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Chapter 392: There is a Ghost on the Locust Tree

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"Sword in the Snow" on Zongheng, Author: Fenghuo Xizhuhou

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Xuanyuan Qingfeng sat in the carriage with her eyes closed, seemingly indifferent, but her heart was in turmoil. When she opened her eyes and saw the young man with white hair and white python robes slowly settling back into the carriage, she smiled and asked, "You've endured hardships and secretly practiced your blade for so many years, just waiting for this day?"

The carriage moved slowly, but Xu Fengnian completely ignored her. Xuanyuan Qingfeng was accustomed to constantly provoking him; she felt uncomfortable if she didn't needle him. She continued, "The capital dares not lay a hand on the Prince of Beiliang, but even if you establish yourself in Beiliang, won't you be drowned in scorn once you go to Tai'an City? When you face outspoken loyal officials who provoke you, or the children of capital officials who make a name by stepping on you, will you avoid confrontation and just swallow the insults?"

"Also, besides Prince Linlang Zhao Ao, whose fiefdom was stripped after his death without an heir, and your lifelong enemy Chen Zhibao, there are five other princely lords eyeing you covetously. Most of them have grudges against Beiliang. Not to mention that Tai'an City is Han Diaosi's territory. If I stand by then, you'll only have that Celestial Phenomenon-realm yin creature left, and the Human Cat excels at using Finger-Profound to kill Celestial Phenomenon experts. Wouldn't you be walking straight into a trap? Are you truly not afraid of waiting bitterly for twenty years, only to end up never becoming the Prince of Beiliang for even a single day?"

Xu Fengnian remained silent.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng, perhaps having become utterly solitary after her cultivation went awry, had finally found someone she considered an equal. She spoke as voluminously as a married woman, completely unbothered by her one-sided conversation. Carefully applying yellow floral makeup in a mirror, she asked playfully, "Who will you marry as your official consort in the future?"

Xu Fengnian frowned, "Xuanyuan Qingfeng, can't you be quiet for a bit? Or why don't you drive the carriage?"

Half of Xuanyuan Qingfeng's face was angled out of the bronze mirror, her eyes purple, her lips crimson, making her look enchantingly beautiful. She smiled at Xu Fengnian, "Aren't you afraid I'll take you directly to Guniu Ridge?"

Xu Fengnian lifted the curtain. His gaze fell upon a desolate scene of withered plants. It was the time of frost in the northern lands, and insects burrowed into the soil. In the south, cicadas would have long since fallen silent and lotuses faded. For some reason, Xu Fengnian recalled his first journey. Including this trip to the capital, he had traveled far from home four times in total. The first journey seemed the most desolate yet also the most unforgettable. Xuanyuan Qingfeng, her half-face angled across the mirror, her eyes shifting, stared directly at the young man with prematurely graying hair. Xu Fengnian finally spoke, "I'm doing business with you, with clear prices, and I don't mind if you take a bit more advantage. But if you're still not satisfied, and you stand by watching when it's your turn to act, I have plenty of ways to make your life a living hell."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng burst out laughing, "Are you threatening me?"

Xu Fengnian's eyes turned cold. The next moment, a vermilion robe, like a vibrant red peony, instantly slipped into the carriage. Six arms clasped purple garments as a woman and a yin creature swiftly exited the carriage. After a brief moment, Xuanyuan Qingfeng returned to the carriage, her expression grim, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth. For the next ten days, until the beginning of winter, neither of them spoke a word.

Tai'an City, the mighty central hub of the world, was a bustling place. An unassuming carriage pulled up outside its gates, blending into the stream of traffic, barely earning a glance. For some time, this "City of Central Heaven" had been extraordinarily lively. First, the Song family, led by the elder Master Song, suffered a devastating blow; their house crumbled almost overnight. Streets and alleys buzzed with discussions, most people feeling it was unjust for the old master. Was it really such a big deal to leave behind a memorial seeking a place in history? Not only did it lead to his death in anger, but even the second Master Song and the "Little Phoenix" were implicated, swept up entirely by the imperial court. The entire family, young and old, packed up and left the capital. The farewell procession included officials from the Three Departments and Six Ministries, scholars from the Imperial Academy, and numerous imperial relatives with no real power, a grand crowd of two to three thousand people.

After the Song family's downfall, the even grander event was the arrival of the Five Princes in the capital. Prince Jiaodong Zhao Sui was the first to enter, followed closely by Prince Huainan Zhao Ying. Next came Prince Guangling Zhao Yi, Prince Jing'an Zhao Xun, and Prince Yan'chi Zhao Bing. This kept the Imperial Clan Court and high-ranking officials like the Minister and Vice-Minister of Rites, who were also in charge of guest ceremonies, utterly swamped. They likely lost several pounds from the sheer exhaustion.

