Book 24 Chapter 12 Free Talk About The World

Several plumes of thick smoke were rising from the distant mountaintop beside the riverbank, straight into the sky.

Since last night, before dawn, the Jianghuai Army, who had been marching urgently for nearly thirty li under Du Fuweis personal command, has launched an onslaught against Shen Luns army camp. But unfortunately at the same time his dozen or so warships that were moored on the Great River by the army camp were burned down by fiery arrows. Kou Zhongs large-scale plan of ambushing Shen Luns retreating army on the river immediately came to nothing.

From his vantage point on elevated ground, he looked into the distance and saw that Shen Luns main stronghold has not yet fallen; the destroyed area were just the sentry camps on its perimeter.

The blowing wind brought the battle cry into everybodys ears. Chen Changlins pair of eyes was flashing with fierce and sharp lights; obviously he was very pleased that Shen Lun was being attacked.

Leaning over, Bu Tianzhi whispered in Kou Zhongs ear, In my opinion, Shen Lun still have the ability to guard against Du Fuwei. Therefore, although on the surface Du Fuwei seems to be gaining the upper hand, even though Shen Lun suffers some damage, his foundation has not been injured at all, so momentarily he does not need to retreat in panic. Ay! Even if he is leaving, he must leave by land route, because if he wanted to leave by the waterway, there is no boat that he could use.

Although he did not say it explicitly, he was pointing out that to ambush Shen Lun under current circumstances and current changes was practically not feasible.

Kou Zhong was feeling discouraged as well; without any better option he consoled him, Shen Lun is Old Dus well-matched adversary; quite possibly he will crumble soon.

Chen Changlin on his other side could not take his eyes from the development on the battlefield. Shaking his head, he said, Shen Lun is resourceful and brave. In terms of positive outlook and experience, although he cant compare to Du Fuwei, his military strength is even farther behind, but he is occupying the stronghold, which is favorable for defense without the advantage of offense, plus he has the opportunity to preserve and nurture his spirit. Although in the beginning he was under attack with no time to deal with it, but very soon he was able to turn the table around and stand his ground. My guess is that Shen Lun will suffer a rather heavy loss, but Du Fuwei will not reap much benefit either.

Suddenly the retreating bugle horn was sounded. Kou Zhong smiled wryly and said, Changlin Xiong is indeed able to prophesy with supernatural accuracy. Old Du is going to retreat!

Chen Changlin heaved a sigh, and said with a wry smile, Supposing Shen Lun is dispatching his troops to pursue and attack Du Fuweis retreating army, then our ambushing operation this time will have to be cancelled. But if Shen Lun cant even press on his advantage by pursuing and attacking, then we will still have a chance.

Kou Zhong praised him inwardly.

Not only Chen Changlin was a strong and courageous man with deep passion and heavy comradeship, he also knew how to separate public and private interest clearly. There was no way he would have everybody else take risks with him for his personal gratitude and grudges.

Comparing himself to Chen Changlin, Kou Zhong realized that he tend to act impetuously more than him.

Half a sichen later, Luo Qifei rushed back to give report on the latest situation on the battlefield. Shen Lun indeed sent his troops to pursue and attack the retreating Jiang Huai Army, but he was beaten back by the troops protecting the rear under Du Fuweis personal command.

Contrary to everybodys expectation, Chen Changlin was not disappointed at all. He smiled and said, Nobleman taking revenge, ten years is not too late. Shen Lun always gets whatever he wants, he has always ruled as a despot since he was young, his hometown always has fish and meat, he had never suffered any setback. This time we made him falling until his head and face filthy with grime, he had to return with his troops decrease his generals suffer loss. In the future he will still have to deal with Li Zitongs reprisal; I am very happy. Why would I have to be afraid that I wont have any more chance against them, father and son, in the future?

Kou Zhong rose up to his full height from the underbrush where he had been hiding; he said, Changlin Xiong is a hero with open-mind nature. While right now Shen Lun, Du Fuwei and Li Zitong, three sides are all too busy for anything else, this is best time to go all the way. When I get back from Lingnan, I will meet with Ling Shao, and together we are going to Guanzhong. As for our headquarters in Peng Liang and other places, I will have to trouble gentlemen!

The crowd responded in chorus; they were such in a high spirit, as if they had just defeated Shen Lun.

