Chapter 497: Eagles and Falcons Soaring

Li Fuzhen closed her eyes, as if she dared not face the impending disaster for the Song family. Xu Fengnian remained calm, betraying no emotion, and said to Song Yan, "Lord Song, there are some matters I wish to discuss with you."

After speaking, Xu Fengnian turned and descended the steps. Song Yan, who had just been furious with Song Huangmei, subtly pressed his daughter's hand, forcing a smile and gesturing for her not to panic, despite the impending calamity caused by her words. Turning and stepping over the threshold, Song Yan let out a long breath, feeling a slight chill.

Following the Ningzhou general quickly, Song Yan, having held high office for a long time, had a much deeper understanding of cunning and discretion than ordinary people who lived without worries. Many privileged youths were not entirely villains who preyed on others. In their daily dealings, they were polite and deferential when interacting with powerful officials like Song Yan. To their subordinates, they employed manipulative tactics, feigning profundity and speaking ambiguously to instill fear. However, in Song Yan's view, such cunning was not true composure. True composure meant remaining calm and composed regardless of the situation, big or small, unmoved by personal gain or loss, and unswayed by worldly conventions. Song Yan feared Xu Fengnian was the former type: easy to deal with and fair in transactions when things went his way, but quick to show his fangs and treat others inhumanely if slightly displeased. Song Yan didn't believe a mere Huangnan County Prefect could make the Prince of Beiliang, whose family essentially *was* Beiliang, hesitate in his actions when angered.

Xu Fengnian slowed his pace, walking abreast with Song Yan, and quipped softly, "You used to curse Xu Xiao, and now your daughter curses me. Does the Song family have a grudge against the Xu family?"

Song Yan felt a little awkward.

Xu Fengnian smiled and said, "I came back this time to inform you that earlier, your daughter and a maid blocked my exit from the residence and suffered a bit. The fault lies with the Song family in this matter. However, I'm concerned that women, when holding a grudge, can become unreasonable and spread gossip, leading the Prefect to harbor resentment towards me. So I felt it necessary to return and clarify. But if it were just this matter, I wouldn't bother turning back and making a fuss. The main reason is that Huangnan County has several hidden Northern Mang bandit lairs that have been operating for years. This time, many scholars are traveling to Beiliang, mixed with numerous deeply disguised spies and assassins. Even some Northern Mang spies originally based in the Central Plains are taking the opportunity to infiltrate Beiliang. Tonight, some people will clean up Huangnan County. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning, so I thought I should tell you beforehand to prevent any confusion on your part. When I returned to the residence, I saw books being moved out of Wild Ape Tower."

Song Yan dared not incur the young man's lasting displeasure. Disregarding formality and hierarchy, he asked directly, "Will Your Highness truly not be angered by my daughter's insolence?"

Xu Fengnian retorted, "A few curses in one's own home are far better than those who stab from behind in Ningzhou. I've tolerated the latter without acting until now, so what are you worried about? If you truly feel apologetic, send me another five hundred books from the Wild Ape Tower collection."

Song Yan sighed, "This humble official has indeed judged a gentleman by his own narrow standards."

Xu Fengnian scoffed, "What kind of gentleman am I? You all are just like someone bitten by a snake, afraid of a well rope for ten years. Given my notorious reputation in Beiliang..."

Song Yan suddenly turned and saw the Strategist's daughter hurrying towards them, stopping to look at them without any intention of leaving. Xu Fengnian hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Lord Song, I need a word with Miss Li. Please wait at the back gate for a moment."

Song Yan nodded and quickly departed.

Li Fuzhen did not approach further, asking coldly, "What do you intend to do to the Song family?"

Xu Fengnian did not beat around the bush, saying, "You actually want to ask what I plan to do to Song Huangmei, don't you? Don't worry, I..."

Li Fuzhen interrupted Xu Fengnian, sneering, "Do you believe I can truly set my mind at ease?"

Xu Fengnian calmly stated, "Li Fuzhen, if I'm not mistaken, I owe you nothing."

Li Fuzhen gritted her teeth and said, "If Hanlin suffers any mishap at the border, I will hate you for the rest of my life!"

