The Marvelous Use of Honey

The Mid-Autumn Festival arrived in August, and the large round moon shone upon the endlessly flowing Huangpu River.

Mei Xuanzi’s recent series of maneuvers had already stirred the Jianghuai region into chaos, and business at Zu Ye’s establishment had become increasingly deserted. That evening, Zuo Yongchan from the “Heavenly Saint Way” came again.

“How is it? Has the mole been found?” Zuo Yongchan asked.

Zu Ye nodded slightly.

Zuo Yongchan chuckled, “This time Zu Ye trusts this younger brother, yes?”

Zu Ye remained impassive.

Zuo Yongchan continued, “The matter of sworn brotherhood I mentioned last time—how has Zu Ye considered it? This younger brother has been waiting to perform the eight bows of friendship with Zu Ye, but Zu Ye has sent no word. This younger brother doesn’t know what Zu Ye intends?”

This was precisely the question Zu Ye had been pondering. Last time when Zuo Yongchan visited late at night, he requested that “Heavenly Saint Way” and “Wood Seed Lotus” merge into one to jointly combat the “Plum Blossom Society,” saying this move had the support of important figures behind the scenes. When Zu Ye asked him what important figures, Zuo Yongchan said, “As big as you can imagine! Within three years, all the ‘religious societies’ in the nation will undergo a great reshuffling!” After speaking, he smiled mysteriously at Zu Ye.

“Now, I’ve already helped Zu Ye uncover the inner traitor. Zu Ye has been wise all his life, surely he knows there are masters behind Mei Xuanzi. Such great waves have even drawn the government in. If Zu Ye continues to hesitate, I fear ‘Wood Seed Lotus’ will be completely wiped out!” Zuo Yongchan said, looking at Zu Ye.

Zu Ye sighed and said, “Sect Leader Zuo has never revealed who the important figure behind all this is. This humble one dares not act rashly!”

Zuo Yongchan became anxious, “It’s…” The words came to his lips but he swallowed them back. Then he smiled and said, “Zu Ye should just wait quietly for the situation to unfold. Before long, if Zu Ye feels he has no recourse, he can come find me at my residence.” With that, he flicked his sleeves and departed.

Zu Ye watched Zuo Yongchan’s retreating figure, his mood growing heavier. Ever since Mei Xuanzi began his ostentatious campaign, Zu Ye had vaguely sensed an undercurrent surging through Jianghuai, like a giant python weaving between various forces, and what it would bring forth would be a tidal wave throughout all of Jianghuai!

Zu Ye silently pondered his next strategy. What exactly was this nationwide “religious societies” reshuffling that Zuo Yongchan spoke of? After the Xinhai Revolution, under Nationalist Party rule, China was nominally unified but actually divided by warlords. To manipulate a nationwide reshuffling of religious societies wasn’t something one or two forces could accomplish. Was it the Nationalist Party’s upper echelon that wanted the great reshuffling, or were the various warlords planning to join hands for another great undertaking? Since the Xinhai Revolution, the winds of change had shifted dramatically, and suffering China groaned in the vicissitudes of history’s great transformations. Was China about to face great chaos again? Zu Ye pondered bitterly.

“Zu Ye, Second Master, Zhang Zizhan, and Huang Farong request an audience!” the steward announced. Zu Ye nodded and summoned them in.

Er Batou, Zhang Zizhan, and Huang Farong walked in beaming with joy. Zu Ye looked and thought, what’s going on with these three? So happy!

After Er Batou took his seat, he tilted his head back, grinning broadly, and said, “Zu Ye, the scheme has been broken!”

Zu Ye was startled, “What scheme has been broken?”

“Mei Xuanzi’s Three Gathering Immortals and Immortal Eating Noodles scheme!”

Zu Ye’s eyes immediately brightened. Er Batou waved his hand, and Huang Farong and Zhang Zizhan stepped forward. Only then did Zu Ye notice they were both holding things—Zhang Zizhan held a bowl of noodles, and Huang Farong carried a glass jar.

Er Batou looked at Zu Ye, then at Huang Farong and Zhang Zizhan, and said, “Demonstrate for Zu Ye!”

Zhang Zizhan placed the noodle bowl on the tea table. Huang Farong lifted the glass jar and poured the yellowish, viscous substance inside into the noodles. Zu Ye’s eyes fixed on the noodles as the clock ticked away. The room was completely silent. Before long, a miracle appeared—the noodles in the bowl began to dissolve. About the time it takes to burn a stick of incense passed, and they had dissolved completely.

Zu Ye was greatly shocked, “What’s in the jar?”

Huang Farong smiled, blinking her large eyes, “Honey!”

“Honey?”

“Yes!” Zhang Zizhan said excitedly, “I consulted Western biology books. Honey contains amylase, which can hydrolyze starch. When Mei Xuanzi performed his ritual on the street, he must have put honey in the pot beforehand. When first added, the noodles don’t change much, so Mei Xuanzi could lift the noodles into the bowl. By the time he finished eating, exactly a quarter-hour had passed, and the noodles in the other bowls had also dissolved!”

Zu Ye nodded and smiled. Although he didn’t know what “amylase” meant, he said to Zhang Zizhan, “Explain in detail.”

Zhang Zizhan said, “Ever since I saw Mei Xuanzi’s performance, I went home and experimented with various ingredients—Sichuan pepper water, dried tangerine peel soup, seawater, vinegar—anything I could think of. Later I went to St. John’s University’s library, and in a book called ‘Biochemistry Essentials,’ I found some information. It recorded that in 1883, a French biochemist discovered a substance called ‘enzymes.’ There are many types of enzymes, and the amylase in honey is the most stable. Below 40 degrees it won’t undergo any transformation and can rapidly hydrolyze starch…”

Zu Ye listened carefully, marveling at the advancement of Western science and technology! The Jiang Xiang Sect faced unprecedented challenges in this new era. Whether it could continue to flourish—perhaps only heaven knew.

“When did you solve this?” Zu Ye suddenly asked.

Zhang Zizhan said, “Actually early…”

Huang Farong immediately interrupted Zhang Zizhan, “Actually Zizhan went to the academy to consult books long ago, but only discovered the secret this morning.”

Zu Ye glanced at Huang Farong and nodded, saying, “Mm, good.”

Er Batou, seeing the time was ripe, quickly said, “Zu Ye, since Zizhan has followed Zu Ye, he’s been utterly loyal and has repeatedly performed extraordinary service. Now that the position of Si Batou is vacant, why not promote Zizhan to ‘Second Place Scholar’? This is also the wish of all the brothers in the establishment.”

After speaking, all three directed their gazes toward Zu Ye.

