Chapter 244: Why Have You Gone so Pale Once Again?
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Shangjing was lively today, as the envoy's arrival had been greeted by the presence of several hundred people. In the midst of these proceedings, the Northern Qi Kingdom's officers and fellow Brocade Guard had to step aside to clear a passage, and with great respect, kneel to the discourteous walk of one woman in particular. "Greetings, Lady Haitang."
Haitang's eyes were swollen and it looked as if she had not slept much the night before. With her hands tucked into her large pockets, she yawned and brazenly asked, "What the hell are you guys doing here?"
An officer, with great haste, stood up and ran toward her to say, "In accordance with the decree, we have gathered here to welcome the arrival of the southern Qing Kingdom's head diplomat, Fan Xian. But a guard in the employ of Fan Xian will not inform his master of his allowance to enter the palace."
Brocade Guards and officers from the Office of the Grand Herald stepped forward to declare their desire to meet Fan Xian.
Haitang appeared unaware; she did not seem to have any knowledge of the events that had transpired within the capital for the past two days. With widened eyes, she asked, "Why will the guard not inform him?"
Tiger Guard Gao Da knew that the women before him was an important person to Northern Qi, despite her rugged apparel that suggested a countryside upbringing. What he found most curious, however, was that during the time that the delegations had been within Shangjing, Fan Xian had been spotted with this woman numerous times. It was because of this, he decided to approach the woman and with a deep voice, tell her, "Mister Fan drank too much yesterday and is now unwell. He is resting now; do not disturb him."
Haitang groaned and quietly said, "I'll go take a look."
After this, she walked up the envoy's entrance. She had visited the envoy in search of Fan Xian on numerous occasions and therefore Haitang had become a frequent sight for the others within. Seeing her stoutly march in, Lin Wen, who stood upon the stone steps, felt slightly concerned - but he did not dare to stop her.
Tiger Guard Gao Da sought to protect his master and so he frowned, firmly grabbed the hilt of his blade and impeded Haitang's advance by stepping in front of her. "Miss Haitang… Hrm!"
He was at a loss for what to say, and thus his words trailed off at the end.
Haitang did not respond and instead simply turned around. The cloth shoes she wore did not leave the ground and they made a grinding noise as she spun. All of a sudden, for reasons he did not understand, Haitang had appeared behind Gao Da.
Gao Da thought to cease her passage by a demonstration of the zhenqi that he possessed but for some reason, his ability to do so had been suppressed. Being unable to release it, he shook his shoulders as a look of anger warped his face.
Haitang smiled, turned around and lightly slapped his shoulders. The expressionless, unconcerned face that Haitang had previously displayed now gleamed with life. "Fan Xian and I are friends. I am sure that my presence, no matter the timing, would bring him much joy."
When her hand touched Gao Da's shoulder, the contact imparted a soft, gentle, and comforting warmth.
Gao Da slowly closed his eyes and drew his longsword. He fiercely spun it around before driving it three inches into the pavement, scattering shattered cobblestones across the ground.
Gao Da was an incredibly menacing and highly-talented fighter, but even his skills paled in comparison to the dexterity of Haitang. And her identity was one of importance, which put him at a further disadvantage.
As such, Gao Da was unable to commit to doing anything which might have stopped her. He was at an impasse, but was still firm in his desire to not allow Haitang to visit Fan Xian alone. Thus, Gao Da grimaced and decided to accompany her, as she continued her staggered walk toward the courtyard.
The Brocade Guard and their fellow officers of the Northern Qi Kingdom, however, knew their place. They did not follow, but they were keen on having Haitang inadvertently confirm whether or not Fan Xian was in the area.
"Good morning, Lady Haitang." The words were slightly garbled, revealing the presence of a man who was in the midst of brushing his teeth with a ridged instrument. It was Wang Qinian, and he appeared in a corridor in the courtyard that Haitang would have to pass by. Wang was close to Fan Xian, and as such, he was a person that Haitang had seen many times.
Haitang smiled in response, but acknowledged that Wang was simply seeking to slow her advance. She wasn't in a particular hurry, so she decided to engage Wang in conversation. "What are you holding in your hand?" she asked.
Wang Qinian pulled the tool out of his frothy mouth, showed it to Haitang and laughed before saying, "Fan Xian invented this. It's a toothbrush."
"Toothbrush?" Haitang asked, with a confused expression. "It's to brush your teeth?"
"Yes."
"Why don't you use willow sticks?"
"Because these things are wonderful! The brush is soft and delicate." Wang Qinian realized that he had taken the toothbrush out of his wretched mouth and displayed it directly to Haitang. After noticing how boorish this act was, he quickly pulled it back and apologized.
Haitang gave a wry smile, stroked her hair and then proceeded forward. Seeing her departure, Wang threw his bowl and toothbrush to his assistant and quickly followed after her. For a man who was almost forty, he was as spry as rabbit. As he followed Haitang, he continued talking to her, explaining that Fan Xian had gotten drunk the night before and was still resting. He then pleaded that she return later.
Everybody who saw Haitang that morning knew she was on her way to see Fan Xian, for nobody could think of another discernable reason for her appearance at such an early hour.
Off the corridor that the two walked along, a figure dressed in white began walking toward them. Haitang took notice of this person and turned around, a glint of frost showing in her eyes. As she did this, she exclaimed, "It's you, Mister Yan!"
Yan Bingyun could tell that this apprentice of Ku He was in a foul mood this morning. Even though he had already been released by the Brocade Guard, Yan Bingyun always made sure to stay out of sight and avoid the fleeting potential that he may aggravate or annoy any of Northern Qi's civilians or officers. Right before he was arrested, Haitang was returning to the palace. She met him once when he was masquerading as a scholar and, as such, this reunion left Yan Bingyun feeling a little awkward. He silently retreated.
Looking at the wooden door that appeared to be shut tight, Haitang frowned and raised her hand in an attempt to push it open.
Even though she was a friend of Fan Xian, to barge beyond a door like this would be considered extremely inappropriate. Wang Qinian was taken aback by what she was planning to do, and so he decided to spring in front of her to halt her. As established, he was quick on his feet, but he was not fast enough for this move. A strong wind picked up and before he could get in front of Haitang, the door swung open with the gust.
Wang Qinian was sweating profusely, unsure of whether or not he could prevent her from finally reaching Fan Xian.
Haitang delicately glanced over at the bed inside the room and then told Wang Qinian, "Mister Wang, you can go back now."
Wang Qinian did not move.
A harsh and cold voice emanated from someplace within the house and said, "Wang Qinian, you can indeed go back now."
Wang Qinian took a deep breath and joy returned his eyes once more as relief washed over him. He bowed and responded with "Yes, Mister Fan!"
Haitang stepped inside as the door closed itself behind her. She was not at all surprised, and the manner of her stride suggested she was in no hurry either. She approached a teapot that was set upon a table, poured its cold tea out into a cup, and had a sip. She then sat on a stool beside the bed.
On the big bed, Fan Xian was resting with the duvet upon him. His face was pale, but he managed to raise a smile. He gazed at the crass woman who had just sat near him and a brief while later, he said, "You can keep watching me like that, if you so wish."
Haitang raised her hand to suppress a yawn and then said, "If Empress Dowager hadn't asked me to come here, do you think it would bring me pleasure to gaze upon your early-morning unpleasantry?"
Fan Xian laughed and responded, "I'm not fond of how I look either. That being said, it is far from ugly." He looked down and said, "She's not ugly either."
Fan Xian pulled back the duvet to reveal a woman with black, silk-like hair resting upon his chest.
"Been drinking in a brothel, day and night have you?" Haitang averted her eyes and acted as if she had not seen the woman upon his chest. She yawned once more and said, "She's not that pretty, anyway."
"Are you going to keep looking?"
"You haven't tried to stop me." Haitang smiled.
Following this tense exchange, it was Fan Xian who first began to feel uncomfortable. He ended up saying, "Could you please turn around for a moment? We should allow this lady in my arms to get dressed with a modicum of privacy." He calmly continued: "You may not have to respect me, but you should at least respect this woman. There is no need to embarrass her."
When the courtesan had gathered her things, she turned to face Fan Xian with a look of dismay. The gleam in her eyes conveyed a look that was both shy and salacious at the same time. Then, she went to bow before Haitang before exiting and leaving the two of them.
Fan Xian continued to lie in bed, with his hands placed behind his head, unconcerned about showing his naked torso to Haitang.
Haitang wasn't one to blush easily, neither was she one to feign a reaction. She had no intention of complaining and thus paid no heed to the naked young man before her. "Do you have any idea of the events that have transpired within the capital these past two days?"
Fan Xian, for but a few brief seconds, was startled. He quickly retracted his reaction and began smiling, "Ugh. I have no intention of engaging in a formal conversation with you. I have been in Shangjing, so of course I know. A lot of Shang Shanhu's men were killed and Xiao En was killed by your people. I believe your mentor will be very happy, so I suppose congratulations are in order."
Haitang was still staring at Fan Xian with a gaze that grew increasingly intimidating. Fan Xian, however, didn't seem to acknowledge that anything was amiss. With a continued smile, he said, "Not bad. I knew this was going to happen. So, to avoid any suspicion, I have had to lock myself within the envoy for the past two days. I hope you understand."
Haitang was unsure about whether or not his words were ones of sincerity or deception. But earlier, in the courtyard, Wang Qinian had attempted to slow her approach. This would have given Fan Xian enough time to prepare, and nobody knew why Haitang had been willing to allow this.
Since Fan Xian was here in the mission, she knew that she wouldn't be able to get any confession out of him. Though he seemed like any other young, handsome Southern official he was in actuality exceptionally rigorous in how he carried out his tasks, and she wouldn't be able to catch him if he were lying.
Haitang stood up and returned her hands to her pockets. Then, all of a sudden, she began to deliberately eye Fan Xian's naked body. Through use of his zhenqi, Fan Xian mendaciously feigned a blush.
Haitang began smiling and questioned, "Why are you blushing?"
"I am simply feeling energized." Fan Xian then suddenly felt that some vague danger was drawing near. Two nights of exhaustive trials, the effects could still be felt and so in the color drained from his face.
"Why have gone so pale once again?"
Fan Xian took a deep breath and smiled. "Last night took a lot out of me."
Chapter 245: Why Are You Coming, Xianxian?
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
"Don't you wish you'd had more time with her?"
"Too much of a good thing can be a problem too."
"Those toothbrushes you made... I'd like one."
