Flowers bloomed red and willows turned green, fragrant grasses spread everywhere. The spacious main street was filled with carriages and horses, bustling with people coming and going. Merchants shuttled between countless shops, creating a scene of prosperous activity.
Xianyang City, once again Xianyang City.
After many days of traveling, a dust-covered group of riders finally entered the gates of Xianyang. The accompanying guards paid the entry fee, and twenty-some war horses escorted a blue cloth carriage slowly into the streets of Xianyang.
Although Xianyang was a border city, its commerce flourished with extreme wealth, and it was built with magnificent grandeur.
The city was divided into inner and outer sections. The inner city primarily consisted of the Mengmin Palace south of Red Water and the Luoli Palace east of Red Water. The two palaces spanned across a tributary of Red Water, connected by a stone bridge over four hundred meters long. The bridge was thick and wide, allowing twenty carriages to pass side by side. Though named palaces, Mengmin and Luoli were not true royal residences but rather compounds formed of connecting mansions.
As everyone knew, Xianyang’s prosperity was unmatched in the realm, comparable even to the major ports of Huaisong. This city, not even one-fifth the size of Zhenhuang City, had rapidly developed in less than thirty years due to its strategic location after the free trade agreements between Da Xia, Biantang, and Huaisong. It quickly rose to become one of the Western Mongolian continent’s major commercial centers. Each year, the taxes it sent to the imperial capital were enough to support a third of the imperial army’s annual expenditures. It was said that this relatively small city housed almost all the wealthy elites of the entire Western Mongolian continent. Those who could spend thousands of gold pieces had flocked to purchase land in Xianyang’s inner city and build luxurious mansions. Looking around, the magnificent architectural complex was imposing and undulating with splendid grandeur.
The outer city covered a vast area, more than ten times larger than the inner city. It was where commoners and traveling merchants gathered, with developed commerce and convenient transportation. Various taverns, banks, pawnshops, carriage services, businesses, inns, and restaurants were all readily available. A row of colorful pavilions along Red Water spread their fragrance in all directions. Even in broad daylight, the faint laughter of women could be heard from afar.
As the carriage traveled into Xianyang, they no longer bothered with concealment. After all, this was the world-renowned commercial capital, filled with wealthy people. A group of merely twenty guards didn’t appear particularly conspicuous.
However, when the carriage passed the Gold and Silver Pavilion, a sudden exclamation sounded from behind, followed by the rapid approach of hoofbeats from the city guard patrol.
The sturdy carriage driver wore a deep blue servant’s robe that looked quite ordinary, though his eyes were exceptionally alert, occasionally flashing with sharp glints. He glanced back twice, and soon other guards caught up and whispered something to him. The driver then leaned toward the carriage door and said in a low voice, “Young Master, it’s that woman again. She tried to follow us into the inner city but was stopped by the guards.”
After a long moment, a calm voice from inside the carriage said, “Let’s go. If she can’t enter, she will naturally leave. Pay her no mind.”
“Yes,” the driver acknowledged and drove the carriage toward the inner city.
This group was from Yanbei, and the man in the carriage was naturally Yan Xun, the newly independent Crown Prince of Yanbei.
Yan Xun’s face appeared somewhat pale, yet his eyes lacked no sharpness. His brows were furrowed as if contemplating some difficult decision.
“Young Master, we’ve arrived.”
Dressed in simple cyan robes with clear features and a calm expression, Yan Xun stepped down from the carriage and walked toward a magnificent mansion.
This mansion was located within Luoli Palace, consisting of eighteen courtyards. Though not comparable to the mansions in Zhenhuang City, land in Xianyang was scarce and expensive. That this residence had such expansive grounds in the area where high officials and wealthy merchants lived in Xianyang showed the owner’s status in the city.
Yan Xun walked ahead, not encountering a single person along the way. A Jing and the other guards quickly dispersed, taking control of the entire estate and implementing strict security measures.
After a while, Yan Xun, accompanied by A Jing and more than ten guards, arrived at the main courtyard. There, a man in emerald robes led over a hundred servants kneeling on the ground. Without raising his head, he proclaimed loudly, “This servant welcomes Your Highness. May Your Highness enjoy thousands of years of fortune and longevity.”
