(Part One)
Clouds surged in the sky. The pale sun flickered in and out among the clouds, unknowingly moving swiftly toward the west. Xue Laogen sat barefoot at the bow of the boat, silently weaving the flag in his hands. His large hands, veined and calloused from years of rowing, moved with surprising dexterity as he worked on the tattered flag.
He lowered his head, watching the string twist in his hands like a snake, and suddenly felt an overwhelming wave of nausea. The bloody battle had ended, and the soldiers of the Xiangyang Wangfu had departed, yet the events of the morning still loomed over him like a nightmare, coiling around him like a venomous snake. For no reason at all, he felt afraid. He didn’t know if this nightmare would ever end.
He hadn’t intended to return to this ferry crossing so soon, but his children at home were waiting for the vegetable soup and steamed buns he earned from ferrying and fishing. He knew it wouldn’t be long before others in the town, like him, would eventually return. Perhaps it wouldn’t take long for the mundane life to resume. Even the flags at the ferry, which advertised business, would be raised again. But how long would it take for everyone in this small town at the West Bridge Ferry to forget what had happened here?
The river flowed relentlessly, never to return. How long would it be before today’s events became mere memories, and how long before those memories faded like smoke? Xue Laogen stared at his bronze-colored hands, wishing for a moment that he were blind. If he were blind, would he not see all this bloodshed?
Suddenly, the honest fisherman sensed a pair of eyes seemingly fixed on his hands. A chill ran down his spine for no reason. His work slowed. That was a pair of very beautiful eyes. They should have been filled with the clarity of water, but at this moment, they appeared lifeless. Those eyes belonged to a young boy in a yellow shirt.
This boy had a strikingly beautiful face, not only adorned with those large, captivating eyes but also featuring a pair of slightly gleaming rabbit teeth. Xue Laogen had ferried at the West Bridge for many years and had never seen a face more radiant than his. This should have been a carefree, proud, and joyful face, yet it was now filled with weariness and sorrow.
The boy in the yellow shirt seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, standing at the edge of the ferry, right where the bloody battle had just taken place. He gazed intently at the people on the boat, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly walked toward him.
As the boy drew near, Xue Laogen noticed that although his clothes were splendid, they were already quite disheveled, and one sleeve appeared to be a bit short. Only the pearl adorning his collar glimmered faintly in the sunlight.
Xue Laogen’s gaze suddenly froze. He had lived for decades, toiling by the water’s edge, witnessing the wealth and ostentation of countless passersby, yet he had never seen a pearl of such quality. This was not a greedy gaze; Xue Laogen was a simple and honest man. It was the look of a farmer admiring the plump ears of grain in his field.
The boy in the yellow shirt had noticed his gaze. Seeing the boy’s casual attention, Xue Laogen felt a tremor in his heart and stood up awkwardly. The weight of life had deeply hunched his back, etching the passage of time and its marks on his face. He had learned to say only what guests wanted to hear and what he must say.
“Are you looking to cross to the other side, sir?” he asked.
The boy in the yellow shirt nodded slowly, his head seeming to grow heavier with each movement. Xue Laogen obediently set down the flag in his hands and turned to fetch the oars that had been resting on the shore. Another opportunity to earn a living meant that tonight, the steamed buns on the small dining table would be thicker, and the soup would be richer.
When he turned back, he found that the boy in the yellow shirt had already seated himself in the boat. However, the boy’s hand was raised slightly, holding the pearl he had taken from his collar. The pearl’s exquisite and innocent luster tightened Xue Laogen’s chest, and his lips trembled as he wondered what this strange boy intended to do.
Seeing the confusion in Xue Laogen’s eyes, the boy in the boat slowly spoke. His voice, to Xue Laogen, sounded hoarse and suppressed. “If you tell me what happened here today, this pearl will be yours.”
Xue Laogen involuntarily took a step back, his legs growing weak. He couldn’t tell if he was dreaming. To tell this boy everything meant he would have to relive today’s nightmare. No matter what, he didn’t want to think about that nightmare. Yet, to remain silent meant giving up the unexpected fortune that could secure his life for the rest of his days.
The water rippled under the now slightly westward sun, reflecting a faint yet blinding shimmer. Dreams seemed to come and go, but the person was already leaving. His lips began to tremble.
The boy in the yellow shirt, however, seemed unconcerned, unhurried. His hand was steady, and the pearl in his grasp appeared to shine brighter than his eyes. It seemed he wasn’t even looking at Xue Laogen. His gaze was directed upward, toward the drifting white clouds in the sky.
The clouds would come and go, but what about the people?
(Part Two)
As the wind began to blow again, the sky had already darkened. It was unclear whether rain was approaching or if it was simply getting late.
Shào Jìzǔ’s black cloak was mercilessly whipped up by the wind. His handsome face, however, was as expressionless as the gloomy storm, appearing pale and devoid of emotion.
The cliffs on either side seemed to lean in as if they were about to crush him.
A fine mist of rain finally began to drift down from the low-hanging clouds atop the cliffs.
Yet, Shào Jìzǔ seemed oblivious to it all.
At that moment, he was intently examining a discovery on the ground.
Dèng Chē, standing beside him, silently held up a bamboo umbrella for him, while the Imperial Guards behind him moved quietly, afraid to make any noise. Only Dèng Chē was different; he was the only one who could speak to Shào Jìzǔ at that moment.
Dèng Chē lowered the bamboo umbrella slightly, and his rough voice, though kept low, still sounded quite loud.
“Since Mò Zhēnrén and the others went to pursue Zhàn Zhāo’s companions, if they had succeeded, they should have sent word by now. From the afternoon until this hour, why is there not a single message?”
Shào Jìzǔ straightened up but remained silent, his eyes deep in thought.
Dèng Chē cautiously glanced at his expression and continued, “This matter has dragged on for so long; it cannot continue like this. Since Zhōng Zhàizhǔ and the others have captured Zhàn Zhāo, where is the prince’s alliance document? We should be able to extract some information from him.”
Shào Jìzǔ finally shook his head and said, “If we expect Zhàn Zhāo to speak, that would be too naive. Not to mention that his life is currently hanging by a thread in Yama’s hands, even if he were unharmed, Zhōng Zhàizhǔ and Mò Zhēnrén might not be able to force him to reveal the whereabouts of his companions.”
Dèng Chē said bitterly, “If it weren’t for Zhōng Xióng’s interference, standing by and watching, how could the battle at the West Bridge Crossing have cost Mò Zhēnrén so much time and resulted in so many casualties, even nearly costing Mò Zhēnrén his life? If this matter reaches the prince, he will likely have an excuse to completely absolve himself in front of the prince.”
Shào Jìzǔ sneered and said, “Zhōng Xióng has always held himself in high regard. Apart from the prince, he rarely considers anyone else worthy of his attention. His Iron Blood Guards have been secretly competing with our Jǐn Shītáng. This time, having been defeated by Zhàn Zhāo, he is even more constrained. If he were to wholeheartedly assist Mò Zhēnrén, it would only allow Jǐn Shītáng to take the spotlight, leaving Jūn Shān unable to lift its head. If that were the case, wouldn’t the people of Jūn Shān look down on us in the future?”
Seeing Shào Jìzǔ’s expression turn cold, Dèng Chē dared not continue. Hesitating, he added, “I have been thinking for a long time about Zhōng Xióng’s intentions. His thoughts are always difficult to fathom. Now that Mò Zhēnrén and the others have pursued so long without finding the whereabouts of the so-called Zhàn Zhāo’s companions, could it be that Zhōng Xióng is just playing tricks and that Zhàn Zhāo has no companions at all?”
Shào Jìzǔ gently shook his head and said, “Zhōng Zhàizhǔ is not entirely wrong. The signal arrows from Jūn Shān indeed indicate that there are two people in total. This means that when these Iron Blood Guards were killed, there was still someone by Zhàn Zhāo’s side. Since these people died this morning, that person must have been with Zhàn Zhāo at least until this morning.”
Dèng Chē blurted out, “Perhaps this person is not his companion but his enemy.”
Shào Jìzǔ laughed and said, “When you think without using your brain, you truly don’t use your brain. It’s a shame to call yourself the ‘Divine Thief of the Holy Hand.’ If you carefully examine the sword wounds on these people, they all bear the marks of the same sword. This sword, however, is not Zhàn Zhāo’s ‘Zhàn Lú’ sword. This means that the one who killed them is someone else. These Iron Blood Guards came to capture Zhàn Zhāo, and the signal arrows indicated they had discovered his whereabouts. Since they died here, the one who killed them must have done so for Zhàn Zhāo’s sake; otherwise, why would they kill for him? If they killed for him, this person is likely his companion.”
