terms of address* and hurriedly sent him off. He only turned back with a wry smile after seeing him go up the carriage and left under the accompaniment of 10 over followers.
(Note: Lord Longyang was addressing himself as 'I' in 2 ways, interchanging between the position of a Lord (Ben Jun)and the position of a lady (Nu Jia). I just used 'I' because I can't think of any English terms that can indicate 'I' to be spoken by a lady or an official.)
No matter what, he will never dare to belittle this she-male.
After Lord Longyang left, Xiang Shaolong enjoyed the free time and took a leisurely walk alone in the garden of the residence, thinking back about the intoxicating time when he snuck in here and first met Zhu Ji.
No matter what kind of a person Zhu Ji is, he can really feel her liking for him, and this is something that cannot be faked.
Suddenly, he felt a little melancholy and lost as well as loneliness. In fact he should feel even more satisfaction than anyone else. As a modern person, to come to this strange yet familiar warring states era, his life is at least an era richer than anyone else from any era.
Because he has experienced one more era.
After spending a few difficult years here, even the way he thinks, the words he uses are now similar to the way of the people in this era.
Last night, his thoughts of silencing others and to kill the girls, is exactly what Wu Zhuo and Teng Yi would have thought the most appropriate thing to do.
Luckily he turned himself back in time, otherwise he would feel guilty for the rest of his life. Once he thought of this, he can't help but feel a cold relief for himself.
By now it's deep into autumn and the weather is turning cold. The garden is filled with fallen leaves and in the darkening dusk, it gives a feeling of stern desolation.
Sometimes feasts are not that bad. During those senseless socialization and mundane festivities, one can easily numb and forget oneself.
Unconsciously, his thoughts turned strongly to his pretty wives and maids at faraway Qin, thinking of how they are pining for his return everyday and can't help but feel a sense of loss.
He can't help but randomly recited one of Li Bai's poems, "Leaving me, yesterday cannot be asked to stay; Troubling me, today's day is filled with worries."
Applause could be heard from behind.
Xiang Shaolong was startled and turned around suddenly to see Teng Yi accompanied by Ji Yanran who was elaborately dressed up and looking as pretty as the moon, both staring at him with wide open eyes.
A strange gleam flashed past this beauty's eyes as her pretty mouth mumbled and repeated these 2 verses from the famed ancient poetry.
Xiang Shaolong was embarrassed and went forward to say, "Yanran, how can you hide from other people's eyes by coming here like this to see me?"
Teng Yi replied, "Yanran is now on the way to the Palace to attend the King of Zhao's feast and can't help coming in to visit you when she passed by the guesthouse. She has no intention of hiding from anyone at all. Hei! Those 2 verses of poetry you recited earlier were excellent. All right! You two have a good talk!" He then made himself scarce.
Ji Yanran smiled enticingly as she threw herself in his arms and sighed with admiration, "Today Li Yuan showed me the poetry he wrote and Yanran is already very astounded and greatly admires his talent, but compared to the 2 verses you said earlier, Li Yuan's verses were as uninteresting as a child's toy. Who can make references as captivating as you? Yanran admits defeat."
Xiang Shaolong blushed, luckily Ji Yanran couldn't see it as he hugged her tightly and said, "Don't praise me, this is called beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Ji Yanran trembled as she left his arms, looking intently into his eyes and said, "Heavens! The words you spout at random are always so exciting and unique. I still remember your words 'Absolute power will only result in absolute disintegration', this phrase exactly describes the problem of all the states at this time, even Master Han Fei could not come up with such an extraordinary phrase."
After saying all these she can't help but kiss him passionately, almost melting him.
After they parted, Ji Yanran said in a haze, "Xiang Lang! Compose a poetry for me! I'll add melody to it and make it into a famous song for centuries to come."
Xiang Shaolong was secretly laughing ironically, there's no poems that he can recite from the start to the end, so what can he use to deal with this lady. Besides, using other people's works as his own is like plagiaris. It's all right if he just recites it, but if it really goes down in history, won't he have stolen other people's creative rights first, so he replied with a wry smile, "Everything in this world will fade away like smoke, so what if it becomes famous for centuries?"