Fan Xian was a little surprised. He hadn't expected such a demand from her. He forced a smile. "As far as I know, they sell them on Xiushui Street."
Haitang smiled. "Not the ones you make."
"You're too kind."
"I never thought that the son of a noble family like you would care about such things." Haitang looked at Fan Xian as if she were trying to see him anew.
Fan Xian slowly closed his eyes. "You clearly don't know much about me."
Haitang was silent for a moment. "But I do know that you're going home after the Empress Dowager's birthday," she said. "What are you going to do about the promise you made to me?"
There was a look of reluctance in Fan Xian's eyes. "Let me sleep on it, and I'll come talk to you later."
Haitang frowned. "Very well."
Fan Xian suddenly opened his eyes. "I don't feel too well today, so I'm not up for talking."
"Farewell." It was the first time Haitang had seen such a cold and indifferent expression on Fan Xian's face, but she made no response, and simply left.
Fan Xian lay down on the large bed, clearly exhausted, and yet he couldn't sleep. He looked calm, but his mind was racing. There wasn't enough time to work through everything he had heard and felt the night before. He opened his bright, clear eyes, and looked at the embroidered veil that hung over the bed. It was as if he wanted to penetrate the roof with his gaze, breaking through the clouds to the Ninth Heaven, shooting up into the distant sky.
Since they had confirmed that Fan Xian was in the diplomatic mission, for Northern Qi, that begged the question - who was it who had tried to save Xiao En on top of the cliff? Suspicions were naturally raised.
Lang Tao, Friar He, and Shen Zhong sat around a table with deep frowns on their faces. Of the three of them, Shen Zhong's position was most senior, but Lang Tao was a disciple of Ku He as well as being the martial tutor of the young Emperor, so his status was highest. Friar He seemed rather taciturn.
Yesterday, after the two of them had forced Xiao En and Fan Xian over that precipice, the Brocade Guard had begun a secret search in the area surrounding Shangjing. To their surprise, a day and a night's worth of effort had not produced any results. Early in the morning, they had given up and asked the palace for assistance in entering the diplomatic mission where, astonishingly, they had found Fan Xian lying in bed!
"Could it be that it wasn't Fan Xian?" Friar He's pale face looked even paler. Although the poison that had entered his leg had been expelled, he had still experienced significant damage to his zhenqi.
"It was definitely Fan Xian," said Lang Tao, his eyes closed. "An expert in the use of poison, and needles, and all those little tricks. Who else could it be?"
Friar He frowned. "But that person didn't look like Fan Xian."
"People can disguise themselves," said Lang Tao, opening his eyes.
Lang Tao had special status, so when he spoke, people rarely doubted him. But the fact was that Fan Xian had been right there in the diplomatic mission. If the person who had thrown himself off that cliff was him, then how could he have escaped without a scratch? Unless he was some kind of demigod.
Shen Zhong couldn't help but doubt Lang Tao's judgment, but he retained his demeanor as an affable old rich man. "It most likely was Fan Xian, because the one who colluded with Shang Shanhu was a southerner, and only a southerner could know so much about the situation. It couldn't have been one of the masters from the City of Dongyi."
Seeing Friar He disagreeably shake his head, Shen Zhong laughed. "Of course, it could have been someone else."
"If not Fan Xian, then who?" asked Lang Tao quietly. He didn't care much for talking with these agents of the state. If this matter hadn't involved Xiao En, then he wouldn't have bothered leaving the palace to assist the Brocade Guard.
Shen Zhong looked at Lang Tao with a broad smile. "Master Lang Tao, there are a great many masters in Qing too. As for the question of methods... I think you once said yourself that Chen Pingping always has an assassin by his side known as the Shadow, but no one has ever seen him, and no one knows of his methods and practices. Since Fan Xian is a commissioner of the Overwatch Council, then he has some connection to that Shadow's methods... In that case, the one who attacked you on that cliff may not have been Fan Xian, but that Shadow."
The Shadow was Chen Pingping's personal bodyguard. Although no one had seen him, as the spymaster of Northern Qi, Shen Zhong naturally knew of his existence.
"It doesn't matter who it was," spat Friar He. "The most important thing right now is that we confirm Xiao En's death."
"Xiao En is dead."
Lang Tao spoke calmly. When Fan Xian, dressed all in black, had made his rescue attempt, he remembered that his curved blade had already struck Xiao En in the chest. He was confident that the force of his blade was enough to cut Xiao En's life short.
Shen Zhong smiled. "Very well. The grandmaster and the Empress Dowager will be very pleased. I wish to express my gratitude to both of you."
The sun was sinking below the western city wall of Shangjing, as it had done for millennia. A slight warm breeze rustled the drooping leaves of the trees, drifting through the houses of the city, whirling around people's bodies, brushing past those silent tree trunks.
After night fell, the breeze cooled. Fan Xian, wearing a simple robe, stood by a tree in the rear courtyard of the diplomatic mission compound. He narrowed his eyes, looking at the first star that had appeared in the sky. In that weather, an unlined garment was fine, but he was still weary, so he felt a little chilly.
He carefully tore apart the letter in his hand. Unlike the way he had done it in the past, he didn't rip it up into a thousand tiny pieces, because the letter wasn't a confidential message from the Council, just a standard letter.
The letter was from Wan'er. Although news from home had flowed steadily from the north, this was the first time he had received a letter from his wife. He presumed she was waiting at home, somewhat worried. The Prime Minister, his father-in-law, had left his position; Dabao had moved into Fan Manor. Ruoruo was as unflappable as ever; it seemed that she wasn't worried by the news of the wedding in the slightest. His father was busy with court politics. All of this was in the letter.
There was no message expressing her yearning at the end of the letter, no urging him to return home. There were simply a few lines of poetry. "The summer night winds have stopped, and I toss and turn in bed, wounded in my dreams. I know that you will return soon, and my fine black hair has grown longer. When will our short absence be ended? I think of you for three days. Why are you coming, Xianxian? To immerse yourself in your books."
By "three days", she meant yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Fan Xian smiled. He could feel how much she missed him in her letter, and her rare feeling of optimism made him feel comforted. He had been so busy the past few days in matters of espionage that he had barely thought about home. Occasionally, he would think about them and feel guilty.
He met up with Haitang the day after. For some reason, he found himself looking forward to their meeting.
It wasn't anything to do with romance. It was just a kind of pure anticipation. Fan Xian wanted to talk with her. To be more precise, he wanted to tell her everything about what had happened with Xiao En... but there was no way that he could.
There was a strange and remarkable feeling in his heart.
On that rainy night in the Qing capital, after he had opened the box, Fan Xian presumed that he would never be alone in this world again. After all, invisible traces of his mother were everywhere in this world. But now, he still found himself feeling alone, because those traces were still silent and intangible.
"Xiao En was right. I'm empty inside." Fan Xian felt as if he had no friends. He shook his head and walked into a side room.
Inside the room were Fan Xian, Yan Bingyun, and Wang Qinian. This was the last meeting of Overwatch Council members in Shangjing. Yan Bingyun looked calmly at Fan Xian. "Master Fan, did you find out?"
This was the situation that Fan Xian had anticipated. He had used all of the power of the Overwatch Council and Xinyang, and had found out Xiao En's secret, the one that everyone urgently wanted to discover, as he had teetered on the edge of death.
He frowned. "I was too late. Xiao En is dead."
There was a strange look in Yan Bingyun's eye which suddenly disappeared. He shook his head and sighed. "All of that planning for nothing. What a pity."
Fan Xian gave a mocking smile. "That old cripple spent 20 years and couldn't get it out of him. Did you think I'm some kind of god?"
He often called Chen Pingping "that old cripple" in front of Yan Bingyun. It was very rash and even clumsy threat, but in dealing with a man as intelligent as Yan Bingyun, this kind of recklessness was more useful.
He turned his head and spoke to Wang Qinian. "Prepare for the journey home."
"Yes sir," said Wang Qinian quietly. He paused for a moment, and then frowned. "Master," he asked, "what shall we do with the forgery you left in the room yesterday?"
Fan Xian knew he meant killing people to keep them quiet. He felt a little uneasy. "Take it back," he said.
Yan Bingyun shook his head disapprovingly. "And if it were to be discovered by the northerners?"
"If it's discovered, then what?" Fan Xian looked at Yan Bingyun, a hint of mockery in his voice. "It'll be a mess, of course. Even if it were discovered, what could we do? You were imprisoned for a year; this wouldn't take much more courage."
Yan Bingyun and Wang Qinian looked at each other. Seeing that Fan Xian seemed to be in a sour mood, they remained silent. Fan Xian looked at the two of them and suddenly sighed. "Did you think Haitang wouldn't see? She's left me no other choice."
Wang Qinian went off with his order to prepare for the journey home. Fan Xian was silent for a moment. "After the Empress Dowager's birthday feast, we will set out straight away... I'm feeling rather homesick."
Chapter 246: Get Thee to a Nunnery
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Wang Qinian was given the order to arrange their departure, and at the same time negotiate with Lin Wen and Lin Jing. After all, when the envoy was to return, it would do so in the presence of a noble princess. Fan Xian at the time also said, "For the horses that we have prepared for our journey, Wang Qinian, you will be the one in charge of cleaning and maintaining them. Do not bring needless trouble to the countrymen."
Yan Bingyun was not present for their previous discussion, so he did not understand the plan.
Wang Qinian looked at Fan Xian, and Fan Xian waved in return. Following this, Wang Qinian took his leave. Yan Bingyun's eyebrows showed a slight sense of surprise.
The three of them then performed three separate actions, each with a distinct meaning. Fan Xian smiled and said, "Why do you insist on keeping up this front around me?"
Yan Bingyun did not respond with amusement; he merely picked up his cup of tea and had another sip. With a demeanor more akin to the subordinate that he was, but one that he rarely adhered to, he said, "If you do not wish me to know, then I can shelve my curiosity and not bother asking."
Fan Xian did not weigh his response for long and replied, "This is just the beginning of our plan. If we do not stick to it, of course we should wipe our bums clean." Fan Xian proceeded to explain, as simply as possible, the plan to Yan Bingyun. In the beginning of spring, Fan Xian became acquainted with a young Overwatch Council officer that looked exactly like him. Upon their meeting, Fan Xian made sure to watch over him.
The plan began with making this lookalike play the role of Fan Xian, accompanying the envoy from the Northern Qi Kingdom to the Qing Kingdom in the south. At the same time, the real Fan Xian would remain in Shangjing dealing with the matters he was originally supposed to.
