“Boss, this is an official document from above – please review it!”

A rough, burly man picked his nose with both feet propped high on the table, shaking open the document in his hand carelessly: “What the hell is this nonsense now?” Just as he was about to yawn, he suddenly got a fright and immediately stood up, saying in a trembling voice: “This… this is…”

A subordinate nearby, seeing his shocked expression, quickly leaned over to look and immediately laughed: “Congratulations, boss! Grand Secretary Kong’an really likes you – he’s finally transferred you to guard Wenyuan Pavilion.” The rough man, seeing his subordinates gloating over his misfortune, looked even more distressed and thought: “This is terrible – I’m going to lose everything.”

This rough man was precisely Qin Zhonghai. Since Lu Yun’s departure, he had been idle every day, wandering aimlessly around the vast capital. He had become quite notorious when today he received an official document personally issued by Grand Secretary Kong’an, saying that Wenyuan Pavilion had been quite unsettled recently with people unauthorized reading documents and some texts being stolen. So Qin Zhonghai was transferred to guard Wenyuan Pavilion for thirty days, and only after the court allocated special funds would they arrange for someone else to take over.

Kong’an took this case very seriously. Before departure, he specially summoned Qin Zhonghai for face-to-face instructions: “The reason I chose you this time is precisely because of your extraordinary literary talent! Thinking you love books like life itself, you’ll surely guard the collection well. I can rest easy.”

With the chief minister personally giving instructions, though Qin Zhonghai was lazy and rebellious, he dared not be negligent. Seeing it was difficult to refuse, he could only lead a large group of men into Wenyuan Pavilion with a sour face. To prevent thieves from visiting again, he even moved into the library, preparing not only bedding and pillows but even chamber pots and teapots. The eunuchs, seeing him carrying large and small bundles into the library, didn’t know what he was doing and asked laughingly: “General Qin, what are you doing? Are you hiding from creditors?” Qin Zhonghai angrily said: “Bullshit! I’m in the mood to take the champion examination – don’t you believe it?” The eunuchs, who had never gotten along with Qin Zhonghai, burst into shrill laughter upon hearing this, thinking Qin Zhonghai had gone mad.

Qin Zhonghai walked into the library with a red face. After finally putting down all his belongings and wiping his sweat, he saw books piled like mountains everywhere – red and green, thick and thin, truly bizarre with everything imaginable. Qin Zhonghai looked until his mouth was crooked and eyes askew, his whole body weak. Suddenly he had a strange thought: “They say books contain beauties like jade – damn, with so many books here, there might really be something exciting!” He immediately searched enthusiastically for books like “Jin Ping Mei,” wanting to personally witness the true appearance of the beauties in books.

He searched until he was covered in sweat, seeing only layers upon layers of text in the books, never finding half an illustration. After much effort, he finally found a scroll. Qin Zhonghai was overjoyed and thought: “Heaven doesn’t disappoint those who try hard – Miss Yan family, this young scholar Qin pays his respects!” His heart pounded as he quickly unrolled the scroll, about to kiss it, when suddenly he saw a fierce man glaring at him with extremely stern expression.

Qin Zhonghai was scared out of his wits and cried: “Ma!” Where was this some beauty with loosened silk garments? It was a portrait of Emperor Taizu – who knows who had placed it here. This Taizu had a square head and big ears, a face full of muscle, looking somewhat like Wu Dingyuan. Thinking he had almost kissed it just now, Qin Zhonghai couldn’t help screaming and sent Taizu flying into the air, then kicked the books away with his feet, instantly clearing a large space for his bedroll.

Qin Zhonghai lay down and glared viciously at the mass of books, thinking: “Damn, how can there be so many books in the world? What madman wrote all this waste paper? And what madman could finish reading all these books?” His nose itched and he felt his nose running, so he randomly grabbed a manuscript book and blew his nose with it. He thought: “Hehe, if I steal a hundred books, I won’t need toilet paper for a year and a half.” Just as he was feeling pleased, someone below brought up food. Qin Zhonghai smiled and said: “Finally something proper to do.” He randomly grabbed a book, planning to use it when relieving himself, and began stealing from his own post.

After eating and defecating, Qin Zhonghai returned carrying the tattered book. As soon as he entered the library, the thick scholarly fragrance hit his nose, making Qin Zhonghai feel nauseous. He reluctantly suppressed his irritation and thought of the chief minister’s instructions about stolen texts, sighing inwardly: “Our Grand Secretary Kong only knows how to be an official, not how to do work. He didn’t even say clearly what books were missing – this mobilization of troops for guarding is just a waste of human and material resources with no effect.”

He knew that to find the missing books, he would inevitably have to hide among thousands of books to check and verify, probably taking ten days to half a month. Just thinking about it made his hair stand on end – how dare he actually do it? So he only patrolled once and made a rough inventory.

Though Qin Zhonghai was lazy, when he really applied himself, he was extremely meticulous. After walking around and carefully counting, he saw a total of 465 large and small bookshelves and 78 scattered, unorganized book piles. He used the Tiger Forest Army’s seals to mark each one as identification, making a record to have evidence and avoid being falsely accused of not doing his job properly.

While applying seals, he suddenly saw an iron door behind a book pile, very hidden, with an iron lock and court seals on it. Being as clever as Qin Zhonghai was, seeing this door so important, he immediately understood: “Damn, so this surnamed Kong only cares about what’s inside here, making me busy myself for nothing earlier.” He walked over to carefully examine the iron chains on the secret door, seeing they had been recently replaced. The original chains must have been cut with a blade, which was why he had been transferred here to guard.

Qin Zhonghai sneered and thought: “Good, you bold thief – quite capable! You actually dare steal secret documents? Fortunately, I, Qin Zhonghai, have vast learning and unparalleled insight, and Grand Secretary Kong is discerning. Hehe, watch me capture you easily!”

Thinking of the chief minister’s regard, he felt quite pleased and was feeling smug when suddenly his thoughts shifted: “No, wait – behind this door are all secret documents. This surnamed Kong praised me, Qin Zhonghai, for loving books like life, but since he knows I’m today’s literary giant who reads all books, why isn’t he afraid I’ll steal from my own post and read these things myself?” He immediately understood Kong’an’s intention – he basically considered him illiterate, which was why he confidently brought him here, thinking that even if he lay beside state secrets, he wouldn’t glance at them.

