Chapter 516: Waterfall Reveals the Hidden Letter

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Xu Fengnian, Xu Beizhi, and Pei Nanwei settled into the carriage parked outside the alley. Xu Fengnian removed his sable hat, holding it in his hand, and chuckled, "Prominence attracts trouble, and even if you try to steer clear of strife, storms will inevitably find you. But I truly didn't expect that while they used to cause trouble in Beiliang, it was always aimed at Xu Xiao. Now, someone's actually willing to use *me* as a stepping stone. It seems my travels in the *jianghu* haven't been in vain. This flamboyant fellow, waving his fan and painting beauties, his skill level is debatable, but his eye is genuinely sharp."

Pei Nanwei stole a glance at the Crown Prince, who was so keen on praising himself. She then caught him returning the sable hat to her, as he quipped, "Among Beiliang's four top-ranked beauties, you, Princess Pei—who supposedly committed suicide for the old Prince Jing'an—are one of them. If he paints you on a peach blossom fan and reveals it publicly, causing a stir in both court and common society, then I, the Crown Prince, will be in deep trouble. This fellow truly picked a good time. If either Xu Yanbing or Han Laoshan were free, he wouldn't stand a chance; they'd simply beat him senseless and toss him out of Beiliang."

Xu Beizhi quietly suggested, "We can seize this opportunity to mobilize both the military and civil officialdom in Lingzhou."

Xu Fengnian immediately understood. After a moment's thought, he nodded, "That makes sense. Let's have a cat-and-mouse hunt with that pair of master and servant. The commanding lieutenants and captains in Lingzhou will all participate, along with the government's military and administrative departments, and the Peregrine Falcon Knights responsible for stakeouts and surveillance. Together, we'll weave a grand net. Isn't this fellow aiming for fame? I'll grant his wish and give him a perfect opportunity to make a name for himself! I'll give him a chance, and we'll see if he has the ability to handle this hot potato. We'll know if he's in the Zhi Xuan realm with one try. Furthermore, the standard of military governance among Lingzhou's officers, and the sharpness or dullness of their blades, can roughly be sharpened out by this whetstone delivered right to our doorstep. Juzi, now that you mention it, I'm almost reluctant to kill him too quickly."

Pei Nanwei, who had been silent, finally spoke for the first time, softly chuckling, "Your Highness truly has such a kind heart. You treat your subjects this way, your powerful military officers this way, and even strangers from other lands are no exception."

Xu Beizhi began to close his eyes and rest. He had not an ounce of goodwill towards this "vase" woman, whom the Crown Prince specifically used to provoke and annoy the young Prince Jing'an, Zhao Xun.

Xu Fengnian paid no attention to Pei Nanwei's sarcastic remarks, still refusing to let Xu Beizhi slack off. He said, "After you become the Lingzhou Governor, the civil official Song Yan, the Administrator, has been brought into line. Three families from Huangnan, including Wang Lüting, the brocade weaver, have aligned themselves with you. Among the military, Han Laoshan serves as Lingzhou's Deputy General, and Wang Zhi is an old acquaintance of yours. Jiao Wuyi has been appointed as Lingzhou's third-in-command captain. And, yes, there's also a young man who, like you, defected from Beiman to Beiliang; he and Jiao Wuyi will serve as the left and right 'door gods' for your Governor's residence. The basic framework is largely established. Dong Yueqi, Huang Bingcao, and that group of meritorious military figures who retired from the border will certainly rein in their arrogance for now. I don't expect them to suddenly have a change of heart and pledge unwavering loyalty to me. After all, the deep-seated problems in Lingzhou, which they themselves caused, no longer allow for their impetuous actions. Besides, their descendants, who haven't endured hardship or faced the blade, will only behave themselves for a few days before reverting to their old habits. How many elders can be ruthless enough to truly discipline their juniors? So, these incorrigible scions might resent me, the 'abominable' Crown Prince who put them on the spot, even more than before, instead of maintaining the previous status quo of staying out of each other's way. When I, the Lingzhou General, leave, you'll be the one left to take the fall."

Xu Beizhi calmly replied, "Just them?"

Xu Fengnian chuckled softly, "Anyway, hundreds of official positions in Lingzhou are now yours. From now on, I won't interfere in Lingzhou's affairs in the slightest. I won't stop you from killing; in fact, I probably couldn't even if I tried. But if you can kill fewer, then do so."

Pei Nanwei recalled the man's earlier cruel and sinister remark about slowly killing Sun Yin. She had no doubt that the new Lingzhou Governor would kill without batting an eyelid, and certainly in a way that left no blood or trace. Such scholars were rare in Qingzhou and Xiangfan City; it seemed only after her departure did one finally emerge.

