Chapter 384: Meeting His Highness the Crown Prince

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The Fish Dragon Gang had been declining over the years, struggling to survive. In contrast, younger generations like the Crimson Tiger Gate and Willow Sword Sect had expanded their financial sources and were thriving. Within the Fish Dragon Gang, it was said that their *feng shui* was problematic. In desperation, Old Gang Leader Liu sought out several masters skilled in geomancy and *qingnang* from Longjing County to investigate. A considerable amount of money was spent, and many remedial measures were taken as advised by the masters, but there was still no improvement. Over time, rumors circulated privately that it was a conflict of *yin* and *yang*, pointing directly at Liu Nirong, who refused to marry. Now, they had almost faced total annihilation, and Liu Nirong's self-blame was immense. Especially after tying up Zhong Chengxin, the next magistrate of Longjing County, Liu Nirong knew there was no possibility of this disaster ending peacefully. Old Gang Leader Liu no longer hoped to establish a foothold in Lingzhou. They didn't know the full background of General Wang Zhi. This military general casually sat on a *huanghuali* grand armchair, passed down from the old Western Chu to Beiliang, suppressing Old Gang Leader Liu and the others to the point where they dared not breathe. First, the scholars of the Zhong Manor were detained, which was shocking. Later, even the eldest son of the Zhong family was not spared. However, nearly a thousand county soldiers only dared to cower outside, leaving the Fish Dragon Gang hanging by a thread, half-dead and on the verge of collapse. The taste of being on the brink of death was truly unbearable.

When Old Gang Leader Liu saw Grand General Zhong Hongwu, the Huaihua General, stride across the threshold, the old man's heart instantly turned to ashes, and his limbs felt cold. He didn't believe anyone could save the Fish Dragon Gang now that they had provoked the notorious and brutal Grand General Zhong in Beiliang. If one were to count on their fingers, only a few could be named, but unfortunately, those individuals were all high-ranking figures. For example, Xu Xiao, the King of Beiliang; Chen Zhibao, who became king after entering Shu; Chu Lushan, infamous for his ferocity; and Yan Wenluan, who shared military authority in Beiliang with Zhong Hongwu. Old Gang Leader Liu had never even seen them from afar in his entire life. Zhong Hongwu's arrival immediately overturned the situation. Even the arrogant Wang Zhi clearly showed some nervousness. After all, this old man before them was the nominal commander of Beiliang's hundreds of thousands of iron cavalry, one of the few truly brilliant generals in the Beiliang army, having followed the "Human Butcher" in his military career for thirty years. Especially the illustrious military achievements accumulated during the Spring and Autumn War – any one of them could overwhelm someone. Wang Zhi put down his teacup, held his breath, and still did not stand up.

Zhong Chengxin, one of the few scholarly figures in Beiliang, was ecstatic. He had never suffered such a great humiliation in his life, being casually thrown onto the cold floor like a tied-up *zongzi* by arrogant armored soldiers. He constantly reminded himself that a scholar could be killed but not humiliated, barely managing to hold back tears and urine. However, the advisor, while feeling relieved, had a gloomy look in his eyes, which remained fixed on the newly emerged Military Registrar. He came from a scholarly family in Lingzhou, had traveled and studied in Jiangnan for six years, and had deeply studied the art of vertical and horizontal alliances under a recluse. He was not a fool who only knew old texts. At first, when the Zhong Manor heard that Wang Zhi had suddenly acted violently, he had politely warned Zhong Chengxin that there must be something suspicious, and that he should not act rashly but rather wait and see. However, Zhong Chengxin, who valued his reputation highly, could not resist Tang Ziyi's instigation, and the eldest son's debauched brother-in-law added fuel to the fire, deliberately portraying it as Wang Zhi intentionally targeting the Zhong Manor to establish authority. They claimed that if the Zhong Manor retreated and showed weakness, there would be no turning back, and uncouth soldiers like Wang Zhi would openly disrespect and humiliate the Zhong family. This hit the Zhong family's eldest son's sensitive spot. He had always regarded himself as a scholarly general, and from a young age, he had envied the reputation of Cao Changqing and Chen Zhibao, who were skilled in both martial arts and literature. Zhong Chengxin usually cultivated himself at home. Besides playing musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting, he also practiced sword fighting or eloquently discussed military strategies at banquets. Everyone respected him as the only son of the Huaihua General and dared not refute him, only flattering him. This made Zhong Chengxin increasingly self-pitying. He once personally carved a seal with the ten characters "Born twenty years too late, regretting not being in the Spring and Autumn period," which, in the eyes of scholars, was merely a trivial and ridiculous personal lament. As an advisor, he acted cautiously and was also good at putting on a show. Since Zhong Chengxin insisted on experiencing the thrill of personally leading troops, he was happy to add fuel to the insignificant Fish Dragon Gang situation. He just didn't expect Wang Zhi to be so ruthless, directly capturing him. He was surprised and secretly wary, not of Wang Zhi's arrogance, but of the surprisingly calm demeanor of the young people from the Fish Dragon Gang. He looked down on Zhong Chengxin, who was all show and no substance, but that didn't mean he underestimated all aristocratic scions. Could it be, as he had suspected, a meticulously planned scheme targeting the Zhong family? Was it for Zhong Chengxin's position as Longjing County Magistrate? Or was the plot even grander?

