Volume 3, Chapter 39: Unceasing Repercussions (2/2)

Dong Que actually smiled and riposted, “Didn’t young master say that after five to six years, it wouldn’t be a problem?”

Startled, I could not help but laugh. “Okay.… Since you are willing to serve, that means that we are bound by fate. In the future, I will treat you as a trusted subordinate, so that our acquaintance was not in vain.”

Dong Que saluted again. Before, although his etiquette was complete and entirely present, it was the etiquette of a subject. Now, the salute that he had performed was one of a servant to his master. I advanced and helped him to his feet. Although I did not understand his reasons for remaining at my side, as long as it was no harm to me, I had no intention of allowing such a capable subordinate to depart.

Suddenly, Xiaoshunzi’s brows twitched. He whispered, “Great Master True Compa.s.sion has come.”

I had some misgivings in my heart. Right now, by rights, Great Master True Compa.s.sion should be going to rest. Later tonight, the Prince of Yong was going to host a banquet for the experts from the various sects. Why would Great Master True Compa.s.sion suddenly and unexpectedly come at this moment? After a while, an imperial bodyguard came in to report, “Daren, Great Master True Compa.s.sion requests a meeting.”

I gestured towards Xiaoshunzi and Dong Que. Both of them understood. While Xiaoshunzi supported me to welcome the senior monk, Dong Que hid in the inner room. Although Great Master True Compa.s.sion had never met Dong Que before, based upon his formidable senses, it would be easy for him to notice Dong Que’s disguise. Although things had been settled, there were still some things that were best kept secret.

Great Master True Compa.s.sion had already changed his clothes. Although his injuries weren’t light and his complexion was pale, his expression remained as calm and plain as always. In a fast pace, I walked forward. Saluting, I said, “Originally, I should have gone to personally thank Great Master’s invaluable a.s.sistance. However, Zhe’s health has always been poor and was unable to do so, causing Great Master to come personally. Great Master, please do not blame me.”

Great Master True Compa.s.sion raised his gaze and looked at me. At present, Jiang Zhe was close to thirty years of age. But because of his pale complexion, his lack of facial hair, and his delicate attractive appearance, the hair on his temples were already powdered white. His frequent illness heavily taxed his mind and body. However, this combination of delicateness and fragility caused him to appear even more elegant, distinguished, and accomplished, making his bearing seem even more natural and graceful. His eyes carried a profound, serene chill. His gaze was tranquil and calm. Compared to their last meeting, Jiang Zhe seemed to be a bit more vigorous and spirited. No matter how one looked, one could only feel that this young man was no more than a lofty and unsullied scholarly character. Based upon his appearances, who could know that he was a vicious and meticulous strategist?

Great Master True Compa.s.sion sighed inwardly. The Fengyi Sect Master’s martial arts were slightly better than his. For experts of their level, it was possible to be defeated; however it wasn’t easy to kill. Even if were to collaborate with Jing Wuji, even if they were able to defeat the Fengyi Sect Master, she could still easily escape and flee. However, this weak and feeble scholar, with meticulous care, had used cruel chained strategies to force the Fengyi Sect Master to fall into a situation where she could only die. Ultimately, that once-in-a-generation heroine and peerless woman perished within the imperial clan’s Hunting Palace. This was enough to cause Great Master True Compa.s.sion to tremble with fear. Just now, he had heard reports from his disciple and learned the details of what had happened. This youth, at this most critical juncture, had put his life on the line to save the desperate crisis, pacifying the rebellion and rescuing the Imperial Presence. Carefully observing this man’s conduct, the man’s strategies were sinister and ever-changing, able to penetrate every nook and cranny, birthing deep fear in all.

The more he understood Jiang Zhe, the more worried Great Master True Compa.s.sion became. In the past, the Fengyi Sect Master was also a magnificent and outstanding character. If not for an ill-considered mistake, how would she have caused such problems for the world? This man’s intelligence and knowledge was greater than the Fengyi Sect Master’s. At present, now that the Prince of Yong was clearly the next sovereign of Great Yong, this Jiang Zhe, as the Prince of Yong’s trusted subordinate, would certainly wield great authority in the future. If he were to make a mistake as well, it would inevitably cause the common people to be plunged into misery and suffering, causing the rivers to flow with blood.

