Chapter 378: Wind Rises, Phoenix Flies, Liu Huan Sells Flowers

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《》 on Zongheng, Author: Feng Huo Xi Zhu Hou

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**Going Alone to Northern Liang by Feng Huo Xi Zhu Hou**

Xu Fengnian rode on the same horse as the shadowy figure, Dan Ying, who had her head covered with a scarf and her hands hidden in her sleeves. He wasn't particularly uncomfortable, especially since his heart pulse was still being held by her, guiding the chaotic qi down to Kunlun. At this moment, Xu Fengnian truly couldn't bother with whether it was awkward or not.

After regrouping with the White Horse Volunteers, they galloped back to Northern Liang.

As they neared the border, Xu Fengnian raised his hand, and the extraordinarily magnificent green-white luan bird descended straight down, landing on his arm. Soon, the rhythmic and incredibly precise sound of horse hooves reached his ears. The leader was an unwieldy fat man, like a bloated pig. His mount, fortunately, was a heavy Blood Sweat Steed. This fatty had, for the first time ever, donned lightweight armor. Due to his large physique, the saber at his waist was barely noticeable. It was truly hard to imagine that this was a general who had fought a hundred battles in his military career, and even harder to imagine that this dead fatty had once achieved the astonishing feat of leading a thousand cavalry to conquer Shu. After putting on his armor, Chu Lushan, upon seeing the Young Master this time, did not immediately tumble off his horse and prostrate himself, shedding tears and snot. Instead, he simply bowed with clasped fists from horseback, respectfully saying, "Reporting, Your Highness, your humble general has already cleared a path."

Xu Fengnian frowned and asked, "Has Xu Xiao arrived as well?"

Chu Lushan, who had brought only three hundred elite cavalry, looked up and grinned, "The Great General alone has scared the sixty thousand troops of Gu Jiantang's former division senseless."

The pale-faced Xu Fengnian nodded.

Easily passing through the unguarded border, Xu Fengnian saw a lone rider galloping towards them.

A father and son, they looked at each other in silence.

After traveling twenty *li*, Xu Xiao finally spoke, asking, "Are your injuries severe?"

Xu Fengnian shook his head, "I won't die."

Xu Xiao glared, "You rascal, what nonsense are you spouting!"

Xu Fengnian glared back.

Xu Xiao immediately lost all his bluster, looked ahead, and sighed, "You've worked hard."

Xu Fengnian retorted ungraciously, "You're saying nonsense too."

Xu Xiao nodded, then fell silent again.

Huang Man'er, dragging the golden armored talisman general, walked swiftly behind Xu Xiao and Xu Fengnian, constantly chuckling foolishly.

Yuan Zuozong and Chu Lushan rode side by side, yet they loathed each other, maintaining a distance of two *zhang*. From beginning to end, their gazes never met.

Chu Lushan didn't even glance at Yuan Zuozong, just chuckled, "General Yuan, by the looks of it, you didn't exert yourself much, did you? Your arms and legs are all intact, while His Highness is quite injured. What, didn't you encounter anyone worth your esteemed self's attention? Oh my, you don't even consider Yang Taisui anymore."

Yuan Zuozong ignored Lu Qiuer's sharp and sarcastic jibes. It takes two to make a quarrel.

Unfortunately, Lu Qiuer was always the kind of person who could make a quarrel by himself, making a deafening racket. "I say, General Yuan, don't look down on us small fry who can only cheer you on from afar just because you've achieved great merits. Come, tell us about your esteemed self's glorious deeds outside Iron Gate Pass. Later, I'll go erect a monument for you, or perhaps build you a living shrine? Neither is a problem."

Yuan Zuozong remained unresponsive, neither listening nor looking, neither speaking nor showing anger.

Chu Lushan continued his endless chatter, though he lowered his voice slightly: "Heh, I thought you'd follow Chen Zhibao to Western Shu and become a king. Your esteemed self, like that simpleton Qi Dangguo, has truly disappointed me. Look at Yao Jian and Ye Xizhen, those two ungrateful ingrates; they haven't disappointed me at all."

Yuan Zuozong squinted his almond-shaped eyes.

The dead fatty hadn't finished his rant; he twisted his thick, short neck, about to speak again, when Xu Fengnian turned back and scolded him, "Lu Qiuer, go back to Northern Liang and drink your green ant wine! If that's not enough, drink milk or urine, whatever you want!"

