Chapter 110: Where the Heart Finds Peace is My Home

Jingan King Zhao Heng heard these words, seemingly unaware of Princess Pei's unusual behavior, and turned to smile, "Fengnian, you've been thoughtful."

Xu Fengnian chuckled, exchanging pleasantries about how it was "only right," and escorted them out of the inn. He watched as the three boarded an ordinary carriage—the compartment clearly quite narrow, the horses good steeds but affordable for any wealthy family. Apart from two agile and formidable guards, everything else seemed quite unremarkable. This family of three, just a step away from controlling the imperial palace in the capital, arrived quietly and departed discreetly. On the surface, they exuded the piety of Buddhists, the grace of a beauty, and the amiability of meeting a distant young relative. But who could discern the insidious, step-by-step murderous intent hidden beneath? Only Qingniao noticed that since leaving the room, the Young Master had not once turned his back to Jingan King Zhao Heng, his collar already soaked with sweat down his entire back.

The Northern Liang Young Master watched the dust flying at the end of the road, finally turned around calmly, and instructed Qingniao to buy a copy of "First Snow" from Qingying Bookstore. Then, he walked back to the private room alone, closed the door himself, and sat on the still-warm chair. He let out a long breath, looked at the sandalwood chair, and murmured, "It's only been a few incense sticks' time, and Zhao Heng already clutched his prayer beads four times. Xu Xiao was indeed right; this sanctimonious Jingan King is as venomous as a viper. Zhao Heng probably doesn't know I've long been aware of his secret habit: one clutch of the beads, one kill. The first clutch of the bodhi bead was his surprise that I wasn't as unruly as rumored, making him suspect if my absurd behavior in Northern Liang all these years was a deliberate act of feigning foolishness. The second clutch was his annoyance that I have such a good memory, clearly recalling the 'Sutra on the Merits of Counting Rosaries' and thus able to instantly expose the flaw he deliberately uttered. The third clutch was his disgust at my undisguised covetousness towards Princess Pei. As for the last clutch, that was interesting; he actually crushed a Tiantai bodhi bead, as hard as metal and stone. Heh, I originally thought he was going to drop all pretense, but I didn't expect Zhao Xun to have such good self-control, and his father is even more cunning and enduring. It seems decades of pretending to cultivate and chant sutras have yielded some results. In terms of acting, he is indeed better than I am."

Despite Xu Fengnian's mocking words, his tone was terrifyingly grim. He shook his uncomfortable clothes, leaned back in the chair, and replayed scene after scene in his mind: every subtle movement of Jingan King, every nuanced furrowing and un-furrowing of Princess Pei's brows, every slight raising and lowering of Zhao Xun's head.

Finally, Qingniao entered the room holding a set of Wang Dongxiang's "First Snow." Xu Fengnian took the books, squinted, stood up, and moved to sit in the chair Princess Pei had occupied. With a roguish grin, he raised his hand, lightly cupped his fingers, and with a changed expression, said delightedly, "Comfortable. The lotus tips may curl, but they can't rival a maiden's backside. That boy Wen Hua may be crude in his speech, but he gets straight to the profound truths that scholars have to spend a fortune to learn."

Qingniao was completely bewildered; she hadn't witnessed the turbulent undercurrents near the door. Probably, only Xu Xiao in the entire world would dare to ponder what audacious feat Xu Fengnian had just accomplished. Xu Fengnian mused for a moment, then pulled out one of the "First Snow" volumes printed by Qingying Bookstore and flipped through a few pages. If Jingan King and Princess Pei had been present, they would have been shocked by the Northern Liang nephew's astonishing memory. Remembering the multiplied merits of prayer beads as recorded in the "Sutra on the Merits of Counting Rosaries" was nothing, because the pages Xu Fengnian turned to were precisely the ones Princess Pei had selectively read!

Pondering Princess Jingan's subtly changing expressions, Xu Fengnian looked down at the book's content, a peculiar smile on his face. He said, "This beautiful aunt, she doesn't seem like a woman who is outwardly gentle but inwardly strong. How could a fiery literary giant like Pei Kai, from such a powerful family, raise a daughter as soft as water? Among the Qingzhou women, who are known for their love of intrigue, she's quite an oddity. I suspect if this aunt weren't so beautiful, she wouldn't have kept her position as the primary consort in Jingan King's residence for so long. Earlier, when I heard that girl Lu Xiuer earnestly claim Princess Pei murdered Zhao Xun's birth mother to secure her position, I actually believed her. That little wretch really spreads malicious rumors; next time I run into her, it won't just be a touch of her hand and waist."

