Chapter 812: Silent as a Cicada (Part 1)

It is often said that there are no secrets that can be kept, and while Taian City’s walls were high, the winds of gossip blew strong, with countless informers. Thus, rumors always spread to every corner at astonishing speed. Soon after the new King of Northern Liang settled into Xiamawei Inn, the conflict between the Northern Liang cavalry and the Western Army of the Imperial Capital became a widespread sensation. This made what was originally a common courtesy—the court, led by the Minister of Rites, personally welcoming the vassal king into the city—take on an unusual significance. While most common people praised the Emperor’s generosity, they spared no effort in vociferously denouncing the young vassal king’s arrogance and unreasonableness. They believed the court should leave this "barbarian from the Northwest" outside the city until he truly repented, submitted a memorial to the Emperor, and begged for forgiveness; only then should he be permitted to enter.

Compared to the common folk who were unaware of the underlying complexities, the civil and military officials in Taian City—especially those qualified to attend morning court, who had truly established themselves in Liyang’s officialdom—should have been the ones most confident in dictating terms to Northern Liang’s military and political affairs. Yet, this time, unprecedentedly, they all fell silent; there was little of the "grand spectacle" of one dog barking and a hundred following suit. For example, censors from the Censorate and supervising secretaries from the Six Bureaus, despite their lower official ranks, held esteemed statuses. After privately consulting each other, they all abandoned the idea of impeaching the young vassal king. The reason was simple: as that carriage entered Taian City, besides the confrontation between Northern Liang light cavalry and Generals Zhao Gui and Yuci Changgong coming to light, the shocking news of Northern Liang’s great victory over Beiman also reached the capital. Impeaching a martial artist, who could be called the foremost border hero of the new dynasty, at such a sensitive time, would be useless no matter how many reasons one found.

In contrast, how many enemies had the Two Liaos Border Army, built with half the nation’s tax revenue, killed in twenty years? Had it even been 100,000? According to Liyang military law, capturing eighty Beiman heads could elevate a low-ranking soldier to a Border Army Captain. It was said that this time Northern Liang not only killed countless enemies but even beheaded Beiman’s Grand General Yang Yuanzan. If merits were to be rewarded, how immense would this military achievement be? Since that "little barbarian" Xu was already a vassal king, the coveted titles of marquis and prime minister, which Liyang scholars yearned for, became meaningless. Could it be that the late Emperor had only just stripped the old King of Liang of his Grand Marshal title, and in the blink of an eye, it was to be reclaimed from the hands of the current Emperor?

At the same time, lower-ranking capital officials naturally began to grumble about the Beiman "barbarians'" surprising vulnerability. Previously, the Eastern Front Army had aggressively pushed all the way to Hulukou Xiaguang City, so how could they be so useless in the end? Taian City even complained about Grand General Gu Jiantang, who held an extremely high position. Northern Liang’s 300,000 border troops could drive Beiman’s million-strong army back to their homeland, and the Two Liaos Border Army was not small either. Don’t talk about "all thunder and no rain"; the Two Liaos hadn’t even produced a decent thunderclap in twenty years!

Xu Fengnian only brought Xu Yanbing to stay at Xiamawei Inn, while the 800 White Horse Volunteers were properly accommodated by the Ministry of War and Ministry of Rites in suitable lodgings near the inn. After Xu Fengnian got out of the carriage, he found that the innkeepers and many officials were different from his last visit to the capital; they were all younger, unfamiliar faces, and their eyes showed deep fear when they saw the King of Northern Liang in his black and gold python robe.

Xu Fengnian looked up at the Dragon’s Claw Scholar Tree outside the inn, feeling that the place remained, but the people were gone.

Xiamawei Inn had always been an inn exclusively for Northern Liang, and one of the very few inns allowed to be built within the capital. Since the old King of Liang, Xu Xiao, rarely entered the capital to meet the Emperor after being enfeoffed, the inn had always presented a desolate scene over the years. Officials from the Ministry of War and Ministry of Revenue had repeatedly suggested abolishing Xiamawei, so much so that in recent years, for new officials entering these ministries, rehashing this issue became an unwritten rule, almost like a "pledge of allegiance." Anyone who dared not submit a memorial on this matter would inevitably be ostracized and manipulated by their seniors and colleagues. However, both the previous emperor and the current emperor maintained a subtle attitude of neither approving nor rejecting it, leading some old hands in officialdom to quip that if Xiamawei Inn were ever truly demolished, things would become boring.

