Chapter 389: Six Princes Enter the Capital

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*Sword Snow Stride* on Zongheng, Author: Fenghuo Xizhuhou

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***

**He Xinliang**

By Fenghuo Xizhuhou

A carriage slowly drove out of the west gate of Zhoucheng. The coachman was a dark-skinned, sturdy young man. Beside him sat a woman in green, teaching him how to drive the horses. Fortunately, the horses were fine steeds chosen from well-trained ones; otherwise, they would have veered and crashed into many pedestrians before even leaving the city. Inside the carriage were only a man and a woman, both young. The woman, dressed in purple, exuded a chilling aura. The young man, with white hair and wearing a white python robe, seemed to effortlessly dominate her presence, whether due to his status or something else. This python robe, unique in the entire Liyang Dynasty, looked like a luxurious white silk robe from a distance, but upon closer inspection, it was exquisitely crafted. Nine pythons appeared to spit pearls, lifelike and almost ready to leap out.

Xu Fengnian set off for Tai'an City simply. This trip was better than his first journey but much more modest compared to his second, when he was escorted by a hundred cavalrymen. Princess Consort Jing'an, Pei Nanwei, ultimately lacked the composure to accompany him. Trapped like a bird in a cage, she couldn't visit the capital; she would probably need to make several straw effigies to vent her anger. Fortunately, the vast, quiet reed marsh, a peaceful haven amidst the bustle, never lacked reeds year-round. This was Xu Fengnian's first trip to the capital. He brought two famous inkstones; the Hundred and Eight Cities inkstone had already been given to Chen Xiliang and was therefore not among them. One of the inkstones was unique to Liangzhou, a "Frozen Iron Inkstone" salvaged from the depths of the great river. It was said to sharpen brushes as sharply as an awl, reflecting the robust character of Beiliang's people and region—even the stones produced there were remarkably hard. The other inkstone was a "She Eel-Yellow Stone Ruyi Bottle-Pond Inkstone," a thoughtful gift from Xuanyuan Qingfeng, a specialty near Huishan. Hui inkstones and Southern Tang Zhou inkstones competed for the title of the world's best, with the humorous saying that Hui inkstones were like scholars, while Zhou inkstones resembled beautiful women.

Seizing the opportunity, Xu Fengnian, appearing shrewd and pragmatic, said, "You live close to the source of Hui inkstones. Send me some later; the more, the better. Beiliang scholars appreciate them, as Hui inkstones are like scholars themselves, and they're willing to spend a fortune on them. Besides salt and iron, we have no other means of profit in Beiliang. If you send those secret manuals, I can't exactly set up a stall shouting about thousands of silver taels per book. Selling famous inkstones is much simpler and more refined. Besides, it's a growing trend for Beiliang's civil officials to expand, so if you send antique inkstones, they can be re-gifted. I'll save Xu Xiao every bit of silver I can."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng sneered, "Are you still the same Crown Prince who spent money like water in brothels? I heard you even chased after wandering heroes to give them silver."

Xu Fengnian smiled candidly, "You don't know the cost of living until you manage a household. Besides, back then, I acted like a complete scoundrel. Many things don't go as you wish, and it's not just you martial artists who are forced to act against your will."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng stared at him for a long time.

Xu Fengnian ignored her gaze and continued, "During this time, think about any unconventional ways to bring a steady stream of wealth to Beiliang. The biggest wealth devourer in the world is the military. Beiliang's 300,000 iron cavalry have managed to maintain their numbers and combat strength for so many years, which seems like a huge miracle to outsiders. But I won't bore you with the hardships involved; a pampered young lady like you, who used to casually use bags of gold pearls to shoot birds, wouldn't understand."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng sneered, "I manage Huishan; isn't that also difficult to manage?"

Xu Fengnian's words were sharp and sarcastic: "Anyway, you only care about raising your cultivation level and don't care about the fate of the Xuanyuan family. Is your method of managing the household—draining the pond to catch all the fish—really 'managing'? You wasteful woman, you might as well just break the jar and be done with it."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng's anger was barely concealed. Xu Fengnian waved his hand and said, "It's pointless arguing with me. Think more about serious matters. I'm not joking about generating wealth."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng sneered but remained silent.

After a moment, Xu Fengnian frowned deeply and asked, "Did you just fart?"

Xuanyuan Qingfeng erupted in fury, her murderous intent overflowing and filling the carriage.