Zu Ye squinted his eyes, nodded, then raised his eyes to look at these three people, thinking these three fellows had come after planning this together. Zu Ye understood that all of this must have been Huang Farong’s idea—first having her husband demonstrate the solution technique, while bringing Er Batou along to propose the promotion. This way they avoided the suspicion of bypassing ranks in reporting while also adding weight to their words.

The next day, Zu Ye convened a Council Meeting, lavishly praising Zhang Zizhan for breaking the scheme, then proposed promoting him. The various Batou at the establishment understood in their hearts that Zu Ye had long intended to promote this technical strategist, and everyone spoke up, praising Zu Ye’s wisdom.

San Batou, just released from the dungeon, said loudly, “Brother Zizhan’s promotion to Second Place Scholar is what everyone expects. Zu Ye’s wise cultivation allows brothers to stand out. With Zu Ye at the helm of ‘Jiang Xiang Sect’ and all brothers working together, we will surely defeat the ‘Plum Blossom Society’!”

These words were flattering without being excessive, praising without being oily. Zu Ye was quite pleased after hearing them.

Around noon, the establishment slaughtered chickens and geese. Zhang Zizhan performed three kowtows and nine bows, burned incense and took vows, and amid everyone’s congratulations became Si Ye! The establishment then held a banquet, and the Batou and Xiao Jiao drank heartily. A rare festive atmosphere appeared at the establishment.

Amid all the clamor, Zu Ye walked out alone and came to the back courtyard, standing before the gardenia flowers, thoughts surging like tide. Flowers bloom and fall through the years, people come and go leaving buildings empty—he thought again of Qi Chunfu and Sun Yexing. As the establishment’s leader, the greatest sorrow was brothers’ betrayal. Killing inner traitors, severing one’s own limbs, a new generation replacing the old—how lamentable!

While deep in thought, Huang Farong also came over. “Zu Ye, today is a great joy. Why does your venerable self still look so worried?” Her tone revealed slight intoxication.

Zu Ye glanced at her and said, “You’ve waited a long time for this moment, haven’t you?”

“Nothing escapes Zu Ye’s eyes…” Huang Farong’s bright eyes sparkled as she smiled gracefully.

Zu Ye gave a cold laugh and said, “Zizhan surely found the solution method long ago, but kept it secret, just waiting for me to eliminate Qi Chunfu before you revealed it. This way the position of Si Batou would naturally fall to Zizhan.”

Huang Farong pressed her temples, swaying drunkenly, and murmured, “Waiting for the right moment, acting at the appropriate time—this is the principle of conduct Zu Ye has always taught us subordinates. Farong was only… only applying what she learned. Moreover, at that time the inner traitor was unclear, and revealing the solution would have been even less appropriate. Farong… since Farong married into ‘Wood Seed Lotus,’ she has been diligent and conscientious. Whenever there’s a major situation, she thinks day and night, exhausting her mind and energy. Zu Ye knows Farong is an A’Bao, but… Farong is also just a little woman. Her husband Zizhan has a strange temperament, moody and unpredictable. When Farong suffers grievances, has Zu Ye ever seen? Farong’s fate is bitter, far from home, thinking of her adoptive mother to the south, her birth mother to the north, without a single relative, lonely and desolate…” As she spoke, tears streamed down.

The Ownership of Si Batou

These words left Zu Ye feeling desolate. Who willingly becomes an A’Bao from birth? This path was bitter, regardless of gender. Behind the glorious halo lay endless sorrow and confusion. Zu Ye thought of his own parents and younger siblings. Heaven’s mandate was cruel—family destroyed, everyone dead, barely surviving in the vast jianghu. Drinking heartily today, meeting death tomorrow, changes between life and death like strong wind blowing out a candle. When could these insignificant people like grass enjoy peaceful remaining years!

At this moment, a Xiao Jiao came running over, and Huang Farong hastily turned to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes.

“Zu Ye, the Southern Sect’s Great Master has arrived!”

Zu Ye hurriedly turned around. Jiang Feiyan had come? “Quickly invite her in!”

Huang Farong, hearing that Jiang Feiyan had arrived, ran out frantically.

In moments, Jiang Feiyan’s party had arrived in the courtyard.

“Adoptive mother!” Huang Farong threw herself into Jiang Feiyan’s embrace, tears flowing freely.

Jiang Feiyan didn’t know what had happened. She thought it was because Huang Farong had been away from her adoptive family for so long and missed them dearly. She quickly embraced her adopted daughter and said, “Daughter, don’t cry. Hasn’t your adoptive mother come to see you?” Though she said this, her eyes also reddened.

The establishment’s Batou came over one after another to pay their respects. Zhang Zizhan, who couldn’t hold his liquor well, also hurried over to bow, “Not knowing adoptive mother was arriving, we failed to welcome you properly!”

Zu Ye also didn’t know why Jiang Feiyan had suddenly visited. After an exchange of pleasantries, Zu Ye invited Jiang Feiyan into the main hall for tea and detailed conversation.

Jiang Feiyan said, “Feiyan came uninvited. Zu Ye, please don’t take offense.”

Zu Ye bowed and smiled in reply, “Sister Yan’s arrival makes my humble dwelling shine with splendor.”

Jiang Feiyan said, “Recently the waves in the Jianghuai region have been very large. All five southern provinces have heard about it. The agent I planted in Fujian’s ‘Taiji Gang’ sent word that the ‘Plum Blossom Society’s’ Mei Xuanzi recently appeared in Fujian and has been closely associating with ‘Taiji Gang’s’ Master Ruolan. The ‘Taiji Gang’ also seems inclined to distance itself from us.”

The “Taiji Gang” that Jiang Feiyan mentioned was the largest religious society in the Fujian region. The establishment’s leader was an old Daoist nun, secular name Li Meihe, Daoist name Ruolan, called Master Ruolan. For many years, due to geographical proximity, the “Taiji Gang” and “Yue Haitang” had maintained close relations. In 1929, Jiang Feiyan went to the “Taiji Gang” to celebrate Master Ruolan’s birthday and discuss business, and on her way out encountered the dying Huang Farong by the roadside.

Jiang Feiyan took a sip of tea and continued, “The Nationalist Party’s Investigation Group has also noticed this development. Mei Xuanzi’s lighting of ghost lanterns by the river shook Jianghuai, and even the leaders of ‘religious societies’ from Tianjin, Beiping, and Jiaodong came to offer congratulations. For giants in the circle like the Five Tigers of the Central Plains and Jiaodong’s ‘Immortal Zheng’ to condescend to pay respects to Mei Xuanzi is also a rare occurrence.”

Only then did Zu Ye discover that this Southern Sect’s sect leader seemed more familiar with the Jianghuai situation than he was.

This was precisely the cleverness of the Southern Sect “Yue Haitang’s” female A’Baos.

