Chapter 970: Angry Song

As Xu Fengnian left the council hall, he felt a chill. Looking up, he saw an unexpected autumn rain beginning to fall. Beneath the corridor, the large red lanterns cast soft, circles of yellowish light.

Haha Girl and Xu Ying, in her red robe, trotted behind the young lord. As they descended the steps towards the Second Hall, Xu Fengnian suddenly stopped. When the two girls came to stand on either side of him, he raised his hand high and placed it over their heads to shield them from the rain.

Even late into the night, the pathways remained bustling. A counselor, carrying a paper fan and hurrying from the back hall to a meeting in the military office, witnessed this rare and heartwarming scene. After a brief hesitation, he decided against offering his umbrella to the young lord.

On either side of the path leading to the council hall in the princely mansion stood six administrative departments: Military, Civil, Finance, Rites, Justice, and Works. Currently, Yang Shenxing, the Deputy Military Commissioner of Beiliang Dao, presided over the Military Department. Li Gongde, the Strategic Commissioner, was on duty in the Civil Department. The Finance Department was temporarily managed by Bai Yu, the Governor of Liangzhou, who oversaw all its affairs. Although Mr. Bai Lian, as he was known, had a governor's residence in Liangzhou City that he inherited from Tian Peifang, and also maintained an office in Qingliang Mountain, Bai Yu's focus would clearly shift to Jubi City in the future. Whether this was for the upcoming war with Beimang or to escape the political shadow of the Deputy Strategic Commissioner Song Dongming, Bai Yu's administrative prowess was beyond doubt; he could skillfully manage not just a small finance department, but likely even an entire Ministry of Revenue from Liyang. Wang Jijiu, currently on leave from the academy, led the Rites Department. The Works Department was entrusted to Song Changsui, the Mohist Grand Master, who continued to improve Jubi City in his capacity as Deputy Supervisor of Construction. The Justice Department had no single top official; instead, two highly experienced spy chiefs, one from the Eagle-raising Faction and one from the Fushui Faction, were stationed there.

Beyond the main hall on the central axis lay the Second Hall, marked by a peculiar plaque inscribed "Hall for Seeking Heat." This was quite unusual, as all other villas and temporary palaces for rulers and lords were typically known as summer retreats.

The central signing room was the main structure of the Second Hall. The young lord's study was located next door, though it was extremely spartan compared to the unmatched elegance of his former Wutong Courtyard in Qingliang Mountain. The books kept there were primarily military archives of the Beiliang border army.

Furthermore, military branch offices were established here for various elite border armies from beyond Liangzhou Pass, including the Liangzhou Left and Right Cavalry, Liuzhou Dragon Elephant Army, Iron Buddhas, and White Feather Light Cavalry. There were also separate offices for the Youzhou Infantry Division, the Four States Generals, and the Fourteen Captains, all designed to ensure smooth transmission of military orders. The Third Hall bore a plaque inscribed "Hall of Deliberation," a name derived from Li Yishan's saying: "Of achievements throughout the ages, the most thought is spent." The couplet on its entrance also came from this strategist of Tidal-Listening Pavilion: "Only through ties with the common people do we come here. Seeking a clear conscience, there are no regrets, even in death." More than twenty military strategists were permanently stationed here, while over thirty other white-robed advisors, bearing official seals, were on duty in the six main hall departments, with unrestricted access. The career progression for these "green-robed gentlemen" resembled that of Liyang imperial scholars, though their roles were more akin to confidential officials in crucial strategic departments. The military strategists originated from the Liuzhou Governor's mansion; Yu Luandao, before becoming a cavalry general in Youzhou, held a similar influential position despite his lower rank. This system was pioneered by Song Dongming, who was once considered a candidate for Prime Minister in Liyang. During the first war against Beimang, similar positions also emerged within the Beimang border army, which not only appeased a large number of mid-tier grassland nobles but also significantly enhanced the combat power of the Southern Dynasty's border forces, a strategy attributed to Beimang's Imperial Tutor, Taiping Ling.