"You planned on staying in Shangjing alone since the beginning?" Yan Bingyun asked, with a concerned look on his face. "What business do you have to resolve here?"
Fan Xian looked at him and said, "Chen Pingping wanted Xiao En dead. Therefore, I had planned to remain within Shangjing to kill him. Once this was to be done, I would flee to the border and reconvene with the envoy, in the event that the Northern Qi Kingdom would attempt retaliation."
Yan Bingyun asked, "What about the horse business you spoke of with Mister Wang earlier?"
Fan Xian laughed and explained, "In our time here, I had enlisted the aid of officials from the Council and palace treasury in the acquisition of horses that will be taken to a stop along the southern road. These horses were to be hidden in a stable to avoid drawing the attention of the Northern Qi Kingdom's officers. And needless to say, these horses were of a remarkable variety."
"After you killed Xiao En in the capital, you planned to escape with a horse to the border as fast as you could?" Yan Bingyun sneered at Fan Xian.
"A horse can travel a thousand miles. What is the problem?"
Yan Bingyun sighed and said, "This is the real world. This is not a novel of fiction. If you followed the original plan and killed Xiao En, the entirety of Shangjing would be locked down; every road in every direction would be patrolled and there would be checkpoints to examine each and every individual that passed by. You being alone with a horse; how could you have hoped to flee back south?"
Fan Xian laughed and said, "Back in the day, Chen Pingping led a legion of soldiers in a battle from the north to the south. Why could I not do this alone?"
"It is a brave and daring plan, but it is a stupid one, as well." Yan Bingyun shook his head and said, "You are Commissioner of the Council; you should take greater care of yourself. With this plan, even the Northern Qi Kingdom will lower their guard, due to their focus being on the envoy's departure. But it would have still been impossible for you to assassinate Xiao En within Shangjing, guarded as well as it is."
Of course Fan Xian did not tell Yan Bingyun about the revised plan. After all, Wu Zhu was missing, the box had disappeared and the Eldest Princess was in collusion with Shang Shanhu. Everything that Fan Xian was preparing for kept changing, and so did his plans in accordance.
Two days passed.
In the capital of Northern Qi, Shangjing, there flowed the beautiful Yuquan River. Luscious trees skirted its wind and one could frequently admire the flight of egret birds that soared above. Upstream resided the palace and thus it was heavily guarded. For the average civilian, to tread the paths and roads of this area was a nigh impossibility. Fan Xian and Haitang walked along the river side by side, engaged in conversation. The aura was quite pleasant and ill feelings did not distort their shared atmosphere - quite the change from Fan Xian's disposition in the past few days. It would appear that Haitang's informal ways and company brought him happiness.
This was strange, for Haitang was neither pretty nor a woman of elegance, and her temperament was better fit for a countrywoman, as well. Regardless, when he was in her presence, Fan Xian felt far freer.
After chit-chatting for a while, their discussion took a turn. Haitang's eyebrows angled to a look of concern and said, "Empress Dowager has not said anything, so far. Will you be able to come up with any ideas?"
Fan Xian sighed and said, "Your Emperor wants to take a wife, and I have no choice but to help." He looked at Haitang with eyes that suggested discomfort. "You are a good friend of Si Lili; you should know a thing or two about how she feels. Don't you think that asking for my assistance would make her feel uncomfortable?"
Haitang's hands were tucked inside her pockets, and she stood upon a moss-covered stone on the bank of the river. Her eyes were fixed upon a willow tree that hung low, and as she stared, she said, "If Si Lili wants to do this, and you are able to arrange it, she will not come to Shangjing. You are a heartless man, so why must you feign concern? You want to see her enter the palace, so that even when you have returned to the south, you will have a trusted ally within the northern Qi Kingdom."
Fan Xian did not expect Haitang to have figured out his true motive and he was taken somewhat aback. He felt exposed, as if he had been stripped naked all of a sudden, with nothing to mask his callous, narcissistic self. A moment of silence passed by and then with a bitter smile, Fan Xian said, "I am just a Commissioner. I do not have the power to change everything."
"So, you will just let this happen?" Haitang did not say this harshly; she said it in a straightforward manner, as if to confirm this was his true stance. "In that case, there's no need to say so much."
Fan Xian stroked his head and replied, "Once you enter the palace, you are to be granted no reprieve from trifles large or small, for the rest of your life. You and Si Lili are like sisters. How can you allow her to become trapped in that palace?"
"His Majesty is not a bad man." Haitang smiled and said, "And Si Lili is a Southerner. If she wants to live in Shangjing, only the palace can offer her the protection she needs."
All of a sudden, Haitang turned around and as she did so, Fan Xian caught the river's reflection within her eyes, which made them sparkle all the more. Fan Xian believed that Haitang and Ye Ling'er possessed the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. While Ye Ling'er had naive eyes that would twinkle like crystal, Haitang's eyes were like beacons of understanding, or deep wells of profound wisdom.
"Mister Fan, aren't you tired of living a life that requires you to conceive and devise conspiracies each and every day?"
Fan Xian turned his gaze to the ground. After a while, he staunchly raised his head to the sky, put his hands behind his back and moved around slowly as Haitang did. Suddenly, he spoke: "In this world, not everyone can be like you and live freely. Everyone has to find their own purpose in this life, whether it be to grow crops or tend fields. I must think about myself, the people around me now, and those in the future."
After his speech, he drew a letter from out of his chest pocket. He presented it to Haitang and said, "I am not a person of great wisdom. I have very little, truth be told. But see if these methods can be of use to you."
Haitang opened the letter read it carefully under the sunlight. Following a long pause, she looked at Fan Xian with an odd expression. "Do you think Empress Dowager will believe this?"
"If Empress Dowager wants to maintain her relationship with the emperor following this incident, what she needs is a way to disassociate herself from the events that will occur. Whether she believes it or not, these events have enough persuasive power."
Fan Xian's plan was quite simple. In the history of his past life, Emperor Wu of Han became enamored with Lady Gouyi, and this was a tale that Fan Xian remembered clearly.
On one of Emperor Wu's many patrols, he came to a river with his sage in tow. On the banks of that place, the sage spoke of a wonderful presence there. He told Emperor Wu that this sensation indicated the existence of a special woman that was sure to reside someplace in the nearby vicinity. Upon hearing this, he ordered his men to search for her and so they did. A beautiful woman was indeed discovered not far from there.
Even though her appearance was nothing short of stunning, she had a frail body that was prone to sickness. She did not eat much and her hands were always curled into fists. This curious quirk of hers could never be made undone by anyone. Emperor Wu was entirely infatuated with her beauty and so decided to untighten her hands himself. Almost by a miracle, the hands opened, but the strangest thing about this entire ordeal was the fact that she held a jade within the palm of her right hand.
Emperor Wu of Han was ecstatic and immediately brought her into the palace, bestowing upon her the title "Lady Fist". Only later did she become Lady Gouyi, the empress.
"Who is this emperor you are referring to, Fan Xian?" Haitang asked.
Fan Xian laughed in response and said, "Oh, it's just a story I have made up." He stopped for a minute and then continued, "Of course it is not real!
Haitang was not well-versed or experienced in relationship matters and thus asked, "What are we going to do?"
Fan Xian stroked his head once more and sighed. To remind her of who she was, he asked, "Who are you?"
Haitang was silent, and did not respond. Fan Xian's heart shivered for a moment and he thought to himself, "She cannot be that stupid to genuinely ask herself who she was, can she?" He then purposely coughed a few times and said, "You are the apprentice of Ku He, and Ku He is a grandmaster. If Ku He said that in the west there was a cloud of fortune, and under that cloud there was a mystic woman, would that be more convincing?"
Haitang raised a wry smile and asked, "Why would my master speak such nonsense?"
Fan Xian's scoffed to himself, recounting that her master was one to eat human flesh. But Haitang was indeed his most cherished apprentice and for him to joke with her wouldn't be too out of the question.
Haitang worriedly stated, "But every noble in the capital knows about Si Lili. There is no possible way for us to hide her.
Fan Xian smiled and said, "We could take Si Lili to the Temple of Qing for a few months and make her a nun."
"What does becoming a nun entail?"
"It means she will worship the gods with sincerity, and put marriage out of her mind."
"And then?"
"We could wait until the heat dies down and then send her to the palace quietly."
"Would that work?"
"There are further details enclosed there within that letter. When time permits, you should take a closer look. And of course, if you are able to convince the grandmaster to accept Si Lili as an apprentice, that would be even better."
"Your plan sounds ridiculous. But now that I think about it, it could work." She smiled at Fan Xian and thanked him dearly.
Fan Xian smiled in return and thought, "This worked for Wu Zetian and Yang Guifei, two beautiful women from my world's history. If it worked there, then there is no cause for it to not work here." In his heart, however, a sliver of doubt remained: "Why was the emperor fixated on bringing Si Lili to the palace? And why did Empress Dowager oppose the plan entirely? Haitang must know something I don't, and I have a feeling that she we won't be inclined to tell me. I am still an outsider, after all."
All of a sudden, Fan Xian's heart leapt within his chest. He thought of the young emperor's demeanor each time he had visited the palace and as he did so, a crazier thought broached his mind. It was a plan, and it was most absurd.
Chapter 247: Farming, Drinking, Chatting, and Deciding the Future
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Naturally, Fan Xian could not tell her of his conjecture. He simply took in an involuntary breath of cold air, as if he had a toothache. Haitang looked at him, said nothing, and carried on along the Yuquan River. After a short walk, they came to the edge of a small garden with a bamboo fence and a gate. There was a well on one side of the courtyard, and a stone table under the shade on the west side. Yellow, fuzzy-feathered chicks pecked silently at the ground.
This was where Haitang planted her vegetables.
Fan Xian couldn't help but shake his head. "You can't compare one person to another. To tell the truth, you always give the impression of being close to nature. But when you compare such a refined and elegant place as this to those stinking pigpens in the countryside, I've finally realized that planting vegetables and rearing chickens is something you have to pay careful attention to."
Though Fan Xian appeared to be praising her, he was actually disparaging her. All Haitang could do was laugh. "Did you think I would be satisfied hanging around Shangjing? I have commands from my master and demands from the palace, so I had to find a quiet little garden for myself nearby."
Fan Xian laughed. "I'm just concerned that Shen Zhong planned to give you some land to plant vegetables just to cause trouble for the local gentry."
"I don't know about that," said Haitang, "and I've no way to find out." She spoke calmly, and Fan Xian listened calmly. This was something he admired about Haitang. She was an extremely important figure in Northern Qi, and yet she didn't rigidly put on this fairy-like manner. She wasn't bitter, she wasn't dry, and she didn't take pains to remain indifferent to everything. She simply acted as she pleased.