His expression turned contemplative, and he continued, “Zhōng Zhàizhǔ is also correct in his guess. Since there is no alliance document on Zhàn Zhāo, it must be with this person. Unfortunately, they guessed the wrong person.”
Dèng Chē asked, “Who did they guess wrong?”
Shào Jìzǔ articulated each word carefully, “They guessed wrong about Zhàn Zhāo.”
Dèng Chē scratched his head, feeling confused, and after a while said, “Guessed wrong about him? What does Shào Dū Tǒng mean by this?”
Shào Jìzǔ explained, “When they captured Zhàn Zhāo, they searched him but found no alliance document. The document is either hidden in a secret place by Zhàn Zhāo or has been handed over to his companion. Given the seriousness of this matter, Zhàn Zhāo would never hide the document elsewhere; he must have intended to reach the capital to present it to the emperor. Therefore, it is more likely that the alliance document is with his companion.”
At this point, he let out a faint sigh, and his tone grew more complex.
“When they encountered Zhàn Zhāo, he was already gravely injured, so it is natural for them to think that if Zhàn Zhāo led them to the West Bridge Crossing, his companion must have taken another route to Kaifeng.”
Dèng Chē thought carefully and slapped his thigh, saying, “Indeed, last night, Mò Zhēnrén and Yàn Zǐqīng discovered Zhàn Zhāo and Hán Shuǐ Palace’s trail and were about to catch up to the supply temple at Wǔ Shí Lǐng. Yet, Shào Dū Tǒng anticipated their moves and forcibly withdrew them to the West Bridge Crossing, waiting for the rabbit to come.”
He looked at Shào Jìzǔ, his eyes filled with admiration, and added, “Since they have been waiting at the West Bridge Crossing since last night, and this person was still with Zhàn Zhāo until this morning, then if this person were to cross the West Bridge Crossing, Mò Zhēnrén and the others would know! If they knew, they would certainly intercept him. Thus, it is clear that Zhàn Zhāo’s companion must have taken another route to Kaifeng.”
However, Shào Jìzǔ gently shook his head again and said, “This is just one possibility.”
Dèng Chē, looking puzzled, asked, “Dū Tǒng, could there be other possibilities?”
Shào Jìzǔ replied, “Indeed. After capturing Zhàn Zhāo, Mò Zhēnrén, and Zhōng Zhàizhǔ have sealed off all possible routes to Kaifeng. After a thorough search, they found nothing. They overlooked one place.”
Dèng Chē asked, “What place?”
Shào Jìzǔ slowly said, “The West Bridge Crossing.”
Dèng Chē could hardly believe his ears. He widened his eyes in surprise and involuntarily repeated, “The West Bridge Crossing?”
Shào Jìzǔ affirmed, “Yes, this other possibility is that this companion did not arrive at the West Bridge Crossing before Zhàn Zhāo but came after him.”
Dèng Chē murmured, “After him? How could that be? That doesn’t make sense.”
Shào Jìzǔ sighed lightly and said, “That is precisely Zhàn Zhāo’s exceptional quality. Regardless of whether he could cross the West Bridge Crossing himself, he would create the illusion for Zhōng Xióng and the others that he wanted them to believe that since he had crossed the West Bridge, his heavily burdened companion would certainly not cross there but would take another route to meet him.”
He continued, “Zhōng Xióng’s reasoning is quite logical; however, he does not realize that Zhàn Zhāo’s companion is already injured. Since he was still with Zhàn Zhāo this morning, he would not have strayed far from him. Zhàn Zhāo calculated Zhōng Xióng and the others’ thoughts, knowing the dangers of the West Bridge Crossing, yet he still chose to go there. This person’s cleverness and intelligence are truly not inferior to mine. No wonder even a hero like Zhōng Zhàizhǔ would fall at his hands!”
Dèng Chē said, “But even if we know this person was injured, we don’t even know what he looks like. In the vast sea of people, finding such a person is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Moreover, if he has already crossed the West Bridge Crossing, the other side is no longer under the prince’s direct jurisdiction. Our actions would ultimately be inconvenient.”
Shào Jìzǔ replied calmly, “Searching for a needle in a haystack may not be impossible. Zhōng Xióng’s literary and martial talents are top-notch, and his Flying Fork is truly extraordinary. Once he enters the martial world, he will undoubtedly be a top-tier expert. However, he is not familiar with the ways of the martial world, and many subtle clues indicate the traces of Zhàn Zhāo’s companion, yet he has not paid attention to them.”
Dèng Chē asked, “Does Dū Tǒng already have a plan?”
Shào Jìzǔ said, “The reason I deduce that Zhàn Zhāo’s companion must have crossed the West Bridge Crossing after the battle with Mò Zhēnrén is that he was injured, specifically in his left leg.”
For some reason, his voice gradually turned bitter. “However, although this person is injured, he possesses an exceptional lightness of body.”
Dèng Chē’s eyes widened in surprise. “How does Dū Tǒng know that this person was injured in his left leg and possesses exceptional lightness of body?”
Shào Jìzǔ explained, “As we traveled here, we saw the fallen horses. Besides Zhàn Zhāo’s footprints, there were also a pair of shallow footprints, but they quickly faded to the point of being almost invisible. If Zhàn Zhāo’s companion did not possess the skill of walking without leaving a trace, how could he have carried him and left such light footprints? However, one of these footprints is shallower than the other. I fear that his companion’s left leg is injured.”
He paused and added, “In addition, this person possesses a mysterious weapon.”
Dèng Chē was completely baffled, unable to understand how Shào Jìzǔ had deduced all of this. “What kind of weapon does this person have?”
Shào Jìzǔ shook his head and said, “I cannot recognize what kind of sword it is. I only know that the sword wounds on the Iron Blood Guards in the canyon, although they were fatal, showed no signs of blood. It was as if the blood had been drained from the wounds. The weapon used to kill them must possess some kind of evil power. Zhàn Zhāo’s Zhàn Lú would never leave such wounds.”
Dèng Chē was racking his brain, muttering to himself, “Exceptional lightness of body, mysterious weapon, who could this person be?”
Suddenly, Shào Jìzǔ’s expression changed.
He raised his head and stepped into the rain, allowing the fine rain, like countless tiny pearls, to soak into his body.
—Could it be that he already knows what kind of weapon this is?
His gaze turned distant as if he could see someone through the misty rain.
—Could it be that he has already figured out who this other person is?
Dèng Chē looked at his lonely yet strong silhouette, and his body trembled slightly. An ominous premonition spread throughout him in an instant, causing him to shiver involuntarily, leaving him speechless.
A long silence ensued.
In the silence, the heavy breathing of the Imperial Guards behind them could still be heard, though it was kept low.
It was Shào Jìzǔ who finally broke the silence.
Without turning around, he suddenly asked slowly, “Did Mò Zhēnrén’s message mention where Zhàn Zhāo is now?”
Dèng Chē replied softly, “Mò Zhēnrén’s letter states that a portion of the Iron Blood Guards from Jǐn Shītáng and Jūn Shān are currently following the prince’s urgent orders. They have been changing horses without changing riders since leaving the West Bridge Crossing, and they are likely on their way to escort him to Xiangyang.”
A hint of melancholy crept into Shào Jìzǔ’s voice. The misty rain seemed insufficient to wash away the pent-up anger that had lingered in his chest for so long.
“After all, we missed our chance. Even someone as proud as Zhōng Xióng has to praise him. From his actions these past few days, it is clear he possesses extraordinary intelligence. If he had not already clashed with the people of Hán Shuǐ Palace, the trap set at the West Bridge Crossing would not have been so easily captured. It seems this person is likely the best opponent I have ever encountered in my life. It is a pity that I have missed him twice, and now I will never have the chance to confront him again.”
Dèng Chē replied, “No wonder Dū Tǒng is disappointed. At this moment, it is uncertain whether he can even regain consciousness. However, I know that even if he recovers completely, he would still lose to you in a fight.”
Shào Jìzǔ asked, “Oh? What do you mean by that?”
