Chapter 388: A Deal of Great Importance

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Song Tanglu, a rising star in the palace, not yet thirty years old, held the powerful position of Grand Eunuch of the Inner Palace Bureau and was a trusted imperial attendant favored by the Empress. Even bearing a secret imperial decree, he still had to discretely enter the Northern Liang Prince's Estate through a side gate, accompanied by only a few disguised imperial guards. Upon seeing Xu Xiao at the entrance to the main hall, he dared not even glance around. He left the imperial guards outside, quickly stepped over the threshold alone, and fell to his knees with a thud, prostrating himself firmly. His forehead immediately showed fresh red marks from the impact. In a muffled voice, he declared, "Song Tanglu, from the Inner Palace Bureau, pays respects to the Prince of Northern Liang, and to His Royal Highness the Heir!"

Neither Xu Xiao nor Xu Fengnian had taken their seats, nor did they move to greet the powerful eunuch. Xu Xiao chuckled softly, "Eunuch Song, please rise and proclaim the imperial decree."

The titles "Diaosi" (a respectful term for eunuch) and "Taizhen" (Grand Eunuch) were not something any ordinary eunuch could claim. In the Imperial Palace of Tai'an City, such individuals could be counted on one hand. Apart from Han Shengxuan, who had held the highest position for many years, Song Tanglu's master—the former chief of the Inner Palace Bureau, second only to the Directorate of Ceremonial among the Twelve Bureaus—was another. Song Tanglu had even been personally granted a surname by the Emperor, and now he was poised to reach the pinnacle, truly surpassing his predecessors and astonishing the entire imperial court.

Before leaving the palace, Song Tanglu had carefully considered his actions. According to custom, if an imperial decree were formally proclaimed, a vassal prince would have to kneel. While it wouldn't have mattered if the Prince of Northern Liang knelt or not, as Xu Xiao already held the privilege of wearing his sword in court and not having to kneel for decrees, Song Tanglu worried that a formal, ceremonial proclamation would appear like a deliberate show of authority. From the outset, he wished to avoid any hint of arrogance. Thus, even though it was against protocol, after rising, he pulled a wrapped yellow secret decree from his sleeve, lowered his head, quickly approached, and respectfully handed it to the Prince of Northern Liang with both hands, skipping the formal proclamation entirely. Xu Xiao took the secret decree, casually handed it to Xu Fengnian, and then invited the perceptive eunuch to sit. Song Tanglu sat upright and proper, eyes straight ahead, though his peripheral vision caught sight of Xu Fengnian's frost-white hair, leaving him stunned. For some reason, as his gaze fell upon the young heir, who was clearly absorbed in reading the imperial decree with his head bowed, a slight curve appeared at the corner of Xu Fengnian's lips. Song Tanglu, who had risen to prominence among tens of thousands of eunuchs in the imperial palace through his exceptional talent for reading expressions, immediately realized that the young heir had noticed his unintentional gaze. He promptly lowered his eyes, daring only to stare fixedly at his own knees.

Xu Xiao chuckled, offering a polite greeting: "Eunuch Song, you must be tired from your journey."

Song Tanglu quickly shook his head, saying, "I wouldn't dare say that. It's merely my duty."

Xu Xiao smiled and asked, "Eunuch Song, why don't you stay in Northern Liang for a few more days? This prince would like to offer you a proper reception."

Startled by the repeated address of "Eunuch Song," the young, influential eunuch quickly rose and knelt again, apologizing, "Song Tanglu must return to the capital immediately to report. I may not even have time for a meal. I humbly ask for the Prince of Northern Liang's understanding."

Xu Xiao walked over and helped Song Tanglu to his feet. "No need to be so formal. Let's do whatever is most convenient and won't delay your return to report, Eunuch Song. Come, I'll see you out."

Even Song Tanglu, who had years of experience in the palace and whose composure rivaled that of any master, visibly faltered for a moment. He respectfully said, "I truly wouldn't dare trouble the Prince of Northern Liang."

Xu Xiao shook his head and walked out of the main hall with Song Tanglu. The imperial guards had already handed their luggage to the estate steward. The group proceeded along a quiet path where there was no visible strict security. The guards, walking cautiously as if on thin ice, seized the opportunity to steal a few more glances at the back of this princely figure of a different surname. They knew that upon returning to the palace, they would have a grand tale to boast to their colleagues: they had been within ten steps of the formidable Prince of Northern Liang! Song Tanglu, who had been cautious for many years, subtly positioned himself slightly behind Xu Xiao. Upon reaching the main gate, Song Tanglu adamantly refused to let the Prince of Northern Liang escort him another step. He then stopped, and the imperial guards silently filed out, mounted their horses, and waited at a distance.

