Chapter 4

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Rushing to Jiangnan

Every household in Chang’an shut their doors and settled for the night. Only the patrolling men on night watch walked the empty alleys, occasionally knocking on their bamboo sticks.

A plain satin carriage drove by slowly before coming to a stop in front of the Shen Manor. The gatekeeper brought over a stool while another servant came bearing a lantern. They lifted the curtains of the carriage and helped Shen Wendao out.

Shen Wendao borrowed the stool as a step off the carriage. He removed his guan [1], kneading the space between his eyebrows wearily. He entered the house, slowly walking along the long hall. His only son, Shen Zhuo, was waiting inside and had even prepared a bowl of warm noodles for him.

“Father, you must be tired.” Shen Zhuo rose. Besides being taller, he was almost identical to Shen Wendao.

Shen Wendao took a sip of the soup. After warming his stomach, he let out a long sigh and said: “The verdict has been decided. Huo Linfeng will be going to Xiqian Ridge soon.”

Shen Zhuo’s eyes turned heavy. It was useless at this point to oppose. Shen Wendao continued: “I vied for him and offended Chen Ruoyin.” It can be said that Chen Ruoyin represents the emperor, so the emperor must be dissatisfied with him as well.

Shen Zhuo was startled: “Father, why?”

Shen Wendao replied: “Because someone who protects the country must not be reduced to such a state. Or perhaps, because your father cherishes the talented and cannot bear to see that child waste away.”

Shen Zhuo remained shocked. He moved closer to Shen Wendao and knelt: “But, Father, the Marquis of Dingbei…”

That was the story of the past.

Seventeen years ago, the imperial court had a Grand Mentor, Tang Zhen. He was as beautiful as the setting sun, his personality was outstanding, and he had talents that could shock the world. He had also written a book, called Mirrors of Retribution, about the Qimen [2] technique.

Chen Ruoyin had greatly envied Tang Zhen, who was both prudent and law-abiding. Tang Zhen had put his all in supporting the Third Prince, whom he had personally taught since the Prince was eight. It was difficult for the Third Prince to hide his talents, as he far surpassed his brothers.

In that same year, sudden changes undertook. Chen Ruoyin unveiled the evidence he had collected that Tang Zhen was scheming to rebel, setting off a thundering storm within the imperial court. Shen Wendao was lost in thought, recalling the fear he had felt at that time. He extended his shaking hand and placed it on Shen Zhuo’s shoulder.

And just like that, overnight, the Grand Mentor was no longer the Grand Mentor, the loyal official was no longer a loyal official. With a single order of the Emperor, his whole family met their end. After losing his Tang Zhen, the Third Prince fell from grace in a single stroke, never to rise again. After the incident, it was as if his whole person had changed. One after the other, the princes stopped fighting for power in fear and trepidation.

Emperor Cheng’s goal had been achieved: the Crown Prince’s succession to the throne was secured.

As to how this was related to the Marquis of Dingbei, Tang Zhen and his wife had managed to flee to Saibei through the close connections with a few court officials. When he left the mountain pass, he unfortunately ran into Huo Zhao. Huo Zhao did not know the inside story but was on imperial orders to execute the two, so he killed both Tang Zhen and his wife right there in the deserts.

It was said that the six-year-old Huo Linfeng had seen it happen with his own eyes. After his death, Tang Zhen left only one item behind: the book, Mirrors of Retribution.

The book was kept by Huo Zhao. In it was tucked a small letter, on which was written four phrases in words as small as flies: To want to weave a robe of brocade, but receive one of hemp instead. One must not be anxious, but maintain one’s resolve.

Signed — A rainy night, a gift for my little son.

Tang Zhen had three children on his knees. His youngest was only three.

The bowl of noodles had turned cold. Shen Wendao told Shen Zhuo to help him into the inner hall. He has no intention of doing Huo Zhao a favor or to throw away his past friendship with Tang Zhen. After all, going against the Emperor was a huge risk. But, his upright demeanor was still there. After all these years, he still had the heart of a nobleman.

As for what happens in Xiqian Ridge, it was up to Huo Linfeng’s luck.

In the posthouse, the Private Imperial Guards [3] changed shifts, standing guard like iron walls. Inside the side room, the lamp was lit, emitting a soft and gentle light. The father and son were still not asleep. The older sat by the bed examining his sword while the younger leaned against the window, playing with a partridge on the sill.

