Chapter 431: There Is No Tofu In Danzhou Today
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
In the early morning, Danzhou was silent. Near the Count's manor, in particular, there was not any extra noise. Danzhou was not very big. It was even possible to faintly hear the crowing of chickens and the barking of dogs out in the country while living in the city. If one truly listened intently, one could possibly even hear which family was emptying out their chamber pots and which family was boiling water to start breakfast. In the distance, the market had long awoken and was using fresh vegetables and meat to draw in the women in charge of their kitchens.
In the summer morning, the air was fresh. Fan Xian and Sisi walked along the quiet streets and came to the side of the familiar market.
He smelled the stronger and stronger scent in the air and nodded his head with satisfaction. "I haven't come to such places in the past two years."
Sisi glanced at him, thinking, As the imperial envoy, naturally, you had no chance to buy groceries.
Fan Xian quietly said, "Do you remember when we lived in Danzhou, how we used to come to market often to buy things?"
Sisi nodded and smiled. "Ever since you were young, you would go shopping with the sisters and help them carry things. In the beginning, you scared a lot of people. I heard about it when I entered the manor and also thought you were a strange person."
"Do you still think I'm strange now?" Fan Xin smiled and walked first into the marketplace. When he passed by a two-story building, he unconsciously stopped and turned his head to look at it.
Sisi thought it was strange and asked, "What's wrong?"
Fan Xian pointed at that building and asked curiously, "Isn't that Lao Ha's home? The one who delivers groceries? I thought the building had been burned down? Who is living in it now?"
Speaking of this, Sisi also remembered. She tilted her head and thought for a bit. She then said apologetically, "I also haven't heard them say."
Fan Xian gazed at the newly built two-story building in a daze. The grocery deliverer Lao Ha and Overwatch Council assassin of Shangdong Road had both died here. Afterward, his grandmother had someone set fire to the building to destroy the bodies and evidence. The people of Danzhou had no idea of the truth of this matter; they only thought it was a usual fire.
His expression calmed down. That had been when he had been in this world 12 years. He had killed for the first time here.
…
…
The marketplace was clamorous.
The fishermen from the sea were pushing little carts and silently gesturing with the fish sellers in the marketplace for the price of the first run of fish. Meanwhile, the fresh silver fish in the baskets moved endlessly, making a slapping sound. Now and then, a cart would be pushed in, and the peddler would yell loudly for others to make way. In the second row, the leaves of vegetables were covered in dew, and were fresh and alluring. In the side room, at the chicken stall, the chickens' clucking rose with the stench. At the west corner, a large white pig was giving out its final tragic cry beneath the butcher's knife.
There were already a number of Danzhou commoners starting to buy fruits and vegetables. They had to be early to be able to buy the freshest produce. The folkways of the Danzhou people were simple. Adding to that fact, the Qing Emperor had been particularly benevolent and bestowed his favor yearly. He had also stopped taxes. This meant that the people's lives were very good, to the point they could afford to eat meat daily.
Seeing this scene, Fan Xian couldn't help feeling a bit moved. Qing Kingdom was really not so bad.
In a few steps, he had come to the quietest corned in the marketplace. Looking at the figure at the tofu stall from a distance, Fan Xian stopped his steps and gazed with narrowed eyes at the familiar figure. He looked at the woman's red face and slightly prominent, well-rounded figure. He smiled warmly. He had been held by her as a child, so how could he not be tired of seeing her?
Sisi looked at the woman and smiled happily, preparing to run over. Unexpectedly, her hand was pulled back by Fan Xian. She glanced at him with confusion.
Fan Xian smiled and said, "Why meet? It's enough to see from a distance. Looking at sister Dong'er's expression, her life should be going well. We shouldn't go disturb her."
Sisi didn't understand. Since they had snuck out, were they really not going to greet her and just look at her stupidly and briefly from a distance?
"Every month, the manor gives her some money. That was my idea." Fan Xian seemed to be comforting himself. "With this money, her life shouldn't be a problem."
The woman who sold tofu was called Dong'er and was once a serving girl in the Danzhou Count's manor. This girl had begun to look after Fan Xian from when she was 10 all the way until Fan Xian was 10. Naturally, her bond with Fan Xian was beyond the usual.
However, when Fan Xian was 10, the girl's age had also grown. Adding to the fact that Fan Xian knew his life in the future would certainly be very dangerous, he had found an excuse to chase her out of the manor. However, he had always helped her in secret.
He liked Dong'er, so he wanted to arrange a normal and content life for her.
However, it seemed that a normal and happy life was not easy to come by. Fan Xian and Sisi watched for a while when they suddenly found that four or five big men had surrounded Dong'er's tofu stall and were excitedly and spiritedly saying something.
Fan Xian's eyes narrowed and a glimmer of coldness flashed through his delicate appearance. Although the men were excited, they did not seem to be forceful and had not made any undue moves, so, for now, he was not angry.
He indicated to Sisi to follow him closer to the tofu stall so they could clearly hear the conversation. He also saw clearly the wrinkles at the corners of Dong'er's eyes and couldn't help his heart growing dark.
"Dong'er, it's not that we are being aggressive, but this debt has already been dragged out for a year. Isn't it time to return it?" The big man that was the leader furrowed his brows and said. "You can ask around. The money we gave your family is already the loosest. There will never be interest as low as this."
Dong'er rubbed her hands somewhat helplessly. These hands spent many years being soaked in tofu water and were somewhat red and rough. She lowered her head and said embarrassedly, "A few more days, a few more days. You know that my husband hasn't been well this year. It's taken a lot of money to treat him."
The man looked at her and suddenly opened his mouth to say, "I say, Dong'er, why don't you understand?"
Dong'er raised her head in confusion.
The man chuckled and said, "Putting aside everything else, the Deputy Governor has always taken the least money from you. Our boss has also not asked you for heavy interest…everyone in the marketplace respects you, why is this? It's because you were someone who had come out of the Count's manor. Although on the surface you had been chased out, which of us old folks of Danzhou doesn't know the truth? The young master of the Fan family cares greatly for you. When he was little, he would spend all day at your tofu stand playing."
He cleared his throat and said, "We are all giving young master Fan face, and no one dares to bully you…but…" He suddenly angrily said, "This is not a lot of silver. You could go to the Count's manor and speak with the old woman. Would she not help you?"
Dong'er pressed her lips together and refused to say anything.
The man finally couldn't resist it anymore and roared, "Even if you don't dare to speak to the old woman, everyone now knows of the major event in the Danzhou manor. The young master of the Fan family has already returned home. He is now the imperial envoy. With a little help from him, your whole family will rise meteorically. What do you care about this little bit of silver?"
Dong'er suddenly raised her head and said with a determined expression, "Don't bother the manor with my matters. The money I owe you, naturally, I will slowly repay you…it's all thanks to your care these two years brother Hu. I am very grateful."
It was clear that these words did not have much effect. Although the man did not dare to intimidate Dong'er, he did depend on this to earn money. Angrily, he said, "Since you say you have no bond with the manor, then we'll stop being polite. The money you should pay, you will pay it today!"
Listening up to now, Fan Xian finally understood the root of the matter and couldn't help smiling bitterly. Dong'er's husband was probably not well, but…the money he had the manor sent each month should be enough. Looking at Dong'er expression, she probably had not been willing to use the money he had sent and was only willing to depend on this tofu stall to barely manage.
There was no need to continue listening. Fan Xian also did not make a hobby of waiting until the situation had become excited before stepping out to be the big boss.
He nodded to Sisi.
Sisi immediately understood and quickly walked a few steps, stopping in front of the tofu stall. Looking at the men, she calmly asked, "How much is missing?"
These men were clearly startled by this suddenly appearing girl. Although Sisi had not purposely dressed up when coming out today, living every day in a wealthy family, her clothes and jewelry were all expensive and first-rate. The men's eyes were sharp, so, they knew the girl's background was not ordinary. They coughed slightly and respectfully said, "It is just 10 liang of silver."
As they spoke, the men's eyes were wandering around the tofu stall.
Dong'er had frozen when Sisi stood in front of her tofu stall. A moment later, the glimmer of a helpless smile appeared on her red face.
The leading man suddenly saw the man standing to the back of the tofu stall. Seeing the man's very recognizable delicate appearance and linking it to the background of the tofu stall's, Dong'er, and the beautiful girl standing in front of him, he immediately guessed the identity of the man. He quickly added in a trembling voice, "Is it indeed just 10 liang, the interest…we did not dare to collect at all. Since my lady has made an appearance today, it is completely waived."
Sisi turned her head to glance at Dong'er with a face full of smiles and said, "Sister, is it this much?"
Dong'er was still sunk in shock and nodded her head with some panic.
Sisi glanced at Fan Xian to the side. Of course, she knew Fan Xian's thoughts and said to the men with a smile, "I can see that you have protected my sister. I thank you for this kindness on behalf of our family's young master." As she spoke, she pulled out a small banknote from her sleeve and handed it over. Warmly, she said, "In the future, please help look after this stall."
The man accepted the banknote and glanced at it. It had a face value of 20 liang. He couldn't do anything but force a smile and retreat, but he also slanted another glance at the young man's expressionless appearance behind the tofu stall. He didn't dare say anything more and only murmured in a trembling voice, "Certainly, certainly."
After saying this, he quickly pulled at his confused subordinates behind him and hurriedly left. As he passed by Fan Xian, he bowed deeply to the ground, not making a peep.
Fan Xian shook his head and walked into the tofu stall looking at Dong'er, who couldn't quite believe her eyes. Resentfully, he said, "Why have money that you don't use but instead go borrow with high interest?"