Xu Fengnian turned to leave, but was again stopped by Song Huangmei. This time, the swordswoman, having learned her lesson, timidly said, "Your Highness, I'm responsible for my own actions. Please don't trouble my father."

Xu Fengnian reached out and squeezed her cheek hard. "You cursed me, and I took advantage. Let's call it even."

Song Huangmei stood stunned on the spot, only regaining her senses much later. She then bounced and ran towards Li Fuzhen, chirping like a sparrow, "Sister Fuzhen, did you see that? This prince truly has a murderous aura! He took liberties with me, and I didn't even dare to move! If it had been an ordinary lecher, I would have long ago chopped off his dog paws with my sword! Sister, you don't know, his two guards are very formidable. I always said that a man carrying a Beiliang saber looks heroic and handsome. Alas, now I think those rumors are probably true. Sister Fuzhen, you don't practice martial arts or swordplay, so you don't know the saying among jianghu folk about having 'boldness and spirit.' This Prince is definitely a master! I just wonder if he can fly on a sword and shout thunder."

Xu Fengnian arrived at the back gate of the residence. Song Yan quietly asked, "For tonight's cleanup of Huangnan County, does this humble official need to do anything?"

Xu Fengnian shook his head, "No need."

Song Yan said, "If Your Highness doesn't mind this rather lifeless residence, you are welcome to stay."

Xu Fengnian chuckled, "What, are you afraid I'll die suddenly in Huangnan County?"

Song Yan, his thoughts exposed, let out a hearty laugh. Xu Fengnian didn't have Song Yan see him off. He entered his carriage and quietly drove out of the alley.

Xu Yanbing drove the carriage to a private residence in the southwest corner of the county seat. Xu Fengnian pushed open the door to a narrow courtyard where over twenty people knelt densely on the cold floor. Xu Fengnian intertwined his fingers, chuckling inwardly, thinking he finally felt a bit like the Prince. He then said, "Rise." These twenty-odd individuals wore diverse attire: some were dressed in luxurious brocade and fur, like wealthy gentry; others wore coarse linen cloth, like villagers. One even wore a jade pendant typically reserved for officials' formal attire. Xu Fengnian walked over and pulled off the jade pendant. The rank was not low; it belonged to a county deputy magistrate of the ninth rank, lower grade. After casually taking it, he wasn't in a hurry to return the pendant. The leader, an ordinary-looking woman, had barely stood up before kneeling again. With an involuntary tremor in her voice, she carefully chose her words, slowly reporting the military intelligence: "Reporting, Your Highness. It has been confirmed that Huangnan County City harbors three Northern Mang spy nests, two of which have been operating for over ten years. According to General Chu's arrangements, one group of Royal Falcons will enter Huangnan County at Shenshi (3-5 PM), and another group of Beiliang Eagles, former crossbowmen, will arrive at Youshi (5-7 PM) and one quarter. Your Highness only needs to give the order, and your subordinates will eradicate these three cancerous growths."

Beiliang's intelligence operatives were a mixed bag, but those truly responsible for internal cleansing were classified as Royal Falcons. This branch of the Falcons was in charge of patrolling Beiliang and primarily comprised martial arts masters sponsored by the Beiliang Royal Mansion, such as Lu Qiantang, Shu Xiu, and the group who later intercepted Prince Zhao Kai. These were desperate individuals who traded their lives for martial arts manuals and wealth, or fugitives from Liyang who committed capital offenses and sought refuge in Beiliang for a chance at survival. Currently, Beiliang's intelligence operations were divided: half the authority was transferred from Chu Lushan to the Second Princess, Xu Weixiong. Xu Weixiong, disinclined to waste time on existing personnel, directly mobilized nearly a hundred elite crossbowmen from the Beiliang army to form the Eagles. While nominally cooperating with the Falcons, there was an underlying dynamic of mutual constraint. Thus, both Eagles and Falcons roamed the lands of Beiliang, preying on their targets. As for matters outside the passes, the veteran intelligence chief Chu Lushan still largely maintained control, and Xu Weixiong seemed to have no immediate intention of interfering. Xu Fengnian had barely involved himself in these two most clandestine and corrupt agencies, but he had heard about their general structure. For instance, most of the spies in the courtyard at this moment belonged to the "Softshell Turtle" type, who lay dormant in one place for years without moving. There were also a few slightly more agile "Shad" agents who regularly traveled to and from Liangzhou, responsible for connecting and relaying military intelligence. Many Softshell Turtles never knew the identities of their comrades until they died. Their blatant gathering today was highly unusual. While waiting, they were informed by the woman known as Black Carp, the head of Huangnan's intelligence, that a high-ranking figure from above would personally come to Huangnan County to set up a network. However, almost no one expected it to be the Beiliang Prince "gracing their humble abode," causing them all to become apprehensive. They were not mere common folk who only spread hearsay. Given their experience and status, they had, to varying degrees, personally witnessed some secret records and heard some confidential matters concerning the Prince's actions.