He had thought that when the Huaihua Grand General arrived with his spear, all conspiracies would be exposed, and then quickly melt like ice in the Grand General's scorching power. Although Zhong Hongwu had resigned from his position as cavalry commander in a fit of pique with the King of Beiliang, his salary remained, and his official title was still intact. Although his authority had diminished somewhat, he was by no means someone ordinary people could provoke. He dared to assert that this old general, who seemed to have "fallen out of favor" with the King of Beiliang at this moment, was someone even General Yan Wenluan dared not openly challenge. Officialdom was indeed this interesting. Zhong Chengxin becoming the next magistrate of Longjing County was a warning bell for the entire Beiliang officialdom.

But the next scene was one that everyone in the hall would never forget.

The white-haired young man slowly tore off his mask, revealing a rare and exquisitely handsome, somewhat effeminate face with a pair of peach blossom eyes. However, despite his refined appearance, the young master possessed a majestic demeanor that Zhong Chengxin would never have in his lifetime.

"Xu," as in Xu Xiao.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhi suddenly clenched his teacup. Wang Zhi was undoubtedly a bold and truly skilled warrior; otherwise, he wouldn't have frequently led elite cavalry on thousand-mile expeditions to the Western Regions to suppress bandits. This was probably a unique "pastime" for fierce border generals. Few people could impress Wang Zhi, let alone someone younger than him. However, after that ambush, having personally experienced the invincibility of Han Diaosi, and then having a drink with the King of Beiliang afterward, Wang Zhi, who probably learned five or six tenths of the truth, was truly both surprised and fearful of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. His three thousand cavalry had only ambushed Han Diaosi alone. As for the two thousand cavalry under his Sword Pavilion colleague He Yan, it couldn't even be called a desperate fight. After Han Diaosi passed through the cavalry formation, both he and He Yan tacitly withdrew from the battlefield, neither intending to waste decades of their effort in the Western Regions. But in the battle of Tiemen Pass, as far as Wang Zhi knew, the overt forces included Prince Zhao Kai with two hundred Imperial Guards and a dozen hidden Golden Blade Guards, plus a top-tier female Bodhisattva master protecting him. Xu Fengnian actually led his personal guard battalion and charged straight in. What if Zhao Kai and the imperial court had backup plans? Wasn't Xu Fengnian afraid of dying there in humiliation? Afterward, the entire Beiliang would be implicated and branded as traitors and rebels. This was unlike a young man who just wanted to be a stable hereditary King of Beiliang for ten years (Fan Group: 1681655)! He was determined to both openly contend with Chen Zhibao for the title of King of Liang and prevent the imperial court from interfering in the west – a two-pronged approach!

Wang Zhi took a deep breath, knelt down in his armor, which clanged loudly. He respectfully said, "Your humble general Wang Zhi pays respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Old Gang Leader Liu was completely bewildered and stood stunned on the spot. Liu Nirong and Wang Dashi found it even more incredible, not believing for a second that this Young Master Xu, who was supposedly just taking a leisurely trip to Beimang, was the Crown Prince of Beiliang.

Zhong Hongwu, truly worthy of being the Huaihua Grand General who had followed the Human Butcher in battle for half his life, showed only slight surprise upon suddenly seeing the young Crown Prince again after many years, with no trace of fear. If he had even a slight regard or apprehension towards this young man, how could Zhong Hongwu have publicly cursed the Crown Prince for selling official positions in front of Xu Xiao? The old general slammed his iron spear into the ground, glanced disdainfully at Wang Zhi, and then looked at Xu Fengnian, who was visiting Longjing County incognito. He sneered, "Oh? So His Royal Highness has personally graced Lingzhou with his presence. Could it be that you've taken a fancy to a certain girl? Let me be frank. If it's a prostitute from a brothel, it's best if the Crown Prince pays for her. If it's a mutual agreement, then so be it, and I won't bother with it. But if you dare to forcibly abduct a civilian woman within Longjing County, don't even talk about Wang Zhi's thousand cavalry; even if you add Your Highness's White Horse Volunteers, I will detain every single one of them without exception!"

