Chapter 70

In the winter of the third year of Jianyuan, in the tenth month, a group of people gathered by the river, and a large boat was ready to set sail.

The state minister, Zheng Dangshi, came to see them off personally. The accountant was very honored and excited, speaking incoherently.

After finishing the official business, Zheng Dangshi only brought his bodyguard, Tu Hu, to a rather inconspicuous cabin and knocked on the door.

The cabin door opened a crack, revealing half of Liang Xiao's face. "What does Lord Zheng need?"

Zheng Dangshi took out a bamboo slip from his sleeve and handed it over. "I'm returning this to you."

Liang Xiao took it, glanced at it, put it back in his sleeve, and bowed again. Zheng Dangshi definitely didn't want anyone else to know about this matter. He had his mother write it in seal script to keep it confidential, and Zheng Dangshi accurately understood his intention. However, he was still not reassured and came to remind him.

"Liang Xiao, Chang'an is far away, the capital of the emperor, where wealth and nobility abound. You must take good care of yourself and not waste your talent."

"Thank you, Lord Zheng. If there is a day, I will never forget your kindness."

Zheng Dangshi smiled, waved his hand, and turned to leave. Liang Xiao put down the curtain and put away his sincere smile. He understood Zheng Dangshi's warning. Chang'an was not Jiangdu, the situation was much more complicated. If he continued to act recklessly as before, he could die at any moment. If Liu Jian hadn't stolen his father's woman and dared not make a fuss, Liang Xiao wouldn't have survived until today.

Liu Jian's guilt, Zheng Dangshi's chivalry, and the connections of Huan Yuan and Zhongli Qi—all of these were essential for him to leave Jiangdu alive and hitch a ride with the accountant. Traveling with the accountant not only ensured his safety but also allowed him to use the postal relay system and enjoy the benefits of a government official. For him, this was a very practical benefit.

Long-distance travel was not an easy task for ordinary people. Not only were there expenses for food and lodging, but the checkpoints along the way were also a major headache. Traveling with the accountant, he didn't have to worry about any of these things.

Clearly, not only was he satisfied with this outcome, but his mother, concubine, and close friend Tuniu were also very pleased. Even before they set off, Tuniu had already become good friends with Zheng Dangshi's bodyguard, Tu Hu, and they were always together.

After a lively send-off, the large boat left the shore and sailed west against the current.

Zheng Dangshi stood on the shore, watching the gradually disappearing ship, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

"Liang Xiao, don't let my efforts be in vain."

...

A hundred paces away, in the reed marsh, Huan Yuan and Zhongli Qi sat on the ground, watching the slowly departing large ship in silence.

Zhongli Qi turned to look at Huan Yuan several times, wanting to ask something, but seeing Huan Yuan's expression, he closed his mouth. He knew that Huan Yuan was in a very bad mood. Liang Xiao was a disciple he had high hopes for, and he was deeply hurt that Liang Xiao refused to go to Jiangnan with him.

If Liang Xiao only had a talent for archery, like Tuniu, it would be fine; they would just be one less brave warrior. But Liang Xiao was also very smart, with insights far beyond those of ordinary young people.

When Liang Xiao was seriously injured, Huan Yuan thought he was at the end of his rope and would definitely submit. Unexpectedly, Liang Xiao managed to infiltrate the state minister's residence and turn the tables through Zheng Dangshi, and now he was even part of the accounting team. Huan Yuan didn't know how he did it, and he was both curious and regretful.

It was easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general. Such a talented person not being optimistic about the cause of the Wu Crown Prince severely undermined Huan Yuan's confidence.

"General, how did Liang Xiao know about the Crown Prince's affairs?"

"I'm not sure. I never told him." Huan Yuan sighed. "Let's go. I hope we never meet again."

Zhongli Qi shook his head and sighed. He didn't think Huan Yuan's wish would come true.

...

"Bang!" Liu Jian threw the bronze cup to the ground, his face red, and his hands trembling.

Feng Ji stood before him, bowing. He had just returned from the riverbank, having seen Liang Xiao and his companions board the ship and head for Chang'an. Even if he had the courage, he wouldn't dare to touch the official ship; otherwise, Zheng Dangshi's anger could easily destroy the Hu family, and even Liu Jian would suffer.

The feudal princes of today were not like those of the past; the power was in the hands of the state ministers, especially the military, which the princes couldn't even touch.

Moreover, Liu Jian didn't dare to expose this matter; otherwise, his father would beat him to death without Zheng Dangshi's intervention.

Liang Xiao was a thorn in Liu Jian's heart, with the hilt held by two people: Liang Xiao and Zheng Dangshi. He could send people to assassinate Liang Xiao, but he didn't dare to touch Zheng Dangshi. If Liu Jian made any move, Zheng Dangshi could easily kill him.

Given Liu Jian's nature, it was no wonder he was furious at being so controlled.

Feng Ji wasn't at ease either. The arrow in his chest, though not deep, left a shadow in his heart. Huan Yuan had trained such an outstanding disciple in just half a year; how strong must Huan Yuan himself be?

Feng Ji tried to persuade Liu Jian to order a search for Huan Yuan and his companions, but Liu Jian, controlled by Zheng Dangshi, didn't dare to take any action. The Hu family sent many people, but they still couldn't find Huan Yuan.

This master and disciple were truly troublesome.

...

A carriage stopped at the entrance of Qingyunli. Deng Guobin leaned lazily on the carriage, but his eyes sparkled with excitement.

He was fiddling with a copper swing model, the result of months of effort. Using this model, he finally understood Liang Xiao's problem and came to discuss it with him, traveling a long distance.

A servant came forward to announce his arrival. Soon, the headman, Wang Fengshi, came out, glanced at Deng Guobin, and bowed.

"Sir, you are late. Liang Xiao has already gone to the capital. However, his house is still here. If you are interested, I can show you around." Wang Fengshi smiled. "Liang Xiao trusts me and asked me to look after his old house."

Deng Guobin frowned. "Gone to the capital? When did he leave?"

"Just two days ago, by boat."

"Go!" Deng Guobin shouted. "Back to Huainan, report to the princess, and we'll intercept him."

The driver turned the carriage around, and it rolled away, leaving Wang Fengshi standing there in a daze.

Princess? My goodness, the daughter of the King of Huainan has taken a fancy to Liang Xiao? This kid is no ordinary person. Wang Fengshi looked back, and the more he looked, the more the characters "Qingyun" on the gate seemed to shine, as if emitting a divine light. He tightened his grip on the key and smiled.

"Hehe, I must take good care of this house. Who knows, one day Liang Xiao might return in glory, and I might get a drink and some prestige."

Thinking of this, Wang Fengshi hummed a tune and swaggered into Qingyunli to patrol his territory.

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