Xu Fengnian was very familiar with this inn and specifically asked the innkeeper, whose surname was Hong, for a room in the back courtyard. After the trembling innkeeper slowly bowed and departed, Xu Fengnian moved two rattan chairs under the eaves, and he and Xu Yanbing either lay or sat. This hasty entry into the capital, seemingly a spur-of-the-moment decision by Xu Fengnian from Qingliang Mountain, was not without dissent. However, Xu Fengnian’s control over the Northern Liang Iron Cavalry and the entire Northern Liang officialdom had now reached its peak. Apart from Xu Beizhi’s outburst when they met in Lingzhou, only Song Dongming had a secret letter sent by a Fushui Chamber spy, subtly disapproving of Xu Fengnian putting himself in danger, which likely echoed the sentiments of a group of old generals, including Yan Wenluan. Only Bai Yu, through the Wutong Courtyard, belatedly sent a letter expressing approval.

Xu Yanbing quietly said, "The Second Princess said that Hu Yandaguan should also come to the capital. Your Highness should have agreed. A centipede dies but never stiffens, let alone the Liyang Zhao imperial family, which is far from declining. Even without top experts like Han Shengxuan, Liu Haoshi, and Qi Jiajie, and with few Qintian Supervisor qi practitioners remaining after two tribulations, it is still the foremost city in the world and should not be underestimated."

Xu Fengnian laughed, "I didn’t ask Hu Yandaguan to come out, and the Zhao Emperor didn’t order Gu Jiantang to rush to the capital. Let’s call it even."

Xu Yanbing sighed, "If the imperial decree had arrived a little later, our Northern Liang would have parted ways with the Zhao family."

Xu Fengnian shook his head, "There won’t be a fight. Zhao Zhuan’s original intention was to have the Western Army of the Imperial Capital test my bottom line. If we were amenable, he would have the confidence to make exorbitant demands. If I’m not mistaken, the eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial who delivered the decree must have been instructed by the Emperor to appear at the precise moment. So, no matter what, there wouldn’t be a war in the imperial capital region. If a fight really broke out, with a full 7,000 elites being routed by 800 cavalry, where would the Emperor and the court put their faces? Furthermore, even if the Western Army miraculously won, it would still be a mess that’s hard to clean up."

Hearing Xu Fengnian intentionally emphasize the word "elites," Xu Yanbing smiled knowingly, "Northern Liang’s local garrisons, not to mention Liangzhou and Youzhou, even Lingzhou might be tougher than them."

Xu Fengnian showed no sarcasm. "Actually, the Liyang military’s Spring and Autumn foundation is still there. Unfortunately, after twenty years of peace, yearly drills simply can’t compare to the real battles of the border army, so they’ve lost their sharpness. After all, a sharpened blade is vastly different from an unsharpened one. However, if given a few years of tempering by war, they might not be so bad. To give an example, if my Northern Liang were to establish a nation, at most it would be a small Beiman, destined to be outlasted by the prospering and increasingly powerful Liyang. However, if Northern Liang went all in, under the premise that Beiman wouldn’t take advantage of the chaos to interfere in the Central Plains, and launched a thousand-mile lightning attack on Taian City, I believe we could take Lianghuai..."

At this point, Xu Fengnian smiled, "One month, at most one month, the Northern Liang Iron Cavalry could leave nothing alive along the entire Liyang northern line, including Jizhou, with battle losses definitely not exceeding 20,000, and we would directly reach the walls of Taian City."

Xu Fengnian put his hands under his head, looking at the capital’s sky, "But breaking through the capital is too difficult. In the imperial capital region, except for the south which is good for cavalry, other areas are not suitable. At that time, not to mention Gu Jiantang’s Two Liaos Border Army, and King Jiaodong Zhao Sui and King Jing’an Zhao Xun, perhaps even the Southern Border Army would seize the opportunity to move north. However, the former would be thinking of earning merit by aiding the Emperor, while the latter would have more complicated intentions, aiming to profit from the situation. Among these, don’t forget the ambitious Chen Zhibao. As for people like Lu Shengxiang and Tang Tieshuang, they are not mediocre either. A single battle in Guangling Dao could quickly elevate Xie Xichui and Kou Jianghuai to the ranks of famous generals. If a war drags on, Liyang could easily produce several 'Wang Xichui' and 'Ma Jianghuai' types. If Northern Liang allied with Western Chu, the chances of victory would be greater. Conversely, couldn’t Liyang, desperate like a cornered dog, borrow troops from Beiman?"

