Chapter 574: Wind, Rain, and the Sound of Reading

If last year's official circles in Lingzhou, under the meddling of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince who was also the General of Lingzhou, merely experienced subtle undercurrents that culminated in a storm in a teacup, then the military and political situation in Youzhou under the new King of Northern Liang's bloody iron fist was a tragic and turbulent affair that left everyone in fear. Spring rain is precious, and this was especially true for the late spring rains in Northern Liang. As the rain fell and washed away the blood, it also saved the various Youzhou government offices a great deal of trouble. This unprecedented upheaval in Northern Liang saw three captains killed, countless powerful colonels, and over a hundred high-ranking officials stripped of their positions and sent to the border for military service. The so-called "eight hundred military noble families" intricately rooted in Youzhou, while undoubtedly an exaggerated figure, certainly numbered around three hundred households. The majority were affected, and the families caught in the purge were utterly defenseless. Others, patiently awaiting General Yan Wenluan's furious intervention, were utterly dismayed. The General not only stood by "agreeably" but personally mobilized the elite infantry of his direct Yan family lineage from the six camps to control several key passes in northern Youzhou. This was not just turning his back, but essentially stabbing himself. With the Great Snow Dragon Riders infiltrating Youzhou's heartland, the old King of Northern Liang's adopted son Qi Dangguo personally leading efforts in eastern Liangzhou, and Wang Zhi and Xin Yinma leading two cavalry units of different Northern Liang序列 in northern Lingzhou, along with Gu Dazu, the deputy commander of the infantry and a "new noble" of Northern Liang, and veteran generals like Liu Yuanji and Wei Tieshan—both retired and active—all unhesitatingly chose to openly support the new King of Northern Liang simultaneously, despite their intricate ties to Youzhou. At this point, even if the arrogant military families of Youzhou didn't understand why the new King of Northern Liang was so amiable in Lingzhou but so ruthless in Youzhou, they painfully realized one thing: Northern Liang belonged to the Xu family. Not a single old veteran or military leader in Northern Liang with the skill and seniority to challenge the young lord was willing to speak a word of justice on their behalf.

In short, it was all too late.

Old faces left, new ones arrived. And they came in multiple groups; some were summoned by Xu Fengnian, others came uninvited. The latter were also quite direct. Huang Shang, who had vaguely become the public leader of Northern Liang's scholars, was practically jumping up and down in anger, while Master Wang from Shangyin Academy leisurely advised Huang Shang against harming his liver with anger, uttering such platitudes. Both refined old men had just admired the desert scenery at the border and rushed non-stop to Yi River in Youzhou. However, the closer they got to Yi River, the more serene Master Wang became. Ironically, Huang Shang, the scholar who should have been most pleased by the current situation, became the one who vehemently cursed the King of Northern Liang. He cursed Xu Fengnian for being too ruthless, calling him the true butcher, more vicious than Xu Xiao. He argued that if Xu Fengnian had the ability, he should kill in Beiman, not among his own people. Xu Fengnian showed no smile, no anger, and no words. He simply took full charge of military and political affairs at the Youzhou General's residence, completely indifferent to Huang Shang's furious scolding, not even lifting an eyelid.

After the two elders, Master Wang and Huang Shang, the new Prefect of Liuzhou, Yang Guangdou, arrived in a hurry from the refugee lands. This great Mohist master showed no sign of anger, simply saying two phrases: "That's enough," and "Chen Xiliang did quite well." Afterward, he left as quickly as he arrived, not even pausing for a hot meal or tea. Besides these white-haired old men, there were at least those of the younger generation: Hu Kui, Prefect of Liangzhou and the true creator of the Torch-Bearing Cavalry, the predecessor of the White Horse Scouts. He was accompanied by Yu Luandao, who once wrote "The Song of Liangzhou's Great Horses." Yu Luandao, the eldest grandson of the Yin Yang Yu family, had journeyed alone through the refugee lands, seemingly without being killed or killing anyone. Also present were Song Yan, who had recently become Lingzhou's Vice-Prefect, and Wang Xihua, head of the Wang family of Huangnan Commandery, Lingzhou, known for their Water Classic. These two were once political rivals within the same commandery but were not mortal enemies. Wang Xihua, renowned in Northern Liang for his moral essays, and Director-General Li Gongde, who tirelessly pursued practical achievements—*they* were the true mortal enemies.

After all these people gathered at the Youzhou General's residence, the next morning was dark and stormy. Xu Fengnian called for them to go together to the newly built Green Deer Cave Academy. Huangfu Ping, who hadn't had a chance to show his face recently, was in charge of leading one hundred personal guards for the escort, his face impassive, showing no hint of joy or sorrow. Youzhou Deputy General Le Dian, who had earned the notorious nickname "Butcher Le" for his mass killings within just ten days, was even more worried. Only Prefect Wang Peifang, the head of Youzhou's civil officials, brought up the rear of the procession, riding high on his horse. His lean frame, not as robust as a martial artist's, swayed with the horse's movement, unable to hide the joy on his face. Fortune and misfortune are intertwined, especially when misfortune turns into fortune. No matter how calm Wang Peifang usually was, how could he not feel extra jubilant?