Xu Fengnian burst out laughing, "I was just teasing you, it's a lot of fun."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng reined in her killing intent and said stiffly, "I should have killed you at the Lantern Festival back then and been done with it!"

Xu Fengnian rested his cheek on one hand, gazing at the woman he had come to know through conflict, his smile captivating.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng turned her head away and entered a quiet meditative state. Her unconventional martial path seemed like a shortcut, but in reality, it was a complex one. Her memory was no less impressive than Xu Fengnian's; she had browsed countless books in the Gu Niu Da Gang library since childhood, and Xuanyuan Jingcheng, who had reached sainthood even earlier than Cao Changqing, had left behind detailed insights. Opportunities, after all, are unique to each individual. This was true for Wen Hua, the wooden sword user, who encountered Huang Sanjia, and for Yuan Tingshan, who grew stronger with each setback. It was no different for all the long-established peak cultivators.

Xu Fengnian suddenly said, "If you ever happen to fall for a suitable man, remember to invite me to your wedding feast."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng sneered, "Say one more word, and I'll pull out your 'thingamajig,' making you perfectly suited to be a eunuch in the palace."

Xu Fengnian rolled his eyes and said, "With your personality, you'll never get married in this lifetime."

***

A thousand elite iron cavalrymen rode majestically north from the dynasty's southern border.

In the middle of the cavalry, there was a carriage so luxurious that every inch was worth a fortune. Inside, purple smoke curled from an incense burner. A refined middle-aged man, whose hair was adorned with a red sandalwood flower hairpin, was gently fanning the refreshing scent of ambergris, watching the smoke swirl around his hand with endless delight. Occasionally, he would gesture in the air as if writing, muttering to himself. Logically, with a thousand imperial cavalrymen guarding the carriage, this man, with his grand and exclusive use of the carriage, could be no one other than Prince Yan'an, Zhao Bing.

Hearing someone on horseback knock on the outer carriage wall, knocking more than ten times, the handsome man, who resembled a scholar, lazily lifted the curtain. Outside, a sturdy man in plain clothes, on horseback, smiled and asked, "Nalan, aren't you really going to come out and try riding a horse?"

Seeing "Prince Yan'an" about to lower the curtain, the rough-looking rider helplessly said, "Alright, alright, calling you Youci is fine, isn't it? You really should exercise more; it's always good for you."

The scholar smiled faintly, "There are numerous methods of preserving health—hundreds, in fact, including breath control, medicinal elixirs, careful timing, and moderation of desires. But cultivating virtue is the most important."

The rider felt a headache coming on. "I'm tired of your nonsense. You sit in your carriage, I'll ride my horse. We'll keep to ourselves."

The scholar chuckled, "Come in and sit for a while. I happen to be in the mood to recite the 'Yinfu Jing' for you."

The rider feigned anger, "Are *you* Prince Yan'an, or am *I* Prince Yan'an?"

The scholar's faint smile remained, "Two or three out of ten things in the world are unexpected. People only see what's in front of them and relax when there's no immediate trouble. If you get in the carriage, I can tell you about the two or three unexpected events on this trip to the capital."

The rider snorted, "This time, I won't let you have your way."

The gentle man, whom he called Nalan and then Youci, smiled and lowered the curtain. The rider sighed heavily, then obediently dismounted and boarded the carriage.

The rider was Prince Yan'an, Zhao Bing!The scholar was the dynasty's renowned and unparalleled strategist, Nalan Youci.

***

Prince Guangling, Zhao Yi, brought 800 Beikui Iron Cavalry on his journey north to the capital.

Before his departure, he specifically went to bid farewell to Grand Administrator Sun Xiji, but was met with a resounding rejection.

This cavalry contingent had over a dozen carriages. The two largest, without a doubt, belonged to Prince Zhao Yi and his heir, Zhao Piao, whose combined weight was about 700 jin.

The post road, already cleared of pedestrians, was wide and quiet. As the carriages rode side by side, Prince Zhao Piao, as portly as a pig, pulled back his curtain and called out, "Father, isn't that old Sun too arrogant? He didn't even show you any respect! Is he trying to rebel?"

Inside the carriage, Prince Guangling was like a small mountain. Two beautiful maids had to sit on his thighs. Zhao Yi shot a glance at one of the beauties, who then seductively lifted the curtain. Only then did Zhao Yi lazily say, "Piao'er, your words are auspicious. It would be great if the old Grand Tutor rebelled."