Before the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, it was difficult to carve out some free time. Fan Xian had also temporarily dispelled his gloomy mood of the past few days. He pulled up his sleeves, rolled up his pant legs, took his tools from the grindstone, and begun helping Haitang turn the soil. After dividing the fine yellow earth in two, he took up a bowl of millet, and like the avaricious Dragon King, he stingily sprinkled the grains onto the ground, leaving the chicks chirping away, running behind him all around the garden.
Haitang crouched down and attended to the fruit trees. She smiled at Fan Xian's tomfoolery, and as she did so her gaze was drawn to his left leg.
Fan Xian had tired himself out and was feeling rather warm. He took up a bucket of water from the well and stuck his head in, taking a great big gulp from it. As his face made contact with the water, he saw Haitang out of the corner of his eye and found that she was indeed proficient in tending to her garden. He presumed that this had been her livelihood for many years.
Ever since Fan Xian had left Danzhou, he hadn't worked the soil. Holding a hoe in his hand wasn't quite as comfortable to him as holding a dagger. When he watered the plants, he wasn't as efficient at it as he was at sprinkling poison powder. In all his clumsiness, he was eventually reduced to the position of spectator. Even so, he was still tired and drenched with sweat, steam rising from the top of his head.
The sun rose to its peak at midday, and Haitang dragged along two reclining chairs and put them beneath the trellis. Some sort of fruit hung from the canopy, with its great big lush green leaves blocking out the sunlight completely.
Fan Xian exhaled a breath of warm air. He sat down on the reclining chair, casually accepting the iced tea that Haitang offered him. He took a sip and then put it down. The chair gave a creak. He closed his eyes and began to take an afternoon rest, relaxing just as he would at home.
Haitang looked at him and smiled. She wiped away her sweat with the cloth she tied around her head, and then lay down too.
The two bamboo chairs sat under a canopy, and a cool breeze made its way past the resting pair.
After some time had passed, Haitang suddenly broke the silence. "You're an odd one, you know."
"You're pretty weird yourself," said Fan Xian, his eyes still closed. "Up until now, I couldn't figure you out."
They had already dispensed with all the formalities in talking to each other. Haitang felt rather more comfortable. She smiled. "Why do you want to figure people out? And what does 'figuring someone out' mean?"
"There are some things that people do for clear, defined goals." Fan Xian's lips curled into a slight smile. "And I don't know what your goal is."
"My goal?" Haitang fanned herself with her patterned head-covering. "Why does living need to have a goal?"
Fan Xian closed his eyes, stretched out his fingers and shook his head. "Life doesn't have to have a goal, but all the things that we do, all the goals that we wish to achieve, are done in order that we can live."
"I'm not used to all this talking in circles," said Haitang.
"Oh, I'm just talking nonsense," said Fan Xian, stretching out his entire body. "I like talking nonsense with you. It makes me feel like I'm really alive, and not just controlled by my goal of staying alive."
"You're still talking nonsense," said Haitang dismissively.
"I just... like the way that you do things." After he'd said it, he couldn't stop himself from laughing. "People like you and I who have no friends always want to find somebody to talk to."
"Master Fan, your talent is unparalleled and you are known throughout the land. How can you have no friends?" For some reason, she had gone back to addressing him as "Master Fan".
Fan Xian was silent for a moment. "I really don't have any friends, and you're beloved all throughout Qi. I'm in the middle of the enemy camp, and yet I feel like you could be my friend. After all, you haven't been able to kill me while I've been in Qi."
Haitang shot him a glance. This handsome southern official was a rascal indeed. "You are from a rich family, Master Fan. Ever since you entered the capital, things have gone easily for you. You've had no setbacks in your career, and the leaders of two nations both think highly of you. Who wouldn't be satisfied with that kind of life?"
"It's lonely." Fan Xian didn't seem to think that his response was pretentious in any way.
Haitang laughed, mocking him slightly. "You have someone as formidable as Yan Bingyun under your command, Master Fan. You are a powerful official of the Overwatch Council of the south. You have a beloved wife at home, your sister is a woman of some renown herself, your father is in a high position, and for now you have various friends in high places. How can you say that you are lonely?"
"My father is my father, my wife is my wife, my sister is my sister, Yan Bingyun is my subordinate, and all the people I am friends with have tangled themselves up with my own interests." Fan Xian didn't know why he was being so magnanimous with Haitang. "If you think I'm only pretending to be lonely or in despair, then fine. To sum it up, I can never relax as an official... I'm just unhappy."
Haitang's eyes were as bright as the sunlight. "Do you want to be my friend, Master Fan?"
"Let's not talk of friendship for the time being," said Fan Xian. "At least, when I'm with you, I feel at ease. It's hard for me to find that."
"What if I want something else of you?"
"You wouldn't try," Fan Xian answered confidently.
"You seem to have forgotten the enmity that exists between us."
"No matter. At least if someone comes to kill me right now, you'll help me out." The audacious nature that Fan Xian had hidden for so long had finally slipped out.
"Master Fan, I've always been curious... about just why exactly you wanted to come to the north." Haitang laughed and looked at him. The affairs of the southern bureaucracy were not exactly a secret in the north, so of course she knew of the goings on involving the Emperor's family.
Fan Xian laughed. "...I can't tell you."
Haitang sighed. Fan Xian got up from the chair and stretched. "I'm hungry."
"There's rice in the house, there's water in the well, and there are vegetables in the garden," replied Haitang. "Help yourself."
Fan Xian sighed. "When a man says he's hungry to any woman who's not his wife, what he means is... he could do with some wine."
Shangjing's most illustrious, quietest, and most dignified restaurant was the Century Pine Inn. Today, it had a distinguished guest. The visitor was rich, so the proprietor of the Century Pine Inn was waiting outside, having respectfully asked all of the restaurant's patrons to depart, leaving behind three quiet and empty floors.
The staff of the restaurant were naturally rather surprised, but the boss gave them no explanation. He had informants in the very highest levels of the royal court, and he knew the identity of the man and woman who were coming. The man was the immortal of poetry from the south, and the woman was the Emperor's own teacher. Together, they could have easily walked around the palace itself, let alone a restaurant.
In a private room facing the street, Fan Xian squinted at the road outside while he drank from his wine goblet. Having drunk three cups, he was still frowning, and he called for the innkeeper to bring him a fresh cup.
The innkeeper saw that he was in a foul mood, and immediately decided against his original plan of asking for an autograph from the immortal of poetry, handing him another cup of Northern Qi's finest rice wine.
Fan Xian took a gulp and nodded.
"That was Five Grain Liquor," said Haitang, "the finest liquor in the world. And you're still not satisfied, Master Fan?"
"I like strong wine," said Fan Xian, turning his head to look at her, a strange look on his face. "But I don't want to drink Five Grain Liquor right now, because there's a certain taste to it that makes me feel like I can't relax."
Five Grain Liquor tasted like Qingyu Hall, like the Ye family. It was a taste that had something to do with Fan Xian personally. He didn't want to drink it today.
Haitang was silent once more. She just watched Fan Xian drink it all down. Her eyes got brighter and brighter, as if she were watching something she found interesting.
As he became gradually more intoxicated, there was a blurred look in Fan Xian's eyes. His smile became brighter. "Funny, isn't it? I live such a charmed life and yet I appear to be drowning my sorrows."
"The youth knows not the taste of worry..." Fan Xian tapped his bowl with chopsticks as he sang. This was the first verse he had "copied" after his reincarnation. When he thought back to that time, his feelings became even more complicated.
He sang softly once more. "Leave a legacy, leave a legacy, and you will come across a benefactor; treasure your mother, treasure your mother, and amass your hidden merits. Spend your life aiding the needy and supporting the poor. Do not love money as I once did, and forget your flesh and blood. For Heaven decides what is given and taken, what is multiplied and divided."
This was the song sung by Jia Qiaojie in Dream of the Red Chamber: "Leave a Legacy".
Haitang's eyes lit up.
Fan Xian let out a long sigh, and drained his goblet. "Haitang, you're not listening to me. Get drunk with me."
Why did he want to get drunk? There were a great many reasons why men got drunk - the greatest was sadness, feeling under attack from life's pressures. On his trip to the north, Fan Xian had obtained the secret of the temple, he had fostered friendship between two nations, and he had successfully assembled the spy network in the north. Any way you looked at it, he should have been happy. But for some reason, he was sad. Where had this pressure come from?
The truth was simple. His sadness was because of his restless heart. In that mountain cave, he had told Xiao En that he was a traveller in this world, so he had always looked upon this world with the eyes of a temporary visitor. Even after going through all the vicissitudes of the past 18 years, he still felt a certain distance from this world. If he didn't have Wan'er, or his sister, or Wu Zhu, then Fan Xian wished he could throw caution to the wind and live happily in this world.
And yet the pressure came from the conversation he had in that cave. Chen Pingping had made Fan Xian set his sights high. And now that Fan Xian knew of the temple's whereabouts, he realized that he had to bear that burden alone. The secret that had weighed on Xiao En for decades would weigh upon Fan Xian for many decades more.
If he went to the temple, his life would be in danger. And what would happen to the people he wanted to protect? If he didn't go, then he would never know what had happened all those years ago. Fan Xian was frustrated. Before, when he didn't know, he wished he could have dug a hole into Xiao En's skull to get at his secrets. Now that he knew, he wished he had never found out.
For his own safety, what he probably had to do was return to the capital and continue enjoying many years of success in business and in the bureaucracy, keeping the secret of the temple forever buried deep inside himself. But he would always feel somewhat apprehensive about it. He hated how he could never forget his mother Ye Qingmei, his own flesh and blood. So he didn't want to drink Five Grain Liquor. He even had an urge to take the glass goblet in his hand and throw it to the floor, smashing it to pieces.
It was as if Qiaojie's words in Dream of the Red Chamber were written specifically for him.
He had had the fortune of being reborn, of meeting with benefactors, of having a mother who had amassed hidden merits, allowing him to live an easy life, easily obtaining a vast fortune with her great help.
Leave a legacy, enjoy one's remaining years. What was he meant to do for his remaining years?
Haitang's bright eyes seemed to see right into his heart. "Spend your life aiding the needy and supporting the poor," she said slowly.
Fan Xian suddenly snapped out of his thoughts, frightened. He knew that even if he was completely drunk, he still could never reveal the secret to anyone. But... why had Haitang said that?