However, for sheer sensation, nothing compared to Chen Zhibao, the White-Clothed One from Western Shu, who was not a prince but more influential than one. His solitary ride into the city, the first such event to draw crowds from every household since the White-Clothed Monk Li Dangxin years ago, occurred on the day of the Frost's Descent solar term. This "Military Saint," dressed in white and riding a white horse, holding a jar of plum wine, captivated even his old enemies from Beiliang who had only heard of him before. Upon seeing him in person, they were deeply awed by his unparalleled demeanor as a scholar-general. Not to mention, heaven knows how many women on both sides of the main road shrieked in frenzy. Shrewd flower vendors made their money bags bulge, not caring if they recognized the white-clothed man. They simply closed their eyes and spun tall tales, praising him to no end, ensuring they could coax money from young ladies of noble families and wealthy daughters.

As Xu Fengnian lifted the curtain and looked up at the majestic city wall, he said calmly, "I originally didn't want to get off at Regret Pavilion because I was afraid of failing their expectations. Your situation in Huishan is different from mine in Beiliang. Sometimes I vent my frustrations on you, but as a female martial artist determined to reach the peak of martial arts, don't lower yourself to my level—a common person who isn't a master."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng, who had originally intended not to speak another word to him on this trip to the capital, inexplicably whispered, "Why don't you just become emperor? I could pledge my life to you before I even enter the Celestial Phenomenon realm."

Xu Fengnian laughed, "I suddenly thought of a great way for you to get back at me: after you get out of the carriage, start shouting that the Prince of Beiliang is plotting rebellion and aiming for the throne. That would definitely land me in deep trouble."

Before Xuanyuan Qingfeng could reply, Xu Fengnian waved his hand behind him, "Don't take it seriously."

Xu Fengnian said to Qingniao, "Go to Xiamawei Posthouse."

Letting down the curtain, Xuanyuan Qingfeng frowned, "Aren't you going to let the Ministry of Rites officials make a big fuss?"

Xu Fengnian laughed, "Lu Daolin, the Minister of Rites, is connected to my Xu family through marriage. I just need to pay him a visit then."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng laughed, "It really seems that national law is less effective than family rules."

Xu Fengnian said helplessly, "Don't take a mile when given an inch."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng suddenly asked, "Have you not sweet-talked women for many years?"

Xu Fengnian closed his eyes. "I'm too hungry to think about anything."

After presenting their travel documents, the carriage slowly entered Tai'an City's main gate. The magnificent main road, wide enough for ten carriages abreast, led directly to the imperial city, bustling with activity. Xuanyuan Qingfeng lifted the curtain, glanced around for a few moments, then lowered it, saying, "It's nothing special."

Xu Fengnian chuckled softly, "If you read historical records, where a person, an event, or a battle is documented in just a few dozen characters, you'd also think it's nothing special. Only by experiencing it firsthand do you understand the hardships and glories involved. Take me, for instance; if I had died anywhere before, the history books would simply state, 'Xu Fengnian, Prince of Beiliang, was without virtue and talent.' But sitting beside me, on this journey, how many times did you involuntarily feel a murderous intent?"

Xuanyuan Qingfeng glanced at him sarcastically, "Oh, you can lecture now."

Xu Fengnian smiled knowingly, "You're wronging me with that remark. Back when Wen Hua and I were chased and beaten by your family's servants at the Lantern Market, did I say any fewer profound words? I nearly wore out my tongue, but I still couldn't avoid a good thrashing."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng's lips curled slightly.

Tai'an City was truly vast. From Tai'an City's main gate to Xiamawei Posthouse, they hadn't even traversed half the city, yet it felt as if they had walked back and forth across any Beiliang prefectural city several times.

Tong Ziliang, the Postmaster of Xiamawei Posthouse, hadn't had a good night's sleep for the past five days, fearing he would miss the arrival of His Highness, the Prince. He was an old Beiliang veteran, not quite a soldier or a general before retiring from the army. As the person in charge of the posthouse, he thrived, settling down in the capital where land was precious. He was even more prosperous than many capital officials who spent their entire lives in office without being able to afford a mansion. He had acquired a small house in the southwest corner, and his grandson had been studying for several years. Postmaster Tong hoped his little one would achieve something in the imperial examinations in the future, and had no greater wish beyond that. The only regret he had was that the posthouse staff constantly changed, with new people replacing old. As of today, he was the only old veteran from the Beiliang army; no one else could be considered a soldier under the Great General. Previously, he could always drink with his old comrades at the posthouse, but now, he couldn't find anyone to share a drink with.

Tong Ziliang stood under the old Dragon's Claw Sophora tree outside the posthouse, eagerly looking out. His subordinates all ridiculed him for being overly sentimental, saying that even if the notoriously infamous Prince of Beiliang entered the capital, he would surely stay in a grand mansion specially arranged by the Ministry of Rites, or at the very least, a place with no shortage of beautiful women, fine wine, and delicious food. Why would he be willing to stay in a posthouse? But Postmaster Tong offered no further explanations; he just stood there. That was how he had waited time and again for the Prince of Beiliang to return victorious, for the Beiliang generals to come back in glory. The only time he waited in vain was during the Battle of West Leibei, when General Feng and Ma Ling, along with twelve other generals, went outside the imperial palace. General Feng never returned to the posthouse, and none of those retired Beiliang generals returned to their respective homes; they all died.

The carriage stopped.