Youzhou was in chaos, but the academy at the foot of Green Deer Mountain could be called the last pure land in Youzhou. Nearly a hundred scholars had entered to peacefully pursue their studies, burying themselves in classics when alone and discussing scholarship when together. The only slight drawback was that the two temporary academy leaders required a "practical achievements" essay from them each month, which seemed somewhat opportunistic, and the more the better. For example, how Northern Liang's salt and iron should be managed, how to deal with the imperial court's restrictions on grain transport, how to eradicate the shackles of factionalism, how to solve the problem of corrupt officials, how to define reputable and powerful chancellors, and even how to balance the power of chancellors, and so on. Many of these topics were undoubtedly forbidden territory for traditional scholars. Yet, some scholars simply couldn't resist the huge temptation of earning between one hundred and five hundred taels of silver for the top essay of the month. An ancient saying goes, "Within books, one finds a golden house, a thousand bushels of grain, and a beautiful maiden." Leaving aside the golden house, don't the latter two also require real silver and gold? The ancients merely spoke with more subtlety; the underlying truth is quite practical. Although Green Deer Cave Academy was still in its nascent stage, and the most crucial spirit of an academy was missing, Huang Shang's mood clearly improved after climbing the mountain. He no longer cared about showing his displeasure to the King of Northern Liang, instead stroking his beard and smiling, full of satisfaction. Although the imperial court did not forbid famous scholars from engaging in 'pure discourse,' Northern Liang went further, ignoring even treasonous speech and even encouraging such expressions. In the eyes of the old censor Huang Shang, this was the true soil for nurturing scholars: to speak what one thinks, commit it to paper, and have it recorded in history for future generations to judge. This was indeed a great fortune for scholars across the land.

Huang Shang stood at the academy's entrance, not rushing to cross the threshold. He looked up at the plaque personally inscribed by Xu Fengnian, the King of Northern Liang, then stopped, his eyes instantly welling up with tears, his lips trembling, and asked: "Can scholars like us truly be allowed to openly curse you, Xu Fengnian, and Northern Liang, as I did yesterday?"

Xu Fengnian nodded and replied, "Cursing is fine, as long as you scholars can maintain your integrity. If you can genuinely strive to benefit the world, that's even better. If one day, a Northern Liang martial artist who abuses his power dares to kill you with a blade, as long as reason is on your side, in your hearts and mouths, and not in their hands or on their blades, I will protect you."

Huang Shang repeated "good" several times, his large sleeves billowing. He strode into Green Deer Cave Academy with Master Wang. After walking a short distance, he suddenly realized that the young Xu family member had not followed, but remained standing where he was. Huang Shang turned back, a look of confusion on his face.

Xu Fengnian said, "From now on, no Northern Liang warrior wearing armor or carrying a sword shall set foot inside the academy. You scholars, rest assured and pursue your studies. I don't expect civil and military officials in Northern Liang to live in harmony like respectful guests overnight, but at the very least, they must keep to their own affairs and not interfere with each other. However, let me be clear: if scholars seek fame and prestige through shallow means, I, Xu Fengnian, can turn a blind eye. But if you dare to use your tongues and pens to incite chaos or disturb the populace, you will surely pay a heavy price. At that point, don't say Huang Shang accused me of breaking my word; even if you fight me to the death, my ruthlessness would be the least of your concerns. I would not hesitate to kill you, Huang Shang."

Huang Shang hesitated, about to speak but stopped.

Master Wang, who had long since sided with Northern Liang, chuckled softly beside Huang Shang, "Old man Huang, why are you so pedantic and sour? It's not good. A scholar isn't afraid of poverty, but once a scholar becomes sour, what they write will be even less valuable than pickled vegetables."

Huang Shang sighed and no longer insisted.

Yu Luandao wanted to follow them into the academy, but Hu Kui, the Prefect of Liangzhou, quietly held back the talented young man from a noble family, gently shaking his head. Unexpectedly, Yu Luandao removed his family's famed saber "Daluang" and handed it to Hu Kui, then smiled and said, "I'm just bored and want to take a look inside. I've studied for over twenty years; that's enough reading. My fate is to die on the battlefield. According to the King of Northern Liang, I probably won't have another chance to step foot here in this life. Shouldn't I take advantage of not wearing armor or carrying a saber to see the academy a few more times? The sounds of wind and rain don't hinder anything, and I'll hear horse hooves and battle cries until my ears are calloused. But the sounds of scholars reading in an academy, which I've known since childhood, I really won't have the chance to hear them anymore."

Xu Fengnian watched the retreating figure of the young man, who was about his age. He took the saber from Hu Kui's hand, not drawing it, but merely flicking the scabbard with his finger, and asked with a smile, "Are you Yu Luandao?"

The young man, known on Guangling Road as "the Yu family's new pride" after Cao Changqing, turned around and smiled, "Yes, I am."

The young lord, who had given a gloomy impression recently, chuckled softly, "Even if you were a Liyang spy, Northern Liang would still reluctantly accept you based on your appearance."

