Chapter 19

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

Waiting in the rainy night

At the hour of xu *, the disciples on patrol duty changed shifts. Normally, the team consists of fifteen people, but today, it was reduced to seven.

* hour of xu – 7-9pm

Rong Luoyun stood under the veranda lighting lanterns. With a small lantern in hand, he unhurriedly exited the Nameless Abode. He ran into the returning patrol group and took the initiative to speak: “With manpower so dispersed, you have to be more careful.”

The disciples nodded: “Replying to the Palace Lord, Du Zhong-shixiong already made preparations. Please rest assured, Palace Lord.”

One of the disciples handed over the schedule sheet. The number of squadrons, the number of people per squadron, the number of rotations, and the time of each rotation were all rearranged. The squadron in front of him was reduced to seven people, not because of the lack of manpower, but because their original team of fifteen had been divided into two. Like this, they could cover more ground and work at full potential.

Rong Luoyun examined the sheet carefully before handing it back to the disciple: “When was this arranged?”

The disciple replied: “We needed to transfer people out last night, so Du Zhong-shixiong spent the night putting it together.”

The Palace has many disciples. Not only were they needed to help with the distribution of disaster relief, they were also needed for the daily operations around the Palace. These new arrangements were unexpectedly arranged just last night. Rong Luoyun asked one more question: “Where’s Du Zhong?”

“Du Zhong-shixiong had worked hard day and night and is currently catching up on rest in the Thousand Opportunities Hall.”

Rong Luoyun nodded and didn’t ask anymore. He lifted his lantern and left.

As he walked, he pondered. At that time, when they were searching for someone to take over Xu Zheng’s spot, they were only looking for high martial art skills and nothing else. Now, seeing everything coming out quite nicely, it seems like Du Zhong is capable of leading as well. He wonders how well Du Zhong would do operating alone.

Although he thought all of this in his heart, he let out a hmph, leaving a trail of dissatisfaction down the street he was walking. Sure, he was handsome, and sure, he was capable, but it’s just his brazenness; the number of rules he’s broken and the lines he’s crossed is simply too many to be counted.

Not only that, he’s even gotten used to giving people sweet jujubes [1]: wanting him to beat the drums to show his special move, using him while training the disciples, and causing him to fall into the water while fishing……These bits and pieces do not seem like what a Great Disciple should be doing. Those who didn’t know better would think he was Rong Luoyun’s close friend.

Unknowingly, he had already crossed the palace gates, gradually nearing the location of relief distribution. The famine victims were also growing in number. Where there used to be barren dirt and weeds was now bustling with activity.

Rong Luoyun arrived at the place. When a disciple came over to greet him, he lifted up his index finger and placed it before his lips, shushing him.

A cluster of bonfires dotted about at the foot of the mountain, illuminating the dark night. Rong Luoyun stared at the sky suspended with dark clouds that hid the moon and stars. Presumably it will rain tomorrow.

Without withdrawing his gaze, he listened for any abnormalities. He swiftly trained his eyes at the entrance of the nearby barracks.

The soldiers had all come out, holding torches and driving away the disaster victims who were resting nearby. Not only were they shoving people, they even kicked and punched. This display looked like they were capturing thieves and fighting enemy soldiers instead. Rong Luoyun drew closer step by step, counting in his head. When he arrived at the spacious entrance of the barracks, he tallied up to forty-three.

“You beat up forty three people.” He faintly asked, “For what matter?”

The commandant scowled: “How is this important army barrack a place for refugees to be hindrances at? If they want to wait for death, then wait somewhere else!”

Rong Luoyun started laughing: “There had already been a crowd of people here in the morning, yet you only came to clear them away in the dead of the night. How patient. Don’t you think you all are bastardly cuckolds?”

The Extraordinary Palace’s disciples had been toiling away all day. Only when they got tired did the soldiers dare come out to make a fuss. Receiving such humiliation, the commandant took the lead to draw his sword. The refugees were all frightened.

