Book 6 Chap 9 – Return to Handan

Handan still looked as good.

Here to welcome them was their ‘old friend’ Bureaucrat Guo Kai, and also Wu Zhuo who has now changed his name to ‘Di Ying’.

After a round of civilities and polite talk, all of them, together with the thousand warhorses, rode grandly into this ancient city which is the center of the Zhao’s power.

Guo Kai rode next to Xiang Shaolong and said with a smile, “His Majesty is extremely impressed that Mister still thinks of your old country even though you’re in Chu. He has specially set up a feast to welcome Mister tonight.”

Xiang Shaolong was looking at the city scene with mixed feelings and on hearing that, he deepened his voice to make it sound hoa.r.s.e, slowed his tempo and said, “I am really touched that his Majesty understands my intention. Hai! A person who has lost his country is like duckweed without roots. The pain is not something an outsider can understand.”

Guo Kai turned slightly towards him and said, “I heard from Mister Di from your residence that Mister Dong intends to come back display your capabilities but I don’t know if you’re aware of the situation?”

Xiang Shaolong had an idea and he pretended to be obtuse yet sincere as he replied, “I only know how to rear horses and nothing else so I hope that Bureaucrat Guo can give me some advices and I will never forget your kindness.”

Their strategy for this trip is to pretend to be stupid and ignorant to handle sly characters like Guo Kai.

Guo Kai chortled before he turned serious and said with a low voice, “I don’t know why but once I saw you, I feel very happy. I wouldn’t dare give advices but I will certainly try my best to help you fulfill your dreams.”

Xiang Shaolong put on a show of extreme grat.i.tude and said, “With Bureaucrat looking after me like this, I am much relieved. I wonder if there’s anything I should take note of?”

Guo Kai replied very sincerely, “Over at his Majesty’s side, I will help you with the affairs. But there are 2 people in Handan that you must be on your guard against, otherwise not only will you find your dreams difficult to fulfill, you may even end up in trouble and meet the same fate as Master Wu.”

Xiang Shaolong pretended to be extremely startled as he stared and stammered his reply, “I have no enmity with anyone at all, why would anyone want to harm me?”

However he was secretly laughing in his heart.

Guo Kai obviously think of him as a ignorant, brash man with a simple mind, that’s why he used such a direct method to try and pull him over to his side so that he will be faithful and allow himself to be used.

From this he can tell that the King of Zhao intends to use him to replace Master Wu, that’s why Guo Kai thinks that he is of value and worthy to be bought over.

Guo Kai’s bright and sleazy eyes first scanned the surroundings and saw that the Zhao soldiers who are leading the way in front and Wu Zhuo and the rest who were behind are a ‘safe’ distance away before he lowered his voice to say, “The first person you have to be wary of is Guo Zhong. This person will now allow the appearance of another Master Wu.”

Xiang Shaolong nodded his head to indicate his understanding.

Guo Kai’s words are not unreasonable; this is called ‘a mountain cannot have two tigers’. But if he, ‘Dong Kuang’ wants to have as much wealth and power as what Master Wu had, it would take at least a few generations to accomplish it. Therefore Guo Kai is trying to scare him.

Guo Kai continued mysteriously, “The other person you have to be careful of is the Marquis of Julu, Zhao Mu.”

Xiang Shaolong can’t help but exclaim hoa.r.s.ely, “What?”

At that instant he understood that Guo Kai is unhappy to be under Zhao Mu and is looking for ways to topple him. But the way Guo Kai is revealing his inner thoughts to an outsider like him is really too careless and he can’t help but feel suspicious.

Right then they arrived at the guesthouse that will be used to house them and surprisingly it turns out to be the Hostage Residence which used to be Zhu Ji and the fake Ying Zheng’s prison.

Guo Kai smiled and did not continue talking as he accompanied them into the residence.

Guo Kai went through another round of nice talks and after accepting this valuable gift of 1000 fine horses that the Zhaos find themselves unable to reject, he went back to the Palace to report his duty done.

All of them went to the inner hall to listen to Wu Zhuo’s report.