Yan Xun, who had been frowning all the way, suddenly smiled. He stepped forward, placing his hand on the other’s shoulder, and said with a laugh, “You little rascal, get up!”
The young man was only about twenty years old, with clear features and skin as white as snow. His eyebrows were quite thin, giving him an almost feminine appearance. Only his eyes moved shrewdly, immediately revealing him as a fox-like schemer.
“Hehe,” the young man chuckled and said, “Your Highness, you must be tired from your journey. I’ve prepared fine food and wine. Please come in and rest first.”
Yan Xun nodded and walked ahead, tugging at the young man’s clothes while saying wryly, “Brocade silk? You little brat, you’re doing quite well for yourself.”
“Your Highness,” the young man replied with a bitter face, pouting pitifully, “This is already my most worn-out garment. I was afraid you’d accuse me of being extravagant, so I rummaged through everything to find this one. It still makes me itch wearing it.”
“Haha,” Yan Xun laughed unusually heartily. While laughing, he turned back to A Jing and said, “You see? The saying ‘taking a mile when given an inch’ was made exactly for people like him.”
A Jing chuckled and smiled at the young man, punching his shoulder and saying, “So arrogant! Be careful or the Young Master might confiscate your property.”
Joking and laughing, they entered the room. Inside the main hall, sumptuous food and wine had been prepared. Everyone began eating without discussing business, sitting around the table while talking about amusing incidents from their journey. Yan Xun seemed in a particularly good mood today; he didn’t even get angry when A Jing told the story of him rescuing Miss Helian on the road as a joke.
After the meal, A Jing tactfully withdrew, and Yan Xun went with the young man to the study. After closing the door, all traces of laughter vanished from their faces. The young man lifted the hem of his robe and knelt firmly on the ground, saying in an excited, deep voice, “Crown Prince, you’ve finally come.”
Yan Xun squatted down to help him up, his face showing rare gentleness. With soft lips and calm eyes, he said, “Feng Mian, how long has it been since we last met?”
Indeed, this young man was Feng Mian, the little book boy who had previously served at Yan Xun’s side and delivered messages to Chu Qiao several times. That day outside Zhenhuang City, most of Yan Xun’s attendants were killed, but Feng Mian, being young, managed to escape with his life despite serious injuries.
Afterward, the Yanbei faction was completely uprooted by the empire, and Yan Xun fell from power, living two years like a dog. It wasn’t until the third year that he managed to bribe the jail guards with a hefty sum and rescue this child who had been imprisoned in a dark, sunless dungeon for two years.
Feng Mian couldn’t stay in the imperial capital, so he journeyed south alone to Xianyang City. With the help of the Datong Association and Yanbei’s core supporters, six years later, he had become one of Xianyang’s preeminent underworld leaders. His influence extended across escort agencies, carriage services, canal transportation, sea salt, and many other industries. He owned more than eighty brothels, taverns, pawnshops, and banks, controlling over twenty docks and shipyards along the Red Water in the empire’s southeast, and had established the water-dominating Canal Gang that struck fear throughout the south. Now, in the southeast region, while few might recognize the name Feng Mian, even three-year-old children could recite the legendary exploits of Master Feng the Fourth by heart.
After all, compared to the multi-generational accumulation of wealth by great families, Feng Mian’s meteoric rise to become one of Xianyang’s wealthiest in just six years, controlling mountains of wealth, was itself a legend.
“Crown Prince, it’s been six years. Your servant has finally waited for this day.”
Feng Mian’s eyes reddened with tears as he gripped Yan Xun’s hands excitedly and spoke in a deep voice.
“Yes, in the blink of an eye, you’ve already grown into a man,” Yan Xun smiled. “For the renowned Master Feng the Fourth to call himself a servant seems somewhat inappropriate. I hear that even Prince Jing and Prince Ling are frequent guests at your residence. Last year, when Prince Ling’s son Zhao Zhongyan owed money to your Canal Gang, you openly burned Prince Ling’s fleet, causing him to lose thousands of bolts of brocade, nearly ruining his New Year celebrations.”