Chengdus great streets and small alleys were full of the vestiges of last nights festival. Fragments of paper from the firecrackers and remains of colored lanterns could be seen everywhere.

The pedestrians on the streets were sparse; compared to the vast crowd of last night, it was like a different world altogether.

It could be imagined that after having fun all night long, everybody was dragging their weary bodies home and climbing onto their beds like one that has achieved the Way [idiom: the emperor].

Along the street, nine out of ten shops did not open their door to do business. While Xu Ziling doubted in his heart whether the vegetarian emporium where Shi Feixuan was going to take him to dinner would be open for business, the beauty, who was dressed as a scholar, took him to the vegetarian shop on Orchard Lane at the west side of the city, which, beyond expectation, was just opening their main door to welcome the patrons.

It was obvious that this was not the first time Shi Feixuan visited the shop, since the shop owner personally came out to greet them, saying Qin Gongzi this and Qin Gongzi that, in a very respectful manner.

After Xu Ziling admitted that he was not a connoisseur of vegetarian dishes, Shi Feixuan promptly ordered several appetizers and personally poured him fragrant tea, making him feel overwhelmed [by favor from superior], because he had never expected that he would have the honor of sharing a table for lunch with her.

Such a big vegetarian shop, and they were the only patrons; it was quiet and comfortable.

No matter what the circumstances, Shi Feixuan was still the not-eating-the-food-of-common-mortals, indifferent-to-fame-or-gain touching character.

After a bit of small talks, Shi Feixuan gratefully said, Fortunately Xu Xiong informed me of Shi Zhixuans other identity, otherwise even now we are still unaware that Pei Ju, who singlehandedly toppled the Great Sui, is actually Shi Zhixuan, and only he can go so deep undercover, so that others are completely unable to find spiders thread and horse track [i.e. tiny hints of a secret].

Xu Ziling was still puzzled, How could he, one person, have so much destructive power? he asked.

Shi Feixuan replied, The problem is that he obtained Yang Guangs deep favor and trust, he was the person within the Sui family clan who was the most familiar with the political affairs of the Western Region; other ministers simply lacked the qualifications to offer any suggestion.

After a short pause, she continued, For example, in the seventh month of the tenth year of the great undertaking, Pei Ju, in his capacity as the You Guang Lu Daifu [Right Glorious Grand Master; honorific title during Tang to Qing times] at that time, was appointed the Hu Bei Fan Junshi [lit. proliferating military counselor protector of the north]. He immediately put forward a suggestion to Yang Guang, pointing out that Tujues Shibi Khans power is increasing by the day, so a plan to weaken them must be devised. He further proposed to give the Sui dynastys imperial clans women to be married to Shibis younger brother Chijimei, and grant him the title Nanmian Khan [lit. south side], and use him to split apart Tujues clansman who held power. In the end, Chijimei did not dare to receive either the marriage or the title; on the contrary, he revealed everything [orig. to put everything out including the tray] to Shibi. After Shibi found out, he put the blame to Yang Chenming. This was precisely the beginning of Tujue and Sui becoming enemies.

Listening to her, Xu Zilings scalp went numb; he said, Speaking about scheming, I am afraid not many people are Shi Zhixuans match. The most formidable thing was that he still appeared to be loyal to Yang Guang, and always appeared to have consideration for the Great Sui everywhere he went.

Shi Feixuan sighed and said, One scheme failed, he put forth another scheme. Pei Ju again strongly advised Yang Guang to incite the easiest Tujue man to drive a wedge between the two nations. Now the alienating the court was not concerning marriage or granting a title; rather, it was a man from the west called Shishuhuxi. If he could entice Yang Guang to behead this man, Tujue could come back to embrace the Sui palace courtyard. While he was unclear of the fact, Yang Guang agreed to his proposal. Thereupon Pei Ju used the highly profitable commercial trade as the bait, swindling Shishuhuxi to Mayi [lit. horse city/village, not sure if this is a name] to be murdered. Afterwards, he let Shibi find out. Henceforth the Tujue no longer present tribute to the Sui court.