Ji Yanran sighed delicately as she collapsed on his body, pouting happily, "Shaolong! You're really the cause of my downfall, what else can Yanran think of tonight besides you? But yet I cannot be with you. I don't care, from tomorrow onwards, you will have to pursue me openly so that I can officially surrender to you. This is one thing that you cannot allow to fade away like smoke."
She continued with a sigh, "Fade away like smoke! How pitiful and yet beautiful it sounds, only you are capable of suddenly spouting such a natural yet excellent verse."
Xiang Shaolong was secretly lamenting, for this is making matters worse. If in future she keeps on forcing him to compose poems and verses, won't he become the pirate of the literacy world.
Ji Yanran said sorrowfully, "Yanran has to leave, Mister Zou is waiting for me in the horse carriage. Why not this! Once you've composed a poem, I'll compose the melody and only sing it for you. I know Yanran's husband foes not hanker for fame or fortune. Hai! Fame and fortune are indeed troublesome, if no one knows who is Ji Yanran, then I'll be able to be with you all the time."
She smiled slightly and added, "Don't move!"
She kissed him lightly before flitting away, not forgetting to turn back again to smile at him, making Xiang Shaolong totally lose his senses.
When he returned to the inner residence, Teng Yi said, "Only now do I understand why Learned Lady Ji will fall into your hands. Those 2 verses are really incomparable works, touching the hearts even more so than the 'Book of Poems'. I'm sure you're very familiar with those poems."
Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that besides the verses 'Elegant and noble ladies, are the pursuit of gentlemen', he knows nothing about the 'Book of Poems', so he can only mumble a reply.
Teng Yi said, "That muddleheaded King Xiaocheng is really hopeless. If you are really the horse fanatic Dong Kuang, you should try to slip away immediately. Look at how much he fears Li Yuan. His feast for Yanran tonight, he has invited almost everyone with some status, except for you."
Xiang Shaolong was enlightened, no wonder Lord Longyang left in a hurry, so he was rushing to the Zhao Palace for the feast. He replied with a smile, "It's rare to have free time like this, why don't we go and take a walk to the official brothel here and drink to our hearts content."
Teng Yi said seriously, "Most of the ladies in the official brothels are pitiful girls, can Third Brother bear to disregard them in the name of fun?"
Xiang Shaolong thought of Su Nu and a sense of guilt washed over him as he said, "Second Brother has reprimanded me rightly!"
Teng Yi nodded his head, "You're indeed a rare man, to be able to accept another person's idea so willingly. Come! We'll just go out for a stroll and sightseeing, that is also another kind of enjoyment."
The 2 of them left the residence. After they left the guesthouse, they strolled towards the liveliest area in the city of Handan.
The pedestrians on the roads were few, and it looks a little desolate, a vast difference from before they left Handan.
What happened to the Wu family was a great blow to the Zhaos, and this capital of the Zhaos directly reflected this truth.
The fear the Zhaos have of the Qins is understandable, the massacre of Changping has scared them out of their wits.
Guo Zhong has a huge family and business here, so he cannot just pack up and leave but for ordinary citizens they could not be bothered with that much. They just have to find an excuse to slip out of the city and they will be able to escape to another village or another state.
Such migration is a positive function towards the unification of China, slowly weakening the concept of 'state', which will be beneficial to the aspect of unification.
Now the 7 states are fighting for power, and it seems a little like royalty with different surnames struggling for power.
Teng Yi's words startled him from his thoughts as he heard him say, "Someone is following us."
Xiang Shaolong was alert but did not turn around. He asked quietly, "How many people?" Teng Yi said calmly, "At least 7 to 8 people, quite highly skilled."
Shaolong thought hard, "I'm afraid it's the people who were watching us outside the residence last night. Who in Handan would do this?"
Teng Yi smiled, "Won't all these be clear if we catch one of them and grill him?"
Xiang Shaolong understood and followed him into a quiet and isolated little lane with trees on both sides and a stone bridge in front. After passing the river, a scattering of houses could be seen on the opposite bank.
