Chapter 489: The Scholar's Spirit, The Teacher's Back

Playing with Beacon Fires for the Nobles

Upon dismounting from the carriage, Xu Fengnian was unexpectedly met with sudden tragic news. Fortunately, the eldest grandson of the Lu family, his future father-in-law, was not a rigid, pedantic scholar. He quickly hoisted his elder ancestor onto his back and led them stealthily into the manor through a side gate. The Lu family's threshold was indeed much higher than that of ordinary official residences, and the ground inside the manor was also significantly elevated above the outside alleyways. They bypassed the specially granted first-grade glazed screen wall, avoiding the central path and choosing one of the six western side paths. In a prominent family, strict rules dictated every aspect. The eaves of the side paths were several inches lower, and their gates and ground were a full three feet lower than the central path, usually reserved for servants and laborers. Consequently, many direct descendants of powerful families would never once traverse a side path in their entire lives, from youth to old age. Since Xu Xiao and his entourage from Beiliang were expected tonight, a curfew had been imposed on the servants after dark, and even their night watch duties were suspended. However, there were many branch family members and private advisors within the manor who might not strictly adhere to the rules. Xiangfan City was notorious for its abundant pleasure quarters. After Li Baishi, known for her beauty and talent, left Qingzhou, the city's courtesans, now leaderless, competed fiercely for the title of courtesan queen, constantly devising new and extravagant displays. Xiangfan City was almost perpetually filled with revelry. Fortunately, the Lu and Wen families, two major clans, were located near the end of Yangfang Alley. Many famous scholars and profligates who disregarded public opinion would enter their respective manors from the other end of the alley, which reeked of the perfumed air of the red-light district. Years ago, when the old Minister Wen Taiyi, who held power over the promotion and demotion of officials nationwide, returned home to visit his family graves, he cursed the place as a "foul mess," which brought temporary peace to Yangfang Alley. But when Minister Wen returned to the capital, his ignorant great-grandson, not yet crowned, was the first to bring two courtesan queens home, and the alley immediately reverted to its old ways, spiraling out of control. Xu Fengnian followed behind Lu Dongjiang. Although the Lord Governor lived a life of ease, being a scholar-official was physically demanding. Banquets, refined discussions, composing poems from high vantage points—none of it was easy, and the Lu mansion's courtyards were deep.

Lu Dongjiang walked quickly, disoriented and distraught, stumbling and falling to the ground. Xu Fengnian picked up the lantern and followed, not offering to help immediately. Lu Dongjiang was bruised and tearfully pressed to the ground, unable to get up. A person living in the world needs a certain spirit to sustain them. Once that spirit drains, everything collapses. Earlier, on the steps outside the manor, Grand Tutor Lu Feichi had forced himself to maintain that spirit to not lose face before Xu Xiao. Though his life force was like an oil lamp running dry, he might have lingered for another year or two, but like oil boiling away, it quickly vanished. Xu Xiao saw the scholar, whose head had firmly struck the ground, and sighed. Xu Fengnian knelt down, placed the bamboo lantern into Lu Dongjiang's hand, and then carried the old man's remains on his back. Lu Dongjiang sat on the ground, pale-faced, wiped away his tears, stood up, hesitated, but finally said nothing, continuing silently.

Lu Dongjiang softly said, "The elder ancestor is gone."

Lu Chengyan, standing at the side pavilion's entrance, saw this scene, covered her mouth, and dared not cry aloud.

Lu Dongjiang, in front of Xu Xiao and Xu Fengnian, still tried his best to maintain the composure of a family scion. But prompted by his daughter's mournful demeanor, his lips trembled, and he placed a hand on the courtyard wall.

It was Lu Chengyan, who had just received the news, who first suppressed her sobs and gently comforted him, "Father, the elder ancestor lived a full life and died peacefully. Just a few days ago, he told Yan'er that he knew his time was short. If the elder ancestor's spirit in heaven saw us so dejected, he wouldn't rest easy."

Lu Dongjiang nodded, wiping his face repeatedly with his sleeve, unable to turn his head to face anyone for a long time.

Xu Xiao calmly said, "Grand Secretary Lu lived a life without regret. To attain such a high position and then retire completely is a blessing that few in the entire court possess. I've always had reservations about those Grand Secretaries of the previous dynasty; after being appointed a general and bestowed a princely title, I would always make a few sarcastic remarks whenever I met them. Only towards Grand Secretary Lu have I harbored no resentment."

