Chapter 241: Leaving Behind

Journeying Alone to Beimang

Walking with an umbrella through heavy, clinging mud, Xu Fengnian slowly tore off a "rooted" mask and put it into his pocket. Among the six masks meticulously crafted by Shuxiu, the witch from Southern Jiang, there were three types: "breathable," "rooted," and "divine." The "breathable" one could be applied and removed at will. The "rooted" one required significant effort to use, and a single "divine" mask, Shuxiu said, could only be used once before becoming useless. As for the "reincarnation" mask, designed to alter one's fundamental bone structure, it was even more extreme: once worn, even disfigurement could not restore a third of one's original appearance. A "rooted" mask could be reused three to four times. Xu Fengnian wanted no bodyguards to follow him; he left a puppet in the Beiliang Prince's mansion as a distraction. After entering Beimang, he inevitably had to act like a thrifty, penny-pinching miser.

His targets included six martial artists of the second rank, three Vajra-realm experts, and one Finger-Mysterious realm master. This was one of the objectives Xu Fengnian set for his trip to Beimang. The main reason he chose Liuxia City in Longyao Prefecture as his foothold in Beimang was for its city governor, Tao Qianzhi. This former "Charging General," ostensibly demoted but secretly promoted, was placed in the relatively peaceful Liuxia City by the Beimang royal court. It was not simply to keep Tao Qianzhi away from disputes and grievances with several young imperial relatives. The Beimang Empress, firmly seated on her throne, cast a covetous gaze on the Liyang Dynasty, which had unified the Spring and Autumn Period. She truly adopted the posture of a formidable tiger, facing south and ready to devour thousands of miles. Who could deny that Tao Qianzhi was a crucial hidden piece, directly aimed by her at Youzhou in Beiliang? Although this person was only a martial artist nearing the second rank, Tao Qianzhi's ability to unify the border populace and his potential future threat to Beiliang far surpassed that of ordinary individuals. During a secret conversation with Xu Xiao, this new city governor was mentioned, with Xu Xiao stating that killing one Tao Qianzhi was equivalent to slaying three thousand Beimang cavalry in a military formation!

At this time, Tao Qianzhi, who enjoyed torturing Beiliang armored soldiers daily, had not yet solidified his foundation. How could Xu Fengnian not act? By choosing this particular day, Tao Qianzhi could be said to have died at an opportune moment. Although Xu Fengnian had removed his mask, the unadorned Spring Thunder saber at his waist was not conspicuous. However, the two dozen or so armored guards who fled back to Liuxia City, even leaderless, would certainly set up a vast net of encirclement, given Tao Qianzhi's military discipline. Xu Fengnian had wandered the city for the past two days, thoroughly studying Liuxia City's layout. Instead of using the city gates, he chose a sparsely populated section of the city wall and scaled it like an attacking ant. The heavy rain continued to pour. He climbed to the top of the wall, leaped over, and landed lightly at the base of the inner wall. He walked through quiet alleys and narrow lanes. Aside from Tao Qianzhi, Liuxia City still had formidable experts. Small cavalry patrols roamed separately, enforcing a subtle lockdown that appeared outwardly relaxed but was tight within, causing no panic among the city's residents. Xu Fengnian was an undisputed expert at evading such searches and patrols, naturally bypassing them with ease. He even made good on a promise to buy a steaming basket of xiaolongbao from Zhou's Shop.

From leaving Wei Manor to returning, it was only an hour and a half. Half an hour before lunch, the maid Chun Nung had been waiting in his room. When Xu Fengnian pushed the door open, the bored young girl was daydreaming, leaning on the window sill, and didn't notice him. Only when she smelled the aroma did she suddenly turn, seeing the soaking wet Young Master Xu, holding a basket of food. Her eyes inexplicably reddened, a pair of enchanting eyes that spoke more than words.

Xu Fengnian had to interrupt her burgeoning emotions, teasing, "Don't flatter yourself; I just picked them up on the way. Take them and share them with Qiu Shui. As for changing clothes, I'll do it myself, to spare your appetite. Huh? Crying? Don't. Outsiders might think I'm worse than a beast, trying to kidnap you and elope back to Beiliang with just a basket of xiaolongbao."

The little maid sniffled her delicate nose. Seeing Young Master Xu's resolute expression, she hesitated for a moment, then succumbed to her rumbling stomach. She carefully took the xiaolongbao, went to the doorway, and with a glance back, enchanting charm blossomed. Xu Fengnian waved his hand. After she had scurried away, he bolted the door, took off his Spring Thunder saber, and placed it on the table. He took out the tightly wrapped saber manual and a stack of masks. Without removing his silk armor, which was warm in winter and cool in summer, he changed into a clean, comfortable scholar's blue robe. He rearranged his personal belongings, truly appearing to be a solitary figure. Chun Nung must have hastily eaten the xiaolongbao, then was escorted back by the more sensible Qiu Shui, who practically dragged her by the ear. Together, they helped Young Master Xu with his hair. Chun Nung kept glancing at Sister Qiu Shui, who quietly sighed and asked, "Young Master Xu, are you leaving Liuxia City for Lingzhou today?"

Xu Fengnian nodded and said frankly, "Uncle Wei's original intention was for both of you to return to Lingzhou with me. But as the saying goes, 'How can a true man establish a family before achieving success and renown?'"

He turned to see the two maids looking at each other, which was quite charming. Xu Fengnian laughed heartily, "You actually believed that? My family's finances are thin; I can't afford to support you. I plan to make a few more trips to Beimang, earn some silver, and then formally welcome you to Lingzhou."