Thinking this, he couldn’t help being furious: “You damn bastard! I won’t be human if I don’t finish reading all your books here!” Looking back and seeing himself as if in a sea of books, he immediately changed his mind: “Damn, I won’t be human if I don’t pick one or two important ones to read!”

Since the incident with Consort Qiong’s affair, Qin Zhonghai had repeatedly sought instruction from Wu Dingyuan to practice lock-picking skills. Under the guidance of this famous Western Liang constable, his lock-picking skills had improved dramatically – he was no longer the same person. He carefully examined the iron lock on the door, seeing it bore the mark “Wang San,” and immediately sneered: “These palace eunuchs are really corrupt – this lock is obviously broken junk from Wang San’s iron shop in the south of the city that costs fifty wen, and they actually use it? Can this hold back my ‘Fire Greedy Blade’?”

He took out an iron wire and after a few clicking sounds, had already opened the iron lock. Qin Zhonghai thought: “Actually, I could just cut it with one stroke – why bother with all this trouble? Tomorrow I’ll just go to Wang San’s iron shop and buy a hundred to replace it.” He didn’t know that the eunuchs had made a fortune from corruption – this iron lock had cost the court 500 taels of silver, enough to hire a prefect for a year.

Qin Zhonghai slowly pushed open the door and stepped inside, immediately smelling a musty odor. Qin Zhonghai brought an oil lamp to illuminate and saw countless iron boxes in the secret room, but no thick classics or books. He slowly walked over and opened an iron box, suddenly seeing thick stacks of memorials inside with “Secret Memorial” written on top – since they were “secret memorials,” they must contain secrets.

Qin Zhonghai was overjoyed and thought: “Kong’an! You look down on your father – now you’re in trouble! I won’t be satisfied until I’ve read my fill, you turtle bastard!” He reached inside and rummaged around, randomly picking up a memorial to read. He saw it was from a former Embroidered Uniform Guard commander, revealing private scandals in bizarre and strange content, mostly dusty old affairs from a hundred years ago. Qin Zhonghai read for a while and suddenly showed amazement: “So Zhang San was Li Si’s biological son and also had an affair with Chen Liu’s mother – I didn’t know that!” He rummaged around more and couldn’t help laughing loudly: “Who would have thought this emperor actually died of hemorrhoids – that’s really damn funny!”

These memorials were mostly about how A killed B, how B poisoned C, and so on. But most of the content was old news, some already leaked and become oral tradition and unofficial histories – not really great secrets. Besides, most of the people involved had been dead for years, so even if these secrets were published, no one in court would care.

After reading these old stories, Qin Zhonghai still felt unsatisfied and got up to walk around to see if there were more shocking secrets. Just thinking about sharing wonderful texts with others, he suddenly saw a bookshelf ahead with three large characters: “Angry Cang Mountain.”

Qin Zhonghai’s heart leaped with joy. He was most interested in rebels and bandits, especially since he had seen several of these heroes himself. Thinking of that Yan Er’niang and remembering the great battle beside the broken temple, it seemed like yesterday. Qin Zhonghai’s blood surged as he thought: “I wonder how this woman is now? Has she found her husband?” Then thinking of how the princess had forced him to release “Iron Ox” Ouyang Yong and other good fighters, though it had been years, he still felt indignant: “I risked life and limb to capture this whole bunch, only to have this golden branch and jade leaf release them – what a damn losing business.”

At this time, the princess had long since gone west to marry for alliance, and his former counselor Lu Yun had also achieved champion status. Speaking of himself, he had changed from a frontier general to this idle imperial bodyguard – truly the scenery remained but people had completely changed.

Qin Zhonghai was lost in thought for a while, thinking: “No matter what, I’ve even been to Angry Cang Mountain’s great hall – I must know this romantic history of Angry Cang Mountain. Hehe, with nothing else to do, let me read for a while!” He immediately took a memorial and began reading carefully.

He saw this memorial was written by someone called Liu Menglong. Qin Zhonghai read: “Your subject believes the Angry Cang Mountain bandits invade officials, abuse people, harm the virtuous and injure the good. If the court doesn’t eliminate these rebels, the common people cannot have peace. In this matter of bandits, your subject requests 100,000 troops in two routes by water and land to surely capture the enemy chief and rebellious barbarians alive. Please Your Majesty grant this.” Qin Zhonghai thought: “This Liu Menglong talks big – let’s see what the outcome was.” He took out the next memorial and read: “Plague spreading everywhere, heaven sending strange disasters, great floods coming continuously, divine thunder striking. In this water and soil disagreement, troops were injured before battle, soldiers frightened before fighting, generals died before war began. Though having loyal righteous assistants, constrained by heaven and earth’s restrictions, how could we not be defeated? This truly is not the fault of war. I beg Your Majesty’s heavenly grace and magnanimity to pardon our crimes.”

This memorial wasn’t written by Liu Menglong but by another general called “Du Hazheng.” Qin Zhonghai sneered inwardly: “What bullshit plague and divine thunder strikes? Must have been a great defeat, so they’re making false excuses. This Liu Menglong was probably killed by them. Hehe! From this it seems Angry Cang Mountain was indeed formidable.” His face showed longing – he really wanted to have a good fight with these bandits to see who was the true hero of the age.

He continued flipping and saw a memorial marked “Name List.” Qin Zhonghai was overjoyed. That day he had seen these bandits’ nicknames and names on Angry Cang Mountain, but he wasn’t very clear about these people’s backgrounds, so he carefully read on.

He opened the first page and saw written: “Angry Cang Mountain Bandit Chief One: Bandit Qin Baxian.”

Qin Zhonghai was shocked: “Qin Baxian! Another one with the surname Qin, that old turtle! So he’s the boss of Angry Cang Mountain!” Thinking how Jiang Chong had mentioned this person’s name many times on Mount Hua, and it seemed Ning Bufan and his master also knew this person – he wondered why this old fellow’s reputation was so resounding. Turns out he was the famous Angry Cang Mountain bandit chief and head honcho.