Lu Chengyan, managing to force a smile, invited everyone into the courtyard. Hearing Xu Xiao's words, Lu Dongjiang secretly wept again, lowering his head to look at the lantern, feeling somewhat lost. He had thought that with his grandfather's invaluable guidance, he had already become a different man from the Governor of Taixi County he was before today. With his grandfather's passing, he instantly reverted to his old self for the most part. From Beiliang, besides the Xu father and son, there was Yuan Zuozong, a renowned cavalry general from the Spring and Autumn period, whom Lu Chengyan was familiar with, as well as Han Laozhan and Xu Yanbing, two personal attendants of the King of Beiliang. But there was one person who made Lu Chengyan's pupils contract slightly. She recognized that young woman—Wang Dongxiang of Laoshan, whose father, Wang Linquan, was once a vanguard of the Grand General!

Chapter 490.

Yuan Zuozong calmly said, "That's why Lu Chengyan must secretly withhold the news of the death, telling everyone, both inside and outside the family, that the Lu family's elder ancestor is merely unwell. This woman is not simple."

Xu Fengnian smiled wryly, "Seeing how she settled Wang Yatou with just a few words, she already has the faint demeanor of a chief wife. And back then, in Wutongyuan, she was adept at handling everyone. I knew then that this woman was quite extraordinary. I wonder who will be able to control her in the future."

Yuan Zuozong nodded seriously, "The choice for the official consort should indeed be settled as early as possible."

Xu Fengnian cupped his hands, exhaled a puff of mist, and squinted, smiling, "I had another talk with Xu Xiao before heading to Beimang. Back then, I naively thought that even marrying Yan Wenluan's granddaughter, pinching my nose, wouldn't be out of the question. Now I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. She's carved from the same mold as her father, even more rugged than a strong man, and that's not even the worst part; her temper is terrible. Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine."

Yuan Zuozong smiled slightly.

Xu Fengnian slowly walked along the alley. "I heard that Yuan Tingshan, Gu Da Zhu Guo's adopted son, used the Nanhua Blade, the foremost of the Talisman Blades, to brutalize a Vajra Realm master in the Northern Lands. Tuoba Chunshun of Beimang also killed a Finger-Profound realm master using the Vajra Realm. The tables are turning. If we met them now, wouldn't we be chased down ten streets?"

Yuan Zuozong said, "Your Highness, Gu Jiantang became Minister of War because of his blade techniques. But precisely because of his dedication to blade practice, he can no longer advance further in the court. This man is too arrogant at his core. As a general leading troops, he is almost invincible in battle, but as an official, he is merely passable. The problem is that even if Gu Jiantang knows where he falls short compared to his godfather, his character prevents him from changing. If he changed, it would harm his cultivation and realm."

Xu Fengnian turned and smiled, "Second Brother Yuan, is this a reminder that I can't have both bear paws and shark fin? If I want to be a good King of Beiliang, I shouldn't be too obsessed with martial arts?"

Yuan Zuozong nodded solemnly.

Xu Fengnian fell silent. As they were about to turn out of Yongzi Alley, he suddenly said, "Second Brother Yuan, you probably know my stubbornness. Many times, I can't be swayed. In the future, if I walk down the wrong path and no one is willing to tell me, please remember to remind me. If words don't work, even beat me awake."

Yuan Zuozong still meticulously replied, "Difficult. In the future, Your Highness will be the King of Beiliang. Even if Yuan Zuozong dared to commit insubordination, I would fear that in a fit of anger, Your Highness would not allow Yuan Zuozong to mount a horse and kill enemies. That is truly a frustrating thought."

"Second Brother Yuan, when you tell jokes in the future, can you please not be so serious?"

"Difficult."

"Second Brother Yuan, I am very helpless right now."

The two walked out of the alley, and their view suddenly opened up. Many peddlers with shoulder poles were selling food along the street. No profit, no early rising—emperors, generals, hawkers, and porters, are all the same in this regard.

