EMPEROR OF ZHONG YUAN

Chapter 14 Old Friends and New enemies

Morning had come, and with it came a rush of energy and excitement for the Double Third Festival. As early as the hour of the ox, the women of various households had risen to prepare for the ceremonial sacrifice to take place by Su Ju River that cut across Suzhou district. After this, the women would later take a communal bath in the river to cleanse themselves of bodily filth and spiritual evil omens. Although Gao Hunnian was a practical woman and rarely believed in the such fairytales, she was different this time and enthusiastically took part in all the ceremonies and rituals. Ever since she got Ling Wei Qian’s fortune read, Gao Hunnian had been haunted by the possibility that her daughter would become a political pawn and later be discarded without justice served to her name. Many women had been through that road, and their ending was always the same. No woman had ended up on a high position and not suffered because of it. An example which Gao Hunnian knew by heart was the formerly Commandery Princess Ning An. Commandery Princess Ning An, personal name Ci Yue Ming, was the first legitimate daughter but second young lady of the then Agriculture Minister Ci’s Residence. As it would be her fate, she became the last disciple of the Head Nun Xu of Roshan Temple in Rong’an Province, who happened to be Grand Empress Dowager Han’s martial sister and dearest confidant. When Head Nun Xu mentioned Yue Ming to Grand Empress Dowager Han who was observing her yearly prayer sessions in the temple, Grand Empress Dowager Han took a great liking to Yue Ming and from then on would call her to the Imperial Palace to mingle with the royals. This went on for months and eventually Ci Yue Ming was acquainted with the royal family. Ci Yue Ming was daring, brave and witty, and this eventually earned her the title of Princess of the Third Rank (Commandery Princess) Ning An after she ranked second in the Tournament of Titles. Ouyang Ying ranked first and became Crown Princess because of this same tournament. It was also because of the same tournament that Northern Qi’s Young Khan (Grassland’s Crown Prince) became interested in Yue Ming to be his principal wife. Ci Yue Ming had by that time won the heart and affections of Crown Prince Feng Ju and Fourth Prince Feng Xie Yun. Fourth Prince Feng Xie Yun was born of Minister Jiang’s blood sister Imperial Concubine Jiang and His Majesty, but unfortunately his mother died at childbirth and he was raised by Empress Yin. Feng Ju and Fourth Prince Feng Xie Yun were raised as brothers and they loved each other and protected each other. With both of them having affections for Ci Yue Ming, Fourth Prince committed suicide by burning himself in his own room, just so his brother wouldn’t be forced to give up his love. But sadly, Ci Yue Ming was found with Northern Qi’s Young Khan in a room unsupervised and she had no choice but to marry into Northern Qi. Despite having aided in quelling Third Prince’s rebellion, it was not enough to make her Crown Princess but instead given to Northern Qi in exchange for peace. In the end, this was all a ploy made by Northern Qi’s ambitious Great Khan (Grassland’s King) in order to lower Great Jin’s guard and create space for them to build an army and invade Shanggu Pass guarded by Black Tortoise General. When Ci Yue Ming heard of this, she together with her brother-in-law Prince General went and fought with the army in Toshan town where they died a hero’s death.Gao Hunnian knew better than to want such for her daughter. When the Taoist from Mount Dajing had told Gao Hunnian that Ling Wei Qian was the embodiment of the Star of the Dragon as she would born in the year (13th Year of Anning), month (Fifth month of the lunar year) and hour of the dragon (7-9am), and would rise to the top of the world, Gao Hunnian nearly fell due to fear and anxiety. Years later following the incident with Toshan town in the 27th year of Anning, Gao Hunnian’s fears sprang to life. Ci Yue Ming who was rumored to have the Star of the Dragon ended up that way because of her entanglement with the royal family, what about her daughter Wei Qian? Would she suffer a similar, cruel fate? As all this replayed in Gao Hunnian’s thoughts, Concubine Shang entered the Ancestral Hall, bringing First Madam Gao back to reality. “Madam, someone wants to see you.” First Madam Gao kowtowed to the ancestors of the Ling family before she stood and gracefully approached Concubine Shang, “Concubine Shang, why do you need to be this way? You are a family member, not a