One guard clicked his tongue and remarked, "As expected of the Grand General who annihilated the Six States of the Spring and Autumn Period!"

Another whispered, "What's wrong?"

The first guard said gravely, "Even his walk emanates a killing aura."

"I didn't feel anything."

"You wouldn't know, because your cultivation level isn't high enough!"

"No wonder people say the Prince of Northern Liang can kill just by glaring, terrifying people until their gallbladders burst. Fortunately, Eunuch Song didn't offend him; otherwise, wouldn't we have died in pairs just from a glare?"

The oldest and most composed guard listened to the ridiculous conversation of his juniors, finding it both amusing and exasperating.

At the gate, Xu Xiao spoke softly, "Others say that when you, Eunuch Song, were on duty at the Imperial Seal Bureau, you diligently managed all sorts of trivial matters, such as the ancient and modern archives, and document verification, handling everything meticulously. You also write excellent calligraphy and essays. I am a rough man, and these troublesome matters are difficult for me to pay attention to, so I won't dwell on that. However, there is one thing I remember clearly: the content of my son Fengnian's hereditary enfeoffment decree was written by you. Someone in my estate said you wrote it beautifully. I will remember this favor. If anything ever arises in the future and you need my son Fengnian, the new Prince of Northern Liang, you just need to let us know. I wouldn't dare boast that he can solve everything for you, but I can say he will do his utmost."

Eunuch Song was struck as if by lightning, instinctively preparing to kneel again.

Xu Xiao held his hands, chuckling playfully, "A man's knees are worth gold; why kneel! Song Tanglu, if you have a chance to visit the Northern Liang Prince's Estate again, remember there's no need to kneel. This has nothing to do with your status; I am indeed unreasonable, but I value personal connections."

Eunuch Song gritted his teeth and said with a trembling voice, "In the future, for matters within my duty, Song Tanglu will certainly continue to do what is required. But regarding any superfluous matters, I will absolutely not speak out of turn. And as for these words, Song Tanglu will only keep them in mind, as if the Grand General never mentioned them."

Xu Xiao nodded. "I won't see you off any further."

Eunuch Song bowed like a scholar, then turned and walked out.

Xu Xiao slowly strolled back to the main hall and saw Xu Fengnian, who had finished unpacking his luggage. Xu Fengnian was holding the sleeve of a python robe, muttering to himself, "It looks good and feels comfortable. I'll have to be careful when my flying sword emerges from the sleeve, or who will mend it if it rips?"

Xu Xiao teased, "Afraid you won't find someone to mend it? There were two groups of Spring and Autumn survivors who fled north. I intercepted many of those who scattered into Northern Mang. The head of our Northern Liang Weaving Bureau used to make clothes for the Southern Tang imperial family. However, for your princely robe this time, the specific sewing was entrusted to several skillful women. That old man merely drew the patterns; he's old, and his eyesight isn't good enough, and he fears an untimely beheading."

Xu Fengnian frowned, "Isn't your python robe good enough?"

Xu Xiao laughed exasperatedly, "There's no logic in a new prince wearing old clothes! Our Xu family isn't that poor!"

Xu Fengnian put down the imperial python robe and, after a moment's hesitation, said, "I originally intended to go to the northwest frontier to take control of those nearly hundred thousand exiled criminals. But since I'm going to the capital for the ceremony, I'll put that aside and head to Tai'an City first."

Xu Xiao asked, "When will you depart? How many cavalry do you need to bring?"

Xu Fengnian chuckled, "Tomorrow. Why bring cavalry? I'm not a vassal prince; there's no need for grand displays when going to the capital. Besides, if I brought nearly a thousand cavalry like Prince Yan Chi, Eunuch Han would probably hide himself away. This time, I'll 'open the door to invite thieves,' letting the cat have a good, hearty kill."

Xu Xiao nodded, "Besides your own arrangements, I will also secretly assign Yin and Chou to you."

Xu Fengnian asked, "What about you then? What if Eunuch Han doesn't kill me but targets you instead?"

Xu Xiao smiled and asked, "Do you know why Sword God Li Chungang was suppressed under the Tide-Listening Pavilion for twenty years? Or by whom he had an arm severed when he descended from Dragon Tiger Mountain to slay demons?"