Chu Lushan shrank his neck, finally unable to maintain his composure, revealing his true nature with a fawning expression. "Whatever Your Highness says, it is."

Yuan Zuozong's expression remained calm.

Chu Lushan muttered, "Those who should rebel don't, and those who shouldn't, do. Damn it."

Yuan Zuozong suddenly said, "On the way here, His Highness mentioned that we should gather Qi Dangguo and drink together later."

Chu Lushan's eyes widened, and he turned his head to ask, "Say that again?!"

Yuan Zuozong returned to his meditative, stone-Buddha-like state, not uttering a word.

Chu Lushan wiped the hot sweat from his forehead. "Damn it, I'm more panicked than when I heard you were going to 'light my sky lantern' back then."

Xu Xiao turned his head, glanced at his adopted sons who had been at odds for years, and quietly sighed.

Xu Fengnian inhaled deeply without exhaling, then let out a heavy breath, turned his head and asked, "Dead Soldier A, why?"

Xu Xiao calmly replied, "There's a reason why Huang Man'er wasn't close to his second elder sister since childhood."

Xu Fengnian's lips trembled; he wanted to speak but stopped.

Xu Xiao said, "Although she is not born of me and your mother, I have never treated her as a mere dead soldier. I only know that I have two daughters, two sons and two daughters. Three of the children are handsome, taking after their mother, but only the second daughter resembles me, Xu Xiao, the most. If I don't dote on her, who will I dote on? Raising sons and raising daughters is different. As a father, I don't know if what I did was right or wrong. Frankly, you've suffered the most. Among all my children, I've never scolded anyone but you, only hit you once, and repeatedly made you run away. Who knows, someday I might have to see my hair turn white as I bury my black-haired child. Your mother left early, otherwise, she would surely have beaten me to death."

"Then why didn't you stop my sister?"

"Couldn't stop her at all. I sent word to her saying Cao Changqing would go to intercept, but she still went. The Great Snow Dragon Cavalry almost mutinied internally. This silly girl, she's more like my own than my own. Don't you think she's like me?"

"She is. Oh, and by the way, you should tell all this to my sister yourself later."

"How dare I? You, young man, only chase me with brooms and benches every time. But if that girl truly gets angry, she'll draw her sword."

Xu Fengnian said helplessly, "Look at the great King of Northern Liang, what a promising figure you are!"

Xu Xiao laughed, "As long as you are promising, that's enough."

Xu Fengnian lightly swung his arm, and the phoenix, which had accompanied him for six years, flapped its wings and soared high.

Xu Fengnian watched the divine bird gradually become a black dot in the sky and softly said, "I really couldn't tell; with armor on, it looks quite like a general."

Xu Xiao also looked up at the sky and gently said, "You will be the same someday."

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Damn, awesome!Damn, I thought it was gone. Went out and saw the chapter title, there's still half...Gah! ...?! ...!!Good erection.Oh, there's still half!6 more replies.

A luxurious carriage adorned with beautiful jade entered the post road within Northern Liang territory. They say that those who wander the *jianghu* (martial arts world) should not reveal their wealth when outside, but the owner of this carriage was truly ignorant of the dangers of the *jianghu*.

The coachman was a robust middle-aged man. Despite the bleak chill of late autumn, he wore a tight black short-sleeved shirt. His muscles bulged, yet his *qi* remained inwardly restrained as usual, his breathing steady and continuous like a long river. Clearly, he had reached the peak of external martial arts mastery. From this, it was evident that the person inside the carriage had reasons and reliance for their arrogance.

The middle-aged coachman was named Hong Biao. His journey had been a bloody and tumultuous one, from the southeast of the dynasty to the northwest of Liyang. Overnight, no fewer than twenty sects or factions had their leaders or elders turned into mummified corpses. These figures were all renowned in the *jianghu*, certainly not small fry who could gain fame by learning a few tricks. Hong Biao sighed, feeling trapped in a dilemma. Besides his helplessness, a growing sense of awe mixed with his feelings for the young mistress behind him. There were some things he didn't even dare to say to her face. He sought out "food" to enhance her martial arts cultivation, undoubtedly aiding a tiger to do evil. But her journey into Northern Liang, wasn't it like planning with a tiger for its hide?