“Dad, you should rest early. I’ll blow the lamp out for you.” Huo Linfeng stopped, “You’re returning to Saibei while I’m going to Jiangnan. I don’t know when we will meet again.”

Huo Zhao warned, “The outside is not like home. Do not be too arrogant. Remember to be careful at all costs.” He set aside his sword and watched the lively partridge in Huo Linfeng’s hands, feeling a little regretful. “Don’t forget to write to your mother. This time, she will worry to death.”

At this, Huo Linfeng thought of Madame Bai, his heart filling with stress. That bell she tied up, he fears that it’ll be a long time before it rings again. His elder brother, the little servants, the old maid whose eyes have gone bad, Saibei’s people, and those brothers at the barracks. After running through this list, he realized that he had accumulated quite the number of things to worry about in those careless days in Saibei.

This must be retribution for those heedless words he had said in front of Buddha.

Huo Linfeng shook his head. He let the partridge in his hands fly free and blew out the lamp before returning to his room. Du Zheng had already tidied up the luggage, made the bed, fixed the canopy, and was now curled up beside the bed to be on night watch. Huo Linfeng laid down gently and turned to the side. He reached out and grabbed the hair at Du Zheng’s nape.

“Ai….” Du Zheng let out a vague sound, waking up a little.

Huo Linfeng asked: “Dimwit, are you willing to follow me to Jiangnan?” If he says no, then he won’t bring Du Zheng tomorrow. He had served him for many years and it would be better for him to stay safe and sound in Saibei anyway.

Du Zheng mumbled, “I’m going. Without my help, how can Young Master even survive…”

Huo Linfeng couldn’t help but laugh and let go. He rolled deeper into his bed, not uttering another word. He shut his eyes and went to find the Duke of Zhou [4]. What Chen Ruoyin had said was right. Take things as they come. What Shen Wendao said was even more so. As long as a general has troops to command, he can topple the Heavens and the Earth. He turned these two phrases over and over in his mind and after half a stick of incense [5], his breathing finally evened out.

The Imperial Guards had changed shifts twice. At the fifth watch [6], a team of twenty Imperial Guards riding atop their horses waited outside the posthouse. They were the soldiers the imperial court sent to escort Huo Linfeng. The candles blew out and the rooster’s crows startled the partridges. The imperial servants lined up orderly at the door, waiting.

Huo Linfeng didn’t open his eyes but used his ears to listen instead. He scolded: “Du Zheng, are you trying to smother me to death?”

Du Zheng rubbed his eyes as he got up. He pushed open the window. The cold air brushed across his face and woke him completely. He observed the scene at a glance and returned to the bedside, whispering: “Young Master, a group of soldiers came. Hair crowns, uniforms the deep green color of beans, white undergarments, and all riding on horses paired with a sword.”

Huo Linfeng knew in his heart that these were the Imperial Vanguards [7] that had come to “protect” him on the way to Jiangnan. He abruptly sat up, his eyes sharp and apprehensive. He arrogantly lifted his chin and Du Zheng immediately understood. He opened the door like a donkey donning tiger skin [8] : “Why are you still standing there doing nothing? The General is awake, hurry and serve him!”

After his clothes were put on properly and his boots worn, Huo Linfeng told the servants to withdraw. He secured his hair crown then held out his hand. Du Zheng passed his Jueming Sword over. He took it and strode out of the building. The courtyard was brimming with Private Imperial Guards, Imperial Vanguards, and the officials who were here to send him off, leaving their Huo Clan’s soldiers almost no space to stand.

“Make way.” He said, “We’re seeing off the Marquis of Dingbei first.”

Upon hearing the order, the Huo Clan’s soldiers who were squeezed into the corners of the courtyard began to move. They let out a shout, radiating the aura of a sharp blade dripping with blood. The soldiers sent by the imperial court were alarmed, their complexion turning pale.

“What?” Huo Linfeng laughed with a hint of bad intention, “My family’s soldiers are just organizing themselves, did it scare you all?”

Everyone shifted embarrassedly. He held back his laughter and turned his body to face the front: “Soldiers of the Huo Clan, heed my orders. Protect the Marquis and ensure his safe return to Saibei. Any offenders will be beheaded. There will be no leniency.”

The soldiers responded, their cry was earth-shattering, loud and powerful.

After the arrangements were made, Huo Zhao stepped out of the posthouse. Huo Linfeng bowed and helped him on his horse. He followed the procession out of the gates. It was just like last time. The streets were empty and people were peering out of their windows again. The only difference was that the father and son had come on the same road, but now they were leaving on separate ones.