Xu Fengnian fell silent, crestfallen.

Xu Xiao sat calmly in his chair and said, "Go to the capital with peace of mind. You don't need to worry about your father's safety. For so many years, people who want to kill me are as numerous as fish in a river; I have many ways to deal with them."

The chilling voice of the assassin Yin once again reached the father and son: "Nangong Puye has returned to the pavilion. Xuanyuan Qingfeng is in the lakeside pavilion. Both are not lightly wounded."

Xu Fengnian asked, "Wu?"

The assassin Yin replied stoically, "Reporting to Your Highness, safe and sound."

In the eyes of the Earthly Branch assassins, the life and death of their comrades were utterly insignificant.

Xu Fengnian stood up and headed towards Tide-Listening Lake, where the young assassin was squatting by the lake, sulking.

Xu Fengnian walked over and, seeing the young man turn with a look of guilt, chuckled, "Go eat your meal, then come with me to the capital tomorrow. You'll have plenty of opportunities to spar with Eunuch Han then."

The young man jumped up, his face radiant with a smile. "Really?"

Xu Fengnian raised his leg as if to kick him into the lake. The young man, lively and not gloomy, grinned and jumped into the lake himself, happily dog-paddling towards the opposite bank.

Xu Fengnian smiled knowingly and walked towards the lakeside pavilion. As he approached, he saw Xuanyuan Qingfeng leaning against a pillar, sitting dejectedly.

Xu Fengnian narrowed his phoenix eyes, sat down lazily, and scoffed, "You're both masters of Zhixuan, but Eunuch Han, the second-ranked Zhixuan master in the world, is much more formidable than your old man, isn't he?"

Xuanyuan Qingfeng retorted sharply, "Once I reach the Heavenly Phenomenon realm..."

Xu Fengnian said softly, "Have you forgotten that Eunuch Han's greatest skill is using Zhixuan to kill Heavenly Phenomenon masters? That's why he's known as 'Han Invincible below the Land Immortals.' Don't feel aggrieved; when it comes to martial arts realms, comparing yourself to others only leads to frustration. There will always be a higher mountain beyond the one you're on. I know you want to become someone like Wang Xianzhi, but before that, you need to relax; many things cannot be rushed. With eight hundred unorthodox paths and three thousand deviant ways, you've chosen an extremely perilous goat trail, so you should cherish your current life even more. As for me, I briefly entered a pseudo-Heavenly Phenomenon state, a fleeting moment, but I can tell you one thing clearly: once you advance, you might become the first Heavenly Phenomenon master in three hundred years to be struck by heavenly lightning tribulation. Heaven's net is vast, and though its meshes are wide, nothing escapes; you won't be able to escape it."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng's face instantly turned ashen white.

Xu Fengnian stood up. "Come with me. Since you've pledged your allegiance, I can confidently make a big deal with you. What I'm giving you is worth far more than any treasure; calling it 'priceless' would be an understatement. So even if you offered yourself in return, I wouldn't think you were at a disadvantage."

For once, Xuanyuan Qingfeng did not retort. She quietly followed behind Xu Fengnian. It seemed that the failed encirclement of Eunuch Han had tempered her arrogant and lawless disposition.

Xu Fengnian pushed open the door and entered the Tide-Listening Pavilion, leading Xuanyuan Qingfeng directly to the eighth floor. The crimson-robed spectral figure appeared in the corridor, displaying the compassionate form of Ksitigarbha. Xu Fengnian chuckled, "Don't force your way in; you'll needlessly lose cultivation."The door opened and closed.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng saw a sight she would never forget.

Nine jade imperial seals of varying sizes.

Suspended in mid-air.

Each hovering at a position corresponding to the map of the Nine Spring and Autumn States.