Chun Nung, who was styling Xu Fengnian's hair, timidly said, "Chun Nung and Sister Qiu Shui are skilled in needlework, music, chess, and calligraphy. It's fine if Young Master Xu doesn't support us."

Qiu Shui, being much more discerning and mature, quietly shook her head at Chun Nung. The latter's eyes welled up, like a breached dam, like a pond rippled by the spring breeze, filled with tender sorrow, yet she obediently bit her lip, holding back her sobs.

Of course, Xu Fengnian would not actually take these two maids back to Beiliang. Even as assistants in the residence of the Military Inspector of Weapons, it would be unsuitable. Not to mention his true identity, which was like a forbidden pond—to easily step into it meant risking utter destruction. Two delicate Ten-Gold Lotuses would thrive best in such a peaceful environment; if transplanted into a turbulent river, they would only wither prematurely.

At their last lunch in Liuxia City, the most striking dish was unexpectedly stir-fried snails with chili and ginger.

Qingming snails, plump as geese, a heap of green on a white jade plate. Unfortunately, the Fish-Dragon Gang members were a group of crude men who only recognized pork, beef, and lamb as meat dishes. They had no idea how difficult it was to gather these prime seasonal snails from the muddy ponds and streams of Jiangnan and transport them alive to Liuxia City in Beimang. Fortunately, each table at the banquet had a roasted whole lamb to anchor the meal, leaving the Fish-Dragon Gang members' mouths greasy. Liu Nirong had forbidden alcohol today, which was a slight drawback. However, after Master Xiao and Guest Official Gongsun departed, Miss Liu became increasingly composed in her actions, gradually showing a tendency to shoulder the main responsibility, earning the Fish-Dragon Gang's respect and obedience.

The tear stains on Chun Nung's cheeks were gone, but her spirits were low. Qiu Shui, however, remained graceful and thoughtful, bending to stand beside Xu Fengnian, picking out snail meat with a bamboo skewer and placing it, piece by piece, on a plate. The old fox, Wei Feng, acted generously, having already won the Fish-Dragon Gang's affinity. They knew old Master Wei was immensely wealthy, a powerful and established merchant in Beimang, and naturally, they held him in high regard. Otherwise, many would have considered recognizing him as a godfather, as it's good to seek shelter under a large tree. They had initially been unable to ascertain anything about Xu, and generally disliked him. Now that it was clear he was related to old Master Wei, many completely lost the courage and interest to challenge Xu. They began to consider how to be more cordial on the return journey to Beiliang, to make up for the earlier coolness during their northward trip.

Wei Feng said with a smile, "Nephew, stir-fried snails with aged wine are so delightful even the King of Hell would refuse to leave. This 'Stir-fried Qingming' dish isn't a famous delicacy, but this flavor is truly hard to enjoy in Beimang. You should try more."

He seemed to truly regard Xu Fengnian as his own nephew and did not continue to be overly polite. Wei Feng turned to Liu Nirong and smiled, "Miss Liu, Old Man Wei still has the same offer: if you want cash, it can be delivered to the Fish-Dragon Gang's carriage immediately. Wei Manor also has some robust men skilled in a few tricks who can help escort you. I wouldn't boast, but twenty riders can certainly be found."

Liu Nirong shook her head and smiled, "Carrying tens of thousands of taels of silver through the border is too reckless. The Fish-Dragon Gang has relied entirely on your meticulous hospitality these past few days, costing you too much, and it would truly be shameless to trouble you further, Master Wei. Liu Nirong trusts you, Master Wei, and also trusts the Two-Character Bill House, which operates in both Beiliang and Beimang territories."

Wei Feng stroked his beard, smiling without a word.

Liu Nirong raised her cup. "I dare not drink much, but for you, Master Wei, I hold immense respect. So, on behalf of the Fish-Dragon Gang, I offer you three toasts. Please, Master Wei, drink as you wish." She drank three cups consecutively, not spilling a drop. Wei Feng took a small sip and put down his cup, yet no one thought the old man was putting on airs. During this period, besides enjoying the lavish comforts of Wei Manor in Liuxia City, they had also heard many fascinating anecdotes about old Master Wei, more wonderful than the tales told by storytellers in tea houses.

The wind and rain ceased, and many more people appeared on the streets, heading out to sweep graves.

Upon arrival, their carriage had goods and carried Gongsun Lianzhujian of Xishu, with his horn bow at his feet. But when they departed, there was only Xu Fengnian, who had taken off his Spring Thunder saber and placed it in a corner. Before getting into the carriage, he bowed to Wei Feng as a junior. This time, Wei Feng did not feign anger but accepted it calmly.

Watching the Fish-Dragon Gang gradually disappear, Wei Feng withdrew his gaze, glanced at Chun Nung and Qiu Shui, the two maids he hadn't managed to send off, and frowned his faded eyebrows. His lips moved indistinctly; no one knew what the old master said.

Passing through the city gate, Xu Fengnian, without his Spring Thunder saber, voluntarily dismounted. The Fish-Dragon Gang had complete travel permits. The city gate guards, whose numbers had quietly increased more than usual, opened the entry records and meticulously compared each person, releasing them only after verifying everything was correct.

A hundred paces from the city, Xu Fengnian, leading his horse, instinctively looked towards the city wall. He saw a woman with a sable forehead-covering standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a brocade-clad attendant. She made a vicious gesture of drawing a knife across her throat!

Xu Fengnian smiled. Were they all vying to meet their deaths on this Qingming Festival?

Liuxia City? Or to be "left behind"?

At this moment, Xu Fengnian felt an impulse to draw his saber.

A princess with a Xianbei-style belt buckle—her head, it seemed, was no less valuable than Tao Qianzhi's.