Xu Fengnian gazed at the gradually bustling street and softly said, "Actually, Lu Dongjiang and Lu Chengyan also understand that if not for the appearance of Xu Xiao, the King of Beiliang, who was once a lowly captain humbly obeying under the eyes of the Grand Secretaries, and who now wields far greater power than the Lu family, the Lu family's elder ancestor wouldn't have exhausted his remaining vitality so quickly and died so abruptly. To say the Xu family forced Lu Feichi to his death, holding us accountable for this, would not be unfair. I just fear this resentment. Lu Chengyan might be able to conceal it, but Lu Dongjiang might not truly be able to swallow it. Even an upright official finds it difficult to mediate family disputes. If there truly comes a time when he must act righteously against his own kin, he will likely be caught between a rock and a hard place."

Yuan Zuozong smiled, "In the future, for this villainous role, it's no big deal for Chu Lushuan, who is already infamous, to do it. The Lu family certainly won't be convinced. How about letting Yuan Zuozong do it? Then they'll have to obediently submit."

Xu Fengnian shook his head.

Xu Fengnian rubbed his cheeks. "Huang Longshi, Xun Ping, my master, Yuan Benxi, Nalan Youci, Zhang Julu, plus Lu Feichi, who died yesterday—all once brought glory to scholars across the land. Second Brother Yuan, you're probably not included in this group. As for me, Lu Xu from Yongzi Alley, the poor scholar Chen Xiliang, and the aristocratic Xu Beizhi—all of us, whether we hold grudges or not, can only watch as the backs of these esteemed gentlemen gradually recede into the distance. I wonder if there will be younger scholars in the future who will look upon our backs?"

Yuan Zuozong rarely showed sentimental emotions openly, but this time, he let out an unconcealed sigh, "You say Chu Lushuan is clever, but his flattery towards Your Highness, even a blind man would find sickening just by listening. How clever can such a person be? Yet, to say Chu Lushuan is stupid, he possesses the talent to compose eight-fold rhymes, with poems and songs that are effortlessly natural. As for talent in generalship and commanding troops, only Chen Zhibao can surpass Chu Lushuan. I used to be extremely repulsed by Chu Lushuan, feeling he lacked humanity. Nowadays, I'm slightly better, but I'm sure I'll never confide in him in this life. However, Yuan Zuozong believes such a person can also be called a 'master.' I don't understand what either he or Chen Zhibao truly desires."

Yuan Zuozong seemed to hesitate, about to speak, but Xu Fengnian had already dashed off to buy a steamer of buns from a peddler. Yuan Zuozong smiled; it was good, as saying a flattering word was truly unaccustomed for him.

Yuan Zuozong had wanted to say that although His Highness might not become a "master," one day, his back will be the front of the Central Plains.

All common folk would look north.