Wu Zhuo exhaled as he said, “We were indeed lucky, the Chus really sent an envoy and luckily I manage to waylay him and got a lot of useful information.”

Teng Yi replied with understanding, “Eldest Brother, it has been hard on you!”

Among these 5 sworn brothers, Wu Zhuo is the oldest so he became the Eldest Brother, followed by Teng Yi, Xiang Shaolong, w.a.n.g Jian and the youngest brother Jing Jun.

Wu Zhuo nodded his head and said, “It was indeed difficult. Although we set up traps when capturing the Chu envoy, we still lost 5 of our brothers and more than 10 others were injured, but this is something unavoidable.”

Xiang Shaolong can imagine the danger and intensity at that time and asked, “Have you found out why they are coming to Handan?”

Wu Zhuo replied, “4th Brother’s way of tiring them out through questioning is really effective. That Chu envoy called Bai Dingnian could not hold on beyond 3 days and totally surrendered. He revealed the truth, it turns out that this matter involves Lord Dongzhou.”

Everyone was excited.

Ever since King Wu created his empire 700 hundred years ago and used Duke Zhou’s feudal system model, maybe this can be described as a large family where generations after generations live together.

This big family is first led by a smart and hardworking founder and leading his few sons, worked hard together in adversity and creating a big patriarchal clan. The ruler and the various lords of differing surnames are usually connected through marriages.

The whole system of a feudal state is centralized around the family clan.

Just by deducing from this, one will know that it’s only a matter of time that this empire will fall. The danger comes from 2 sides. Firstly the rule that the eldest son would succeed and once the successor is not the eldest, then there will be upheaval and King You* of Zhou is the most obvious example.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_You_of_Zhou

Secondly, the original close relationships are slowly getting distant after a few generations and with the increase in population and the differences in the good and the bad, there will most certainly be some struggles or enmities formed and may even reach the state of a fight.

Once chaos ensued, no one will have the power to stop the natural turning of history’s wheel. Once the royal family loses the power to control the lords, they will immediately fall into the situation where the country is divided into rival baronies.

And the invasion by others have forced King Ping of Zhou to move east and this provided such an opportunity.

The status between a ruler and his followers are initially forged by power and when this power disappears, the status becomes just an empty t.i.tle and the Zhou family’s power totally disintegrated.

But such a crack appeared slowly, and it’s not a sudden break.

Before the 3 states were separated, there were still some old relations left between the lords and the Zhou family so they were not overly defiant.

That’s why for 300 years after King Ping moved to the east, respect and deference are still generally accorded to the Zhou family.

After the 3 states were separated, there was still no situation where those not from the royal family oversteps his authority and tried to usurp the position. But the authority of the Zhou family was further weakened and their power reduced. However Lord Dongzhou is still the leader of the lords in name.

Now Lord Dongzhou is making use of everyone’s fear towards Qin to launch a last fight and indeed this is something that cannot be brushed off easily.

Wu Zhuo continued, “The secret envoy Lord Dongzhou sent is called Ji Zhong. If he manages to get the alliance of the 6 states: Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Wei and Han, Qin will be faced with extremely dire situation and now it seems that chances of success is quite high.”

Teng Yi looked at Xiang Shaolong and said, “We must try and sabotage this matter, otherwise it’ll be difficult for Lu Buwei to keep his position as Premier.”

Xiang Shaolong immediately felt his head getting heavier.

Teng Yi’s words are very reasonable. After all Lu Buwei got his position as Premier because of King Zhuangxiang and it’s not stable yet. And the Qins place the most emphasis on military contributions so if the 6 states join forces, they will certainly lose this war and by then even King Zhuangxiang won’t be able to protect Lu Buwei.

If Lu Buwei falls, the Wu family can forget about staying in Qin. The world may be huge but there will be no place where the Wu family can live in peace.

An originally simple matter has now become something complicated and troublesome.

Jing Jun finally found an opportunity to interrupt and said, “Isn’t Yan and Zhao at war? Why would the Yans be involved this time as well?”

Teng Yi replied, “For these few centuries haven’t the lords been fighting and making up again all the time?” He continued seriously, “Xiao Jun you’d better try to contain your impatience, don’t go looking for your Zhao Zhi before the situation is cleared. Otherwise if you reveal your disguise, all of us can forget about leaving Handan alive.”