Years ago, one of the Five Ancestors of the Hong Gate, Fang Zhaoyu, established the “Jiang Xiang Sect,” which had four major divisions: Qian, Kun, Kan, and Li. The Li division later became “Yue Haitang.” The first sect leader of the Li division, Tang Yonghe, was a famous talented woman during the Kangxi era. Her father, Tang Guoyong, was a major silk merchant in Jiangnan. Because the silk tribute he presented to the imperial court was embroidered with the phrase “Imperial grace magnificently endures through a thousand ages, China and the barbarians at peace across the four seas,” he became entangled in a literary inquisition. Kangxi believed the words “barbarians” referred to the Manchu people and ordered Tang Guoyong executed with his entire clan of nine generations implicated.

On the day of execution, fierce winds rose, flying sand and rolling stones. A figure from the greenwood forest whom Tang Guoyong had helped years ago led men to raid the execution ground and rescued Tang Yonghe. This person was Fang Zhaoyu. After joining the Tiandihui, Tang Yonghe never forgot her revenge. Later, under the unified deployment of the Tiandihui, Tang Yonghe assisted the heroine Lü Siniang in using a blood-dripping device to take off the head of Kangxi’s son Yongzheng.

That Lü Siniang could infiltrate the Forbidden Palace and kill Yongzheng was thanks to the agents Tang Yonghe had planted inside the imperial palace. From this, Tang Yonghe understood a truth: to accomplish great things, one must have people in the court. And women naturally had the advantage of beauty, so using honey traps to infiltrate high officials became the ancestral teaching of Tang Yonghe’s establishment.

Over three hundred years, “Yue Haitang” produced beauties generation after generation, historically developing agents within the government and planting informants, making “Yue Haitang” the division among the four major establishments with the deepest roots inside the government. Until the Republic, when the Western Sect’s “Dragon Whisker Sprout” produced Liu Congyun who dedicated himself to military and political affairs, this situation was finally broken, but it didn’t last long before Liu Congyun was quickly eliminated by his disciple Qin Baichuan.

The reason Jiang Feiyan knew the Jianghuai region’s situation so thoroughly was because she inherited the network of connections Qiao Wumei had in the Nationalist Party’s Investigation Group.

Actually, at that time with warlords dividing territory and foreign powers invading, the Nationalist government had no time to concern itself with matters of “religious societies.” It was just that “religious societies” were closely tied to the underworld, and the underworld had deep blood connections with the Nationalist special agent system. Moreover, “religious societies” had existed in China for a long time, and from top Nationalist officials to minor spies, they were all very superstitious, which allowed various “religious societies” to flourish brilliantly during the Republican era.

After listening to Jiang Feiyan’s analysis, Zu Ye said, “It seems what Zuo Yongchan said wasn’t false. China’s ‘religious societies’ history is about to be rewritten!”

Jiang Feiyan was startled, “Rewritten?”

Zu Ye nodded, “Zuo Yongchan visited not long ago and said the recent series of events in Jianghuai all have important figures supporting them behind the scenes. Now it appears not only Jianghuai—all of China is about to undergo great changes.”

While speaking, the steward entered and handed over a letter.

Zu Ye opened it and was greatly shocked. It was a secret letter from Mei Xuanzi. The letter roughly said, “Enmity should be resolved rather than prolonged. I hope Zu Ye will not hold grudges and restore friendly relations between our two families.” Mei Xuanzi wanted to host a banquet at the “Xiya Hotel” in the Luwan District to apologize and hoped Zu Ye would attend.

Mei Xuanzi had set up the black-haired coffin scheme, disturbing Zu Ye’s peace of mind, and then staged the “lighting ghost lanterns by the river” grand scheme, intending to utterly destroy Zu Ye. Zu Ye was gnashing his teeth in hatred, yet Mei Xuanzi suddenly showed goodwill. Zu Ye was deeply surprised.

Over the years, “Wood Seed Lotus” and “Plum Blossom Society” had always minded their own business without interfering. The “Plum Blossom Society” started late, only established during the Second Zhili-Fengtian War, and didn’t have the centuries of foundation that “Jiang Xiang Sect” had, so they had always been respectful toward “Wood Seed Lotus,” only recently acting abnormally with frequent mischief. In Zu Ye’s eyes, Mei Xuanzi was just a youngster. When Yan Xishan invited Zu Ye for fortune-telling, Mei Xuanzi had only been in the business a few years.

The Transformation of a Gambler

Mei Xuanzi was originally a Daoist priest from a small temple at the foot of Anhui’s Huangshan. His master, Elder Mei Fuzu, was a venerable Daoist scholar. In his early years, when Mei Fuzu was teaching in Tianjin, having long admired the talents of the great scholar of Chinese studies Li Shutong, he visited many times and received much enlightenment from Li Shutong. After Li Shutong became a monk, Mei Fuzu also became a monk and practiced at “Plum Blossom Temple” at the foot of Huangshan.

Mei Xuanzi’s original surname wasn’t Mei. His real name was Xu Leshi, from Lanzhou. His father was a mule and horse merchant. Merchants from the Central Plains who traded goods to the Western Regions and traveled west beyond Loulan would hire his father’s mule teams to transport goods.

Xu Leshi was stubborn and unruly from childhood, refusing discipline. At age fifteen, he learned gambling from street thugs. He once stole one of his father’s mules and sold it for gambling money. His father was so angry he wanted to chop him up, but thanks to his mother’s desperate pleas, he only received a beating.

In 1920, the Ningxia region experienced the rare “Haiyuan Great Earthquake” in human history—a quarter of China was shattered. Xu Leshi’s family home collapsed, his parents and brothers all perished. He himself, because he went out gambling with several gamblers that night in a shelter made of bamboo poles and cloth that had no heavy objects fall when it shook, narrowly escaped death.

After the earthquake, the gambling-addicted Xu Leshi not only failed to reform but sold all the mules and horses in the stable along with the remains from the collapsed house, using everything as gambling capital, playing bigger and bigger. Later he lost everything and owed money. The other party wanted to cut off one of his hands, so he hastily fled Lanzhou, begging all the way until he arrived in Anhui.

The unfamiliar Xu Leshi, having starved on the streets for several days, came dazedly to Elder Mei Fuzu’s Plum Blossom Temple. Upon entering, he kowtowed, wanting to beg for food. Mei Fuzu, with his Bodhisattva heart, immediately had someone make him a bowl of vegetarian noodles.

Xu Leshi, who hadn’t eaten for days, pounced on the food like a starving wolf when he saw it, clutching the bowl and devouring it frantically.

Mei Fuzu said, “No rush, no rush. There’s more after you finish.”

Hearing the old master’s words, Xu Leshi, his mouth stuffed full of noodles, actually stopped. His nose tingled, and whether it was the pure Daoist ground that awakened his conscience or the many days of cold and hunger that made him deeply feel his wretchedness, tears couldn’t help but flow. Finally, he fell to his knees with a thud and said, “Master, Master, please take me as your disciple! I’m so tired, I never want to step out this door again!”