Feng Mian smiled shyly, showing no trace of an underworld boss. He looked more like a bashful young girl, saying uncomfortably, “What ‘Fourth Master’? That’s just what people outside call me. Zhao Zhongyan relied on being a Zhao family descendant and tried to pressure me with his title, so naturally, I couldn’t let him off easily. Besides, back in the imperial capital, we suffered plenty of hidden harm from Prince Ling’s household. I’ve long disliked them.”
At this point, Feng Mian’s face suddenly became animated as he said, “Feng Mian will always be your servant before the Crown Prince. Without the Crown Prince, there would be no Feng Mian today. My life belongs to the Crown Prince. If I dared put on airs before the Crown Prince, would I still be human?”
“Alright, get up,” Yan Xun smiled. “I was just joking with you. Why take it so seriously?”
With that, he pulled Feng Mian to his feet. The two sat facing each other in a tea area, and Feng Mian deftly prepared tea. Soon, the fresh aroma of tea filled the entire room.
“Crown Prince,” Feng Mian asked with bright eyes and a smile, “How is Miss? Is she well? Why didn’t she come? I heard recently that you had a great battle in Zhenhuang, and Miss led several thousand troops fighting north and south, routing the Da Xia imperial army. I was so delighted I couldn’t sleep at night, almost wanting to lead troops back to Yanbei. Isn’t Miss accompanying you to Biantang this time?”
Yan Xun’s face remained calm as he slowly said, “I lost touch with her. Zhao Che issued an arrest warrant, with a nationwide manhunt for A Chu. Don’t you know?”
“What?” Feng Mian was startled. “But later news from Yanbei said Miss had already returned!”
“That news was false, spread by me in hopes of slightly easing the pursuit forces following A Chu. Making them believe she had returned to Yanbei would reduce the intensity of the search.” Yan Xun took a sip of tea and continued, “Although I had notified all tributary princes, I still feared they might pretend not to pursue her while secretly creating obstacles, so I had to make additional preparations.”
Feng Mian nodded, frowning as he said, “So Miss is still on the run. Crown Prince, rest assured, I will send people to search for her. I wouldn’t dare claim complete certainty, but as long as Miss is within Da Xia’s borders, whether on land or water, my people will be there.”
Yan Xun slowly shook his head. “I suspect she may have already left Da Xia and entered Biantang.”
“Biantang?”
“Yes, if I’m not mistaken, she should have turned into Biantang, then circled to Tang Capital, cut into the Southern Frontier, and traveled upstream.”
“So that’s why the Crown Prince came to Biantang?” Feng Mian asked.
Yan Xun nodded. “That’s one reason.”
“I’ll give orders immediately to notify the Canal Gang in Biantang to search for her. If Miss is on the water, we’ll get news.”
Yan Xun smiled slightly. “Finding her won’t be so simple. If A Chu decides to hide, those fools in Da Xia probably won’t be able to do much about it. But it’s good for your people to help search. I worry about her being alone out there.”
“Yes.”
“There’s another matter,” Yan Xun deliberated for a moment before saying solemnly, “The letter I sent you last month, asking you to handle something—how is that progressing?”
Feng Mian’s expression changed. After thinking, he stood up, walked to the desk, and took out a thick stack of white papers. “It’s all here. Everything has been thoroughly investigated.”
Yan Xun took the papers and glanced through them briefly before saying with a cold smile, “They indeed couldn’t restrain themselves.”
“Crown Prince, the Datong Association is our ally and has strongly supported Yanbei all these years. If we do this… won’t it invite criticism?”
Yan Xun laughed coldly, lightly flicking his wrist to make the papers rustle. He said calmly, “Feng Mian, do you think today’s Datong Association is the same as it was a hundred years ago? Perhaps only people like Master Wu still cling to beautiful ideals. Datong has long been corrupted. You’ve been in Xianyang for so many years—don’t you understand this yet?”
After a moment of silence, Feng Mian slowly said, “The Crown Prince is right. I believe there are serious problems within Datong. The younger faction led by Miss Yu and Master Wu is more righteous, still holding the ideal of universal harmony. But those old elders… sigh, they indulge in drinking, gambling, and visiting brothels, truly unseemly. Outsiders are just kept in the dark. Those brothels and gambling houses are mine, so I know these matters.”