Jing Jun looked crestfallen as he nodded his head in agreement but everyone can see how unwilling he felt.

Xiang Shaolong asked, “How’s the situation like over at Zhao Mu’s?”

There seems to be some remnants of fear as Wu Zhuo replied, “Luckily we caught the envoy sent by the Chus, otherwise we’ll definitely be greatly disadvantaged. It turns out that Zhao mU is the 5th son of Chu’s Lord Chunshen and this Chu envoy Bai Dingnian is sent by Lord Chunshen to make contact with Zhao Mu. He even brought with him Lord Chunshen’s secret letter that he wrote personally and this saves me a lot of trouble trying to question him.”

Teng Yi said with a laugh, “And of course Eldest Brother won’t give it to that conniving thief without changing a single word on that letter!”

Wu Zhuo replied with a smile, “That’s of course. The contents of the secret letter is simple, only telling Zhao Mu to trust Bai Dingnian and cooperate with him well. As for what to cooperate about, it was not written. Therefore I copied the seal on the letter and wrote another letter to give to Zhao Mu. Now it seems that he totally trusts us.”

Xiang Shaolong had an idea as he asked, “Is that secret letter still around?”

Wu Zhuo replied, “How can I lose such a useful thing, I even kept that Chu envoy and he’s being imprisoned in a secret place in Handan. Zhao Mu is in trouble this time.”

Xiang Shaolong was overjoyed and after the 4 brothers had some further discussion, he recollected his thoughts and went to the Zhao Palace for the feast.

Along the way Xiang Shaolong remembered the time he went to the Zhao Palace for his duel with Lian Jin and feelings arose in him.

How everything in the world is so unpredictable, just like this.

Who would have thought at that time that on this day, 2 years later, he would come to see the King of Zhao in another ident.i.ty and a totally different feeling?

Under the guidance of the Zhao soldiers, Xiang Shaolong and his 3 sworn brothers proudly rode past the Palace gates.

The imperial guards were posed to welcome them at the square in front of the main palace building and with the drums beating, it was a very lively atmosphere.

Xiang Shaolong and the rest did not expect such a huge welcome and were all surprised. Now they know that the King of Zhao places much importance on their ‘return’.

One of the military officers rode out on his horse and cried out loudly complimentary and welcoming phrases and surprisingly it’s their old friend, that ungrateful Cheng Xu.

That fellow’s army uniform has changed and it seems like he has been promoted a rank and has become the head of the imperial guards.

Xiang Shaolong followed civilities and after making some empty polite talk, rode with him towards the Palace.

Cheng Xu said with a warm smile, “I don’t know why, although it’s the first time I’ve met you, I feel like we’re old friends. Oh! Mister feels like sometime I’m very familiar with but I can’t remember who that person is right now.”

Xiang Shaolong was secretly startled and knows that although he has changed his looks, but his build remains the same and he might subconsciously reveal some loopholes through his mannerisms and actions, that’s why it stirred up Cheng Hu’s memories and feel of him.

He replied nonchalantly with his ‘low, hoa.r.s.e and slow’ voice, “Officer Cheng need not think this is weird, I’ve often had this feeling as well, to see someone for the first time and yet feels we’ve already known each other for a long time.”

Cheng Xu seems enlightened and replied, “Seems like that’s the case!”

By now they have reached the square in front of the Jade Hall at the inner Palace and Cheng Xu dismounted first followed by Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi and the rest.

More than 10 imperial guards were lined up on each side of the Jade Hall, standing in attention with their halberds. That conniving thief Zhao Mu, with the accompaniment of Le Cheng and Guo Kai, walked down to welcome them.

Xiang Shaolong and the rest sighed in their hearts on seeing this. To think that even after they have given King Xiaocheng such a severe lesson, he still relies on Zhao Mu so much.

Zhao Mu started chuckling from afar as he said, “I am the Marquis of Julu, Zhao Mu! Mister Dong has arrived just in time, his majesty is getting anxious from the wait.”