Dong'er forced a smile and glanced at him. Quietly, she said, "Young master, why are you here?"
Fan Xian angrily said, "A few years ago it was this line and now it is still this line. You are my serving girl. Can I not come to visit you?"
To the side, Sisi covered her smile and said, "I wonder who it was earlier who stood at the side and wouldn't come over?" Saying this, she walked to Dong'er's side and warmly picked up her hand.
Dong'er wiped her hands in a panic randomly on the apron on her front and smiled warmly.
Fan Xian stared at Dong'er's appearance and looked more closely at the lines at the corners of her eyes. Time had not been merciless. It had not left overly deep marks on the woman's face. Looking after her family matters and her little business would always be tiring. In particular, standing together right now with Sisi, compared to Sisi who lived like a princess, she appeared to be even more uncomfortable.
Fan Xian sighed and suddenly didn't know what topic he should pick to talk about. With a serious expression, he asked, "Where is your daughter?"
"At home with her father. Her father…is not well." Dong'er glanced at Fan Xian's expression and smiled warmly. She had brought Fan Xian up. She knew what he was thinking and could also guess why he was unhappy. Quietly, she said, "I don't dare to misuse the money you sent. In any case, we can manage…"
Without waiting for her to finish speaking, Fan Xian waved his hand angrily and said, "Take me to your home and sit down and chat."
Dong'er glanced at her tofu stall and didn't know what to say.
Fan Xian angrily said, "What is there to look after in this broken stall? Back then I got it wrong. What peaceful life? If you had followed me, you wouldn't have to endure such filth."
Seeing him angry, Dong'er didn't say anything. Sisi went forward and picked up her hand then began to walk out of the marketplace.
Fan Xian left the tofu stall after the two of them. He stared coldly at the interested gazes being directed his way around the marketplace. After some thought, he picked up the two completed pieces of tofu and leisurely strolled out of the place.
After he left, the entire marketplace exploded into noise. All the peddlers had recognized who he was and couldn't help sinking into shock and excitement.
The imperial envoy had come to the marketplace. What kind of miraculous gossip was this? There was also the serving girl from the past, the current beautiful tofu seller, that attracted many people's speculations.
"Did you see? Like I said…young master Fan is one who holds onto past friendships. Since he has returned to Danzhou, naturally, he would come to visit Dong'er."
Someone clicked their tongues and sighed. "The imperial envoy, what a major position this is, yet he still cherishes old friendships."
Someone gossiped outrageously and someone scolded back, "Didn't you see that Sisi also came? You dare to talk so nonsensically? Be careful that someone doesn't come from the manor and send you west to fight the Hu people!"
No matter how the discussion in the marketplace fermented, Fan manor's authority was and Fan Xian's reputation were present. Some random rumors would naturally die out. However, Fan Xian's sudden appearance and the tofu stall's sudden closing down brought the liveliest emotion to the already lively morning marketplace.
No one thought of the fact that today, there would be no tofu to eat in all Danzhou.
…
…
Dong'er's home in Danzhou was in an isolated courtyard, hiding quietly in the depths of an alley. This kind of single-door courtyard was rare to see in Danzhou since they were worth a lot of money. This had been bought back in the day by Fan Xian with money he had made selling Pan Ling's calligraphy to the inner court news palace. He purchased it when Dong'er had gotten married. Back then, Fan Xian had been very insistent. Dong'er had not dared to go against the intentions of the 11-year-old young master and had continued to live in it.
The furnishings in this courtyard were a little old. Walking into the courtyard, Fan Xian looked around and found it relatively clean and tidy. Nodding his head with satisfaction, he placed the two pieces of tofu in his hand on the stone mill and put his hands behind him as he walked into the main hall.
Dong'er rushed to pour tea and bring out snacks. Fan Xian stopped her and smiled. "It's not like you don't know my temperament. I don't like to eat such things."
Dong'er smiled warmly and said, "Back then, everyone in the manor said that you were a strange child. To be a child and not like to eat snacks…instead you liked to gnaw on bones."
"Yes, a strange child." Fan Xian sighed and said, "It was only you who didn't think I was strange."
Sisi randomly swiped at the low couch, knowing that Fan Xian also did not care about this, and invited him to sit. Fan Xian shook his head. Lifting the curtain to the left of the main hall, he charged in with no sense of unfamiliarity.
Entering the inner room, he saw a man about 30 years old who was struggling to rise from the bed. HIs features were regular, and he appeared honest and considerate. His face was slightly pale, and it seemed like he wasn't very well.
Seeing Fan Xian entering the inner room, Dong'er leaped up anxiously and quickly followed him in. "Young master, this is where sick people stay. Why are you coming in here?"
The man on the bed was Dong'er's husband. His surname was Mai. He had long guessed the newcomer's identity.
Although ever since the day the young master of the Fan family returned to Danzhou he had discussed with Dong'er whether or not the young master would come to visit them, the disparity between their positions was too large. Thinking that this event was too unlikely, the couple had relaxed and not made any preparations.
"Young Master Fan, don't come in here," he fearfully said. He was greatly startled.
Fan Xian only smiled and sat directly beside him. One hand landed on his pulse. Using his eyes, he indicated for him to calm down.
Dong'er stood at the door, guessing that the young master was examining her husband. She couldn't help feel a glimmer of confusion. She had seen the young master holding medical books and reading them. However, even the doctors in the city had said it was difficult to cure.
Her husband was even tenser. Looking at Fan Xian's finger resting on his pulse, thinking, This was the current imperial envoy and, according to the rumors, a child of the dragon…how could he be examining his illness? He was excited and moved. His eyes even became wet.
Silence fell in the room. Sisi didn't enter the room. She just stood behind Dong'er and watched carefully.
After a long time, Fan Xian released his fingers. Opening his eyes, he smiled slightly and said, "What a coincidence, it's a problem of the lungs. It's easy to cure."
Hearing these words, the couple were overjoyed but still a bit disbelieving. Behind them, Sisi covered her mouth and smiled. "Both of you, relax. Our Mistress also has a problem with her lungs. The royal doctors in the Palace couldn't cure her. It was all down to the young master who cured her."
Chapter 432: Only Talking About Relatives
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Hearing him say this, Dong'er and her husband were unable to contain their happiness. They thought of all the difficulties the family had to go through this year because of this illness. Dong'er couldn't help but raise her sleeve and gently wipe at the corners of her eyes.
Fan Xian had Dong'er prepare brush and ink. After some thought, he wrote some prescriptions. He looked it over carefully, twice. After confirming there was no problem with it, he blew it dry and handed them to her. He ordered that the medicine be taken on time and for them to not be miserly with the silver anymore.
Dong'er agreed with a slight smile.
Fan Xian looked at her expression and knew she might not listen to his words. He couldn't help but grow angry again and said, "Where is the logic in making hardships for yourself?"
Dong'er only smiled gratefully and refused to answer this question. Fan Xian was angry. Today was hot, so he only wore an unlined garment. Since this was Danzhou, he was not very worried, thus he did not have his medicinal case with him. To Sisi, he said, "When we go back tonight, remember to remind me to make a few medicinal pills."
He then turned his head and said warmly to Dong'er's husband, "Mai Xin'er, you have to take this medicine regularly, but Danzhou probably can't fill the prescription properly. In a few days, when I return to Jingdou, your whole family will come with me. After all, you are the head of your family. I have to ask your opinion first and see if there is anything in Danzhou you can't leave behind."
Mai Xin'er opened his mouth wide and couldn't say anything for a moment. He understood what the young master's words meant. If he and his family went with the young master to Jingdou, they wouldn't have any more hardships. However, he coughed and directed his questioning gaze toward Dong'er.
To the side, Sisi watched with cold eyes and couldn't resist smiling slightly. This was her young master's personality. He could never be forceful for women close to him and couldn't force Dong'er to do anything, so he could only act on brother Mai.
How could Dong'er not understand Fan Xian's intentions? She sighed and said, "I know that the prescription you gave is a good one…I promise you that I will never borrow on heavy interest again. I also promise to take out all of the 100 liang you have sent us over these years and use it…in Danzhou. One hundred liang is enough to live comfortably for a lifetime. You don't have to worry."
Sisi looked at Fan Xian's expression and agitated from the side. "That medicinal pill can't be made even if you have money. Even if the young master finds the ingredients in Jingdou and makes it, will he have the time to send it such a long distance to you?"
Caught in a difficult situation, Dong'er glanced at her and said, "What kind of medicinal pill is it that takes so much effort?"
Fan Xian shook his head and smiled. "Do you still remember that very ugly teacher at the manor back in the day?"
Hearing these words, Dong'er immediately thought of wild hair and eyes that flashed green like a hungry wolf. Unconsciously, she shivered. Covering her mouth and feeling nauseated, she said, "Why are you bringing up Sir Fei? Back then, we felt afraid whenever we saw him."
"This medicine is made by Sir Fei," Fan Xian laughed loudly and said. "Although he looks rather ugly, did you know he is the famous Fei Jie of our Qing court?"
Dong'er sank into shock. Not until today did she know that that pervert-looking teacher back in the day had such an important identity. However, thinking of the young master's past, it became relatively easy to accept.
Fan Xian turned and smiled slightly at Dong'er's husband. "For the matter of following me to the capital, you should make some preparations."
Although Dong'er's husband was honest and considerate, he was not very opinionated. Hearing Fan Xian's resolute and decisive words, he unconsciously made a sound of agreement.
However, Dong'er huffed coldly. Glaring at him, Mai Xin'er quickly shut his mouth.
Seeing this sight, Fan Xian couldn't resist smiling. Looking at this family, Dong'er was the one with the true power.