Rong Luoyun held back his sneer: “My Palace’s disciples have worked hard today, so they didn’t bother with you, but I’m in just the mood for a good stretch.”

Usually, everyone did their own things, minding their own business. Since the army couldn’t suppress the bandits, the bandits paid them no attention. This dispute where neither party showed any signs of backing down was truly unexpected. The commandant weighed the blade in his hand. He had the whole barrack of soldiers fighting alongside him against Rong Luoyun. Furthermore, Rong Luoyun wasn’t even carrying a weapon, so he couldn’t use any of his techniques even if he wanted to.

Yet, Rong Luoyun was the first to lose patience: “Stop dallying!” With the lantern in hand, he leaped forward. In the matter of seconds, he was surrounded by a wave of soldiers. He dealt with them, reciting an incantation under his breath. In ten moves, he had already knocked down two layers of people.

The flames on the torches danced. A few embers fell and landed on the ground, igniting into a fire. Rong Luoyun was light like a swallow. His sleeves brushed past armor, gentleness conquering strength, and beat back nearly half of the soldiers. The muslin lantern swayed. The red candle within toppled over and swallowed the lantern aflame.

Using this as his weapon, he brandished it with all his might: “Have a taste of Cloud Cleaving Swordplay!”

He executed a total of forty-three moves, no more, no less.

Everyone’s faces paled. They ditched and tried to escape back into the barracks in a hurry, yet he shot past with a twist of his body. The red flame shone on his smiling face as he said wickedly: “How frightened you are. Forever a bunch of waste.”

He detained that commandant and brought him before the blazing flame, wanting to toss him in.

A short distance away, Huo Linfeng had just arrived after his break. He stood in the dark, spectating as Rong Luoyun scared the commandant to tears. After much begging, Rong Luoyun was finally satisfied. He threw the other person to the ground and stepped on him with one foot.

Huo Linfeng couldn’t help but rub his own chest. When getting stepped on by that slim, white silk shoe, it’s quite painful.

Rong Luoyun spat: “To think so highly of yourself, do you really think once Huo Linfeng comes to Xiqian Ridge, you lot can compare to Saibei’s elite soldiers?” He lowered his eyes, his anger enough to reach to the celestial palaces up above, “Not to mention Huo Linfeng isn’t even here yet. Even if he came, hmph!”

Huo Linfeng thought inwardly, what does “hmph” mean?

After scattering that pack of animals, all that was left of Rong Luoyun’s lantern was its skeletal structure. He could only throw it into the flames. When he lifted his eyes, he accidentally caught sight of Huo Linfeng’s faint figure hiding in the shadows.

He wanted to call out to him but stopped himself, feeling embarrassed for no reason. His brain was full of that bouquet of lotus flowers.

Huo Linfeng made his way towards him in large strides. After a nap, he had discarded his bashfulness, leaving only calmness. Standing next to the bonfire, a step apart, they could see through one another’s feelings clearly.

Both their ears twitched at the same time, catching a feeble “benefactor.”

The youth held the little girl, the old man stood with a cane; the refugees who were in the alley were all gathered together. During the day, they were searching for Rong Luoyun to give their thanks, but never saw him from beginning till end. Now they finally found him, yet saw the bodhisattva-like “benefactor” beat up a group of people brutally. Dumbstruck, they couldn’t bring themselves to go forward for a moment.

Rong Luoyun turned over and looked. The young, old, men and women entered his sight. He considered for a moment: “This bit of congee is only a temporary solution and will not solve the root of the problem. It would be better if you all quickly find somewhere to settle down.”

Everyone understood. The little girl tightened her arms around the youth, sobbing in a small voice: “Don’t go back, if we go back, we won’t be able to survive……”

Rong Luoyun asked: “What’s the situation like in Han Prefecture?”

The youth answered: “There are people starving to death everyday. In order to survive, the common people can only leave behind their homes.”