Before they could reach the bridge, hurried footsteps were heard from behind and someone shouted, "Dong Kuang, stop!"
Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi looked at each other and smiled as they stoped and turned around nonchalantly.
20 odd burly looking swordsmen surrounded them in a fan shape and some went by the back via the woods to circle them, placing them in the center of the circle.
Xiang Shaolong took a clear look and recognized none of them. He had a thought and shouted, "If Li Yuan is that capable he can kill me himself, why did you send nobodies like you to come and die?"
The swordsmen were all alarmed, it seems that Xiang Shaolong was right and he has uncovered their identities.
Before those people had a chance to retort, the two of them took this opportunity while their opponents were still stunned to pull their swords out and attacked. The sounds of swords clanking rang out.
Those people did not expect their opponent to suddenly start the fight without a warning and hurriedly drew out their swords to block the attack.
Xiang Shaolong gave a cold snort as he used all his strength to execute his killer moves. The first of the enemy who reached him had his long sword knocked aside followed by an immediate kick on his stomach and that person screamed as he fell back, curved up like a prawn.
On Teng Yi's side, the crisp sound of metals clanking was heard and the sounds of weapons dropping to the ground and groans rang out, obviously someone has taken a huge beating.
Although Xiang Shaolong's first attack was successful, he did not slow down as all these people are experienced, good fighters and although they lost the advantage of being the first to attack, none of them retreated. Two long swords were aiming towards him from his left and right side as swift as the wind.
Xiang Shaolong continued while he still had the upper hand and moved to the right towards the especially stout looking man and swept his sword across to block. 'Clang!', that stout looking man met his sword head on fiercely without fear.
Xiang Shaolong was secretly thinking that it's an excellent fight as he executed the 'Attacking instead of defending' stance from one of the 3 killer moves in the Mohist addendum as he slashed fiercely towards his opponent's sword. That person is indeed skilled as he moved back and avoided the attack.
The long sword from the left aimed towards his chest.
Xiang Shaolong made a fake move as he avoided his opponent's vicious attack. If he were to release his flying needles now, his enemies will certainly be unable to escape but he must stop such an enticing thought because unless he can kill all his enemies and remove all evidence, otherwise the Zhaos may find out that he's Xiang Shaolong based on this.
Just as this thought was flashing past his mind, a long sword came alarming close towards his back. With a backhand slash of his sword, Xiang Shaolong chopped heavily on the sword near the handle. This person cannot be compared to the earlier stout looking man and Blood Wave chipped off a part of the long sword and the sword fell to the ground as the man lost his grip.
Xiang Shaolong knocked into him hard in order to avoid that stout man's sword attack again and elbowed that person's chest hard.
The sounds of bones cracking were heard as fresh blood spurted from his enemy's nose and mouth as he stumbled, knocking another enemy who was coming up from the side.
'Clang!'
Xiang Shaolong blocked the sword attack from the stou looking man, suddenly stooped down and gave a quick sweep with his leg.
That stout looking man did not expect such a weird move at all and gave out a cry as his legs flew out from under him and he turned a somersault in the air before falling heavily on the ground.
Right at this time more long swords came attacking again. This group of people are indeed fearless, and it took quite some effort fending them off.
If he did not have Teng Yi with him, then he can't be so sure of winning if he's alone.
There's no need for him to further injure that stout looking man so he executed the defense stance of the Mohist swordplay, forcing the 3 men at bay.
At this time Teng Yi gave a snort and knocked into his back, obviously he has taken some beating.
Xiang Shaolong took time off to turn around for a look and saw that 3 of their enemies are already on the ground but there were another 5 or 6 charging towards them like rabid tigers, viciously attacking Teng Yi, who shouted "Go into the woods!"
His swept his enemies away with his sword and just as he gave a flying kick to one of them, another one slashed him on the shoulder. Although it was not a deep wound, but blood still flowed profusely, dying his shirt red.
Teng Yi roared as he knocked off the weapon of one of the enemies and his iron fist crushed into that person's face and he fainted immediately.
The danger has lessened slightly as the both of them fought a bloody path out into the woods.
Those people had fear struck in them after some of their men were killed and no one dared to run after them. They whistled and helped up the injured and ran towards the other side of the bridge.