Yan Xun patted Feng Mian’s shoulder and smiled, “Silly boy, you’ve stayed in this prosperous and brocaded Xianyang City for so long, can’t you see through it yet? In this world, all politicians are hypocritical pretenders. Perhaps the Datong Association was righteous and for the people a hundred years ago, but today it has become a political chip for a group of people. No matter how resounding its brand or how high-sounding its slogan is, it’s just a means to accumulate power and fool the people. Datong’s old generation has amassed frightening wealth, only wanting to select a political representative to support from behind the scenes, then seek greater benefits.”
Yan Xun’s eyes suddenly turned cold as he slowly said, “Universal harmony, hmph, what a beautiful slogan. Unfortunately, wherever there are people, there is a struggle; wherever there are benefits, there is war. Harmony? Only ignorant women and children would believe that. But I must say their slogan is truly attractive, especially at this turbulent moment in the Da Xia Empire when all people place their hopes on Datong. Now is the time for us to cooperate with them—we provide the troops, they provide the money, each taking what we need. A match made in heaven.”
Feng Mian frowned and asked, “If that’s the case, why did the Crown Prince ask me to investigate these things?”
“Any organization should have only one leader,” Yan Xun turned away, looking at the willow branches swaying outside while his fingers unconsciously tapped the table. He continued slowly, “The Datong Association has overextended. Their chairman has planted numerous loyalists as officials in Yanbei. Now, whether in the military or government, Datong’s direct lineage is everywhere. If this continues, Yanbei’s position will become very passive.”
“Yanbei’s foundation is unstable now, and it’s not yet appropriate for me to thoroughly purge and replace personnel. It’s better to take this opportunity to warn them indirectly. Datong’s chairman is a clever person; I think he’ll understand. Besides, these people here are all stubborn old faction members. I imagine the chairman himself must be quite annoyed with these old fellows.”
Feng Mian’s face suddenly lit up with excitement. This outwardly refined “Master Feng the Fourth” suddenly grinned and said, “Right! Damn them! I’ve long disliked these old fools. If it weren’t for respecting the Crown Prince, I would have dealt with them ages ago.”
Yan Xun stood up, chuckling, “Get ready then. Take a bath, rest a bit, and tonight, you’ll accompany me to meet these Datong Association elders.”
Feng Mian also stood up smiling and was about to leave when he suddenly turned back and asked, “By the way, Crown Prince, what will you wear tonight? Normal clothes or Datong’s membership attire?”
Yan Xun frowned slightly and said, “Better wear Datong’s membership attire.”
“But the membership clothes have ranks. Although the young faction respects you as their leader, you currently only hold the status of a low-level member. I’m afraid they might make things difficult for you.”
“Difficult?” Yan Xun’s eyes lifted slightly at the corners, his lips curling into a cold smile. “Am I still afraid of others making things difficult for me?”
As night fell, Xianyang City suddenly became lively. The Red Water flowing through the city brought fragrant scents, while merchants lined both banks with open shops. Brothels displayed a scene of prosperity. At this time, Xianyang City thoroughly exhibited the grandeur of a luxurious metropolis, noisy throughout the night.
Feng Mian’s splendid carriage passed through Golden Pond Street, pulled by seven stallions in front—all pure white, quite eye-catching.
Seeing Yan Xun smiling at him, Feng Mian said somewhat embarrassedly, “Well, only the Emperor can have eight horses pulling his carriage.”
Yan Xun smiled, immediately understanding the boy’s thoughts. Using eight horses, regardless of one’s status, would likely invite trouble. Yet Feng Mian was still unsatisfied, so he insistently used seven.
Yan Xun looked back and, sure enough, saw another white horse following the carriage without being tethered, obediently walking behind.
Yan Xun’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing, the light in his eyes becoming subdued.
Half an hour later, they arrived. Feng Mian jumped down from the carriage first, then lifted the curtain and, acting like a servant, extended his hand to help Yan Xun down.
Before them stood a massive restaurant. Yan Xun looked up, squinting his long, narrow eyes. A restaurant was displaying its wine banner at the front door, with two large red lanterns hanging. The facade was elegant and simple, yet still maintained a dignified and distinguished air, without any of the noisy chaos of a red-light district. People came and went, showing that business was extremely prosperous. On a fine piece of nanmu wood, two bold calligraphy characters were written above: “Morning and Evening.”