Dèng Chē explained, “It is simply because Dū Tǒng understands Zhàn Zhāo’s weaknesses very well. This person is overly cautious—”
He did not finish his sentence, as he realized it was unnecessary. The person across from him already understood.
Shào Jìzǔ still did not turn around but smiled and said, “I didn’t expect you to be so perceptive.”
For some reason, his laughter sounded dry.
Dèng Chē chuckled a couple of times and added, “But what I don’t understand is the prince’s intentions. Even if Zhàn Zhāo can survive, he is likely to be a cripple, having lost his martial arts. How could the prince still favor him?”
Shào Jìzǔ replied lightly, “The reasons behind this may not be for outsiders to know. Perhaps the prince has other plans, which we cannot foresee.”
Dèng Chē suddenly chuckled and said, “Could it be that the prince is keeping him alive to extract the whereabouts of the alliance document from him? It’s strange; since Zhàn Zhāo has been conferred the title of ‘Imperial Cat’ by the emperor, does he have nine lives? He has been injured repeatedly, and after using the Crane Soaring technique, if it were anyone else, they would have long since collapsed. Yet he has managed to continue fighting for so long.”
Shào Jìzǔ’s chest began to ache, and he murmured, “If it weren’t for the Linglong Honey from Linglong Villa, how could he have such endurance?” However, he ultimately did not continue with this thought.
(Part Three)
The sky had darkened. The rain had stopped.
In the distance, the green mountains appeared to have been washed to a jade-like brilliance by the fine rain.
The sunset after the rain was obscured by clouds, casting a deeper shadow over the earth.
Even in the stable beside the post station, the soft whinnies of the post-horses and the sounds of their snorts seemed to carry a hint of rain.
A pair of butterflies lazily fluttered by the edge of the stable, dancing in the open space of the post road, their delicate wings stained a blood-like red in the evening sun.
Huo Xiaodi sat by the window, feeling an indescribable fatigue.
—But how could this weariness compare to the pain and suffering in his heart?
The food and wine on the table had gradually cooled, as cold as his current heart.
Throughout the journey, he had felt an uncontrollable urge to turn back, to chase after Zhōng Xióng’s trail, to draw his sword and fight. Yet the piece of yellow silk on his chest had repeatedly stopped him, causing him to hesitate time and again.
That was a burden too heavy to bear.
It was his trust, his life, his bloodshed, his responsibility.
Just thinking of the anxious look in the granary made Huo Xiaodi’s heartache like a knife.
Beside the post station, a small tea garden had been built, originally meant for weary travelers and joyful wanderers to rest and refresh themselves. However, in the dim light, there were few passersby.
—At this moment, in the courtyard, apart from an elderly post attendant and a helper, there were only two people.
Huo Xiaodi chose a seat by the window. In the corner opposite him, at the table, sat a young lady dressed in light purple, her back to the entrance, wearing a light veil that obscured her face.
When Huo Xiaodi stepped through the door, he only saw her silhouette.
But that silhouette was already enough.
Her back was beautiful.
She sat there quietly, occasionally glancing back toward the entrance as if waiting for someone.
Even though Huo Xiaodi’s heart was in turmoil, he still noticed her. Even if he could not see her face, he was aware of her presence.
The young lady’s silhouette exuded an indescribable elegance.
—Who was this young lady in purple waiting for?
The answer came quickly.
A series of hurried footsteps approached from afar, accompanied by the shout of the waiter. A boy, carrying a bundle on his back, dashed through the door and headed straight for the table of the young lady in purple.
The boy had a large head, appearing to be around thirteen or fourteen years old, with bright, lively eyes that revealed him to be quite the mischievous character. His childish face, having traveled a long way, was slightly flushed, but his big, crafty eyes were filled with uncontainable excitement and cunning, like a child who had just received a beloved toy.
Upon seeing the young lady sitting with her back to Huo Xiaodi, he cautiously whispered, “Sister, sorry to keep you waiting.”
A gentle voice came from behind Huo Xiaodi, “Zhù’er, you’ve been causing trouble again.”
Huo Xiaodi’s heart stirred; that voice was unexpectedly pleasant to the ears! He couldn’t help but turn around.
His eyes brightened instantly.
The young lady at the table had turned to look at the boy who had just entered.
The veil covering her head had been lifted.
In an instant, as the veil was raised, the dim post station seemed to brighten.
She was indeed an exceptionally beautiful girl, only about fifteen or sixteen years old, with bright eyes and cherry lips. Although her light purple attire was simple, it was difficult to describe how elegant and ethereal she appeared in it. However, this young girl still retained a hint of childishness in her occasionally shifting gaze.
Such a lovely girl, under normal circumstances, Huo Xiaodi would have stolen a few more glances. But now, with his heart in disarray, he merely admired her quietly, casting a fleeting glance.
The boy, however, looked Huo Xiaodi up and down, grinning mischievously as he whispered to his sister, “Sister, didn’t you see that handsome young man across from us sneaking glances at you?”
His voice was soft, but Huo Xiaodi, possessing the inner strength of “Xiao Lou Yi Ye Ting Hua Yu,” still heard it. His brow involuntarily twitched. Then, the low conversation between the boy and his sister flowed into his ears without missing a word.
He heard the boy laughing, “Sister, how could I be causing trouble again? You’ve been watching me so closely on this journey that even if I wanted to cause trouble, I wouldn’t dare.”
The young lady replied, “You were gone for most of the day, and now you’ve just returned. If you weren’t causing trouble, what were you doing? I suspect you said you were going back to the inn to retrieve a forgotten bundle, but you probably went to find trouble with that bald innkeeper.”
Her voice was clear and gentle; even though her tone was filled with displeasure, it still sounded incredibly pleasant.
The boy seemed to be suppressing his pride and laughter, replying seriously, “That bald innkeeper from Sān Cái Town hasn’t offended me, so why would I go looking for trouble? Besides, before we left, Uncle Zhōng told us to avoid causing trouble along the way. I naturally kept that in mind.”
The young lady said, “How dare you even mention Uncle Zhōng? Since we’re on the topic, what did he tell you when we were leaving the capital? Wasn’t it ‘try to avoid trouble and get to Xiangyang to see the Third Young Master as soon as possible’? You just went to stir up trouble, and how could it take you so long to retrieve a bundle? Your lies may fool others, but they won’t fool your sister.”
Upon hearing this, Huo Xiaodi was taken aback.
—Could it be that this brother and sister were rushing from the capital to Xiangyang?
The boy replied, “Sister, I did keep Uncle Zhōng’s words in mind, but you saw what happened in Sān Cái Town today. The owner of the Hero Pavilion is just a tavern keeper; why should he bully people? Those two beggars were just asking for a bite to eat at his door. If he didn’t want to give them anything, that’s fine, but why did he get so furious and beat them to the brink of death, forcing them to eat the food they dropped on the ground?”
He continued to grumble, “If the Third Young Master were here, he would intervene!”
The young lady said, “So you used that as an excuse to forget your bundle at the inn and went back to find trouble with him? Did you deliberately leave that bundle at the inn in Sān Cái Town, waiting for us to be out for so long before using it as an excuse to return and cause trouble?”
Seeing that he could no longer hide it, the boy grinned and said, “Since you’ve already guessed, why bother saying it? I know you’re not angry with me. Otherwise, when I told you about the forgotten bundle earlier today, you wouldn’t have let me go back.”
This clever child could see right through his sister’s thoughts.
The young lady was silent for a long time before finally sighing, “Sometimes I don’t know how I ended up with a brother like you.”
The boy grinned, “I know you’re eager to get to Xiangyang. Don’t I want to see the Third Young Master as soon as possible? But you must see, I’ve been quite restrained on this journey. If it weren’t for that bald, fat man bullying people, I wouldn’t have caused trouble for no reason, delaying your journey and making you worry.”
The young lady replied, “If you were to make things easier for others, it would truly be a miracle. Honestly, tell me, how did you teach that man a lesson this time?”
The boy’s hands slipped behind his back, and his face was filled with uncontainable pride, though he still tried to act nonchalant as he said, “It’s nothing much. After I retrieved the bundle from the inn, I just happened to sneak into that bald fat man’s Hero Pavilion’s kitchen and put some croton seeds in his lunch.”
His voice, intentionally lowered, had become strange and hoarse, making both him and Huo Xiaodi feel uncomfortable, yet it was also quite amusing. Huo Xiaodi thought to himself, “This child and Zhao Zhi’er from Xiao Zhao’s group are truly a match made in heaven.”