Inside the carriage, a young woman, without maids or servants attending her, was applying rouge in front of a mirror. Dressed in a large-sleeved purple dress, it was thanks to her presence that such a deep, rich color could be subdued. Her lips, originally somewhat pathologically purplish, were now being pressed with peach-red rouge from an expensive brocade box, otherwise, her sinister aura would far outweigh her heroic spirit. She pursed her lips, her eyes showing no emotional fluctuations. For most women, holding a mirror to paint eyebrows and apply floral patterns, especially for someone as stunningly beautiful, was always a joyful and pleasant affair. She casually discarded the mirror with a coiled branch design and the rouge box. After a thought, she picked up the copper mirror again, extended a finger, and drew horizontally and vertically on its surface, shattering it.

She was Xuanyuan Qingfeng, the mistress of Mount Hui's Guniu Ridge. Inside the carriage, there were no less than a hundred secret manuals, mostly treasured by the Xuanyuan family for centuries. She intended to give them to someone, an extravagant way of giving that was no different from giving a pile of scrap metal. The problem was that the recipient might not even accept them, which made Xuanyuan Qingfeng frown, her aura growing increasingly gloomy and heavy, like a withered osmanthus tree in rainy weather. According to the secret arts recorded in her family's teachings, in little over a year, she had absorbed countless martial arts cultivation, like a mother *taotie* choosing whom to devour, allowing her martial arts realm to advance by leaps and bounds. Before descending the mountain, a group of old enemies from Mount Hui, taking advantage of her being a woman in charge, ganged up and provoked trouble on the mountain. Disregarding the presence of True Immortals from the neighboring Dragon Tiger Mountain, she clawed and seized over ten people, turning them all into dried corpses. The Heavenly Master's Mansion, which had previously had a good relationship with them, had explicitly stated that no member of the Xuanyuan clan was allowed to set foot on Dragon Tiger Mountain. But would Xuanyuan Qingfeng care about that?

Xuanyuan Qingfeng extended a finger, gently smoothing the rouge on her lips. Her lips curled into a scornful smile, full of sarcasm. "When I reach the pinnacle of martial arts, my first target will be that nest of yellow and purple nobles from your Heavenly Master's Mansion!"

She lifted the curtain and sat languidly behind her guest, Hong Biao. Hong Biao didn't turn around, just chuckled, "We've entered Northern Liang territory."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng nodded and asked, "Lu Zu has a strange poem: 'Having received the longevity art of the Three Pure Ones, one has proven an indestructible vajra body.' Do you think the Finger Profundity realm is superior to Vajra because longevity art is mentioned before vajra body in this poem?"

Hong Biao laughed heartily, "This kind of principle, Mistress, you'd have to ask Huang Fangfo. I don't quite understand it. All my life, I've only known how to bury myself in martial arts. Before, if I got a random secret manual, I'd just follow that path to the end. Later, when I arrived at Mount Hui, I just picked one or two manuals to learn and didn't really think about reading more. Ultimately, I'm just stupid, stubborn, and there's no cure for it."

The cool breeze of Northern Liang swept by, and the autumn air brushed her face. Xuanyuan Qingfeng's mood lightened a little, losing some of her gloomy hostility. She smiled, "Uncle Hong, Huang Fangfo has broken through the barrier of the First Rank realm; you must catch up too. Otherwise, our Mount Hui will truly have few impressive figures to show off in the *jianghu*."

Hong Biao nodded, "Mistress, rest assured, I, Hong, will not be complacent. Following the external martial arts path, it's easy at first but difficult later. It's not easy to transition from external to internal martial arts. However, since the Mistress has already shown me a clear path, if I still can't reach the First Rank Vajra realm, then I'd truly be as useless as a brick in an outhouse."

The languid Xuanyuan Qingfeng hummed in acknowledgment.

The master and servant were silent for a long time.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng suddenly asked, seemingly in jest, "Uncle Hong, will you one day stab me in the back when I am deserted by everyone?"

Hong Biao, whose back was to her, paused slightly with the horse's reins in his hand, then quickly flicked them, laughing, "No. Everything I, Hong Biao, have today is thanks to your father, Xuanyuan Jingcheng. Hong Biao doesn't understand benevolence and morality, but helping family over principle is something destined from birth."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng's smile was strange, and her tone was calm as she said, "Then Uncle Hong, stay with the Northern Liang army."

Hong Biao suppressed the urge to turn his head, gently asking, "What?"