Teng Yi was about to give chase when Xiang Shaolong pulled him back and said with a smile, "Let them leave! Even if we catch them it'll be a wasted effort, for in the end won't we still be unable to touch Li Yuan?"
Teng Yi exclaimed, "You're injured!"
Xiang Shaolong took a look at the wound on his left thigh as well and said with a smile, "Just a little more serious than yours, it's nothing! But this batch of swordsmen are indeed formidable, no wonder Li Yuan is so arrogant."
Teng Yi chortled, "We really think too lightly of our enemies."
Xiang Shaolong wrapped his arms around his shoulder as both of them went back laughing and joking. But in his heart he was thinking of how terrible Li Yuan's expression would be when he see his men coming back injured.
Book 7 Chap 8 – Affections of a pretty girl
After Xiang Shaolong bandaged the wound on his shoulder, he might as well not wear his top and just wrapped a cape around and started practicing his writing on the table in the study.
Coming to this era, the first thing he has to overcome is the language, the accent and the way they habitually speak and the terms used. Either because he is especially talented, or maybe because he has no other choice, but he was able to handle such things within about half a year.
But as for writing? Until now, which has already been a few years, his words is still illegible. The ancient calligraphy of this era is really baffling him, and the problem is compounded by having to write on bamboo slips or cloth.
Luckily he regarded practicing calligraphy as an interest and since there's no Wu Tingfang or anyone else harassing him, he can take the opportunity of this free time to practice.
Just as he was totally immersed in the world of brush and ink, Wu Guo came in to report, "Miss Zhao Zhi is looking for Third master."
Xiang Shaolong guessed long ago that she will look for him so he replied, "Let her come in!"
Wu Guo's gaze landed on his table filled with his crooked and clumsy words, which looked like a child's handwriting and asked hesitantly, "Do you want me to help you tidy up the things here first before asking her in."
Xiang Shaolong knows that he is seriously trying to remind him tactfully that others must never see this splendid handwriting of his so he said with a laugh, "I deliberately wrote it so awfully so that others will know that Dong Kuang is unrefined. My real handwriting is extremely outstanding and you'll surely compliment them once you see it!"
Wu Guo slapped his forehead and said, "Third Master really thinks things thoroughly, otherwise even those who has never held a brush won't have their words end up looking like this." He hesitated, "But is Third Master being a little too exaggerated?"
Xiang Shaolong was extremely flummoxed for this Wu Guo is indeed being quite funny and he reprimanded him with a laugh, "Go and invite the lady in quickly! It's not nice to make people wait that long."
Wu Guo knows that he is an easygoing person who never puts on airs and treats everyone well regardless of rank, and he is already used to joking around with him so he bowed and left after hearing that.
In a short while Wu Guo led Zhao Zhi and came up behind him. Xiang Shaolong's back is still facing the door, as he looked at the garden outside the window illuminated by the moon. He instructed Wu Guo to leave and close the door behind him before telling Zhao Zhi, "Come! Sit opposite me."
He concentrated on his writing while Zhao Zhi went to the other side of his table and sat down delicately, her pair of pretty eyes landed on his snaky and crooked words and exclaimed "Ah!"
Xiang Shaolong waved his brush with a smile, "That's just how an unrefined person's handwriting looks like! Hope Miss Zhao won't find it a joke. Oh! I should be addressing you as Miss Tian instead."
Zhao Zhi lowered her pretty face, not really daring to look at him directly yet she rolled her eyes at him in rebuke as she said, "You're really muddleheaded, who said my family name is Tian?"
Xiang Shaolong was astounded, "Didn't you tell me so yourself? Why have you forgotten about it so fast. Don't be forgetting about me tomorrow as well!"
Zhao Zhi narrowed her eyes at him before lifting up the brush and wrote a word 'Shan', the character delicate and straight, a great world of difference when compared to the characters that Xiang Shaolong has written.
Xiang Shaolong said with embarrassment, "So it was I who have heard wrongly! But something came out of this mistake as well." Suddenly his body shook, as if he suddenly remembered something important.