The young lady couldn’t help but sigh again, “Isn’t this harming others? What if you were too heavy-handed and hurt someone? Wouldn’t that cause trouble for the Third Young Master?”
The boy shrugged dismissively, “I see all that fat on him; a little Croton seed will just help him clear his bowels. He won’t die from it. Since he doesn’t know what it’s like to be hungry, I might as well let his food pass right through him without staying in his stomach.”
The young lady said, “With your temperament, you probably wouldn’t let him off so easily, would you?”
Though Huo Xiaodi sat far away in the corner by the window, his attention and curiosity had been unknowingly piqued.
—Does this boy have more clever tricks up his sleeve than just secretly putting croton seeds in someone’s food?
—If so, how does the young lady know about it?
Now it was the boy’s turn to sigh. His face still bore an uncontainable pride. “Sister, where do you get that idea? Just putting in some Croton seeds has already gotten me scolded by you. How could I dare to do anything more?”
The young lady lightly huffed, “You and I grew up together; how could I not know you? When you came out, you didn’t bring much silver. Would you spend your own money to buy croton seeds? When did you start doing business at a loss? There must be something else going on here, isn’t there?”
The boy couldn’t help but grin, “Sister, you’re so clever; I can’t hide anything from you. The moment I saw that bald fat man bullying people, I couldn’t help but dislike him. So after visiting his kitchen, I teamed up with someone else to put on a show for him, selling him the ‘Rotten Bone and Decayed Flesh Ointment’ I tricked from my Fourth Uncle last year, pretending it was ‘Sparrow Hair Growth Powder.’ All in all, after this little scheme, I made some money off that fat man, and after helping those two beggars and paying for the medicine, I still have some leftover.”
Upon hearing this, Huo Xiaodi couldn’t help but smile. This child was clever and resourceful, not knowing what methods he had used, but he had managed to pull off quite a scheme, leaving others speechless and unable to express their grievances.
The young lady sighed softly, “Bringing you along this time was probably a mistake.”
The boy grinned, “Uncle Zhōng was worried about the Third Young Master in Xiangyang not having enough people to serve him. I volunteered, so how could that be a mistake? How could I let you go to Xiangyang all alone? It’s only right for me to accompany and protect you.”
At this point, as if to show off his strength, he puffed up his small frame.
The young lady said softly, “During the great flood of the Yellow River, the dangers were countless times greater than this. We have endured so much hardship already. Now that the world is at peace, the difficulties of this journey are far less than back then.”
Mentioning the great flood of the Yellow River, the boy couldn’t help but feel a bit somber. He turned his eyes and changed the subject, “I wonder what kind of place Xiangyang is. Everything is much less convenient than in the capital. You’ll probably be too busy to manage everything on your own. If I’m there to help you, it will be much easier, won’t it?”
The young lady said, “You’re here to help me, but I only hope you don’t bring trouble upon yourself; that would be a blessing. Even in the capital, you’ve caused quite a stir, and trouble has never ceased for you. If it weren’t for the Third Young Master’s reputation, you wouldn’t have survived this long.”
The boy grinned mischievously, “Sister, your words are so heavy. I’m just a small child with narrow shoulders; I’m afraid I can’t bear such a burden.”
The young lady replied, “You’re quite clever; what can’t you bear? Anyone who could say something heavy enough to crush you hasn’t been born yet. Every time the Third Young Master returns home, the first thing he asks is where you are.”
At this point, her tone became serious.
“Zhù’er, we owe the Third Young Master a debt of gratitude for rescuing and sheltering us. Why do you always make him worry?”
The boy’s expression gradually turned solemn, and he lowered his head, saying, “Sister, you—”
The young lady continued, “I know you’re a smart person, and you have some people in the capital who spoil you rotten, but we are still servants. Although the Third Young Master has never treated us as such, even if we can’t help him, we shouldn’t add to his troubles.”
The boy stammered, “What you say is true. I know I’m wrong, but I just can’t change my temper. Whenever I see someone bullying the poor, I can’t help but—”
The young lady interrupted, “I know you admire the Third Young Master’s heroism and want to emulate him in helping others. You’re still young, and it’s natural to be hot-headed. But with every action you take, you must consider the Third Young Master. Xiangyang is not the capital; if you don’t restrain yourself and cause trouble for the Third Young Master, I won’t let you off easily.”
Though her voice remained gentle, there was a hint of sternness in her tone.
Huo Xiaodi felt a stir in his heart upon hearing this.
Although this brother and sister had no martial skills, their words and demeanor were distinctly different. The boy was indeed clever and mischievous, while the young lady, though gentle and beautiful, had a mind as sharp as a needle. Even the boy’s clever tricks couldn’t escape her notice, and she could make him obedient with just a few words.
—If it weren’t for the young lady’s words, he would never have guessed that this brother and sister were servants.
—If servants could be like this, then what kind of formidable master would they have?
Lost in thought, a sudden idea struck him.
—In the capital, apart from the little Zhao from the Nánqīng Palace, perhaps only he would be worthy of such servants.
But as soon as that handsome face appeared in his mind, with its calm smile and penetrating gaze, a wave of warmth washed over him, yet his heart ached deeply. The pain was so intense that it left him breathless.
Looking at the food before him, his appetite suddenly vanished.
Yet he had to force himself to eat. Only by eating could he gain the strength to continue his journey; he had to reach the capital.
—But for some reason, his throat felt as if it were blocked, making it difficult to swallow even the finest delicacies before him.
Staring at the food, he found himself lost in thought. The whispers of the brother and sister sitting far away seemed to fade into the clouds, becoming indistinct.
He didn’t know how long it had been, but amidst his swirling thoughts, he suddenly realized that the light before him had dimmed. A shadow was slowly creeping in from outside the door.
He could hear the soft whinny of a horse outside.
The earth was silent. Even the whispers of the brother and sister in the corner seemed to have stopped.
Huo Xiaodi suddenly became alert.
At that moment, the air felt clear, and the clouds seemed to lift.
There was someone in the shadow.
The figure in the shadow, though initially blurred, became clearer in the dim light.
Slowly, the person finally stepped out of the shadow.
As this person emerged, the setting sun broke through the clouds, illuminating the earth and brightening the small inn.
A horse neighed outside.
In the distance, the wind rustled through the pines.
The person had arrived before Huo Xiaodi.
Dressed in a black cloak, he concealed a strong and resilient figure. Looking up, one could see sharp brows, starry eyes, an aura of pride, and a strength as solid as steel.
This young man in the cloak appeared calm yet exuded a compelling intensity as he stood before Huo Xiaodi.
—Who is this person?
In a daze, Huo Xiaodi thought he must have seen wrong.
—He couldn’t believe it. He must have mistaken the person.
He blinked hard.
Then his eyes met a pair of familiar gazes, filled with a contradiction he knew all too well.
—This was a gaze entirely different from Zhàn Zhāo’s.
Zhàn Zhāo’s gaze was deep and calm, sharp yet warm and understanding.
This person’s gaze was forever a contradiction of deep affection and coolness, a burning mix of ice and fire.
Huo Xiaodi stood under that gaze.
—It’s him!
Their eyes, filled with various complexities, intersected, collided, merged, and penetrated as if they both wanted to see into each other’s hearts.
Huo Xiaodi felt as if he could no longer stand, nor did he want to.
His lips trembled slightly, and his rabbit-like teeth glimmered in the evening sun.
In that instant, he realized that what he had to face was ultimately unavoidable, just like his responsibilities and feelings—no matter what happened, they were burdens he could not escape.
Unconsciously, his vision suddenly blurred. Was it tears that made his heart no longer want to see?
Did he already know that this tangled heart, upon seeing this person before him, would only feel more pain, more annoyance, and more sorrow?
—But amidst this pain and sorrow, why was there also an inexplicable sense of relief?
He heard the person before him let out a soft sigh. Then his voice rang out.
It was a familiar voice, heavy yet slightly hoarse, but now it carried an unmistakable joy of reunion that Huo Xiaodi found strange.
His ice-and-fire gaze fixed on him. His lips seemed to tremble slightly. To Huo Xiaodi, his voice felt distant.
—“Linglong, it’s good to see you.”
With a soft “thud,” the bamboo chopsticks slipped from Huo Xiaodi’s hand and fell to the ground, making a dull sound.
A crystal tear finally rolled down from the corner of his eye, landing softly on his clothing with a gentle sound.