Rong Luoyun grew doubtful: “Han Prefecture is populous and affluent. Furthermore, if there is a disaster, there naturally would be relief sent their way. That should be enough to help them hold on for a while, shouldn’t it?”

The youth shook his head: “Not hiding it from Benefactor, but there isn’t a single stall giving out rations in Han Prefecture and not a grain of rice in sight.” He choked with sobs, “The relief was all exploited by the higher ups and had long been eaten clean. The government officials even colluded with rich merchants to store up on grains and sell them for a high price. People can barely afford even one bowl of rice.”

Rong Luoyun gave a light “oh” and asked: “Do you know who’s in charge of the prefecture?”

The youth replied: “Jia Yanxi. He’s the nephew of the imperial court’s Grand Councilor.” As he spoke of the powerful figure from court, his voice lowered. The surroundings turned quiet.

“The imperial court’s Grand Councilor…… Chen Ruoyin.” Rong Luoyun’s tone was soft and gentle, his expression lingered, as if he was talking about an old friend. He turned, wanting to leave. When he passed by Huo Linfeng, he reached out a hand and grabbed the person’s belt, hauling him a few steps forward.

Huo Linfeng was afraid his belt would come undone. When they arrived at a quiet place, he wanted to reach out and grab Rong Luoyun’s wrist. Rong Luoyun turned sideways, gave him a look, and intercepted his hand. Grasping him, he said: “Du Zhong, you’ve done well with this task.”

Huo Linfeng nodded: “If Palace Lord is satisfied, then that’s good.”

Rong Luoyun continued: “But there’s something I’m not satisfied about.”

Huo Linfeng watched attentively: “Tell me.”

Rong Luoyun extracted his hand. Just a moment ago, he was still docile, yet now, the coldness between his brows could freeze into ice. “I’m handing another task over to you.” His voice was cold like a blade, “Set off tonight. Hurry to Han Prefecture and investigate.”

Huo Linfeng accepted the order and immediately set to return to the Extraordinary Palace to prepare. He had only walked a several steps when Rong Luoyun called out behind him: “Du Zhong, be back soon.”

He replied: “I’ll travel without rest. I’ll be back by the hour of hai * tomorrow night.”

* hour of hai – 9-11pm

With a good steed and a canteen of water, Huo Linfeng set off on the road. It was hard to tread the forest in the deep night, so he took the smooth official road, galloping northward. The moon waned and the stars shifted. He bathed in the chilly spring breeze for a whole night.

The closer he drew to Han Prefecture, the uglier the situation became. Ten li away, he met a large group of famine victims. At the break of dawn, he let out a long sigh when he finally reached the city of Han Prefecture. The city gates were wide open. Waves of people staggered out like walking corpses, yet, contrastly, the officials in charge of the city went about in great spirits.

Huo Linfeng led his horse into the city. The former days of flourishing streets were now a piece of barren desolation. Every other house was abandoned and the air was filled with the rotting stench of the starved. He arrived outside the Government Estate. His surroundings had changed drastically. It was as if he had stepped into a battlefield. Corpses filled the ground and the puddles of blood has long dried.

Every corpse was stabbed through the heart, showing that this was done by one person, who evidently has high martial abilities. Seeing this, he did not stick around for long and went to the city’s east in search of Jia Yanxi’s estate. It was quite the luxurious house and was guarded densely. The guards patrolled around, each with a blade at their side.

Huo Linfeng watched from afar for a moment. With Incorporeal Divine Dragon, he flew into the estate in a flash.

As he entered a courtyard, he caught sight of two people standing beside a lake. Shocked, he quickly stopped his moments and sealed his breathing, not daring to slip up even for a moment.

And three hundred li south in Xiqian Ridge, the dense clouds from the night prior still lingered in the sky. At this moment, two rolls of thunder sounded. Rong Luoyun shut himself inside his study, the rabbit fur brush never leaving his hand. Rows and rows of small words landed on the paper.