"Look after yourself. What are you blindly worrying about?" Dong'er said without good humor toward her husband. Rising, she pulled Fan Xian and Sisi out of the bedroom and sat down in the middle hall.
They drank two cups of tea and made some light conversation. No matter how severe Fan Xian was, Dong'er remained forcefully silent on the suggestion of moving to Jingdou and refused to open her mouth to agree.
Fan Xian looked at her expression and couldn't help letting out a sigh, thinking that such a gentle and warm sister also had such a stubborn side.
A few coughs came from the bedroom. Fan Xian listened carefully then lowered his voice slightly and gently said, "Dong'er, back then before you got married, I had taken you to secretly meet brother Mai because you two saw eye to eye. I didn't acknowledge this back then…brother Mai had lost both his parents young, and he was honest and considerate, and didn't have any troublesome relatives in Danzhou. I trusted he would be good to you after marriage. Only then did I feel at ease."
All of this was true. When Dong'er had gotten married, Fan Xian was only 11 years old. Yet, he had investigated a great deal in secret. Only then did he feel at ease having his serving girl marry into the Mai family.
Dong'er rubbed her red hands together nervously and shyly said, "He is still very good to me…someone picked out by you, how bad could they be?"
"Since neither of you have relatives in Danzhou, why are you not willing to come with me to Jingdou?" Fan Xian asked. "I made a mistake back then to put you outside. Your life doesn't seem much more peaceful."
Without waiting for Dong'er to speak, he continued, "Don't worry about me looking after you in Jingdou. You will continue to run your tofu store. However, you'll be right beside me, so we can look after each other."
Fan Xian would not need Dong'er to look after him, so the meaning of this was very clear.
Sisi encouraged the sentiment. "Exactly, Dong'er, did you know, after the young master got to Jingdou, his first business was to make a tofu store. Now, the kings' manors all eat the tofu from our family."
Fan Xian's brows twitched and forced a smile, wondering why her words sounded so awkward?
Sisi smiled and continued, "If you went, wouldn't this tofu sell even better?"
Dong'er hesitated for a while then said, "I understand young master's intentions, and I am grateful. However…I truly do not want to go to Jingdou."
'Why not?" Fan Xian asked, furrowing his brows.
Dong'er thought for a bit and a glimmer of warm smile suddenly flashed across her face. She slowly said, "I've lived in Danzhou for a long time. Who is willing to leave behind their home? Although Jingdou is a good place, it is too big. I'm afraid I will panic if I go…besides, I don't want to trouble you to look after me."
"Jingdou doesn't have any demons. What is there be panicked about?" Sisi muttered from the side.
Dong'er covered her mouth and smiled, "Not everyone is like you. You've always been very daring."
As they were talking, the clear voice of a young child suddenly rang out outside the courtyard. Dong'er's expression suddenly became very warm and gentle. Rising, she walked to the door and gazed out.
The sun had already risen high in the sky. The blazing sunlight spilled past the eaves and shot down, landing on the woman's still beautiful face. The sunlight immediately became warm, and the woman's expression appeared to be peaceful and content.
The little girl who had been playing outside had returned.
Dong'er led her daughter into the room, pointed to Fan Xian sitting in the middle, and said, "Call him 'young master.'"
Fan Xian looked at the little girl led by Dong'er and a true smile rose to his face. In a blink, two years had gone by and this child had grown into her looks. She had inherited her mother's beauty and begun to steal people's gazes. The elegance between her brows also made one feel tenderness toward her. In particular, her pair of darting and agile eyes that were currently looking curiously at him.
"Or call me uncle." Fan Xian extended a hand and pulled the little girl into his embrace. Looking at the slightly anxious and uneasy girl, he smiled and said, "We haven't met for a few years. Do you not recognize your uncle?"
The little girl raised her face and looked at Fan Xian's beautiful face. She tilted her head and thought for a while. She suddenly giggled and said, "Uncle, where did you run off to play?"
Just like how Fan Xian had been held by Dong'er as a child, Fan Xian had spent his childhood often hanging around the tofu stall. This child had been held by him countless times. Furthermore, he would always spoil her, treat her tenderly, and often bought little things for this girl, so this girl had an especially deep impression of this "uncle." Although she was young, she remembered clearly.
"You're nine, right?" Fan Xian looked carefully at the face of the girl in his arms and asked Dong'er.
Dong'er smiled warmly and said, "You have a good memory, in a few more months she will be 10."
Fan Xian looked at the big cloth pocket on the girl's body and lifted her above his head, weighing her up and down. With satisfaction, he said, "Her body isn't weak. However, as a girl, don't go out being crazy every day. At such a young age, Dong'er don't let her do anything to make our girl's life difficult."
Dong'er smiled and said, "How could I let her do anything? She is just returning from school."
Fan Xian turned his gaze and glanced at her curiously, smoothly he placed the little girl down.
The little girl cleverly greeted Sisi. Only then did Sisi pinch her little cheeks tenderly before taking out the present Fan Xian had prepared earlier and stuffed it in her hand.
The little girl glanced at mother. After receiving permission, she happily accept the gift. While rubbing her slightly sore face, she said to her mother, "Mother, I am going to boil medicine for father."
Dong'er looked at her tenderly and nodded.
The little girl skipped, happily holding her gift and going into the inner room.
Seeing this scene, in addition to what she had said previously, Fan Xian suddenly had a different perspective of Dong'er. It was truly not easy for her to bring up such an obedient child. Although many young ladies from noble families in Qing Kingdom would go to nobility schools to be educated, and there were even special private schools for girls in Jingdou, in the public, the status of girls was still very low. As for going to school for an education, it was even more rare.
For Dong'er to be able to get her daughter an education, this kind of courage was not something normal women could compare to.
Fan Xian looked at her and said with praise, "You did well. This child must continue to be educated."
Dong'er smiled warmly. After thinking for a while, she said, "But, after all, she is a girl. Although she knows some characters, it's only to know some logic. However, I don't know what to do in the future."
"What to do?" Fan Xian laughed loudly. "With me as her uncle, she can do whatever she likes under heaven!"
This was a promise now. Dong'er was overjoyed. She knew the young master didn't like her bowing, so she only glanced at him with gratitude.
Fan Xian continued seriously, "Don't marry her off randomly. Even if she's going to marry, you have to let me know first."
Dong'er smiled and nodded contently.
As they chattered, it became noon and time to have lunch. Dong'er embarrassedly said, "Young master, sit for a while. I will go prepare it."
Fan Xian knew that if he ate at her house, it would be a great disturbance. She might even have to go borrow ingredients from her neighbors. He quickly stopped her and said, "Naturally, we will eat here. Only, don't go to so much trouble…we'll just have the tofu rice you used to often make in the past."
Dong'er suddenly cried out, holding her head in her hands, she angrily said, "There isn't even any paste. I left it in the tofu. I'm afraid we won't be able to eat it."
Fan Xian smiled and said, "Did you forget I brought two pieces back?"
After a flurry of activity, Dong'er's husband was helped out of the bedroom by the little girl. Although he hadn't used Fan Xian's prescription, when Fan Xian had examined him earlier, he had already injected a thread of Tianyi Dao's zhenqi into him so at this moment, Mai Miao's spirit seemed much better.
The roomful of people gathered around the kang and ate a lively meal of tofu and rice.
Dong'er and her family couldn't help but feel apologetic and uncomfortable, but Fan Xian was eating with great joy. Seeing Dong'er's motherly expression as she waited by the door for her child, he knew that Dong'er's life could go on happily. She didn't necessarily have to go with him to Jingdou.
"Uncle, is Jingdou fun?" The little girl also asked with incomparable curiosity. She had her eyes open wide and dug into dug into the soft tofu rice in the large bowl she was holding.
"Jingdou is very not fun." Fan Xian put down his bowl. Looking at the little girl, he said seriously, "Very not fun…but if you don't go, how will you know? Will you go visit me in the future?"
"Yes!" The little girl said happily.
…
…
Returning to the manor, Fan Xian told Wan'er what had happened. Listening to Fan Xian's recounting, Wan'er couldn't help but tear up. When she heard that Dong'er refused steadfastly to go to Jingdou, she felt an extra measure of respect in her heart.
Coming out, Fan Xian stretched and rubbed his slightly full stomach then gently clapped his hands.
A shadow slowly appeared from the sunshine beside the column in the corridor.
Now that the Tiger Guards knew of Fan Xian's temper, as well as his strength, they no longer followed him as closely as they did in the past. There was only this shadow. After chasing back all of Dongyi's ninth-level swordsmen, he had once again become a maggot attached closely to Fan Xian.
Fan Xian turned his head to look at him and said, "Are you not annoyed following me around like this every day?"
The Shadow considered this seriously and said, "It is indeed very annoying."
Fan Xian laughed and said, "Is it not annoying following the cripple?"
The Shadow replied very straightforwardly, "The cripple has beautiful women beside him."
Fan Xian was annoyed and shook his head helplessly. "You saw everything today. What do you think of Mai Xin'er's illness?"
"Since there were no traces before and he was healthy, he shouldn't have such a serious illness," the Shadow said in a low voice. "He should have taken an external injury and then caught the illness."
Fan Xian nodded silently. The judgement was extremely similar to the situation he had found after personal examination. He said calmly, "This is not something I can easily ask them about face to face. Given Dong'er's outwardly gentle but inwardly stern temperament, I'm afraid she won't say anything anyway. The person who dares to not give me face in Danzhou does not yet exist. This matter is probably a misunderstanding. Go investigate and teach the other party a lesson."
"No one is to die," Fan Xian set the boundaries and calmly said. "He had been kicked, and you will also kick him. Kick him until he can't get out of bed for three years."