In fact, she hadn't said it for any particular reason at all. She looked at Fan Xian's somewhat demented-looking expression, and then thought of what she had heard of that night in the palace hall banquet in Qing, when the immortal of poetry had appeared mad and unruly to the entire world. She presumed that Fan Xian had already set upon his way on the path of life, and yet he had become world-weary and dispirited, his endless success being simply by the by.
It was a common thing to see in the lives of scholars, so Haitang had said those words simply to speak her mind, wanting to urge Fan Xian to think of the people of the land... because Haitang had always believed that deep down, Fan Xian was a scholar.
"There is always so much happening in this world, where each man comes and goes, driven by his own interests." Fan Xian laughed mockingly. "Haitang, you walk the path of Heaven, close to nature, cherishing the people, and yet you do not know that they simply act in their own favor. I have no desire to capture new territory, and I want the common people to live a little easier, but I must live easier myself first... If I want the common people to live better lives, then I must capture power for myself. But in the bureaucracies and royal courts of this world, if you have a high position, then how can you live comfortably?" [1]
Hearing his bitter words, Haitang was taken aback. "You hold significant authority, Master Fan. Never forget that morality must be your watchword."
"What nonsense." Fan Xian noisily struck the porcelain bowl with his chopsticks, and yet it did not break.
"There is little that distinguishes man from the animals," said Haitang, still frowning. "Only our sense of righteousness. You and I are from different countries, but whether the people are from Qing for from Qi, they are all unique, living beings. If you revere righteousness, Master Fan, then do not forget to do your utmost to prevent war from breaking out again once you return to your home country."
For all people to lay down their arms - this was Haitang's goal, as Fan Xian imagined it. It was a lofty goal. If anyone else had said it, he would feel uneasy. But when Haitang spoke of it, it appeared nonchalant and natural, and it gave him confidence.
Fan Xian laughed, a hint of mockery in his voice. "So was Xiao En not a living being?"
"Killing Xiao En would save the lives of thousands. What choice does one have?" If Xiao En had escaped from prison and met with Shang Shanhu, their power would be greatly increased. If the secret of the temple were ever revealed, then the grand ambitions of the young Emperor of Qi could plunge the world into decades of war. So she had a point.
Fan Xian had the awareness of neither a politician nor a Taoist sage. He sneered. "If a hundred people were to die, and by killing 49 you could save 51 of them, then would you kill them?"
Haitang was silent for a long time.
"So we're both heartless." Fan Xian suddenly didn't want to think about such boring things any more. Somewhat stiffly, he changed topic. "There is little that separates man from the animals? Man is simply better at asking for help from others." [2]
Haitang looked up, somewhat surprised.
"My fighting skills are nowhere near yours," said Fan Xian. "But if it were a true fight to the death, you could not kill me easily."
Haitang nodded.
Fan Xian drank another cupful and looked at her. "Why?" he asked gently. "Because I'm good at making use of all means I have to hand."
"In following the path of a warrior, one must first steel one's heart, for the strength of others cannot be relied upon forever," replied Haitang quietly.
Fan Xian shook his head. "The righteous man does not necessarily display his righteousness. But one who seeks to take advantage of others may not necessarily be an immoral man. The righteous man stands to gain much. If his goals are proper, then what does it matter what method he employs?"
Having said this, Fan Xian felt somewhat dumbfounded. Their idle talk had digressed somewhat, but had accidentally touched upon his own innermost thoughts. It was as though a ray of sunlight had struck his heart, and he suddenly understood his own true feelings. Was he empty inside? Or was he filled with emotion?
He had been given another chance at life, but he had never known what to do with it. Until today. At that moment, his mind felt clear and sober, though his eyes still clearly looked drunk. He looked at Haitang. "Thank you," he said gently.
Haitang's words had mostly fallen on deaf ears, but she wasn't angry at all. Hearing those two words, she felt somewhat at a loss. She looked into Fan Xian's drunken eyes and saw a trace of persistent determination. She suddenly felt slightly uncomfortable. She was lost in thought for a while, and it showed in her clear eyes. "In days to come, the south will be a great stage for you to prove your talent, Master Fan. Since you do not desire war, then you are my friend. I hope that one day you will come to renounce glory, and act conscientiously on behalf of the common people. The correct path can only be walked without an ounce of complacency."
Fan Xian placed his wine goblet gently upon the table. "Do not worry. I will follow the path."
Save for Ku He, Haitang was the greatest fighter in all of Nrothern Qi. Having such a wonderful woman protecting him dispersed all the doubts in his mind. Fan Xian had been drinking with abandon. Although he had childishly turned away the Five Grain Liquor, he had still drunk plenty of rice wine. Now his throat was dry and burning and his mind was sluggish and muddled. Airy and cheerful, he slumped on the table.
This was the first time he had drunk himself into a stupor since he had opened the box, and yet it was in a restaurant in the enemy city of Shangjing. It was perhaps a strange and stupid move to do so in front of Haitang, when he did not truly know whether she was an enemy or a friend.
"I really can't figure you out," said Haitang, looking at the drunken Fan Xian as he slept like a baby on the table. She smiled. "I'd always wanted to meet Cao Xueqin." [3]
[1] Fan Xian quotes from Records of the Grand Historian by Sima Qian.
[2] Fan Xian quotes from On Learning by Xunzi
[3] Cao Xueqin was the author of Dream of the Red Chamber.
Chapter 248: This World, this Woman!
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Fan Xian's head ached as a pair of warm, sensuous hands began rubbing his temples. A feeling of fear and uncertainty had washed over him. His eyes remained closed and he blurted out, "Where am I?"
Perhaps because he had drunk too much, he noticed that his voice had become rough and coarse. As the delicate fingers continued to rub his temples, he suddenly felt one depart. Shortly after, a cup was slowly raised to his lips; a cup to which he helplessly drank from. The concoction that he tasted was a benevolent, perfectly measured mixture of honey and hot water - it was the consummate remedy for the battle that was a hangover. As the succulent nectar passed his lips, Fan Xian smiled.
Fan Xian believed that Haitang would not poison him, for there would be no clear benefit for her doing so. As the thought of this crossed his mind, his nose perked to the sensation of a new and intoxicating fragrance; one that embodied elegance and grace. The mere scent made Fan Xian's heart pound. He then began to feel a certain heat arise from the space below his waist, which drove his mind into a lustful frenzy.
That wonderful fragrance drew closer and closer and as it did, the sudden warmth of a soft and voluptuous body leant against Fan Xian's head from behind. His heart began to pound at an even greater pace, and it was as if the fire of his heart was stoked into an uncontrollable blaze.
Fan Xian forced his eyes open. An unshakable desire had taken a hold of him, as he witnessed the pale hands of a recognizable figure clothed in white outstretched towards him. "Lili?"
Si Lili turned around and felt her body crumble, and so she fell upon Fan Xian`s chest. As she stared at Fan Xian, her eyes bore credulous innocence and a faint glimmer of sadness. It was if she was in anticipation of something that had yet to occur.
Fan Xian continued to inhale the sweet fragrance of the woman in his arms, but he could not help but feel his mind being led astray. Ever since he had arrived in Shangjing, he had only met her a brief few times in the temple and he had decided long ago to avoid the establishment of an association of any particular magnitude with her. But right now, there she was, fawning for him once again. This delicate and all-too-familiar touch continued to press against his chest.
A moment ago, he was drinking merrily with Haitang and now he was getting affectionate with Si Lili.
Fan Xian quickly understood what was happening here, but he could not figure out why the world was changing as fast as it was.
In the early summer of the capital, Shangjing, if there was no wind, the days would be hot and sultry. If there was no rain, the dust would arise and cloak the area. It was not the most ideal weather. Fortunately, it was already late when the events transpired and a gentle breeze graced the air, cooling the grounds of the temple. Fallen twigs and leaves dressed the roof of this abode, and all was illuminated by the gaze of the sparkling moon, which appeared larger than usual on this particular night.
Fan Xian hastily tightened his pants and took leave of the temple, with a silhouette not unlike a thief running through the night. His face wore a ridiculous expression. Just beyond the entrance of the temple, Fan Xian looked back and saw the sight of a woman who was perched upon the roof, with the moon lit up at her back as if it were a halo. Fan Xian yelled, "You and your mentor are exactly the same! You are both as crazy as each other."
Fan Xian was always fond of donning the appearance of someone who was sweet, shy and wholly innocent. Even though few believed it, he was kindhearted. But today, he had been thrust into this bizarre scenario, which flustered his mind and made him incredibly angry, but frightened too. To bark at the woman in this manner was a way of venting his frustrations.
Haitang's vigil watch, up there on the roof of the temple, portrayed her as a figure of mystique; a guardian of the lovebirds, so to speak. The kerchief that she ordinarily wore was now tied around her neck, and she looked like some kind of military commander. There was a look of surprise on her face and a glint of awkward amusement in her eyes. She had apparently not expected Fan Xian to awaken so quickly. Mockingly, she said, "That quick?"
Hearing this, Fan Xian was driven into a rage. He exclaimed, "What kind of woman are you?"
Haitang was fast to understand that which had actually transpired and with some shame lowered her head into the palms of her hand, saying, "How could I forget that you were the apprentice of Fei Jie? I should have increased the dosage of the drug I slipped into your beverage."
The moon quivered and the twigs that had adorned the roof were knocked away when Haitang leapt from the rooftop to the ground below. The grace of her landing did not disturb the dust of the temple ground as she landed near Fan Xian. She smiled and looked back at the temple, opening the doors as she did so. She signaled for Fan Xian to return inside with her.
Outside the temple, it had grown pitch black. The resident frogs of a nearby pond ribbetted in the night, as if the two of them were visiting a temple that was far off in the wild. Fan Xian's heart writhed in anger and with a fierce look, he demanded, "What the hell did you put in my drink?"
"Aphrodisiac," Haitang replied, quickly and sincerely, with an expression that suggested the deed she did was of no special concern. "The best that the palace was able to provide."
"You…" Fan Xian raised his arm, pointing directly at her nose; her nose that was sharper than anyone else's. The thought to break it crossed his mind. "I am a Commissioner of the Qing Kingdom and she will be a wife of your emperor soon. How dare you attempt this!"
Haitang's face became cold all of a sudden. "When you drugged me at Wuduhe, that was okay? You mean to say that it was okay for you to do it and not me?"
"Back then, we were enemies. Today we are friends! How could you say that?" Fan Xian immediately dropped his facade of righteousness.