"Uncle Hong, you are well-versed in military strategies and tactics. The Mount Hui private cavalry were all trained by you. The Young Master of Northern Liang will likely accept you. A new emperor brings new officials. When he becomes the King of Northern Liang, there will be a day for you to rise to prominence. This is thousands of times better than being an underutilized henchman for me, a great devil of the *jianghu*, bringing only infamy upon yourself. It doesn't matter whether you think I'm leaving you in Northern Liang as a hostage for exchange, or if it's because I don't trust you and don't want you by my side. This matter is settled."

Hong Biao said in a deep voice, "Even if I, Hong, am in Northern Liang, I will never for a single day forget that I am a household servant of Mount Hui!"

Xuanyuan Qingfeng leaned against the agarwood wall of the carriage exterior, not uttering a sound.

Hong Biao also did not continue to express his gratitude.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng's gaze shifted from Hong Biao's back to the willow trees by the side of the post road. ("Liu," the Chinese word for willow, is a homophone for "to stay" or "to keep.")

Xuanyuan Qingfeng extended two fingers, made a snipping motion towards a roadside willow tree, effortlessly severed a willow branch from thin air, and brought it back into her hand.

Hong Biao's breathing changed from rapid to slow in an instant.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng wove a willow wreath, placed it on her head, and smiled enchantingly.

The brocade pouch, which was equivalent to a dying wish, had explicitly stated that Hong Biao possessed a rebellious nature, appearing honest but in fact cunning, requiring suppression by force. Xuanyuan Qingfeng was not without confidence in making him submit, but she feared she might not be able to resist skinning alive this rebellious fellow.

In her eyes, what was a Hong Biao worth?

She swore to become the foremost martial artist as a woman!

Eight or nine tenths of the endless rice fields outside Xiangfan City had already been harvested. It was an excellent harvest year, and the common people said it was thanks to the blessings of the new Jing'an King.

However, while Jing'an King Zhao Xun's reputation among the common people was excellent, it plummeted sharply among the Qing faction in Qingzhou. They all criticized this feudal lord for forgetting his roots and burning bridges; no sooner had he changed from a young master to a feudal lord than he began to act against his own faction's interests drastically. The cause was the imperial court's decree for various feudal lords to dispatch elite soldiers to the frontiers for rotation and reinforcement. Jing'an King was the most zealous in this effort, causing the Qing faction, whose voice in the imperial court was already dwindling, to complain loudly. Indeed, this measure of curbing feudal lords, openly presented by the court, originated from Zhao Xun's "Two Memorials and Thirteen Strategies" submitted when he entered the capital. Now, he was hitting himself with his own stone. Zhao Xun, this "civilian" feudal lord who exceptionally served as a commissioner, was truly ruthless, acting without any ambiguity. The Qingzhou generals, accustomed to acting like mountain bandit kings, cursed him incessantly. When they gathered privately, they all said that this kind of worthless feudal lord with no great ambitions, what kind of Jing'an King was he, pacifying and stabilizing a region? He'd be better off as a Vice Minister of Rites in the imperial court in the capital.

However, it seemed Jing'an King Zhao Xun was enjoying himself, having done many down-to-earth things that benefited the people. He didn't mind being scorned by the influential figures of the Qing faction's pillars. Due to his special status as a commissioner, he was free from many restrictions imposed on other feudal lords. He even proactively visited the prominent families of the Qing faction several times. While he wasn't outright rejected, the old patriarchs and young strongmen behind the powerful noble clans didn't show much favor to the Jing'an King. The deep friendships accumulated over the years were diluted. Only some younger generations, who temporarily had no say within their families, had a rather good and gradually improving impression of Zhao Xun.

Today, a farming family in the outskirts of Xiangfan City was greatly surprised. Two young gentlemen, looking like scholars, stopped their horses and dismounted. One of the lavishly dressed scholars even personally went into the fields to help them harvest rice. At first, the head farmer truly dared not let the young master work, fearing he might cut his hand. But he couldn't resist the smiling young man's earnest request, so he nervously agreed. The young master was indeed a learned scholar, as he appeared to be; he learned everything quickly. After harvesting one *mu* of land, by the second rice field, the young master's rice-cutting technique was as skilled as that of a villager accustomed to farm work. When the old farmer's granddaughter handed the young man a water bottle, her face flushed crimson, much to the old farmer's amusement. He jokingly told his granddaughter in private that the scholar came from a wealthy family and wouldn't look favorably upon her.

After harvesting the golden ripe rice, the young master also helped load it onto the ox cart. The dark-skinned old farmer felt pained for his clothes. Finally, watching his granddaughter playfully glance back three times with slow steps, he smiled and shook his head. The weathered old man sighed in his heart, "That young man is truly a good person."