servant. There are people all over the residence who could have called me. Why did it have to be you? Unless, our guests mistook you for a servant? Then, there’s nothing that can be done.” First Madam Gao spoke with pretentious politeness, malice laced in her words. Concubine Shang laughed, more so to hide her own bitterness, and said with an unpleasantly sweet voice, “Not at all as you think, First Madam Gao. Our guests are acquainted with me, naturally I took the pleasure of coming for you so you can also be acquainted with them. Your care is not in vain. This humble concubine thanks First Madam for her concern. If Master knew you were working this hard to take care of the family, even with Second Madam in his arms, he will surely feel gratitude to you.” First Madam Gao’s hands clenched into tight fits as she stared at Concubine Shang in anger and vileness, before regaining composure and walking out. For First Madam Gao to give Concubine Shang the last word, naturally Concubine Shang felt victorious and in the clouds. With a wide, arrogant smile plastered on her face, Concubine Shang sashayed as she followed First Madam Gao to the meeting hall. Upon entering, First Madam Gao found an extravagantly dressed young lady, around Concubine Shang’s age, and her maid who was slightly younger and adorned in a teal-colored dress. It was Provincial Governor Liu’s third but favored concubine, Lady Gu. Provincial Governor Liu’s residence had no madam but three concubines who all vied for the position. All the concubines had sons, however First Concubine Shi had three sons, Second Concubine Cheng had two sons and Third Concubine Gu had only one child, Liu Cheng Feng.Having heard from her son that the Third Master of the Wang family of Quling had bought all the purple orchids and sent them to the Ling residence, Third Concubine Gu saw an opportunity to outperform her competition by reaching out and befriending the First Madam of the Ling family who was acknowledged by the Lord of Ji. This piece of news had been spread from the servants of the Sang residence to the entire Suzhou, making First Madam Gao a very sought-after person. Gao Hunnian held a slight understanding to the situation so she was not surprised to see Third Concubine Gu here, after all Third Concubine Gu was from the noble merchant Gu family of Yang province and was naturally a person who sought interests and profits. Thus, when Concubine Shang said that they were acquainted, she meant that their fathers had once done business with each other and introduced their families to one another. That was the only time Concubine Shang and Third Concubine Gu had interacted. If it were about Madam Shang and Third Concubine Gu, being married to opposing sides did diminished their earlier formed friendship. Third Concubine Gu immediately stood at the sight of First Madam Gao and greeted with a curtsy, “Greetings First Madam.” First Madam Gao curtsied as well and took a seat at the head of the room before she spoke, “Third Concubine Gu, what an honor it is to have someone from the Governor’s residence visit us. We have been busy and could not pay a courteous visit to the Provincial Governor. I hope you don’t blame us.” Of course, being busy helping Commandant Sang get on the good side of the Lord of Ji, Third Concubine Gu thought with a huff. Although it was rarely acknowledged, the Liu and the Sang residence were constantly clashing with each other. From the matters of Suzhou’s military and economic system, to the shops and businesses, even to the family members. Both sides could not be assumed to be on good terms with each other, but since it never heavily affected Suzhou’s administrative system, this feud was never a topic of discussion. This, however, did not entirely keep things peaceful between the members of the two families. Third Concubine Gu answered with a smile filled with falsehood, “That is highly unlikely to happen, First Madam. You need not worry. You just said that you were busy, may I ask what First Madam was busy with?” First Madam Gao could feel the Third Concubine’s displeasure and insinuation, and nearly smiled at the pathetic show. “The underground power struggle between the Sang and Liu family was not just a rumor, it seems.” First Madam Gao resolved. First Madam Gao turned to Concubine Shang and said, “Concubine Shang, why did you not inform Third Concubine Gu that we would dine with her and her son today as compensation for not visiting them first? You had mentioned before that you and Third Concubine Gu are acquainted and that she would be happy with receiving an invitation