Huo Linfeng lifted his robes and knelt in street: “—Send the Marquis of Dingbei back to Saibei.” Mounted on his steed, Huo Zhao’s figure was tall. He turned his head and quickly looked out the corners of his eyes, peering at his son worriedly.

Du Zheng sobbed into a handkerchief. The common people who were peeking through their window slits all let out a quiet sigh. The partridge resting on a branch unfolded its wings and flew with the procession, only to return a moment later. It seemed to be asking, why aren’t you leaving with them?

The Marquis of Dingbei’s troop drew farther as Huo Linfeng watched in a daze. It felt like they were separated by tens of thousands of mountains and rivers.

He composed himself and rose. He carelessly pulled the convulsively sobbing Du Zheng and flipped atop his horse. He turned to face the Imperial Vanguards. He knew neither their backgrounds nor where their loyalty lied. He said coldly: “Very well, I thank His Majesty for his concern.” He turned towards the south, “—Make haste to Xiqian Ridge.”

The journey on the official road was smooth. Seeing a group of people in official uniforms and carrying swords, the pedestrians all avoided them. Xiqian Ridge was more than a thousand li [9] away from Chang’an. On the way, they had to switch horses three times while also spending some time resting.

After nearly half a month, they were finally less than a hundred li away from Xiqian Ridge. At dusk, they came to a posthouse to stop for a rest. Huo Linfeng gazed at the distant mountains blankly. The green mountains rolled on and on, its tips veiled in dense fog. The sun hung in the sky as it dipped into the horizon. The scarlet tint touched the green. This was the scenery that came and went every day. It was so breathtaking that it makes one lose their train of thought.

He laughed at himself for not seeing so much of the world. He rolled his sleeves back to cut straw and personally fed his horse. Suddenly, he heard a rustle behind him. When he turned to look, he saw the carriage gently shaking and under it was someone tinkering away.

Du Zheng popped out, finishing his task: “Young Master, Xiqian Ridge is not that safe. I hid your official seal and documents under the carriage in between the planks. This way, we don’t have to worry about a bandit coming and snatching it away. Just in case.”

“Oh?” Huo Linfeng responded, “How high do you think the odds are that I can be robbed?”

Du Zheng stared at him blankly, his face full of foolishness. He knew he had made yet another mistake. Quivering, he turned his head to make an escape: “Young Master, I’ll go check if dinner’s ready, it won’t do if there’s no meat or fish!”

The official seal and documents stayed where they were. Huo Linfeng finished feeding his horse and paid no further attention to what was underneath the carriage.

When the night passed, the morning fog was thick as they hurried on their way, planning to reach Xiqian Ridge that day. The south was filled with forests. The trees were clustered densely, making it hard to traverse. At noon, their water supply had run out and everyone was feeling exhausted.

They decided to rest on the spot and Du Zheng went to fetch water by the lakeside. Huo Linfeng went to find an old tree before leaping upon its branches and closing his eyes to rest. Not long after, the leaves rustled. He snapped open his eyes and pushed aside the layers of leaves to peep towards the southeast direction.

A gust of wind blew. The plants swayed and a green-blue shadow flew out from the shrubs!

The twenty Imperial Vanguards immediately drew their swords and started fighting the newcomer. The green-blue shadow let out a crisp laugh, swaying his waist and waving his arm. His movements were so fast that the weapon he was holding could not be seen clearly.

With a sound of a slash, an Imperial Vanguard dropped his sword and toppled to the ground. Blood gushed out, dyeing the green grass red. The rays of sun brushed over the scene, making the puddles of blood look golden. The others quickly chased after. The greenish-blue silhouette came to a stop. His face twisted, showing dissatisfaction. Only then could it be seen clearly: in his hands were a pair of cold iron scimitars.

The Imperial Vanguards demanded: “Who has come?!”

That greenish-blue figure answered: “Well…” He dragged out his words, sounding like a spoiled child. He turned around, swaying about, seeming to be a young man of twenty or so years. He had fair skin and sharp eyebrows slanted upwards. Within the grace was a hint of sly, just like a frivolous little young master.

Huo Linfeng watched the scene unravel, but did not move and merely waited for the other party to state their name.

He only heard that person announce pretentiously: “Listen carefully! I am the Jade-Face Scimitar Wanderer — the Little God of Wealth, Lu Zhun.”

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Notes

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