[Note] The term “Mùlán Huā Màn” refers to a melodious tune often associated with deep, sentimental feelings. Here, it is borrowed to metaphorically reference the story of Hua Mulan, indicating that Huo Linglong is disguised as a man in this narrative.
(Part Four)
The brother and sister sitting in the corner initially thought this person was a strong leopard emerging from the distant mountains, sharp and imposing yet exuding a calm intensity. As they watched him, the young lady’s exquisite brows furrowed slightly.
However, the man seemed unaware of the siblings’ presence. His gaze was fixed on Huo Xiaodi.
—He looked at him with an undeniable depth of affection, a suppressed fire, and melting ice.
He quietly said, “Linglong, I finally found you.”
As he spoke, he took a slow step forward, seemingly wanting to grasp Huo Xiaodi’s hand.
Huo Xiaodi’s tear-streaked face wore a bitter smile, a mockery of fate.
A soft sigh escaped him, filled with indescribable desolation.
—Was he mocking the arrangements of fate, which seemed to have a special favor for him? No matter how he hid, how he escaped, how he lingered, or how he resisted, he would ultimately be forced to drink the bitter wine fate poured for him.
Upon seeing him, he found himself at a loss for words.
He stood up and took a step back. Then he raised his hand, removed his hairpin, and let his long hair flow down like water.
As his hair cascaded down, it radiated endless brilliance.
At that moment, it was hard to believe that this young man in a yellow robe was still a headstrong boy.
—The siblings were astonished by the unexpected transformation, unable to speak: the boy who had been sitting alone by the window, silent and lonely, was a girl.
Her long black hair flowed like flying flowers. In the shimmering light, her figure softened and blurred, then vanished.
—What a stunning “glimpse of a startled swan”!
The young man in the black cloak’s expression changed, and he exclaimed, “Linglong, don’t go!”
As the wind stirred, in an instant, his figure also disappeared outside the door.
The siblings in the corner remained seated for a long time.
The boy couldn’t help but say, “Sister, did you see that young man? In the blink of an eye, he turned into a beautiful girl. But why did she cry upon seeing that person? That guy in the black cloak seems to make one feel hot one moment and cold the next; there must be something strange about it.”
The elegant young lady replied, “Are you thinking of causing trouble again? Did you even listen to what I said earlier?”
The boy lowered his head, saying, “Even if Zhù’er wants to go, you wouldn’t allow it; I’ve known that for a long time.”
This answer was something she expected.
—But this time, her response surprised him. The enchanting voice of the young lady in purple rang in his ears, “You’re wrong. This time, even I want to know the secret behind it.”
The boy raised his head, looking at his sister, almost unable to believe his ears.
In the young lady’s eyes, there was a deep contemplation.
(Part Five)
In the wilderness under the setting sun, a figure in a yellow shirt was running.
Finally, the yellow figure came to a stop. The sunset was blood-red, casting a hue over her dark, bright eyes, her slightly gleaming white rabbit-like teeth, her delicate lips, and her flowing, silky long hair.
However, the young man Huo had vanished; what remained was Huo Linglong, the eldest daughter of Linglong Mountain Manor.
Her heart was in turmoil. It was as chaotic as a stream divided into three parts, appearing as one part hesitation, one part anxiety, and one part lingering attachment.
She halted.
She knew that if she slowed down, she would be caught up, yet she still stopped.
—Was it this person who made her both eager to see him and fearful of the encounter?
At last, a soft sigh came from behind her.
After the sigh, a calm voice asked, “Linglong, why are you leaving?”
The person behind her had finally swallowed the words that followed: if you intend to leave, why stop?
—If she left, how could he possibly catch up?
In the blood-red remnants of the sunset after the rain, Huo Linglong’s long eyelashes, warm as dove wings, trembled gently, as if floating in a light red mist. She turned around.
—What must be faced will eventually have to be faced.
When she turned to face him, her expression had already calmed.
She raised her finely arched eyebrows and coldly said, “Who are you?”
The initial joy in the man’s eyes turned to surprise: “Linglong, what’s wrong? Why do you ask such a thing? I am Shao Jizu.”
Huo Linglong sneered, “Oh, aren’t you the commander of the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor? How could you be Shao Jizu? The Shao Jizu I knew was dead. What does the commander of the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor have to do with a common girl like me?”
Shao Jizu was puzzled: “Linglong, you’re just saying this out of anger. Am I not standing right here in front of you?”
Huo Linglong raised her head and coldly replied, “I don’t understand the good intentions of Lord Shao. The Shao Jizu I knew, wasn’t he killed by you?”
Shao Jizu was left speechless.
Huo Linglong continued, “The little Shao I knew was a spirited hero, not someone killed by you, the commander. Wasn’t he slain by the ambition for fame and fortune of the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor? You not only killed him but also devoured his conscience, didn’t you?”
Though her voice was crisp, to Shao Jizu, it sounded unbearably harsh.
“How could you not be the Shao Jizu I knew? You’re beside the prince, bullying common folk, living in luxury, easily commanding the subordinates of Jin Shitang to kill at the West Bridge ferry, and intimidating people with your sword in the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor. You even brought out the prince’s banner to pressure me with the emperor’s marriage decree, coming to Linglong Mountain Manor. How could you be the Shao Jizu I’ve always known?”
Shao Jizu’s bitter smile had frozen on his handsome face. His eyes, a mix of ice and fire, lingered on her face, causing her to instinctively look away. He slowly said, “Linglong, we’ve known each other since childhood. I’ve cherished and loved you since we were young, and now we are engaged. Why must you say such hurtful things?”
Huo Linglong replied, “That’s strange. How could the one who played with me since childhood be you? How could the one I’m engaged to be you? Lord Commander must have mistaken someone else. If you’ve known me since childhood, if you’re truly engaged to me, then why did you stop me when I went to the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor? Why did you draw your sword to threaten me? I can’t understand your words, Lord Shao.”
Shao Jizu spoke gently, “Linglong, that day when you sneaked into the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor, I indeed acted too harshly. But if I hadn’t intervened, you would have offended the prince even more. I came out personally this time hoping to find you and explain.”
He sighed and continued, “I know you’re angry with me, but ultimately, it’s because I didn’t consult you before asking the prince for the emperor’s marriage decree. However, it’s truly unfair for you to vent your anger on the prince.”
Despite exerting all his strength to control himself, his voice still sounded hoarse and suppressed. Was his usual calmness and coldness completely burned away by the fiery passion he felt?
—This was his longing, his concern, his dreams, and his memories. Why, when facing the one he loved, did the first expert of the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor, so intelligent and renowned, seem just like an ordinary person?
Huo Linglong’s heart had unknowingly softened, yet she still forced herself to maintain her stance, saying, “I simply cannot stand someone abusing their power, using the authority of the government to oppress us at Linglong Mountain Manor. I am well within my rights at Linglong Mountain Manor; who have I offended? He is just a prince, isn’t he? Why is it only permissible for him to provoke me, but not for me to provoke him?”
She looked at Shao Jizu and added, “As for you, you still can speak so lightly and calmly in front of me! Using such methods, don’t you think it’s excessive? Little Tang may be a bit arrogant, but he’s not as unscrupulous as you!”
This remark struck him like a sharp sword, piercing his skin and heart. Shao Jizu called out, “Linglong!” The unspeakable bitterness and pain in his voice made Huo Linglong unable to continue speaking.
In the silence, Shao Jizu gritted his teeth, the veins on his forehead throbbing.
He sighed deeply and finally said, “Linglong, do you still not understand my feelings for you?”
—Under the setting sun, in the wilderness, amidst the silent, weeping wind, he finally spoke. Despite how difficult it was for him to say this, he did.
Huo Linglong’s body involuntarily trembled! Her face turned an indescribable pale.
—Under the setting sun, in the wilderness, amidst the silent, weeping wind, she heard him. Despite how hard it was for her to believe, she heard it.
She bit her lip, her eyes fixed on the ground before her, and after a long time, she softly said, “When did you ever express this feeling to me? You never said anything, so should I have understood all along? How could I know if you wanted me or if you were just interested in the dowry from the Huo family?”
Shao Jizu’s expression had grown serious. In the slanting sunlight, the beauty was like jade. But why had he and she become like strangers? The tenderness of the past, the innocence of the past, the bond of the past seemed to have vanished with the wind. His eyes were filled with helpless bitterness: “In the end, you still don’t believe me.”