from us to dine in Liu’s Delicious Foods and Desserts Restaurant as we would also be additionally giving them business. What is your intention by not doing this? Are you disobeying my authority as Madam of the Ling family?” Concubine Shang was speechless if not flabbergasted by First Madam Gao’s confidence in the outrageous accusations and lies she was saying in front of the guest. Not only had First Madam Gao used Concubine Shang’s own words against her, but also added falsehood and made her look bad in front of an old acquaintance. First Madam Gao spoke, this time a bit harsher, “Concubine Shang, is this how you decide to treat me in front of an old acquaintance who you had forgotten about all this time until today? You don’t even dare show me respect by kneeling and asking for forgiveness? This is taking it too far. Third Concubine Gu, I apologize for Concubine Shang’s behavior that day and today. Sadly, our family’s problems have been aired out in front of you. I hope you can keep this a secret from outsiders.” Third Concubine Gu, also astonished by all that had been said, replied hastily, “Don’t worry, what is not my business will not be spoken outside of your residence.” Third Concubine Gu turned to Concubine Shang, “Concubine Shang, for the matters mentioned today I will not dwell on, but for you to disrespect your superior and madam in the presence of an important guest, it is very disappointing. In the future, please fix you behavior for the sake of a harmonious household.” Concubine Shang looked between Third Concubine Gu and First Madam Gao and huffed in enragement before stomping out of the hall. First Madam Gao spoke clearly so the leaving Concubine Shang could hear, “Nanny Lan, pass on my order. Concubine Shang was disrespectful and uncourteous, according to the rules of the Ling family she should be grounded in her room and not allowed to leave or eat anything for the rest of the day. Make sure this order is exercised immediately.” Nanny Lan answered with a simple, “Yes.”, and went ahead to make arrangements. With that, First Madam Gao turned to Third Concubine Gu and said, “I apologize to Third Madam, sorry I meant Third Concubine Gu for the ruckus and disorderliness of my household. I nearly called you madam and almost made a mistake with your status. For that I really apologize. You see, Third Concubine Gu, you are full of poise and grace, you deserve to be called Madam. Sadly, there seems to be nothing I can do to repay you for keeping this secret of mine.” Third Concubine Gu, pleased with the way First Madam Gao spoke, answered excitedly, “There is.” First Madam Gao looked at her with innocent and calm surprise, making Third Concubine Gu to calm herself and speak more politely, “First Madam Gao, what do you mean? Which household doesn’t have their own problems and struggles? You need not be so closed off with me, we are friends now. Friends always help their friends.” First Madam Gao asked, “Oh. Is there something I can do for you as your friend, Third Concubine Gu?” Third Concubine Gu smiled, and as she gestured her maid to pass on the invitation to First Madam Gao, she said, “There is something you can do for me, First Madam. I am here to pass you this invitation personally. It is to invite you to an Orchid Appreciation Gathering in the Governor Liu’s Residence later this afternoon. I came early so as to confirm your attendance.”An Orchid Appreciation Gathering was commonly held during spring as it was the season’s flower, and it constituted madams and concubines (married women) from different households bringing orchids to showcase during the gathering. Although it was held in the Governor Liu’s residence, those invited would end up receiving three invitations of distinct design from the three concubines and only one invitation was allowed at the entrance. In short, it was a way for the concubines to rally their support among the womenfolk of Suzhou district. Since the Ling family was close with the Sang family, First and Second Concubine had not thought of sending an invitation for obvious reasons. Only Third Concubine Gu was daring enough to invite both Madam Ling (First Madam Gao) and Madam Sang (Madam Shang) to the gathering. First Madam Gao liked this kind of ambition-driven personality and said with a smile, “Since Third Concubine Gu has honored me with this invitation, I will definitely attend. You need not worry.” Third Concubine Gu gave a wide, pearly smile before she stood, prompting First Madam Gao to stand as well, “Well, since my business here is done, I best be on my way so I don’t disturb your