Xu Fengnian smiled, "Black Carp, stand up and speak. It was originally arranged for Wang Tongque, your superior, to come to Huangnan County. I made a spontaneous decision to take his place. Don't mind an outsider giving you instructions. For tonight's operation, I will merely observe; I won't interfere."

The woman, who had been responsible for the detailed intelligence affairs in Huangnan County, visibly relaxed. She stood up, about to speak a few polite words, when the Prince's hand gripped her neck. With a snap, he twisted it, then casually tossed her aside, his smile unwavering. Xu Fengnian continued to smile, "I forgot to mention, the reason Wang Tongque didn't come to Huangnan County isn't that he didn't want to; it's that he couldn't. He was already killed by Chu Lushan's people on his way here. This Black Carp has been secretly collaborating with a Northern Mang 'Hook' official for years. Huangnan County is rotten to the core. I know that besides her, there are actually a few others in this courtyard who have defected to the Northern Mang's Spider Web. Our current large-scale operation would originally only result in the deaths of a few insignificant small fry. That won't do."

The remaining people in the courtyard exchanged glances. The jade-wearing "Softshell Turtle" who had become a Beiliang official stepped forward, gazing lightly at Black Carp's corpse with a resigned, desolate smile, and a hint of empathy for a fellow sufferer.

Xu Fengnian ignored this exposed spy, leaving him to the side. He walked up the steps, his hands tucked into his sleeves, with only the jade pendant dangling from his cuff. He asked with a smile, "Anyone else want to die a quick death? If I have to drag you out myself later, you won't get the same treatment as Black Carp."

The courtyard was eerily silent; clearly, no one responded to the Prince's "kind offer." Xu Fengnian slowly recited three names. All three were swiftly cut in half by Hong Shuwen's blade on the spot.

Xu Fengnian said, "According to secret reports, there's another deeply hidden Northern Mang assassin in the courtyard whose identity is unknown. But it doesn't matter. Huangnan County's intelligence agency was going to be completely restructured anyway. To save trouble and eliminate future problems, everyone must be killed. Huangnan County is a strategically vital area that the Northern Mang's Spider Web has painstakingly managed. I believe that 'big fish,' his life is worth more than all the Beiliang spies in this courtyard combined. Beiliang will not lose out on this deal."

A corpulent merchant, surprisingly agile, lightly tapped his toes, preparing to leap over the courtyard wall. Hong Shuwen's short halberd pierced him in the back, and his body hung heavily on the wall. Hong Shuwen walked over, grabbed his legs, and pulled him back into the courtyard.

With his death, the remaining Softshell Turtles and Shad agents who were still standing in the courtyard breathed a sigh of relief. If that man had refused to reveal himself, insisting on implicating and dragging the other dozen people to their unjust deaths, they would have had no choice but to offer their necks for slaughter. They dared not resist the Beiliang Prince, who killed without batting an eyelid. As Softshell Turtles and Shad agents, most had elderly family members and children. If they died here today, at least it would be considered a sacrifice for Beiliang. They could only resent those Northern Mang spies for being too cunning and treacherous. However, after their deaths, their entire families would still be provided for. Just as everyone thought the dust had settled, Xu Fengnian followed Xu Yanbing's pointing finger and fixed his gaze on an unremarkable middle-aged man with a stern face. "That fat man was willing to die for you to protect you, which shows your identity is extraordinary. Otherwise, if I were him, I would have dragged everyone else down with me even in death. You're Han Shang, aren't you? You accomplished several major tasks at the Youzhou border in the past, earning considerable merit for Beiliang. For years, you've been at odds with Black Carp, marginalized by her and achieving nothing. You were originally considered the most innocent spy in this courtyard. But do you know when you gave yourself away?"