Weize County in Ningzhou was a superior county, allowed to have two county lieutenants according to Liyang law. Weize County was remote, with fierce and unruly local customs. Whenever there was the slightest unrest in the world, vagrants would scatter, hiding in mountains and forests. Liyang placed great importance on horse administration, implementing it for many years in regions like Lianghuai. Ningzhou's pastures were barren, far inferior to other places, and originally unsuitable for horse breeding. However, Ningzhou, as one of Liyang's thirteen "old provinces," was chosen among the lesser ones to be part of the horse administration system. During the Spring and Autumn period, almost the entire province raised horses, contributing greatly to the Zhao imperial family. Most provincial governors were promoted to official positions in the capital, but Ningzhou's populace suffered greatly, leaving behind a dilapidated mess. For capital officials assigned to outside posts, other regions offered desirable assignments, but Ningzhou was regarded as a fearsome posting. Even today, thousands of "horse bandits," former horse breeders, roam Ningzhou. The problem of horse banditry was the most severe in the court. Two years ago, a prefect, on his way to assume office, had his head cut off and his gold, silver, and valuables stolen by dozens of horse bandits on the winding Sheep's Gut Pass, a vital north-south thoroughfare. His official robes and seals were scattered on the ground, shaking the court and the public. Emperor Zhao was furious and dispatched a military official with imperial clan status, leading eight hundred elite soldiers, to enter the province and suppress the bandits. They achieved continuous victories, reporting over a hundred beheadings. However, they were later impeached by censors, and the court discovered that the bandits were cunning; this official had simply been unable to find any trace of the bandits. He colluded with local officials, using condemned prisoners as substitutes, including sixteen innocent commoners. The official was immediately executed, and the two captains along with all eight hundred elite soldiers were exiled to Liaodong. The saying "Rather be a minor official in another province than a high official in Ningzhou" illustrates the difficulty of governing Ningzhou. For scholars serving as officials, there were many rules and unspoken customs. Being a county magistrate was acceptable; though the rank was low, it was a practical official position, a local leader with prospects for promotion. But serving as a county lieutenant, responsible for arrests and judicial matters, was a joke. As for going to Wuzhe County, near Sheep's Gut Pass in Ningzhou, to be a county lieutenant, that was truly a tragedy that brought joy to enemies and pain to loved ones. One of Wuzhe County's two county lieutenant positions had long been vacant. The old county lieutenant, Yan Huasheng, was from a neighboring county and loved alcohol more than life itself. He was quite skilled at flattering the magistrate and chief secretary, drinking and carousing with them, and ingratiating himself with the county governor. But asking him to suppress bandits would be asking for his life. Yan Huasheng's annual performance reviews at the county and provincial levels were consistently dismal, yet he held onto his county lieutenant position firmly. In Yan Xianwei's honest words, anyone willing to take over this "crappy minor official" post in Wuzhe County would instantly have his official hat placed on their head, along with a thumbs-up and praise for being a "true hero." However, at the end of this year, Yan Xianwei didn't lose his post. Instead, a young stranger named Song arrived, becoming his colleague of the same rank, status, and salary. He brought only a shabby horse, a book boy, and a box of scriptures, just like that, he entered the Wuzhe County Yamen. Yan Huasheng discussed it with the magistrate and chief secretary, their two "parent officials." They concluded this young man didn't seem to have inherited his post through family connections. If he had a background, who would willingly suffer in a desolate place like Wuzhe County? Nor should he be from the capital or have passed the imperial examinations, as customary, capital officials appointed to outer posts were usually promoted by at least half a rank or a full rank; otherwise, it was tantamount to demotion or exile. After much deliberation, the three old official hands concluded that he was most likely a poor scholar who had risen through his poetic talent, because the young man named Song wrote exceptionally well, in the "official Song script" popularized by the Liyang court's "Two Masters in One Family" tradition. Even illiterates would find it pleasing. Moreover, he was fair-skinned, with skin so delicate it seemed one could pinch water from it. Yan Xianwei didn't believe this kid could establish himself in Wuzhe County, so he didn't bother to try to push him out. He simply chose to ignore him, confident that if he couldn't endure the hardship, he would pack his bags and leave on his own.

However, Yan Xianwei soon began to complain bitterly. This fellow named Song actually became quite addicted to being a county lieutenant. As soon as he arrived at the Yamen, he started pulling out piles of dusty geographical maps and records, heavier than books themselves. And every few days, he would question Yan Huasheng about the distribution of horse bandits in Wuzhe County. If it weren't for the fact that this young man was quite good at handling people, always seeking advice humbly and giving due respect, and never forgetting to bring a pot of excellent apricot blossom wine, the hot-tempered Yan Huasheng would have long ago glared at him and cursed him. After winter set in, even small places had their own poor customs. Yan Xianwei and the local gentry and wealthy merchants in Wuzhe mostly wore fox fur robes, mink outer jackets, and mink hats. A gathering of the county's wealthy here was a last resort because, apart from Wuzhe county town, there was no other safe place. Outsiders visiting for the first time often mistakenly believed it was a time of great peace and prosperity. The Yamen's grievance drum had long been broken beyond repair; even if someone wanted to beat it, they couldn't find a drumstick, nor would it make a sound. Inside the main hall, according to regulations, two treasuries were built: the East Granary for money and grain, and the West Armory for military supplies. The weapons in the armory were rusty; the few spears that weren't rusted were due to being used by the soldiers of the Yamen's military and judicial offices. They would conveniently carry them when they saw stray dogs in the street, knock them out, drag them back to the Yamen to eat dog meat, and then pool money to buy a few pots of wine. The entire Yamen would smell of it. The various lords naturally looked down on such common food, but the young lord, nicknamed "Little Song County Lieutenant," once followed the aroma and found a group of dumbfounded "shrimp soldiers and crab generals." He then calmly sat down, didn't stand on ceremony, and ate and drank with his subordinates. Afterwards, he left a bag of copper coins, saying that next time there was dog meat, he would pay for the wine. This made the assorted clerks grin. This Little Song County Lieutenant was sensible! Whether he was an upright official or not, they didn't care to ponder. But he would definitely be an easy-to-deal-with good official!