Again she sighed before continuing, Yang Guangs successive generations emperors are the emperors who lost their familial property the fastest. Although the Great Qin also ended their reign after only two emperors, but in the beginning of their reign, the world were already seething discontent, unlike Yang Guang, who, when he succeeded the throne, was still in the flourishing period. Now it could be assumed that it was all because Pei Ju correctly analyzed Yang Guang as a man rejoicing in grandiose deeds, desiring to propagate his power abroad, having the mentality of subduing the four non-Han peoples to align their allegiance to him. After he was enticed to kill Shishuhuxi, Yang Guang still wanted to subdue the Tujue, patrolling the frontier fortress of the north. After receiving the secret information, Shibi personally led several tens of thousands elite cavalry to go down south to launch surprise attack on Yang Guangs troops, forcing Yang Guang to flee into the Yanmen [wild goose gate] to take refuge. Shibi captured thirty-nine out of Yanmen Countys forty-one cities, Yang Guang nearly lost his life. After this war, Tujue people no longer willing to acknowledge allegiance to the Sui; furthermore, they even had the intention to advance to the east. The main cause of this disaster is none other than Shi Zhixuan.

Xu Ziling said, Perhaps it was Shi Zhixuan who sent someone in secret to notify Shibi, telling him to lead his troops to invade the south. Ay! I really dont understand, by doing that with the Tujue, he was showing the wolf into the house, what benefit would it bring Shi Zhixuan?

Shi Feixuan gently said, This is precisely the bane of ideological struggle. It makes people put the national righteousness above everything else, while turning a blind eye toward the suffering of the common people. The root of this disaster came from the demonic schools supreme secret canon, the ten-volume Tianmo Ce [demonic manifesto]. The manifesto not only contains Tianmo Mi [demonic secret], Dao Xin Zhong Mo Da Fa [the heart of the Way demonic great method] and many different kinds of deep and immeasurable pinnacle studies, it also records detailed theory on the mysterious relationship between the universe and the life, believing that human nature is inherently evil, and that the destruction and darkness is the most powerful force in the universe. At the beginning it was only one kind of theory, until Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty banned many schools or thought and revered Confucianism as sole orthodoxy. Whether it was on the political arena or martial arts social circles [Wulin], all the orthodox sects seized the opportunity to pursue relentlessly and strike the demonic schools. Thereupon the outstanding disciples of demonic schools separately brought the scrolls while they were fleeing the disaster, evolving into the Two Sects Six Ways of today. Shi Zhixuans desire to unify the demonic way is precisely to bring Tianmo Ce back together again. Hatred was cultivated like that, and now, its difficult to change.

Frowning, Xu Ziling said, But that still did not explain why Shi Zhixuan wanted to lure the Tujue to enter the Central Plains?

Shi Feixuan explained, The demonic schools have already been established for a long time, all along they have gone through many changes. By the time of Emperor Wu of Han, several of the banned houses merged first; by the time Zhang Qian [c. 114 BC, Han dynasty explorer] went through the Western Regions, they also received foreign culture and religions influence, emphasizing the use of military force to eliminate dissidents. By the time of Wei [220-265 AD] and Jin [265-420 AD] dynasties, the demonic schools people were actively growing their base to the west. Both Shi Zhixuan and Zhu Yuyan have blood relationship with Hu people [barbarians]. Therefore, our national righteousness has no effect whatsoever on them.

Xu Ziling blew out a mouthful of air, long and slow, and then said, So thats what it is. If Miss Shi did not actively tell me, I am afraid for all my life I would never understand what crafty way the demonic school people are going to do next.

This moment the vegetarian dish arrived; steaming hot, emitting an aroma that was permeating the whole place, it was put on the table, smelling and looking like it would taste great.

Xu Ziling noticed that after sampling a couple of chopsticks, she put the chopsticks down, while he himself unreservedly gobbling the food with gusto. Feeling embarrassed, he asked, Is my table manners too unsightly that you lose your appetite?

Book 24 Chapter 12 - Part 2

Xiaohu, you are too easy. Ysabel, HPC, Jaya, you are welcome. Shirak, naughty, naughty So far I managed to keep my words: ignore, but looks like you guys just cant help it. All kidding aside, I feel that the word gentleman does not mean the same anymore. We can still call a criminal a gentleman, but a man of noble character is different; i.e. noble and criminal are mutually exclusive. Patudo, exactly! I am glad I am not alone. Lance, I disagree, I always think that XZL is stronger. Just as Akolaw repeatedly mentioned: KZs pursuit is not martial arts. BTW, I hope when you said commuting, you were not driving, were you? Where I live, typing while driving has become illegal.