Qin Zhonghai thought: “This old fellow must be very formidable. Hehe! From what I see, most people surnamed Qin aren’t too bad.” He turned to the next page to see who the second-in-command was, and suddenly saw a line reading: “Angry Cang Mountain Bandit Left Military Advisor: Bandit Zhu Yang, alias Qian Long.” Qin Zhonghai’s heart shuddered: “Damn, this person is actually surnamed Zhu – wonder if he’s related to the emperor.” At this time there were countless people with the imperial surname Zhu throughout the realm. He stared at the two characters “Zhu Yang,” thinking left and right but couldn’t figure out anything.

Not recognizing this person, he flipped down again and saw a line reading: “Angry Cang Mountain Right Military Advisor: Bandit Tang Shiqian, alias Feng Yu.” Qin Zhonghai had seen these two military advisors’ aliases “Qian Long Feng Yu” in the great hall, but only now learned their real names – one called “Zhu Yang,” the other “Tang Shiqian.” But these two had no reputation in the martial world, and he couldn’t guess what their achievements were, so he continued reading.

Having seen the staff and advisors, below were the name list of Angry Cang Mountain’s generals. Qin Zhonghai read down and suddenly read: “Angry Cang Mountain Five Tiger Generals One: Bandit Fang Zijing, alias Nine Provinces Sword King.”

Qin Zhonghai’s heart was greatly shocked, his hands trembled, and the name list immediately fell to the ground.

His whole body trembled and his mind was in chaos as he thought: “Master is a general of Angry Cang Mountain? This… where does this come from? How have I never heard anyone mention this? Could someone be making false accusations?” In an instant, lightning flashed in his mind as he recalled countless strange things he had seen from childhood: Master’s frequent melancholy, his fury when hearing he wanted to serve the court, Jiang Chong’s order to kill Master at Yuqing Temple… Qin Zhonghai’s mouth gaped open: “This… from this it seems Master really had connections with Angry Cang Mountain…” He lowered his head, his mind in chaos: “So that day in Angry Cang Mountain’s great hall, the carved ‘Broken Head Tiger’ was Master’s name. What a pity! With Master’s martial arts skills, if he could have served the court, he would surely have been a great general who pacified the frontier – why did he rebel?”

Qin Zhonghai was dazed for a while. Though he wasn’t a model of loyalty and patriotism, after years of working under Liu Angtian, he had long regarded court stability as his responsibility and often considered himself a loyal, solitary minister. If not, he wouldn’t have searched everywhere for frustrated heroes to serve the court. Seeing that the master who raised him was a great rebel in the court’s eyes, he couldn’t help feeling regret and heartache for his master.

Flustered and confused, he continued reading in order and saw the names of other generals: “Bandit Shi Gang, alias Qi Chong Sai Bei,” “Bandit Lu Guzhan, alias Jiang Dong Fan Ying,” “Bandit Han Yi, alias Xi Liang Xiao Lu Bu,” “Bandit Li Tieshan, alias Tie Jian Zhen Tian Nan.” These names were very familiar, all matching the aliases he had seen in Angry Cang Mountain’s great hall that day. Qin Zhonghai quickly flipped through and saw there were also Yan Zhenwu, the Yan Er’niang siblings, Chang Fei, Xiang Tianshou and other names – countless in number, really too many to examine carefully.

Just as he was thinking, he suddenly heard eunuchs talking downstairs at Wenyuan Pavilion. Qin Zhonghai’s heart jumped, knowing he was in a forbidden place. Though these people might not come up, if they happened to run into him, it wouldn’t be good. He immediately took three steps in two and rushed out of the secret room, then closed the door behind him and went downstairs.

After several days, this day happened to be when the emperor summoned Liu Angtian. Wei Zizhuang, as a bodyguard, accompanied him into the palace. Seeing Liu Angtian and the emperor talking endlessly in Yangxin Hall, Wei Zizhuang knew it wouldn’t finish anytime soon. With nothing to do and not having seen Qin Zhonghai for a long time, he went to find him for conversation.

Wei Zizhuang already knew Qin Zhonghai had been transferred to guard Wenyuan Pavilion, so he went looking for him. At Wenyuan Pavilion, he saw the Tiger Forest Army’s security was strict – truly a guard every three steps and a sentry every five steps. Wei Zizhuang secretly praised: “Though General Qin seems careless in daily life, he actually commands troops well with meticulous order, definitely not inferior to our marquis.” He reached the entrance and informed the guards of his purpose. The guard agreed and hurried to report. Wei Zizhuang waited a long time before seeing Qin Zhonghai come down from the top floor, but with an absent-minded appearance.

Wei Zizhuang knew Qin Zhonghai was responsible for guarding the library. Seeing his strange expression, he felt alarmed and quickly asked: “What’s wrong? Is something missing?” Qin Zhonghai had just finished reading the Angry Cang Mountain name list and was naturally troubled, saying irritably: “What’s missing? Don’t scare yourself and make yourself sick for nothing.” Wei Zizhuang spat: “I was afraid you had some mishap, and you’re scolding me.”

Qin Zhonghai dry-laughed twice. He found a chair and sat down, suddenly remembering Wei Zizhuang came from Wudang and was always familiar with martial world affairs, so he blurted out: “Guard Wei, have you ever heard of Angry Cang Mountain?”

Hearing the three words “Angry Cang Mountain,” Wei Zizhuang couldn’t help showing great shock and trembling urgently. Qin Zhonghai’s sharp eyes had already seen Wei Zizhuang’s unusual state. He stood up and asked sternly: “Guard Wei, what’s wrong? Do these bandits have a grudge against you?” Wei Zizhuang sighed: “Nothing… nothing to say…” Then his expression relaxed and he smiled: “Aiya! Just asking casually – look how nervous Big Brother Wei got. Never mind… never mind…”

Wei Zizhuang let out a long breath: “Don’t talk about Angry Cang Mountain for no reason – that’s taboo.”

Qin Zhonghai’s face showed a cunning expression as he smiled: “If we don’t talk about Angry Cang Mountain, then talking about Qin Baxian should be fine!” Wei Zizhuang’s fat body bounced up, saying in terror: “You… why do you mention… mention this person?”