The county magistrate and chief secretary, who resided in the Yamen's rear quarters, had actually been observing coldly. After ten days, seeing that the new county lieutenant had no intention of touching the money and grain, nor did he intend to stir up trouble like "a new official setting three fires," and had not turned the county town—rife with profligate young masters—into a chaotic mess, the two "parent officials" relaxed. They began to feel some kinship with this new colleague who had been unluckily transferred to Wuzhe. Although still somewhat reserved and arrogant, at least they offered a smile and exchanged a few pleasantries when they met. The Yamen's rear hall originally had the county lieutenant's residence, a house and courtyard of considerable size, but it had long been occupied by the magistrate's brother-in-law, who stubbornly refused to move. The magistrate was greatly relieved that the Little Song County Lieutenant remained silent throughout, without a single idle word reaching his ears. One should know that though a sparrow is small, it has all its internal organs; the Yamen had many small ears and gossips, so no secrets could be kept. This greatly comforted the magistrate, making him feel an unprecedented sense of guilt. He personally acted as a matchmaker, renting a quiet residence for the Little Song County Lieutenant in a bustling area near the Yamen. The young man did not refuse, nor did he mention the rent. Instead, he observed junior etiquette and paid a very formal visit, addressing the magistrate's wife, who was over forty, as "elder sister-in-law" again and again. This made the woman, known for her harshness, feel several pounds lighter, and she held the handsome young man's sleeve, asking about his well-being. The magistrate, accustomed to such worldly ways, paid no mind. County Magistrate Liu of the neighboring county, desperate to leave Ningzhou, had been generous enough to let his beautiful wife open her collar and allow the county governor to reach inside, claiming that natural breast warmth was superior to charcoal for keeping warm. Unfortunately, the county governor was exceptionally impartial and still sent another county magistrate to a neighboring province. However, County Magistrate Liu's efforts were not entirely in vain; it was rumored that at the year-end performance review, the consistently mediocre magistrate would receive a "superior" rating, along with an eight-character commendation: "Unwavering integrity, self-disciplined and incorruptible!" The Wuzhe County Magistrate was no stranger to such matters, merely finding this outsider somewhat interesting, so seasoned in human relations that he didn't resemble a novice official of his age at all. If the person named Song had come to live a quiet life, then everyone would provide him with that peace. But if he dared to stir up trouble, then he shouldn't blame the local serpents for biting the crossing dragon to death. Fortunately, the young man named Song Keli was very clever, so Wuzhe County remained in a state of general harmony.