Shi Feixuan smiled and shook her head, These vegetarian dishes have been going through many layers of refinement, the flavor is too strong, not as good as the natural taste of cucumber and Chinese cabbage; it has nothing to do with you. Just now I am taking two mouthfuls is already an exception. Furthermore, your table manners and your personality are like that, you are merely acting naturally; how could it be unsightly?

Xu Zilings old face turned slightly red; embarrassed, he said, You really know how to speak, ha! Acting naturally, isnt that an elegant way of saying wolfing down ones food?

Slightly shrugging her shoulders, Shi Feixuan helplessly said, If you are so paranoid, Feixuan cant do anything about it.

Two persons four eyes met, a wonderful feeling grew in their hearts, as if this meal of vegetarian dish has pulled the two closer, unlike previously where there was an impassable distance, or a dividing chasm between them. Naturally Xu Ziling did not have any improper thought, although in his heart he warned himself not to have such an idea. He reminded himself that it was because they had a common big enemy that their relationship grew a bit closer.

Whether it was intentional or not, Shi Feixuan averted his penetrating gaze; she looked at the street resplendent in the bright sunshine. There were more people around, but still far from the usual hustle and bustle of the city.

Remembering something, Xu Ziling asked, What is the actual reason that the Da Shi Temples monks slipped away that not a single one remains?

Shi Feixuan broke into a giggle and said, They are not slipping away; they are just staying temporarily at the neighboring monastery. That big pile of broken mud and shattered stones of last night, some people might have already come and swept them away even today.

Xu Ziling could only stare blankly at her rare display of charming demeanor. Tongue-tied, he said, In that case, they must be utterly broken-hearted because the Luohan statues were destroyed.

As if nothing had happened, Shi Feixuan said, All mortal matters have the beginning and the end, those who entered the gate of emptiness ought to have penetrating view on this. If they cannot see death from life, see rebirth from destruction, then they do not have the qualifications to speak about Buddhism; why should we worry about it?

Revealing a thoughtful look, Xu Zilings tiger-eyes flashed with deep, unfathomable brilliant rays of wisdom. Nodding his head, he said, Miss remark provides food for thought. Last night Hou Xiong told Xiaodi that the monks of the temple flee their monastery to avoid a formidable figure of the demonic school. I wonder a divine character of which side would this person be?

Shi Feixuan replied, It was only after entering Sichuan that I learned from Chuan Bangs Bangzhu Fan Zhuo about this matter. This person ranks among the Eight Major Martial Art Masters of the Demonic Way, has always been extraordinarily low-key, his conducts secretive, and is the mortal enemy of the previous generation Zhuchi Da De shengseng [senior/holy monk Great Virtue]. Recently, it was unclear whether it was because he enjoyed great success in his demonic skill, he rushed back from the Western Region to challenge Da De; who would have thought that Da De had just passed away ten days earlier and had been cremated? Unexpectedly he vented his resentment on the disciples who do not know martial art, saying that if anybody stays in the temple, he will kill all living persons within ten li radius. In order to avoid calamity to the innocent villagers in the vicinity, the monks had no choice but to abandon the temple.

Furious, Xu Ziling said, This man is too insolent and overbearing! How could Bashus Wulin sit and watch, but remain indifferent?

Shi Feixuan sighed and said, Its not that they are indifferent, but its difficult to interfere. Nobody is able to find and eliminate him, hence nobody can do anything about it. Oh! Perhaps Xu Xiong could lend me a hand.

It was only then did Xu Ziling realize that he had walked straight into her trap. Previously he had just stated that he was not any hero who would save the world and be of help of common people. And now that he had righteous indignation filling his breast, it appeared that he was swearing that he would uphold righteousness. The contradiction in his heart was maddening. Smiling bitterly, he said, You seem to be unwilling to let me off. If Miss Shi is willing to personally make your move, you would be able to catch any vicious, demonic people.