This helplessness felt like falling flowers and flowing water, and the cold tone made Huo Linglong lower her head in silence.
—Had she already tacitly agreed?
Shao Jizu looked at her and said, “Linglong, you are clever; I don’t believe you don’t know my feelings. You’re just stubborn; in your heart, you must have understood long ago. I, Shao Jizu, am a man of integrity; I have never regarded the Huo family’s Linglong with any less respect.”
His gaze had become sharp as a blade, and his voice was as heavy as a rock. It was as if that was his dignity, his pride, and he would not allow anyone to challenge it.
Upon hearing this, Huo Linglong suddenly raised her head fearlessly, her gaze meeting his. Under the setting sun, their eyes clashed like metal, and for a moment, it seemed one could hear the clang of metal striking metal, a sound as blood-red as the dying sun.
She began to smile. Her rabbit-like teeth sparkled beautifully: “How strange! Your tone is the same as Little Tang’s! Who in the martial world doesn’t know that once our Huo family’s Linglong eyes are opened, they can glimpse the future? Besides Little Zhao, who wouldn’t covet such a gift? Just you, do you not want it? Even if you don’t want it, doesn’t your master want it?”
Shao Jizu’s face revealed no expression. But sometimes, a lack of expression is, in itself, a form of expression.
He dryly said, “Linglong, how could you suspect the prince?”
Huo Linglong pouted, “Do you think that by stopping me that night at the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor, I saw nothing? In such a large prince’s manor, what can’t be repaired? Why did they build a tower that reaches the sky? What kind of secrets are hidden there? Do you think you can be completely innocent and unaware? How can you expect me to trust your words again?”
Shao Jizu was left speechless.
—He had underestimated her. This Linglong girl was no longer the naive girl he once knew, oblivious to the world. In these past few days, it seemed she had learned a lot.
Was it because the eldest daughter of Linglong Mountain Manor was indeed gifted and extraordinary, or had someone unknowingly changed her in these past few days? —The Huo Linglong before him suddenly felt very unfamiliar.
A long silence ensued. The two, each with their thoughts, didn’t know what to say.
Then Huo Linglong heard him sigh softly: “So, in your heart, no matter what I say, it’s still useless. It seems only his words can reach you.”
—Why did his voice carry an indescribable sense of desolation and melancholy?
Huo Linglong’s body trembled, and her face lost all color. She bit her lips tightly: “What are you saying?”
Shao Jizu looked at her, his indifferent gaze unable to hide his loneliness and pain. An indescribable mix of ice and fire seemed to burn in his blood: “Why do you ask when you already know? Don’t think I’m unaware. You’re rushing to the capital, are you not going to find him in the Nanking Palace? Who else could it be?”
Huo Linglong’s face flushed red again, and she shouted, “My relationship with Little Zhao is pure and innocent; don’t insinuate anything. Moreover, even if I were going to find him, what business is it of yours?”
Shao Jizu’s gaze had turned cold, chillingly close to cruelty, yet within that cruelty was a heat capable of burning everything: “Don’t forget, you are my fiancée, officially betrothed to me. Even aside from that, our bond since childhood is something you are well aware of. If you go to Kaifeng to find him, why wouldn’t it concern me?”
The emotions in his eyes were a mix of cruelty, deep affection, regret, and desolation. His gaze was fixed on her: “I know, and Little Tang knows. We have always held back from speaking. This isn’t because he is Little Zhao, but because we understand your willful nature, fearing you would feel embarrassed and heartbroken, and also considering the reputation of Linglong Mountain Manor and your status as the eldest daughter of the Huo family. If it weren’t for our friendship when your brother Huo Feng came to the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor a few days ago to search for you, why would I have concealed this from you?”
His gaze shifted from Huo Linglong to the distant mountains, which were being painted red by the slanting sun and beginning to be swallowed by dark clouds. His words struck her heart, word by word: “You’ve always disliked owing favors to others, haven’t you? Whether you like it or not, you owe me.”
(Part Six)
Huo Linglong’s head had lowered.
—Did she also feel that she owed him too much? Had she let down his deep affections too often?
She didn’t dare to look at him.
—Was it that seeing him would make her bear the pressure he brought?
For a moment, she didn’t know what to say; her heart was in a chaotic mess.
“I will repay what I owe you!” Whether it was to defend herself or to ease Shao Jizu’s heart, she softly added, “But you must understand, I’m not going to the capital to find him.”
Shao Jizu’s eyes finally regained their usual coldness, resilience, and calmness: “If you’re not going to find him, then what you’re carrying from Zhan Zhao is meant for Kaifeng, isn’t it?”
After he spoke this seemingly light sentence, Shao Jizu felt an indescribable regret—
Though the words were light, to Huo Linglong, they struck like a thunderclap, causing her to stagger back a step. Her face suddenly turned pale.
All the ignorant tenderness, all the unawakened dreams, all the remaining fantasies, and all the deeply hidden hopes were crushed in that instant by this seemingly inconsequential statement. It was as if cruel fate forced her to open her heart’s eyes and see the deceptions and ruthlessness of the world.
—“So you came because of this!”
—“So you haven’t changed!”
Her eyes filled with disappointment and fear. Was she afraid of the malice and complexity of human nature, or was she terrified that everything beautiful in her memories had ultimately shattered completely?
Yet amidst the disappointment and fear, there was a hint of relief: he and she, after all, had no lingering attachments and no more ties.
Shao Jizu’s heart had turned cold. Cold to every inch of his skin.
—He should have been more careful.
He said anxiously, “Linglong, listen to me. I chased after you and learned that you encountered him on the way. That man has always used false benevolence to win people over. I’m worried you might be deceived by him.”
Huo Linglong repeated his words, one by one: “Deceived by him? You should honestly tell me, who is deceiving me, you or him?”
Her gaze was filled with sorrow: “I traveled from the West Bridge; who can you still deceive with this?”
Shao Jizu was left speechless.
At this point, her voice unconsciously trembled slightly: “What about him?”
Shao Jizu asked, “Who do you mean?”
Huo Linglong replied, “You don’t need to deceive me anymore or pretend you don’t know. I already asked when I passed the West Bridge ferry. He has fallen into your hands.”
Shao Jizu struggled: “Linglong, let me explain—”
But Huo Linglong seemed not to hear him, repeating, “I’m asking you, what has happened to him? What have you done to him?”
Tears rolled in her eyes.
Under the setting sun, the glistening tears sparkled.
—Who is she crying for?
Shao Jizu sighed deeply: “You’ve only been with him for a few days, and you care for him so much that even the Linglong Honey, coveted by everyone in the martial world, you’ve given to him. —I haven’t done anything to him; it’s just that the people from Jin Shitang and Junshan are currently escorting him to Xiangyang.”
Huo Linglong asked in surprise, “How can you tell he has taken Linglong Honey?”
Shao Jizu sighed: “It’s likely he has taken more than one dose. If it weren’t for your Huo family’s Linglong Honey, with his body, forcing He Chongtian at the West Bridge ferry would have likely cost him his life!”
As he spoke, he looked at Huo Linglong with a compassionate expression, concerned for her: “Linglong, I truly have your best interests at heart. The power of the Xiangyang Prince is beyond your imagination! Just like Zhan Zhao, even though he is a renowned Southern Hero with unparalleled martial arts and wisdom, this time he has stirred up trouble in the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor, and it’s a death sentence for him. Not to mention that he used He Chongtian in the battle at the West Bridge ferry; even if he has taken your Huo family’s miraculous medicine, there’s no guarantee he can survive the journey over the next two days. Even if he returns to Xiangyang, the prince’s rules are strict, and he will not spare his life. Linglong, I must tell you the truth: the things he entrusted to you are nothing but a disaster waiting to happen. You must not make a mistake again and oppose the prince; return those things to me and cease any involvement with the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor.”
Huo Linglong sneered: “If it weren’t for Zhan Zhao, who fought against Xingyun Manor and Hanshui Palace along the way, what skills do you have besides your dirty tricks to capture him at the West Bridge ferry? Why should I believe your words? No matter how powerful your master is, isn’t what he does harm the common people? Why should I submit to him?!”
Shao Jizu gritted his teeth: “Is it he who told you about the Xiangyang Prince? Would you rather believe someone you’ve known for less than three days than trust my words? If you believe him and oppose the prince, aren’t you afraid of regretting it?”