Zhao Zhi mistook his meaning and said sadly, "You finally realize that my Father is the philosopher Shan Qin from the state of Qi. He wholeheartedly wanted to help his Majesty run the country well, but that conniving thief Tian Dan thought that Father wanted to reduce his power so he just randomly made up some proof of rebellion, causing our whole family to escape to Handan in the middle of the night. We thought that Zhao Mu would take us in on account of our longstanding friendship, but who would have known…"
But what Xiang Shaolong thought of was Shan Lan, who is married to Teng Yi. Naturally Teng Yi will know about her background clearly and there's no need for him to ask Zhao Zhi directly in case he leaked out the secret.
Xiang Shaolong asked, "What is Zhao Ba's relationship with you?"
Zhao Zhi wiped away the tears from the corner of her eyes and replied, "None at all, it's just that he is Uncle Zhao Zheng's good friend. Uncle Zhao Zheng used to be a scholar of Zhao, when he was young he followed his mother and came to our house as a servant, and until now he still regards himself as one. If he had not taken my sister and me in, I don't know what our outcome would be. I've long regarded him as my father, so please still treat me as Zhao Zhi."
Xiang Shaolong might as well continue his questioning so he asked, "Why did Miss help Zhao Mu train his dance courtesans?"
Zhao Zhi replied, "My Teacher has a deep friendship with Guo Zhong and Guo Zhong wants to find someone to teach his dance courtesans the sword dance, so Teacher recommended me. Zhao Mu saw that I did quite a good job teaching so he wanted me to train the dance courtesans in his residence as well. We thought that it'll be a good chance for revenge, but once again you saved him."
Xiang Shaolong asked, "Your elder sister is very highly skilled, did Zhao Ba coach her?"
Zhao Zhi shook her head, "Ever since young, Elder Sister has been the closed door disciple of Grand Master Cao Qiudao, who is also known as Sword Saint but gave himself the name of Mister Wang You. I stayed behind with Uncle Zheng while she snuck back to Qi to train under Master Cao. She tried unsuccessfully to assassinate Tian Dan twice and was forced to hide here recently. Now that Tian Dan has come to Zhao, it is indeed Heaven's gift of a splendid opportunity."
(Wang You = meaning forgetting sorrows)
Xiang Shaolong asked in bewilderment, "Why is Miss so cooperative this time, answering all my questions with nothing held back at all?"
Zhao Zhi's pretty face turned slightly red as she replied, "Because I'm grateful to you. You actually repaid malice with kindness, you're really a good person!"
Xiang Shaolong laughed as he leaned back against the chair and stretched lazily, immediately revealing his muscular and solid chest muscles as well as the bandages around his shoulder.
Zhao Zhi exclaimed in alarm, "You're injured!" Then she turned her head away and blushed, "You don't like to wear clothes at home?"
Xiang Shaolong replied nonchalantly, "Miss is unaccustomed to facing an unrefined person like me!"
Zhao Zhi turned her head back as if she has set her mind on something and looked at him shyly as she replied, "No! Mister's intellect and skills are way better than others, my sister and I are both very impressed by you."
Xiang Shaolong guffawed, "Don't speak on your sister's behalf, I don't believe she will ever be impressed by anyone."
Zhao Zhi revealed a look of surprise as she nodded her head, "You're really good to be able to see through her character. Indeed she did not say she was impressed with you, but I know that in her heart she is now looking at you from a different light, it's just that she's being stubborn and refuses to admit it! She did not object to me coming to look for you as well."
Xiang Shaolong was puzzled, "Don't you have to accompany your Master to attend the King of Zhao's feast? Why do you still have time to come and look for me?"
Zhao Zhi replied, "Precisely because everyone has gone to the Palace, that's why I sneaked here. That Ji Yanran's allure is really formidable, everyone is falling head over heels over her. If she is willing to play a tune or sing a song, I think that'll be a greater knockout."
Xiang Shaolong was thinking of the good show that is being played right now at the Palace, secretly thinking that if this unrefined man were to woo her publicly and in fact succeed, definitely everyone's spectacles will fall off their noses, if spectacles were to exist in this ancient era in the first place.