It was because of these fears that Great Master True Compa.s.sion had come to personally pay a visit to Jiang Zhe. After both parties had made their proper greetings, they took their seats. Reciting one of the many names of the Buddha, Great Master True Compa.s.sion stated, “Benefactor Jiang’s resourcefulness is boundless. The Fengyi Sect Master was forced to die from self-immolation. Although this old ca.s.sock was able to contribute my humble efforts, without Benefactor Jiang’s planning, the Fengyi Sect Master would likely have been able to flee and come back to haunt us. Alas, Benefactor’s stratagems are excessively vicious. At present, Benefactor is His Imperial Highness’s trusted and major subordinate. By your side you are accompanied by an expert like little brother Li. With a single mistake, you can cause countless innocents to suffer. Henceforth, I ask that Benefactor is able to observe the will of the Heavens and give the common people the chance to live in peace. Would Benefactor please not blame this old ca.s.sock for his wordy exhortations?”

Initially, I couldn’t help but feel that this senior monk was unavoidably being a busybody. However, seeing the grave and solemn eyes of Great Master True Compa.s.sion, I thus solemnly replied, “This youngster understands the cyclical nature of Heavenly Law and the inevitability of retribution. These are engraved in this youngster’s heart. In the future, if there are any errors and insufficiencies in my conduct, I ask Great Master to remind me.”

Great Master True Compa.s.sion’s heart skipped a beat. Don’t tell me that this man is trying to ensure that I not simply focus upon him, but upon the empire at large? If I were to worry about his conduct at all times and were to admonish him, wouldn’t that mean that I would owe this man a favor? However, after carefully considering matters, Great Master True Compa.s.sion could see that Jiang Zhe’s expression was completely sincere. He could not help but think, Fine … If this man is truly a wicked and evil character, his true character will be revealed sooner rather than later. Moreover, His Imperial Highness, the Prince of Yong, is an enlightened ruler. What reason do I have to be consumed by groundless fears? After thinking this through, Great Master True Compa.s.sion did not say anything extra, only uttering a few idle words before rising and departing. As he was about to depart, Great Master True Compa.s.sion glanced keenly and intensely in the direction of the inner room. He could faintly sense that there was someone inside. However, that man’s breathing was even and subtle, clearly possessing deep internal energy that was quite unique. Due to this hidden man, Great Master True Compa.s.sion’s mind could not help but carry private worries.

After Great Master True Compa.s.sion departed, with an ashen face, Xiaoshunzi stated, “This old monk surprisingly dares to reprimand young master, truly ridiculous. Does young master desire to teach him a lesson?”

I smiled indifferently and replied, “The wise man knows he knows nothing, but the fool thinks he knows all. The Great Master has a merciful heart and mind. This is his advantage. Moreover, this matter is a reminder to us. In this world, there is nothing that can remain hidden for all eternity. These years, in order to attain vengeance, I have committed numerous cruel and ruthless tasks. Although I have no regrets, there will inevitably be those who bear an irreconcilable hatred towards me. It is only that this time with the Fengyi Sect Master, I do not know how many people will be implicated. By provoking the world’s resentment and causing everyone fear, it seems that I already have fallen into a dangerous situation. With this, the matter that we discussed must be quickly taken care of. All right, I need to think about that the arrangements. There is no need for you to get involved. Go take care of the matter involving Li Hanyou. If this matter is not settled, I will be unable to rest easy.”

Xiaoshunzi silently listened to my words, his expression gradually relaxing. “Young master speaks the truth. Although the old monk was rude, the heart cultivation methods that he gifted to young master are quite useful. These last few days, after practicing them, young master’s health has indeed improved. Considering this matter alone, I will not make things difficult for him.”