Yu Luandao complained with a slight pout, "I'm not some maiden confined to her boudoir. I can't really be happy that the King of Northern Liang judges people by their looks."

Xu Fengnian returned the Daluang saber to Hu Kui, then smiled and waved his hand, signaling Yu Luandao to enter the academy.

Once Yu Luandao slowly walked into Green Deer Cave Academy, Xu Fengnian turned and walked to the square fence in front of the academy, waving to Wang Peifang. As a genuine scholar and notable figure, the Prefect of Youzhou had not entered the academy, and the people outside were all true military generals, leaving Wang Peifang feeling awkward and out of place. In the past, Prefect Wang might have been afraid, but that was out of deference for Xu Fengnian as the eldest legitimate son of General Xu Xiao, and fear of his certain succession. Even after Xu Fengnian successfully ascended, Wang Peifang believed he could retain some scholarly integrity when facing the new King as a subject. Alas, after witnessing the new King of Northern Liang's mass killings right before his eyes in Youzhou, not a shred of that spirit remained!

Wang Peifang cautiously stood behind the new King of Northern Liang.

Xu Fengnian gazed into the distance. "You will swap positions with Hu Kui. The Prefect of Liangzhou has always been half a rank higher than the Prefect of Youzhou, so in the eyes of outsiders, you, Wang Peifang, will be seen as having gained a promotion and wealth. However, as for the importance of you and Hu Kui, who is nominally demoted, you both know your standing in my heart."

Sweat seeped from Wang Peifang's forehead. He bowed even lower and quietly replied, "Your subordinate understands."

Xu Fengnian hummed in acknowledgment. "Go to the academy."

Wang Peifang quickly turned and trotted into the academy.

Xu Fengnian's eyelid twitched. He shifted his gaze slightly towards the foot of the mountain. After a moment, he spoke to Hu Kui: "Hu Kui, you are a military general by origin. You know that a place like Youzhou, unlike Lingzhou where Li Gongde is stationed, is almost terminally ill. There are military noble families everywhere, and these people are accustomed to settling matters with fists and and blades. Talking to them until your lips are raw is useless. From now on, it's up to your abilities."

Hu Kui, who had experienced many ups and downs, nodded gravely, without a single word of grandiloquence.

Xu Fengnian continued, "Le Dian, tomorrow you will go to the Liangzhou border to assist Yuan Zuozong. I know you've been under the most duress this time."

Youzhou Deputy General Le Dian bowed and clasped his fists, saying, "Your subordinate accepts the order! I am a crude man and not good with words, but I am willing to serve Northern Liang until death!"

Xu Fengnian turned and stared at Huangfu Ping. "You will remain the General of Youzhou. Actually, what you said that day at the inn wasn't wrong, but some matters aren't about right or wrong. I am different from you and Hu Kui, so there's no need for pleasantries. By placing you in the position of Youzhou General, everything that needs to be said has been said. But there's one thing you should understand: Huangfu Ping is no longer the wandering pugilist who had to tread carefully and read others' expressions in everything he did. In Northern Liang, if I don't give you a hard time, who can? Who would dare?"

Huangfu Ping, who had always acted subserviently before Xu Fengnian, let out an unprecedented chuckle. "With these words, even if Huangfu Ping were fried a hundred times in a vat of oil, it would be worth it."

Xu Fengnian, impassive, descended the mountain alone in the slanting wind and fine rain.

He walked to meet two ascending figures.

The old eunuch Zhao Siku, who had traveled thousands of miles from south of the capital.

And Gao Shulu, whose Mountain-Opening Talisman had already peeled away and vanished at the beginning of the ascent.

Xu Fengnian knew this encounter would be a true test of life or death. But only by passing this trial could he face the Beiman iron cavalry with a clear mind.

Only then could he once again venture alone into Beiman, in a situation that couldn't get any worse.

Girl Hehe had, at some point, appeared behind him. Xu Fengnian stopped and shook his head at her.

She also shook her head.

Xu Fengnian chuckled playfully, "Are you foolish?"

The young assassin giggled.

This time, she was truly smiling.

The sounds of wind and rain persisted. The reading sounds near the academy were gone, but there was a giggle.

Xu Fengnian walked closer to the young girl and straightened a familiar golden hairpin in her bun. "You resemble your mother, and you're beautiful too."

The girl wrinkled her nose, unsure if she was happy or sad.

She glanced at him, then squatted on the steps, not following him down the mountain.

Xu Fengnian turned, his hands on Chunlei and Guohezhu, and resolutely descended the mountain.

Not far from the foot of the mountain, Gao Shulu grabbed the sleeve of the old eunuch from Tai'an City and tossed him down the mountain. The frail old eunuch floated back down to the base of the mountain, completely unharmed.

Gao Shulu spread his arms wide and took a deep, satisfying breath.

Then, he lifted all the wind and rain from the mountain, which had yet to reach the ground, back up to the highest heavens.

At the same time, the Two Sleeves Green Snake tumbled down the mountain.