Chapter 17: Each with Their Own Thoughts (1/2)

Chapter 17: Each with Their Own Thoughts

Because of last night’s turmoil in the eastern marketplace, the entirety of Chang’an was put under martial law. Although Ye Tianxiu was fortunate enough to escape with his life, because he had no energy to move any further, he had decided to randomly select a home to hide in even if he had to use force to control its owner. As long as he was able to rest for one night and take care of his injuries, then he would be able to make all efforts to run away tomorrow. However, the matters of this world were truly that coincidental. This home was the residence where Xia Jinyi was staying.

Xia Jinyi heard Ye Tianxiu as soon as he entered the courtyard. However, Xia Jinyi knew that it was inconvenient for him to handle this interloper and went to wake Chiji. When Chiji went to take a look, Ye Tianxiu had already fallen unconscious. After Chiji had bound and treated Ye Tianxiu’s injuries and after Ye Tianxiu regained consciousness, he asked Chiji to request for help from the Prince of Yong’s household. Ye Tianxiu understood that there was no way for him to escape from Chang’an with the current state of his injuries and the only way that he could preserve his life was to get help from the Prince of Yong. Because of the Prince of Yong’s enmity towards both the crown prince and the Fengyi Sect, and considering the Prince of Qing’s face, it was possible that His Imperial Highness, the Prince of Yong, would save him.

If Ye Tianxiu had mentioned any other place, it was likely that Chiji would have been placed in an awkward position. However, when this man mentioned the Prince of Yong’s residence, Chiji relaxed a bit. When he delivered the news to the Prince of Yong’s residence, Xiaoshunzi hearing it also was left dumbfounded. Xiaoshunzi was one of those who knew that the guards of the Prince of Qing’s secret base in Chang’an had been slaughtered. Surprisingly, Ye Tianxiu would be so fortunate and survive. But Ye Tianxiu appearing at Xia Jinyi’s hideout was not something that Xiaoshunzi could handle without permission.

I muttered to myself for some time. As an enemy of the Fengyi Sect, that made the Prince of Qing our ally. Moreover, it was better to have a friend than to have another enemy. Naturally, we would have to save Ye Tianxiu. However, Xia Jinyi could no longer remain in that residence. With the current state of affairs, it wouldn’t be a good thing if Xia Jinyi’s whereabouts were discovered. After Ye Tianxiu had been moved, it was likely that people would come to investigate that residence. Therefore, Xia Jinyi must also be moved. However, where could he go? Starting today, the city of Chang’an would panic at the slightest thing.1 It would be difficult to hide him. After thinking it over, I stated, “Go take a trip personally. Have Xia Jinyi think of a way to change his appearance and have him leave Chang’an for a period of time. With the current state of affairs, even I am powerless. He should be able to understand this.”

“Young master, allowing this man to remain alive will be a future calamity,” replied Xiaoshunzi callously. “Why don’t we kill him and silence him forever?”

Shaking my head, I explained, “That won’t do. I have never performed anything that would give me a guilty conscience. This man has helped me considerably, risking his life. If I were to kill him, it would cause all those who know to sneer at me. Go, persuade him. In any case, since he is of no use remaining in Chang’an, it would be better if he left.”

“Then I will personally make the trip,” Xiaoshunzi obeyed, nodding his head. “I presume that Chiji will not allow Ye Tianxiu to see anything that he isn’t meant to see.”

Bringing along a carriage belonging to the Prince of Yong’s household, Xiaoshunzi traveled to that secret hideout. At present, Chang’an was completely devoid of people. Imperial guards were on the street everywhere. However, the pendant of the Prince of Yong’s household was quite useful and no one dared to block Xiaoshunzi’s passage. Within the carriage, Xiaoshunzi was resolved to kill Xia Jinyi if he refused to leave regardless of the rebuke and censure from the young master.

It wasn’t long before the carriage arrived at this house located in a remote alley. After Xiaoshunzi had ordered the accompanying servants to remain outside and wait, he entered the courtyard alone. After he had walked in, Xiaoshunzi’s gaze suddenly began to exude an icy light. Because of his murderous aura, his pupils had shrunk somewhat. This was all because he saw a familiar, and yet unfamiliar youth. The youth’s appearance was elegant; his skin was pale to the point of transparency. What was unique was that this youth carried a kind of aloof bearing. Although he was standing there, admiring the lotus flowers in the courtyard’s pond, Xiaoshunzi could not see a hint of joy or even sorrow in his eyes, almost as if he did not have any emotions. Xiaoshunzi racked his brains trying to figure out where he had felt this familiar feeling before. Carefully sizing up this youth, understanding and surprise suddenly hit Xiaoshunzi. This man was actually Xia Jinyi. What was going on? Why hadn’t Chiji informed him that Xia Jinyi had undergone such a transformation? Thinking of this, he shot a glare at Chiji who had appeared from a room to welcome him.

Actually, Chiji was also unable to make heads or tails of things. Although Xia Jinyi had changed greatly these last several days, Chiji had been in close proximity to him on a daily basis and had not noticed. Regarding the transformation of Xia Jinyi’s temperament, Chiji marked it down as a result of Xia Jinyi’s sorrow and as a result had not reported this to Xiaoshunzi. Although he found things odd, Chiji did not dare to ask too many questions. Advancing, he stated, “This Lord Night is an official in the Prince of Yong’s household. Young master Ye is waiting in the room for you.”

“Withdraw for now,” Xiaoshunzi ordered, uncaring. “I have some words that I need to speak to young master Xia.”

Chiji had an uneasy expression on his face as he silently withdrew. Xia Jinyi seemed like he was just seeing Xiaoshunzi, warmly stepping forward. Smiling, he asked, “So you have come personally. Has daren been well recently?”