This was a brothel, yet it had such an elegant name. Yan Xun was slightly surprised, then heard Feng Mian whisper beside him, “Crown Prince, this is my restaurant. Miss named it during her visit two years ago.”
Yan Xun nodded. Although Feng Mian was capable, when he first arrived, he had never done business before. Thus, all strategies and developments were taught hands-on by Chu Qiao. This restaurant must have taken much of A Chu’s effort and thought.
Thinking this, Yan Xun unconsciously frowned and stepped forward toward the entrance.
The proprietor had noticed Feng Mian from far away and was already waiting by the door with a group of exceptionally beautiful women, bowing and smiling.
A voluptuous woman approached first. About thirty years old but showing no signs of age, she had a full figure, a soft waist, and seductive eyes. Swaying her hips as she walked forward, she cooed, “Master Feng, what brings you here today? I’m so delighted I don’t know which foot to step with first.”
With Yan Xun present, Feng Mian inevitably felt nervous and quickly said, “Madam Yu, where are Old Liu and the others? Take us to them quickly.”
Madam Yu was experienced in affairs of pleasure and immediately recognized this was not a visit for entertainment. She promptly led the way. Seeing Feng Mian respectfully following behind Yan Xun, she was briefly startled but wisely remained silent, carefully walking ahead.
In moments, they passed through a long corridor and entered an exquisite courtyard where the noisy voices from the front hall gradually faded. The courtyard was planted with various bonsai and flowers; as the night breeze blew, a delicate fragrance permeated everywhere, refreshing the spirit.
Arriving at a standalone small building, Madam Yu said with a coquettish laugh, “This is the place. I won’t go up with you; Master Feng, please go up by yourself.”
After saying this, the seductive woman turned her head, placing her soft hand on Yan Xun’s arm, saying in a flirtatious voice, “This young master looks unfamiliar, but I can tell he’s no ordinary person. When you have time in the future, please patronize Master Feng’s business often and visit us more.”
Feng Mian was instantly alarmed and wanted to remedy the situation. But Yan Xun smiled faintly without changing his expression, pushing away the woman’s hand without leaving a trace, and said, “Certainly.”
Madam Yu swayed her hips as she retreated. Feng Mian hurriedly explained, “Crown Prince…”
“Feng Mian, you don’t need to be so nervous,” Yan Xun smiled. “Also, don’t call me Crown Prince anymore when we’re inside.”
“Let’s go,” Yan Xun lifted the hem of his robe. “Let’s enter.”
The spacious hall was brightly lit, with a round table placed in the center, covered with wine and dishes.
Yan Xun took a quick glance and saw eight or nine people seated, each with a guard standing behind them. When they saw Yan Xun and Feng Mian enter, everyone stopped talking and turned to look at them, with varying degrees of hostility and contempt in their eyes.
Feng Mian and Yan Xun took off their cloaks and handed them to A Jing behind them. Then Feng Mian greeted everyone individually before he and Yan Xun took their seats.
However, before they could sit down, a cold voice came from a sixty-year-old elder: “Master Feng the Fourth puts on such airs, not only arriving late but also bringing two guards. It seems the Canal Gang’s business is thriving, and you no longer respect us old men.”
These words were full of hostility, showing no mercy.
A flash of coldness swept through Feng Mian’s eyes but disappeared quickly. He smiled and was about to speak when Yan Xun suddenly said, “You must be Elder Yu, the leader of Datong’s Southeast Salt Transport, right?”
Elder Yu glanced at him arrogantly from the corner of his eye, not even bothering to answer, merely letting out a cold snort from his nose.
Yan Xun wasn’t angered and cupped his hands, saying, “I am…”
“No one is interested in your identity!” Elder Yu looked coldly at Yan Xun’s low-ranking member’s robes and mocked, “You’d better recognize your position. You have no right to speak here. Since you’ve come with Master Feng, just stand aside, listen with your ears, and keep your mouth shut!”
Feng Mian’s expression changed, and he stood up abruptly, but Yan Xun reached out to stop him. Yan Xun glanced sideways at Elder Yu and said calmly, “Elder Yu, I think it’s still necessary to tell you my name, because perhaps you’re not so unfamiliar with me, and your future impression will be even more profound.”
