Volume 3, Chapter 32: Demonic Shadow and Rakshasa (1/2)

Volume 2, Chapter 20: Chasing Over a Thousand Li to Kill

Southern Chu Dynastic Records, Biography of Jiang Suiyun</blockquote>

On the morning of the second day, while I was still half-asleep, I could faintly sense that someone was covering me with a blanket. The person’s movements were extremely unfamiliar. I suddenly woke up. To tell the truth, after gaining a new lease on life, I was no longer so apathetic about the affairs around me. I opened my eyes slightly, catching sight of Prince Li Xian of Qi sitting beside the bed, a fearful look in his eyes. Xiaoshunzi was nearby, glaring at him like a tiger stalking its prey. I was moved. From what the Prince of Yong told me, while I was struggling on the border between life and death, the Prince of Qi learned that I needed a bear gallbladder to prolong my life. Disregarding suspicions that could be engendered, he delivered the bear gallbladder in his possession. Princess Changle sending Ningpo figwort and bear gallbladder was already outside my expectations. The Prince of Qi’s actions were even more shocking. Why would he do this, knowing that it would anger the crown prince? However, I did not fully open my eyes. What could I say? I had already made my choice. Even if I did not serve the Prince of Yong, it was unlikely that I would follow the Prince of Qi. This being the case, it was preordained that our relations.h.i.+p would never be that of a liege and va.s.sal, so why should I incite something additional to worry about?

The Prince of Qi heaved a sigh, turning to leave. As he walked out, he was stopped. Xiaoshunzi followed him out, closing the door behind him. p.r.i.c.king my ears, I heard the Prince of Qi softly speak to Xiaoshunzi, “I know that you are not an ordinary individual. Remember to ask your master the point of getting mixed up in this situation. He is someone who does not cherish fame and money. The Fengyi Sect cannot be provoked lightly. Even if they don’t act, do you think that the Crown Prince does not have experts by his side? Suiyun is only a weak scholar. He was able to luckily preserve his life this time, but what about next time? Urge him to leave Chang’an.”

I could hear Xiaoshunzi’s impersonal and placid reply, “Your Imperial Highness lectures correctly. This servant will naturally pa.s.s this message on to the young master.”

After a while, Xiaoshunzi pushed open the door and walked in. He radiated an icy killing aura. I looked at him strangely and asked, “What’s going on? Do you greatly dislike the Prince of Qi?”

Xiaoshunzi angrily answered, “Who wanted him to come cry crocodile tears? Don’t tell me that he believes that we are aware of the role that he plays?”

I raised my eyebrows, signaling my lack of understanding. Xiaoshunzi calmed down and stated, “These days, His Imperial Highness, the Prince of Yong, and I have both been occupied with young master’s recovery. Responsibility for interrogating and investigating of this residence was a.s.signed to General Sima. General Sima discovered that the bow and arrows abandoned by the a.s.sa.s.sin came from the army. However, it is easier said than done to bring arrows and a bow into this residence. The security screening of guests for the banquet on the sixteenth day was extremely tight. On that day, there was absolutely no way for anyone to bring in a bow and arrow. The only possibility is if there was a traitor inside the prince’s household who hid the bow and arrows. However, General Sima’s investigation did not turn up any clues. Afterwards, we remembered that the Princess of Qi had come to pay a visit to the Princess of Yong on the fifteenth. We definitely could not carefully search the Princess of Qi’s carriage. Therefore, General Sima suspects that the bow and arrows were brought in by the Princess of Qi to be used by the a.s.sa.s.sin.”

I calmly replied, “This kind of thing cannot be confirmed. The only thing that can be done is reorganizing the defenses of the prince’s residence. Although His Imperial Highness previously repeatedly suffered dangers, at the time, the Fengyi Sect had not yet formally supported the Crown Prince. Therefore, the defenses were sufficient. However, these defenses were naturally unsuitable faced with a.s.sa.s.sins from the Fengyi Sect.”

Xiaoshunzi neutrally inquired, “Young master, can you confirm that the a.s.sa.s.sin was from the Fengyi Sect?”

Seeing the fire in his eyes, I was afraid that he would recklessly go out to kill if I answered in the affirmative. Thus, I could only shake my head and respond, “I only say that the a.s.sa.s.sin’s level should not be below that of the Fengyi Sect. However, I did say that this was perpetrated by the Fengyi Sect. That day, I only caught a glimpse of the a.s.sa.s.sin. If I were to see that person again, I would be able to recognize the a.s.sa.s.sin. It is sufficient as long as I can affirm that Qin Qing was not involved.”

Xiaoshunzi frowned and replied, “Apart from him, there is only Xiahou Yuanfeng and Li Hanyou. General Pei was by young master’s side. The Duke of Wei’s ident.i.ty should preclude him from committing such a deed.”

