Chapter 98: Go to Xiangfan

Xu Fengnian took a step, and Wei Wei and the man named Zhao retreated two steps. They continued to retreat until they had nowhere else to go. Xu Fengnian reached the window just in time to see the Crown Prince of Jing’an and his attendants jump into the water. Xu Fengnian narrowed his eyes, feeling a profound sense of contemplation.

Back then, the old emperor, a master of imperial stratagems, suddenly passed away. The secret edict hidden behind the "Zheng Da Guang Ming" plaque in the Forbidden City's main hall vanished, immediately plunging the empire into chaos as eight princes vied for the throne. The succession was fraught with twists and turns. Initially, the deposed crown prince, supported by the veteran Grand Secretary and leader of the purist faction, almost seized power. However, he unexpectedly died suddenly three days after the late emperor. Subsequently, the Sixth Prince, Zhao Heng, gained the most momentum. The Empress Dowager favored this filial son, and the imperial relatives quickly allied with the leaderless civil officials. It was then that Zhao Heng penned the poem: "Raise a million troops to drive out the barbarians, plant a monument atop the highest peak." That period marked the zenith of what would become the Prince of Jing'an's brief, glorious reign. Yet, as the mantis stalked the cicada, an oriole lurked behind. The Second Prince, initially the least favored, emerged unexpectedly. He somehow secured the strong backing of eunuchs and military generals, first secretly detaining the Empress Dowager. This was followed by a series of assassinations, with several powerful imperial relatives dying mysteriously overnight. The imperial edict reappeared, clearly stating the late emperor's preference for the Second Prince to ascend the throne. Thus, the Second Prince rightfully became emperor, the current Majesty. In this "eight dragons vying for the succession," a conflict that began within the palace walls, only the former crown prince ultimately perished. In the eyes of discerning observers, His Imperial Majesty was already lenient; it was far better than the complete eradication of princes and imperial grandsons seen in previous dynasties. Zhao Heng and the other princes were successively enfeoffed as vassal kings, each with their own territories and military authority. Although the "Law on Imperial Clansmen" was exceedingly harsh, neither Prince Jing'an Zhao Heng nor Prince Huainan Zhao Ying, nor other less powerful vassal kings, ever voiced a single complaint that reached the public ear.

How the master and servant would reach Xiangfan was not Xu Fengnian's concern. After a brief thought, he turned to Ning Emei and said, "Kick all those 'yellow-headed youths' we pulled from the water back in. One multi-deck boat can't carry so many people. Tell that multi-deck boat general to lead them to Mount Lao. Wang Linquan will be responsible for receiving them. When you kick their butts, don't forget to tell them there's good food and drink waiting at Mount Lao. I've shown them more than enough benevolence."

Ning Emei accepted the order and departed. The noble and official ladies from Qingzhou couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing the Prince of Beiliang's words, exchanging knowing glances. For them, the Grand Pillar State and the Prince of Beiliang were distant figures. Palace struggles would never affect them. The Qing Faction never directly participated in conflicts between vassal kings. Their political shrewdness, aimed at self-preservation and security, was renowned as unrivaled in court. Otherwise, how could a faction like the Qing Faction emerge uniquely among thirty prefectures? The Prince of Beiliang now seemed quite amusing. Although he was openly humiliating the Qingzhou navy, his underlying target was clearly the Prince of Jing'an's residence. This would greatly ease the minds of the Qing Faction, who maintained a clear distance from Prince Zhao Heng of Jing'an. Knowing their elders wouldn't be angered, the ladies felt much more relaxed. While it was true that Qingzhou families banded together, it was clear that Wei the 'Worm's' family was being abandoned. Rather than being dragged down with them, it was far better to simply enjoy tea and the scenery, perhaps even sharing a boat with His Royal Highness the Prince of Beiliang. What a fascinating story that would be to tell!