The Shadow tilted his head and gazed at him. A moment later, he said, "You want me to kick someone?"
His tone was a little strange. This was the leader of the Overwatch Council assassins, the most powerful assassin in the world, yet Fan Xian would order him to…kick someone because of a little matter in a distant little province?
"You are the best in the world at killing." Fan Xian smiled warmly and patted his shoulder. "I trust your kicking ability will also not be bad. Thanks for your hard work."
The Shadow had nothing to say and once again sank into the darkness.
Entering his grandmother's room, he followed the old rules and gave a formal bow to pay his respects. He then told her about his visit to Dong'er today. Fan Xian knew that in Danzhou, there really wasn't anything that could be hidden from his grandmother, so in his heart he felt a faint discomfort. She should know his thoughts. How could she have allowed his serving girl to be treated in such a way in the city, to the point her husband had been bullied until he was bedridden?
Seeing Fan Xian's expression, the old mistress knew what he was thinking and smiled, "Are you resenting me in your heart?"
"I don't dare." Fan Xian's words were thus but his tone was very hard.
The old mistress looked at her grandson's rare demonstration of pique and couldn't resist smiling. She recounted to him the whole story. It turned out that somehow, the son of the previous guard of the province liked Dong'er. However, that man was not an idiot and did not use force in Danzhou in front of the Count's manor. He would just go to the tofu stall, salivating and hanging around.
Dong'er found his hanging around intolerable, but as he had not used any overly despicable tricks, she could only endure it.
Even though the woman could endure, the woman's man could not. One day, brother Mai exploded the man's world and thoroughly beat him up.
Naturally, this matter became much larger. After all, the old man of that person was the current guard of the province. Although Dong'er's husband's body was solid, he couldn't hold up against a crowd. He was slammed to the ground and even taken into prison. It was after the old mistress had spoken that the guard of the province didn't pursue matters further.
However, in this way, brother Mai received a kick to the chest. With all the cold and damp air in the prison, he had caught the root of the trouble and had been lying in bed ever since.
Hearing grandmother's recounting, Fan Xian's expression was calm. Knowing the whole story, he also finally understood why Dong'er was silent. When all was said and done, it was still brother Mai who struck first, furthermore…although everyone in Danzhou knew of his connection to Dong'er's family, in the eyes of the world, and even grandmother, Dong'er was just that serving girl that had long been chased out of the manor, a servant while the other party was the son of a guard of the province. The difference in class was always present. With this result, no one in Danzhou would think that the Fan manor had not done well. On the contrary, they would feel that the Fan manor had done a great deal to help Dong'er's family.
However, Fan Xian did not think this way. In his heart, the separation between groups of people should not be based on class.
Only family.
The old mistress looked his thoughtful expression and couldn't resist opening her mouth to ask, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing?" Fan Xian raised his head and smiled. "I've sent someone to also kick that man."
The old woman was startled then shortly she smiled and said, "Then kick away, as long as you're happy."
Chapter 433: The Few Days Before Leaving Danzhou
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
They chatted casually for a while and Fan Xian took this opportunity to once again bring up the suggestion of having his grandmother come with him to Jingdou to enjoy her old age. However, like before, the old woman used silence to directly express her attitude.
Fan Xian couldn't help but sigh and said, "You won't go no matter what?"
The old mistress knew he was talking about Dong'er and her family. She smiled and said, "Living in Jingdou…is too difficult. Furthermore, Dong'er and you are so close. Don't forget, the serving girls that grew up with you have all been taught by you to have lofty ambitions and are very unyielding. There is nothing anyone can do."
Fan Xian rubbed his head, thinking it was indeed the truth. Now, Xiao Ya who still remained in the manor was the smallest of those who had followed him. He could tell that her mouth would be a ruthless one that would show no mercy. There was also Xiao Qing, who had brought her husband back to the manor to visit him. Xiao Qing's husband was a scholar with merit to his name. But, in the end, he barely dared to breathe loudly in front of Xiao Qing.
Xiao Qing and Xiao Ya were like this, not to mention Dong'er and the always impudent Sisi. These serving girls in the manor had been spoiled by him and taught badly. Anywhere they went, they would be stubborn and did not care about the rules that govern the logic of this world. Although they appeared to be gentle and easygoing, their hearts were forthright.
As Fan Xian thought, he began to smile contentedly. Even if he couldn't change this world too much, at least he had changed the thoughts and lives of a few women. That wasn't too bad. Of course, they had to be his girls to be able to enjoy this benefit. If they didn't have him as a mountain of support behind them, the tempers of these four girls would make their journeys in the world difficult.
One night of silence.
The next day, a piece of news came into Danzhou. Some young master in some manor had been kicked and had spat out bowls of blood. An urgently found doctor managed to save him, and now he was lying in bed groaning.
No one had seen the culprit. Danzhou's folkways had always been simple, peaceful, and kind. The people were also honest at heart and not violent. News like a noble young master being beaten had never been heard of before.
The entirety of Danzhou was shocked. The Zhizhou was greatly angered and prepared to investigate the case properly to give his predecessor and teacher a great deal of face. When his advisor edged closer and said some things into his ears, the Zhizhou immediately became calm and returned to his meditation room at home to drink tea.
The clever people in Danzhou began to slowly guess at the whole story of this incidence, but no one dared discuss it too much. While the young master who was hit certainly felt anger and resentment in his heart, he didn't dare cry loudly for justice. On the contrary, he respectfully dispatched someone to Dong'er's little courtyard and offered up with both hands the medical fees for the past two years and compensation.
The matter quieted down quickly. The Danzhou people knew that the young master of the Fan family was not one who liked to cause trouble. He was one to protect his shortcomings, and so they were not worried.
After a few more days, a secret edict from Jingdou and a Council report from Jiangnan were delivered at the same time to the Count's manor. Fan Xian lowered his head and read the two thin pieces of paper. He knew that this visit to Danzhou had reached an end. He couldn't help a glimmer of reluctance to leave welling up in his heart.
After all, he was the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council and a full imperial envoy of Jiangnan Road. Furthermore, he was still young and healthy. He couldn't be like Chen Pingping and stay in a place he liked to nurture his old age.
Although Danzhou was good, he would eventually have to leave.
In the morning of the next day, Teng Zijing took Lin Da Bao and the Third Prince open-sea fishing once more while Fan Xian finally fulfilled his promise to Wan'er. Taking her little hand, they used slow steps to walk across Danzhou's earth, enjoying the air. They undertook a rich one-day Danzhou trip.
After the couple had disguised themselves slightly, they went to the bustling marketplace and beach beside the docks to see the beautiful white birds that Hong Changqing deeply hated. They told some stories sitting behind the back door of the Count's manor. Only then did they go to that very quiet junk shop.
Wan'er smiled warmly the whole way, allowing her husband to take her hand and walk sometimes fast and sometimes slow. She knew all of this was part of Fan Xian's best memories. He had brought her today because he wanted her to be able to share in the warmest and best parts of his heart.
Inside the junk shop, it was silent. The dust was still just as thick.
Both of them were lazy people, so naturally, they were too lazy to clean. They just stood in the room and looked around, talking about past matters.
Wan'er silently listened to Fan Xian's rueful memories of his childhood and couldn't stop a tremor in her heart. She thought that not only was her own childhood in the Palace tense and dangerous, her husband's childhood, other than being happy, was also very difficult and hard.
Her hand held the cleaver gently, and she smiled slightly. "So uncle used this knife to slice up radishes to go with your drink?"
Fan Xian smiled happily and nodded.
Wan'er glared at him and said, "To be drinking liquor at such a young age, are you not afraid of getting drunk?"
Fan Xian smiled and didn't say anything.
Lin Wan'er's eyes suddenly widened and she asked, "Where is the precipice you trained on? Does it have as a steep incline as the one on Cang Mountain? Can you take me to see?"
Fan Xian started and said, "That place is dangerous. You can't get up there."
Lin Wan'er gave a sound of understanding, but her smooth face clearly showed a strong disappointment.
Fan Xian looked at her and suddenly said, "Hold me tight."
Lin Wan'er was startled but then laughed. She put her hands over Fan Xian's shoulders and held on tightly, just like that night in bed. It was as if she was afraid he would disappear just and even more afraid that he would sink into the Danzhou air.
On the high precipice beside the Danzhou seashore, Fan Xian and Lin Wan'er stood beside the precipice hand in hand. A few steps forward was the abyss, the sea, and flakes of snow.
The sea breeze washed over them. The sun above them seemed, on the contrary, further away than when they were on the ground. The halo of light was lightly covered and did not appear to be burning so fiercely.
Wan'er's breathing was slightly panicked. Her face was red, while her eyes were slightly fearful. The entire way, she had been carried up the cliff by Fan Xian. It had truly been the most stimulating experience of her life. Those wet, slippery, and precipitous cliffs…she had no idea how she had gotten up. Suddenly, she was standing on the side of the precipice and did not feel very scared as she was a bit numb.
She glanced somewhat fearfully at the distant Danzhou and found that with her sight, she couldn't clearly see the appearances of the private residences.
She turned her head again and glanced at the calm looking Fan Xian. She opened her mouth and quietly said, "…in the past…you climbed it every day?"
"Yes," Fan Xian smiled slightly and said. "I started from six, or was it seven? I can't remember anymore. in any case, other than myself and uncle, you are the third person to come here."
Lin Wan'er lowered her head and stuck out her tongue. She knew this was one of Fan Xian's biggest secrets. To be brought here by him…a glimmer of sweetness rose in the girl's heart, which quickly turned into a glimmer of bitterness. She slowly leaned against Fan Xian's shoulder and said, "I always thought my life in the Royal Palace was hard. Only now do I know that you had it even worse than me."
