212 To and Fro (1/2)

Chapter 212: To and Fro

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

”Why are you laughing, Master Fan?”

This was what he had expected Haitang to ask. Fan Xian cleared his throat and beamed. ”I like the way you walk, my lady.”

Haitang was rather surprised, and anger flashed behind her eyes.

”If I am lying, may Heaven strike me down,” said Fan Xian hurriedly.

Haitang could not help but doubt his oath, but she still did not understand it. She had been teased in the palace for the way she walked for many years; why did this young man like it? She thought back to his underhanded tactics by the edge of the northern sea, and felt even more confused.

The two of them were silent as they walked toward the palace under the dark canopy of trees that covered the mountain. Haitang was highly revered in Northern Qi, and the moment the palace eunuchs and maids heard the sound of her cloth shoes padding along, they immediately withdrew to the side under the trees, bowing reverently toward this indolent country bumpkin, not daring to look directly at her.

”His Majesty is quite fond of me. I must admit I am rather terrified.” Fan Xian finally spoke, carefully choosing his words to gauge her response.

”There is no need to be modest, Master Fan,” replied Haitang, her face unwavering. ”His Majesty is a great fan of poetry, and when the Banxianzhai Poetry Anthology came out, all the scholars in the land had a copy. His Majesty was no exception. When Zhuang Mohan returned from Qing and told His Majesty of his experience, from that day on His Majesty took great interest in you, and speaks often of you. If Northern Qi had such a poetic talent as yourself, that would be wonderful indeed. We regret that we have yet to find such talent. Now that you have returned Xiao En to the capital and our two countries stand in confrontation to one another, His Majesty naturally fears for your safety.”

Fan Xian said nothing. It seemed that the young Emperor had formed quite a connection to a person - himself - that he had never once met. And yet the Emperor's worried frown suggested that there were other things he wanted to tell him, but the walls of the palace had ears, and he did not want to talk of such things in front of Haitang - what these things were, he had no idea.

”Is that so? That is quite unexpected.” Fan Xian frowned, seemingly not believing what Haitang was saying.

”Today you looked over the mountain forests of the palace and spoke of man as part of nature. I quite admired it. Once your official business is concluded, if you have time to spare, I hoped that you might give your advice. After my master read the Banxianzhai Poetry Anthology, he was silent for a long while, and then finally sighed in admiration of you, Master Fan. I was originally rather surprised, but speaking with you today, I have only now realized that your reputation is well-deserved.”

”You are too kind.” She spoke genuinely, and so Fan Xian replied with sincerity. ”I hope that you will provide assistance regarding Yan Bingyun.”

”I do not involve myself with politics,” replied Haitang calmly.

Fan Xian frowned. ”Then why did you travel alone to the northern sea in the hopes of killing Xiao En? Don't tell me you didn't know the great effect Xiao En's death would have on this agreement.”

Haitang smiled. ”Before I made my move, Master Fan, it seemed that you also wanted to kill Xiao En. Why did you suddenly change your mind?”

”Because I was interested in the secrets that he holds.” Fan Xian rubbed his slightly wet hands, and turned his head to look at the wide expanse of palace scenery.

”I tried to kill Xiao En because that secret could cause a lot of trouble for a lot of people,” replied Haitang calmly.

They stood in silence under a large tree. The green leaves above them blocked out the sun, leaving them cool. Fan Xian turned his gaze to Haitang's sturdy shoulders and suddenly spoke. ”In this world, nothing can stay a secret forever.”

”While Xiao En is still alive, it's possible that many people could die.”

Fan Xian raised his eyebrows. He knew that her inexplicable melancholy seemed in many respects to be devoid of sense, but he could not change anything with mere words.

”His Majesty seemed to have something he wanted to ask of you,” said Haitang.

Fan Xian was slightly taken aback. She had seen it too. He paused for a moment in thought. ”Do you know what it was?” he asked earnestly.

”I don't know either,” replied Haitang. ”But if it is anything to do with Si Lili, I ask that you inform me, Master Fan.”

Fan Xian did not reply straight away. The thought troubled him. What help could the ruler of a nation need from him? Could it really be about Si Lili? He was powerless in Northern Qi. What could he do about it?

”Poor Lili. She's a good person.” Haitang's hands were still in her pockets. ”Please help if you can, Master Fan.”