A bit skeptical, Shi Feixuan said, Since this person can be ranked among the Eight Major Martial Art Masters of the Demonic Way, how could it be that easy to take care of him? Were it not for him suffering defeat under the Heavenly Saber Song Ques hands and thus fleeing to the Western Regions, I dont know how many more people in the Central Plains would be mutilated by him. This time he dared to return in a swirl of dust [idiom: to make a comeback], naturally he has enough confidence that he would surpass Song Que.

Xu Ziling asked in heavy voice, Is this person the Mo Shi [demonic master] Zhao Deyan?

Slightly startled, Shi Feixuan said, You also knew that Zhao Deyan is a martial art master of the demonic school. But this person is not Zhao Deyan at all; rather, he is the Tian Jun [heavenly lord] Xi Ying. It was because of this character Tian [sky/heaven] that he violated Song Ques taboo, and thus was chased by him for a thousand li, and nearly lost his life. It was probably a case of an evil man grinding an evil man!

Xu Ziling blurted out laughing. Looking at it this way, Song Que ought to be more overbearing than Xi Ying, he said.

Shi Feixuan smiled and said, Song Que is the older generations most famous handsome man in Wulin; he has always been arrogant, proud, considered everyone else beneath him, but he had never presumptuously killed the innocents. He is seductive in outward appearance, but burning hot in the inside. Moreover, he has enormous intimidating power toward the demonic schools; even Zhu Yuyan, Shi Zhixuan, and the likes would not easily provoke him. Were it not for his not-so-good predestined affinity, his reputation could not be below Ning Daoqis. Since his debut, Song Que has never been utterly defeated. Just by looking at how in the last twenty years no one dared to challenge him, we could infer his weight in Jianghu.

Xu Ziling nodded and said, No wonder you think so highly of Song Shidao; turned out his background is that strong.

He was eating and talking at the same time, like a rolling wind destroying the clouds he single-handedly swept away all the vegetarian dishes on the table. Shi Feixuan happily topped off his teacup; she said, Feixuan still have something Id like to ask you, but its a bit difficult to say.

Xu Ziling asked in surprise, Do you want me to persuade Kou Zhong to wash his hands over the golden tray, and from now on retreat to the mountain?

Stifling her laughter, Shi Feixuan said, That ought to be the biggest barrier between us. But what I would like to say is not directly related to that; rather, Id like to offer an advice. If you heed this advice, you wont miss anything.

Xu Ziling groaned inwardly, Here we go again, but remaining indifferent, he said, Right now, even if Xiaodi tell Miss that I do not wish to listen, Miss would still speak bluntly; am I right?

Shi Feixuan sighed and said, Cant you not be so defensive? Feixuan only wish that the two of you would dispel your idea of entering Guanzhong to fetch the treasure. I dont know how, but for some reason Li Shimin received the intelligence that very soon you are going to enter the pass. That is his territory. The Heavenly Policy Mansion has martial art masters as numerous as the clouds. If they ever discover your whereabouts, you can forget about leaving with your life intact. And it would be very difficult for Feixuan to intervene.

Xu Ziling laughed calmly and said, Thank you very much for Miss concerns. But toward life and death, Kou Zhong and I have never cared too much.

Shi Feixuan calmly said, Since thats the case, Feixuan wont say anything anymore.

The originally harmonious atmosphere immediately vanished like scattering clouds, dispersing smoke.

Shi Feixuan spoke softly, Miss Qingxuan currently stays at the Duzun Bao; would you let Feixuan keep you company for a while?

How could Xu Ziling have the heart to firmly decline her softly spoken request? He had no choice but to agree.

Inwardly he thought that after seeing Shi Qingxuan, he would leave Sichuan immediately, and would not linger any longer.

The first month [of the lunar year] Lichun [the Beginning of Spring, 1st of the 24 solar terms] Yushui [Rain Water, 2nd solar term] festival, the second month Jingzhe [Insects Awake, 3rd solar term] Chunfen [Spring Equinox, 4th solar term] first; the third month Qingming [Pure Brightness, Tomb Sweeping Day, 5th solar term] Guyu [Grain Rain, 6th solar term] arrives, the fourth month Lixia [Start of Summer, 7th solar term] and Xiaoman [Lesser Full Grain, 8th solar term].

The eleventh month Daxue [Great Snow, 21st solar term] and Dongzhi [Winter Solstice, 22nd solar term] Festival, the twelfth month Xiaohan [Lesser Cold, 23rd solar term] and Dahan [Great Cold, 24th solar term]; to the twelfth month the singing ends, the last year gone, the New Year comes.