Hearing this, Mei Fuzu slowly said, “To be able to taste bitterness means enlightenment isn’t far. If the benefactor has truly seen through the red dust and your parents don’t obstruct, you may remain in this small temple, chanting scriptures and meditating daily, praying for all living beings to pass the remaining years.”

Only then did Xu Leshi remember that his parents were no longer there. The two people in the world who loved him most had left forever. He felt that in recent years, something demonic seemed to have possessed his heart. Besides gambling, his mind held only gambling. His parents died without touching his heart even a bit. Thinking of this, Xu Leshi wailed loudly!

Mei Fuzu knew this young man carried untold suffering behind him, but at least his conscience hadn’t been extinguished, so he took him as a disciple, bestowed the Daoist name “Xuanzi,” and changed his surname to Mei. From then on, Xu Leshi became Mei Xuanzi, settling matters of this life and the next, spending remaining years with green lamp and ritual implements.

Buddha said, “Subdue the stubborn masses.” The two words “stubborn” cut to bone and blood. Human nature is obstinate, bad habits hard to change. A bad person might have remorse, but the heart of remorse vanishes in an instant.

When he first began practicing, Mei Xuanzi indeed had a feeling of great awakening. Daily he confessed and prayed, sometimes tears falling on the incense table. But after a few months, the demon in his heart began to stir again. One day, when several senior brothers weren’t paying attention, he actually stole the incense money from the altar and went out of the temple to gamble.

The result was predictable—nine losses in ten gambles. In less than two hours, he’d lost completely.

After losing, his mood was uneasy as he dawdled back to the temple. Arriving at the entrance, he hesitated—what face did he have to see his master? He turned to leave but had nowhere to go. Thinking it over, he steeled himself and entered the temple.

Mei Fuzu had been meditating in the rear hall and hadn’t noticed this matter.

At evening meal, a disciple named Xuankong from the front hall came to report, “Master, money is missing from the altar…”

Mei Fuzu was startled and asked, “Did any outsiders come to the temple this afternoon?”

Xuankong said, “Only three to five worshippers came to offer incense and fulfill vows. However… however…”

Mei Fuzu raised his kind brows, “However what?”

“However… however, Junior Brother Xuanzi went out this afternoon…”

Mei Fuzu glanced at Mei Xuanzi and said, “Xuanzi, what did you go out for?”

Mei Xuanzi grew nervous, “Went out… to buy sesame oil. I saw the oil in the lamp was exhausted, so I went…”

“You’re lying!” Xuankong said, “Where’s the oil? You’re the one who stole the money…”

“Impudent!” Mei Fuzu shouted loudly, “Xuanzi is your junior brother. How could he steal money!”

Mei Xuanzi’s heart pounded wildly.

Then Mei Fuzu said to Mei Xuanzi, “Xuanzi, in the future when going down the mountain on business, you must tell your senior brother first. Do you remember?”

When he spoke the last sentence, the old master’s tone grew heavier.

Mei Xuanzi was covered in sweat and said, “This disciple remembers.”

That night, Mei Fuzu called Mei Xuanzi to the meditation chamber to lecture him privately.

“Those who leave home, whether as monks or Daoists, worship the Three Pure Ones, respect the Three Treasures, and settle all matters of the red dust—this is the greatest good. No matter how good worldly matters are, they’re like flowers in a mirror or the moon in water. Do you understand?”

Mei Xuanzi nodded slightly.

Mei Fuzu looked at him and continued, “Let me tell you a story. There was such a person—he was skilled in music, the first person in the country to compose using staff notation was him. He excelled in calligraphy—Lu Xun, Guo Moruo and others considered obtaining one of his pieces of calligraphy a glory. He was masterful in poetry—after one of his poems, ‘Farewell,’ was set to music, it was sung throughout the entire Republican era. He was skilled in painting—masters like Feng Zikai were all students he nurtured. He was proficient in seal carving—his blade technique natural and perfect. He promoted theater—in the thirty-third year of Guangxu, he took the stage to perform as the Lady of the Camellias. These realms that ordinary people could never reach in their entire lives, he had reached them all. He was a nearly perfect person. This person—do you know who he is?”

Mei Xuanzi said in a low voice, “Li Shutong.”

Mei Fuzu said, “Correct. Many in the world know of the glorious Li Shutong, but don’t know of the Buddhist monk Hongyi. He gave up all his hobbies and glory, devoted to Buddha. Why?”

Mei Xuanzi lowered his head without speaking.

Mei Fuzu said, “People all say those who become monks do so out of helplessness, that they couldn’t get by in the secular world and thus became monks. Others say those who become monks are fools who don’t understand worldly pleasures. Li Shutong, with his own actions, explained the true meaning of leaving home. Was he helpless? No—he was learned and knowledgeable, his inner self most fulfilled. Could he not get by in the world? Even less so—he was renowned across nine provinces, gathering infinite favor upon himself. Was he a fool? Among people in the world smarter than him, probably none have been born yet. Did he not understand worldly pleasures? Even less so—achievements in multiple fields that none could match allowed him to thoroughly understand worldly pleasures! Leaving home was because he saw through all this as illusory bubbles! Sacrifice and gain, sacrifice and gain—only with sacrifice comes gain. Master Hongyi could sacrifice so many hobbies—you should think carefully about this yourself.”

After hearing this, Mei Xuanzi suddenly awakened as if sweet dew had been poured over his head. He gritted his teeth and made a secret resolution, “If I gamble again, I’ll go die!”

But good times didn’t last long. Two months later, he truly couldn’t resist again, stole money, and went to the gambling den. After losing everything, he returned to the temple entrance, kowtowed three times toward the Daoist gate, then turned to the back mountain and crashed his head against a huge rock. Fresh blood immediately flowed horizontally, and he fell unconscious.

When he awoke, he was lying in his master’s meditation chamber.

Actually, when he ran out that afternoon, the Daoist boy at the entrance had already reported to the master, and Mei Fuzu had Elder Disciple Xuankong keep a close watch on him.

Xuankong followed him all the way to the gambling den, thinking this fellow truly was like a dog that couldn’t stop eating filth. But the master had instructed him to just keep watch, so he sat in a nearby teahouse waiting. Very soon the fellow came out. Xuankong immediately followed. Later he saw him bow three times to the mountain gate, thinking this bastard still had some conscience. Then he rushed toward the back mountain. Xuankong was puzzled, thinking he was going to leave the temple. But then he stopped before a huge boulder. Xuankong smiled to himself—he’s going to face the wall in contemplation. Seeing dusk was approaching, just as he was about to call him back, unexpectedly he crashed his head into the boulder!

“You’re not even afraid of death, yet quitting gambling is so difficult?” Mei Fuzu said, looking at him.