Qin Zhonghai’s thoughts raced as he thought: “Qin Baxian must have something strange about him – definitely not an ordinary bandit leader, otherwise Guard Wei would never react like this.” He pretended not to care and smiled: “Qin Baxian… Qin Baxian… what’s so great about this person? That day on Mount Hua, didn’t Ning Bufan and Fang… Fang Zijing also mention this person’s name?” When mentioning his master’s name, he couldn’t help wanting to use the title “Master Fang,” but since he was trying to get information from others, he couldn’t arouse suspicion, so he called him by full name.

Wei Zizhuang said tremblingly: “You… don’t publicly discuss this person… there’s absolutely no good in it…” Qin Zhonghai observed sideways and thought secretly: “Our Guard Wei has long experienced the martial world and is truly a seasoned hero – when has he ever been afraid like a rat? No, this Qin Baxian must have some connection with him.” He coughed and said: “What’s wrong with Qin Baxian anyway? Can’t even discuss him? Did this fellow beat you up?” Saying this, he put his hand on Wei Zizhuang’s shoulder, pretending to be friendly.

Seeing Qin Zhonghai persistently pestering him, Wei Zizhuang really couldn’t stand the harassment. He pushed him away and sighed: “Fine, since you insist on asking, I’ll tell you.” Qin Zhonghai leaned his head over with eager expression: “Speak quickly, speak quickly – what’s this old fellow’s background? I can’t wait to hear.”

Wei Zizhuang looked up to the sky and sighed miserably: “He’s my senior brother.”

With these words, it was Qin Zhonghai’s turn to be shocked. This Qin Baxian, whom the court considered the number one rebel, was actually Wei Zizhuang’s senior brother? He pointed at Wei Zizhuang with his mouth agape, saying tremblingly: “You… you’re the junior brother of a court rebel?” Wei Zizhuang sighed softly: “Senior Brother Qin wasn’t born a rebel. Before age twenty-six, he was a Taoist priest. Who knew he wouldn’t follow the pure rules and actually fell in love with a woman, so he defected from Wudang and became a traitor to our Wudang Mountain.”

Qin Zhonghai made an “oh” sound and thought: “So he’s a lustful ghost – just like those two bastards from the Yang and Lu families.” He asked again: “What happened next? After Qin Baxian defected from Wudang, did he immediately rebel against the court?” Wei Zizhuang looked troubled and said quietly: “These years, thanks to the marquis taking me in, Wudang Mountain was preserved from being sealed by the court – all this is thanks to my Senior Brother Qin. General, please don’t ask more.”

Qin Zhonghai clicked his tongue and was about to ask more when suddenly someone snorted heavily and said loudly: “Zhonghai! What are you fooling around with now?” Hearing this voice, Qin Zhonghai knew without turning around it was Liu Angtian. He turned and called: “Marquis.”

Liu Angtian’s face was iron-blue, seeming extremely angry. Qin Zhonghai had followed him for a long time and rarely seen him so angry. He coughed: “Marquis rarely comes to Wenyuan Pavilion – please sit and rest.”

Liu Angtian paid no attention and said coldly: “Why are you asking about Angry Cang Mountain?” Qin Zhonghai’s heart jumped as he thought: “Looking at the marquis’s expression, he must be extremely angry. I’d better be careful.” He cleared his throat: “I happened to hear someone mention these bandits and was curious, so I asked a few more questions.”

Liu Angtian sneered coldly and pointed accusingly: “You little bastard don’t know the danger at all! At this critical moment, if you go digging up this old account, ten heads wouldn’t be enough to compensate!” Qin Zhonghai turned his face aside irritably: “The marquis’s teaching is correct.”

Wei Zizhuang, seeing Liu Angtian’s harsh words, quickly mediated: “Marquis, don’t be angry – General Qin just asked casually with no other meaning.” Liu Angtian snorted and glared at Qin Zhonghai several times, then walked to the door. Suddenly thinking of something, he stopped and asked: “Zhonghai! Didn’t you say your hometown is in Huainan? When will you go back to visit?” His tone was ominous, quite unusual.

Qin Zhonghai didn’t know why he asked this and said flatly: “This subordinate’s parents are both deceased, and there are few relatives left at home – might as well not go back.” Liu Angtian nodded: “When there’s nothing else, still go home to look around more often, lest you forget your ancestors.”

Qin Zhonghai heard his words were extremely harsh, giving him no face at all. Veins bulged on his forehead and he was greatly displeased: “Damn, why is the marquis so fierce today? Did I offend some damn god?”

After Liu Angtian left, Qin Zhonghai remained alone at Wenyuan Pavilion. Thinking of Liu Angtian’s former regard, yet today over such a small matter they had such an ugly scene, he felt gloomy and unhappy.

Just as he was displeased, he saw Wei Zizhuang poking his head in. Qin Zhonghai, seeing he hadn’t left with Liu Angtian, only glanced at him sideways and said coldly: “What’s the matter? Does Lord Wei have more to say?” At this point, even if Wei Zizhuang wanted to discuss Angry Cang Mountain, he had no interest in listening and just propped up his feet to squint and sleep.

Wei Zizhuang moved closer and said quietly: “General Qin, the marquis has returned.” Qin Zhonghai’s eyes flared with anger: “What now? Come to scold me about forgetting ancestors again?” Wei Zizhuang signaled for silence and lowered his voice: “The marquis regrets scolding you and came back to see you.”

Qin Zhonghai sneered twice and looked back to see an old man carrying two large bamboo baskets hurrying forward. This person was completely white-haired and tall – it was Liu Angtian. He walked silently into the hall, found a table, put down his belongings, and shouted: “Zhonghai, come here!” Qin Zhonghai snorted and remained sitting, asking awkwardly: “What is it? Something wrong?”

Liu Angtian didn’t even look at him and took dishes from the bamboo basket, saying loudly: “Tell your subordinates to get bowls and chopsticks – I’m going to eat.” Qin Zhonghai was stunned, seeing Liu Angtian take out items one by one – a plate of spicy braised beef tendon, a fine fat roasted duck, a sweet and sour large yellow fish, a small pot of pickled cabbage mutton hot pot – all dishes Qin Zhonghai loved most in daily life.