Xu Fengnian quietly said, "Even if all the Northern Liang Iron Cavalry were willing to follow me, Xu Fengnian, as rebellious subjects, how many would die in a foreign land then? How many people would die across the entire world? If, because of this, Beiman’s iron hooves took the opportunity to pour into the Central Plains, leaving aside being called a sinner for a thousand generations, just Xu Xiao... he wouldn’t rest easy."

Xu Yanbing sincerely said, "Being an official is harder than practicing martial arts. A martial artist, even if stubborn, might still become a grandmaster. But an official who is inflexible has no future. If being an official is like this, let alone being a vassal king or an emperor."

Xu Fengnian laughed, "How difficult it is to always follow one’s heart’s desire. It’s better to settle for the next best thing: a clear conscience."

Silence fell for a moment.

Xu Yanbing suddenly asked, "What’s next?"

Xu Fengnian quietly said, "Wait until the situation in the capital develops, and the time is right, then I’ll attend another court session. After that, whether it’s Huan Wen or Qi Yanglong who sees me, and whether they appeal to my emotions with reason, or tempt me with benefits and threaten me with power, I’m actually quite curious."

The Lu family from Jiangnan, with two ministers, where the former Minister of Rites Lu Daolin and the former Minister of War Lu Baixie have both left the capital—one retired to his hometown, the other was transferred to Guangling—currently seem to be in a much better situation than the Song family, which had two scholars. However, with undercurrents stirring, as long as one is alive and hasn’t received a posthumous title that seals their fate, no one knows whether the final outcome will be good or bad.

There was Kong Zhenrong of the Ministry of War, Yan Chiji of the Hanlin Academy.

Chen Wang, Sun Yin, Lu Xu.

Grand Academician Yan Jiexie, Vice Minister of Rites Jin Lanting.

And two groups of noble sons from the capital, led by Yin Changgeng and Wang Yuanran respectively.

It seemed Xu Fengnian had more acquaintances than expected.

Xu Yanbing looked worried, "But what if the court insists on controlling the canal transport?"

Xu Fengnian’s answer then shocked even Xu Yanbing.

"There will be no war between Liang and Man for a short time. For Liyang to have the world’s most formidable Northern Liang Iron Cavalry and not use them, just watching Western Chu win battle after battle, isn’t that too outrageous? I, Xu Fengnian, am still willing to help the court resolve its difficulties. Ultimately, it means the court is stingy and won’t give Northern Liang provisions. That’s fine! Our Northern Liang is still willing to send troops! Not only will we send troops, but we’ll send the Great Snow Dragon Cavalry to Guangling Dao!"

Xu Yanbing rubbed his chin, "If I were sitting on the dragon throne, I’d have a headache."

Xu Fengnian sat up, squinting with a smile, "Not just a headache, Liyang will feel pain below the waist!"

Just then, Xu Yanbing glanced towards the courtyard wall, a cold smile playing on his lips.

Xu Fengnian mused, "It reminds me of Qi Jiajie from Taoshu Town. Their entrance poses are carved from the same mold, as if they want to be even more 'sword-qi-close' than Huang Qing."

The innkeeper, surnamed Hong, walked into the courtyard with a mournful face and cautiously said, "Your Highness, there are guests outside the inn."

Xu Fengnian nodded, "I know. Go back and tell him I said to get lost."

The innkeeper’s face visibly twitched, but he still respectfully exited the courtyard.

Not long after, someone shouted in a loud voice, clearly audible from two streets away, "I am Li Haoran, the first disciple of Qi Jiajie! I invite the King of Northern Liang to a battle to the death!"

Xu Fengnian found it rather amusing and exasperating.

Xu Yanbing was also like this, clicking his tongue, "Is this guy’s brain full of water? A battle to the death?"

Coincidentally, right after the challenge from Li Haoran, a famous swordmaster from the capital, another loud voice, panting and urgent, shouted, "Damn it! I don’t care whose disciple you are, I got to Xiamawei Inn first! If I hadn’t just had an emergency and gone to the latrine, it wouldn’t be your turn! If anyone’s going to spar with the King of Northern Liang, it’s me first! King of Northern Liang, don’t listen to this guy beside me spouting nonsense! Me first, me first! I am Wu Laifu, a hero from Jinzhou, Liaodong, and today I dare to spar with Your Highness! I dare, I truly dare!"

Soon, the "hero" at the inn, who almost had his chance snatched by Li Haoran, added, "Your Highness, actually, we’re from the same hometown!"