“Master—” Mei Xuanzi’s nose tingled and tears flowed down…

The “Plum Blossom Society” Visits

In the blink of an eye, the day of the banquet arrived. Mei Xuanzi was hosting a feast for Zu Ye at the Xiya Hotel.

Jiang Feiyan said with great concern, “A Hongmen Banquet—Zu Ye must be cautious.”

Zu Ye was also pondering. The Xiya Hotel was in the Luwan District, part of the French Concession. Why would Mei Xuanzi choose this place? Recently Mei Xuanzi had repeatedly caused trouble behind the scenes, yet now suddenly hosted a banquet to apologize. To go or not to go?

Mei Xuanzi’s letter had explained that to guarantee Zu Ye’s absolute safety, he would leave his five-year-old son in Zu Ye’s establishment. He himself would bring only two attendants. After the banquet ended, once Zu Ye safely returned to the establishment, he would then ask Zu Ye to send his young son back.

Mei Xuanzi had one wife and two concubines. His wife had founded the Plum Blossom Society with him years ago and was still a backbone member. The two concubines were early disciples who later became concubines. The five-year-old son was born to his legitimate wife. Even a vicious tiger won’t eat its cubs—using his own son’s life as collateral, it seemed this time Mei Xuanzi was sincere.

Zu Ye decided to attend the banquet.

Zu Ye knew that Mei Xuanzi, having long been educated by Elder Mei Fuzu, had transformed from a gambler into a refined person. Refinement meeting refinement—so for this banquet, Zu Ye didn’t bring the murderous Da Batou, nor the loose-lipped Er Batou, but instead brought the graceful San Batou and the honest and upright Wu Batou.

The next day at the Si hour, after Zu Ye got ready, he brought Xue Jiaren and Liang Wenqiu and headed straight for the “Xiya Hotel.”

When Zu Ye’s party arrived, Mei Xuanzi had already been waiting in a private room on the second floor for quite some time.

Zu Ye took his seat, and Mei Xuanzi had people serve the dishes.

Mei Xuanzi filled a cup of wine for Zu Ye and said, “That Zu Ye could come brings me great comfort.”

Zu Ye smiled slightly and said, “When an immortal invites, how dare a little ghost not come?”

Mei Xuanzi laughed heartily and said, “The French Concession has an elegant environment and a relaxed political atmosphere. That the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China chose the French Concession was also because they valued the political environment here. That’s why I hosted this banquet for Zu Ye here.”

Zu Ye’s smile faded as he said, “The ‘Jiang Xiang Sect’ has never made enemies with people in the circle. Since the ‘Plum Blossom Society’ was established, we’ve never overstepped our bounds. I don’t know what we did wrong to provoke Master Mei to set up schemes behind our backs and cause difficulties without reason?”

Mei Xuanzi said with a smile, “Zu Ye is good in every way, except lacking a patriotic heart.”

Zu Ye was startled, then said, “Patriotism? When these two words ‘patriotism’ are spoken by revolutionary party patriots, they show bloodline spirit and national righteousness. Coming from Master Mei’s mouth, isn’t it a joke?”

Mei Xuanzi shook his head. “The ‘Jiang Xiang Sect’ has since ancient times claimed to rob the rich to help the poor. After all this turmoil, aren’t you just tormenting your own people? Whether deceiving good people or bad people, you’re deceiving Chinese people. Your ancestors originally established the ‘Jiang Xiang Sect’ to oppose the Qing and restore the Ming. The Han people’s empire was occupied by the Manchu people, and the Han were unconvinced, which is why they proposed the slogan ‘Oppose the Qing, Restore the Ming.’ Over hundreds of years, Manchu and Han have merged, China has unified, and there’s long been no ethnic divide. Speaking of ethnicity, all of China now has only one Chinese nation. Yet the ‘Jiang Xiang Sect’ still wears the cloak of acting for heaven while practicing great deception. I wonder which heaven you’re acting for, which way you’re following? What’s the meaning? What’s the purpose?”

Zu Ye hadn’t expected Mei Xuanzi to say such words and for a moment didn’t know how to respond. After a while, Zu Ye countered, “Since you know you’re deceiving your own people, why did Master Mei still establish the ‘Plum Blossom Society’? Our ‘Jiang Xiang Sect’ at least understands the principle of robbing the rich to help the poor. The money you’ve swindled all went into your own pockets!”

Mei Xuanzi laughed heartily. “How does Zu Ye know I’ve lined my own pockets? In the twelve years since the ‘Plum Blossom Society’ was established, every account has been kept crystal clear. Apart from maintaining the establishment’s normal expenses, all income has been deposited in the accounts. When the time is ripe, this money will have its purpose!”

Zu Ye also laughed. “Master Mei speaks idly, and I listen idly.”

Mei Xuanzi looked at Zu Ye and said, “Let me ask you, for ‘religious societies’ like yours and mine today, what is the most important task?”

Zu Ye said, “I’d like to hear the details!”

Mei Xuanzi stroked his beard, sighed, and said, “I won’t speak of distant matters—just talk about this Shanghai Bund. In this ten-mile foreign settlement, on every street and alley, has Zu Ye seen how many foreign churches line the roads? Catholic churches, Christian churches everywhere! Where are the national religions? Since the Opium War, foreign religions have invaded and national religions have withered. To this day, foreign religions have developed believers throughout the nation, numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Those priests and fathers have bought land and property in China. Even worse, they bewitch common people into donating their property. Over the years, how many temples and Daoist temples have been donated to foreign religions—can the number be counted? Even Guandi temples have been donated! China’s lineage brings together the three teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. Confucianism and Daoism were both created by our Chinese sages, and Buddhism took root in our country since the Han Dynasty. Over thousands of years it has flourished and can be called one of the national religions. Now foreign religions pour in, and national religions suffer unprecedented impact! Territory can be ceded and reclaimed; people can die but successors remain; but if our faith is uprooted, are we still Chinese? With national crisis at hand, ‘religious societies’ everywhere still entertain themselves, each sweeping the snow from their own doorstep. Isn’t this foolish? Since this spring, my ‘Plum Blossom Society’ has created a great momentum. Common people in Jianghuai have joined one after another. I preach Daoist learning to them, and they deeply feel that our Chinese Daoist studies are no worse than foreign religious doctrines. Priests can dialogue with God—why can’t I dialogue with immortals? When common people believe in me, their spirits find liberation. They cultivate themselves and develop their goodness, continue the sage’s learning and open the future. What wrong have I committed?”

These words left Zu Ye speechless. What he said made sense, but Zu Ye didn’t know whether these were his heartfelt words or just posturing.

After a long while, Zu Ye said, “You use deception to bewitch the common people. This is not transmitting the sage’s way!”