Huo Linglong raised her head: “Even if it’s only two or three days, that’s enough. Why should I regret it?”
She looked at him, her eyes filled with disdain: “I believe him, not you, simply because you can’t compare to him!”
Shao Jizu felt anger rising within him. Huo Linglong’s words were like a cold sword, sharply pricking his pride, his authority, and his ambition.
He didn’t understand; he didn’t believe it! His expression hardened, and he proudly declared, “I, Shao Jizu, am a man of integrity, with both literary and martial talents. What can he compare to me? As for fame, he is merely a fourth-rank sword-bearing guard before the emperor, while I am the commander of the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor. Why would you rather believe his words than mine?”
Huo Linglong’s eyes no longer looked at him; his words sounded like a gentle breeze passing by her ears. After a long time, she slowly said, “You’re mistaken. He is who he is. I believe his words, not because of his talents or his rank, but because he surpasses you in integrity and a sense of chivalry that takes the world as his responsibility. Although you are a man of great integrity and a deeply emotional person, you will never compare to him.”
In Shao Jizu’s eyes, flames seemed to rise, yet he sneered: “You once praised Little Zhao to the skies; I didn’t mind that, as it was merely because of his noble status and your compatible personalities. Now you mention Zhan Zhao—”
Huo Linglong replied softly, “Even Little Zhao cannot compare to him.”
**(Seven)**
Shao Jizu suddenly burst into laughter. Within his laughter, there was a hint of desolation and sorrow that made it hard to breathe.
—“So you went to the capital not to find Little Zhao, but for him!”
His face twisted, as he could not believe what was happening before him.
—“So, so the one you like is not the Little Zhao of Nanking Palace, but him!”
Huo Linglong was taken aback. Why did the thought of him feel like a knife cutting through her?
Shao Jizu’s laughter grew louder. He was laughing at himself.
“What a pity that Tang Tianhao and I are still dreaming in broad daylight, foolishly hoping to win you back!”
His laughter became more mournful, and he didn’t know when it had turned into a bitter laugh, tears streaming down his face.
But were these tears from a broken heart or a shattered dream? Was it blood flowing from his heart or tears from waking up?
—“Indeed, you have finally changed your heart; you no longer love Little Zhao of Nanking Palace, but the one who made you change your heart is not us, but him! The one you love in your heart is still not us!”
By the end, his voice had become hoarse, was this not the sound of a broken heart?
Shao Jizu’s words struck Huo Linglong like a lightning bolt, shaking her mind. Under the setting sun, her heart suddenly felt as transparent as blood crystal. The wind in the wilderness pierced through her blood-stirring heart, plucking at the strings of her delayed understanding.
Her blood had turned cold, and then it boiled!
Huo Linglong finally dared to face her own heart.
She shouted, “Indeed, I originally liked Little Zhao, but now it’s different. The person I like is him, no longer Little Zhao!”
Shao Jizu’s brows furrowed with barely perceptible anger. He said sternly, “Don’t you know that he doesn’t care about you at all? In his heart, there have always been only other women!”
Huo Linglong suddenly felt a wave of confusion, her nose tinged with bitterness. Yet her head remained held high as she shouted, “I don’t care. Just because I like him, he doesn’t need to know!”
Shao Jizu’s cold laughter seemed to chill her to the bone: “You don’t care? Perhaps you don’t believe it? But whether you believe it or not is up to you.”
His expression returned to its original coldness. Watching her suffer, watching her humiliated, watching her tormented, seemed to give him an indescribable pleasure.
He—wanted—to—see.
—He feared he wouldn’t see enough!
He continued speaking, knowing she was listening, that she wanted to hear: “Although you no longer believe my words, you are not blind. In the days you’ve been with him, can’t you see that the sword in Zhan Zhao’s hand is not the Jue Que Sword?”
Huo Linglong murmured, “Indeed, no wonder I couldn’t remember it was him; it’s because I’ve always heard that Zhan Zhao’s sword is a divine weapon called Jue Que. I recognize the shape of that sword.”
Shao Jizu said, “The sword he holds now is no longer Jue Que, but Zhan Lu. It’s because he is engaged to the third miss of the Ding family. This exchanged token is the Zhan Lu sword treasured by the Ding family.”
Huo Linglong asked, “Which Ding family?” As she spoke, she felt an inexplicable weakness in her heart.
—That “Blood Double Flying, He Chongtian”—
Shao Jizu replied lightly, “Which Ding family could it be? Naturally, it’s the most famous and powerful Ding family.”
The most famous and powerful Ding family could only be one.
Songjiang Prefecture, Feihua Island, the Ding family of Moliang Manor.
Huo Linglong’s face turned pale, and her entire body felt cold.
—Could she still not care?
Shao Jizu watched her. Watching her made his heart chaotic, and he suddenly regretted it.
—Though he was not good with words, he had once been crazy for her, intoxicated by her, heartbroken for her, having grown accustomed to her brows, her eyes, her smile. But now, those brows and eyes, that face, were withering for someone else.
Between him and her, another person’s shadow had appeared.
He seemed to see Huo Linglong holding her head high, with pride in her water-like black eyes. He faintly heard her voice: “You can’t compare to him!”
A surge of unnameable rage ignited within him, making his blood boil. The oppressive atmosphere felt like it would burst his head.
He gritted his teeth and turned to leave.
He only wanted to return to Xiangyang, to see one person!
Huo Linglong couldn’t help but ask, “Where are you going?”
Shao Jizu coldly replied, “Naturally, back to the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor.”
Huo Linglong’s lips trembled slightly: “Then, what about him?”
Shao Jizu didn’t turn back; he casually said, “What can I do to him? I can only ruin him. I will not only ruin his face but also destroy everything about him.” His words were not spoken through gritted teeth; his voice was calm and low as if these chilling words were not even his own. Only the last sentence trembled slightly, finally revealing the turmoil within him.
Huo Linglong exclaimed, “Shao Jizu! I’ve wasted my time knowing you! I once thought you were a hero, but now I see you’re nothing but a scoundrel. How can you torment a seriously injured person and still call yourself a hero?”
Shao Jizu replied fiercely, “I am neither the revered Southern Hero of the martial world nor a favored person of His Majesty. I am not a hero. Zhan Zhao forcefully broke into the Chongxiaolou and took the prince’s treasure. Now that he has fallen into the hands of the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor, how can I let him go?”
As he spoke, a cold, proud smile emerged from his eyes, a mix of ice and fire, filling his face: “Don’t forget what happened to Bai Yutang when he broke into the Chongxiaolou!”
Huo Linglong was taken aback and asked, “Are you talking about that Bai Laoshu from Xian Kong Island? Could it be that he—”
Shao Jizu replied, “Naturally, he overestimated himself and met a disastrous end. More than ten days ago, he was pierced by the thunder arrows of the Chongxiaolou, like a hedgehog. Zhan Zhao’s later intrusion into the Chongxiaolou was mostly to rescue Bai Yutang and to seize the prince’s treasure. If you hadn’t happened to arrive at the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor that night, forcing me to split my attention to deal with you, Zhan Zhao would have likely found it difficult to escape the siege of the experts in the copper net formation! Although he managed to escape by luck, he was still seriously injured. Otherwise, with his lightness of foot, who in the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor could catch up to him?”
Huo Linglong’s heart ached like a knife.
So it turned out that on the night she had gone to the Xiangyang Prince’s Manor to confront the prince, Zhan Zhao was also trying to obtain the yellow silk that was now in her possession, and he had engaged in a fierce battle with the experts of Jin Shitang!
Her expression darkened, and she murmured, “No wonder when I first saw him, his face looked so terrible. No wonder the ‘familiarity at first sight’ he had was only from six days ago.”
—But she didn’t understand why, despite being burdened with a heavy responsibility and being injured, he didn’t hurry to the capital and instead engaged in battles with the people from Xingyun Manor and Hanshui Palace along the way.
—Did she not know? Was she afraid to think further?
Huo Linglong lowered her head. Her heart was even more chaotic, filled with emptiness, and her vision blurred.
—Why was the setting sun in the wilderness so blinding?
She bit her lip until it bled.
Suddenly, she raised her head, having made a decision.
Her voice was calm, but her face had turned pale: “If you can harm Bai Yutang, you can certainly harm him too. I just want you to know that his falling into your hands is not your achievement; it is his chivalrous heart that has harmed him!”