matters anymore.” First Madam Gao said, “Alright. About my invite to Liu’s Delicious Foods And Desserts, I will extend it to you another day.” Third Concubine Gu spoke kindly, “I will be looking forward to it. No need to see me off, we shall part here. See you soon.” First Madam Gao curtsied, “See you soon.” Third Concubine Gu left with a wide smile and a certain gladness in her eyes, as she remembered the words of her greatest backing in Suzhou who happened to be Madam Shang, “Make sure to invite First Madam Gao while your son invites the Ling’s young masters to Mu So Restaurant to watch theatre acts. Should things go as planned, I will reward you handsomely.” Third Concubine Gu was obviously overjoyed with having such a pie fall out of the sky and onto her lap. It was a win-win situation for her, the most desired consequence, she couldn’t be more overjoyed. First Madam Gao sighed as she returned to her seat, only for a guard to come in and bow solemnly, “Madam.” First Madam Gao asked tiredly, “What is it?” The guard answered, “Young Master Wang has been waiting to meet you in the side hall. As you were with Third Concubine Gu, I asked him to wait there until you were informed.” This information sparked a memory that First Madam Gao had nearly forgotten. Wei Qian’s words to her regarding Young Master Wang, Mother there’s something you don’t know. Young Master Wang, that man, is a farsighted man. When I spoke to him at the Sang residence, I realized he has intention of starting his own business. He is a business man, sly and seeking profits. I was sure that he would buy all of them, send them here under the guise of a gift, then claim that we of the Ling family owe him a lot. That way, he can start a business in Bingzhou with our help. “Seeing as he has come, it must be about that matter. Just as Wei Qian had predicted, as expected of my daughter.” First Madam Gao said with a low voice before addressing the guard, “Alright. Let him in.” The guard bowed and left, and a few minutes later Young Master Wang entered dressed in fashionable silk of sunset color which seemed to make him more approachable and socially inviting. First Madam Gao smiled politely as Wang Yan paid his respects, “Greetings, First Madam.” First Madam Gao answered, gesturing to the empty chair that Third Concubine Gu had previously occupied, “Young Master Wang, please have a seat.” Wang Yan nodded and sat down as First Madam Gao went straight to business, “Young Master Wang, yesterday we received a generous number of purple orchids under your name. This was incredibly kindhearted of you, at such a young age, to give such concern for my family and their wellbeing. I had previously planned to visit you and talk to you about this matter, but since you have come I assume it has to do with this matter as well?” Wang Yan nodded, “It does, First Madam. Originally, I had sent these purple orchids in order to create a sort of cordial and friendly connection with the Ling family. However, after much thought, in respect to my ambition, I decided to come here and have a word with First Madam.” First Madam Gao, “I appreciate your candid nature and honesty, Young Master Wang. Please tell me in detail what your ambition is and how the Ling family can help.”Wang Yan went ahead to explain, “If I am allowed to speak candidly, my ambition is to become a business owner. My passions lie with accounting and management, and so I would like to start my own business that holds no connection to the Wang family or the Sang family. Upon studying the situation in the business world recently, I have noted that the Gu family’s clothing and make-up business is not doing well and will soon face decline if they fail to do a rebound. This happens to be the Shang empire’s weakness as well. Due to the various short-term trends in women fashion that is circulating in Great Jin, it is hard for these empires to keep up and they eventually fail.” With a skeptical look, First Madam Gao asked, “You think you can succeed where they have failed?” Wang Yan replied confidently, “Yes, I do. I know I may sound ignorant and inexperienced but I don’t believe I am either. I have helped the Sang’s family business’ grow tremendously and I have faith that I will do the same for my own business. The clothing and make-up business is not easy, that I understand, but I am confident in my skill and understanding of business. That is why I need First Master Ling to aid me.” First Madam Gao was surprised at the mention of her son. “They think so similarly.” First Madam Gao thought, referring to Wang Yan and Wei Qian. First Madam