“Deception is just a means, not an end. Now with national crisis at hand and people’s hearts restless, without staging things like immortals descending to earth, who will believe you?” Mei Xuanzi said, clasping his hands toward heaven. “I know my sins are grave. Heaven can witness my painstaking efforts!”

Zu Ye said, “If Master Mei wants to propagate Daoist learning, just propagate it yourself. Why stab my ‘Wood Seed Lotus’ in the back?”

“This is precisely why I invited Zu Ye here today…”

Before the words fell, the door was slammed open with a bang. Zu Ye turned to look—it was Zeng Jingwu of the “Jingwu Association” charging in with Da Batou, Er Batou, and others.

“Zu Ye, leave quickly!” Zeng Jingwu shouted.

Before the words fell, several men in black came running from the corridor with guns, their figures flashing past the door, raising their hands to shoot at Zu Ye.

Liang Wenqiu, sitting beside Zu Ye, violently pushed Zu Ye aside. The bullet hit Liang Wenqiu’s left shoulder.

Zeng Jingwu, Da Batou, and Er Batou all fired back. Both sides exchanged fire, bullets flying wildly, doors, windows, and tableware all shattered.

Mei Xuanzi was so frightened he crouched behind the sofa, shouting loudly, “What’s happening?”

Er Batou went up and kicked him. “Screw you!” Then he kicked the window open. “Zu Ye, quick, go!”

Zu Ye glanced at Mei Xuanzi and said to Er Batou, “Don’t hurt him!”

Immediately, Zu Ye pulled Liang Wenqiu and jumped out the window. A car immediately sped over.

“Zu Ye, get in quickly!”

Zu Ye helped Liang Wenqiu into the car, which sped away like the wind and disappeared at the end of the alley.

The driver was a young man Zu Ye didn’t recognize. The man looked at the shaken Zu Ye in the rearview mirror and said, “I’m Instructor Zeng’s disciple. He arranged for me to wait here.”

“Instructor Zeng and the others…” Zu Ye looked back through the rear window.

“Don’t worry, my master’s martial arts are superb, and he’s very familiar with the terrain here.”

Zu Ye took a deep breath, trying to calm himself while nervously sorting through everything that had happened.

The car raced all the way back to the establishment. Zu Ye quickly arranged for a doctor to treat Liang Wenqiu’s gunshot wound.

The gunfire at the Xiya Restaurant gradually subsided. A few minutes later, it returned to calm, leaving only several corpses lying in the private room. Around noon, Zeng Jingwu and the others also retreated to the establishment.

Zu Ye, seeing everyone had returned alive, felt slightly more at ease and quickly asked Zeng Jingwu what had happened.

Zeng Jingwu gulped down several mouthfuls of tea and recounted the entire sequence of events.

It turned out that shortly after Zu Ye’s party departed that morning, Zeng Jingwu came to Zu Ye’s residence looking for him. Seeing Zu Ye wasn’t there, he quickly asked where Zu Ye had gone.

Jiang Feiyan said, “Zu Ye accepted Mei Xuanzi’s invitation and went to the Xiya Restaurant.”

Zeng Jingwu cried out, “Not good!” and immediately took Da Batou, Er Batou, and others to the Xiya Restaurant.

Why was Zeng Jingwu so nervous? Because an agent he’d planted in Wusong had just intercepted a Japanese coded message—an assassination list:

Blue Clothes Dai

Axe Wang

Jingwu Zeng

Jiang Xiang Zu

…

Blue Clothes Dai referred to Dai Li of the Blue Shirts Society; Axe Wang referred to Wang Yaqiao of the Axe Gang; Jingwu Zeng referred to Zeng Jingwu of the Jingwu Gate; Jiang Xiang Zu referred to Zu Ye of the Jiang Xiang Sect.

Zeng Jingwu had secretly established an anti-Japanese organization within the “Jingwu Association” called the “Zhengjia Alliance.” Zheng meant justice and righteousness; Jia took the character Jia from Huo Yuanjia, founder of the Jingwu Association.

This organization specialized in intercepting Japanese intelligence and assassinating Japanese people and traitorous Chinese collaborators. Since the signing of the Shanghai Ceasefire Agreement, Japan had gained a foothold in Shanghai, making it an important base for invading China. Zeng Jingwu planted informants in areas where Japanese people frequently appeared, like Wusong and Zhabei, searching for targets and waiting for opportunities to act.

That morning, an agent planted in Wusong obtained this secret letter. After reading it, Zeng Jingwu was greatly shocked. He wasn’t shocked that he was on the assassination list—having followed Wang Yaqiao in opposing the Japanese these years, it was normal for the Japanese to want to kill him. But for the Japanese to want to kill Zu Ye was utterly incomprehensible.

Zeng Jingwu didn’t know how Zu Ye had offended the Japanese, so he hurried to find Zu Ye to understand the situation. When Jiang Feiyan said Zu Ye had gone to the French Concession, with a professional assassin’s sensitivity, Zeng Jingwu felt something was wrong and hurriedly took people over. This was how he arrived one step ahead of the other party and rescued Zu Ye.

After hearing this, Zu Ye fell into contemplation. “Two years ago in Nanyue, I had dealings with a spy named Nishida Yoshiko, but I didn’t know she was a spy at the time. She repeatedly asked me about Jiu Ye’s whereabouts, but I deflected her every time.”

Hearing this, Jiang Feiyan said, “That time Zu Ye went to see Nishida Yoshiko out of necessity to resolve an urgent crisis for my ‘Yue Haitang.'”

Only then did Zeng Jingwu notice Jiang Feiyan’s presence. When he came to the establishment that morning, the situation was urgent and there was no time to chat with Jiang Feiyan.

“Who is this?” Zeng Jingwu looked at Jiang Feiyan.

Zu Ye quickly introduced her. “This is the sect leader of the Southern Sect ‘Yue Haitang,’ also of the Jiang Xiang lineage, whom I often mention—Jiang Feiyan.” He pointed to Zeng Jingwu. “This is Jiu Ye’s outstanding disciple, Instructor Zeng Jingwu of the ‘Jingwu Association.'”

Zeng Jingwu clasped his fists. “My respects.”

Jiang Feiyan returned the gesture. “I’ve long admired Instructor Zeng’s great name. A pleasure to meet you.”

At this moment, Er Batou, sitting to one side, suddenly spoke up. “Zu Ye, Mei Xuanzi’s son is still here. Should we kill him?”

Zu Ye thought for a moment and said, “Mei Xuanzi seems to have known nothing about this assassination…”

Er Batou said, “Didn’t know? He just invited Zu Ye out, and the killers arrived. How could it be such a coincidence?”

Zu Ye said, “It can’t be. Who would use their own son as a wager?”

Er Batou shook his head and said loudly, “Sons can be had aplenty. What’s there to fear if one dies? Besides, Mei Xuanzi has three wives and four concubines—he can have more!”