Xu Fengnian continued until he reached the Fourth Hall, located at the very rear of the princely mansion, which served as his and his family's living quarters. A decorative wall and screen separated the Hall of Deliberation from the Fourth Hall. There were over a dozen side rooms on either side. Though the verandas, doorframes, and main beams appeared plain at first glance, and were certainly not made of imperial woods like sandalwood, a closer inspection revealed unique artistry and intricate carving, reportedly inspired by the garden designs of Jiangnan by Strategic Commissioner Li Gongde. Jiang Ni, Haha Girl, and Xu Ying resided here. If Xu Beizhi were to stay in Jubi City, he would certainly have a place as well. As for others, perhaps only Yuan Zuozong and Chu Lushuan, the two adopted sons of the late King of Liang, were deemed worthy of lodging; such arrangements had no bearing on official rank or military achievements. Xu Beizhi, in his capacity as Transport Commissioner, had quickly headed south to Lingzhou after the plaque for Jubi City was hung. In his own words, "Once I'm done with this period of busyness, I can then be busy with the next." The young lord, feeling a touch of guilt, had tried to offer comfort, but just as he began to say, "There's something I'm not sure if I should mention," Xu Beizhi, who was both Transport Commissioner and Deputy Military Commissioner, unceremoniously retorted, "Then don't." This left the new King of Liang feeling utterly deflated, his good intentions taken the wrong way, but he had grown accustomed to such exchanges.

Upon reaching the courtyard of the Fourth Hall, Haha Girl went inside and retrieved a brand new paper fan. She then pulled Xu Ying, dressed in her red robe, and leaped onto the rooftop. The two huddled together under a small umbrella, whispering secrets.

The night grew late, and the autumn rain continued its steady fall. Xu Fengnian saw that Jiang Ni's room was dark, suggesting she had already gone to sleep. Feeling no drowsiness himself, he pulled a chair under the eaves, leaned forward, and stretched out his hand to catch the rain trickling down from the rooftop.

This first autumn rain, pouring across all of Beiliang, showed no sign of stopping, as if it wouldn't cease until it had drowned every fish. Presumably realizing the moon wouldn't appear, Jia Jiajia and Xu Ying floated down from the rooftop into the courtyard. Xu Fengnian slowly turned to Haha Girl and said with a gentle smile, "There are two elderly Fushui Faction spies in Western Shu who will be returning to Beiliang to retire soon. When they arrive, I'll give you a gift."

Jia Jiajia responded with an expressionless "Heh," indicating her acknowledgment.

Only those most familiar with this top-tier assassin would notice that her steps seemed slightly lighter, splashing countless tiny water droplets across the bluestone slabs of the courtyard.

Watching the young girl's retreating steps from afar, the young lord smiled knowingly, his long, narrow eyes softening with tenderness.

After the girl and Xu Ying closed their doors, Xu Fengnian remained quietly seated in the chair. It was a Grand Tutor's chair, a style introduced from Western Chu that had spread across the entire Spring and Autumn period. In truth, it wasn't comfortable, as it compelled the sitter to maintain a rigid, upright posture.

Suddenly, a cheerful face peeked out from the doorway. Xu Fengnian's gaze shifted, and he winked at her.

At that moment, her smile broadened, and only then did she fully close the door.

The first watch, then the second, then the third; each watch of the night passed by.

Xu Fengnian, hands tucked into his sleeves, leaned back against the chair and stared up at the curtain of rain, lost in thought for a long while.

Suddenly, a faint creaking sound reached him. Xu Fengnian looked towards the noise, a slight smile forming at the corner of his lips.

Jiang Ni, fully dressed, stepped over the threshold, swiftly darted through the rain, and stood silently beside Xu Fengnian.

Xu Fengnian stood up, gently guided her into the chair, and then crouched beside her.

Xu Fengnian looked at the accumulated water on the steps below and quietly asked, "When you were little, besides wanting to kill me for revenge, what else did you dream of doing?"

Jiang Ni thought for a moment, then replied earnestly, "I really wanted enough money to buy paper and pens, so I wouldn't have to use tree branches to write in the snow during winter. I also wished for a bigger bed with soft, thick bedding, lots and lots of warm clothes, to eat delicious almond pastries until I was absolutely full, and to sleep in..."