Xiang Shaolong pretended to be terrified as he replied respectfully, “If I’ve made his Majesty anxious, how can I ever answer for it.”

Zhao Mu came forward, extended his hands to grasped his and said with a smile after making an eye signal at him, “His Majesty has personally seen the warhorses that you’ve sent and is very satisfied. With your help, us Great Zhao will certainly be able to show off our military prowess.”

Xiang Shaolong saw that Zhao Mu did not recognize him and was relieved as he answered happily, “As long as I can make his Majesty happy, then this trip is not a wasted one.” At the same time he exchanged a look with Guo Kai.

Zhao Mu personally introduced him to Le Cheng while Xiang Shaolong introduced them to Teng and Jing. After a round of polite greetings, all of them went towards the Zhao Palace in a relaxed mood.

They have just stepped pa.s.s the Palace doors when the imperial guards in the hall immediately snapped neatly into attention and the band started a welcome melody.

Xiang Shaolong and the rest as well as Zhao Mu and his men knelt in front of the dais.

The King of Zhao chortled and left his dragon throne that was placed on the other end facing the main door and walked down the steps hurriedly to help Xiang Shaolong up and said warmly, “Mister Dong is my esteemed guest, there’s no need to be subservient.” He turned towards Teng Yi and the rest and said, “Everyone, please rise!”

Xiang Shaolong had just stood up when Jing Jun who was behind suddenly bawled and everyone, including Xiang Shaolong and his men were all stunned.

When everyone’s eyes were centered on Jing Jun who has lowered his head and crying bitterly and lying on the ground, refusing to get up, that lad blubbered, “I lost myself, but to see that Young Master can now finally return to his homeland and fulfilled this wish that he has been thinking of for so many years, I’m so overcome that…” and he started crying again.

Xiang Shaolong and the rest were secretly impressed, they did not expect that Jing Jun would have the ability to cry on demand. If not for the fact that they all know in their hearts what is happening, they would really think that he is so touched that he can’t help but cry.

Naturally the King of Zhao would not be suspicious at all as he walked over to help Jing Jun up and after consoling him, he turned towards Xiang Shaolong and said, “I am extremely touched that Mister Dong has such a loyal servant.”

Only now did Xiang Shaolong has the time to take note of the surroundings inside the hall.

The Empress of Zhao Han Jing has also attended the feast and is seated on the right slightly behind King Xiaocheng and her eyes are boring into him. Luckily from her expression she seemed only curious and not because she has seen any loopholes.

On the bottom of both sides of the King of Zhao’s table there were another 4 tables. It’s meant to be a table for each person, which means there’s an empty table left. He wondered who is the person who is putting on such airs, to even have the audacity to be late at the King of Zhao’s feast?

He replied earnestly, “Although I have been overseas for a long period of time, but I have been constantly thinking of returning but because of Master Wu, I was afraid…”

The King of Zhao gave a cold snort and interrupted him, “Don’t mention this person again. Don’t worry! It’s great that Mister keeps old relations in mind. From today onwards, just help me rear horses well and I will not treat you badly.”

Xiang Shaolong and the rest hurriedly knelt and expressed their thanks and grat.i.tude.

Just as they were about to be seated, the official at the door cried out, “Lady Ya arrives!”

Xiang Shaolong and the rest were all startled and they all turned to look towards the main door.

Other than a little more trace of weariness, Zhao Ya still looked radiant and outstanding, wearing a grand evening gown with blue flowers embroidered on a white base, like a colorful b.u.t.terfly flying into the hall.

Xiang Shaolong thought of their old love and can’t help but feel secretly sad.

When Zhao Ya’s pretty eyes flitted over to where Xiang Shaolong was, her body obviously shivered a little and she held her step.

Xiang Shaolong and the rest were all secretly alarmed.

Zhao Ya is not like Zhao Mu or King Xiaocheng, she can feel what others cannot just based on her woman’s sharp intuition towards love and intuition to a man whom she has been intimate with almost daily.

Luckily King Xiaocheng and Empress Jing both thought that this wanton woman has taken a liking to Xiang Shaolong, which accounted for her strange expression so they laughed and said, “Imperial Sister is late again, I must punish you by making you drink 3 cups of wine later. Aren’t you coming over to meet Mister Dong!”