Zu Ye glanced at him and said, “You should find a woman and get married. Once you have children, you’ll know this is simply impossible.” After speaking, Zu Ye had all the Batou withdraw.

Zu Ye recounted Mei Xuanzi’s speech from that morning to Zeng Jingwu and Jiang Feiyan.

After hearing it, Zeng Jingwu said, “Mei Xuanzi can actually say such things?”

Zu Ye nodded.

Jiang Feiyan said, “Mei Xuanzi has made such a big stir these past few months—could it be the Nationalist Party’s upper echelon supporting him? Is the Nationalist Party attacking foreign religions?”

Zu Ye looked at Jiang Feiyan and said, “This matter still requires Sister Yan to investigate further.”

Jiang Feiyan said, “Very well. Recently I’ve made a connection in the Nationalist Party Investigation Group. Someone named Feng Siyuan has become our pawn.”

Zeng Jingwu’s eyes brightened. “Sister Yan has connections in the Investigation Group?”

Jiang Feiyan smiled. “All thanks to the groundwork Qiao Wuniang laid before her death.”

Zeng Jingwu said, “Recently both the Japanese and the Nationalist Party are looking for Jiu Ye. Jiu Ye’s situation is difficult. If Sister Yan has any intelligence from the Nationalist Party side, please don’t hesitate to share it, so Jiu Ye can take precautions early.”

Jiang Feiyan said, “Jiu Ye is a pillar of the nation. No one in the jianghu doesn’t admire him. Protecting Jiu Ye is our duty without hesitation.”

Just as they were talking, the steward came running in from outside in a flurry, shouting as he ran, “Zu Ye! Zu Ye! This is bad! People from the patrol house have come!”

Before the words fell, several patrolmen burst in. After entering and surveying the room, one of them asked, “Which one is Zu Ye?”

Zu Ye’s Whereabouts Unknown

Zu Ye stood up. “I am.”

“In broad daylight, killing people on the street—take him away!”

Da Batou, Er Batou, and the others, upon hearing this, immediately rushed in from outside, surrounding Zu Ye, shouting loudly, “Who dares act recklessly?!”

The several patrolmen, seeing this formation, all pulled their bolts, pointing their guns at everyone’s heads. “What? Want to rebel?”

Zu Ye said slowly, “Officers, you must be mistaken. Earlier I was eating at the Xiya Restaurant and did indeed encounter a gun battle.”

“Cut the crap! Take him away!”

Er Batou stepped forward, cursing loudly, “Your mother…”

With a rush, more than ten patrolmen charged in from outside the courtyard, all carrying guns, immediately surrounding everyone.

Zu Ye shouted loudly, “Er Batou, stand down!” Then he turned to look at Zeng Jingwu and Jiang Feiyan, then said to the lead patrolman, “I’ll go with you.”

Late at night, “Wood Seed Lotus” was brightly lit. The desolate cold autumn, cold wind continuously blowing into the room.

Everyone nervously discussed countermeasures. Dinner time had passed, but no one thought about eating. Zeng Jingwu had already contacted informants in the French Concession, but no word had returned yet.

Jiang Feiyan said, “Instructor Zeng should hide first. The Japanese have made a move against Zu Ye—they’ll soon find you too.”

Zeng Jingwu said, “With Zu Ye’s life or death uncertain, how can I just leave? These years I’ve been accustomed to dealing with the Japanese. I still have several hideouts in Nantan Kou. The Japanese won’t find me for a while. It’s just… it’s just that I really shouldn’t always stay at ‘Wood Seed Lotus.’ Once the Japanese set their sights here, it will inevitably implicate you all.”

Jiang Feiyan quickly said, “Instructor Zeng thinks too much. That’s not what I meant.”

At the third watch, Zeng Jingwu’s scout came to report. “Zu Ye is not at the French Concession patrol house. The informant also inquired everywhere—no one was locked in the cells this afternoon.”

Hearing this, Zeng Jingwu immediately felt something was wrong. “That’s impossible! When a murder case occurs in the French Concession, it must be investigated by the French. The patrolmen who came to arrest Zu Ye today all wore French armbands. How could he not be at the patrol house?”

Jiang Feiyan said, “Could the French have handed Zu Ye over to the Japanese?”

Zeng Jingwu said, “Impossible! The various powers in the concessions all have independent consular jurisdiction. These past two years, due to the South China Sea dispute, Japanese-French relations have been tense. This time the Japanese assassinated Zu Ye in the French Concession—they must have done it behind the French’s back, deliberately leaving this mess for France.”

Just as they were talking, the steward came in and said, “Mei Xuanzi is here.”

Da Batou and Er Batou, hearing this, were furious. “We were just looking for him, and he’s delivered himself to our door!”

Jiang Feiyan said, “Don’t rush. Let’s see what happens.”

Mei Xuanzi walked in with two disciples. Upon entering and seeing Zu Ye wasn’t there, he quickly asked, “Where’s Zu Ye?”

Er Batou suddenly stood up. “I was about to ask you!”

Jiang Feiyan said, “Zu Ye was taken away by people from the patrol house this afternoon.”

“Ah?!” Mei Xuanzi was also shocked.

Er Batou said, “You’re still pretending? You conspired with the Japanese to harm Zu Ye! If anything happens to Zu Ye, I’ll slaughter your son first!”

Mei Xuanzi broke out in a sweat and said, “Second Master, calm down. I knew nothing about this. I was discussing matters with Zu Ye when that group burst in—I don’t know who they were either. If I had a conspiracy, why would I leave my own son at Zu Ye’s residence?”

Jiang Feiyan said, “Then why didn’t the patrol house people arrest Master Mei? You were also at the scene.”

Mei Xuanzi said, “During the gunfight, my disciples and I were busy escaping for our lives. After running back to the establishment, we were also very frightened and found a place to hide first. Later, discovering there was no disturbance, I thought it over—it’s quite normal for someone to die on Shanghai Bund, and besides, the dead weren’t French… so I came looking for Zu Ye… By the way, how do you know those killers were Japanese? Are you certain?”

Zeng Jingwu looked at Jiang Feiyan and said, “How we know is none of your concern. If you were involved in this matter, I guarantee you’ll die without doubt!”

Mei Xuanzi sighed deeply. “I truly knew nothing!”

Er Batou said, “Until Zu Ye returns, your son stays at the establishment!”

Mei Xuanzi was startled. “This…”

Jiang Feiyan said, “Before the matter is clarified, we can only do this. If Master Mei has no other business, please feel free to leave.”

Mei Xuanzi wanted to say more but was blocked by Er Batou, who said, “Master Mei, please!” and opened the door.

Mei Xuanzi helplessly shook his head and left with his subordinates.

Late at night, Zeng Jingwu left first, and Jiang Feiyan also had each Batou go rest.