The Little Song County Lieutenant did not appear particularly diligent in his official duties. He often rode out of the city with his delicate book boy to enjoy the snow, leaving in the morning and returning in the evening, usually sharing simple meals with woodcutters and hunters in rural villages. The six departments of the county Yamen's military personnel all said that although Master Song was a scholar, he lacked the fragility of one. After a month of interaction, a few old veteran thugs, who had nowhere else to go, discussed it and brought good wine, good meat, and a few new fox furs to the new county lieutenant's residence. A few days later, these veterans, along with a dozen trusted brothers, openly took over the security duties of the city's largest brothel. The enraged local ruffians, whose territory had been usurped, were furious. Even the women in Wuzhe County were fierce, and everyone seemed to be connected to the mountain bandits through distant relatives, so there was no saying that "the common people do not contend with officials." When the two sides brawled in the street, in the past, such disputes would typically be settled by the Yamen officials mediating a peaceful resolution. Then, both sides would seek out their patrons, sit down to drink, eat meat, exchange gifts, and talk about connections, with whoever had the more influential patron winning. But while the Little Song County Lieutenant was easy to talk to, he was also quite protective of his own. With a wave of his hand, he ordered the judicial office brothers to arm themselves with spears and don their armor to support the military office. Though these men, once stripped of their official skins, were no different from bandits, with askew helmets and rusty spears, when the Little Song County Lieutenant ordered them, he never displayed the typical bureaucratic habit of "civil officials moving their mouths, military officials running their legs ragged." Without a word, he took out his newly received salary, still warm in his hands, and gave it all to the judicial office. As a result, the local thugs, who were already outnumbered, were beaten to tears and screams. Countless spectators on the noisy street found the scene novel. Although many common people thought the new county lieutenant was just like previous officials, a few harbored silent contempt, but after all, the entire city now knew of the Little Song County Lieutenant's prestige. Later, the head of the thugs, who also held a position in a major Ningzhou gang, personally stepped forward, carrying a blade wrapped in cotton cloth, parading through the streets. His lackeys drummed up support, declaring that their "big brother" was going to the residence to demand an explanation. But after this "desperate Sixth Lord," as he was nicknamed in Wuzhe County, entered the residence, he returned an hour later, reeking of alcohol, picking his teeth with a bamboo stick. When asked, he just smiled without speaking. Three days later, everyone finally understood: good heavens, it turned out officials and bandits were colluding! Sixth Lord had been recruited by the county lieutenant and made a minor leader in the judicial office. He didn't displace anyone; instead, the county lieutenant, with a grand sweep of his brush, added a new position. Thus, Wuzhe County town not only learned about the young official named Song but also that this fellow's appetite was quite unsightly! What was unexpected was that despite the county lieutenant's overstepping actions, neither the magistrate nor the old county lieutenant voiced any objection. Only relatives close to these two families knew that the aesthetically inclined magistrate had a new painting hanging in his home, and Old Master Yan's son, who had modest scholarship and served as a petty clerk in a neighboring county, had somehow produced a brilliant piece of writing, helping the chief secretary draft a response that even the county governor applauded. This was a rare sight in officialdom, like a newlywed couple! Wuzhe County had no choice but to start taking this Little Song County Lieutenant seriously. As the year-end approached, wealthy merchants continuously sent gifts to his residence. The man named Song accepted all comers; just from receiving gifts, he was almost earning a fortune daily. However, everyone knew these gifts were not free. Favors were reciprocal and would have to be repaid one by one in the future. If not repaid, it would break the rules, and if repaid lightly, it would still be seen as ignorant of the rules. Despite Wuzhe County holding the title of a "superior county," the county town was not large, but it was rife with trivial matters. Song Keli, a ninth-rank county lieutenant, was specifically the busy official who dealt with trouble, so he had much suffering awaiting him in the future.

However, this harmonious situation was quickly shattered with lightning speed. The chief secretary, who had always been aloof, was the first to challenge the new county lieutenant. Not only did he make things difficult for Song Keli in various official matters, but he also cleanly stripped the military office personnel involved in the brothel protection of their positions, astonishing everyone. The wives whose husbands had worked in the military office were initially beaming with joy when their husbands earned money, praising the Little Song County Lieutenant as a straightforward man, even wishing to introduce local pretty girls for him to warm his bed. But after their husbands lost their official posts, they immediately became shrewish, cursing in the streets. One particularly fierce woman even carried a bucket of excrement and urine to splash at his door, saying it was to bring the man named Song bad luck for the entire coming year. The six departments of the Yamen also quickly adapted, keeping their distance from the Little Song County Lieutenant. His rented residence was also sternly taken back by the owner, who declared he wouldn't rent it even for a higher price. The new county lieutenant, now deserted by all, showed no anger. He single-handedly tidied up a side room in the Yamen's rear hall, near the stables. As a result, horse manure piled up several feet high, and no one cleaned it. He had to clean it himself with his book boy. The magistrate and chief secretary squinted from a distance, watching the spectacle. They saw Song Keli covered in stench but still composed, though his book boy cried incessantly. The two lords exchanged a smile.

The magistrate's wife initially felt some pity, inwardly regretting that she could no longer exploit the delicate skin of that elegant and handsome young man. After being thoroughly scolded by the magistrate, who revealed the inside story, she understood the gravity of the situation. It turned out that young Master Song was actually a scion of a prominent family from the capital. His specific background remained vague and hard to ascertain; it seemed even the chief secretary, who held the second highest position in Wuzhe County, didn't fully know. It was only that the chief secretary's mentor had spoken, saying there was a high-ranking official in Ningzhou, a fourth-rank official, whom they couldn't afford to offend. This official had long disliked the Little Song County Lieutenant's family and wanted to thoroughly humble this impoverished and fallen young man, no matter how despicable the means.

Inside the stinking stable, Song Keli smiled and wiped away his book boy's tears. The book boy, only fourteen or fifteen, seemed to want to speak but could only cry, as if experiencing immense grievance.