Liu Angtian snorted: “When I walked to Chengtian Gate, I suddenly felt hungry, so I went to the street to buy some food.” He deliberately wanted to please his beloved general but dared not say it outright, only claiming he was hungry. Seeing how much he cared for him, Qin Zhonghai’s anger completely dissipated and he secretly laughed, thinking: “The marquis is always like this – hehe, he simply can’t bear to scold me!” He climbed up the pole and immediately jumped up laughing, embracing Liu Angtian’s shoulders: “Marquis, if you’re hungry just say so – I’ll go steal from the imperial kitchen. Why bother buying? How troublesome!”

Hearing this, Liu Angtian couldn’t help becoming furious and scolding: “You little rascal are always disobedient – now you want to steal and rob again? At this critical moment with two heroes competing, don’t cause me more trouble!” He pushed Qin Zhonghai away with great annoyance.

Wei Zizhuang smiled miserably, thinking: “Terrible! They’re quarreling again!” He stole a glance and indeed saw Qin Zhonghai’s face was iron-blue. He flicked his sleeves and sat on a wooden chair, saying loudly: “What trouble? I, Qin Zhonghai, have risked life and death on battlefields – when have I ever disgraced you? Do you take me for a three-year-old child?” Liu Angtian’s face was full of anger as he shouted: “Good! Learning to claim credit now? Let me tell you – don’t be so conceited at such a young age, lest you suffer disgrace in the future!”

Seeing the two becoming more entrenched, Wei Zizhuang quickly mediated: “Stop quarreling – speak nicely, we’re all family!” Both turned to angrily shout: “Get lost! None of your business!” Wei Zizhuang was startled and shrank back, not daring to say another word.

Suddenly Qin Zhonghai roared with a fierce expression as if about to violently attack someone. Wei Zizhuang was scared out of his wits and rushed forward to protect Liu Angtian. He employed Wudang ultimate skills and prepared with full vigilance, only to see Qin Zhonghai repeatedly slapping the table and roaring: “Bullshit! Stop the nonsense! Quickly bring out wine and let’s fight to the death! Do you dare?” Liu Angtian was so angry he laughed, suddenly producing a jar of premium imperial flower-carved wine, breaking the clay seal and thrusting it before Qin Zhonghai: “You bastard! Drink yourself to death, you little turtle!”

Qin Zhonghai took the jar and drank wildly, then handed it to Liu Angtian, laughing: “See if this old man has the guts to drink!” Liu Angtian spat and pointed accusingly: “When I was drinking, you little turtle was still suckling at your mother’s breast!” He raised the wine jar and also took a big gulp.

Wei Zizhuang saw the two passing the wine jar back and forth, drinking wildly while occasionally eating dishes, both silent with fierce expressions. He dared not relax and continued guarding and watching on the side, afraid of any accidents.

After eating and drinking for a long time, Liu Angtian suddenly stood up and said loudly: “We can’t determine victory here! Let’s compete at my house!” Qin Zhonghai snorted and sneered: “At your house, everyone above and below are your helpers – third aunts and seventh wives. Let’s go to Yihua Tower!” Liu Angtian shouted: “Yes! That’s settled! Even if I have to be beaten by seven wives, I must teach you, little turtle, a lesson!” The two glared at each other angrily, stood up, and walked out shoulder to shoulder.

Wei Zizhuang was dumbfounded, thinking: “Are they really quarreling? Why do they look iron-faced but happy inside? They’re even going to a wine house to quarrel?” Unable to figure it out, he could only follow reluctantly.

That night when Qin Zhonghai returned to Wenyuan Pavilion well-fed and drunk, it was already midnight. After this night of good food and drink with heart-to-heart conversation between general and marshal, Qin Zhonghai, mindful of Liu Angtian’s kindness, knew it was inappropriate to investigate further. He just needed to avoid reading the pavilion’s books, which would be good for everyone. Qin Zhonghai scratched his head and sighed inwardly: “Why do I keep encountering these absurd strange things lately? First Liu Jing covering up adultery, then the marquis being afraid of this and that – how does everyone have such a basketful of troubles?”

Qin Zhonghai had followed Liu Angtian for seven or eight years now and was the most senior person in Liu’s camp. Usually, his interactions with Liu Angtian weren’t formal, and neither used schemes against the other – they were like father and son. In comparison, though Yang Suguan was more favored by Liu Angtian, their relationship wasn’t this intimate. Qin Zhonghai was a straightforward person who only sought good fish and meat to live happily, not caring about status rankings. It was because he willingly took second place that the martial world had the saying “Literary Yang, Martial Qin.”

Having drunk too much, he couldn’t help feeling sleepy. Qin Zhonghai yawned and was about to return to the pavilion to sleep. Just as he reached upstairs and was about to remove his boots, he suddenly saw the iron chains of the secret document room had shifted – someone had tampered with his handiwork.

Qin Zhonghai’s heart jumped as he quickly approached the secret door and pressed his ear against the iron door. Using his internal power, he indeed heard light sounds from inside the room. Qin Zhonghai sneered coldly. Without making a sound, he went downstairs to gather his subordinates and asked quietly: “Has anyone among you gone upstairs?” Everyone answered: “Following General Qin’s orders, we’ve all been guarding below and absolutely dare not violate them.”

Qin Zhonghai snorted, knowing someone had entered the secret document room to read documents. He said quietly: “Pass the order – all brothers prepare bows, arrows, and ropes. Tonight we capture the thief alive.”

Qin Zhonghai knew his subordinates had no masters – only he could compete with experts. He immediately drew his steel blade and slipped into the room.

Going inside, he saw many memorials had been disturbed. Qin Zhonghai tried to minimize his footsteps, slowly circling forward from behind the bookshelves, waiting to ambush properly before attacking the villain.

In the complete silence, only light sounds came from the distance. Hearing the direction, Qin Zhonghai held his breath and slowly approached. With his high skills and bold spirit, though the enemy was hidden while he was exposed, as long as he hid well, it wasn’t impossible to turn the tables. He approached and hid behind a bookshelf, holding his breath and waiting for a good opportunity to capture this strange book thief in one move.