Zhao Ya recollected her thoughts and after giving a suspicious look at Xiang Shaolong, her pretty eyes suddenly dimmed as she moved towards the King of Zhao and knelt in respect before standing up and turned towards Xiang Shaolong to pay her respects and said, “Zhao Ya pays her respects to Mister Dong.”

Xiang Shaolong and the rest heaved a sigh of relief and took the opportunity to be seated as well.

With Xiang Shaolong as the head, they took the 4 tables on the right. On the other side was Zhao Mu, Xhao Ya, Le Cheng and Guo Kai.

When the serving maids brought the dishes in, a group of 30 odd dancers ran in and started dancing with the accompaniment of drums.

Zhao Ya kept her pretty head lowered ever since she sat down, her expression sad. It looks as if her feelings have been roused and she was secretly wallowing in pity.

After the dance the host and guests offered toasts to one another.

However Zhao Mu would not let Zhao Ya off and reminded everyone of her punishment and forced her to down 3 cups of wine.

The slightly tipsy Zhao Ya began to loosen up and kept smiling coquettishly and flirting and although Xiang Shaolong was fuming on seeing this, but she did make the feast more lively and enjoyable. Once this beauty starts flirting, not a single man will be able to control his itch on seeing her. Especially now that she has reverted to her old wanton ways and was throwing looks at everyone there. Teng Yi and Wu Zhuo are better off but Jing Jun’s head is already clouded as he kept on exchanging toasts with her.

After a while, the King of Zhao turned towards Xiang Shaolong and asked, “When does Mister intend to start your grand business here?”

Xiang Shaolong’s hoa.r.s.e voice said slowly, “I just made a trip here first, there’s still a few war horses and stud horses who are being transported here now. There shall be no delay, I will go out the city tomorrow to explore and see if there are any suitable sites to set up a farm.”

The King of Zhao said joyously, “That’s the best!”

Zhao Ya threw a glance at Xiang Shaolong and said, “Is Mister’s family arriving at the same time as well?”

Xiang Shaolong saw how immodest she was and was secretly displeased as he replied icily, “Once everything has been settled, I will send my men back to bring them here.”

Le Cheng asked curiously, “The way that Mister Dong is moving your whole family over to our country, aren’t you afraid that will incur the Chu’s wrath?”

Xiang Shaolong replied calmly, “My farm is situated at the borders of Chu and Wei and as long as I send 500 warhorses and 500 livestock to the Chus every year, they will never interfere in my affairs. I have long made arrangements for my trip here this time and they won’t find out anything for the time being.”

The King of Zhao chortled as he said, “Let’s not talk business tonight and just talk about entertainment. Come! I’ll let Mister see something good.”

He clapped his hands and music started again.

While everyone opened their eyes wide, 4 dance courtesans flitted towards the tables and started another round of song and dance.

Not only did their beauty far surpa.s.s the dancers earlier, what is even more heart stopping is that their alluring bodies are each only clad in purple, red, bright yellow and light blue translucent gauze as they held long swords and danced. Their youthful and appealing bodies were exposed once in a while through the flimsy outfit as they danced, looking absolutely beautiful. Especially when their gentle bodies were paired with the steely swords, the 2 extremities increased their wildness.

Xiang Shaolong, who has not touched a woman since he started his journey, can’t help but feel his l.u.s.t ignite on seeing this.

After the courtesans retreated, Zhao Mu said with a smile, “These are the best among the 10 Yan beauties that the Yan gave to his Majesty, and they are also the welcome gifts that his Majesty is giving to Mister. Do you think they’re still acceptable?”

It is the norm for the powerful in this era to seal relationships by giving away beauties but it’s not appropriate for Xiang Shaolong to accept the gifts given his current situation so he said with a straight face, “I appreciate his Majesty’s kind intentions but there are a lot of things to look into right now regarding the opening of the farm and it’s really not good to have female distractions. I would ask that your Majesty retract your order.”