It was going to rain soon. The disciple delivering lunch sped up his steps.

As the rain started coming down, the window left ajar in the study creaked in the wind. Rong Luoyun paused his writing, thinking worriedly, did Du Zhong bring a raincoat? He continued to write and couldn’t help but think, it’s hard to travel in the rain, will he be able to return by the hour of hai *?

* hour of hai – 9-11pm

He scribbled for half an incense’s time before finally finishing. He placed down his brush and went to the pavilion for lunch. There were two side dishes and a bowl of soup. He merely watched the pouring rain and only took a bite after a long time.

Rong Luoyun did not feel like returning to his room, simply leaning on the pavilion’s pillar, getting drowsy.

The rain came down heavier and heavier, never easing up even a little after a few hours. Even the sunset was hidden behind the dark clouds. Soon, dusk became night. By the time Rong Luoyun woke, the food for lunch had become supper. It’s already the hour of you *.

*hour of you – 5-7pm

He stood and returned to his room, grabbing a cloak and a lantern before sitting back down in the pavilion. After another two hours, he picked up an umbrella, slowly walking upon the gravel and making his way to the Nameless Abode’s entrance.

The hour of you passed, it was now the hour of xu *. He stepped directly out the door and left.

*hour of xu – 7-9 pm

Arriving at the empty expanse that was the Distant Gray Platform, he suddenly felt the rain and wind blow more violently. He came to the Qiankun Board [2] lying in the northwest corner and set up battle formations in the pouring rain, frittering away yet another few hours.

It really was cold. Rong Luoyun kept walking, gradually making his way down the long road. It was already the hour of hai*, Du Zhong should be back soon, right? As he pondered, he had arrived at the three sub-gates. The large gates blocked off the strong winds, so it was a little warmer here.

* hour of hai – 9-11pm

The rain came down in torrents in front of that lantern. He watched, he stood, he waited.

The hour of hai was nearing its end, and soon it was the hour of zi *. The rain came down, sometimes heavy and sometimes light. The oil paper umbrella trembled under the falling drops of water, pitter pattering. The fish hid under the lotus flowers, the people hid in their houses and under the eaves. Only he stood there waiting at the gates.

*hour of zi – 11pm – 1 am

It was the hour of chou *. Rong Luoyun’s tightening grip was about to shatter the lantern’s handle.

*hour of chou – 1-3 am

At this moment, in the crazed wind and the pouring rain came the distant sound of a horse’s galloping.

Huo Linfeng arrived at the foot of Mount Lengsang. He had been spurring his horse without rest for three hundred li. His whole body was soaked through and cold as ice. “Open the gates!” He shouted when he arrived outside the palace. The outer gate opened. Gripping the brittle, he rushed in, breaking through the murky darkness and the biting cold.

The first sub-gate opened, then the second, and finally the third. A single source of warm light glowed brightly in the far corner.

“Yu!” He quickly dismounted, his drenched robes dripping with water. Rainwater rolled down his temples. In large strides, he drew closer to the corner and saw clearly that that person was Rong Luoyun.

Rong Luoyun had a lantern in one hand and an umbrella in the other, calmly watching him.

“Palace Lord.” He boldly took a step forward, ducking under the umbrella, “The wind is strong and the rain is icy. Beware of catching a cold.”

Rong Luoyun said softly: “Then you should’ve come back earlier.”

Huo Linfeng reached out his hand: “This subordinate broke his promise and will hold the umbrella as punishment.”

The two of them made their way into the Extraordinary Palace. The road was long and the night was dark. The falling rain concealed the sound of their breathing. Huo Linfeng held up the umbrella and Rong Luoyun held his lantern. The horse that had rushed about for the whole journey obediently followed behind.

A gust of wind blew, rocking his ponytail.

Rong Luoyun’s hair brushed against Huo Linfeng’s soaked robes.

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

Notes

Click on the bolded words to locate it in the chapter.

Like this:Like Loading...