Hearing a “dong” sound as if something was running around, Qin Zhonghai said nothing and charged forward with his blade, swinging down at the enemy’s feet. This strike was meant to subdue, not kill. Hearing a light “slap,” the blade had struck something. The feeling was soft – Qin Zhonghai was slightly puzzled: “Strange! I clearly hit his foot bone – why does it feel so soft?” He raised a fire stick and by the light saw a large gray rat dead on the ground – his blade had actually struck a rat.

The earlier sounds he mistook for a thief turned out to be just a rat. Qin Zhonghai secretly laughed: “Really cat catching mouse – I thought there was a thief!” Just as he was laughing, he vaguely felt something wrong. Thinking of how the iron chains at the secret room entrance had moved for no reason, he thought: “No! There’s no food here – how could a large rat suddenly appear? What a cunning thief – someone must be luring me out!”

Just as he was on guard, he indeed felt intense killing intent from behind. Qin Zhonghai was secretly alarmed, cold sweat pouring down his back.

Hearing the footsteps, light and subtle – one step, two steps, three steps… Qin Zhonghai knew his life hung by a thread. Seeing he couldn’t delay further, he suddenly rolled forward, then swung his steel blade backward. “Fire Greedy Blade” struck out forcefully to drive back the attacker.

Just then, the enemy’s weapon had already penetrated his blade network. With a light “hiss,” Qin Zhonghai’s shoulder was already wounded.

Qin Zhonghai’s earlier move had both offense and defense, yet he was still wounded – showing the enemy’s martial arts were extremely high. Blood flowing like a stream, Qin Zhonghai roared and unleashed the eighth level power of Fire Greedy Blade. One move “Dragon Fire Devours Heaven” – both hands gripping the blade handle, he charged forward fiercely. Roaring continuously with the blade dancing rapidly like a fireball crashing forward. In an instant, the opposite figure flashed and the enemy leaped into the air, already avoiding his ultimate move. Qin Zhonghai couldn’t stop his blade – fire rushed past and consecutively chopped down three bookshelves. Countless memorials were carried up by his fierce energy and flew into the air.

That person’s movement was extraordinarily fast, disappearing in a flash.

With his shoulder wounded, Qin Zhonghai quickly pressed it to prevent excessive bleeding. He shouted: “Thief, come out! You’re already surrounded and definitely can’t escape!” At this time, many subordinates were waiting outside, and this place was in the forbidden palace – these words weren’t false. Qin Zhonghai called twice more but still saw no figure and heard no response. Just as he was puzzled, he suddenly heard sharp wind breaking behind him – the enemy was attacking by surprise again. Qin Zhonghai was furious: “Good thief! Do you take me for paper?” He pretended not to notice, and when the weapon came to his back, he shouted “hey” loudly, leaped into the air, then used “Fire Cloud Eight Directions” to strike left and right around his body.

With another light “hiss,” that weapon came strangely and instantly penetrated the extremely tight blade network, lightly piercing into Qin Zhonghai’s wrist. With his wrist wounded, Qin Zhonghai couldn’t help being greatly shocked, thinking: “Good fellow! Actually hit me twice in a row! Who is this person?” His hand hurt and his true qi was impure, so he fell to the ground. In his panic, he saw a masked person running forward with a long sword. Qin Zhonghai wasn’t afraid and immediately roared: “Take your life!” He gripped the blade with his left hand and used all his strength to throw it forward. The blade flew out with fierce wind sounds – extremely vicious.

The masked person, seeing Qin Zhonghai fallen on the ground, thought victory was assured but hadn’t expected this desperate ultimate move. With no desire to continue fighting and seeing the blade approaching, he instantly dodged aside and escaped through the window.

Qin Zhonghai had been struck by two swords and was bleeding from both wounds. Actually, he had long since lost defensive capability – throwing the blade to repel the enemy was purely due to his fierce nature. He crouched on the ground gasping, thinking: “So it’s a sword-using expert – very skilled and powerful.” Hearing subordinates shouting loudly followed by the sounds of drawing bows and shooting arrows, but that person’s martial arts were outstanding – the Tiger Forest Army had no one who could stop such an expert. Indeed, after the subordinates shouted for a while, the sounds gradually subsided – the enemy must have left calmly.

Qin Zhonghai slowly stood up and sighed deeply. In this battle, he had received two sword wounds while his opponent escaped completely unharmed – truly a great defeat.

Soon many subordinates rushed in, seeing blood on his body and all being shocked, quickly bandaging him. Qin Zhonghai asked: “Could you see the thief’s face clearly?” A subordinate said: “Reporting to the general, that thief’s figure was very fast – we really couldn’t see clearly. But when he left, he injured thirteen brothers’ wrists.”

Qin Zhonghai secretly marveled: “Good swordsmanship. In this world, there are only a few people with such martial arts who also prefer swords. It shouldn’t be hard to identify this person.” He thought for a while and suddenly had a shock: “Could it be Zhuo Lingzhao returning to the martial world?” But immediately knew this was wrong – Zhuo Lingzhao was currently in Jiangnan contemplating swordsmanship. How could he suddenly return to the capital?

Qin Zhonghai knew he couldn’t guess. He exhaled the anger in his chest and called a subordinate: “Listen – don’t mention today’s events to outsiders, or when Grand Secretary Kong blames us, everyone will be in trouble.” All subordinates said in unison: “We understand!”

Qin Zhonghai said: “Tomorrow tell the wounded brothers to find me – thirty taels of silver reward each. The other brothers who fought the enemy all have merit – ten taels each for drinking.” This move was called making a fortune in silence – as long as you keep quiet, I’ll give you something sweet. Indeed, everyone was overjoyed, thinking: “Worthy of a general returned from the front lines! Such generous spending!” They left happily, all feeling it was extremely fortunate to follow such a superior.

At this time Qin Zhonghai’s wine effects had worn off. Sitting on a pile of memorials, he thought: “Good fellow, it seems Wenyuan Pavilion really isn’t easy to guard – actually able to wound me.” That day when he fought Sha Jin for a hundred rounds, he hadn’t been scratched, yet now just guarding a small library, he was struck by two swords – truly a rare great defeat in his life.