Gao paused for a moment and spoke, “This matter cannot be decided by me alone. As of this moment, Ding Xu is taking care of the Shang business for his little brother, Seventh Young Master. When Seventh Young Master grows up, naturally Ding Xu will leave and begin his career as an official. When that time comes, what will have happened to you, Young Master Wang?” Wang Yan thought about it and spoke, “I understand you don’t want me to be stranded because of momentary weakness and confusion of mind, but I can assure you this will in no way reflect negatively on the First Master. I will indeed ask for his mentorship, then when I am ready I will take my own path and no longer be involved with First Master. That way my matters won’t affect his prospects.”First Madam Gao considered this and indeed saw no point in holding back the young master. “Young Master Wang, you are farsighted and ambitious. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is not really the point, what carries weight is what the future holds for you. I have thought about it. If you are willing, you can sever ties with the Sang family, and leave with a caravan sending the purple orchids you sent us as well as other significant things to the Shang family in Xi province. Ding Wei will be escorting another caravan to the Gao residence in Shang province so it is inconvenient for him to go. This could pose as an opportunity for you, Young Master Wang. Please think…” Wang Yan immediately interrupted, falling to his knees in gratitude and happiness, “I have already thought about it. Thank you, First Madam, for your kindness.” Taken aback but still pleased, First Madam Gao said, “Alright. You may come here early tomorrow morning. Tardiness will not be accepted, let alone tolerated, so do not disappoint me, Young Master Wang.” Wang Yan rose to stand and said firmly, “Don’t worry, First Madam Gao. No matter what, I will be here early tomorrow morning.”Concubine Shang sat in her room with her aide Nanny Qi as the guards stood watch outside her room. She whispered to Nanny Qi, “Is everything ready?” Nanny Qi answered with a menacing smile, “Everything is going according to Madam Shang’s plan. No need to worry.” Concubine Shang scoffed, “That old woman surnamed Gao really thinks too highly of herself. As if grounding me will do her any good. Once sister helps me with dealing with Wei Xin that stubborn girl, then my next target will definitely be that old woman.” Nanny Qi became worried and whispered, “What if something goes wrong? What should we do when we are discovered?” Concubine Shang gave Nanny Qi a threatening stare, “Why should anything go wrong when sister has taken care of everything? Besides, isn’t Wei Xin already sick?” Nanny Qi answered, “Yes, but Young Lady Qian is also sick. Could it be that someone switched the plates and Young Lady Xin found out and played us for a fool?” Concubine Shang pondered about this for a moment and said in realization, “That is weird. Why are both of them sick, and apparently with similar symptoms? When I asked the physician to fake a diagnosis, I didn’t ask him to fake Wei Qian’s diagnosis as well. Then how can the two have the same symptoms? Unless…” Concubine Shang paused and Nanny Qi filled the blank, “Mistress, I think we need to check on Young Lady Xin.” Concubine Shang wore an unreadable expression and answered, “Not yet. First, we need to wait for the one surnamed Gao to leave and the Qian girl to be called out for the festivity fun. Then we can interrogate that stupid and annoying brat of a girl, Wei Xin. If she is indeed trying to fool me, then she better not blame me for being ruthless.”It was already midday, the sun perched at the highest point and shining brightly throughout the land. Although Suzhou was small on the geographical map, it wasn’t really small when you are travelling on land. Gaoshang Yi rode a brown stallion he had just bought with his last taels, forcing it to go faster and faster, but it seemed he wasn’t going fast enough. Why was he doing this? He was seriously injured, both old and new injuries hurt him badly, yet he couldn’t tolerate the thought of not meeting Ling Wei Qian tonight. “I can’t die yet.” He thought with stubborn faith. “I can’t die without seeing her again.” And with such steadfast conviction, Gaoshang Yi journeyed onwards towards Suzhou, while using only off the record, unofficial roads. As he rode on, he realized that further 100 kilometers ahead were a group of people waiting on the pathway. They did not seem like patrolling guards, rather they seemed to be from the martial arts world. And