Zhao Zhi saw him smiling strangely and can't help but ask, "What are you thinking about? Hey! Why were you not included in tonight's feast?" I still have not asked you what is the great enmity between you and Tian Dan?"
Xiang Shaolong waved his hands and smiled wryly, "Which of your questions do you want replied first?
Zhao Zhi's eyes landed in his gleaming chest muscles uncontrollably again and she hurriedly averted her eyes in shock as she said with a sigh, "You're like a mystery, so unfathomable that one can never guess your intentions but if you're Xiang Shaolong, everything would seem reasonable."
Xiang Shaolong replied, "I know who Xiang Shaolong is now, just that I did not expect Miss Zhi is also his woman. This person is really a womanizer."
Zhao Zhi's pretty face turned even redder as she rolled her eyes at him and said, "Not only do I not have a relationship with him, he was initially my enemy as well. Hai!"
Xiang Shaolong asked in bewilderment, "Why did Miss Zhi sigh?" Zhao Zhi replied honestly, "I don't know either, I just feel a little vexed."
Xiang Shaolong said nonchalantly, "Since you are not his woman, then don't think about him. Since that I have already hugged and kissed you, why don't Miss Zhi just follow me!"
Zhao Zhi was astounded, then her whole face immediately burned as she exclaimed 'Ah!' and shook her head violently, saying, "No! No! Ai! Sorry!"
Xiang Shaolong furrowed his brows, "I am unrefined and does not know how to flatter women. Initially I thought that Miss Zhi was interested in me, but it turned out to be a misunderstanding. There's nothing to be sorry about, forget it if you do not want to be with me."
Zhao Zhi lowered her head, her expression a little uneasy as she pulled on the corners of her clothes and asked quietly, "You're really not angry with me over this?"
Xiang Shaolong chortled, "D.amn! How can I be such a person. But since you're not my woman, which means you're an outsider. My Father taught me that I must never tell the truth to an outsider, so you can forget about me telling you anything."
Zhao Zhi was thoroughly confused by him so she exclaimed with helpless anger, "Forget it if you don't want to tell me! I'm leaving."
Xiang Shaolong once again lifted his brush to write and replied absentmindedly, "Miss Zhi, please! I won't send you off!"
Zhao Zhi seems to be rooted to the spot and looked at him with interest, "You're angry!"
Xiang Shaolong deliberately refused to look at her, "Is there cause for celebration after being rejected by a woman? If Miss Zhi still refuses to leave, maybe I will forcefully cart you off to the bedroom, by then you will have no choice even if you're unwilling."
Zhao Zhi stood up in fright as she pouted, "You! How can you be so unreasonable, I came here meekly to apologize and discuss things with you yet this is how you treat others."
Xiang Shaolong's brush stopped moving as he lifted his head to look at this beauty who is prettier than a flower and eyed her up and down with narrowed eyes, saying "I am a normal man, you're a lass so sweet that juice is oozing out, this is a quiet room where there's no one else, so tell me how should I be treating you?"
Zhao Zhi could not tolerate the look in his eyes and fumed, "If you continue like this, I'm really going to leave!"
Xiang Shaolong put his brush down and smiled, "I understand Miss's intentions now, no wonder people say that no matter how willing a woman is in her heart, her mouth will always say no."
Zhao Zhi left her seat in shock and moved next to the door before saying with a sigh of relief, "If you continue treating me like this, Zhao Zhi will hate you to the core."
Xiang Shaolong turned around and said suavely, "Hate is love, hmm! Who was the one who taught me this famous saying. I did not expect that I, Dong Kuang, would finally succeed. Hai! I couldn't even find a woman to hate me in the past."
Zhao Zhi pouted, "Other than horses, what else do you know?"
Xiang Shaolong collected his thoughts and mulled over it before answering, "Actually I have no interest in anything else other than horses, but after hugging Miss that night, I realized that a woman's body is so soft and alluring, heh!"
Zhao Zhi finally could take it no longer and stamped her feet angrily before saying furiously, "I hate you to the core!" before pushing the door and escaping.
Xiang Shaolong looked at the closing door and sighed.