The bustling entrance quickly turned into an empty one. The Little Song County Lieutenant still went out of the city to enjoy the snow when he wished, and when he wasn't in the mood, he would shut himself in to read. However, the thug leader, who had also been completely stripped of his position, visited the Yamen once. The day before Lunar New Year's Eve, apart from a few family members of officials who were exceptionally busy, there were no duties for the six departments of the Yamen. On this joyous morning, a troop of riders entered the city at dawn, carrying over a dozen large cloth bags hanging from their horses. The city guards, seeing the Little Song County Lieutenant leading them, didn't bother to interfere. The bloated military and judicial offices had nearly a hundred people, but only a dozen or so truly responsible individuals were summoned to the Yamen by the new county lieutenant, who threatened that if they didn't come, they wouldn't need to work anymore. Few responded; who would take this plucked phoenix—now worse than a chicken—seriously? Only those attempting to gain favor or who were too timid to refuse went to the Yamen prison, and one by one, they were stunned. Hanging on the torture racks in the prison were over a dozen burly men, three or four of whom were notorious wanted criminals on the bandit list. They were being subjected to brutal private torture by outsiders not part of the judicial office. Inside the prison, there was a large brazier with roaring charcoal. The Little Song County Lieutenant sat on a small stool, expressionless, warming his hands by the fire, occasionally using tongs to poke the charcoal, utterly indifferent to the heart-wrenching screams. Most of the dozens of military and judicial office brothers, who had stumbled upon this terrifying scene right before New Year's, exchanged uneasy glances. Several even squatted in corners, vomiting. A few young horse bandits, whose names sent shivers through Ningzhou, couldn't endure the inhumane torture and successively revealed the hideouts of several of their accomplices. The thug leader, who was most enthusiastic about the torture, turned to the Little Song County Lieutenant and grinned, revealing stark white teeth, which sent shivers down the spines of everyone in the judicial and military offices. The Little Song County Lieutenant seemed still unsatisfied. He softly uttered two words, "Continue," and then said nothing more. He picked up a string of brass bells from the edge of the brazier. Ningzhou horse bandits had two "sounds": their warhorses wore brass bells, and before charging into battle, they would always fire a "ringing arrow" as a display of intimidation. This elegant scholar, who should have been at a brothel listening to temptresses play the zither and sing, lowered his gaze, squinting, and twirled the brass bells between his fingers. The Yamen was not small, but the commotion from this area was simply too loud. Those families were agitated beyond measure by the wails emanating from the prison, especially the beautiful concubines and young children, who huddled together, crying in terror. Old County Lieutenant Yan Huasheng angrily marched over to demand an explanation. He happened to see the Little Song County Lieutenant's cold profile, which suddenly seemed utterly unfamiliar. The old county lieutenant, whose hands had also been stained with blood, was momentarily speechless. The Little Song County Lieutenant ignored Yan Huasheng. He put down the string of brass bells, used the fire tongs to pick up a glowing hot coal, slowly stood up, and walked towards a robust horse bandit of notorious reputation. The man was already covered in blood, but his eyes were still cold and sharp, fiercely staring back at the Little Song County Lieutenant.

The Little Song County Lieutenant chuckled softly, "Year's end, year's end, this year's debts are repaid this year. Those in debt find the New Year as hard as passing a tough barrier—that's where the saying 'Year's End' comes from. You don't read books; perhaps you couldn't read even if you wanted to when you were young, so you might not understand this principle. That's not your fault. But taking a life to pay for a life is only natural and understood in any place, in any dynasty. I'll give you one last chance. As long as you name the hideout of any one of Ningzhou's fourteen great horse bandits, I'll let you die more comfortably."

The old county lieutenant swallowed, "How can you conduct torture and preach principles like this?" Bandits, especially those who had made a name for themselves and had families, were notoriously tough and fiercely loyal. Making them confess was as hard as scaling heaven. Moreover, if you caught one and got the reward money, you might not live to spend it. Dozens of Ningzhou county lieutenants had been ambushed and their entire families murdered by vengeful bandits disguised as common folk entering the city. After that, everyone turned a blind eye. Being an official was good, but you had to be alive to enjoy it.

The horse bandit was indeed tough; he spat a mouthful of blood onto the Little Song County Lieutenant's face.

The thug leader was about to step in and teach this ungrateful brute a lesson, but the Little Song County Lieutenant waved him off, merely saying calmly, "Pry open his mouth."