The young master who had personally harvested rice sat down on the field ridge, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and simply took off his shoes and socks, pressing his feet into the mud.

Beside him was a gently smiling young scholar, dressed simply, no different from a poor scholar. He did not go into the fields because he was blind.

A hidden attendant in the distance wanted to bring over a jug of iced cool wine, swiftly delivered from the mansion, but the lavishly dressed young master waved him away.

He asked with a smile, "Lu Xu, do you think this counts as me understanding the hardships of the common people?"

The blind scholar twitched his lips, "Only if Your Highness can avoid using the words 'this king' can you truly understand the hardships of the common people."

The young master burst into laughter, not taking offense at such disrespectful words.

Jing'an King Zhao Xun.

Lu Xu, the blind man who once made a living gambling on chess in Yongzi Alley.

Zhao Xun sighed, worriedly saying, "Lu Xu, regarding the Qing faction matter, you told me to first feed the small fish, then use a long line to catch the fat ones, and then simmer the old turtles over a slow fire. I've followed your established strategies. None of this is difficult, as they are, after all, our own people. The Qing faction was already collapsing and destined to fall apart; most of those scattered remnants, driven out of the imperial court's core, have no other choice but to rely on me. However, we now have an urgent problem: the Song family, that 'one household, three prodigies' in the capital, is determined to bite me. That old man, Song Guanhai, established the 'Heart Illumination Study,' dominating the literary world for twenty years. After our dynasty pacified the Spring and Autumn period, Master Song personally inscribed 'Biographies of Loyal Officials' and 'Biographies of Treacherous Officials,' and also compiled the 'Complete Works of the Nine Pavilions.' On the fifteenth of every month, he would comment on scholars across the land and could even ride his horse within the imperial city, all honors revered by scholars everywhere. Young Master Song Zhiqiu, 'blue is born of indigo but is superior to indigo,' succeeded as the Right Libationer of the Imperial Academy. His words are worth a thousand pieces of gold, and even His Majesty the Emperor praises him endlessly. Nowadays, for imperial examinations, most scholars must write in the 'Song style,' flattering the examiners. The Song family's young phoenix, Song Keli, also upheld the family's scholarly tradition, achieving top honors in the imperial examination, ranking as *bangyan* (second place), and becoming a newly appointed Yellow Gate Officer. If he were to be polished for a few more years and assigned an external official post, he would immediately infiltrate our side, becoming completely intractable. Song Guanhai holds a grudge against my late father, the King, who publicly humiliated him as an 'old rascal' in court back then. Now, he constantly ridicules me in the capital and repeatedly impeaches me in court. Even though I hear he's currently ill and doesn't have many days left, with Song Zhiqiu and Song Keli around, it's an almost endless, bitter battle for us."

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Gah! ...?! ...So long.1 more reply.

Perhaps because he was blind, Lu Xu seemed exceptionally focused when listening to people speak.

He had a gentle temperament. He never interrupted others when they spoke, nor did he ever utter a single word of overly elaborate speech. He quietly waited for the Jing'an King to finish airing his grievances, and without making hasty conclusions, he calmly asked, "Does Your Highness know that Song Guanhai once spoke of 'loyal officials and good officials' in court?"

Influenced by Lu Xu, and not being an impetuous person himself, Zhao Xun was much calmer now. He nodded and said, "Of course I know. Song Guanhai, who served three different masters before and after the Spring and Autumn period, to clear his name, once explained to the late emperor the difference between a loyal official and a good official. A good official acts for his own selfish reasons, fears no blade or axe, and brings infamy upon the emperor in historical records just to leave his name in history. A loyal official, on the other hand, diligently assists the monarch in their grand imperial endeavors while also earning a good reputation for himself, ensuring his descendants inherit his legacy and enjoy boundless fortune and prosperity. That old fellow Song Guanhai, of course, considered himself a staunch loyal official, offering countless satirical, direct, and even death-defying remonstrances over twenty years. Even the empress herself personally pleaded with His Majesty for him several times, which is why he escaped imprisonment. On this point, I truly admire old Master Song from the bottom of my heart."

Lu Xu's lips curled into a sneer. He slowly shook his head and said, "It's merely the rhetoric of a strategist, shifting from Confucianism to Huang-Lao Taoism, then to Legalism, without any real principles. He doesn't deserve the title 'Master.' His Majesty once said Master Song was 'dilatory and accommodating, but We find him charming.' Everyone thought it was praise, but upon closer examination, it's not a compliment at all. Or rather, it's a posthumous assessment with much room for interpretation."