That night, Huang Farong stayed by Jiang Feiyan’s side. The two leaned against the headboard, slowly thinking.

Huang Farong said, “Adoptive mother, Zu Ye won’t have an accident, will he?”

Jiang Feiyan sighed and said, “I hope not. Those of us in this profession are like this—we never know when our boat will capsize.”

Huang Farong said, “There shouldn’t be any trouble. I’ve looked at Zu Ye’s face. From the mountain root to the nose tip it’s perfectly straight—his middle-aged fortune is good. His lifespan should be at least beyond fifty…”

Jiang Feiyan smiled wearily. “You silly girl, at a time like this, you’re still thinking about such things.”

Huang Farong blinked and said, “Adoptive mother, if Zu Ye can return alive this time, I want to…”

Jiang Feiyan looked at her. “Want to what?”

Huang Farong smiled. “I want to have a thorough heart-to-heart talk with him.”

“Heart-to-heart talk?”

Huang Farong’s smile faded as she said worriedly, “Adoptive mother, there are some things I don’t know whether I should say or whether I should tell you.”

Jiang Feiyan looked at her adopted daughter and drew her into her embrace. “Child, what can’t you tell your adoptive mother?”

Huang Farong laid down, tears dripping onto the bedding. “Adoptive mother, I know you and Zu Ye both meant well for me by marrying me to Zhang Zizhan, but… but…”

“But what?” Jiang Feiyan felt Huang Farong seemed full of grievances.

“But… I feel we’re not compatible…”

“Hm?” Jiang Feiyan was startled. “What happened?”

“His temper is particularly bad. He fixates on everything, not at all like the cheerful person when he first met me. I feel our marriage was too hasty. Over more than a year, we’ve had big and small arguments more than ten times. He doesn’t seem to know how to cherish his wife… I’m a year older than him, so I have to accommodate him in everything. And… and I feel he does everything by the book, without drive or ambition. How can this be acceptable?”

“Oh.” Jiang Feiyan didn’t know what to say. “This marriage… this marriage was arranged by Zu Ye and me… How about this—tomorrow I’ll talk with Zizhan.”

“It’s useless. He’ll always be him.”

Jiang Feiyan held Huang Farong tighter.

After a long while, Huang Farong said quietly, “If only I had married Zu Ye instead.”

Jiang Feiyan’s whole body trembled. “What did you say?!”

Huang Farong was also startled by Jiang Feiyan’s reaction and said blankly, “What’s wrong, adoptive mother? I’ve only told you, I haven’t mentioned it to anyone else… Zu Ye is the man in my heart. He has drive, wisdom, can see through a woman’s thoughts…”

“Don’t say anymore!” Jiang Feiyan shouted angrily.

“What’s wrong, adoptive mother?” Huang Farong was frightened.

Jiang Feiyan calmed down a bit and said, “Child, matters of the heart are no small thing. The nation has its laws, families have their rules. The rule of our ‘Jiang Xiang Sect’ is that brothers who have illicit relations with another’s wife or daughter shall be killed without mercy. You cannot harm yourself this way, and even more cannot put Zu Ye in an unrighteous position.”

Huang Farong said softly, “I’m just thinking it in my heart. I also know it’s impossible.”

Jiang Feiyan hesitated, then said, “Does Zu Ye know about this? What’s his reaction?”

Huang Farong said, “Zu Ye’s thoughts are meticulous, his emotions never show on his face. He always advises me to get along well with Zizhan. I don’t know if he truly can’t tell or is pretending to be confused.”

Jiang Feiyan nodded and said, “Child, your adoptive mother hopes you’ll be happy and safe your whole life. You must not do the wrong thing, otherwise when the time comes, adoptive mother won’t be able to save you either.”

Huang Farong said gloomily, “I understand.”

The two women embraced each other. Neither spoke anymore, quietly watching the moon outside the window.

After a long while, Huang Farong said, “Adoptive mother, if this time… I mean if by any chance Zu Ye he…”

Jiang Feiyan said, “You mean if by chance Zu Ye is killed, what should we do?”

Huang Farong nodded.

Jiang Feiyan didn’t answer directly but asked in return, “What do you think should be done?”

Huang Farong said, “Zu Ye hasn’t usually mentioned successors. If he’s gone, among the several Batou at the establishment, Da Batou and Er Batou have been with Zu Ye the longest, but Da Batou has courage without strategy, Er Batou has an impatient nature. Zizhan just became Si Batou—his foundation is too shallow. Wu Batou is old and frail. Only San Batou is graceful and refined, learned and reasonable, but I don’t know if the other Batou will accept him… However, there’s an even better method…”

Jiang Feiyan asked, “What method?”

Huang Farong smiled mysteriously and said, “No matter how great ‘Wood Seed Lotus’s’ power, it still belongs to ‘Jiang Xiang Sect.’ If Zu Ye is gone, adoptive mother would be the elder. Usually the ‘Wood Seed Lotus’ brothers have a good impression of adoptive mother. Even Zu Ye respectfully calls you Sister Yan. Adoptive mother could…”

Jiang Feiyan stared motionlessly at Huang Farong. “Could what?”

“Adoptive mother could use the method of winning them over, breaking down each Batou one by one. Da Batou likes wine and gambling—adoptive mother just needs to give him silver to let him gamble and drink. Er Batou is lustful—adoptive mother can arrange some girls at a brothel and let him play to his heart’s content. On Zizhan’s side I’ll do the work, and besides, you’re his mother-in-law—he won’t oppose too much. Wu Batou, old man Liang, suffered a gunshot wound and can barely take care of himself—even less is he one to stir up waves. Only San Batou—this person might rebel, but if the other Batou all follow adoptive mother, and adoptive mother promises him even greater benefits, he’s a smart person and will also submit… After it’s accomplished, ‘Wood Seed Lotus’ and ‘Yue Haitang’ merge into one. Adoptive mother can set up a branch here, and your daughter can help you manage it. This way not only will the ‘Wood Seed Lotus’ branch of the Jiang Xiang Sect’s lineage continue, but ‘Yue Haitang’s’ power will also grow stronger. In the future when the four major establishments hold grand council meetings, adoptive mother’s voice will carry even more weight!”

Jiang Feiyan stared fixedly at her adopted daughter, feeling she was too clever—clever to the point of being frightening. After a long while, she finally said, “Utter nonsense!”

Huang Farong was startled. “What’s wrong, adoptive mother? What did your daughter say wrong?”

Jiang Feiyan said, “Now with Zu Ye’s life or death uncertain, if you dare speak nonsense again, you’ll be punished according to family law!”

But day after day passed. All the connections that could be used were used—official channels, special agents, the underworld. Zeng Jingwu and Jiang Feiyan mobilized all their network resources, yet there was still no news of Zu Ye.