Xu Fengnian stood with his hands behind his back and calmly explained, "Later Sui, Western Chu, Southern Tang, Western Shu, Northern Han, and Great Wei—these six fallen dynasties, whose names are now recorded in history, were all annihilated by Xu Xiao. To commend Xu Xiao's military achievements, the Liyang court, excluding the missing great seal of the Western Chu emperor, specially bestowed five of the imperial seals upon the Xu family. The reason Great Chu was considered the legitimate successor of the Central Plains back then was largely because it inherited the Mandate Seal of the Great Qin Empire. Later, during the Spring and Autumn fragmentation, various states either copied or outright re-engraved their own seals, known by different names like 'xi' and 'bao'. Of the nine you see, three are replicas, made simply to complete the number nine; the Tide-Listening Pavilion has nine floors for a reason. I know what you're going to ask: since the court only bestowed five, and three are replicas, where did the ninth one come from? We're both in the same boat, so I'll tell you directly: the Northern Liang Prince's Estate secretly harbors the young princess who carries the Western Chu's destiny. Do you see that smallest jade seal? It's only four inches square, but it's the genuine Great Qin Yellow Emperor's Yang Seal. As for the Yin Seal, I entered the Great Qin Imperial Mausoleum in Northern Mang, but the person guiding me deliberately concealed things, only showing me the tip of the iceberg of the tomb. I was focused on survival and escape, so I didn't delve deeper. My younger brother, Huang Man'er, is destined never to enter the Heavenly Phenomenon realm in this life. Hong Xixiang eloped with my elder sister, and to repay that favor, he severed the destinies of five states with his sword. Northern Liang outwardly gained nothing, but the destiny was split 70-30, flowing into the destiny pillars of Liyang and Western Chu, respectively."

Ignoring Xuanyuan Qingfeng's wide-eyed astonishment, Xu Fengnian pointed to the Western Chu imperial seal. "Before, it had no luster, no different from ordinary jade. After the cow-riding sword user severed its destiny, it began to shine brilliantly. Although still not comparable to the Liyang replica, its radiance far surpasses the other seven seals. This talisman array steals the destiny of heaven and earth. Cao Changqing is already preparing to restore his kingdom, and he'll likely reclaim the Western Chu seal in a few years. Rather than letting him take it for free, I'd rather sell it to you. Carry it with you for the next two years and slowly absorb its power. When you reach the Heavenly Phenomenon realm, you can use it to resist heavenly tribulations. Although the fortune within an imperial seal is only a tiny fraction of a dynasty's, with you monopolizing it, I don't think you'll end up as the shortest-lived Heavenly Phenomenon master in the world."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng asked softly, "What about your brother, whom my father said could only reach the Zhixuan realm?"

Xu Fengnian twitched his lips and said, "At least you have some conscience. Even without the Great Qin Yang Seal, which is inevitably lost, there are still the other eight. Besides, I will never let my Huang Man'er enter the Heavenly Phenomenon realm in his lifetime. This talisman array is just a precaution. Moreover, Huang Man'er is different from you. Even if this array offered some benefit, for him, it would only treat the symptoms, not the root cause. Ultimately, whether it's your current Zhixuan realm or your future Heavenly Phenomenon realm, they are like child's play in front of Huang Man'er."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng calmly stated, "But I will not stop at the Heavenly Phenomenon realm."

Xu Fengnian smiled dismissively, stepped forward, and extended a hand into the air, gently grasping towards the Western Chu imperial seal.

Like a python drawing water, as the imperial seal was pulled towards Xu Fengnian's hand, ripples, visibly mysterious, appeared in the air.The other eight precious seals trembled incessantly.Only after Xu Fengnian gripped the seal did the air, like water ruffled by wind, gradually calm into a mirror-like stillness.

Xu Fengnian turned and placed the imperial seal into Xuanyuan Qingfeng's hand.Her face changed drastically, her entire palm turning from red to purple.

Xu Fengnian gloated, "Too hot to handle? Don't let go."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng, enduring the heart-piercing agony, retorted angrily, "Why was it perfectly fine in your hand?"

Xu Fengnian mocked himself, "There's no wretch in this world whose destiny is as blank as a fresh sheet of paper as mine. If I, Xu Xiao's eldest legitimate son, had tried to hold this Western Chu imperial seal before intercepting Zhao Kai at Iron Gate Pass, I would probably have had to sever an arm immediately to survive."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng was almost in too much pain to stay conscious, yet she showed no sign of wavering; instead, she gripped the imperial seal even tighter.

Xu Fengnian sighed inwardly, *What an irrational lunatic*. He said aloud, "Half your life is yours, half is mine. Do you agree?"

Xuanyuan Qingfeng stated bluntly, "Yes, but only if I enter the Heavenly Phenomenon realm and survive!"

Xu Fengnian chuckled helplessly, "Would it kill you to take a slight loss?"

Xuanyuan Qingfeng scoffed, a subtle, indescribable hint of amusement in her narrow, autumnal eyes.

Xu Fengnian walked towards the door. "Go downstairs by yourself later."As soon as he stepped out, Xuanyuan Qingfeng simply drifted out.