After a moment of being stunned, Zhao Xun laughed heartily, clapping his hands. "Fresh, fresh! Your words, Lu Xu, are truly gratifying. I even want to drink now!"

Lu Xu remained in a state of calm, like an old well undisturbed, and lightly smiled, "Last time I had a maid read the secret letter you sent from the capital. One piece of gossip written in it was ambiguous: it was rumored that Song Guanhai secretly kept copies of all his memorials of remonstrance to the emperor, but has so far refrained from submitting them to the historians. This is a clear sign of someone who wants to be both a loyal official and a good official, a person with insatiable ambition."

Zhao Xun frowned and said, "It's hard to say whether this matter is true or false. Even if we concede that Song Guanhai truly kept secret copies of his memorials, as long as he doesn't hand them over to the historians, what can we do with them? If he takes them to his grave someday, then it's completely hopeless. Old Master Song is certainly destined to have His Majesty personally write his epitaph after his death."

Lu Xu said in a calm tone, "Given Song Guanhai's character, it's definitely true. As for whether he will hand them over to the historians after his death, considering the welfare of his descendants, even if he becomes old and senile, his son Song Zhiqiu will stop him. But..."

Zhao Xun impatiently urged, "Speak quickly, speak quickly."

Lu Xu, who originally had no intention of keeping them in suspense, paused for a moment.

Zhao Xun quickly bowed with a smile and apologized, "I was too impatient."

Lu Xu said, "When people near old age, especially those who know their days are numbered, powerful figures who lack foresight or immediate worries often make various blunders, big or small. Even if Song Zhiqiu intentionally tries to patch things up, it won't be seamless. We just need to wait until Song Guanhai passes away, then strike while the iron is hot. Use the spies we have hidden in the Song residence to deliberately leak this matter to a rival faction of the Song family in the capital. If we don't have assassins or spies in place, it doesn't matter; groundless rumors are just as effective. The capital never lacks petty individuals who spread rumors. But one point is extremely important: the information must be conveyed quickly, reaching the emperor's ears at the fastest possible speed, so as not to give the Song family any time to destroy the copies of the memorials. If they are quickly destroyed, then to overthrow Song Guanhai, the Jing'an King's mansion would have to take the lead, instructing someone to collect 342 memorials and publicize them throughout the capital. But if that happens, you would inevitably become involved, which is not wise. We must not underestimate the sharpness of His Majesty's informants and the keen noses of those old officials. Furthermore, please, Jing'an King, remember that Song Guanhai is, after all, the mentor of the First and Fourth Princes. Although you have met them once in the capital and seemingly have a good impression of each other, currently, the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. If this Song family misfortune does not require you, Jing'an King, to personally intervene, and there are no traces leading back to you, then you can discredit yourself by falsely leaking the memorial copies, making it seem as if it originated from you. This way, you can completely withdraw from the capital's officialdom and temporarily distance yourself from the two princes. And there's no need to worry that His Majesty the Emperor will suspect you; he is not an ignorant or mediocre ruler and will only place greater trust in you. This, for Xiangfan and for you as commissioner, is the proper path."

Jing'an King Zhao Xun chewed on the words carefully, nodding frequently.

But Zhao Xun immediately asked, "Can this small matter really bring down the Song family?"

Lu Xu inhaled the unique rustic fragrance of the autumn harvested rice fields, and a slight ripple of a smile finally appeared on his face: "In officialdom, one mustn't overdo the act. It's like simmering old duck soup; slow simmering brings out the flavor, but if it's too long, it loses its taste. The Song family excels in scholarship, but as officials, they are far inferior to Chief Minister Zhang, Libationer Huan, and others, and even more so compared to the former Western Chu Grand Tutor Sun. Furthermore, since ancient times, the intent behind writing should be grand, but the entry point should be small. One can discern the great from the subtle. Don't underestimate such small matters; it is precisely these kinds of small things that truly cause the Song family to decline from glory. For a minister at the peak of honor, fortune and misfortune have always been intertwined. Song Guanhai is not Xu Xiao, nor Gu Jiantang, nor is he Zhang Julu, who appears arrogant and eccentric but actually possesses immensely deep foundations. The Song family, whose wealth has only lasted for three generations, lacks a firm foundation and appears glorious, but with Song Guanhai having made too many enemies among literary giants, it will be difficult for him to preserve his reputation in his later years. Song Zhiqiu's position as Right Libationer of the Imperial Academy, and Song Keli's as Junior Yellow Gate Official—once disaster strikes, most of their disciples, who claimed to be Song family's lackeys, will rush home, pick up their pens, and turn against them. Those who simply don't 'kick someone when they're down' would be considered remarkably principled. Jing'an King, you can choose to act after Song Guanhai's death, or you can make a move when Song Guanhai is critically ill. If it's the latter, you might just anger and frighten this old master to death."

