Chapter 502: Sudden Wealth

A Solitary Journey to Northern March

Ren Shanyu fell onto the street. Xu Fengnian did not immediately show himself. He silently counted to sixteen, but still no one appeared. From Xu Fengnian's vantage point, he could clearly see Ren Shanyu struggling a few times. Standing up was out of the question; even sitting up was a luxury. Just as Xu Fengnian was about to make his move, someone finally darted out of the embroidered building in Chaifei Courtyard. It was Hong Shuwen, neither an Eagle Guard nor a Peregrine Falcon, who picked up Ren Shanyu and disappeared into the alley. Xu Fengnian's face clouded over. The elusive Xu Yanbing reappeared at the window, nodding to Xu Fengnian, signaling that Chaifei Courtyard had been dealt with. Xu Fengnian turned, his expression returning to normal. He asked Cao Zun for the exact location of Wang Yunshu's family mansion. Then he asked Xueyi for the broken zither, which had been damaged by a flying sword. He tucked the gallbladder-shaped flower vase, which had the sound of both a bell and a chime, under his arm. He exchanged few words with Cao Zun and Xueyi, telling them not to see him off. A mere smile from him was enough to make the two courtesans feel flattered. The usually poised little manager of Taosai Pavilion dared not overstep her bounds, standing somewhat reservedly in the corridor, watching the two disappear around the corner. She noticed the grizzled young man's distinctively chiseled profile. Whether it was an illusion or not, the seemingly young man possessed an aura that suggested an impending storm in Huangnan County. After he left, Cao Zun leaned against the doorway and turned to see Xueyi's shy expression, clearly wanting to take another look. Cao Zun couldn't help but smile at her, pointing towards the window. Xueyi was momentarily stunned, then realized, and quickly hitched up her skirt, scurrying towards the window. Cao Zun didn't do anything extra, watching Xueyi's back. Her mother always complained that this pure courtesan lacked femininity and couldn't learn how to charm men. But hadn't she just shown it? Cao Zun collected her thoughts, beginning to ponder whether the Lingzhou young master's appearance would bring a turning point for Taosai Pavilion, which had always been suppressed by Chaifei Courtyard. As for a broken zither and a flower vase, whether genuine or fake, they were insignificant trifles. As long as that person desired it, even a woman like Xueyi from Taosai Pavilion, if available, Taosai Pavilion would gladly offer.

Outside, Xu Fengnian got into a carriage. Xu Yanbing drove it towards the residence of the county's Chief Administrator. Wang Xihua was the current head of the Shuijing Wang clan. With Li Gongde, his lifelong rival, being promoted to the second-rank Military Commissioner of Beiliang, the Longyi Wang clan had risen prominently and become arrogant. The Zijin Wang clan, long allied with Longyi, could no longer tolerate them. The Shuijing Wang clan seized the opportunity to forge an alliance with the Lingwu Wang clan. These three clans, sharing the same surname, subtly united to oppose Longyi, led by Wang Xihua, who commanded significant respect for his accomplishments and scholarship. Consequently, Wang Xihua's life was not as difficult as outsiders imagined. In recent years, the Wang family residence had been bustling with activity. Even newly arrived scholars in Beiliang would come, drawn by Wang Xihua's reputation as a master of philology, to seek his guidance. However, a carriage visiting late at night was unusual. Although Wang Yunshu had a notorious reputation in Huangnan County for being poorly disciplined, the gatekeepers of the Wang residence held considerable implicit power, comparable to officials of the seventh or eighth rank. Even a slight misstep in their conduct could lead to severe reprimands or expulsion from the mansion. Thus, upon seeing an unfamiliar young man alight from the carriage, the gatekeeper quickly emerged from the side door, descended the steps, and inquired about the matter. To the gatekeeper's surprise, this young man, unlike other noble scions who would expect a grand welcome with wide-open ceremonial gates, simply said he was waiting for someone at the entrance. The gatekeeper immediately understood: he was most likely looking for the eldest young master. If someone got into trouble in Huangnan County, approaching the eldest young master was more effective than anyone else. The eldest young master had extensive connections and influence in Huangnan County; for instance, when an elder from the Lingwu Wang clan recently kept a mistress, and a shrewish wife blocked the entrance, exposing the scandal, it was the eldest young master who settled the matter. Even the prefect could not handle such affairs. Since he wasn't there to discuss scholarship with the master, he was likely an unproductive wastrel. The gatekeeper subtly looked down upon him, conveniently saving himself some polite pleasantries. He walked back to the side door, glanced back, and saw the young man squatting on the steps beside the stone lion. The gatekeeper couldn't help but think that this young master must have encountered an insurmountable obstacle; otherwise, he wouldn't be foolishly waiting for the eldest young master using such a clumsy method. In the dead of winter, which young master wasn't enjoying fine wine and beautiful women? The gatekeeper stole a few more glances at the burly man standing at the bottom of the steps, lamenting that such an impressive retinue had met the wrong person and followed the wrong master. Xu Yanbing hesitated, then squatted on a step lower than Xu Fengnian, an act that would naturally be seen as presumptuous by others. In the freezing cold, Xu Fengnian, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, chuckled softly, "I'm putting Uncle Xu out. I could have announced myself and asked Chief Administrator Wang for some hot tea to warm my stomach. But since we're putting on a show, we should do it thoroughly. Otherwise, we'd have to leave tomorrow morning, and the Shuijing Wang clan wouldn't perceive my sincerity as a general from Lingzhou."