Xiaoshunzi silently gazed at Xia Jinyi. He could sense that this man was truly happy to see him. However, what was strange was that Xiaoshunzi could also feel that this man’s emotions did not fluctuate in the slightest. Suddenly, Xiaoshunzi shot a palm strike at Xia Jinyi. Although Xia Jinyi’s expression seemed to be somewhat panicked, he still very quickly raised a hand to meet Xiaoshunzi’s attack. Xiaoshunzi could sense that Xia Jinyi’s internal energy was yin-focused, and yet also yang-focused as well. After a loud collision, Xiaoshunzi did not move in the slightest, while Xia Jinyi was forced to take two steps back, a flustered look appearing on his fair and pretty face.

Xiaoshunzi did not continue to attack, while Xia Jinyi did not seem frightened, respectfully standing at attention with a slight smile on his face.

Xiaoshunzi casually asked, “What has happened to you?”

Light twinkled in the eyes of Xia Jinyi. Smiling, he answered, “It isn’t much, only that it feels like I’ve completely become a different person and am no longer weighed down by the past.”

“The young master ordered me to inform you,” relayed Xiaoshunzi icily. “At present, Chang’an is extremely dangerous. If you are willing, you can temporarily leave the city to hide. If you are willing, I can act on behalf of the young master and allow you to freely depart.”

Killing desire flashed across Xia Jinyi’s eyes and he replied, “No, I will absolutely not leave if I cannot personally witness Li Hanyou be punished.”

Xiaoshunzi frowned and responded, “The matter relating to the Fengyi Sect is not easily resolved. It is inconvenient for you to remain in the capital.”

Xia Jinyi fell silent. After a while, he spoke, “Haven’t you also noticed that I have changed greatly? Do you think it is likely that they will recognize me right now?”

Thinking it over, Xiaoshunzi responded, “At first glance, probably not. However, you stayed for quite some time in the Crown Prince’s household. Many within that household will be able to recognize you.”

With a respectful expression, Xia Jinyi replied, “Would Lord Li please transmit my intentions to the young master. I am willing to serve daren. It isn’t difficult for my features to be changed. I believe that I won’t be easily recognized.”

Xiaoshunzi’s heart was touched. He did not know what had happened to Xia Jinyi for his martial arts to advance by leaps and bounds. This man was clever and quick-witted. It wouldn’t be a bad thing if he were allowed to stay by the young master’s side. Although disguises couldn’t completely change a person’s features, with the sweeping changes to Xia Jinyi’s temperament, it was possible for his identity to be hidden from others as long as he led a secluded life. Moreover, if he were to make trouble and were unwilling to depart, Xiaoshunzi knew that if he wished to kill him, it wouldn’t be that easy. It would be a problem if Ye Tianxiu were to hear of this matter. It would be better to bring Xia Jinyi back to the Prince of Yong’s residence. If young master were willing to retain him, then he could stay at the Cold Courtyard. If unwilling, then he could kill Xia Jinyi easily. Thinking of this, Xiaoshunzi’s relaxed and he stated, “Follow me to the Prince of Yong’s residence to meet young master.”

It wasn’t that Xia Jinyi did not understand Xiaoshunzi’s thought process, however he believed that he would be able to see his long-cherished wish come to fruition. Thus he respectfully acknowledged, “This commoner obeys the lord’s order.”

Xiaoshunzi laughed helplessly, walking towards the room where Ye Tianxiu was recuperating. On the bed, Ye Tianxiu’s face was deathly pale. Most of his body was covered with bandages. Seeing Xiaoshunzi, he sat up with difficulty. Smiling wryly, Ye Tianxiu said, “So it is Brother Li who has come personally. Tianxiu cannot thank you enough.”

“Brother Ye was ambushed last night,” replied Xiaoshunzi solemnly. “Both His Imperial Highness and my young master were extremely worried. Who would have thought that Brother Ye would turn misfortune into a blessing? To escape from certain death means that you will have fortune in the future. Does Brother Ye know who it was that attacked you last night?”

Smiling wryly, Ye Tianxiu answered, “The intruder’s face was covered, his swordsmanship superb. I am ashamed to admit that I was inferior. I do not know that person’s identity.”

Xiaoshunzi’s eyes narrowed and he continued to ask, “Do you know if the intruder was male or female? What swordfighting style did he use?”

Ye Tianxiu had repeatedly thought over what had happened. At this moment, he spoke without the slightest bit of hesitation, “That individual was a man. Although his facial features were exquisite, after having fought bitterly with him for some time, I can be certain that that individual was not a woman. If that wasn’t the case, there would be no need for me to guess as to his identity. His swordsmanship was exceptional, profoundly exquisite. It seemed quite similar to the Jade Maiden Sword Art.”

Xiaoshunzi’s brows twitched and he asked, “Are you suspecting Xiahou Yuanfeng? Doesn’t he train in the Jade Maiden Sword Art?”

Shaking his head, Ye Tianxiu replied, “I also suspected him. However, I once witnessed Xiahou daren’s sword art. His sword was not as swift and fierce as the intruder. Moreover, although the Jade Maiden Sword Art is deep and profound, it is used by many factions and sects in jianghu. I cannot confirm that the intruder was Xiahou daren just from this single factor.”

Xiaoshunzi did not think further. This matter would surely come to light one day in the future. There was no need for him to be anxious and impatient. Thus, he smiled and said, “Imperial Bodyguard Ye, it would be better if you first came to the Prince of Yong’s residence. Your injuries need to be treated again. We will discuss this matter further in the future.”