To be forced to climb a mountain at such a young age, what was its purpose? Naturally, it was because he was worried someone wanted to kill him. To grow up in such a terrifying atmosphere, how torturous it would have been for the boy back then. Thinking of this, Wan'er felt a sliver more sympathy for the man next to her that seemed incomparably strong.
Fan Xian smiled slightly, "What hardships were there? If I didn't want to die, I had to be hardworking. In reality…compared to other people in this world, you and I are can be thought to have grown up in a honeypot. Don't lightly speak of hardships. At least we don't have to worry about whether or we will have a next meal, whether or not we have clothes, or whether or not we will be sold by our parents to brothels to be prostitutes or servants."
Wan'er listened quietly.
"My confidence and ease…are all acted."
Fan Xian looked at the golden light on the surface of the sea and let his mind wander. "Actually, you should know, I can be considered the person who lives the most carefully, most diligently, and works the hardest in the world."
Wan'er nodded. Even on the night of their marriage, during that time in Cang Mountain, Fan Xian did not forget his twice daily cultivation. In reality, for someone at Fan Xian's current realm and power, there was absolutely no need for him to work so hard. People usually only saw the bright and beautiful side to Sir Fan junior, but they never thought about how much sweat and work he put into it.
"I've been like this ever since I was young," Fan Xian said slowly. "No one could understand why I was so exacting with myself."
Wan'er only understood a little, so she listened quietly.
Fan Xian stopped for a moment. Slowly closing his eyes, he faced the Danzhou sea breeze and said, "Actually, the reason is very simple…I don't want to die.
"I don't want to die."
"Just like what I used to say when I was little…only after getting drunk does one know the depth of passion, and only after death does one know the value of life. A person who has not died cannot know how terrifying death is."
"I want to live on in this world, so I have to be ruthless, so I must make myself strong."
Fan Xian continued, "Furthermore, you have no idea that once you have grown used to lying in bed without moving, unable to even move a single finger…when suddenly heaven gives you another chance to move, you would be endlessly grateful and would revel in playing like crazy."
He was drunk on the memories of his two lives. Beside him, Wan'er could not understand anything she heard. She looked with some confusion at his handsome face and saw a maturity and tragedy that did not befit his age suddenly appear on his face. Her heart moved and ached. A glimmer of unexplainable sorrow welled in her heart along with Fan Xian's.
Wan'er's eyes were slightly wet, and she found it difficult to remain on her feet. She pulled at the corner of her sleeve and helped Fan Xian wipe clean the corner of his eyes.
…
…
The visit to Danzhou to see relatives ended like this. However, before they left, Fan Xian went into the old mistress' study and talked with her for a while. Concerning the news that came from Jingdou, the two seemingly warm and gentle grandmother and grandson were actually the coldest people carrying out a serious conversation.
When he left the study, Fan Xian's expression was somber.
Returning to his room, Wan'er carefully asked, "What happened?"
"Nothing major." Fan Xian thought for a while then calmly said, "It is natural for the Imperial Censorate to upbraid me in court. As a Jiangnan Road imperial envoy, I have run off to Danzhou to play, which is certain to annoy many people. What is important is that I have heard some rather uncomfortable news."
"What news?" Seeing a rare glimmer of annoyance on her husband's face, she couldn't resist smiling. "What news can throw you into such turmoil?"
Fan Xian sighed and forced a smile. "At the end of the year, Yan Xiaoyi is returning to the capital to report. I guess he will enter the capital around the same time as me."
Yan Xiaoyi? The Viceroy to the North of Qing Kingdom, once the Commander of the Imperial Army, a famous ninth-rank super official of the Qing Kingdom…most importantly, he was the Eldest Princess' trusted aide. He had a great reputation in the military. Even the Emperor would not act hastily to suppress him without sufficient evidence.
For such a figure to return to the capital, it would be inevitable that he would clash directly with Fan Xian.
Even to today, Fan Xian still remembered that shocking arrow he had met when he stole into the Royal Palace that year.
Wan'er furrowed her brows and said, "Is the…martial performance before the palace going to be resumed?"
Fan Xian glanced at her with shock and then smiled. Patting her head, he thought to himself that this wife's instincts in this area were truly very sensitive. He nodded and said, "I heard it was the intention of the Bureau of Military Affairs. The military recommends resuming the martial performances as a way to rouse the morale of the people."
"What did the Emperor say?" Wan'er was worried. She knew that Qing Kingdom was one that won their lands on horseback and had always placed a heavy importance on military merit. However, after three expeditions North, the Emperor decided to take care of his health in case of another battle. He had turned his gaze on civil governance and also stopped the important annual martial performance from many years ago.
"Naturally, the Emperor would not object." Fan Xian smiled. "This is a good thing. The court is worried that after a long period of peace, even the Jiaozhou Navy would deteriorate. Naturally, they need an excuse to gather the support of the military."
After Lin Wan'er was silent for a while, she suddenly opened her mouth and said, "I'm afraid…this is targeting you."
"I am a civil official." Fan Xian smiled as he spoke, but he clearly felt the glimmer of a problem in his mind. He thought differently about the Second Prince on Liujing River. The Second Prince thought that the Emperor had Fan Xian handle the Jiaozhou Navy matter as loosening his grip and allowing Fan Xian to contact and become familiar with military affairs. However, Fan Xian thought that that unyielding "father" was actually thinking the opposite. He had killed Chang Kun and framed Dang Xiaobo. Regardless of how the factions in the military were, it was likely that those generals all hated him in their hearts.
The Emperor still did not want the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council to gently stroke military power.
Wan'er watched him sigh and said, "You are a civil official…but you are also a world-famous martial ace."
Fan Xian's eyebrow rose and said, "Do you mean to say, that after Yan Xiaoyi returns to the capital, he will challenge me to a duel at the martial performance?"
Qing Kingdom was fond of fighting. Although the practice had become less common these years, the valiant spirit deeply entrenched in people's hearts could not be wiped away. Just like how Ye Ling'er could challenge Fan Xian to a duel by throwing knives outside the side courtyard of the Royal Palace, dueling was still legal in Qing Kingdom. Furthermore, in such a context as the martial performance in front of the palace, no one wanted to refuse.
Fan Xian was willing to refuse. He smiled coldly and said, "So childish. Just because he wants to fight me, does that mean I have to fight him?"
In his heart, martial ability was used to kill people and not used for dueling and fighting. If he wanted to kill someone, Fan Xian had countless ways that were more effective and safe than dueling. Dueling was a childish game. Fan Xian suddenly felt that the Qing military was a bit childish and couldn't help snorting disdainfully.
Wan'er sighed and warmly said, "Although this idea is the most direct and effective, it is very stupid…mother shouldn't be stupid enough to have Yan Xiaoyi challenge you in the palace. Regardless of whether he wins or losses, Yan Xiaoyi would not dare to truly hurt you with the Emperor watching. I am also confused by the logic in this. Perhaps we are thinking about this wrong. Yan Xiaoyi is a Viceroy of the North, and it has been two years since he's come back to the capital. It is time for him to make a report."
A thought suddenly occurred to Fan Xian, and he furrowed his brows. If Yan Xiaoyi's return to the capital this time had something to do with the so-called martial performance, then it proved that that power in the court was finally trying to challenge the might of the royal family head on. However, what was the Eldest Princess counting on?
"If I avoid the fight, it will weaken my reputation," Fan Xian smiled slightly and said. "But as you know, I don't care about this reputation."
This was a lie, Fan Xian was someone who loved vanity. If it had been any other major general of the military challenging him in the martial performance, Fan Xian wouldn't even blink before beating him until the other party wouldn't even be recognizable to his mother and give his reputation another gilded edge. However, the person was Yan Xiaoyi.
Fan Xian searched his heart and knew that even though his injuries had long recovered wholly, and he also had the help of Haitang's Heart of Tianyi Dao, and he stood firmly at the peak of the ninth-level, if he truly had to face a super ace who shocked the world with one arrow, he would still not gain an advantage.
He did have two people on his side who could stand against Yan Xiaoyi, Haitang and the Shadow. The problem was that it was impossible for these two people to attack for him.
He also had one other person who could easily defeat Yan Xiaoyi, Uncle Wu Zhu. The problem was that Uncle Wu Zhu had once again left home.
Amidst Fan Xian's nervousness, he suddenly became mysteriously excited. His nose seemed to have smelled the salty and wet scent on the precipice. If after arriving in the capital and had to face Yan Xiaoyi face to face, if he didn't use his little tricks, how far could he get?
Jingdou, thunder, ace, martial competition…these words tempted Fan Xian's uneasy heart.
After he was silent for a while, he suddenly raised his head and smiled brightly. Warmly, he said, "I won't fight, but…what if I tried to kill him?"
Wan'er's eyes opened wide, and she was speechless for a moment.
Chapter 434: Snowy Night Meets Green Banner
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
One winter day during the sixth year of the Qing calendar, the faint dusk sunlight shone through from the distant Cang Mountain. The day was very cold, and the private residences all around were covered in white snow.
The clouds gradually thickened and completely swallowed the faint sunlight. The wind also grew gradually stronger, picking up the collecting snow on the ground and swirling it in the air while more snow fell down from the sky. Coming from different places, with different colors, the snowflakes borrowed the strength of the wind to twine together, twisting in all directions in the oppressive air and demonstrating different layers of white and cold.