Xu Fengnian, sitting on the rattan chair, put a hand to his forehead.

Xu Yanbing asked, "Shall I just deal with them casually?"

Xu Fengnian stood up and joked with a smile, "It’s fine, I’ll go meet my 'compatriot'."

But when Xu Fengnian walked out of the inn, he only saw a deserted street, with just one elegant young swordsman standing there, and countless heads peering out of the windows of the restaurants and teahouses on both sides of the street.

Xu Fengnian was a little puzzled and turned to the innkeeper, asking, "What about that guy from Jinzhou, Liaodong?"

The innkeeper’s face looked strange as he whispered, "Reporting to Your Highness, for some reason, that person, before even seeing Your Highness, yelled 'I sense killing intent,' and then... then he ran off like a wisp of smoke."

Xu Fengnian was speechless.

This guy was a real talent.

He really had the style of a certain person from back then.

Li Haoran, whose imposing demeanor had been completely ruined by that guy’s clowning, originally had a gloomy face. But when he saw the King of Northern Liang appear in his python robe, an inexplicable surge of emotions clouded his swordsman’s heart, instantly losing the clear brilliance he had at his entrance. What was even more infuriating was that jerk from Liaodong named Wu returned, trotting back to Li Haoran’s side, a rusty iron saber in a black sheath hanging from his waist. He grinned foolishly and said, "King of Northern Liang, old rules, I’ll go first. I just had something to do and went to the next street. Today, I, Wu Laifu, wouldn’t dare bother Your Highness too much. As long as Your Highness can take one strike from me, just one strike! I’ll leave without another word, how about it?"

Xu Fengnian smiled playfully and nodded, "Alright."

The countless spectators behind the windows on both sides of the street, eager for a show, saw that guy step forward, letting out an angry shout. After drawing his saber with a flourish, he didn’t charge forward.

Then.

There was no "then."

Li Haoran took a deep breath and looked up at the sky.

The whole street was deathly silent.

After a long wait, the saber master sheathed his blade, stood firm, and cupped his fists, saying, "The King of Northern Liang’s skill is truly remarkable, reaching the profound realm of 'no saber in hand, but saber in heart'! This peak exchange between us, I have been defeated! Green mountains remain, green waters flow, we shall meet again!" This "hero" turned elegantly, shook his head, and strode away, fully displaying the "demeanor of a master."

"Son of a bitch, I’ve been waiting for you forever, at least give one strike!"

"You bastard, 'peak exchange,' peak my ass!"

"Your name is Wu Laifu, right? I’ve got you noted! See if I don’t find someone to beat you to death later!"

The street was instantly filled with curses. Some extremely angry spectators not only threw teacups and wine bowls out of windows, but the more hot-tempered ones directly smashed chairs onto the street. Several groups of people, unable to bear it any longer, rushed into the street, intending to teach that guy a lesson. Unfortunately, that guy vanished quickly, leaving everyone to sigh that, regardless of his martial arts skill, he certainly could run fast.

Li Haoran, the green-robed swordsman who had finally regained his calm mind, solemnly said, "King of Northern Liang, can we have our battle now?"

The crowd thought, "The good show has finally begun." As Grand Master Qi’s foremost disciple, Li Haoran was one of the capital’s top swordsmen. Even if he couldn’t defeat the young vassal king, whose prestige was soaring in the jianghu, exchanging thirty or forty moves shouldn’t be a problem, right? Then the prime viewing spots they had paid a high price and fought hard for would have been worth it.

Xu Fengnian ignored Li Haoran and looked towards the end of the street.

Three figures, tall and short, old and young, stood side by side, silently. Further behind the three, there was a man with a child in green clothes sitting on his shoulders. Furthermore, a young Taoist priest appeared from around the corner, a peach wood sword at his waist, his Taoist robe swaying as he walked, like an immortal being.

Xu Yanbing had, at some point, moved to Xu Fengnian’s side.

Xu Fengnian paid no attention to these figures who had come representing Taian City’s hospitality. Instead, he looked up at the roof of a building, suppressing a smile. There was a peculiar little girl wearing a cheap mink hat, sitting there, nonchalantly munching on a large flatbread. She was at ease.

Xu Fengnian’s mood instantly brightened. His smile was radiant. Among the spectators who had paid handsomely for seats on both sides of the street were many bold young women from prominent families. Seeing this scene with their own eyes, they were instantly captivated.

The little girl on the roof let out a small "heh."