As he finished speaking, Yan Xun’s finger suddenly tapped lightly on the table.
In that instant, A Jing, who stood behind Yan Xun, suddenly leaped forward with a straight punch, powerful and swift, striking Elder Yu squarely in the face!
At that moment, everyone could hear the sound of Elder Yu’s nose bridge breaking. Elder Yu let out a miserable scream and flew backward! A Jing, with his exceptional agility, quickly moved forward, grabbed Elder Yu’s collar, and delivered several heavy punches, causing Elder Yu’s nose and mouth to spurt blood.
At this point, a guard behind Elder Yu charged forward, drawing his long knife with a swoosh. Feng Mian swiftly moved in, not dodging at all, firmly grasping the man’s wrist. With a quick grappling technique, there was a crisp snapping sound, and the man screamed in pain as Feng Mian took his knife. Master Feng the Fourth, who had lived in luxury for years, swung the knife with smooth, decisive movements, and with a slash, cut off the man’s hand!
In an instant, everyone was stunned. Although Feng Mian was young, he had always been very experienced in handling affairs and had shown great respect to these Datong Association elders stationed in Xianyang. Why was he so aggressive today? Was it really because his master had gained power in Yanbei that he no longer respected the Datong Association? And who was this young man beside him?
Everyone was alarmed, and perplexed, with complex expressions on their faces.
Yan Xun slowly stood up, his white low-ranking member’s robe looking like a ghostly banner, fierce and bizarre. He stood up, then squatted in front of Elder Yu, slowly saying, “Don’t you know that interrupting others is very impolite?”
Then, he stood up and, to everyone’s horror, viciously stomped on Elder Yu’s face!
With a “swoosh,” blood splattered!
Elder Yu immediately passed out without even making a scream, and no one knew if he was dead or alive.
“Drag him away.”
Yan Xun, calm after his extreme action, had a few drops of blood on his hand. He sat by the table, wiping his hands with a white handkerchief while giving orders.
A Jing dragged one person in each hand, turned to open the door, and with a “bang,” threw both men out!
Everyone was stunned, speechless for a long time. It’s worth noting that they were on the second floor, and below was a clear lake.
Sure enough, in an instant, the sound of heavy objects hitting the water was heard—two thumps, one after another.
A Jing returned and stood behind Yan Xun. Even Feng Mian had stood up, looking like an attendant.
Yan Xun’s face showed no trace of killing intent. He raised his head with a faint smile, looking at everyone with a gentle smile as if what had just happened wasn’t his doing. He said in a calm tone, “I apologize, everyone. After the tiring journey, I got a bit emotional just now.”
…
Silence, a deathly silence. The arrogant old men who always looked down on others were dazed, their minds seemingly not working, staring stupidly at Yan Xun as if he were a visitor from another world.
“Now, I wonder which of your guards can swim?” Yan Xun’s smile was peaceful, light, and breezy, with a gentleness and calmness gained through years of experience. Such an expression would normally make others feel as if bathed in spring breeze, but at this moment, in the eyes of these people, it felt like a chilling wind from hell.
“Because I feel that if no one goes to fish them out, Elder Yu will drown.”
The man leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with apparent difficulty: “What a coincidence, we didn’t notice there was a lake below when we arrived.”
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone suddenly reacted. The old men jumped up, scrambling to find someone to rescue the drowning men, and the hall instantly became chaotic.
After a full half-hour of bustle, by which time Yan Xun had already drunk two cups of tea, they finally rescued Elder Yu, who had swallowed a belly full of water and was badly bruised. When everyone returned to their seats, wiping cold sweat from their foreheads, Yan Xun had already finished his meal.
“Master Feng, who is this friend of yours? Since he’s also a brother in our association, why doesn’t he understand any rules?”
A red-robed elder spoke solemnly. This old man was surnamed Liu, the foremost figure of the Datong Association in Xianyang, having been rooted in the city for over forty years. His wealth was immense; even Master Wu and Miss Yu had to respect his wishes. Soldiers needed money and provisions for war, and Elder Liu was essentially Datong’s chief steward of finances.