A young man, handsome but with white hair, stepped down and walked towards Tong Ziliang, smiling warmly, "Postmaster Tong, you've worked hard."

Tong Ziliang, taken aback, asked, "Your Highness, the Prince?"

No sooner had he spoken than Tong Ziliang wanted to slap himself. Observing the unfamiliar yet distinguished white satin python robes on the man before him, who else could it be but the Prince? What other imperial relative would be willing to seek discomfort at Xiamawei? Tong Ziliang knelt on both knees, his eyes slightly stinging, and said in a deep voice, "Tong Ziliang of Xiamawei pays respects to Your Highness, the Prince!"

Xu Fengnian helped him up, laughing, "Xu Xiao asked me to send a message to Postmaster Tong: 'Be careful with your unmarried young daughter; don't let Xu Fengnian meet her, lest she be corrupted.'"

After a moment of surprise upon standing, Tong Ziliang couldn't help but chuckle, though it was a struggle to contain his amusement.

Xu Fengnian walked with him towards the posthouse entrance and said, "I'll be staying here for a while. I'll come and go just as Xu Xiao used to; no special arrangements are needed."

Tong Ziliang nodded, "I will certainly follow Your Highness's instructions."

From behind, young Wu quietly said, "Postmaster, remember to provide extra food."

Tong Ziliang burst out laughing, "Don't worry about that! There'll be plenty of food, wine, and meat for everyone."

Behind them, Qingniao in green and Xuanyuan Qingfeng in purple were quite conspicuous.

Xu Fengnian suddenly turned and saw a middle-aged scholar in the distance, wearing a Pure Yang turban. Behind him, a clever-looking boy carried an ebony sword box on his back. Xu Fengnian first sent Wu with Tong Ziliang into the posthouse to eat, then walked towards the Vice-Minister of War, who had become a sensation in the capital in just two years, and smiled, "Greetings, Sword Immortal Tangxi."

The Vice-Minister of War was Lu Baijie of the Lu family.

Sword Immortal Tangxi chuckled, "Fortunately, this time Your Highness didn't ask this 'corrupt scholar' how many pounds of benevolence and righteousness I'm selling. Nowadays, serving as an official in the capital and being called 'Vice-Minister' so often, I've almost forgotten I'm a swordsman. That's why I specially had my pageboy carry my sword here, originally intending to spar with you in swordsmanship, regardless of my seniority, but I didn't expect to just humiliate myself."

Xu Fengnian flattered him, "Vice-Minister Lu truly has unique insight."

Lu Baijie shook his head helplessly, "Becoming a master also makes one thick-skinned."

Xu Fengnian accepted these remarks with a smile and asked, "Shall we go inside and sit for a while?"

Lu Baijie nodded, "I wanted to ask you about the Way of the Sword anyway."

Xu Fengnian said, somewhat embarrassed, "Uncle Lu, aren't you afraid of asking a blind man for directions?"

Lu Baijie replied calmly, "Leaving aside Li Chungang's personal teaching of 'Green Snake in Two Sleeves' and Deng Taia's gift of twelve swords, even if I, Lu Baijie, am still a frog in a well, I at least know that even if Fifth Lie stood there and let me stab him a few times, I might not be able to kill him."

Xu Fengnian remained silent.

Lu Baijie teased, "Don't worry, no one in the capital believes you actually killed the Mountain Lord of Tibing Mountain. They all say it was done by the Prince of Beiliang's personal guards, and it has nothing to do with you."

Just as Xu Fengnian was about to speak, the pageboy carrying the sword cried out in alarm, "Sir, there's a ghost in the sophora tree!"

Lu Baijie turned and tapped him on the forehead.

A large red robe hung from the dense branches of the old Dragon's Claw Sophora tree.

Lu Baijie didn't even glance at it, softly asking, "Finger-Profound?"

Xu Fengnian shook his head, "It's already at the Celestial Phenomenon realm."

Lu Baijie chuckled, "I truly deserve to be called a frog in a well."

Xu Fengnian suppressed a smile. Lu Baijie was musing, but after seeing the woman in purple from Huishan, he sighed deeply. Even with the Sword Immortal Tangxi's usually unruffled composure, he couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. He bluntly self-mocked, "In official circles, all around me are old men with white beards. Only after seeing you today do I realize that small triumphs in officialdom mean great setbacks in martial arts. I would have never come if I had known."

It was late autumn, and the air in the capital was crisp and clear. Seeing the number of people, Postmaster Tong Ziliang simply moved the table to the courtyard. He personally handled everything, not allowing anyone from the posthouse to get close to Prince Xu Fengnian.

The old sophora tree in the courtyard and the Dragon's Claw Sophora outside the gate were originally a pair.

At a table under the tree sat the people for the ceremony in the capital: Xu Fengnian, Vice-Minister of War Lu Baijie, Xuanyuan Qingfeng from Huishan, Qingniao, the young loyal guard Wu, and the pageboy carrying the sword.

And one more.

The pageboy, his face pale, pointed at the eerie old sophora tree and said, utterly wronged, "Sir, look! I wasn't lying to you; there really is a female ghost in the tree!"

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