Liu Nirong felt a shiver down her spine as the powerful Huaihua Grand General narrowed his eyes at her.

Xu Fengnian handed the "living face" mask to Qingniao, then glanced at Zhong Hongwu, who stood firm like an unyielding tiger even in death. He chuckled softly, "Stop calling yourself 'this general.' You're an old man who has retired from service. Just relax, enjoy your blessings, and live out your years peacefully."

The old general's hair and beard bristled in anger. Already formidable in appearance, his aura became even more intimidating after he glared with his copper-bell-like eyes. He roared, "How dare you, insolent wretch?! Others may see you as the Grand General's legitimate eldest son, but in my eyes, you are an untalented good-for-nothing! Look at your absurd behavior over the past decade or so! Entrusting Beiliang to you is like child's play! It's lucky for you that you're not my son or grandson, otherwise I would have personally broken your limbs with a stick long ago to stop you from going out and causing trouble!"

Xu Fengnian simply smiled and let it go.

With the Crown Prince of Beiliang's identity confirmed, Liu Nirong and Wang Dashi exchanged bewildered glances.

Zhong Chengxin, inherently weak-willed, secretly swallowed his saliva upon hearing that it was Xu Fengnian, the Crown Prince, even with Zhong Hongwu present. Although he had wielded great influence in Longjing County by virtue of being the Huaihua Grand General's son, he had, after all, several years of experience in officialdom, and with guidance from experts in the Zhong manor, he was not unfamiliar with social etiquette. He understood the principle that it was easier to deal with the devil than with his small imps. In fact, deep down, Zhong Chengxin was very displeased and confused by his father defying the King of Beiliang and resigning from his post, thus antagonizing the future King of Beiliang. If Chen Zhibao had not voluntarily left Beiliang, that White-Clad Military Saint would still be firmly in control. In that scenario, Zhong Chengxin might have accepted his father's actions as a form of political opportunism. But now, the Crown Prince was at his most influential stage. Zhong Chengxin had read many history books filled with blood and death, and knew that dynastic changes were often times of widespread executions. Zhong Chengxin certainly didn't want such precedents to apply to the Zhong family. Furthermore, his father, the Huaihua Grand General, could enjoy a leisurely retirement, playing with his grandchildren for a decade or two in his hometown. But he still had most of his life ahead, needing to climb the ranks in officialdom. When Xu Fengnian became King of Beiliang, even if he wasn't directly affected, wouldn't he be stuck as the county magistrate of Longjing County for the rest of his life, a mediocre position? Zhong Chengxin had always considered himself a national talent destined to become the next Military Commissioner (Fan Group: 1681655)!

In the hall, Liu Nirong was the most bewildered, lost, and at a loss. That relative of the Lingzhou General's Manor steward, who was spat at by the Fish Dragon Gang escorts? That low-ranking official's son who showed no chivalry and chose to stand by during the Daoma Pass ambush? That aloof person who only spoke to Wang Dashi? That slick young master who got along so well with the rich merchant's nephew in Liuxia City? That scoundrel at Yan Hui Pass who only showed a hint of warmth when bargaining with a water vendor? That half-baked martial artist who wore a saber but never drew it once? How could he be the hereditary Crown Prince of Beiliang? His surname was Xu, but how could he be Xu Fengnian, the man she should never have crossed paths with in her life?

The Huaihua Grand General took Xu Fengnian's smile as a sign of natural retreat. With a wave of his hand, he commanded, "Untie them!"

Xu Fengnian glanced at Zhong Chengxin and the Zhong Manor scholars, then turned back to Zhong Hongwu. "Why?"

Zhong Hongwu, furious, laughed instead. "Who do you think you are? Even if the Grand General himself were here, I would still make you release them obediently!"

Wang Zhi, who had been kneeling, looked up and sharply said, "Zhong Hongwu, stop acting superior just because you're old! My thousand cavalry can flatten little Longjing County!"

Zhong Hongwu didn't even look at Wang Zhi directly. He merely crossed his arms, arrogantly saying, "Are you worthy of speaking to me? Young man named Wang, you probably bought your official title from Xu Fengnian with money, didn't you? Do you dare to take a trip to the Liang-Mang border? Be careful not to be so scared that your legs turn to jelly if you see a Beimang cavalry charge."

Collapse RepliesThis is good too.It was finally deleted the last time, damn it.Previous generationWill it be blocked?Reply to Tears_Mole_o: Have a cup of tea, buddy.10 more replies,

Wang Zhi said expressionlessly and coldly, "Zhong Hongwu, I respect you as my father's colleague. If you insult me again, I, Wang Zhi, will make sure you pay dearly in the future!"

Zhong Hongwu burst into laughter. "Your father? Someone named Wang? Let this old man think."