Xu Fengnian asked, "Qingniao, where's that sandalwood box I had Wang Linquan buy on Mount Lao? Go get it."

Qingniao quietly left and returned. Xu Fengnian opened the exquisitely crafted sandalwood box. Inside lay a string of prayer beads rarely seen in the dynasty. The material, known as "Boruozi" in the Western Regions, was commonly called "Prince" in the Central Plains. These beads kept hands warm in winter and prevented sweat in summer. When strung in a circle, the "Prince" beads formed a string with a poetic name: "Satisfaction." It was a treasure difficult to acquire even for a thousand gold pieces, a gift that would never lose its value, and absolutely perfect if the recipient was a Buddhist. Xu Fengnian's original intention was to thoroughly test Jingan King upon reaching Xiangfan; if things went smoothly, he would present the valuable string of beads. If they became enemies, he would keep them for himself, perhaps to give to Miss Li, who had grown up in a temple, which would be even more fitting for both of them. However, in that flash of inspiration just before leaving, as Xu Fengnian worried about Jingan King seeing through his facade—he didn't want Zhao Heng to perceive him as outwardly polite but inwardly cunning—he had, as if by some divine intervention, performed that ingenious move. Tsk, tsk, tsk, the feel of it was simply perfect.

Xu Fengnian closed the "First Snow in the East Wing," a book that had captivated the realm, and said, "Later, have Ning Emei deliver this sandalwood box to Jingan King's residence. Tell him it's for Princess Pei. I refuse to believe that thousand-year-old coward, Jingan King, can still tolerate it at home! If I'm unhappy, I'll make sure your house catches fire!"

Qingniao quietly acknowledged.

Xu Fengnian suddenly asked, "Qingniao, if I were to say that bastard Zhao Xun has a twisted fantasy about Princess Pei, would you believe it?"

Qingniao calmly replied, "Yes, I would."

Xu Fengnian sneered, "This family appears harmonious, but it's all just a facade. What does it matter if Zhao Heng clutches his beads a million times? Holding prayer beads might increase self-control and wisdom, but Xu Xiao has already stated it clearly: 'The clever are often outsmarted by their own cleverness; those who achieve great things must not rely on petty tricks or minor wit.' Zhao Heng is someone who can't let go of anything. 'To gain, one must first be willing to part with.' If you can't part with it, how can you gain?"

Xu Fengnian smiled, mocking himself, "It seems a coward like me, who was scared into a cold sweat, isn't qualified to criticize a powerful figure like Jingan King Zhao Heng."

Qingniao smiled faintly, shaking her head. "In this game between Zhao Heng and Your Highness, he has already lost the initiative."

Xu Fengnian laughed, "Don't flatter me indiscriminately. My narrow victory was mere luck, attributable to Xu Xiao setting up the most domineering opening strategy for me, not my own true skill. Hmph, the fact that I'm still so useless today is because you girls, Qingniao, have ruined me with your praise! Go, your punishment is to serve tea!"

Qingniao smiled, then remembered something, her expression chilling slightly. She said, "Ning Emei harbored disrespectful thoughts, coldly observing how Your Highness would handle Jingan King's visit!"

Xu Fengnian waved his hand, saying magnanimously, "It's understandable. Ning Emei, the Great Halberd, a brave and fierce general capable of wielding a seventy or eighty-pound halberd, wouldn't easily pledge his life to anyone. Besides, if he had bowed to me the moment we met, I would have suspected him of being a disloyal opportunist. Don't worry about such a small matter, otherwise Ning Emei will laugh at me and think even less of me."

Xu Fengnian then said, deeply moved, "In the past, when Xu Xiao rambled about his experiences, I never paid much attention. Now, looking back, I understand a little. Killing enemies on horseback is simply a matter of fighting for your life; win, and you're the master; lose, and you're the subordinate—it's clear-cut. But intrigue off horseback, that's what's truly troublesome. No wonder Xu Xiao said that scholars are the most ruthless when killing other scholars, and they can do it without getting their hands bloody. Zhao Heng is a prime example of such a devious person. Indeed, practicing blade skills is only beneficial when you personally confront an opponent. To develop cunning, one must spar with masters like Jingan King to gain insight. Giving away a string of 'Satisfaction' worth a thousand gold pieces? I don't regret it."