At this point, her voice became even more resolute: “In fact, I already knew that you would never let him go. I just want you to understand that if you harm him, you also harm me. If he dies, I will not live either. The Huo family’s Linglong eyes will never be yours or the Xiangyang Prince’s in this generation!”
A flash of fire seemed to flicker across Shao Jizu’s handsome face, but it was quickly suppressed by the familiar indifference of Huo Linglong.
He slowly began to speak.
He had to speak slowly, ensuring she could hear him. His words carried a chilling calmness that sent shivers down one’s spine: “How could I bear to kill him? Of course, I want to save him. If he dies like this, how can I face you? Now that he has fallen into the hands of the Xiangyang Prince, I want him to live a fate worse than death, to hate himself for still being alive in this world!”
His cold yet fiery eyes fixed on her, cruelty etched into his gaze, his lips, and his expression.
“As for you,” he said with a malicious smile, “how could I bear to harm you? After all, you are to be my wife. As your husband, I must take care of you to make you happy. Moreover, even if I want to harm him, I don’t necessarily have to think of ways to hurt you first—harming you would be of no use to him; you are not the one he loves!”
These words struck Huo Linglong like a whip. She trembled as if she had been harshly lashed.
—But was this pain in her body or her heart?
Shao Jizu finally took a step forward, moving away.
His figure, under the setting sun, resembled a proud and lost deity.
As he moved further away, a stronger pain surged in his heart. An uncontrollable madness made him want to turn back several times, yet he also wanted to continue moving forward.
He—hated—so much!
Suddenly, a clear yet urgent voice called out from behind, “Wait!”
It was her voice!
Shao Jizu felt as if he had suddenly fallen into a dream from which he would never awaken, his body stiffening. That single call made him as immobile as a statue.
The fire seemed to burn in his eyes.
Huo Linglong’s eyes also seemed to burn with fire, making her face glow with red flames under the setting sun.
As soon as Shao Jizu turned around, she slowly reached into her bosom and pulled out a piece of yellow silk.
Instantly, Shao Jizu’s body trembled uncontrollably, and even his breathing stopped!
—Looking at that piece of yellow silk felt like looking at his life. The flickering of ice and fire in his eyes was filled with questions, confusion, and excitement.
However, his expression was indescribably grim. After a long time, he finally managed to say, “So the treasure of the Chongxiaolou is indeed in your hands!”
Huo Linglong replied leisurely, “What I hold in my hand, I don’t know if it’s your lifeline or your prince’s lifeline. But beneath this yellow silk, there is a Thunder Fire Pill. You should know how this marvelous treasure of the Tang Sect came into my possession.”
Shao Jizu’s face suddenly turned pale, but his eyes were filled with ferocity and fear.
—It was as if the words “Thunder Fire Pill” had an infinite power and danger, instantly stealing his soul.
Huo Linglong mocked, “Don’t blame Little Tang. I just thought it was fun and asked him for it. I never expected it would come in handy today!”
Her voice had turned somewhat ruthless: “You know very well that no matter how fast your skills are, they can’t compare to the lightness of foot of my Huo family. Although your swordsmanship surpasses mine, if you want to catch me, you still need to practice for another thirty years.”
Shao Jizu asked, “What do you want?”
Huo Linglong replied, “You already know very well, so why ask me? I only ask you if you want to exchange.”
Shao Jizu could hardly breathe, and he didn’t realize he had asked a foolish question: “Exchange for what?”
—Perhaps he fully understood her meaning but preferred to ask for clarity, hoping he would have time to think about his and her cards.
Huo Linglong said, “I will use what you desire most to exchange for the person I want!”
Her voice revealed no hesitation: “One item for one person.”
Shao Jizu hesitated.
His chest inexplicably warmed. The special token for summoning Jin Shitang was tucked inside his clothing against his chest.
For a moment, it felt as if the token was beating against his heart.
—But he couldn’t tell if it was the token moving or his heart beating.
(Part Eight)
At dusk, it began to rain lightly again.
A voice called out, and a small boat emerged from the mist by the riverbank.
Then, through the rain and mist, a girl in yellow holding a bamboo umbrella appeared at the small ferry.
The moist breeze stirred her long hair as if the dreams of the heavens were flying and the falling flowers were drifting away.
Her dark, bright eyes, though indescribably beautiful, seemed to hold a hint of sadness.
A faint sound of jingling bells came from the rain.
Amidst a group of black-clad warriors in the distance, a black carriage appeared. However, the windows of the carriage were heavily draped with thick curtains.
Beside the carriage, riding a chestnut horse, was indeed Shao Jizu.
The girl by the river tightened her grip on the bamboo umbrella without realizing it; her heart was pounding.
—Is it him? Is he in that carriage?
The warriors stopped at a distance.
Shao Jizu, who had remained silent, gently waved his hand, and the warriors from Jin Shitang lifted a wooden stretcher from the carriage.
There was someone on the stretcher.
As the person drew near, Huo Linglong’s heart nearly leaped out of her throat.
—Is it him?
The person on the stretcher had a face familiar to Huo Linglong, but it looked as haggard as that of a corpse.
Even in unconsciousness, his brows were slightly furrowed, as if he were enduring the pain of approaching death with the remnants of his life.
His eyes were tightly closed, and his lips were pale, devoid of any color.
A few strands of his disheveled hair were quickly soaked by the rain, sticking to his face.
For a moment, Huo Linglong felt as if she were in another world, as if in a dream, as if intoxicated.
She just stared at him.
Suddenly, she realized how much she wanted to see him.
—Having seen him thousands of times, having missed him tens of thousands of times, her soul entwined with him, she wondered if in a past life she had always looked at him like this, knowing that in this life and the next, she just wanted to look at him forever!
When would the dream awaken?
In this life, would they still hold hands, smiling beneath their brows, watching the rolling red dust, passing by with a smile?
Shao Jizu coldly said, “I’ve brought what you wanted. What about what I want?”
Huo Linglong slowly took out the piece of yellow silk but did not hand it over.
She looked at him on the stretcher and couldn’t help but ask, “Wait, why isn’t he responding?”
Shao Jizu’s face was as pale as someone who hadn’t slept all night, and his eyes were bloodshot. Hearing Huo Linglong’s words, his tone grew colder: “When you harmed him, weren’t you at the West Bridge ferry? Was the ‘familiarity at first sight’ on him caused by me? Was the ‘Great Compassion Palm’ inflicted by me?”
Huo Linglong was speechless. She knew the risks he had taken. She couldn’t ask for too much.
—Though she didn’t love him, for some reason, she didn’t want him to be harmed. Was it because her harm to him had already become too deeply etched in her heart?
She bit her lip and said, “The antidote.”
Shao Jizu said nothing and tossed over a small vial.
Huo Linglong held the small vial carefully as if it contained his life; hesitating, she added, “How do I know this is the real antidote?”
Shao Jizu raised his proud head. A cold smile lingered at the corner of his lips: “If you don’t believe me, why ask me for the antidote?”
Huo Linglong was at a loss for words.
She owed him too much. Since he had brought him before her, she had no reason to question him.
After pondering for a while, she finally reached out her hand.
Shao Jizu raised his hand, and the black-clad warriors placed the stretcher in front of her.
As she took the yellow silk, it seemed he let out a sigh of relief. He looked up at Huo Linglong, only to realize she wasn’t looking at him at all. Her gaze was fixed on the person on the stretcher.
He turned his back to her and walked away without looking back. His horse let out a soft whinny in the light rain.
Behind him, the warriors of Jin Shitang silently followed him back, their footsteps unusually light in the rain and mist.
Huo Linglong couldn’t see his face.
His face remained handsome, still a blend of ice and fire.
Yet, a hint of a malicious smile had unknowingly crept to his lips.
Huo Linglong didn’t notice when Shao Jizu and his men left. She tightened her grip on the small vial and rushed to the side of the stretcher.
Her heart was in turmoil, even more so! She could hardly breathe.
—The face on the stretcher was even paler, so pale that it seemed somewhat unfamiliar.
Huo Linglong couldn’t help but softly call out, “You, how are you—”
That face, devoid of any color, seemed to have lost its life, but at that moment, it appeared to let out a faint groan, and his chest seemed to rise and fall slightly.
—Could it be that he still had life? Could it be that his life was still struggling?
Huo Linglong hurriedly said, “How are you? Quickly, take the antidote.”
His hand seemed to tremble slightly, as her cold hand in the rain had already grasped his hand.