He deliberately made Zhao Zhi angry and leave, otherwise she may find out his secret. Especially when Jing Jun comes back, this lad will surely let the cat out of the bag when he sees her.
Even if there's nothing wrong with Jing Jun's expression, but Zhao Zhi has seen him many times and it'll be easy for her to tell that he is just wearing a mask as his build and movements will reveal the loopholes.
She is not like Tian Zhen, whose only wish is to be with him. If her sister ask her to make use of feelings to threaten him in order to accomplish their dream, that would be terrible.
But if the 2 sisters were to risk assassinating Tian Dan, it would also be a cause for headache. However, for the time being, he can't think of any plans that can fulfill both ends.
Once he thought about this, he stood up to look for Teng Yi to find out the relationship between Shan Lan and them.
When Xiang Shaolong woke up the next day, he's still very free. He was secretly finding this ironic. From being a popular person who was all the rage, he has now become an idle man and disregarded. He did not expect Li Yuan to have such influence. If he is the real Dong Kuang, it'll be strange if he is not harboring thoughts of leaving by now.
After he spoke to Teng Yi, he has indeed confirmed that Shan Lan is Zhao Zhi's 2nd sister. The Qis saw that she was pretty so she was kept in the official brothel and given training there so that she can be given away as a gift.
After lunch, Zhao Mu was on the way to the Palace to see King Xiaocheng and came into the guesthouse to see them.
In the quiet inner hall, Xiang Shaolong told him about the ambush. Zhao Mu was silent for a moment before saying, "It must be Li Yuan who ordered this, there's no reason for anyone else to deal with you."
Xiang Shaolong had already guessed this is the case, but he just wants Zhao Mu to say it out himself.
Zhao Mu continued, "Li Yuan is head over heels over Ji Yanran and it was even worse when Learned Lady Ji was seated at the same table with you the other day and both of you were conversing pleasantly. That stirred up his jealousy and he deliberately pressured King Xiaocheng to cast you aside. This matter concerns the relations between the 2 states, and it had to happen at such a critical time so it's difficult for me to put in my views. Hai! Learned Lady Ji came to look for you again yesterday. Don't talk about Li Yuan being overly jealous, but all the men in Handan who thinks that they are qualified to pursue her are all green-eyed as well."
He sighed again and said, "This beauty is really an excellent treasure. Her song last night, everyone at the feast was bowled over and that Li Yuan even wept. If one can keep her for himself, tell me what more can a man want?"
Xiang Shaolong remained quiet. Zhao Mu can't help but ask, "Why did she come and look for you yesterday?"
Xiang Shaolong pretended to smile wryly and asked, "If I say that she has taken a liking to me, would you believe me?" Zhao Mu chuckled, "Of course not."
Xiang Shaolong continued dejectedly, "I wish that she came to look for me because she could not control her feelings, but a pity she only came to seek my advice because her horse fell sick."
Zhao Mu was secretly thinking that this sounds more logical and said with relief, "I have to go. Bring more men with you when you go out these few days, don't let Li Yuan have another chance again. Our plan can only proceed after the collaboration between the 6 states have settled down so don't do anything for now."
Xiang Shaolong accompanied him to the main door.
Zhao Mu appeared to be in a good mood as he said with a laugh, "I wonder if Learned Lady Ji's heart has stirred, she seems especially alluring recently. What I did not expect was that she'd even be willing to attend Lady Ya's feast tonight. Her behavior is extremely different from when she was in Daliang, where she hid herself at home and refused to come out. Now everyone in Handan is rubbing his hands, hoping to win a beauty back. This is even more appealing than winning a great war."
Xiang Shaolong furrowed his brows, "Then won't the house be filled to the brim tonight?"
Zhao Mu chuckled, "Filled to the brim? This description is really interesting. The phrases you used may be better than Su Qin and Zhang Yi, these 2 famed debaters. Those words you said the other day forced Li Yuan to become speechless and everyone changed their opinion of you. Even that s.lutty Zhao Ya's heart was stirred. Just put in a little more effort and you may even be able to go straight to her bedroom tonight? Hei! The allure of this s.lut on the bed is something you will know only after you try it."