they were waiting for him. When they were a few meters away, Gaoshang Yi stopped, his horse neighing loudly at the uncomfortable reins tightening around his muzzle. When the horse had calmed, Gaoshang Yi turned to his audience. Majority seemed to be veterans of the martial arts world, likely Lyu Xian’s friends who Hou Sheng Chen had warned him to stay clear from. But how did they find him? Was it the mask? “Who are you people? Why are you standing in my way?” Gaoshang Yi asked, deepening his voice to sound intimidating and intolerant. One by one they introduced themselves: Zhan Chuduo of Yu Guan city (a martial arts city in Lizhou Province, Great Duan), Hu Cang Hou of Ghostly Netherworld sect, Chang Gu Dao of Sky Brocade sect and finally Mu Mang of the Cloud Weaving Sect. Three out four of these people, Gaoshang Yi had read and learnt about them. Sky Brocade sect and Ghostly Netherworld Sect were famous for following San Cai Sword Sect, and Cloud Weaving Sect was Lyu Xian’s father’s sect where he was born and raised before venturing to the martial world; so, they all have a connection with Lyu Xian. Moreover, they were indeed well-known figures in the martial world; however, this Zhan Chuduo was proving rather difficult for Gaoshang Yi to figure out. He looked like a middle-aged man, and was calm and rather broody compared to the boorish and trouble-seeking martial artists. He wore gloves woven with iron threads and a cape that was harder than a shield but flamboyant and airborne like other normal capes. Gaoshang Yi had heard of Yu Guan city but never in actuality met anybody from there. This was indeed a new experience. “Now that you know who we are, may we ask who you are?” Mu Mang asked rather dismissively, and the other two seemed to follow his lead. Gaoshang Yi answered arrogantly, “I am the one you are looking for, what is the need for the cat and mouse play? Let’s fight if you want to fight!” Zhan Chuduo tutted, looking at Gaoshang Yi with an unchanging, demeaning look, “Listen here kid, one of my Sect’s abilities is to study someone’s breathing technique. You are in terrible shape, kid. Your internal force is chaotic and your lungs are exhausted. If you insist on fighting in your condition, you will die a terrible death. I promise to grant you a quick death, if you offer your neck to me without causing trouble.” Gaoshang Yi stared at Zhan Chuduo with a hard expression and his mouth in a firm line, annoyed that indeed he was right. As the Medicine King’s student, Gaoshang Yi knew best his condition. Although Hou Sheng Chen had extended his limit by a few days with the pills, should Gaoshang Yi fight at this critical moment, then he would surely die. “I can’t die. I mustn’t die. Not before I see her again.” Gaoshang Yi thought in his mind, repeating these words like a mantra to which his life depended on. And to some extent it did. “Hero Zhan, you are impressive.” Gaoshang Yi said, his tone hard. The others shared looks amongst themselves, surprised by this. Not only did Hero Zhan revealed the masked lad’s weaknesses, but also looked down upon them for being unable to make the boy submit. What a slap across the face! “Hey, Hero Zhan. What do you mean? Are you saying that only you can get to avenge Lethal Sword Master? Who are you anyway? In the martial world, people of Yu Guan city rarely appear without reason, hence few people can actually identify them, let alone hear about them. You are here all the way from Duan, entering enemy territory in times of war. Do you think we are stupid and we would believe you blindly?” Chang Gu Dao spat, his temper rising with each word said. With his words, Chang Gu Dao opened the minds of his fellow martial artists which gave way for Gaoshang Yi to think of something.“Indeed, what Hero Chang said is right. Hero Zhan, are you really from Yu Guan city? If so, we can only blame you for the atrocities your kingdom has done. Killing White Tiger General and the Li Liang Army alongside millions of innocent people. All these are attributed to your kingdom. My father was in the Li Liang Army and he passed away because of this matter. When I heard that Lyu Xian had colluded with the enemy to kill Li Liang Army, of course I had to avenge. Heroes, allow me to ask you; was I wrong in performing my filial duty and avenging my father? At that time, I was travelling the martial arts world and couldn’t join the army with my father. Now, I can no longer fulfil my intention of going home and reliving my father of burdensome duties. I am guilty and pitiful, and I accept my faults. Now that you heroes know of