Haitang smiled and said, "When we were back at the palace, what was it that you said to me?"
Many days ago in the palace…
"The antidote for the aphrodisiac you gave me last time required orange peel. It was too concentrated and thus tasted far too bitter." Lady Haitang spoke as she stood there drenched in sunlight.
Fan Xian laughed and was aware that Haitang had gotten over the horrendous deception he had committed upon her and he said lightly, "I am the Overwatch Council's Commissioner, not some noble person with profound honor. These things happen. Do not mind me using such methods. If you actually do mind, then you are free to also use that… aphrodisiac on me."
These words were frivolous and devoid of earnestness, but Haitang was not a woman who would shrivel up and become ashamed for what had transpired and been done to her, so she said, "If there ever comes a chance, I will use it."
If there ever comes a chance, I will use it.
Fan Xian had an incredible memory, and so it was of no surprise that he remembered this clearly. He was merely surprised that she was a woman, and had the courage to do something like this. He gasped, and the anger in his heart would not quell, partly because he knew that there was nothing he could do about it. He had inadvertently allowed someone else to drug him, and that person was merely doing that which he had proposed. There really was nothing he could do about it. Fan Xian looked up to the moon, telling himself how much he now hated Haitang.
"I am no ascetic woman. I am just a woman who harbors bitter resentment and a personal grudge." Haitang laughed.
"It shouldn't have been Si Lili. She is like a sister to you!" Fan Xian looked at Haitang coldly and continued, "Do you know what this means?"
"Lili likes you." Haitang smiled and said, "You are not objecting her appearance, are you? A few of use girls thought this would work out well." Ever since she knew that Fan Xian was the author of Story of the Stone, which was written under the pseudonym Mister Cao, Haitang was even more confident about her plan.
Fan Xian became quiet all of a sudden, lost in deep contemplation. After a while, he looked at Haitang and said, "Actually, since you are the one who drugged me, and even though you yourself are not that pretty, I can face the music. I can give myself away for a brief time. Why bring Lady Si into this?"
Even though Haitang was free and easy, and not the sort to take things to heart, she was just a young woman. When she heard what Fan Xian had to say, she was furious. Her big, bright eyes peered at Fan Xian like razorblades. Her appearance right now was not unlike a wolf, roaming the moors at midnight.
After Fan Xian made his awful speech, he calmed down at the sight of Haitang. To try and ease the situation, he forced a smile and said, "I can just leave, but be wary of your mentor Ku He. He may punish you for your actions on this night."
Haitang took a deep breath in an attempt to suppress her bubbling, increasingly volatile emotions, and in a low voice spoke, "Please forgive me for setting you up today."
With an expressionless face, Fan Xian replied, "You could always do this again another time. There will be plenty of other men willing to accept a lustful romp; well, as long as it's not with you.
Haitang was no longer angry and had little regard for Fan Xian's snide and spiteful remarks. She lightly said, "The day after tomorrow, the palace will have a banquet. There will be fighting, so please prepare for it."
"After the banquet, I will be returning to Qing." Fan Xian observed Haitang's now strangely serene face. "I cannot stay in Shangjing any longer, for I have an emergency within my family I have to deal with. Can you go arrange for Lady Si to meet with me once again?"
Haitang agreed in silence and then watched Fan Xian's shadow become one with the dark of the night. As Fan Xian walked across the fields, he staggered and almost collapsed wholly. He at first thought it was because of his distraught mind, but looking down, he realized he had not tightened the cord of his robe well enough and that is what caused his stumble.
So the scholar of the generation and the most promising up-and-coming minister's most embarrassing moment of his life had actually taken place in a temple in a remote corner of Shangjing.
Haitang laughed. Her wide eyes beamed with joy, for no apparent reason.
Fan Xian had at last returned to the envoy. His eyes relayed a sense of peace, a view that would belie the distressing evening he had truly had. The anger that overwhelmed his face had now at last dissipated, too. Living in this world, having to avert and avoid the constant barrage of tricks and traps was no small feat. One had to be a person of flawless composure and not be one to make a single mistake - that is not to mention one's need to possess the ability of reading others at a whim.
Fan Xian never imagined that Haitang would be capable of committing such treachery. He never thought she could be so reckless in deciding her course of action, either. In a way, he thought it similar to how he was, as Fan Xian enjoyed the thrill of imprudent, daring deeds.
"Only four?" Fan Xian had already taken a shower, but as he sat in his chair, he couldn't help but believe he could smell that delicate fragrance once again. And much to his surprise, he couldn't help but think about Lady Si, either. In his heart, he knew he was a callous person, but he closed his eyes and began to think about what possible influence he could have over that woman.
Perhaps what Haitang said was true, but so what?
Yan Bingyun skewed his eyebrows into a frown. He looked upon Fan Xian and thought it was both strange and foolish of him, his superior and chief of the envoy - an envoy which was preparing to depart - to suddenly disappear for a whole day. He grimaced at the thought of all the business matters that had piled up, issues that all required Fan Xian's presence. A source had previously informed him that Fan Xian had been spotted with Haitang, drinking in merriment at midnight. She wasn't one to reveal herself to many, he thought. But if that was at midnight, where did he go after? And why did Fan Xian look so peculiar today?
"Yes, four years. Only four women have been brought to the temple in just as many years" Yan Bingyun answered. "The northern Qi Kingdom's emperor, ever since he was young, has been quite a down-to-earth fellow. Judging from how he has managed this country, you can tell he is a wise lord. Any man with great ambition will not waste much time dealing with romance."
"And the northern Qi Emperor has yet to produce an heir?" Fan Xian asked, with his eyes closed.
"The emperor is still young, so the palace is in no rush for that just yet."
"Not in a rush…? Never mind. You go tell Wang Qinian to arrange a meeting at the palace in two days' time and have a discussion regarding our way back." Fan Xian then waved his hand, gesturing for Yan Bingyun to leave.
Yan Bingyun looked at Fan Xian with a puzzled expression, knowing that his master possessed numerous secrets he was not willing to divulge. Although Fan Xian was the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council, there was plenty of intelligence he wasn't prepared to let anybody know about.
For example, that which occurred tonight. And for another example… the northern Qi emperor might be attacked. Fan Xian's fingers were still a little cold, and it was then that he realized that perhaps his courage was not as great as Haitang's.
The gate of the main entrance of the palace, which was nestled between the cliffs, slowly opened.. From right outside the gate, they bore witness once again to the beauty of its black canopies gently rustling in the wind, as an incredible waterfall pounded the rocks below and to their side. Fan Xian looked upon the officers of the northern Qi Kingdom and noted that their faces were unfamiliar to him. As he approached the palace, he stared at them with a menacing gaze. Wei Hua and recognizable officers from the Office of the Grand Herald had arrived before them, however, and he made sure to greet them politely. They were then courteously welcomed by the eunuchs into the hall.
Inside, the hall was completely silent. Alongside the tiled path that they walked upon, a serene water stream followed. The water stream itself was almost wholly still, save for the odd ripple that occasionally arose due to the passing of fish.
Empress Dowager and the Emperor were sat upon their thrones, which were perched slightly higher than the rest of the hall. A dozen low tables had been spread about the hall, and they were each occupied by high-level nobles and officers of the kingdom. The ordinary officers would have to remain in the adjacent courtyards to eat. Fan Xian was a commissioner of the southern Qing Kingdom and as such was granted a seat upon the first table on the left. Aside from Gao Da - currently weaponless - who stood behind Fan Xian, only two others from the envoy were eligible for a seat at his side. Their names were Lin Wen and Lin Jing.
Sitting opposite them was the northern Qi Kingdom's prime minister and the emperor's very own tutor. Fan Xian looked at the tutor and immediately acknowledged that he was Zhuang Mohan's most prized student. What struck Fan Xian the most, though, was how young he looked.
After a series of rituals, the birthday feast began. As Fan Xian looked upon her now, Empress Dowager was younger than what would be expected of someone in possession of such a title. Even though she had faint crow's feet, she would most certainly be regarded as an average-looking middle-aged woman, not some "grandma" that would typically occupy her seat and title.
But Fan Xian recalled something that Xiao En had once told him, and it was that Empress Dowager was a heartless woman. She would issue a death sentence on a whim, with no remorse. As he thought of this, he turned away and suddenly noticed Shang Shanhu sat at the table beside him. It was a shame that when Fan Xian entered the hall, he did not get the chance to see Shang Shanhu make an entrance.
Empress Dowager lifted her wine glass and began her speech. She was soft-spoken and rather quiet, but Fan Xian paid no heed and decided not to listen. He just followed what his adjacent fellows did mindlessly, making sure to bow repeatedly and so on.
It was Empress Dowager's birthday, so it would naturally be a more grandiose banquet than something that a commoner could afford. The northern Qi Kingdom's officers and nobles were all flustered in their attempts to find the most valuable gifts they could present to her, and subsequently bring to the palace. One of these remarkable gifts was a dragon, carved entirely out of the jade that was mined from Dong Mountain. There was also an excessively large clock that had been delivered all the way from Dongyi city. There were even twin-tailed ferrets, brought down from the frozen wastes of the north; to which a tall tale was ascribed that only one of these ferrets could exist every thousand years.
She seemed pleased with the gifts she had received, and gave a nod in response to their offerings.
The southern Qing Kingdom's envoy's gift had already been delivered to the capital a long time ago. Even though it was absurdly valuable, the gift itself wasn't in any way noteworthy. Of course Fan Xian wouldn't really compose another poem for the Empress Dowager comparing her to a celestial fairy who had descended to the mortal realm. That would give her a big head at the expense of Fan Xian losing face; and besides, his calligraphy wasn't much to look at.
His personal gift was provided in a little bottle. Inside this bottle was a liquid that was amber in color. Aside from that, it looked fairly average and uninspired. When Empress Dowager opened the lid to have a sniff, however, she looked upon Fan Xian with genuine, heartfelt appreciation.
And yet it was merely perfume. The palace treasury had halted its production of this concoction fifteen years ago, but Fan Xian had managed to take one from Qingyu Hall. He had been keeping it to seduce Haitang with.
At the time, he did not know Haitang wasn't the sort for such items, and, as he well knew now, that she was not often concerned with glamour and elegance. When Fan Xian was in the capital copying down the works of Li Qingzhao that he could recall, and preparing a perfume originally developed in France, he never thought his attempts at reining in Haitang would fail. And to now think that he was the one almost tricked by her.