Yan Xun replied in a calm tone, his expression unchanged: “Everyone, I wanted to introduce myself earlier, but Elder Yu was too impatient. I think it’s necessary now to introduce myself to you all.”
Under the flickering lights and melodious music, Yan Xun’s eyes narrowed slightly as he slowly said, “I am Yan Xun, just arrived from Yanbei. I seek your guidance.”
“The King of Yanbei?”
Elder Liu jumped to his feet with such force that he overturned the teapot in front of him. Tea spilled all over his robe, but he showed no reaction, just staring at Yan Xun with disbelieving eyes.
“To be precise, although Yanbei has declared independence, I haven’t formally claimed the title of king. But if Elder Liu wishes to address me that way in advance, I don’t object.”
“How is this possible?” another elder exclaimed in surprise. “How could someone from Yanbei come to Xianyang?”
Yan Xun smiled: “Elder Xi, of course you don’t want me to come, because you’re about to move your wealth to Biantang. If I arrived, wouldn’t your beautiful dream be shattered?”
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked!
They looked at Yan Xun in terror, their faces pale as earth, hardly daring to breathe.
Yan Xun’s smile gradually faded as he slowly said, “Da Xia is rising from the ashes, about to relocate back to Zhenhuang. Zhao Yang is deploying troops everywhere with sharp military force, while Zhao Che commands from Zhenhuang, coordinating national forces. The war between Yanbei and Da Xia is inevitable, yet the Datong Association no longer supports Yanbei at this critical time. So, you plan to retreat to Biantang to save yourselves, is that it?”
“Y-Young Master Yan,” Elder Liu barely managed to say, “This is just a precautionary decision from above, an arrangement by the chairman. Our Datong Association has risked life and death for Yanbei for many years, completely aligning with Yanbei politically. For your rescue, countless members died or were injured. Now, it’s merely a strategic plan aimed at preserving our strength.”
Yan Xun coldly observed everyone and slowly said, “For eight years, Datong has acted in my name, coordinating Yanbei’s affairs, planning strategies, and settling Yanbei’s civilian matters. Great kindness needs no thanks; on this point, Yan Xun dares not forget!”
“But!” Yan Xun’s face suddenly turned cold, his narrow eyes slowly narrowing as he continued in a deep voice, “You have, in my name, legitimately collected Yanbei’s taxes and finances, opened the White Jade Pass, traded with the West, and amassed tremendous wealth. Moreover, just in the first half of this year, before I returned to Yanbei, during the period when officials in the imperial capital died suddenly, you collected ten years’ worth of taxes at once, completely plundering the Yanbei people. Now, as Yanbei is about to go to war with the court, you simply leave, abandoning a devastated Yanbei. What is Yanbei supposed to do?”
After saying this, Yan Xun suddenly relaxed into a smile and calmly said, “Datong’s young warriors are bleeding on the front lines, while you feast on delicacies here. Don’t you feel any guilt? I hear Feng Mian has some documents; I wonder what would happen if Miss Yu found out about this.”
Upon hearing this, everyone’s faces turned ashen. Among the young people in the current Datong Association, although Master Wu had the highest reputation, when it came to ruthlessness, Miss Yu was unquestionably first. This young woman’s brutality, her harsh methods, and her extreme hatred for evil forces were incomparable. If she were to find out, what kind of situation would that be? They dared not imagine.
“Well, Young Master Yan, I think it’s better not to let Daoya and A Yu know about this.”
“Of course,” Yan Xun smiled. “Elder Liu, we are on the same side. There’s still a long way ahead, battles to be fought one by one, Da Xia’s walls to be toppled inch by inch. We all need a strong army and a harmonious regime outside. So some things are better left unsaid. They have full confidence in Datong; if their illusions are shattered and Datong falls apart, it would do me no good.”
“That’s right, that’s right.”
“Since that’s the case, you all should know what to do.”
Elder Liu tentatively asked, “Then should we contentedly wait in Xianyang City for news of Yanbei’s great victory?”
“No need,” Yan Xun shook his head. “You can continue transferring wealth to Biantang.”
Everyone was stunned, looking at him in disbelief.
But then Yan Xun smiled slightly and said, “It happens that I’m also heading to Biantang. Afterward, I’ll return to Yanbei through the Southern Frontier, and I’ll take these things back with me.”