Han Shang smiled grimly, looking at Xu Yanbing. "I've long heard that the Royal Mansion harbors hidden talents, but all the Earthly Branches assassins around the Prince of Beiliang have made their moves, except for a man named Xu Yanbing, who has remained inactive, making it impossible to gauge his true depth. Northern Mang speculated that his cultivation was at least as high, if not higher, than Han Laohshan, the junior brother of the Spear Immortal Wang Xiu. Now it seems this is indeed the case. I had clearly suppressed my heart rate, confident I showed no flaws, yet I was still seen through. Unfortunately, I won't be able to transmit this information. My mistake was not expecting His Highness the Prince to come in person, accompanied by Xu Yanbing."

It wasn't that Han Shang didn't want to fight to the death, but being targeted by Xu Yanbing, Han Shang, despite his considerable martial arts cultivation, knew it would be futile.

Han Shang's vision went black, and he fainted and collapsed without even seeing how Xu Yanbing made his move.

Xu Fengnian tossed the jade pendant back to the official and smiled, "Wang Tongque, Huangnan County's merits will now compensate for its past failures."

Wang Tongque took the jade pendant and fastened it to his waist. He then peeled off a face mask, revealing to the few people in the courtyard that this man was none other than Wang Tongque, who had held the top intelligence position in Huangnan County for over a decade.

A man whose wife and children had never seen his true face for over ten years.

He followed the Prince into the house and quietly asked, "Your Highness, why won't you let this humble subordinate continue to operate in the shadows? Although Huangnan County will be much cleaner after tonight, there's no guarantee that filth won't accumulate again in the future."

Xu Fengnian said, "You don't need to stay in Huangnan County. Say goodbye to your wife and children, and then go to Youzhou."

Wang Tongque nodded, showing no objection.

Xu Fengnian suddenly said, "I know you've trained an apprentice with a very clean background. Chu Lushan thinks highly of him. Take him to Youzhou, work diligently for a few more years, and let him gain experience. Once he takes over your mantle, you won't need to be a spy anymore. Reunite with your wife and children, assume a new identity, and live a peaceful life."

Wang Tongque, whose expression had long been hardened to remain impassive even under torture, was momentarily stunned.

Xu Fengnian chuckled, "Although I say 'don't worry,' most people only become more worried. But this time, I truly hope you can put your mind at ease. Beiliang has never ill-treated its meritorious officials in the past, nor will it in the future."

The man suddenly chuckled, "I appreciate Your Highness's kindness, but Wang Tongque's life is cheap, and I'm already accustomed to scheming against people. Forcing this humble subordinate to suddenly tend to flowers and plants would be more unbearable than killing me. Besides, our profession isn't like mounting a horse, donning armor, fighting, and killing enemies, where one becomes useless past a certain age. The older we get, the more proficient we become."

Xu Fengnian was left speechless.

Wang Tongque, uncharacteristically, showed a hint of embarrassment and said, "Your Highness, my son, who is just over ten years old, was utterly impressed by your deeds after listening to storytellers. The boy has been strong since childhood and dreams of joining the Phoenix Battalion as a White Horse Volunteer someday."

Xu Fengnian nodded and smiled, "Good. When he comes of age, I will permit him to join the Phoenix Battalion."

Wang Tongque suppressed his excitement and whispered, "Your Highness, shall we plan tonight's extermination?"

Xu Fengnian waved his hand, "Just leave Han Shang to me. The rest of Chu Lushan's established arrangements remain unchanged. Hong Shuwen will act with you tonight. You should go now; the remaining people in the courtyard still need your reassurance."

Wang Tongque acknowledged with a sound and quietly exited the room.