The chief strategist of Chunxue Tower, who had shifty, ferret-like eyes, furtively darted his gaze around.

Beside them, the current famous general Lu Shengxiang rode a red horse, appearing magnificent and heroic.

The two presented a stark contrast.

The goat-bearded strategist shifted his aching backside and rode closer to Lu Shengxiang, who, upon entering the capital, would become the ninth Grand General. He quietly asked, "What if Sun Xiji truly colludes with Cao Changqing and is determined to restore the kingdom? And then Beiliang launches a coordinated attack from both inside and out? Not to mention that Grand General Gu on the northern front would certainly be too busy to deal with it, and the troops in the capital region wouldn't dare to easily move south for support. Our Prince Yan'an to the south would be happy to watch the tigers fight from the mountain. The remnants of Western Chu who harbor rebellious thoughts are like wildfires that can't be put out, always returning with the spring breeze. If our Guangling Road loses you, General Lu, it would truly be like a leaky house encountering continuous night rain."

The Liyang Dynasty had conferred the title of Grand General upon a total of eight military commanders. Beiliang had Prince Xu Xiao and Protector-General Chen Zhibao. At court, there was Gu Jiantang, Minister of War, and the old General Gongsun Yongle, who had for a lifetime held the strategic passes of Liangliao. The remaining four were also distinguished old generals who had achieved brilliant military feats during the Spring and Autumn periods. However, most of these four had retired from military service, with only one having transitioned to the seemingly unrelated Ministry of Revenue. Lu Shengxiang was about to leave the corner of Guangling Road to be promoted to Vice Minister of War, ranking alongside the Tangxi Sword Immortal of the Lu family from Jiangnan Road. During the Spring and Autumn period, when eight states were destroyed, many spectacular battles occurred, such as the desperate fight at Concubine's Tomb, the arduous struggle at West Leibei, the ten-year siege of Xiangfan City, and Grand General Gu Jiantang's gradual annexation of Xiongzhou. However, the two most agile "blitz" campaigns, lauded by strategists, were Chu Lushan's conquest of Shu and Lu Shengxiang's thousand cavalry breaking through Dongyue on a snowy night. As one of the few renowned generals of his time, Lu Shengxiang's journey to the capital to join the Ministry of War, where Gu Jiantang was gradually stepping down, was undoubtedly far more justified than Lu Baijie's appointment, who had no achievements.

Lu Shengxiang sneered, "If Sun Xiji dares to rebel, I'll personally kill him."

The goat-bearded strategist, renowned as the Master of Chunxue Tower, chuckled.

***

Prince Jiaodong, Zhao Sui, led 500 escorts south. He was also the only Prince to travel "south" to meet the Emperor.

Zhao Sui sat grim-faced in a simple carriage, full of worry.

His heir, Zhao Yi, blended into the cavalry, appearing identical to an ordinary trooper.

Due to his early friendship with Xu Xiao, he had suffered greatly over the years. Back then, he was ensnared in a meticulously planned trap in the capital, resulting in over thirty of his elite direct subordinates being either demoted or exiled. This shook morale and severely damaged his strength, a wound that had not yet healed.

Zhao Sui put down a military treatise he was holding and said with a bitter smile, "That Crippled Xu certainly wouldn't be willing to come. I wonder if that notorious nephew has the courage."

***

Three hundred cavalry departed from Xiangfan City.

Mirroring the relationship between Prince Yan'an and Nalan Youci, the one traveling in the carriage was not Prince Jing'an, Zhao Xun, but rather his blind strategist.

Zhao Xun felt invigorated.

With Lu Xu's strategy, the Song family, who were poised to dominate the literary world for three generations, indeed crumbled like paper tigers with a gentle push. Old Master Song even vomited blood and died of rage on his sickbed.

***

Prince Huainan, Zhao Ying, widely considered the most cowardly in the dynasty, traveled east to the capital with only a few dozen cavalrymen.

Inside his carriage, he was completely drunk. Judging by the many wine jars at his feet, he was likely in a drunken stupor far more often than he was sober during the journey.

As he slept soundly, a lone rider, unnoticed by him, passed by his meager cavalry contingent.

It was Plum Wine in White Robe from Western Shu.

***

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First!Front row. Quiet summer, OP is acting shamelessly again, dropping his pants and relieving himself wherever he pleases. I can pretend not to see it, or I can take a photo as a souvenir, capturing that constipated, twisted face.Me too.

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