The wind and snow picked up again. The people rushing along on the roads faced unspeakable hardships. They all searched for the closest village or inn to rest. This year, Qing Kingdom had not suffered floods, but the snows were falling heavily. It was fortunate that during the summer, Jiangnan's disaster relief had gone unusually smoothly. The disaster-stricken commoners had places to stay, so their chances of freezing to death were much smaller.
This was Yingzhou, the province hit hardest by floods and where the bandits had been most cruel after the disaster.
However, ever since imperial envoy Fan Xian had gone to Jiangnan, the Yingzhou bandits, either because they were afraid of the might of heaven or afraid of Sir Fan junior's legendary tactics, had become much better behaved and quietly gone into hiding.
It was because of this that these travelers dared to travel on the roads in such snowy weather. However, although the human disasters had left, the heaven had no sense of honor. Although the Yangtze was not sealed, no one wanted to brave such cold to travel toward Jingdou, except for a group of black carriages.
…
…
The windows and lower edges of the carriage were sealed tightly with glue. Not a breath of cold air was able to pass through. However, the thick cotton curtain hanging in front was being attacked by the wind and snow, and would occasionally make muffled, sorrowful sounds.
A heating stove was lit in the carriage. A gust of warm air infused with fragrance rose into the air, making the carriage as warm as spring. It was a fresh contrast to the cold air outside the carriage.
Fan Xian felt a bit hot. He reached with two fingers toward his neck and loosened the robe slightly, revealing his neck. He took two deep breaths. Only then did he put down the scroll in his hand and gazed with narrowed eyes out of the carriage.
He only saw a clean white outside. Cang Mountain village, the winter fields, and the pond were all buried under the snow, frozen into ice mirrors. The scene of flooding at the beginning of the year had already disappeared. The people who had died in the flooding had also long been buried. Perhaps their white bones were shivering deep in the earth.
In the distance, there were some simple and crude houses. It could be seen that the materials used in building were not very solid, and they were not very good at keeping out the cold. However, spots of firelight could be seen peeking through with some sense of warmth. Fan Xian nodded with satisfaction. As long as they had firewood for the stove, it was good. Although the people's lives were hard, they were good at enduring. A tiny amount of warmth was enough to protect them through this evil winter.
"Find a place to rest." Fan Xian looked at the snow collected on the Overwatch Council coachman outside the carriage. He couldn't help but furrowing his brows and said, "Although making time is important, don't get sick because of the cold."
"Yes, sir."
The group of carriages slowly made a turn, following the widest of ridges between fields toward the closest village.
For his return to the capital to report on his duty, the court had set a time limit. Who knew that they would run into the largest snowstorm in years? They had been delayed for a few days in Shazhou and suddenly time was short. That was why the Overwatch Council subordinates would follow his orders to change carriages in Shazhou and continue against the wind and snow by land.
When they entered the village, there was already a local Lizheng, shivering and rushing over to welcome them. This Lizheng was offering up with both hands a thick cotton coat and looking at this group of black carriages with curiosity and fear. He wondered to himself which major figure would be hurrying in such snowy and windy weather.
Naturally, there were Overwatch Council officials who communicated with him. Fan Xian did not wish to overly disturb places, so he had traveled stealthily the entire way. He disembarked from the carriage and felt the snow being blown by the wind into his collar and unconsciously tightened it. Wrapping the silver-white fox fur cape around him, he walked into the village.
Leading a few swordsmen from the Sixth Bureau, Hong Changqing followed silently behind him.
Fan Xian slanted a glance at them and thought of Wan'er, who was still in Jiangnan and very busy. The Third Prince had already left for the capital a month earlier. To ensure his wife's safety, he had left Gao Da and the other six Tiger Guards in Hangzhou.
When he had left Danzhou, they had just been entering into autumn. Fan Xian and his group first went to Hangzhou. These few months had mostly be used in cleaning out the leftovers of the Junshang Conference in Jiangnan, as well as on other official affairs.
After the matter they had decided on in Danzhou had been approved by the Palace, Wan'er had taken the lead and begun it. The matter had developed unexpected smoothly. The Linnan Xiong family and Quanzhou Sun family had both put in a large amount of silver into this enterprise. Even the dying Ming family put in a token amount. However, Wan'er had still not thought of a name to use, so had taken on the name of "Hangzhou Conference" for now to use.
With silver to support it and its connection to Fan Xian, the Hangzhou Conference could easily purchase the Northern Qi grain ahead of time. It could easily break through the obstacles in various provinces without worrying about the government coming to make trouble for them. Adding to it were the widespread connections of the Fan, Liu, and Lin families, as well as Xia Qifei's Jiangnan water bandits' channels into the public. The Hangzhou Conference developed quickly. Other than the court's route, the disaster relief in Jiangnan now had an extra smooth and quick channel.
However, Fan Xian and Wan'er were always hidden behind the scenes. Very few people knew the role this couple played in the Hangzhou Conference. They all thought this matter was organized by the nobles in the Palace and that the palace treasury River Transport yamen was just a tool.
This winter, another heavy snowfall came to Jiangnan. No one knew how many families would run out of food, how many families' homes would be crushed, or how many people would be frozen to death. Lin Wan'er had to stay in Hangzhou for a bit longer, at least until she had helped the Jiangnan people get through this period. It was still that old saying, even if they couldn't help much, it was still better than nothing.
Lin Wan'er was busy in this matter. Her long helplessly suppressed talent in strategy was finally demonstrated a little. Fan Xian had not spent much time or effort on this matter. It was just his wife alone using letters to control the situation. She used coldness, might, and gentleness to manage this strange beast. It was like carefully having to plow the fields for everyone under heaven but not to point where it would have the government, that horse keeper, become unhappy.
That matter required a lot of hard work, a kind of balance and tediousness. Even Fan Xian was somewhat afraid of it. However, Wan'er had finally found something that she could do to prove herself. How could she be willing to let go so easily? So, she continued despite the hard work. When Fan Xian had left Hangzhou, he was worried that she would not look after herself. The Teng family's wife was also a servant deeply terrified of the Mistress, so he had decided to also leave Sisi there.
As Fan Xian thought, he quickened his steps into the village. The carriages had already been secured. After leaving some guards, his subordinates, a total of more than 30 people, followed him into the village. They entered the just emptied nobility school.
The Lizheng followed carefully at the end. He didn't dare ask who this important figure in an expensive fox fur cape was. He only guessed endlessly in his heart.
Entering the empty school, someone had already lit the fireplace. After cooking some sweet ginger water, the women in the village busily portioned it into bowls and respectfully handed it to the officials.
Fan Xian picked it up and drank a mouthful without saying anything. His clear and spirited eyes were only looking in a daze at the row of houses outside the main door. He suddenly opened his mouth and asked, "If the snow gets even heavier, can these houses handle the pressure?"
This village was still part of Danzhou, one of the poor places that had suffered floods last year. This row of houses had been gradually built last year and appeared to be flimsy, so Fan Xian was a bit worried.
The Lizheng started, not knowing whether or not he was talking to him. Hong Changqing coughed and gave him a meaningful look.
Only then did the Lizheng wake from his shock. Half bending over, he moved two steps closer to Fan Xian and respectfully replied, "Master, in a few days, the snow will accumulate even thicker. As for whether or not it can hold, I am really not sure."
Fan Xian glanced at him in surprise, thinking, A mere Lizheng, yet he did not boast at all That was very rare. He smiled warmly and said, "Then, won't you need to patrol it every day?"
The Lizheng chuckled and said, "Look at what you're saying. With such heavy snowfall, as the Lizheng, of course, I must take an extra look every day." He continued proudly, "However, I think it should be fine. These houses may look unremarkable, but they were designed by the old carpenters in the palace treasury. I heard that over in the three large workshops, they all live in these kinds of houses. The pressure of the snow shouldn't be a problem."
Fan Xian smiled, and his subordinates behind him also smiled. The Lizheng was a bit confused, wondering what there was to smile about.
He asked a few more questions about whether there was enough wood and charcoal and other such questions, then Fan Xian ended his conversation with the Lizheng. For some reason, a complicated emotion welled in his heart. The strength of Qing Kingdom was indeed great. As long as it was used well, it was no problem to ensure that these people had a normal life. He seemed to have gradually become used to the feeling of being a powerful official. Although he was just passing through, he still couldn't resist asking a few questions.
A powerful official?
Fan Xian sighed and walked to the door of the school. Narrowing his eyes, he looked out at the darkening sky and increasingly cold wind, heavy snow, and deep chill, but his thoughts had floated to somewhere else. The first time he thought he should become a powerful official in this lifetime, he had told his father. The second time was in Shangjing, Northern Qi, and he had told Haitang after drinking.
…
…
Haitang left.
When Lang Tiao had brought the Northern Qi diplomatic group to Suzhou, Fan Xian had known that Haitang would certainly follow her elder brother back to Northern Qi. For one, there was the Northern Qi empress dowager's edict and for two, Haitang could not find an excuse to convince herself to stay. She was the sage girl of Northern Qi, not the Qing Kingdom's princess. Why should she spend all day in the Fan family's Hua Garden? Furthermore, her most important task in coming South was to supervise Fan Xian carrying out their secret agreement on behalf of the Emperor. Now, given her relationship to Fan Xian, even the little Emperor was feeling a bit of a headache. Naturally, he would agree with the empress dowager and summon this aunt disciple back.
Fan Xian did not see the scene with his own eyes, but he seemed to be able to see it in his mind. That floral clothing, that village girl, holding her basket and swaying her body with a carefree attitude as she left Suzhou without even glancing back.