I lightly explained, “Xiahou Yuanfeng stated that he went out to relieve himself. Li Hanyou said that she did not like the raucous noise of the banquet; therefore after extending her congratulations, she went to the inner residence to see the Princess of Yong. These two individuals are both possible suspects. However, we cannot eliminate the possibility that someone else snuck in. We all know that those skilled enough to directly head towards the Cold Courtyard to a.s.sa.s.sinate have to either be that day’s guests or traitors within the prince’s household. However, this cannot be used as proof. Therefore, although those two are the most suspicious, the Prince of Yong cannot have them arrested.” I could not say that the act was perpetrated by Li Hanyou. After all, I had never even seen her before. It was better to not utter such a conjecture without proof.

Xiaoshunzi calculatedly remarked, “Matters that the Prince of Yong cannot handle, I can handle. As long as young master permits it, I will go immediately to kill them.”

I smiled. “Don’t cause trouble. How can we not be reasonable? If this was perpetrated by them, they will make things difficult for us in the future. Do you believe that you won’t have the opportunity to deal with them? All right, it’s better if you go chase and kill Vicious Killer. Whatever happens, we cannot allow him to get away and cause trouble in the future.”

Xiaoshunzi coolly voiced, “Do not worry, young master. I have already rearranged the defenses of the Cold Courtyard. Previously, young master did not like having the guards too close. This time, we cannot do as young master wishes.”

I awkwardly conveyed, “This … I won’t drive them off.”

Seeing that I was this way, Xiaoshunzi said, “Once I have returned, we will do as you wish. If I am not present, young master cannot have n.o.body waiting by your side.”

I repeatedly nodded my head. Because of this a.s.sa.s.sination, Xiaoshunzi felt extremely guilty, constantly feeling that he had not properly protected me. However, he was not a remorseful individual. Therefore, from now on, he would absolutely not allow me to do as I pleased. Although I was fond of being free and unrestrained, I valued my life more. Previously, they did not know of my importance and yet I had almost lost my life. Now, it was likely that every step I took was dangerous. How could I dare to act willfully? In any case, it was only more guards around me. I only needed to ignore them.

Xiaoshunzi hurriedly departed. I knew that he was chasing after Vicious Killer to kill him. Apparently, this was because the a.s.sa.s.sin had escaped several attempts to capture him. If Xiaoshunzi did not chase after him, it was likely that he would escape back to Southern Chu. If he could not personally partic.i.p.ate in killing the a.s.sa.s.sin, then Xiaoshunzi could not forgive himself.

I comfortably lay out. My most important mission right now was to recover. Thinking of Sang Chen’s warnings, I did not wish to live only ten more years. I needed to start practicing the abandoned nouris.h.i.+ng methods again. Life was so richly colorful; wouldn’t it be a pity if I were to die before my time? Narrowly escaping death this time, I viewed many things with tranquility. Even when thinking of Piaoxiang, my heart no longer dwelled on the pain and suffering, instead remembering her beauty and the happiness we once shared.

***

Leaving the Prince of Yong’s residence, Prince Li Xian of Qi casually returned to his own residence. When he arrived at the entrance of the Golden Valley Courtyard that only he could enter, Li Xian saw Qin Zheng waiting with several maids. The Golden Valley Courtyard was Li Xian’s own chambers. Without permission, no one was permitted to enter. Even the Princess of Qi, Qin Zheng, was not permitted entry. Therefore, she waited by the entrance.

Seeing Qin Zheng, Li Xian revealed a mocking smile as he said, “Aiyah! The Princess is pregnant, why are you standing here? This Prince cannot afford to take responsibility if something untoward were to happen. I wonder if the Princess has any admonishments?”

Qin Zheng trembled before she replied, “Your Imperial Highness, I, your servant, do not understand why Your Imperial Highness so treats this servant’s good intentions. The Crown Prince and you are in the same boat. However, days earlier you not only sent precious medicines, but also made inquiries, causing the Crown Prince to feel unhappy. Doesn’t your visit just now completely disregard the existence of the Crown Prince? I, your servant, am only giving consideration to Your Imperial Highness. Why does Your Imperial Highness …”

“Shut your mouth,” hollered Li Xian coldly, grim and heartless. “Princess, do I need to speak of what you have done? Why did the Fengyi Sect suddenly think to a.s.sa.s.sinate Jiang Zhe? How was that bow and arrows brought into my brother’s residence? Do you really think this Prince is an idiot? Jiang Zhe once saved this Prince’s life. Although this Prince did not have the fortune to attain his service, who allowed you to exceed your place and meddle in these affairs, inviting your sect to kill him?”

Qin Zheng’ grew frenetic. Although Li Xian was temperamental in the past, he was never in such a violent rage as today. She could not help but try to justify herself. “This wasn’t your servant’s idea. I, your servant, only mentioned that both Your Imperial Highness and the Prince of Yong both greatly valued Jiang Zhe. The order was issued by the Inner Hall. Your servant was only following orders.”