Qingniao left the room with the sandalwood box, gently closing the door behind her. Xu Fengnian took the opportunity to quickly read the last volume of "First Snow." Every word was a gem. He truly couldn't fathom how a sixteen-year-old girl could write such a penetrating and profound piece; describing it as truly inspired wouldn't be an exaggeration. The last time his elder sister returned to Northern Liang, he often heard her lament that she wished another "Snow" and "East Wing" could be born into the world. At the time, he just thought his sister was overly melancholic. Now, flipping to the end and seeing the tragic conclusion—like a vast expanse of white snow covering the ground, utterly dead and clean—he felt both a pang of sympathy and a sense of peace. It was as if not dying would have been the flaw, and death was true life. Xu Fengnian had never possessed such a state of mind before. When someone died around him, he appeared nonchalant, but in truth, he would be troubled for a long time. It was only after three years of arduous wandering, witnessing countless facets of human existence, that this transformation occurred.

Xu Fengnian softly said, "Old Huang, are you trying to say 'where my heart is at peace, there is my home'?"

Sitting alone, Xu Fengnian chuckled, "Heh, how could you ever utter such a refined proverb?"

In a room at the inn, Jiang Ni lay sprawled on the table, staring at a dozen copper coins. On Mount Lao, she had begrudgingly demanded the one tael of silver that rightfully belonged to her from the stingy Xu Fengnian. Yet, throughout their journey, she couldn't bring herself to buy anything. When she finally steeled herself, she only picked out two of the cheapest outfits and a simple wooden hairpin. She still had some copper coins left. Accustomed to a life of poverty, the "little mud figurine" seemed to have long forgotten the dignified demeanor of her imperial childhood. No matter how much she resented the Young Master, no matter how angry she got to the point of losing her appetite, she never neglected her studies or earning money. These days, away from the Northern Liang Prince's residence where she constantly faced disdain, she saw the scenery of other regions. It was beautiful, but Jiang Ni didn't find it as interesting as she had initially imagined. If it weren't for Old Man Li's company, she privately felt it was not as good as being on Wudang Mountain. There, she even had a small vegetable patch, and watching the tiny green shoots always brought a joy she was hesitant to admit. She had secretly hoped to spend a winter on the mountain so she could build a snowman as tall as a person, and no longer be restricted like in the Prince's residence. She could have boldly stabbed snowballs in front of that hateful fellow. But in the end, she had come down the mountain.

Jiang Ni, whose hopes had been dashed, wasn't overly sad. This was her fate, after all; what was there to complain about? Heaven wouldn't hear her anyway.

The Old Sword God Li entered the room, sat down, tossed peanuts into his mouth, and munched loudly.

Jiang Ni continued to stare blankly at the copper coins, asking distractedly, "They left?"

Old Man Li nodded. "How dull. This Jingan King is truly no man. So spineless even on his own turf. And to think he gets to snuggle up with such a plump and pretty woman every night! He lacks any heroic spirit whatsoever. Originally, I couldn't stand the sight of that boy Xu, but after seeing the Jingan father and son's demeanor today, I actually find young Xu rather endearing."

Jiang Ni looked up and shot him a side glance.

The Old Sword God gave a sheepish smile, knowing his words were unpalatable to the "little mud figurine," and decided not to fan the flames. He began to get annoyed, though. He had already lowered himself to observe Xu Fengnian practicing his blade skills, but that little rascal hadn't shown any sign of it from Mount Lao to Xiangfan—how many days had it been? He was truly unaware of his good fortune! How many people longed for the opportunity to receive even a word or two of guidance from him?! Li Chungang was an old fox, as old as they come, and he had already guessed a few clues. Xu Fengnian was a cautious character; to put it nicely, he had exceptional self-control; to put it bluntly, he was timid as a mouse. For the sake of the Grand Huangting, he could endure staying away from women, and for secrecy, he wouldn't easily practice his blade skills openly or reveal his true capabilities. Li Chungang occasionally felt a strong urge to poke the boy's forehead and ask him to his face if living like this was truly enjoyable or not! He was clearly a formidable figure wherever he went, yet how was he any different from a mere rat barely surviving?!

Jiang Ni sighed and said, "That Guanyin statue outside the city is so beautiful, and that person today was also very pretty."

The Old Sword God chuckled loudly, "Girl Jiang, you're no worse than them. In another two years, you'll be even prettier. For women, youth is all that matters. I'm certain they're all secretly jealous of you."

Jiang Ni's eyes lit up. "Really?" she asked.

The old man rolled his eyes. "Why would I lie to you?"

Jiang Ni immediately squinted and smiled, her dimples appearing, a sight that made even the Old Sword God Li think of going for a drink.

The old man felt a little helpless.

Jiang Ni carefully put away the copper coins like a miser, then scurried to her book-chest and picked up a manual. Well, she was dutifully off to read and earn money again. The Old Sword God became even more helpless.