Xu Yanbing looked up at the sky. "Do we need a heavy snow? That might convey more sincerity."

Xu Fengnian asked in surprise, "Is that possible?"

Xu Yanbing smiled faintly, "When I was young, I traveled extensively, North and South. I was fortunate enough to encounter some exceptional masters and learned many unconventional skills. Now that my cultivation has reached a sufficient level, I believe even heaven would grant me the favor of a winter storm."

Xu Fengnian curiously asked, "Does Master Liu Hao possess such power?"

Xu Yanbing thought for a moment, then calmly replied, "That old rogue probably can't. It's not necessarily that my cultivation is higher than Master Liu Hao's; it's more like the principle of specialization in different fields of study. Back then, I went to the South Sea, killed a group of qi practitioners, and acquired a few secret manuals. But when it comes to killing, two Master Liu Haos wouldn't be enough. In recent years, I've heard that in terms of killing methods alone, Deng Tai'a is unmatched in the world. I've always wanted to spar with that Peach Blossom Sword God."

Xu Fengnian asked with a smile, "Li Chungang reached the Heavenly Phenomenon realm before he was thirty, and then there's Deng Tai'a, and you, Uncle Xu. All of you seem to have had remarkably smooth progress in martial arts, breaking through all obstacles. How did you manage that?"

Xu Yanbing pondered the question very seriously, finally giving Xu Fengnian a rather amusing answer: "By simply going with the flow."

As if finding Xu Fengnian's expression amusing, Xu Yanbing added a remark fitting the current weather: "Actually, I've always felt that my achievements today are thanks to this handsome face, which was no less charming than Your Highness's in my youth."

Xu Fengnian burst into laughter. After he stopped, he said helplessly, "Uncle Xu, you and Second Brother Yuan would certainly get along."

Xu Yanbing smiled calmly, "Indeed, I taught that stubborn blockhead how to use the cavalry spear."

Xu Fengnian was speechless.

Xu Yanbing suddenly asked, "Does Your Highness not know that Yuan Zuozong began practicing blade arts at twenty-one? He only stopped demonstrating his blade skills to the world after losing a single match to Gu Jiantang back then. In the ranking of martial arts masters in the Liyang military, Chen Zhibao and Yuan Zuozong held the second and third positions for Beiliang. If Gu Jiantang still relies only on his single 'Square-Inch Thunder' move, he'd likely be at the bottom now. However, Gu Jiantang is a cunning and seasoned strategist, so after all these years, he shouldn't have stagnated. Your Highness, if you still have thoughts on martial arts, allow me a suggestion: select two minor grandmasters who have not yet reached the first rank. Let them willingly engage in a fight, whether a duel to the death or a mutual challenge, either is fine. The reason for not being first rank is that regardless of whether one is a first-rank Vajra or a first-rank Finger-Profound, once they've witnessed the grandeur of the first-rank realm, their spirit and vigor will be more or less affected."

Xu Fengnian nodded, "I understand. It's like Military Commissioner Li Gongde; he stands high and sees far, aware of the dangers of court intrigue, so he acts humbly and can't allow himself to be too spirited. In contrast, those who serve as chief officials in small counties and districts, reigning supreme over their small territories, are far more spirited. According to Uncle Xu, a fierce battle between second-rank minor grandmasters would be more invigorating."

Xu Yanbing stopped at that, saying no more.

Approximately an hour later, the rapid clatter of hooves on the street echoed piercingly in the cold winter night. Xu Fengnian turned to look. A troop of cavalry galloped closer, two riders abreast. Even at full speed, the two riders conversed in voices modulated with just the right amount of emphasis. Their expressions were grave, yet contained a forcibly restrained excitement. One of the unarmored riders was none other than Wang Yunshu. Seeing this, Xu Fengnian felt a touch of self-mockery; the ability to deliberately conceal one's true capabilities was certainly not unique to him. Xu Fengnian remained crouched in the shadow of the stone lion, sheltered from the wind and cold, while Xu Yanbing had already returned to standing at the bottom of the steps. Wang Yunshu had ridden hard, looking somewhat tired but more so exhilarated. Upon seeing Xu Yanbing, his expression froze. He then savagely whipped his horse's rump, practically rolling off his mount. Just as he was about to kneel, Xu Fengnian waved his hand, "No need. Tell me, how did things go?"

Wang Yunshu scurried to the bottom of the steps and cautiously asked, "Shall I come inside the mansion to explain the details to Your Highness?"

Xu Fengnian pointed to the spot beside him and shook his head, "I'm about to leave. Just give me the general outline."

Jiao Wuyi, the adopted son of Chief Administrator Wang, instructed the other two dozen cavalrymen to halt a short distance away. After dismounting, he knelt on one knee, clasped his fists, and declared solemnly, "Huangnan County Commandant Jiao Wuyi pays respects to Your Royal Highness!"