Xu Fengnian couldn't help but chuckle, "You certainly wished for a lot."

Jiang Ni turned and glared at him. She had answered his mundane question so earnestly, and he still had the nerve to tease her.

Xu Fengnian smiled and asked, "Then, what do you think my childhood dream was?"

The little mud doll tilted her head, ignoring him.

What else would the young heir prince of those days think about, besides bullying people and being a womanizer?

Oh, and he also wanted to bully her.

This thought made her feel a little sullen.

Xu Fengnian pulled his hands from his sleeves, rubbed his cheek, and said helplessly, "Perhaps I've mentioned it to you before, but when I was little, I really wanted to be a great hero, earn a resounding nickname, and roam the martial arts world dispensing justice. However, even earlier than that, before my mother passed away, I actually wanted to be a scholar—dressed in Confucian robes, full of brilliant strategies, and able to speak with eloquence..."

Listening to Xu Fengnian's rambling, the little mud doll didn't find it tiresome at all. In fact, she hadn't been asleep the entire time, and even the heavy drowsiness she'd felt earlier had completely vanished.

Xu Fengnian stretched out his hand and pointed towards the curtain of rain in the courtyard, asking, "Doesn't it look like a rather unassuming waterfall?"

The little mud doll looked baffled, pouted, and shook her head, "I don't see it."

Xu Fengnian asked, "Have you ever heard 'The Song of Viewing the Waterfall and Feeling Inspired' by a renowned contemporary literary master?"

The little mud doll was even more bewildered. "No, whose writing is it?"

Xu Fengnian smiled, "Anyway, I admire this particular scholar the most. It's truly a shame you haven't heard this poem."

Knowing that he generally held a low opinion of scholars worldwide, the little mud doll's curiosity was instantly piqued. "Who exactly is it?"

Xu Fengnian did not reveal the author's name, but instead recited softly: "The Lotus Waterfall, misty and vast; the Ox Waterfall, roaring like thunder. Only the Jiuhua Waterfall is not remarkable for its cascade but for its spine, like a celestial being reclining on a grand ridge, one arm outstretched. Its power can stretch ninety-four thousand zhang, resembling the layered skirts of a Dunhuang flying immortal. It releases nine white rivers into the azure sky, much like the frosted temples of an aging general. I arrived amidst a downpour, the two cliffs tightly bound, the wind raging. Cloud waves suddenly swelled in countless layers, and floods swept away the travelers' path... I once observed tides and then waterfalls; beneath the waterfall stood a white deer. Instantly, man and deer gazed at each other—from Southern Tang, Eastern Yue, or Western Shu? Later, an old monk led the deer away, then turned back and smiled... After these words, the moon set over the western mountains, and the waters spread boundlessly. Beneath the stone bridge, only mist lingered, and thunder rumbled, carrying the bleak winds and bitter rains of spring and autumn, vast and sweeping like a mighty river."

The little mud doll nodded. "It's quite good."

Xu Fengnian chuckled, "Right?"

Then he added, "And it's quite catchy."

Xu Fengnian felt a little wounded and sighed.

The little mud doll suddenly turned her head, asking with a suspicious expression, "Don't tell me... you wrote it?"

Xu Fengnian rolled his eyes.

The little mud doll suddenly understood. "I knew it! It definitely wasn't written by you; you only ever buy poems and essays from others... and the most annoying thing is you never even try to bargain!"

The young lord felt a touch of melancholy at that moment.

The little mud doll looked down at his profile, a hint of guilt in her expression, and belatedly asked, "Did you... really write it?"

Xu Fengnian nodded slightly.

With an utterly serious expression, she consoled him, "It's not bad. At least you've managed to write one decent piece in your life..."

Xu Fengnian winced, thinking, *With words like that, you might as well not have bothered comforting me.*

After a long silence, Xu Fengnian inexplicably murmured to himself, "What is a dream? It's like a child hiding in the distance, making faces at you, and that innocent, mischievous child will never grow up."

Jiang Ni thought for a moment. "If it were me, I'd catch that child and give them a good beating."

Xu Fengnian calmly replied, "But I can't catch him."