The King of Zhao was stunned for a moment before he replied, touched, “Mister is indeed an extraordinary man, no wonder you have the reputation of being a horse fanatic. Since that is the case, I will keep these 4 Yan ladies in the palace and will send them to your residence once everything has been settled.”

Zhao Ya eyed Xiang Shaolong with great interest as she asked, “I wonder if Mister has decided when to leave the city to explore?

Xiang Shaolong knows that she has gotten curious now that she saw how unmovable he can be over beauties and was secretly lamenting as he replied with furrowed brows, “I’ll leave before dawn tomorrow, and hope that General Le Cheng can arrange for the city gates to be opened.”

He guessed that now that Zhao Ya has returned to her old flirtatious and languid ways, there’s no way that she will try to wake up that early, which is why he deliberately mentioned that.

As expected, Zhao Ya revealed a look of disappointment and did not say anything.

The feast continued and although it was said that they shall not talk business, but because Xiang Shaolong is pretending to be an unrefined man who only knows husbandry, the topics always revolves around this area.

When the King of Zhao asked about the situation in Chu, Xiang Shaolong already has his answer prepared and answered them easily.

The host and guests drank to their heart’s content.

After the feast Zhao Mu used the excuse of sending Xiang Shaolong home and shared the same carriage as him and took the opportunity to have a secret discussion.

This is the second danger after Zhao Ya.

The carriage went out of the Palace gates.

Zhao Mu’s expression immediately turned stony as he asked icily, “Who thought of the idea to actually give 1000 fine warhorses to the Zhaos?”

Xiang Shaolong was secretly fining this hilarious but replied calmly, “Of course it’s Lord Chunshen’s idea.”

Zhao Mu’s expression turned dark as his gleaming eyes stared at Xiang Shaolong coldly as he asked, “Are you really that ‘horse fanatic’ Dong Kuang?”

Xiang Shaolong lowered his voice, “Of course not. The real horse fanatic did have the intention of returning to Zhao and has long been killed by his Highness and had his possessions confiscated. These thousand warhorses are only part of his property.”

Zhao Mu commented with incomprehension, “I only asked you to send people here to get ‘Lu Gong’s Secret Manual’ from Guo Zhong, why have you come to Handan with so much fanfare instead. If something happens, even I may become implicated.”

Xiang Shaolong replied slowly, “This is Lord Chunshen’s ingenious plan. Since the incident with the Wu family, the state of Zhao is badly affected. They strong on the outside but is actually crumbling inside and this may become advantageous for Qin, Wei and Qi. His Highness has seen this coming so he changed his strategy and hopes that Master can take the place of the King of Zhao. In that way, Great Chu would be able to take control of Zhao without wasting even a single soldier.”

Zhao Mu’s body shook as a joyous look flashed though his eyes and he asked hoa.r.s.ely, “Father really has such a plan?”

Ever since he arrived in Zhao, his power has been growing day by day but he has always felt himself in a dilemma.

Lord Chunshen’s original plan was for him to control the Zhao King and use the Zhaos to keep a rein on the Qins and spoil the secret plan to unify the 3 states. But man is not without feeling and after staying in Zhao for more than 10 years, Zhao Mu can’t help but feel a sense of belonging in Zhao. But this is just useless thinking on his side for he is still under the control of the Chus even from so far away. If he harbors any other thoughts, the Chus can expose his ident.i.ty at any time and that would be a very bad feeling indeed.

But if he can grab the position of the King of Zhao, that would be an entirely different situation.

Man will always aim high, and this is exactly Zhao Mu’s dream.

Xiang Shaolong saw his expression and knows that he has struck a chord in his heart so he added, “How would I dare to lie to Master. The warriors who came with me this time are all topnotch fighters, and there’ll be a few thousand others will enter Zhao later on the pretext of sending the animals over. As long as we can get rid of influential generals like Lian Po and Li Mu, the Kingdom of Zhao will fall into your hands easily.”

Zhao Mu replied happily, “So this is the case. Let me go back and think about how we should proceed with this plan.”

He reached out and clasped his shoulder, coming to his ear and whispered, “If I can really become the ruler of Zhao, I’ll certainly make it worthy for Mister.” Both of them exchanged looks and chortled at the same time.