Xu Fengnian smiled, "Commandant Jiao, rise and speak."

Wang Yunshu obsequiously climbed the steps and squatted down beside Xu Fengnian. He began to report the battle situation to His Royal Highness. His sworn brother had gone to Qingrong Temple. By coincidence, about three *li* outside Qingrong Temple, he encountered an usher Taoist priest and two high-ranking Taoist priests, who claimed they were welcoming back several disciples who had completed their training and received their Taoist headwear from other temples. Initially, Jiao Wuyi wouldn't have paid too much attention to this; those middle-aged Taoists were genuine 'realized persons' from Huangnan County's largest temple, and he might even have greeted them with a smile. However, Jiao Wuyi's trip to Qingrong Temple was for immense wealth, so he immediately moved to apprehend the three without a second thought. At first, the three Taoist priests surrendered without resistance. But when his scouts returned to report that some Taoists were stealthily escaping and that thirty light cavalry armored soldiers were already in pursuit, the three Taoist priests instantly revealed their ferocious nature. Fortunately, Jiao Wuyi's rapid march after dividing half his forces with Wang Yunshu meant that the vanguard, main body, and rearguard still maintained distant coordination. Excluding more than ten scouts performing covert reconnaissance, there were sixty cavalrymen stationed at intervals of one *li*. The three Taoist priests, seeing only about fifty soldiers with Jiao Wuyi, fought to the death. Unexpectedly, after the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the next wave of cavalry swiftly arrived. Moreover, scouts secretly sent word that the third group of cavalrymen weren't charging but had dismounted and were surrounding them like a net. Two of the Qingrong Temple Taoists were killed, and one was injured. Unfortunately, the two disciples were nowhere to be found. Wang Yunshu's account was much more relaxed; he had simply gone to watch the excitement and even missed most of it. Only after the Eagle Guard leader confirmed he was His Royal Highness's "confidant" did Wang Yunshu finally receive some information instead of a cold shoulder. He then learned that all 143 people in Liantang, regardless of gender or age, except for four minor figures not on the death list, had been killed beyond recognition—their entire household utterly annihilated. Even Zhang Ce, Huangnan County's top master, had not been spared. Wang Yunshu had merely gone to help clean up the aftermath. The "Wild Monkey" Zhang Ce, long famous in Lingzhou, had died a truly gruesome death. With nothing else to do, Wang Yunshu counted the injuries on the headless corpse, whose head had been severed and nailed to a thick corridor pillar. Excluding minor injuries, the headless corpse had six severe wounds. Both hands had been severed at the shoulder, and an arrow pierced through his chest. Most of the other corpses strewn across the ground were also a bloody mess, causing Wang Yunshu to vomit all the fine food and wine he had consumed that day. His scalp still tingled from the memory. He used to think he was already quite ruthless in his disregard for human life, but it was only today that he realized just how worthless human lives became once one provoked the Beiliang Peregrine Falcons!

Xu Fengnian listened quietly until Wang Yunshu finished, then stood up and smiled, "After all, Huangnan County is your territory; you're more familiar with it. There are still some mopping-up operations remaining to hunt down the stragglers. If I need to trouble you and Commandant Jiao, I will send someone to your residence to inform you."

Wang Yunshu was overjoyed. Jiao Wuyi bowed, clasping his fists, and solemnly declared, "It is my duty as your subordinate to serve Your Highness. I would have no regrets, even in death!"

Xu Fengnian walked down the steps. Wang Yunshu asked softly, "Your Highness, are you truly not staying at my humble abode? Even a sip of warm wine would be good."

Xu Fengnian quipped, "Alright, you've flattered me enough tonight. Wang Yunshu, when you get home, tell Chief Administrator Wang that if he ever gets the chance to visit Liangzhou, he's welcome to come to my residence for a talk."

Wang Yunshu replied reverently, "Certainly, certainly."

Xu Fengnian turned to Jiao Wuyi and said, "Commandant Jiao, a single falling leaf signals autumn; your troop command is quite skilled and seasoned. Now that the Huangnan County affair is settled, Lingzhou General's Residence still needs a Captain. After the New Year, bring your original contingent with you. I'll give you another six hundred soldiers; it needs to be a thousand to be proper."

Jiao Wuyi, nearing forty and suddenly blessed with fortune, had tears welling in his eyes. He knelt with a thud, "Jiao Wuyi is willing to die for Your Highness!"

Xu Fengnian patted his shoulder and walked towards the carriage.

Wang Yunshu offered to see him off, but Xu Fengnian, with his back to the mansion gate, waved his hand.

Wang Yunshu watched the carriage disappear into the distance, then withdrew his gaze and softly said, "Sworn Brother, His Highness has gone far."

Jiao Wuyi, however, kept his hands pressed to the ground, reluctant to rise.

Wang Yunshu turned back and glanced at the magnificent plaque, "Yi Men Wang Shi" (Righteous Gate Wang Clan), bestowed by the imperial court two hundred years ago. "Sworn Brother," he said, "don't ever forget our Wang family from now on."