The faces of Elder Liu and the others instantly turned as ugly as they could be. Yan Xun stood up and calmly said, “Well, we’ve eaten and talked, and it’s time for me to take my leave. Elder Liu, I’m going to Biantang under the identity of your nephew Liu Xi. I hope tomorrow morning you’ll be prepared. After all, for the Crown Prince of Biantang’s wedding, you, as Xianyang’s wealthiest merchant, should show your respect.”
To a room full of pale-faced old men whose beautiful dreams had been shattered, Yan Xun slightly cupped his hands: “Farewell!”
The carriage moved along the street. It was late, but the streets were still bustling with activity.
Feng Mian asked curiously, “Crown Prince, these old men’s wealth is extraordinary. Taking all this to Biantang in such a grand manner is too dangerous. Why not return directly to Yanbei?”
“Do you think taking these things directly back to Yanbei wouldn’t be dangerous?” Yan Xun calmly asked in return. “Da Xia’s regime is currently unstable. The journey back to Yanbei passes through many provinces and prefectures, and problems could easily arise. Once word leaks out, with the wealth of several Xianyang merchants at stake, do you think those military commanders and prefectural governors wouldn’t be tempted?”
The man leaned back in the carriage, sighed slightly, half-closed his eyes, and slowly said, “If we don’t want this wealth to fall into official hands, nor do we want these old men to pocket it themselves, taking the route through Biantang is our only option. Biantang has relatively better security, and if I go under the banner of Xianyang merchants seeking refuge in Biantang, Biantang will dispatch strong troops to escort us for the sake of developing their economy. This way, the journey to the Tang Capital will certainly be safe. Once we reach Tang Capital, I have ways to secretly enter the Southern Frontier, then travel upstream back to Yanbei, as naturally as water flows.”
“But,” Feng Mian still worriedly said, “Tang Capital must now be gathering many dignitaries, half of whom know you. Can you pass as Elder Liu’s nephew without being discovered?”
“On this point, you needn’t worry. I have my methods,” Yan Xun said. “To prevent information leaks, after I leave, you must watch these elders closely. Find a way to silence them permanently and eliminate any potential problems.”
Feng Mian was stunned and didn’t respond.
Yan Xun maintained his calm expression and slowly said, “With you here, I can rest assured. The southeast finance steward of the Datong Association should also be changed. Feng Mian, although you’re young, it’s time for you to gain more experience.”
Feng Mian quickly bowed his head and said, “Your servant obeys!”
Yan Xun seemed about to fall asleep, his voice becoming increasingly ethereal.
“Greed leads to self-destruction. These elders were once passionate Datong members in their youth. But after gaining too much, they developed greed, wanting to seize what didn’t belong to them without considering their capabilities. In life, one can have ambition but must not be greedy. Ambition can help you build great achievements, but greed will only prevent you from finding peace. Feng Mian, as you hold a high position, you should carefully ponder these words of mine.”
Feng Mian’s face gradually turned pale. He respectfully bowed his head, saying nothing.
The long wind blew through the carriage curtains onto the man’s face. With the shadows from the bright lanterns on both sides, Yan Xun’s face suddenly seemed dim, making it hard to see clearly.
Feng Mian felt a chill down his spine. He suddenly remembered something Chu Qiao had said when she left two years ago: “You are loyal, cautious, clever, and bold, Feng Mian. Everything about you is good, except for one thing—you are too capable.”
He had never believed it and had never carefully considered its meaning.
But at this moment, looking at his master, he suddenly understood. He carefully picked up a cloak from the side and draped it over Yan Xun. He knew Yan Xun wasn’t asleep but still didn’t dare make the slightest sound.
The carriage moved slowly forward. The street was crowded with people. Feng Mian suddenly became lost in thought, hoping that the Crown Prince’s journey would go smoothly and that Miss would quickly return to the Crown Prince’s side.
In this world, the only person the Crown Prince would never guard against was probably Miss.
The summer breeze was intoxicating. That night, the soldiers from Yanbei changed into Xianyang’s clothing and fine horses. The next day, escorted by Xianyang’s grain merchant magnate Liu Mingjun, they grandly left Xianyang City, heading south by water toward Tang Capital.