Upon reaching Xingzi Street, even Pei Nanwei, whose ears were muffled by the sable hat, sensed the unusual atmosphere outside. It wasn't overly noisy; Xingzi Street was rarely quiet in the first month of the year, except in the dead of night. Yet, now there was an uncharacteristic silence beyond the carriage curtains. She lifted a corner of the curtain and saw a throng of carriages and horses outside the Lingzhou General's residence. Civil and military officials, all dressed in bright official robes and armor, had gathered in overwhelming numbers, yet they stood with downcast eyes, hardly whispering even among acquaintances, as if fearing the Crown Prince might mistake them for a faction. When Xu Fengnian stepped out of the carriage, the forty-plus retainers of the Beiliang Xu family automatically divided into civil and military ranks, creating a subtle but solemn atmosphere, like a miniature court. Xu Fengnian saw Master Zhou Jianshu, the Lingzhou Administrator, a scholar with little in the way of a renowned demeanor. On Wenquan Street, his official rank was the highest, yet he was the only one who knelt until the very end. He didn't see Dong Hongqiu, the Yueqi captain from Zhong Hongwu's faction, or Huang Zhong, the military registrar. However, he did see Hong Yuan, who had no clear factional backing; his right hand could no longer firmly grasp light objects, which was why his Beiliang blade was perpetually sheathed on his left hip. There were also several unfamiliar faces, but judging by their official robes and military attire, their ranks were not low. The last time Zhou Jianshu and others entered the mansion, they received the distinguished privilege of a private audience in the Prince's study. This time, the Prince merely stated he was holding a banquet to entertain everyone from Lingzhou, so they wouldn't have that luck. Zhou Jianshu, who implicitly felt superior to other officials, followed them across the threshold, almost unable to suppress a chuckle of delight.

The main hall of the General's residence had never been so brightly lit. Twenty thick red candles, as stout as a child's arm, illuminated the space. The banquet offered only simple fare and green-ant wine. The young Lingzhou General sat prominently at the head of the table, facing south. Xu Beizhi, still nominally an official of Longqing Commandery, and Song Yan, who had arrived in the provincial capital that day, were seated at the foremost positions on the left. The Crown Prince's remarks were neither overly effusive nor profound. However, towards the end of the banquet, when everyone heard His Highness call out Song Yan's name, they knew the real show was about to begin. They immediately sat upright, looking towards the Huangnan County Prefect, who slowly rose. Everyone's gaze was complex. This Prefect Song truly lived up to his reputation as the Strategist's prized student, more accurate than anyone at reading the political winds, and his "dragon-riding" skill surpassed even his master's. Sure enough, the Crown Prince announced to the assembled Lingzhou officials that Song Yan would soon serve as Lingzhou Administrator. Immediately, a flood of congratulations erupted, as if people were more joyful than if they themselves had been appointed. Song Yan bowed repeatedly, smiling as he sat down, not omitting even those Lingzhou officials with whom he had past disagreements. It seemed Administrator Song showed no immediate signs of becoming arrogant due to favor.

After setting down his wine cup, Xu Fengnian rested his elbow on the armrest of the rosewood chair, his body slightly askew, appearing somewhat casual and flippant compared to the stiff postures of those below him. In the past, those clever officials would have offered zealous compliments verbally, merely wasting some free breath, but inwardly they would have dismissed him. However, after today's "farce," no one privately cursed Zhou Jianshu as a fair-weather opportunist; instead, they sincerely admired the Administrator's foresight. Officials become increasingly astute because they have been diligently taught by their mentors, severely undermined by political rivals, and spurred by the successes of their peers—their worldly wisdom forged bit by bit through arduous experience. Xu Fengnian didn't wait for them to compose themselves before dropping another dull "spring thunderbolt" on Lingzhou's official circles: "Master Song's promotion to Lingzhou Administrator is a joyous occasion. Furthermore, Xu Beizhi will assume the post of Lingzhou Governor. I have already discussed this matter with the Strategist, and Master Li has no objections."

Zhou Jianshu was the first to abruptly stand up, vigorously patting the sleeves of his official robe. As if addicted to kneeling, he dropped to the ground, bowing his head towards the nearby Xu Beizhi, and solemnly declared, "Your subordinate greets Governor!"

The Administrator, so willing to abandon his dignity, set a fine example, and the civil and military dignitaries who held sway in Lingzhou followed suit, bowing one after another to Xu Beizhi. Some who remained unconvinced told themselves they were merely bowing to the Crown Prince, certainly not to that young outsider of "northern barbarian" origin.