However, although Haitang had left, Fan Xian's agreement with Northern Qi was still progressing steadily. The smuggling going North under Fan Sizhe, as well as Xia Qifei's Southern support, had already entered a stable period. Both sides of the channel had been opened and goods produced by the palace treasury flowed endlessly into Northern Qi territory. Naturally, the price was much cheaper than that on the market. The inner court of Qing Kingdom had lost a great deal of money because of Fan Xian's secret tricks. However, the Hangzhou Conference gained a great deal of money.
It was all the people's silver, so why care about who was holding it and using it?
Under Fan Xian's assault, the Ming family had truly sunk into an impasse. Although the Ming family still had tens of millions of silver in property, property was not liquid. The Ming family was reluctant to sell off the land and property to bring life back into their business, so they could only borrow from outside to have sufficient turnover.
The problem was, the old Ming matriarch had been strangled by Ming Qingda. However, this Master of the Ming family had not had the time to completely take over the old Ming matriarch's position in the Junshang Conference. Although Dongyi's Taiping money house still supported the Ming family, it was clearly much weaker in strength.
Thus, Ming Qingda could only go find the money house that had reached out to him in his time of greatest need—Zhaoshang money house.
Fan Xian stood by the door with his head down. He thought, The more borrowed, the better. He had followed the Emperor's wishes and was going to completely bring down the Ming family without soldiers or bloodshed, which was why it had dragged on for so long.
He raised his head and looked at the heavy snow in front of him. His heart was filled with satisfaction and pride. He had touted his own horn for so many years, but to be able to deal with Jiangnan, he had to allow himself this opportunity to be proud.
It was at this moment, his pupils suddenly constricted.
In the heavy snow, a streak of black broke through the wind and approached like a flash of black lightning, it seemed to have crossed the line between space and time. Using the power of the wind to cover the sound of it cutting through the air, in a flash, it had appeared in front of him.
It was an arrow. A black arrow.
Fan Xian narrowed his eyes. He did not move or dodge. He used the Tyrannical zhenqi in his body. Raising his left hand, the long sword at his waist swung and the point of the sword came chopping down.
There was a muffled clash.
This seemingly plan, but actually very vicious strike, of Fan Xian's landed in empty air.
A green banner suddenly appeared in front of him. Below the banner was a green-clothed man. That man wore a green ribbon tied on his hair.
This soul-eating arrow landed on the pole in the middle of that banner; the feathered arrow quivered.
There were two large words written on the banner.
"Tie Xiang."
The secret agents of the Overwatch Council had already reacted. Six of the swordsmen raised their crossbows and surrounded the green-clothed man in the center while the other swordsmen of the Sixth Bureau had already followed the snow in the dark and had moved toward the position where the arrow had come from and disappeared into the darkness.
Fan Xian looked at the green-clothed man. His eyes were calm, and he was thinking about something. Suddenly he opened his mouth and said, "Retreat."
A simple word and all of the Sixth Bureau swordsmen who had gone out preparing to kill the archer followed orders and came back. Silently, they stood on the snowy plain in front of the school and surrounded the green-clothed man in the center.
Fan Xian raised his head and glanced at that green banner. Suddenly, he opened his mouth and said, "A fortune teller. Did you foresee that someone would come to assassinate me?"
The green-clothed man had his head lowered so his face could not be seen clearly. They could hear him say with a slight smile, "A mere arrow, how could it harm Sir Fan junior?"
Fan Xian calmly said, "That is why I don't understand. You didn't move for the large arrow, so why are you here for the small arrow?"
The green-clothed man said warmly, "Although the arrow is young, it is an aggressive personality and always a bit impetuous."
Fan Xian was silent.
The green-clothed man continued, "I am not a fortune teller…" He put two of his fingers together and, trembling, pointed at the two words on his green banner. "My name is Tie Xiang."
Chapter 435: Thirteenth Wang
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
"Tie Xiang?" Fan Xian's eyes swept over the green banner. Narrowing his eyes and shaking his sleeves, he turned and walked back into the school, leaving the green-clothed man coldly outside.
The swordsmen of the Sixth Bureau of the Overwatch Council glanced warily at the green-clothed man and also retreated into the room. Although they were not sure why the Commissioner would prevent them from following and killing the archer, a Council order was absolute, so no one dared to have any objections.
The green-clothed man, holding the green banner, tilted his head as if slightly startled. The heavy snow swirled through the air and fell in the darkness, gradually accumulating on his shoulders.
This scene was indeed somewhat strange. After the sudden assassination attempt, Fan Xian was as calm as if nothing had happened. As for the green-clothed man who had suddenly appeared before him and helped him block that soul eating arrow, he showed no interest in him at all. Without giving him any further attention, it was as if he had absolutely no interest in talking.
The green-clothed man looked at the tightly closed door and couldn't resist shaking his head and smiling. He thought to himself that the Sir Fan junior of legend was indeed a clever person.
He tidied his clothing and very calmly approached the door to the school. Extending his hand, he politely and gently knocked twice.
After a moment, Fan Xian's calm voice came out from behind the door.
"Please enter."
…
…
The green-clothed man put the banner beside the wooden door of the school. The snow and water on the banner dripped onto the grey ground. His head was lowered. Only a small smile at the corners of his lips could be seen. He didn't greet Fan Xian straightaway, instead, he laughed quietly and said, "Compared to the rumors, you are a bit more wild and impetuous."
Fan Xian's hands were placed in front of him, being warmed by the fire. He still did not open his mouth.
The green-clothed man said warmly, "Is this how you treat guests?"
Fan Xian's rubbed his warm hands. He accepted a cup of delicious alcohol from a subordinate at his side and took a few sips. Lightly, he said, "It's is cold and snowy. You knocked, so I have allowed you in to shelter from the snow. This is me being tender toward the people and not me treating you as a guest."
"If I didn't knock, you wouldn't see me?" the green-clothed man asked. "Do you have nothing you want to ask me?"
Fan Xian glanced at him coldly and did not see the green-clothed man's appearance clearly. "What right do you have for me to see you? And why would I need to ask you?"
The green-clothed man slowly raised his head. The large hall in the nobility school lit up by firelight suddenly grew bright.
They saw that his brows were like swords, his eyes were as gentle as jade, and his lips were thin and slightly tilted. It weakened the severity of this appearance and added a measure of amiableness. His appearance was unusually delicate, and his age was also unusually young.
Fan Xian couldn't help but be slightly absent-minded. He smiled slightly and thought to himself that this bastard was quite good-looking, only a little bit less so than himself.
The green-clothed man seemed to not have expected such an indifferent attitude from Fan Xian. He forced a smile and said, "Why do you keep me at arm's length?"
Fan Xian took another sip and withdrew his gaze from the man's gentle and beautiful face. He calmly said, "Perhaps you have performed a meritorious deed for me?"
The green-clothed man thought for a bit and said, "Even if I were not here tonight, that arrow would still not have harmed you."
This was what he had said earlier.
Fan Xian placed the wineskin beside him and gazed at him calmly. "Since you are of no help to me, don't expect me to remember your friendship. This point, you need to understand."
The green-clothed man was startled. Smiling, he said, "Indeed."
Fan Xian continued, "I don't owe you. If you need shelter from the snow, then take the shelter. If you want to speak, then speak…but do not act mysterious and unfathomable. I very much loathe and detest that."
The green-clothed man started. He forced a smile and said, "You are right."
"Furthermore…" Fan Xian suddenly moved closer and said seriously, "Do you want me to take you in?"
From ancient times until now, from history to novels, this kind of meeting in the desolate area, wise masters and understanding ministers rolled together with the wheel of history. It was always accompanied by the glory of the idealist, respect for the wise, loyal following and other contrived ploys. Fan Xian's forceful and direct expression, and even somewhat unsightly expression, had probably never happened before.
Fan Xian sated at the green-clothed man's eyes and said, "Do not entertain hopes that we will have an equal relationship. If you want to be my subordinate, then you must stand below me and be careful of your place. Whether it is in conversation, handling matters, or even your posture as well as the thoughts in your heart, they must all be placed below me."
He straightened and lightly said, "If you want me to take you in, then give up those unrealistic fantasies and your ego. This world will not stop spinning if it is missing one person. My personality is a bit strange, and I don't have a habit of widely receiving guests."
The green-clothed man was quite shocked by this series of sentences from Fan Xian. He stood somewhat gloomily in the hall. After being silent for a while, he forced a smile and said, "Sir is indeed forceful."
Fan Xian calmly stated, "Because I have this right."
Without waiting for the green-clothed man to open his mouth, Fan Xian said, "If you have something you want to say, then say it. Otherwise, go sit in the corner by the fire and leave after the snow has stopped."
The green-clothed man had not thought that matters would evolve into the current situation, so he couldn't help but shake his head. He had to get close to Fan Xian before he entered Jingdou to inform him of the intentions of some faction. He coincidentally knew the direction of that little arrow and so had used this opportunity to appear in front of Fan Xian. He had thought that he would obtain a good first impression, but he had not expected that although Fan Xian was not suspicious, he had destroyed his intentions with unusual toughness.
The green-clothed man considered this for a while then smiled slightly and said, "Perhaps I can protect Sir a little all the way back to Jingdou."
"That reason is not sufficient." Fan Xian shook his head. "You and I both know, it was only a small arrow that came. Would I even care about him?"
The green-clothed man thought some more and finally sighed, "I brought a message for Sir."
"What message?"
"A message from the East."
Fan Xian suddenly raised his head and stared into the green-clothed man's eyes.
The green-clothed man could endure hardships. He was actually one of the topmost figures amongst the youth under heaven. When faced with Fan Xian's might, he could still stay so calm.
Fan Xian clapped his palms.
All of the Overwatch Council swordsmen and secret agents in the hall stood silently and walked out of the main doors of the school. Hong Changqing turned and carefully closed the wooden door, leaving a quiet place for Fan Xian and the green-clothed man.