everything, please allow me to go my way. My fiancé who my father has arranged for me before his death is waiting for me.” Gaoshang Yi’s words seemed to have moved the heroes and they seemed to be hesitant in taking action. Suddenly, Hero Zhan burst into laughter, causing everyone to look at him with suspicion and discomfort. “Young lad, you are really eloquent and sly. However, today I must kill you.” Hero Zhan released some silver needles coated in poison towards Gaoshang Yi who used his martial abilities to manipulate the air and avoid the needles. When none of the needles hurt Gaoshang Yi, Zhan Chuduo rushed forward with his palm outstretched towards Gaoshang Yi.The young Lord sat calmly in his travelling carriage, no longer wearing his extravagant and well-crafted mask, sipping on his high-quality tea and enjoying its taste and fragrance when A’Yan asked from outside where she was controlling the horses, “My Lord, why is Zhan Chuduo involved? What is his relation with Lyu Xian that he would come all this way just to stop Young Master Gaoshang and avenge Lyu Xian?” The young Lord smiled as he put down his empty tea cup, “Relation? Avenge? None of these things are his concern.” A’Yan was startled, “Huh? My Lord, what do you mean?” The young Lord exhaled a deep breath, and his eyes closed as he spoke, “This Zhan Chuduo is not the real Zhan Chuduo. A few weeks ago, the Imperial Court of Duan took charge of Yu Guan city and all its affairs in the martial world. Zhan Chuduo who was the right hand of the City Lord of Yu Guan was executed for resisting this change alongside the City Lord of Yu Guan and his nephew Zhan Hei took over. One of the specialties of Yu Guan city is information collecting, so when Zhan Hei came to Jin disguised as a travelling merchant, he realized that the martial world in Jin did not have much information on Yu Guan city. So, he sent his subordinate who is skilled in hidden weapons and asked him to find a chance to pose as Zhan Chuduo. That’s how the situation is.” The young Lord finished with a smirk, calmly resting with his posture upright and his eyes closed. A'Yan pouted, “But My Lord, why did he come here, not to mention make this sort-of arrangement?” The young Lord only answered cryptically, “Seeking interests.” Gaoshang Yi immediately dodged Zhan Chuduo’s incoming palm strike by dismounting from the horse and jumping backwards, but Zhan Chuduo was not giving up. He unleashed consecutive palm moves to which Gaoshang Yi avoided narrowly, but even by having not been struck so far, Gaoshang Yi was using too much of his internal force which caused his health to deteriorate and his moves to slow down. Zhan Chuduo noticed this and inflicted harsher moves, including his legs and arms which wasn’t what he was doing previously, and this worried Gaoshang Yi. Gaoshang Yi did not draw his sword, not because he was hesitant about killing, but he was hesitant about being discovered. Gaoshang Yi only knew San Cai Sword Sect sword moves and Gaoshang Army sword moves, and should he use any of this moves the other martial artists would be suspicious of his story and realize he is lying. Already, the martial artists were hesitant and weary, and it would only take one move for everything to go wrong and for Gaoshang Yi to end up on the wrong side of the stick. So, Gaoshang Yi could only play defensive and dodge Zhan Chuduo’s attacks. Without warning, Zhan Chuduo unleashed another set of poisonous needles. However, this was poorly timed as Gaoshang Yi was standing in front of the martial veterans, so, when Gaoshang Yi avoided the needles some of them flew towards the martial veterans. Mu Mang and Hu Cang Hu were not prepared and were shot down by the needles. Chang Gu Dao who had spectacular air martial arts was able to avoid the needles and get a hold of one of the needles mid-air. Chang Gu Dao examined the needles as his comrades struggled with using their internal force to protect their heart meridians. “Five Breaths Poison,” Chang Gu Dao exclaimed under his breath. “Seeking interests? My Lord, this humble servant does not understand.” The young Lord sighed, before complaining with his eyes still closed but his calm expression lost with the folds in his forehead, “A’Yan, does this lord need to explain everything to you? Maybe you are still too young, and I should send you back to your mother.” A’Yan nearly stopped the carriage in anxiety as she answered hastily, “No, no please My Lord. Don’t send me back to Xue Yue Garden. This humble servant is incompetent and rude, she deserves to be punished.” A’Yan spoke with a certain