Xu Fengnian finally collected himself. He walked to the corner, lifted the man named Zhao, and threw him out the window. The man fell into the water, wailing. Then, to Wei Wei, who was preparing for a desperate struggle, Xu Fengnian said, "Let me use your multi-deck boat. Take me just outside Xiangfan City, and we'll call it even. What do you say?"

Wei Wei, who had long been in despair and even prepared for a fight to the death, was first stunned. Then, his pockmarked, pitted face lit up with surprise and joy. He dropped to his knees with a thud, prostrating himself completely, and stammered, "Thank you, Your Royal Highness!"

Xu Fengnian placed his foot on Wei the "Evil Dragon's" head, playfully scolding him, "You blind fool! I heard you've been desperately trying to become sworn brothers with Li Hanlin. Don't you know who he's been taking the fall for all these years?"

Though Wei Wei was still kneeling with his head under Xu Fengnian's foot, his heart felt increasingly at ease. He looked up, his face fawning, and chuckled, "It's all my fault for failing to recognize eminence."

Xu Fengnian smiled, "Get up. A man's knees are worth gold; kneeling before me is hardly appropriate."

Wei Wei cautiously stood up, just letting out a sigh of relief, when the Prince of Beiliang's next words instantly brought him back to reality: "Your archery is quite good, supposedly honed by shooting women. Go, shoot an arrow at that military commander's son. If you kill him, I'll introduce you to Li Hanlin. If you don't..."

Wei Wei remained silent.

As Xu Fengnian feigned brushing dust off Wei Wei's clothes, he whispered, "Wang Linquan's money is my money, and Wang Linquan's Mount Lao is my Mount Lao. Do you really think all of Qingzhou belongs to the Qing Faction? On this journey to Xiangfan, someone will certainly frame charges against me for being arrogant and violent on Spring God Lake, for insulting Prince Jing'an, and for beating his heir, Zhao Xun. But when you go out to shoot that arrow, remember to be clean about it. I can guarantee that none of the ladies at that table will gossip. How does that sound?"

After bowing respectfully, Wei Wei strode out of the cabin.

Xu Fengnian sat down at the table, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with the egg-faced beauty who was gracefully brewing tea, her white wrist raised. The other Qingzhou ladies, all seated in pairs on long benches, completed the table. Xu Fengnian patiently waited for the Spring God's first pour of tea, unabashedly surveying the faces and figures of the wealthy young ladies around him. Most were of average appearance, but only the young woman brewing tea beside him possessed a charm worth nearly eighty coins. Xu Fengnian boldly reached out and wrapped an arm around her slender waist. Not stopping there, he extended a foot under the table and lightly stepped on her delicate, lotus-root-like foot. He then turned to the Qingzhou beauty, whose pretty face was flushed, and asked with a grin, "May I ask your esteemed name, older sister? I have a fan, a 'Peach Blossom Beauty' fan. I'll have your likeness painted on it later, so I can admire it every day."

"Admire it every day?"

All the colorful, chattering ladies at the table collectively looked towards the egg-faced woman, their gazes mixed with mischief and envy.

The woman whose waist Xu Fengnian held, despite her impeccable upbringing and a demeanor as bold as any man's, was overwhelmed by such public flirtation. Her slender waist dared not, and did not wish to, pull away. She lowered her gaze, feigning intense focus on the tea's brewing temperature. Her family background was far from simple. Among the four pillars supporting the Liyang Dynasty, the Qing Faction, though seemingly the smallest, wielded considerable influence. Of the twelve Pillar States and Grand Pillar States in the dynasty, the Qing Faction's elders held four seats. This woman's venerable ancestor was one such Grand Pillar State, who had served for thirty years, rotating between the Ministry of War, Ministry of Revenue, and Ministry of Personnel. His proteges and former subordinates were countless. He was known as an "unbreakable" official, having served two dynasties. It was once joked that this "tumbler" had personally witnessed only slightly fewer court floggings than the old Grand Secretary himself.

Xu Fengnian finally drank the tea, gulping it down like wine, devoid of any refined grace. He chuckled, "If, tonight, dear sisters, you find your quilts aren't warm enough, just say the word, and I'll personally bring you thick, brocaded blankets."