After the room had recovered its silence, the green-clothed man smiled slightly and raised his hand in greeting. "Dongyi greets the Commissioner."
Fan Xian became silent and slowly took a few deep breaths, forcing himself to recover his calm. A cold light flashed through his pupils. He coldly said, "Announce your name."
"The thirteenth disciple of the Sword Hut, Tie Xiang."
"Sigu Jian only took 12 disciples," Fan Xian looked at the green-clothed man and said. "Furthermore, I have never heard of a young man called Tie Xiang in Dongyi…those I have not heard of, do not exist."
Given the Overwatch Council's widespread information network, Fan Xian's words were said with great confidence.
After the green-clothed had been silent for a moment with his head lowered, he smiled slightly and said, "My name is Wang Xi. I am traveling the Qing Kingdom by order of my teacher, under the name Tie Xiang."
"Wang Xi?" Fan Xian casually asked. "A good name."
Wang Xi smiled slightly and said, "The name might not be any good, but this person still has some uses."
Fan Xian should have asked, Your Dongyi and my Overwatch Council are irreconcilable enemies, why have you come to my door to offer your support? However, very strangely, Fan Xian did not open his mouth to ask, and Wang Xi did not actively open his mouth to explain.
Both of these young men had wisdom and calculation beyond that of their same-age peers. They had seen clearly each other's thoughts in a flash. For Fan Xian, Dongyi should have long sent someone to make contact with him. He had not expected the person who came would be a difficult young man to read.
Dongyi had long had good relations with Xinyang. Sigu Jian was probably just like Ye Liuyun, enjoying the offerings from the Junshang Conference. However, Fan Xian knew that in this world, there were no permanent enemies or friends, there only would forever be interest.
Although Sigu Jian was an idiot back in the day, to be able to protect Dongyi, as well as other little kingdoms by himself for 20 years, meant he depended on more than just the sword in his hand.
One who supports a country must be careful. Under the powerful pressure of Qing Kingdom, if Dongyi wanted to survive, it had to maintain close relations with the highest level of power in Qing Kingdom. Sigu Jian and the Eldest Princess' relationship had developed in this way.
However, following Fan Xian's appearance, the power structure of Qing Kingdom had undergone a great change, particularly after he gained control of the Overwatch Council and palace treasury. Fan Xian had the power to threaten Dongyi. In comparison, there were less and less bargaining chips in the Eldest Princess' hands.
Not all eggs can be placed in the same basket. Chips cannot forever be placed on the same side. Girls in the family can't all be married into the same family. This was a matter of spreading out the risk equally.
Sigu Jian was still betting on the Eldest Princess. The closeness of Dongyi and Xinyang's relationship was not something with which Fan Xian could compare. Furthermore, ever since Fan Xian had begun his career, he had formed a difficult-to-resolve hatred and desire for revenge against Dongyi. For example, the two women assassins on Niulan Street and the sudden attack on Yu Zhilan on the banks of West Lake.
But, Dongyi still had to make contact with Fan Xian.
If the Eldest Princess fell, Fan Xian would, without question, be Dongyi's first choice in partners. Before this kind of choice, Dongyi had to first express its goodwill.
Politics was indeed strange. Fan Xian and Dongyi were still enemies but both sides knew that other than enmity, they also had to begin trying to make contact. Today, they were irreconcilable adversaries. In the future, they might drink and chat together happily.
In front of great benefits, whatever hatred could all be washed clean. Although Fan Xian would not think in this way, Sigu Jian certainly thought like this.
However, Fan Xian knew that Dongyi and himself could only have these communications hidden in the dark. Much of Sigu Jian's, that idiot's, chips were still on the side of the Eldest Princess. Just like how Prime Minister Lin had analyzed in Wuzhou, if that thing were to truly happen, Dongyi could ensure dozens of years of peace. Why would they still come to find Fan Xian?
The reason why a white-clothed [JW1] man called Wang Xi would come to make contact with him today was only to open the way beforehand.
"Is this the desire of your teacher or Dongyi?"
Wang Xi thought for a moment and then replied with a slight smile, "It is the desire of my teacher."
A question and an answer. Both sides knew that this contact could still not be aboveboard. This was just a ruthless shadowy step by Sigu Jian. This step could not be known to anyone.
"What benefits will I receive?" Fan Xian asked very straightforwardly. "There is a large group of ninth-level aces from the Sword Hut who wanted to assassinate me in Jiangnan. I can't just pretend nothing happened because of one sentence from you."
"No benefits, only attitude," Wang Xi explained warmly. "Dongyi and you are still enemies, but I am not. I am just an attitude expressed by my teacher. Including Dongyi, very few people know of my existence. As long as you desire it, I will stand beside you. This will never change."
"Including even if your elder brother wants to assassinate me again?" Fan Xian picked up the metal poker and prodded at the coals in the basin. Casually, he said, "You would stand by my side and completely wipe out the people of Dongyi?"
"Yes," Wang Xi answered seriously. "All those who are unfavorable to you are my enemy."
Fan Xian couldn't resist smiling. He let out a long sigh and said, "Sigu Jian, ah, Sigu Jian. The things this idiot thinks of are indeed interesting."
As he said this, Fan Xian watched for Wang Xi's reaction out of the corner of his eye. When he said "idiot,' the biggest taboo of Dongyi, the other party's expression remained calm and didn't change.
"Thirteenth disciple of the Sword Hut…" Fan Xian narrowed his eyes. The four Great Grandmasters, plus Uncle Wu Zhu, Ku He's true last disciple Haitang and, of course, Uncle Wu Zhu's last disciple was himself. If the green-clothed man in front of him really was Sigu Jian's last disciple, then he should be a relatively powerful figure.
"In the future, I will call you Thirteenth Wang," Fan Xian said calmly. "Thirteenth Wang…have you thought about that given my grudge-holding personality, if in the future, your Dongyi still came to deal with me with that crazy woman, how could I let Dongyi off just because of you?"
"It will benefit both sides." Wang Xi smiled freely with an indescribable ease. "As for those who offend Sir, you can do your best to think of ways to kill them. Teacher had me enter Qing Kingdom to travel. I don't have a hidden evil agenda. Naturally, I want to survive."
"As long as I survive," Wang Xi calmly said, "Dongyi will continue to survive as it is."
Hearing these indifferent but actually very unusual words, Fan Xian slightly lowered his head and asked, "You are also going to the capital?"
Yes." Wang Xi leisurely sighed. "Since I am traveling, of course, I must go to Qing Kingdom's Jingdou. I heard that Jingdou has a Baoyue Brothel…with countless of beautiful women within. I must savor it carefully."
Fan Xian didn't raise his head. "I won't give you a discount."
Wang Xi smiled and said, "I can earn a lot from fortune telling."
"Didn't you say earlier you are not a fortune teller?" Fan Xian asked.
Wang Xi replied quietly, "Sir…life is too mysterious. In and out of wind and clouds, and the stars shine without order, it is not something mortals can calculate."
Fan Xian's mind turned. A moment later he slowly said, "Going back to our initial topic, then it is to say…you are the attitude of Sigu Jian alone, the attitude of a small portion and you have nothing to do with Dongyi's greater direction at all?"
"You could say it like that," Wang Xi replied, neither obsequious nor supercilious.
"Very good." Fan Xian rubbed his hands that were beginning to get cold again. He placed his hands above the fire base and looked at the bright red shining among the white ash in the basin, "I don't like having a powerful archer watching me in the dark all the way back to Jingdou who also sometimes suddenly fires a few cold arrows."
Wang Xi was silent.
"Go outside and kill that archer." Fan Xian raised his head and looked at him. "Since you are Sigu Jian's attitude, then I want to see your attitude. Before we enter Jingdou, I want to see the head of that archer."
Wang Xi remained silent. Only a long while later did he gently nod his head. From beside the door, he picked up the long green banner. As he was about to push open the wooden door with both hands, he suddenly turned his head and said, "I don't really like to kill people, can the content be changed?"
Fan Xian's head had already lowered. He said coldly, "If you can't kill people, what use is there in keeping you?"
"My skills are very good," Wang Xi calmly said, but there was an unfathomable feeling in his words. "I can protect you."
"Protect me?" The corner of Fan Xian's mouth twitched up and he smiled. "I don't think you have the right to say this."
Wang Xi smiled and said, "I have this right. Sir, you can try it."
Given Fan Xian's current realm, for Wang Xi to dare to say something like this, it showed that he had a relatively strong confidence in his abilities.
However, Fan Xian still did not raise his head and only quietly said, "Don't boast in front of me. Qing Kingdom is not Dongyi. You could die at any time out in the isolated areas and not know from which patch of sky the fatal strike fell from."
As he finished speaking, the light in the school suddenly dimmed. A wind without origin blew the snow-white ash in the fire basin. A powerful but hidden, traceless but murderous, aura enveloped Wang Xi standing by the door.
Wang Xi's hand holding the green banner shook slightly. The black feathered arrow that had been stuck on the pole of the green banner shattered into pieces.
Wang Xi coughed a few times and took a few steps back. There was not a trace of fear on his face, instead, he smiled and said, "No wonder my elder brother returned in such low spirits from Jiangnan. Sir has such an ace at his side protecting him. Naturally, there is no need for me…that's fine, then I will go kill some people for you."
After saying this, he pushed open the door and left, disappearing into the dark night. That long green banner appeared and disappeared in the distance of the night snow.
[JW1] This might be a typo since he's been said to have green clothes up until now.
The author could also be calling him a scholar/non-official. These people were also often known as white-clothed people.