On the fourth day of the tenth month, the Imperial Presence returned to the capital. Sitting inside a carriage accompanying the army, I was leisurely and relaxed. After the Yong emperor returned to the capital, an enormous storm would break out. This was completely unavoidable. Even if Li Yuan desired to be half-hearted, His Imperial Highness, the Prince of Yong, would definitely not agree. Although the ones who rescued the Imperial Presence were the Qin family, it would be reasonable to say that the situation rested in Li Yuan’s control. However, there were some changes to the inevitable and right situation because of some subtle reasons. First, although Qin Qing had died by Li Hanyou’s hands, if it weren’t for Li Yuan’s decision to betroth them, it would not have led to today’s results. Although Qin Yong had rescued the Imperial Presence, everyone knew that the people who had transmitted the emperor’s secret edict were the Prince of Yong’s subordinates. With this, the Prince of Yong not only contributed to the pacification of the rebellion, he was also an entirely worthy candidate as heir apparent. Combined with his usual prestige, he had already completely surpa.s.sed Li Yuan’s power and prestige. Beyond all this, the Prince of Yong had taken the most risks. As a result, the handling of the aftermath could absolutely not bypa.s.s his involvement. However, the Prince of Yong had long made preparations for matters within the capital, relieving me of worry.

Before rescuing the Imperial Presence at the Hunting Palace, the Prince of Yong had dispatched trusted imperial bodyguards to deliver a letter to s.h.i.+ Yu in the capital. Upon receiving the letter, s.h.i.+ Yu made careful and meticulous arrangements, constantly monitoring all of the important ministers of the court. Although neither Wei Guan nor Zheng Xia, responsible for the governance and defense of the capital, were ordinary individuals, how were the many years of the Prince of Yong’s management typical? Moreover, in these last several years, the Prince of Yong had cast a wide net, secretly controlling a majority of the low level officials. Although he was unable to control the court, it was quite easy for him to undertake such a surveillance operation. Besides, s.h.i.+ Yu had managed the Prince of Yong’s affairs in Chang’an for many years. As a result, s.h.i.+ Yu was able to completely sever the communications between the Hunting Palace and Chang’an. While the Hunting Palace was embroiled in a life and death struggle, Chang’an remained undisturbed. After the disciples of the Fengyi Sect had escaped, it wasn’t that they weren’t interested in sending a message to Chang’an, they simply did not dare to throw away their lives by going to Chang’an. As a result, the messengers that they dispatched were only normal disciples. All of them were either captured or killed by s.h.i.+ Yu.

After the Fengyi Sect Master was killed, the Prince of Yong had dispatched men back to Chang’an to report the situation to s.h.i.+ Yu. With this news, s.h.i.+ Yu raised his vigilance, not daring to lower his guard. Moreover, the Fengyi Sect had many accomplices within the court. In addition, the entire court was filled with Wei Guan’s students and old friends. If something unforeseen were to happen before the emperor and the Prince of Yong returned to the capital, the foundations of Great Yong would likely be shaken. Consequently, s.h.i.+ Yu decisively sought out Zheng Xia. Zheng Xia had always been upright and plainspoken. Although Wei Guan’s qualifications and position were above Zheng Xia’s, Zheng Xia was the one who was the Yong emperor’s mainstay. When Zheng Xia saw the emperor’s secret edict and the Prince of Yong’s handwritten message, he carefully asked several questions before believing s.h.i.+ Yu’s words. Zheng Xia’s conduct was extremely decisive, immediately cooperating with s.h.i.+ Yu to place Wei Guan under house arrest before easily seizing control of the situation in Chang’an. With Zheng Xia appearing, the civil officials in the court all trembled as they followed orders. As for the military officials, though they belonged to different factions, understood that Zheng Xia and s.h.i.+ Yu represented the orders of the emperor and the Prince of Yong, and did not dare to disobey. As for the Prince of Qi’s subordinates, one, they always been at a disadvantage, while two, they had not received any orders from the Prince of Qi. As a result, they tacitly accepted everything that occurred. Everyone was waiting for the enormous changes that would occur when the Yong emperor returned to the capital.

A storm was brewing.…

Footnotes:

<ol><li>星罗棋布, xingluoqibu – idiom, lit. scattered about like stars in the sky or chess pieces on a board; fig. spread all over the place</li><li>手舞足蹈, shouwuzudao – idiom, lit. hands dancing and feet leaping; fig. dancing and gesticulating in joy, dance a jig</li><li>摩拳擦掌, moquancazhang – idiom, lit. to rub one’s fists and wipe one’s palms; fig. to roll up one’s sleeves for battle, eager to get into action or start on a task</li><li>杞人忧天, qirenyoutian – idiom, lit. the man of Qi fears the sky falling; fig. groundless fears, the sky is falling!</li><li>当之无愧, dangzhiwukui – idiom, lit. fully deserving, without any reservations; fig. entirely worthy</li></ol>