The melodious singing voice came from a fishing boat flitting pass; listening to it Kou Zhong was radiant with delight. Turning to Bu Tianzhi standing next to him, he said, No wonder people always say that we need to snatch a moment of leisure in the midst of busyness. In the past few days, even though I heard someone singing, I rarely paid attention to the lyrics of the song, but now I listened without missing a word. It can clearly be seen that the heart could select and filter what the person hears and sees to fulfill his desire.

It was originally a battleship, which, by removing all the battle equipment it carried, was transformed in a single shake to become a merchant ship traveling along the Great River.

Bu Tianzhi spoke in low voice, Could it be that Shao Shuai still cannot forget your love toward the Song Familys lady?

Kou Zhong had never expected that he would ask such a direct question like that; his old face turning red, he cleared his throat and replied, That is more or less one of the motivations behind this trip, but it is definitely not the only reason. Ha! Did you see those seabirds flying in such a neat formation? Hey! Is it near the ocean already?

Bu Tianzhi took a deep breath and said, I do smell the ocean. If we have tail wind, the day after tomorrow we ought to go ashore, and then after rushing for one more day, we could reach the Song Family.

Kou Zhong said, After going ashore, I might continue the journey alone, Zhi Shu need not wait for me. With Zhi Shu in Liangdou taking care of our headquarters, I will feel a bit more at ease.

Bu Tianzhi knew he could not defy him, without any better option he simply agreed.

Kou Zhong asked, Other than the Song Family, is there any local power in Lingnan?

Bu Tianzhi replied, Locally, other than the Song Family, there are three influential people, which are Panyu Countys Wang Zhongxuan, Longshui Countys Chen Zhifu, and Shian Countys Ouyang Qian. They are not chief of any gang or society, just the head of large and influential family for generations.

Staring blankly, Kou Zhong said, Ouyang Qian is a woman?

Bu Tianzhi laughed and said, She is a young and pretty, beautiful woman; a daughter who undertakes her fathers line of business. Within the Lingnan Wulin, her colorful name is rather outstanding, her hands really have real skill, I hear that she is not one to be trifled with.

Kou Zhong sighed and said, Our country indeed occupies a vast territory; if I did not travel so far down to the southern border, I am afraid for the rest of my life I would not know that there is such woman not to be trifled with. To govern the whole country is really not easy.

Bu Tianzhi said, If Song Que is willing to stand on Shao Shuais side, as long as he is willing to nod his head, I guarantee that all southern imperial leaders would surrender and pay their allegiance to Shao Shuai.

Delighted, Kou Zhong said, That is the reason I wanted to pay a visit to Song Que.

Smiling wryly, Bu Tianzhi said, The problem is that Song Que is a man who loves martial art above everything else. As luck would have it, Shao Shuai, your reputation as saber expert is also spread all over the world. You are dropping in just like this, the situation is highly unoptimistic.

Shocked, Kou Zhong said, I am not dropping in to challenge him; he, the Senior, cant possibly use this style to receive me as his guest! Besides, I always have a good relationship with the Song Family.

Bu Tianzhi sighed and said, In Jianghu, Song Que is well-known as one who is not amenable to reason, someone who is difficult to get along with; moreover, he is not someone who would buy anybody elses account. We are reaching the ocean! Would Shao Shuai like to go to the left, or do you want to go to the right?

To the left was turning back into the East China Sea.

To the right was the direction to Lingnan.

In the end Bu Tianzhi could not help speaking out the burden in his heart, hoping that Kou Zhong would be willing to change his mind.

The Great River continuously widening up. A flock of water birds flew in V-formation over the ships bow. The wind and the waves clearly grew in intensity.

Kou Zhong had his gaze fixed on the junction between the ocean and the river ahead. Suddenly he reached out to grab Bu Tianzhis shoulder, and said with a wry smile, Nobody knew me better than Zhi Shu. If I do not go to Lingnan, even if I die in battle in the future, I will not close my eyes contentedly.

What else could Bu Tianzhi say?

Without any better option, he issued his order, instructing the ship, under full sail, to turn to the south, to sail speedily into the vast, boundless ocean.