melancholy which tagged the young Lord’s sympathy. The young Lord opened his eyes, and with a defeated expression the young Lord explained, “Ji Yuan sect has heard that Young Master Gaoshang has been here for a while and has killed Lyu Xian who was previously an important figure in the martial world. What do you think they will do with this information?” A’Yan replied, “They are likely to spread this information to the ally sects and use them as a borrowed knife to kill Young Master Gaoshang. But My Lord, you also did that to test Young Master Gaoshang.” The young Lord smiled a bit before he continued, “You are right. I had said before, Yu Guan sect specialize in collecting information. Tell me, what do you think they will do once they hear that the Young Master Gaoshang is here and is being hunted down?” A’Yan replied, her eyes wide in realization, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend! Naturally, they will ally with Ji Yuan sect for the sake of the Imperial Court’s interests. If the ally of their enemy is Young Master Gaoshang, then the enemy of their enemy is Ji Yuan sect!” A’Yan’s excitement of having figured it out faded as she uncovered another piece, “My Lord, King Yu of Liang and Ji Yuan sect are after Grand General Gaoshang. Now that Yu Guan city have allied with them, will there truly be no hope for My Lord’s planned changes in Great Liang?” The young Lord closed his eyes, a calm expression carefully shrouding his face like a silky veil, and he said dismissively, “This Lord is in no hurry. Much is yet to happen.”“You! What are you doing with the Five Breaths Poison of Ji Yuan sect? Are you really from Yu Guan city?” The other martial artists were astounded by Chang Gu Dao’s discovery and were also getting suspicious of this Zhan Chuduo. At this time, Gaoshang Yi had avoided another attack but soon after vomited blood darker than usual which left his mouth pale and his face haggard. Gaoshang Yi fell to his knee and quickly took a pill from a bottle and passed the bottle to Mu Mang, saying weakly, “Antidote. Take it.” Mu Mang and Hu Cang Hu quickly took it and immediately felt reenergized after vomiting blood containing majority of the poison residue. Realizing that the masked man was a good man, Chang Gu Dao said with conviction, “Martial brothers, this masked man has been done injustice by us. We knew that even though Lyu Xian had a good heart and was concerned with the martial world, he did many wrongs for San Cai Sword Sect and was bound to face retribution for his actions. Even we are not good people, but we still recognize our faults and mistakes. This, Zhan Chuduo, is not a good man. Those who collude with Ji Yuan sect are never good people and will always be enemies of the martial world. Martial brothers, if you feel I am right, then let’s bring down this villain!” Mu Mang and Hu Cang Hu stood straight and sturdily, and Mu Mang spoke, “Brother Chang is right. Young man, go to your fiancé, we will hold down this villain. He won’t escape.” Although Gaoshang Yi had taken the antidote, all it did was save his organs from the Five Breath Poison, not the other issues. Gaoshang Yi rushed to hop on his horse and said while forming his palms in Jin salute, “Martial Brothers, if fate would have it so, let’s meet again. Under the heavens all beings will face retribution, under the moon all friends will celebrate with fragrant wine. Martial Brothers, till we meet again.” Gaoshang Yi said before agitating his horse which made it spring into a run. Despite his wounds suffering more after the fight, Gaoshang Yi was even more determined to reach Suzhou town and meet Ling Wei Qian. However, he made a new resolve. “I won’t approach you, only look at you from afar. I have enemies everywhere; it is inconvenient for you to be seen with me. I can only restrain myself and look at you from a distance, unable to talk to you or even accompany you. If the marriage falls off, it would be for the better. Then you can find someone you love and live a peaceful and safe life with him. You are still young and beautiful. You will not be lacking anything even if you fail to get married in this life.” Gaoshang Yi thought sadly as he rode the speeding horse hurriedly. “My Lord.” A’You bowed in front of the halted carriage. The young Lord asked coolly, “What happened?” A’You saluted briefly before answering, his back straight, “My Lord, Young Master Gaoshang has turned the tide and is on his way here. He’ll likely arrive in Suzhou town tonight.” The young Lord did not comment, only nodding his head saying, “Okay.”, in a drowsy manner.