The horse bandit's mouth was pried open by two men. The Little Song County Lieutenant picked up the fire tongs and slowly squeezed the burning charcoal into the horse bandit's mouth. An unbearable sizzling sound echoed through the prison. Even old County Lieutenant Yan Huasheng felt his blood run cold and was on the verge of vomiting.

Before this horse bandit died completely, the Little Song County Lieutenant turned again to pick up another hot coal and walked towards the next horse bandit. "I forgot to mention earlier, after you confess, I, Song Keli, County Lieutenant of Wuzhe County, guarantee that if you have family, I will protect your elders and young ones, keeping them safe and sound after your death."

The horse bandit's face showed hesitation. Then, without needing his mouth pried open, the Little Song County Lieutenant, who had previously given others the impression of having a good temper and infinite patience, directly used the fire tongs to pierce the middle-aged horse bandit's mouth. Even if he wanted to speak, he no longer had the chance.

Pulling out the fire tongs, the Little Song County Lieutenant once again turned to pick up charcoal.

Lu Xu chuckled, "It's said that if you don't sweep one room, how can you sweep the world? And then it's said that those who achieve great things don't bother with trifles. Ancient people, ancient books, ancient sayings—they truly confuse later generations. But as a blind man, when it comes to cleaning the house, I truly must rely on you."

Xinghua's eyes sparkled. "I am very willing, my lord."

Lu Xu reached out, as if emboldened by alcohol, wanting to caress Liu Lingbao's smooth cheek. But when Liu Lingbao leaned her face closer, he had already withdrawn his hand, gently saying, "We are fortunate to depend on each other for life. Let's try to live a few more years."

Lu Xu leaned his head back, resting it against the wall. "Ah, you blind fellow."

Xinghua suddenly lowered her voice and said, "Young Master Lu, if you wish to go to Beiliang, Liu Lingbao will protect you out of the city, even if it costs her life."

Lu Xu was startled for a moment, then shook his head, smiling with abandon. "I have my own plans. It's quite good here."

At Listening Tide Lake in Beiliang, the poor scholar Chen Xiliang sat in a lakeside pavilion, along with Xu Beizhi, the illegitimate grandson of the former King of the Northern Court, Xu Huainan, and the Second Princess Xu Weixiong, who sat in a wheelchair. These three individuals of vastly different statuses formed a tripartite balance.

Xu Weixiong, who commanded half of Beiliang's intelligence agents, calmly said, "I have news to tell you all. The Empress of Beimang has arrived at the Beiliang border with only one companion."

Xu Beizhi assented, quickly deducing, "It must be Tuoba Pusa."

Chen Xiliang frowned and asked, "Can't we kill him?"

Xu Beizhi laughed, "It's not that we won't kill if we can, it's just that we can't kill him."

Chen Xiliang calmly said, "Oh."

Xu Weixiong turned her head to look south and smiled, "Let's plan some more. After all, they're the ones who have to do the work."

Although Xu Beizhi had been assigned to an outer post as a local official and rarely had the chance to visit Qingliang Mountain, and rumors often circulated about him drinking with scholars, unlike Chen Xiliang, who consistently lived a secluded life in the King's Mansion, meticulously working. Yet, even when facing Xu Weixiong, Xu Beizhi felt no restraint and dared to tell a few harmless jokes. Just then, he lazily said, "I heard that during His Royal Highness the Heir's recent travels, he managed to trick many important figures into coming to Beiliang to do hard labor. That's quite a skill. I would say that with His Highness's looks, it's not hard to trick girls, but I didn't expect him to be just as adept at duping men."

Chen Xiliang's face was expressionless as he turned his head to look at Listening Tide Lake, where countless carp swam.

Xu Weixiong pointed at Xu Beizhi and Chen Xiliang, smiling without ceremony, "Xu Beizhi, just curse yourself. Why drag Chen Xiliang into it? It's like killing a thousand enemies but losing a thousand of your own—a profitless venture. What's the point?"

Xu Beizhi burst into laughter, "Princess, you wouldn't know, I'm naturally thick-skinned and dark-hearted, so I'll suffer less injury than Young Master Chen."

Chen Xiliang shook his head helplessly. Such a person could never be a friend, but even as an opponent, he found it impossible to dislike him.

Xu Weixiong murmured to herself, "New year, new chill, new atmosphere."