Zhao Xun fell backward, lying flat on the field ridge, crossing his legs, and squinting up at the sky. "What about Song Zhiqiu and Song Keli?"

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Gah! ...?! ...!2 more replies.

Lu Xu replied, "It depends on how they respond. If they come bearing thorns to apologize and acknowledge the court rather than their father, there's still hope for a comeback. If filial piety takes precedence, or if they even harbor a slight hope of having both loyalty and filial piety, they will die in destitution."

Zhao Xun was speechless.

Lu Xu also fell silent, picking up a handful of mud.

Zhao Xun suddenly sat up and asked with a smile, "How did you learn all these tricks?"

Lu Xu self-deprecatingly replied, "I'm blind, with nothing to do, so I can only idly ponder some things."

Zhao Xun stretched. "You said that old duck soup is really delicious? Shall I have the servants in the mansion make you two bowls later?"

Lu Xu nodded, "As long as it doesn't deduct from my salary."

Zhao Xun, noting the soup request, patted his rear and stood up. Lu Xu gently put down the handful of soil he held, then stood up and softly said, "That woman's origin is unclear. I hope Your Highness does not get too involved with her. It's fine to be interested, but do not fall in love."

Zhao Xun sharply said, "How dare you!"

Lu Xu smiled but remained silent.

A stalemate ensued.

Zhao Xun's expression suddenly changed. He grasped Lu Xu's arm and said with utmost sincerity, "I've been waiting for you to say that! I know deeply that throughout Xiangfan, only you truly treat me with sincerity. How could Zhao Xun not know? Lu Xu, I hope that in the future, when I take a wrong turn, you will speak to me frankly."

"I am merely a blind man who cannot pass imperial examinations or serve as an official. As long as Your Highness is willing to inform me, I will tell you everything I know without reservation."

"Heh, what about matters of the bedchamber? Would you like to hear about them? I, Zhao Xun, can even discuss those with you!"

"Listen not to what is contrary to propriety."

"Don't! Lu Xu, Lu Xu, you teach me everything else. Today, I must win one back and properly discuss matters of men and women with you!"

"Listen not to what is contrary to propriety."

Except for when the old Jing'an King Zhao Heng was alive, when Lu Xu rotated through various government offices serving as minor, insignificant officials and clerks, after Zhao Xun succeeded to the title, he continuously resided in the prince's mansion. Surprisingly, he held no official position, serving merely as a combination of advisor and literary guest. However, no one in the mansion dared to slight this favored figure before the feudal lord, not even the head steward whose family had served as stewards in the mansion for two generations. Upon encountering the blind Lu Xu, they would still greet him warmly, fearful of any slight oversight. And Lu Xu was indeed amiable; whenever he had leisure, he could effortlessly mingle with the servants and retainers in the mansion, telling stories of fox spirits and strange tales, helping people with fortune-telling and palm reading, and readily writing Spring Festival couplets upon request. He was truly a contented immortal-like figure with no desires. Even the most petty and difficult individuals couldn't bring themselves to dislike him. Who would foolishly offend a kind person who wouldn't compete for anything with you but could always lend a hand?

Lu Xu's residence was secluded and elegant. Although it was a private house with its own courtyard, the place could not be considered grand. In the courtyard, besides a few maids responsible for cleaning and chores, there was only one personal maid named Xinghua (Apricot Blossom), serving this peace-loving young blind man.

Late at night, profound silence.

Lu Xu sat in his study, attending to Xinghua. He had specially lit two oil lamps. As for whether the high-grade pine resin oil was as precious as gold, Lu Xu was not one to care about such matters.

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Gah! ...?! ...!What the heck.1 more reply.