After Fan Xian bowed before Empress Dowager, he looked up at the Emperor and noticed that even he was smiling toward Fan Xian. He had long held a preconceived prejudice toward the emperor and empress, but seeing what he saw at that very moment, he couldn't help but feel his heart flutter ever so slightly.
Chapter 249: Fighting and Play-fighting in the Palace Contest
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Fan Xian was moved, though his expression remained deferential. He lowered his eyes, avoiding the young Emperor's gaze, and uneasily cast a glance to one side at the Empress Dowager. There were no expressions on the aged faces of the grand tutor and the Prime Minister, so his gaze naturally fell upon the table to one side of the grand tutor.
The table was empty; it appeared that someone had failed to attend. As he considered this, someone came into the hall from a corridor to the side, bowing to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager and sitting casually at the table, where palace maids served him wine.
The man was dressed head to toe in black. He was tall, slender, and powerful-looking, yet his eyes were as calm as old water wells, their darkest depths invisible. The strangest thing was the chain around his waist, to which two curved blades were fastened. This was brazen indeed!
Fan Xian took in a breath of cold air and then turned to Lin Jing. "Who is that?" he asked. "If he can sit next to the grand tutor while carrying weapons into the palace, he is a formidable man indeed."
"That man is Lang Tao, a disciple of Ku He," said Lin Jing quietly. "He is a commander of the palace guard, but I've heard that over the past few years he has taken responsibility for the Emperor's martial practice. He has little involvement in political affairs."
Fan Xian grunted in acknowledgment. Seemingly having finally understood, he was rather taken aback. "So this is Haitang's senior student under Ku He. No wonder he has such a high position."
At that moment, Lang Tao's deep, calm gaze had already fallen on Fan Xian.
Fan Xian smiled and raised his glass, gesticulating a toast with Lang Tao. "Hello," he mouthed silently.
Lang Tao frowned. It seemed unclear what he was thinking. A short moment later, he finally raised his cup and drank along with Fan Xian.
"Sir, you ought to make friends with him," said Lin Jing quietly. "It's a shame that we leave for home the day after next when today is the first time you've met him."
Fan Xian made a regretful face, but wondered whether Lang Tao might recognize him. While he pondered, Lang Tao also had his suspicions. Looking at the face of the young Qing official, it didn't look unnatural at all. Could it be that Shen Zhong's conjecture had been correct - that the man in black on the cliff had been Chen Pingping's shadow bodyguard, and not this Commissioner Fan?
Fan Xian calmed himself as his gaze swept over the tables in the palace hall. "Why do I not see Master Shen Zhong?" he asked.
"Though Shen Zhong is Provost of the Discipline Commission, he is not of a high enough rank to enter the palace," replied Lin Jing. "Besides, today is the Empress Dowager's birthday. He is no doubt dealing with all matters of security in Shangjing."
Fan Xian nodded and said nothing. A moment later, wonderful music began to play throughout the palace, and dancers filled the courtyard. Clear light shone through the rafters; the birthday feast had officially begun.
First, the Emperor raised a cup to toast the Empress Dowager, and then the ministers kneeled, wishing the Empress Dowager a long life. As an official of a foreign nation, Fan Xian sat at the front, with Lin Jing to one side quietly instructing him on what to do so that everything went smoothly.
The beautiful palace maids brought out drinks and fruits and vegetables, and quietly and effortlessly placed them on the tables. Every time a palace maid came out to wait on people, Fan Xian turned slightly and smiled. In the midst of all these Northern Qi officials, he couldn't help but be a little artificial, but the more some of them watched him, the happier they felt, feeling that this young wunderkind was quite an outstanding character.
Yet as he looked upon the fair-faced maids, Fan Xian felt somewhat uneasy. The young Emperor spent his days with all these beautiful women, and yet he hadn't become a licentious youth. It was curious indeed.
Although the Empress Dowager's birthday wasn't like the birthday of any other old woman, it wasn't all that different. The only thing was that the guests were of a somewhat higher caliber, the food and drink were of greater quality, and as for the post-meal entertainment... it wasn't anything you'd see at a middle-aged woman's birthday party. It made Fan Xian's head ache.
Fan Xian rubbed his temples. He had a warm smile on his face, but in his heart, he had already begun to curse.
Gentle girls now like to curse like old fishwives, and boorish boys now like to play at bashful coquetry. Pig-slaughtering butchers like to eat their neighbor's vegetables, and unmarried old maids with flowers in their hair like to go around acting as matchmakers. These people all wish to get closer to the sort of things they are completely unsuited for, and to do the sort of things they should not. In psychological terms, this feeling of lacking something is emphasized by the subconscious mind.
So the Kingdom of Qing, always renowned throughout the land for its martial prowess, had set itself upon the path of culture and literature under its current Emperor. Its famous generals and great fighters began to involve themselves in poetry competitions. The palace concubines who loved literature gained the Emperor's favor. The Second Prince threw himself into studying the classical scriptures, winning the hearts of the people until Fan Xian, the immortal of poetry, appeared, immediately gaining the attention and reverence of all the scholars of the land.
And Northern Qi, always prized as a center of culture, had worked to strengthen itself, no longer holding contests of poetry but instead contests of strength. It had given up on using words, instead choosing to reason with fists. So the fighters who had thrown their swords to the ground outside the diplomatic compound, wishing to duel with Fan Xian, could have stretched from the door all the way to Mount Yan.
Fan Xian had closed his door and not come out, choosing instead to travel around with Haitang, narrowly avoiding the constant offers to fight. To his surprise, just as he was about to return home, he found that he could not hide himself any longer in the palace hall.
"Master Fan, what do you think of this suggestion?" The Empress Dowager smiled, looking at the seated Fan Xian. Though it was a question, there was only one possible answer.
Fan Xian trembled slightly. Previously, the top general in Northern Qi had suggested a contest. Although it had sounded fine - just swapping pointers on martial techniques and nothing more - everybody knew that the immortal of poetry had no choice. This was shaping up to be a humiliation, and the Empress Dowager didn't know why it seemed that he didn't like her.
He stood up, looked around the room, and suddenly laughed. "Empress Dowager, I lack the strength even to truss a chicken. It is best that I sit this out."
Laughter erupted in the hall. Nobody believed what Fan Xian had said. News of how he had killed Cheng Jushu and bested Ye Lin'g'er had spread throughout the land. Everyone knew that he was a rare combination of talented scholar and expert fighter. No one had expected the South's chief diplomat to be so timid.
"You are too modest, Master Fan," said the Empress Dowager, her face calm. She then said something else that Fan Xian found it impossible to refuse.
Fan Xian's eyes widened. No wonder that in all the novels he had read in his old world about people who travelled to other worlds, those travellers carried on the honorable tradition of Wei Xiaobao, and called the Empress Dowager an "old whore"[1]. If he really let himself go at that moment, losing face in front of the royal court, he would find it rather hard to explain himself to his father and the old cripple back home; and who knew what sort of tricks Xinyang would play with whispers and rumors.
So with a smile, he took a step back and cupped his hands in deference.
The Empress Dowager's eyes were bright. Sitting by her side, the Emperor looked slightly concerned. "Minister Fan," he asked, "if you're not feeling well, then you should sit it out."
Though Fan Xian had talked with the Emperor on a number of occasions, he had some measure of ill-feeling about him. But hearing his sincere concern, he felt a certain respect for him as a ruler and could not help but feel touched. "Your Majesty," he said, raising his head and speaking in a bright, clear voice, "even if my blood may splash upon the ground before the palace, then I shall offer it as a birthday gift to the Empress Dowager."
It was an inappropriate thing to say, very much in violation of etiquette, and the mood immediately soured. The Empress Dowager's face sank. Yet the Emperor laughed, amused by his words. Fan Xian may have appeared calm and gentle to him on the outside, but was willful and determined to come out on top, with an eccentric temperament. He waved a hand. "We have said enough. As it is a contest, do not go too hard on each other."
There was a coldness in the Emperor's eyes as he looked at the ministers gathered in the palace hall. "If anyone feels unsure whether they can control their strength, then it is best they do not come forth to show themselves up." The words gave pause to those who were intending to inflict "accidental" injuries.
The ministers trembled. The speed at which their young Emperor had reached maturity over the past few years had been rather frightening. His power had grown to a point where it looked unlikely to recede... and what was even stranger was his relationship with Fan Xian. Was he their Emperor, or the Emperor of Qing?
The chatter died down. A general came in from outside, bowing to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. "I, Cheng Puzhu, ask for the guidance of Master Fan of the Kingdom of Qing."
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly. The Emperor knew of Cheng Puzhu's strength. He was a fellow student of Lang Tao, and they were students of the same sect. Currently, he held a post in the palace guard, and had probably heard the order and so he had come to participate in the contest. The Emperor knew from Haitang that Fan Xian was already a ninth-level master, and Cheng Puzhu was only seventh-level. The Emperor looked at Lang Tao, his own martial tutor, and saw that he was sitting calmly at his table, his face unmoved. Why?
Cheng Puzhu bowed once more to Fan Xian. "Master Fan, you are renowned for your talent in both literature and combat. I ask for your guidance."
Fan Xian laughed and looked at Lang Tao. He knew that this contest in the palace was not in order to declare a victor, but for Lang Tao to see Fan Xian's fighting style before he left for home. After he had arrived in Northern Qi, he had not fought in front of others. Lang Tao definitely still had doubts about the incident on top of the cliff.
He cupped his hands toward Cheng Puzhu. "Master Cheng?"
"I am he," said Cheng Puzhu.
"You are no match for me," said Fan Xian. He sat down.
There was a burst of chatter as those present discussed Fan Xian's arrogance. Then they heard something else. "Master Cheng, I ask for your guidance."
Cheng Puzhu was angry, and yet behind Fan Xian, he saw that a guard had stepped forth. He stood before him, the light coming down from the glass roof window and scattering clear and bright, illuminating the palace hall, and very clearly showing the vengeful expression on the guard's plain-looking face.
With just one step forward, Gao Da seemed to have undergone a monumental change. Before, he was an unremarkable guard, hiding in Fan Xian's shadow. Now that he had stepped forth, he had the air of a grandmaster. There was no wind in the hall, but his zhenqi circulated, causing his clothing to flutter.
Fan Xian shielded himself behind the table, sitting cross-legged on the floor, his fingers grasping his wine goblet. He squinted, taking note of Lang Tao's expression out of the corner of his eye.
Lang Tao didn't seem happy about the current situation. He was picking up some vegetables from a plate with his chopsticks, but Fan Xian could see his chin move slightly... it seemed to be a nod of approval.