Qin Zhonghai sighed. Seeing dawn approaching and knowing tomorrow the brothers would come for money, he would inevitably lack silver. He calculated with his fingers – thirteen wounded, thirty taels each, totaling 390 taels; the other brothers needed over 600 taels. Together he needed to pay out about 1,000 taels of silver. Speaking of money, Qin Zhonghai’s head grew huge. He never saved money in his life, usually throwing all his silver into wine houses. At thirty-two years old, he didn’t even have a wife. He knew there were still 300 taels buried under his bed – money saved over the years for a coffin in case he died at the front with no one to care. Now lacking money, he could only take it all out.

Qin Zhonghai rubbed his nose. Seeing he lacked money, he wanted to find someone to borrow from, thinking: “That Doctor Yang has the most money, but he’s probably gone to Jiangnan. My brother Lu isn’t in Beijing either, and even if he were, he’s just a poor devil. Sigh… I can’t let the marquis know about this – I’ll have to find Wu Dingyuan as the scapegoat!”

Thinking Wu Dingyuan usually understood social relations and lived frugally, his purse must be full. Qin Zhonghai was delighted and immediately concealed his wounds, then hurried toward the Magistrate’s Residence.

Reaching near Grand Secretary Yang’s residence, he saw over ten carriages stopped at Yang’s gate with several servants packing belongings. Qin Zhonghai stopped someone and asked: “Why are so many people crowded at the gate? Is your Yang family having a big funeral?” The servant found these words extremely offensive and his face turned iron-blue. Before he could respond, someone called: “General Qin, are you also here to see brother off?” Qin Zhonghai looked back to see a clear-featured young man around twenty – Yang Suguan’s younger brother Yang Shaoqi.

Hearing Yang Suguan was still in the capital, Qin Zhonghai was secretly pleased: “Good, Yang Suguan, so you haven’t left yet – perfect timing to extort you.” He yawned: “What’s worth seeing off? Going to Jiangnan requires seeing off? When I go take a shit later, will you see me off or not?”

Hearing his crude words, Yang Shaoqi’s face alternated between green and red, thinking: “This person is really vulgar.” Seeing him young and cute, Qin Zhonghai secretly laughed and teased him endlessly. Yang Shaoqi, being a scholar, didn’t know how to deal with rogue harassment and could only cry inwardly, hoping he would leave quickly.

Qin Zhonghai spouted nonsense, desperately telling episodes from Jin Ping Mei. Yang Shaoqi covered his ears, afraid to hear another word. In the midst of the commotion, someone approached frowning: “Zhonghai is bullying my younger brother again.” The speaker had handsome features and mature bearing – it was Yang Suguan.

Qin Zhonghai said irritably: “Who’s bullying him! I’m advising your little brother so he won’t be foolish in the future and get cheated out of his pants in pleasure quarters. Shouldn’t you thank me?” Seeing his younger brother’s face red with shame, Yang Suguan feared he would be corrupted, so he quietly instructed him and sent him away first.

Qin Zhonghai was thinking how to ask for a loan when he saw Yang Suguan approach with a serious expression, seemingly having something to say. Qin Zhonghai smiled and moved closer: “Something wrong?” Yang Suguan nodded slightly and said quietly: “Zhonghai, these days while you’re in the capital, please pay more attention to Magistrate Wu – I’m somewhat worried about him.” Qin Zhonghai made a sound of surprise: “Worried about what? Can’t he find the way to brothels?” Yang Suguan frowned: “Don’t talk nonsense – I’m telling you something serious.” He lowered his voice: “Since Magistrate Wu returned from Tianshan, he’s become quite strange. I fear he’s overthinking and will cause trouble.”

Qin Zhonghai said curiously: “Really? I see him eating big bowls of rice and drinking heavily every day, even got himself a stylish iron glove – seems fine! What’s to worry about?” Yang Suguan sighed: “Not necessarily. The marquis didn’t send him south this time – I see his brow is full of grief and indignation.” Qin Zhonghai made an “mm” sound, thinking of Wu Dingyuan’s obsession with the Yanling Escort Agency case while Liu Angtian wouldn’t entrust him with important tasks – truly heartbreaking. But things had come to this – what could be said? He just shook his head without responding.

Yang Suguan sighed: “Dingyuan’s martial arts are now incomparable, and his temper is fierce – don’t let him act impulsively and cause trouble that would be hard to clean up.” Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily: “If he really had that kind of backbone, that would be wonderful! If I were him, damn Tianshan descendant, I would have slipped to Jiangnan to kill people long ago. You should thank me instead of asking me to clean up anything!”

Yang Suguan looked at him and shook his head: “Even so, that would still be a small matter. I’m afraid he… afraid he has misunderstandings about me.” Qin Zhonghai laughed loudly: “Another misunderstanding? Is it about a woman?” Seeing Yang Suguan’s embarrassed expression, Qin Zhonghai immediately smiled sinisterly: “There are many people who have misunderstandings with you about this shit – hehe, maybe I have misunderstandings about you too, pretty boy!” At this time, Miss Gu had long eloped with Lu Yun, so Yang Suguan probably knew about it. Qin Zhonghai, mindful of years of fellowship, wouldn’t mock him publicly but only made sarcastic remarks.

Yang Suguan clicked his tongue: “Don’t add fuel to the fire. I heard Magistrate Wu is very fond of a female disciple from Mount Jiuhua and has repeatedly risked danger for this woman, even disregarding his life…” Before he finished, Qin Zhonghai continued with a smile: “But that woman is a fickle slut who secretly likes you, Lord Yang, instead of caring for our Magistrate Wu, right?” These words were really too harsh, leaving Yang Suguan unable to nod or shake his head, only sighing deeply.

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “You want me to mediate for you, right?” Yang Suguan looked embarrassed and nodded: “Thank you, Zhonghai. Every time we discuss important matters, Dingyuan seems very agitated. Whenever I mention cooperating with Jiang Chong, he shows indignant anger. I fear he keeps brooding and will eventually become estranged from me.”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Who told you never to gamble or drink, only hanging around powder and rouge? You deserve being disliked by all the brothers.” He reached out with a strange look: “Mediation isn’t difficult – one hundred taels of silver.”