Xu Fengnian shook his head, closed the door, and after descending the stairs, easily found the White Fox Face staring blankly on the outer corridor.

Xu Fengnian tried to comfort him kindly, "Hey, hey, it's not shameful to be unable to defeat Eunuch Han, the tenth greatest master in the world. It just means you haven't entered the top ten yet."

The White Fox Face, with his embroidered sword hanging at his waist, said nothing and turned to walk back inside.

Xu Fengnian asked, "I'm going to the capital tomorrow, and Eunuch Han will most likely come looking for trouble. Are you interested?"

The White Fox Face stopped. "Are you that afraid of death?"

Xu Fengnian grumbled, "Good intentions misunderstood."

The White Fox Face turned and chuckled, "Don't worry, I won't have my heart obstructed or my cultivation stagnant just because I can't kill Eunuch Han. Like your Northern Liang Iron Cavalry, I walk the sorrowful path of 'supporting war with war.' There will be plenty of great defeats to suffer in the future; as long as I don't die, it's fine."

Xu Fengnian, not giving up, asked again, "Are you really not going to the capital?"

The White Fox Face said teasingly, "What, do you think the capital is full of beauties, and it would be embarrassing if you didn't bring me, the world's most beautiful man?"

Killing aura, killing intent!Xu Fengnian, his wicked intentions exposed, fled downstairs in a panicked and dishevelled state.

The White Fox Face didn't pursue him. Stepping over the threshold of that floor, his mind inexplicably settled. He said wistfully, "I never expected this place to become a home. Where should I die in the future?"

The lingering sunset faded, and dusk deepened.Xu Fengnian unconsciously arrived at the lakeside thatched cottage amidst the reeds. Instead of seeking out Pei Nanwei, who lived alone there, he followed a dirt path leading to Tide-Listening Lake. Perhaps due to her frequent use, it was flat and soft.The autumn reeds, taller than a man, gradually turned frosty white, and the wind carried their fluff like falling snow.A wooden elevated pier, several *zhang* long, extended into the lake. Xu Fengnian took off his shoes and socks, placed them aside, leaned back, lay down, and closed his eyes to rest.

After an unknown amount of time, a soft rustling sound reached his ears.A barefoot woman sat down beside him, hugging her knees.She remained silent for a long time before finally speaking, "Now I'm happy. You're even worse off than I am. Karma."

Xu Fengnian didn't open his eyes, and said softly, "Reeds can be made into ropes to ward off evil, and tender spring reeds can be used for flute membranes. Whether it's for warding off evil or making flute membranes, reeds aren't meant for you to fashion straw dolls to curse me."

Pei Nanwei rested her chin on her knees, the gentle breeze caressing her face. She softly said, "According to the imperial family laws, vassal princes are required to go to the capital to meet the Emperor this year. Are you going? If you are, take me with you. I've never been to Tai'an City in my life, and I want to see it just once. After that, I'll be content to grow old and die here."

Xu Fengnian stood up, broke off a reed, and sat on the edge of the wooden pier. "I'm going to the capital, but I'm not taking you."

Pei Nanwei said blandly, "Fine then, I'll just continue making straw dolls and cursing you to a miserable death."

Xu Fengnian turned his head and said, "Do you believe I can slap you into the water?"

Pei Nanwei shook her head.

Xu Fengnian turned away, ignoring the woman who was always so muddle-headed.

Pei Nanwei sat down beside him, then lightly kicked his instep with her foot. "Will you take me? This is the only unfulfilled wish of my life. I can be your maidservant."

Xu Fengnian firmly stated, "No."

"I'll not only serve you tea and water and call you 'Master,' but also massage your shoulders and back and call you 'Young Master'."

"I'm not interested."

"I'll play chess with you and read to you."

"What's that worth?"

"When you're upset, I'll gladly take whatever you dish out with a smile."

"I'm too tender-hearted for that."

"I'll warm your bed."

"What?"

"Warm your bed!"

"Alright, it's a deal! We'll depart for the capital tomorrow. Remember to bring a few elegant and vibrant clothes to change into, and don't forget your rouge and powder—not too much, just a little will do. And then, when you're warming the bed..."

"I'm not going..."

"Really not going?"

"No. This place is fine."

"And you thought you could contend with me?"

Xu Fengnian chuckled, rose, bent down to place the autumn reed on her lap, and then, picking up his boots and socks, left the reed marsh.