Zhong Hongwu suppressed his smile, paused briefly, then turned his head and sneered, "In the Beiliang army, in these past thirty years, there truly hasn't been a general named Wang who caught my eye! What kind of nobody is your insignificant father?"

Wang Zhi gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Xu Fengnian watched Zhong Hongwu's arrogance with cold eyes. Small factions were numerous within the Beiliang army. Zhong Hongwu had served as cavalry commander for nearly ten years. Among the old generals of his generation, only Yan Wenluan's military achievements and prestige could compare with his. Zhong Hongwu was undoubtedly a true chieftain of his own faction. Coupled with Chen Zhibao's younger generation faction, these three balanced each other. Apart from the Great Snow Dragon Cavalry and Dragon Elephant Army, most of the Beiliang army's forces were divided among these three. Among the three, Chen Zhibao, the Protector of Beiliang, who held the highest official rank and military achievements, was naturally at the forefront. Yan Wenluan followed closely. Old General Yan's forces were slightly smaller than Zhong Hongwu's. However, Yan Wenluan was far more adept at official ways and management than the hot-tempered Zhong Hongwu, and his direct subordinates rose through the ranks more quickly than those of the Zhong faction. Excluding the eighty-plus active generals who held honorary or nominal titles, Yan Wenluan had close to thirty disciples and subordinates, a number far exceeding Zhong Hongwu's mere dozen or so. But the more this was the case, the less Zhong Hongwu understood "rules," and Xu Xiao had consistently shown great tolerance over the years.

After scolding Wang Zhi, Zhong Hongwu turned to Xu Fengnian and sneered, "Won't Your Royal Highness untie them yourself? Otherwise, be careful, I might just go to the King's Manor and scold you in front of the Grand General again!"

Xu Fengnian, who had been smiling slightly, heard these words. His eyes became as clear as water, and he said with a slight hint of surprise, "Oh?"

Zhong Hongwu retorted combatively, "Otherwise, what do you think should happen? Do you plan to come to my residence and offer a humble apology?"

Xu Fengnian held his riding whip and said to Old Gang Leader Liu and the other "outsiders" who felt like they were walking on thin ice, "Excuse me, Old Gang Leader, but please step out for a moment."

Zhong Hongwu laughed sharply, "No need! You threw your own face on the ground, so don't blame outsiders for stepping on it a few times."

Xu Fengnian didn't insist. He smiled and said, "I hear you, Zhong Hongwu, are a true second-rank master? Unbeatable in formations during the Spring and Autumn War?"

Zhong Hongwu gripped the iron spear standing upright on the ground. "Defeating two hundred of you, Xu Fengnian, would certainly be no problem."

Chen Xiliang's brows were tightly furrowed, his fingers interlocked.

Xu Beizhi, on the other hand, smiled knowingly.

Out of the corner of his eye, Chen Xiliang noticed Xu Beizhi's relaxed expression and quietly unclasped his fingers.

Xu Fengnian nodded. "Alright, then I'll learn from you (Fan Group: 1681655)."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Hongwu looked around, shook his head, and chuckled, "Will you have that little girl in green take your place? Or your lackey Wang Zhi? Oh, Xu Fengnian, why don't you just let them help you become the King of Beiliang?"

Xu Fengnian let one hand drop and extended the other arm, his sleeve sweeping in front of him.

Twelve flying swords hung suspended in mid-air.

Varying in length and color.

Xu Fengnian flicked one of the flying swords with his finger and softly uttered, "Tai'a."

"Kill the Sub-Prefect in the hall."

A single sword through the head.

He flicked a flying sword a second time, "Peach Blossom."

"Kill the Cavalry Colonel, Tang Ziyi."

A third flick of the flying sword, severing life, "Profound Thunder."

"Kill Zhong Manor's advisor, Tang Duan."

The scholar and the Sub-Prefect in the hall died in the exact same manner, collapsing instantly.

The sturdy body of the vigorous Zhong Hongwu trembled. He loosened his grip on the iron spear, and as if with immense difficulty, slowly bowed his head, whispering, "Greetings, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

For the fourth sword, Xu Fengnian rested his finger on the flying sword. "This sword is Yellow Catalpa."

He looked at the pale Zhong Hongwu and asked, "Shall I kill Zhong Chengxin?"

Zhong Hongwu slightly raised his head, his eyes filled with a myriad of emotions: rage, gloom, hatred.

And a trace of awe he had never felt before.

Xu Fengnian calmly said, "Then with so many remaining swords, killing one disrespectful Zhong Hongwu should be quite enough."

The Huaihua Grand General Zhong Hongwu fell heavily to his knees with a thud. "Zhong Hongwu pays respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

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