Xiang Shaolong felt like covering his ears so that he did not have to listen. Luckily by now they have reached the square outside the main building, only to see more than a hundred of the Marquis Residence's house warriors, and it was the first time Pu Bu and the rest appeared there as well.
Zhao Mu gave a cold snort, "One day I will capture that female assassin and when the time comes, I'll make sure that living will be worse than death for her. This group of people are the personal guards I recently transferred over and are absolutely loyal but if they fail in their jobs, I will sentence all of them to death like the last batch of idiots."
Xiang Shaolong was secretly startled, for this person's cruel nature makes one turn cold. Everyone, including himself, is just a tool that he can discard at will. If he becomes the ruler, the officials and the people will be in for a lot of suffering.
But this time, this is to his advantage. At least it allows Pu Bu and his men to be closer to him.
Shortly after Zhao Mu left, the horse carriage Mady Ya sent to pick him up arrived, and the person who drove it is Zhao Da.
He trust Zhao Da even more than he trusts Pu Bu and his men so he invited him into the hall and asked with a smile, "Zhao Da, don't you recognize me anymore?"
Zhao Da was astounded and looked towards him, exclaiming hoarsely, "Master Xiang!" before hurriedly kneeling down.
The two of them felt like they've been parted for a long time Zhao Da was so overcome by emotions that he was weeping as he said, "We have been waiting for Master Xiang to return and actually wanted to slip away to Xianyang to look for you but we can't bear to leave Lady behind."
After Xiang Shaolong made him sit down, he said, "This time, my identity must not be revealed, otherwise it will bring everyone down, therefore you must hide this even from your brothers."
Zhao Da replied, "Master Xiang, do not worry. Even if I am to be chopped to pieces, I will never reveal anything about you. Master Xiang trusts me so much…" When he said this, his eyes turned red and he could not continue his words.
Xiang Shaolong replied, "Once this matter is accomplished, all of you will come back with me to Xianyang! Handan is not a place for you to stay too long in."
Zhao Da was initially overjoyed but his expression immediately dimmed a little as he suddenly knelt down as if he has made up his mind on something and choked, "Master Xiang please forgive Lady! You're the only one who has a place in her heart even now, she…"
Xiang Shaolong helped him up and was visibly moved as he said, "I understand your loyalty, but many things cannot be forced, let's just see how things progress! That's right! Did Han Chuang spend the night at Lady's place these few days?"
Zhao Da's expression started to look a little unnatural as he replied, "Lady did not see Marquis Han recently, but Mister Li Yuan from Chu did came once and Lady invited him to her building for a talk and he stayed there for more than 2 hours. Master Xiang! Lady is doing this only because she's trying to make use of others to forget about you, all this time we've never seen her smile truly."
Xiang Shaolong was secretly livid. Li Yuan is not interested in Zhao Ya at all but just making use of her to take revenge on Ji Yanran for treating him differently from others and this Zhao Ya has no self-respect for herself as well.
Zhao Ya exclaimed in panic, "Master Xiang! I am telling the truth."
Xiang Shaolong replied with a straight face, "It's very dangerous to try and stand on 2 boats at the same time. Zhao Da, from today onwards, you better put your whole heart and mind into following me. Zhao Ya is fickle and I cannot put everyone's lives in her hands. If she betrays us again, this time there's no chance of us turning things around again."
Zhao Da was so startled that he knelt down and begged for forgiveness.
Xiang Shaolong pulled him up again and after talking and advising him, he went over to Teng Yi's room to apply the medicinal sap from the 'Love Plant' before following Zhao Da back to Lady Ya's residence.
Along the way, he felt more hatred the more he thought things over. Now, besides Zhao Mu, the person he hates most is that despicable and venomous Li Yuan.
He can't help but blame Zhao Ya for being a born s.lut again and for having weak willpower. Since she has expressed her interest in this horse fanatic, how can she continuously flirt with other men and he can't help but put his guard up against her.
The best way to deal with those 2 people, is naturally through his goddess Ji Yanran. Once he thought of this, his whole being was filled with energy.