Seeing his rogue-like manner, Yang Suguan thought he was truly a born bandit and couldn’t help being angry: “We all serve under Liu’s banner together – just saying a few good words, how can you ask for money everywhere?” Qin Zhonghai smiled: “You don’t understand – I’ll need to take him to Yihua Tower to change his mood. How can I do that without money? Yihua, Yihua – borrow money to spend!” Yang Suguan sighed and had servants bring five ingots of twenty-tael dragon silver, personally presenting them: “Regardless, please take care of everything.”

This was called spending money to avoid disaster – whether it was meat buns thrown to dogs, that couldn’t be helped. Seeing Yang Suguan leave reluctantly, Qin Zhonghai smiled cunningly, thinking: “Got one hundred taels!” Calculating he still needed 500 taels, he headed to Wu Dingyuan’s home.

Reaching the Magistrate’s Residence, having a favor to ask, Qin Zhonghai couldn’t shout loudly. He gently knocked the door ring and called softly: “Magistrate Wu, Lord Wu, I’ve come to borrow… borrow books to read.” Afraid that mentioning borrowing money would scare Wu Dingyuan into fleeing, he decided to lie.

After calling several times with no response, Qin Zhonghai was secretly puzzled, thinking: “He has doormen and stewards – how can no one answer? Could something have happened?” With this thought, he climbed over the wall and went to the garden.

Sneaking to Wu Dingyuan’s bedroom, Qin Zhonghai raised his voice and shouted: “Wu Dingyuan! Get the hell out! I want to read books!” Not caring what books a rough person like Wu Dingyuan could have at home, he just kept knocking windows and kicking doors endlessly.

After making noise for a long time with still no response, Qin Zhonghai was puzzled when he heard footsteps – someone had entered the main hall. Qin Zhonghai was delighted and quickly rushed to the hall, entering with a loud shout: “Wu Dingyuan! Where did you run off to?”

The person he saw was thin and withered – certainly not Wu Dingyuan but an unknown old man. Seeing Qin Zhonghai’s fierce appearance, he was scared out of his wits and fell to the ground, waving his hands: “Hero, spare my life!”

Seeing the old man’s frightened face and thinking he had mistaken him for a villain, Qin Zhonghai’s face reddened as he quickly helped him up: “Sorry! May I ask, old sir, where did Magistrate Wu go?” The old man said curiously: “Magistrate Wu? Who’s that?”

Qin Zhonghai frowned: “Are you deaf? The official who lives here!” The old man made an “oh” sound and smiled: “That man with the iron glove! He sold the house to my master two days ago.”

Qin Zhonghai jumped up in shock: “He sold the house? Where did he go?” The old man smiled: “I don’t know him – how would I know? I’m here to clean today. You’re his friend?” Hearing the old man’s chatter, Qin Zhonghai couldn’t listen to half a word, only thinking: “Good Wu Dingyuan, where the hell did you go? Did you go to Jiangnan?”

He left the old man and walked out of the Magistrate’s Residence. Before taking two steps, someone approached – it was Wei Zizhuang. Qin Zhonghai knew Wei Zizhuang was specifically responsible for guarding and rarely left Liu Angtian’s side. Coming now, there must be something important. He rushed forward: “What’s the big matter?” Wei Zizhuang looked worried: “Magistrate Wu resigned last night, leaving his official seal in the marquis’s study with a letter saying he wants to resign and travel.”

Qin Zhonghai sucked in cold air and sneered: “Resign and travel? Good, Dingyuan, you must have gone to find Zhuo Lingzhao for revenge!” Wei Zizhuang was shocked: “How do you know?” Qin Zhonghai looked back at the Magistrate’s Residence: “He even sold his house – what do you think he’s doing? I think he’s even risking his life!” He nodded repeatedly: “Who would have thought Wu Dingyuan, such an honest man, usually so thorough in everything, actually has such hot blood in his bones – truly a tough man!” He gave a thumbs up in endless praise.

Wei Zizhuang sighed: “Don’t praise him! This Zhuo Lingzhao has Jiang Chong’s protection, and we need him to identify criminal evidence. At most we can only bring him to trial – how can we kill him? God preserve us from any incidents.”

Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily: “Don’t worry about that – though Magistrate Wu is different now, Zhuo Lingzhao isn’t easy either. No one will die.” He pondered for a while, remembering Yang Suguan hadn’t left yet: “Time is of the essence – while Doctor Yang hasn’t left the capital, quickly send someone to inform him that Magistrate Wu has gone to Jiangnan and ask him to watch out. Don’t let things get out of hand.”

Hearing the urgency, Wei Zizhuang quickly agreed and was about to leave when Qin Zhonghai called: “Wait – I have another important matter.”

Wei Zizhuang turned back: “What? Does General Qin have other instructions?”

Qin Zhonghai coughed: “There’s something I’d like to trouble you with. I’m a bit tight on money lately and need some to spend.”

Wei Zizhuang smiled bitterly: “Lost gambling again? Really…” He frowned and reached into his chest, taking out a fifty-tael banknote: “Use this first – no need to return it.”

Qin Zhonghai said awkwardly: “That’s not enough.” Wei Zizhuang was shocked: “How much do you actually need!”

Qin Zhonghai lowered his head shamefully: “Five hundred taels.”

Wei Zizhuang gasped and said tremblingly: “Five hundred taels! I… I have a wife and children! Brother, you’re really too ruthless!” It seemed the two usually lent to each other frequently – as for who borrowed from whom and whether loans were repaid, no one knew.

Qin Zhonghai didn’t care about his concerns. Thinking of his subordinates still waiting to spend money, he grabbed Wei Zizhuang and shook him, shouting: “I don’t care about all that – I need it today anyway! If you can’t lend to me, I’ll have to jump in the sea!” Seeing Wei Zizhuang’s troubled expression, he threw his steel blade to him: “This blade is collateral – quickly give me the money. Oh! And don’t let the marquis know!”

Wei Zizhuang thought with a bitter face: “This fellow is so shameless and persistent in causing me trouble. Sigh… How can I explain this to my wife? My woman has the worst temper – there’ll definitely be a good show when I get home…”

Seeing Qin Zhonghai’s completely shameless appearance and fearing endless trouble if he didn’t comply, he could only steel himself and leave.