Naturally, this elicited another round of knowing, shy, and playful murmurs.

The egg-faced beauty, who had been brewing tea, subtly glanced at Xu Fengnian's profile. She seemed to notice a hint of something, falling into a daze.

Xu Fengnian turned and asked, "Is something wrong?"

She smiled gently and shook her head.

After drinking the tea and eliciting laughter from the table, Xu Fengnian excused himself and left the cabin, heading to the ship's bow. Yu Youwei had not boarded the Yellow Dragon multi-deck boat; Jiang Ni and the Old Sword God, however, were standing nearby.

Wei Wei had already shot and killed the dissolute young man named Zhao, with whom he had been friendly and called brothers just the day before. He was now slumped on the stern deck, holding his large bow and staring blankly.

Xu Fengnian opened his mouth and asked with a smile, "Not seasick anymore?"

Jiang Ni sneered, "Was that tea absolutely delicious?"

Xu Fengnian pulled a Beiliang arrow that had been shot into the ship's hull, holding it in his hand. He leaned lazily against the railing, gazing at the vast lake, and softly said, "It had no taste, nothing compared to the Spring God tea I drank at Mount Lao."

Jiang Ni asked expressionlessly, "Are you really going to Xiangfan?"

Xu Fengnian nodded.

Jiang Ni frowned, "Are you truly not afraid that Prince Zhao Heng of Jing'an will mobilize thousands of soldiers to crush you to dust?"

Xu Fengnian chuckled, "If His Royal Highness the Prince of Beiliang dies within Xiangfan's jurisdiction, Zhao Heng wouldn't be able to bear that responsibility. If he had truly been ruthless back then, not so indecisive, the empire would have been his. Prince Zhao Heng's luck isn't bad, but it always feels like he falls short at the last moment. He has ambition; otherwise, he wouldn't have declared that if he held great power, he would benefit the entire world. His capabilities are also not poor. When Xiangfan fell years ago, only twenty thousand dying commoners remained. After the city's banners changed, those twenty thousand people frantically tried to crawl out of Xiangfan, turning the city into a desolate, dead husk. However, under Zhao Heng's governance, advocating the Huang-Lao school of 'non-action' governance, Xiangfan's population has now recovered to several hundred thousand. The saying that it's a vital strategic hub of the empire is truly deserved. Prince Jing'an, Prince Jing'an — this princely title suits him well. Zhao Heng has an excellent reputation among the people of Qingzhou; he's arguably the best among the seven vassal kings. Such a person cherishes his reputation most. What do I have to fear? Perhaps Zhao Heng will even worry about someone framing him and might even send troops to escort me. Little Mud Doll, do you believe it?"

Jiang Ni looked incredulous. "You're just making that up, aren't you?"

The Old Sword God smiled faintly, "Young Xu isn't making it up."

Xu Fengnian bent the standard Beiliang arrow with both hands, then suddenly chuckled, "I heard there are still a hundred thousand lonely souls and vengeful spirits in Xiangfan who refuse to leave the city. Little Mud Doll, be careful when we get there."

Jiang Ni's face instantly went pale. She feigned bravery but inwardly trembled, "If anyone should fear retribution, it's you, what does it have to do with me! If the Grand Pillar State hadn't been so determined to besiege Xiangfan back then, refusing to accept surrender or leave an escape route, how could Xiangfan have turned into a literal hell?"

For ten years the city was besieged, its people sold by the jin like livestock.

Kind mothers cut flesh to feed their children, cruel fathers threw their sons into cooking pots. All aspects of human nature, good and evil, were magnified to extremes within that ghost city. Every inch of the city wall was stained with blood, every blade of grass resonated with sorrow. The oppressive negative energy of Xiangfan was unimaginable.

For ten years, the city was besieged and defended, yet by strict imperial decree, no scholar or historian was permitted to write about it.

How tragic was the truth?!