The banquet ended merrily, and the officials rose to take their leave. Neither Xu Fengnian nor the newly appointed Governor moved, leaving Lingzhou Administrator Song Yan to take on the duty of seeing off the guests. When he rounded the magnificent screen wall and returned to the main hall of the mansion, he saw the Crown Prince and the Governor approaching him together. Song Yan quickly stepped forward to greet them. Xu Fengnian chuckled softly, "Administrator Song, you'll likely have to stay here for half a month temporarily. Your official residence still needs some time and manpower to procure furnishings and be thoroughly cleaned. For anyone else, a quick arrangement would suffice, but Administrator Song is a distinguished guest invited by me to the provincial capital, so not a single oversight can be permitted. We hope Master Song will bear with this inconvenience."

Song Yan responded with utmost humility, "Your Highness worries too much. It's not self-praise, but I genuinely don't care about such material possessions. Your Highness truly doesn't need to trouble yourself with the residence. I am not some 'clean-sleeved' incorruptible official; I've amassed a considerable fortune over the years. Even in Lingzhou city, where land is precious, I can afford a suitable residence. I'll simply take this opportunity to spend all my embezzled funds in one go. Should I, your humble official, ever dare to exploit the populace during my tenure as Lingzhou Administrator, please send people to confiscate my property. Consider it a small contribution to Lingzhou's taxes."

Xu Fengnian chuckled, "You can't say this to others, but with you, Song Yan, I can be completely frank. Other officials who embezzle or take bribes, if caught by me, won't necessarily be stripped of their positions and punished, but they will certainly have to disgorge everything they took. However, you, Song Yan, can be granted special leniency: as long as you contribute to Lingzhou, taking money for your private coffers is not a significant issue. I am not such a strict person who can't tolerate the slightest imperfection. I'm stating this here today. If Xu Beizhi ever dares to use this against you in the future, you are welcome to come complain to me. I will certainly back you up. Furthermore, the reason I'm going to the extra trouble of preparing a residence for you isn't to win your favor; I'm not that idle, nor are you so easily swayed. It's simply a matter of necessity. You know the general reasons behind the two incidents in Huangnan County, at Qingrong Temple and Lotus Pond. Being closely associated with me, the Lingzhou General, brings high office and generous salaries, but also numerous hidden dangers. So, remember to tell Miss Song that she can leave the city in the future, but it's best not to be overly secretive or deliberate about it. I fear that the Peregrine Falcon Knights in Lingzhou City might, in case of any oversight, be unable to prevent certain misfortunes. Of course, Lingzhou City is generally very clean now; I'm just wary of 'what ifs,' because when 'what if' happens, everything can be lost."

Song Yan bowed deeply, his voice heavy and excited, "With Your Highness's immense kindness towards the Song family, your humble official will surely devote all his strength to assisting the Governor, easing Your Highness's worries, and striving for the welfare of Lingzhou's people!"

Xu Fengnian nodded. After Song Yan looked up, he asked with a smile, "Has Miss Song gone to meet her friends next door?"

In his own domain of Huangnan Commandery, Song Yan could still maintain a subtle air of formality with the Crown Prince, but now he had completely shed any local 'snakehead' arrogance. He responded with utmost deference, "Your Highness is wise."

Xu Fengnian wore a helpless expression, playfully remarking, "Administrator Song, Administrator Song, you've only been in the provincial capital for a few hours, and you're already so willing to be my servant! Can't you retain a bit of scholarly decorum?"

Song Yan, with an air of complete naturalness, casually laughed, "If one day the Governor is promoted again, and I smoothly succeed him, I'll certainly have to be even more deferential."

Xu Fengnian smiled contentedly, "That's right. That's the Administrator Song Yan of Lingzhou I want."

Xu Beizhi also cupped his hands and said, "I'll be relying on Administrator Song from now on."

Song Yan promptly returned the bow, "It is my duty."

After bidding farewell, Xu Fengnian and Xu Beizhi continued to stroll through the mansion. Xu Fengnian said softly, "The Lingzhou officials now look at you, 'Orange' Xu, just as they once looked at me, the Lingzhou General. Perhaps you'll have it even worse. After all, I am the Crown Prince, holding the legitimate authority of Beiliang, while you are an untrustworthy 'northern barbarian.' If it weren't for that, I wouldn't have brought in so many people to help you all at once. 'Persimmon' and 'Orange'—we're brothers in hardship! Fortunately, I'll be able to pack up and leave soon. If you find yourself struggling in Lingzhou, don't expect any help from me."

Xu Beizhi suddenly remarked, "Actually, you could have just put Sun Yin in the position of Lingzhou Governor from the start."

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