Lu Xu was currently engaged in something he had been doing even before he lost his sight, self-deprecatingly calling it "adding a dog's tail to a sable coat" (an idiom for an unnecessary or inferior addition). That was compiling the Twenty-Three Histories, gazetteers of all prefectures and counties across the land, and collections of famous official documents and memorials from various dynasties. Whether it was national codes, court regulations, or official records of popular grievances, he recorded whatever he obtained. In addition to the Jing'an King's collection, he also had Zhao Xun secretly acquire more, at no small cost in silver and gold, which Lu Xu still didn't mind. Lu Xu had his maid Xinghua read texts daily and help manually outline geographical maps. He, in turn, personally wrote detailed marginal notes and annotations in tiny script on the draft pages. To date, he had completed over ten volumes, placed in a bamboo basket in a corner of his study. He temporarily titled the work "Prescriptions for the Benefits and Ailments of Spring and Autumn Prefectures and Counties," intentionally likening himself to a low-ranking physician who only knew how to treat headaches, diagnosing and treating the prefectures and counties of the realm. As for whether the prescriptions were effective, that was for future readers to decide. To call it a military classic would be inaccurate. To call it a simple geographical map would also be incorrect. Zhao Xun once came to the study, casually flipped through it, but had no interest in reading it closely, and Lu Xu, who treated writing this book as a casual pastime, did not press him.

Lu Xu put down his brush to rest, rotating his wrist. Xinghua asked if he wanted a shoulder rub and back massage, but Lu Xu, still unaccustomed to being diligently served, shook his head.

Xinghua was an elite assassin from the Jing'an King's mansion, passed down from Zhao Heng to Zhao Xun. She was proficient in all arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—and was undoubtedly even more skilled in protecting and killing people. She could readily die to protect Lu Xu, and she could also kill Lu Xu without blinking at a single word from Zhao Xun. Lu Xu was blind, but he was keenly aware of this, and he bore no ill will towards her or the Jing'an King because of it.

It is said that one should not suspect those they employ, nor employ those they suspect. Yet it is also said that one should always be on guard against others. All the principles in the world have been spoken, but too many principles essentially mean none were spoken.

Lu Xu had been diligently studying how to meticulously weigh people's intentions. His ultimate conclusion was nothing more than what women and children already knew: weighing pros and cons, but fearing the significant efforts for meager gains. After much thought, he only came up with a method he considered very foolish: calculating the depth of human hearts by the number of chess pieces.

Lu Xu listened to the faint sizzling sound of the lampwick burning and smiled, "Xinghua, among the countless sounds in the world, which one do you like the most?"

Xinghua was plain in appearance, but her voice was clear and exceptionally pleasant, and her figure was graceful and captivating. Since she needed to read and occasionally transcribe for him, she sat on a chair beside Lu Xu. She smiled gently, "Young Master, your servant does not know. But if you were to give me some choices, your servant could answer."

Lu Xu nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then slowly recounted, "The sound of a spring, the sound of a zither, the sound of pine waves, the sound of bamboo rustling, the sound of mountain birds, the sound of rain on banana leaves, the sound of falling leaves, the sound of children reading, the sound of a famous courtesan singing, the sound of a maiden carrying a basket and selling flowers."

Xinghua covered her mouth and chuckled, "Your servant would definitely choose the sound of selling flowers!"

Lu Xu laughed dumbfounded, "I forgot your name is Xinghua. But I'll tell you, there was a great literary master in the previous dynasty, known as the 'Poetic Emperor,' whose view was the same as yours. He also said that among the thousands of pure sounds of heaven and earth, the sound of selling flowers in the deep alleys of the market was the foremost, the one most capable of breaking one's heart."

Xinghua asked, puzzled, "Young Master, why is that?"

Lu Xu, perhaps always in need of her help, did not hesitate to smile and speak freely in her presence. "I've been thinking about the reason for years. I'll tell you when I figure it out."

Having spent day and night with Lu Xu, Xinghua had also become much more relaxed, teasing, "There are things Young Master doesn't understand too?"

"Many."

The blind impoverished scholar, once personally praised by the Jing'an King as "no less than Yuan Benxi," finished speaking, picked up his brush again, and bent over his desk to write "Prescriptions."

This king was Zhao Heng, not Zhao Xun.

To this day, Lu Xu still didn't understand who Yuan Benxi was, the person whom Zhao Heng still harbored resentment towards even on his deathbed.

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Front row, first time this far...What's going on?Gah! ...?! ...!! ...Balls of sorrow.Reply to "No one buys cuteness":What's going on, it's so long —————————— This is Soda, who can be offensive or defensive! Male or female! Front or back!6 more replies.

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