Cheng Puzhu took a deep breath. Everyone in Shangjing knew that Gao Da was a powerful bodyguard for the southern diplomatic mission. In one move, he had bested Tan Wu, Shang Shanhu's subordinate. He was a true master!
But, things being as they were, Cheng Puzhu could not retreat. Instead, he called in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, grant me the use of my blade!"
Though the young Emperor admired Fan Xian, he was no fool. He knew what his duties as Emperor of Northern Qi entailed, and he admired the courage and power of this military leader. "I shall permit it..." he said, a praiseful look on his face. "General Cheng, take care. This is purely a test of your martial prowess. Do not look upon this as defending the honor of the royal court. Whether you win or lose, you have my respect."
The Empress Dowager looked at her son disapprovingly, but the young Emperor laughed, seeming not to have seen his mother's glare.
The Lin brothers were extremely nervous. They had wanted to return home immediately, how could they let such a scene unfold in the palace? If their side won, then Northern Qi would lose face. And if they lost, then Qing would lose face. Even worse! But the Qing officials, who had cultivated a natural ruthlessness over the past decades, saw their opponent's provocations, and though they were civilian officials, they felt genuinely angry. "Gao, don't go too hard on him," they said.
Before battle has begun, one must first win the war of words. Fan Xian looked at his two vice envoys and laughed bitterly. So those two were more arrogant than he was after all. He turned to face the Emperor, sat upon his Dragon Throne. "Your Majesty, I ask that you allow my subordinate to bring a sword into the palace."
The Emperor smiled at him and waved his hand.
Outside the hall, they already knew that a contest was about to take place. It was the Empress Dowager's birthday, so rules were relaxed somewhat within the palace, and the Emperor approved, so the officials who had been dining in a side chamber rushed into the main hall, fervently craning their necks to see what was about to take place.
A young eunuch entered the corner gate of the palace carrying Gao Da's longsword, passing it to the eunuch in front of the palace, who brought it into the hall. Fan Xian saw Wang Qinian shoot a furtive glance in his direction from the doorway, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry. Was Wang going to take up his old trade and steal something from the palace?
Meanwhile, Gao Da took up his sword in both hands, his mental state immediately shifting into one of complete focus. The previous might was no more, and the feeling of stress had disappeared... All that seemed to be left was him and his blade, but in the eyes of the spectators, it was still only a blade.
Lang Tao put down his chopsticks, looking at the unique longsword that Gao Da wielded. It wasn't clear what he was thinking. He frowned.
Cheng Puzhu and Gao Da faced each other, sizing each other up as opponents, getting rid of all distracting thoughts. Cheng Puzhu took a breath and slowly withdrew his curved blades from their scabbards. The blades chafed against their sheathes with an ear-piercing metallic screech.
Gao Da still didn't move. He held his longsword in his hands, leaning his body a few inches to the right.
Cheng Puzhu slowly began circulating his zhenqi, channeling it into his wrists. He felt as if his arms were becoming one with the curved blades. He raised them up. He was a fellow student of Lang Tao, a member of Ku He's sect, and although he was only at the seventh-level, his teaching had given him self-confidence. His opponent might be arrogant and willful, but he was not.
The flash of his blades blossomed like snow!
The distance between the two experts disappeared in an instant, as if it had never existed. The next moment, Cheng Puzhu had appeared right in front of Gao Da. The two men were close; face-to-face, body-to-body!
And that icy glint had come from the sword in Cheng Puzhu's hand. His curved blade was hanging strangely downward, and he raised it high, plunging it toward Gao Da's left shoulder!
The two men were too close together. Even Cheng Puzhu's curved blade could only hang downward, thrusting in this erratic and treacherous fashion. And the longsword that Gao Da held in his hands could not be unsheathed, and even if it had, there was no way to make use of it in so small a gap.
Cheng Puzhu was indeed an outstanding disciple of his sect, and in a short space of time, relying on his judgment of his opponent's weapon, he had figured out a plan to subdue his enemy.
The ministers were surprised. It seemed that they were about to see blood spurt from Gao Da's shoulder.
Fan Xian frowned. Apparently, he hadn't expected Cheng Puzhu's attack to be as fast and unrelenting as thunder.
There was an unpleasant sound. Soon after, there was the sound of something shattering, and a low groan. The next moment, the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and all of those ministers who had gathered outside trying to peek in watched in shock as a figure flew across the room!
Cheng Puzhu collapsed to the ground, his face covered in blood. It seemed he had suffered a serious wound!
The spectators presumed that Gao Da had used his zhenqi to forcefully repel Cheng Puzhu. They couldn't help but feel astonishment. To send a seventh-level master flying with one's zhenqi alone - only the four grandmasters, or perhaps a very skilled upper ninth-level fighter could do such a thing... And yet Gao Da was merely a bodyguard!
Only those in the room who were skilled in martial arts knew what had really occurred. As Cheng Puzhu had brought his curved blade down, Gao Da had not pulled out his sword, but rather his longsword had plunged downward!
The handle of the blade was roughly an inch in diameter, and this small hilt had come into contact with the point of Cheng Puzhu's curved blade!
Gao Da's blade was as tall as a man, and he stood it up vertically, the scabbard planted steadily into the floor.
So when the tip of the curved blade hit the hilt, it was as if all of Cheng Puzhu's power and zhenqi had used Gao Da's longsword as a bridge, transmitting it into the bluestone floor beneath their feet. Gao Da remained uninvolved, and watched as Cheng Puzhu's charged-up attack had collided with the ground.
Even if you were a grandmaster, how could you go up against Mother Earth?
In that instant, Cheng Puzhu had felt an extremely powerful force transmitted through the tip of his blade, obstructing his breath.
Then Gao Da sheathed his sword and cupped his hands, his arms forming a circle. He turned to the left, his right fist like steel as his elbow smashed into Cheng Puzhu's jaw. It was a powerful blow, immediately dislodging his opponent's teeth from his lips, the blood spattering. This was Gao Da acting with restraint; if he were not holding back, Cheng Puzhu would have been dead.
Rather than losing to Gao Da, Cheng Puzhu had lost to the floor.
The waiting eunuchs carried Cheng Puzhu away to see to his injuries. Gao Da bowed deeply to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, pulled out his longsword, and slowly returned to his place behind Fan Xian. With a cracking sound, the stone floor where they had fought began to split apart inch by inch. Everybody in the hall finally understood that Cheng Puzhu's blow had hammered his still-sheathed longsword into the floor. What sort of strength was that?
Understanding Gao Da's quick thinking, the gathered guests chattered among themselves, but they had little to say.
Looking at the faces of the Northern Qi officials, Fan Xian found himself laughing boastfully. In the eyes of onlookers, it was a somewhat evil laugh. Fan Xian offered the cup he was drinking to Gao Da behind him.
Gao Da was somewhat stunned. He took the cup and drank it in one mouthful. "Thank you for your wine, sir, and for your guidance." It wasn't clear what guidance Fan Xian had provided him with.
Fan Xian smiled. "You should be thanking the Empress Dowager for it..."
Before he had finished speaking, he realized that silence had descended upon the palace hall, including the officials and eunuchs outside... because Lang Tao was speaking.
Lang Tao smiled at Fan Xian. "Your reputation for little tricks precedes you, Master Fan. I didn't expect your bodyguard to be well-versed in them too." Having said this, he stood up, taking off his outer layer of clothing and giving it to a palace maid, revealing the two curved blades on his waist.
There was a low humming sound in the hall.
Lang Tao had stepped forth! He was a disciple of Ku He and the martial tutor of His Majesty. The ministers of Shangjing had not seen him do battle for many years, and they did not expect that he would make an exception for a southerner.
The gathered officials stared at Lang Tao with fervent gazes. Due to his high status, they did not dare say a word.
Not waiting for Lang Tao to step forward, Fan Xian laughed and waved a hand. "I am no match for you." Before, he had said that Cheng Puzhu was no match for him, and now he said that he was no match for his opponent. To the northern spectators, he was being candid and straightforward.
Lang Tao laughed. "We will only know that for sure once we have fought."
Fan Xian's heart skipped a beat. He knew that if he were to really fight Lang Tao, then firstly, if he were not able to use his concealed crossbow and his poisons, then he truly would not be any match for him. Secondly, if he let Lang Tao figure out that he really was the man on the cliff, then considering Ku He's endless attempts to cover up the secret of the temple, then his only way out would be death.
He frowned. Yet he knew that challenging someone of Lang Tao's stature would bring great honor to Qing. He could not send Gao Da out on his behalf once more. He steeled himself and got ready to do battle. Just at that moment, he heard a voice. "Brother, I shall do it."
Fan Xian was happy. Very happy.
The people of Qi were also happy, and those who had come to see the spectacle happier still.
Haitang walked slowly out from behind the Empress Dowager, bowing slightly to Lang Tao. "Brother, allow me."
Lang Tao looked at her with warmth. "Very well, Haitang... but beware of Master Fan's... tactics."
Haitang bowed to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. She said nothing, and simply walked up to Fan Xian. "Are you ready?" she said with a smile.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Neither of them felt there was anything childish about their conversation.
Of course, neither the crowd of onlookers nor even the Qing diplomatic mission had noticed anything. Everyone had fallen into a state of total anticipation, something that went beyond victory or defeat or the reputations of both nations - they simply wanted to see what would happen next.
From Qing, the immortal of poetry, skilled in literature and in combat, who had become Commissioner of the Overwatch Council at not even 20 years of age: Fan Xian.
From Qi, the upper ninth-level fighter, the youngest disciple of Ku He, the legendary Tianmai, believed by many to be most likely to become the fifth grandmaster: Haitang.
The two were the leading lights of their generation; the talk of every town. They had been spotted walking around the streets of Shangjing, seemingly appreciative of one another's talent; from a certain perspective, it showed that they were of a class all of their own.
They had become quite a pair.
It was unclear how much time had passed. Standing by the doorway, Wang Qinian yawned, watching the two young fighters. "Who are they trying to fool?" he mumbled to himself.
The eunuch standing next to him was indignant. "A fake fight in the hall! Lady Haitang, how can you bear to disappoint these people so?"
"You've taken the spectators' money," said Wang Qinian, peeved. "It's all for show, so what does it matter if it's fake? When you consider who those two are, maybe the Emperor feels too embarrassed to expose it as fake."
[1] Wei Xiaobao is a character in Jin Yong's The Deer and the Cauldron, a wheeler-dealer bureaucrat who exposes an impostor who has been sent to impersonate the Empress Dowager.