Of course they are laughing for entirely different reasons.

After the returned to the grand ex-hostage residence, Teng Yi told Xiang Shaolong, “That s.lut is very interested in 3rd Brother, you’d better be careful.”

Jung Jun commented with envy, “3rd Brother can use another ident.i.ty and tryst with her a few more times, wouldn’t that be thoroughly exciting?”

Before Xiang Shaolong has a chance to speak, Teng Yi reprimanded Jing Jun unhappily, “Your head is always filled with l.u.s.tful thoughts, but doesn’t understand that l.u.s.t can impede plans. That s.lut had a close relationship with your 3rd Brother in the past and if they have a physical relation again, she’ll definitely be able to burst Xiang Shaolong’s real ident.i.ty just by gut feel. Just the scent alone won’t be able to escape her.”

Xiang Shaolong was alarmed and secretly on the alert. To tell the truth he is still quite interested in Zhao Ya’s body and won’t think of copulating with her as a undesirable task but he did not think of the possibility that Zhao Ya will be able to ‘sniff’ him out.

He said with a laugh, “Luckily I’m masquerading as a horse fanatic who only loves horses and not beauties, so it’s useless no matter how interested she is in me.”

After they discussed their plans for the next day, everyone went back to their rooms for the night.

After he went back to his room, Xiang Shaolong removed his mask and laid on the bed, his thoughts in a turmoil and unable to get to sleep.

The main reason is because of Zhao Ya.

This s.lut who has betrayed him twice obviously still has feelings for him, otherwise her memories of Xiang Shaolong would not have been ignited by a horse fanatic like him and made her interested.

An inexplicable sense of hatred welled up. Maybe it arose from her wanton behavior, or maybe it’s purely the thought of revenge. Even he cannot tell the difference.

His looks after he put on the mask is certainly not handsome, the skin tone tanned from exposure to the sun but matched with the shape of his body it does exude a certain charisma right from the inside, especially his eyes whose shape has been changed still looked very energetic and captivating.

He then thought about the pretty and courageous Ji Yanran and with all these thoughts in his mind, all the more he could not get any sleep so he might as well get up and meditate according to the Mohist principles.

In a short while his body and spirit merged and when he opened his eyes the sky is slowly brightening.

Xiang Shaolong hurriedly changed and after wearing his mask, went to the hall to meet up with Teng Yi and Wu Zhuo to leave together.

Jing Jun did not go with them because he had another task at hand.

Le Cheng sent a general called Xie Fa who led a troop of Zhao soldiers to be their guide and he was waiting for them in the main hall. After a round of civilities, everyone rode into the main street of Handan, where a new day is just beginning.

Hoof beats were heard behind them.

Everyone turned their heads around in surprise to see a team of hors.e.m.e.n coming after them and shockingly, it was Zhao Ya and 10 odd of her personal guards.

Xiang Shaolong exchanged looks with Teng and Wu but had no choice but to rein in their horses to wait.

No one expected Zhao Ya’s ‘interest’ in Xiang Shaolong to be so huge.

The smiling Zhao Ya first sent off her personal guards, which includes Zhao Da and his men, before riding forward to Xiang Shaolong and said with a beam, “Mister Dong is a guest from afar, how can you not have a companion?”

Xiang Shaolong saw that she was dressed in a tight fitting light blue horse riding wear with a short skirt and long pants and long boots, openly showing off her alluring curves. He felt a rush of feelings and was at a loss for words.

Zhao Ya rolled her eyes at him and asked, “Mister Dong does not welcome me?”

Xiang Shaolong replied slowly in his hoa.r.s.e voice, “Lady, you think too much. I’ll only be too delighted to have Lady accompany me!”

Zhao Ya sent out a tinkling peal of laughter as she urged her horse forward and said, “Then follow me!”

Xiang Shaolong sighed secretly and followed her on his horse.

They left the city via the east gate and galloped.

Looking at the wild forests changing from Spring to Summer, Xiang Shaolong was in a euphoric mood as he threw away all his troubles. At the same time he has made up his mind to do one huge job here and create chaos among the Zhaos and this time he will not hold himself back because of a soft heart.