Chapter 298: 'Dragon and Tiger' Liu Wu! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 298 “The Dragon and the Tiger” Liu Five! (Pleading for Votes)

Shall Xiao Jinghong be the one to stand guard?

Shall Xiao Jinghong go to meet Chen Yi—oh no, Chen Yu, or perhaps Liu Five?

Once she becomes aware of this, the consequences—alas, what consequences might unfold…

Xiao Wan’er thought of such a “terrible” predicament, and suddenly felt at a loss for what to do.

A flush of shame and nervousness crept into her heart, and she found herself unable to face the younger sister Xiao Jinghong.

Like a thief who had just slipped into the mansion to steal gold and jewels, suddenly startled by the sound of the homeowner’s footsteps outside, she yearned only to find a crack to squeeze through.

Yet Xiao Wan’er knew not how to refuse the old master’s arrangement.

She could not simply say, “Chen Yu is Chen Yi, isn’t she?”

No, no.

She had just promised Chen Yi that he would never reveal the secret.

And if she were to say such a thing…

Perhaps the situation would grow even worse, and who knew how the old master would react?

Perhaps, perhaps…

Perhaps what? Xiao Wan’er couldn’t quite fathom it, but her heart was pounding with anxiety.

She merely managed a weak smile and a few consoling words to Qie Tingyun and Shen Huatang, who were pleading with animated expressions.

Then, under the protection of the two, she returned to Xiaoying Yard.

The old master had given no further thought.

A man must marry, a woman must wed—after all, it is the natural order.

And besides, “Chen Yu” was a martial arts genius of unparalleled skill, a master of stratagems, and a promising young talent, not to mention a perfected master of the medical arts.

Even if his lineage could not compare to the Xiao family, facing such a remarkable and talented young man, the old master deemed it necessary to lower his barriers.

And upon seeing Xiao Wan’er return safely to Xiaoying Yard, he finally exhaled a sigh of relief, calling for Xiao Jing.

“What is the situation in the outer chambers? Has any news arrived?”

Xiao Jing’s face lit up with joy as he bowed and reported: “Lord Xiao, Du Cang is dead!”

His voice rose in pitch:

“Liu Wu, the ‘Dragon Spear’ Lord, has violently slain the ‘Wolf’ Du Cang within the inner sanctum of Puxian Temple!”

“Though no one witnessed the two combatants directly, after investigating Puxian Temple, it was discovered that Du Cang perished beneath the ‘Dragon Spear’ fist!”

“That ‘Dragon Spear’—his martial arts prowess has also reached perfection!”

The old master’s bright, sparkling eyes widened slightly. “You mean, besides spear and medical arts, he has also perfected boxing?”

Xiao Jing nodded with a smile. “Only thus could he, with five-tier upper realm strength, slay Du Cang of three-tier upper realm.”

“Lord Xiao, it is said that Liu Wu is now deemed worthy to stand beside Young Mistress.”

The old master smiled. “‘Spear and Sword Dual Mastery’ Xiao Jinghong, ‘Spear and Fist Dual Mastery’ Liu Wu?”

“No, initially it was whispered that Liu Wu possessed ‘Dragon Spear and Tiger Fist,’ but now only the words ‘Dragon and Tiger’ remain!”

“‘Dragon and Tiger’ Liu Wu!”

“Dragon and tiger, dragon and tiger—hahaha… good, good, good!”

The old master beamed with satisfaction, praising him in succession: “The winds of the dragons, the clouds of the tigers—five tiers vanquishing three, dominant and supreme!”

“Not worthy of my beloved daughter’s husband, unless he has such achievements to merit her.”

Husband?

Xiao Jing blinked, then bowed and replied: “My lord, congratulations—at last, Young Mistress has found a worthy match.”

Earlier, he had merely sensed the old master’s intention; now, hearing it confirmed, he too felt joyful for Xiao Wan’er.

They had conceived together—with “Dragon and Tiger” by their side, perhaps Xiao Wan’er’s life could yet be saved.

Even if not cured entirely, with “Dragon and Tiger’s” perfected medical arts, they could still prolong her life.

The old master patted his beard, nodded, and said: “My daughter’s tribulations have also brought her fortune.”

“When Xiao Jinghong returns, I shall have her visit Puxian Hall.”

“Young Mistress?”

Xiao Jing suddenly realized: “Indeed, Young Mistress should go meet Liu Wu.”

First, regarding the matter of summer grain in the three towns, Liu Wu had rendered great service to the Xiao family, and in both sentiment and reason, Xiao Jinghong ought to show her gratitude.

Secondly, if Liu Wu truly had become Young Mistress’s husband, to the Xiao family, he would be a great ally.

It seemed Lord Xiao had been considering appointing Liu Wu to the post at Duyuan Army.

Still, the third, and most crucial point—sending Young Mistress there would also provide an opportunity to investigate, or perhaps even strike a blow against, Liu Wu.

For the Xiao family, now days, could not withstand great upheavals; every step must be taken with utmost caution.

The old master knew some matters could not be concealed from Xiao Jing, so he decided to speak openly:

“If Young Mistress finds him worthy after meeting him, it would fulfill one of my desires.”

Speaking thus, the old master sighed: “My daughter’s child is not easy to raise.”

Xiao Jing lowered his head slightly, suppressing his smile without further reply.

In a short while.

The old master’s face brightened again with a smile, waving his hand. “We shall set aside this matter for now.”

“Calculating the time, Liu Hongmò should have received the letter by now.”

“Next, you go there personally and keep watch over them—make sure they cannot escape!”

“Yes!”

Xiao Jing, without hesitation, received the command and departed.

The old master watched him go, his gaze fixed on the darkened clouds ahead.

“‘Dragon and Tiger,’ hah, even a youth could not match the paths I have taken…”

“Yet I have been rather indecisive lately…”

…

At this moment, in this place.

Liu Hong stood in the pavilion in the courtyard, watching the night rain.

The torrential rain bent the bamboo beside the pavilion, their fronds occasionally brushing the muddy ground with the cold wind.

Thunder rumbled, lightning split the sky.

The faint light illuminated his somewhat aged face and the ink-black eyes.

"Those who succeed become kings and lords; those who fail become bandits and rebels."

"I've trod cautiously for decades, yet still I cannot escape the yoke of 'fame and profit,'" he muttered.

Liu Hong's hands trembled slightly behind him, though a cold smile crept across his face.

"According to that elder's plans, the chaos in Shuzhou began to unfold."

"Grain prices keep rising, soon reaching the critical point."

"The three counties downstream of the Red River face devastation, and it will spread further, not to mention the plague..."

"Hah, just one more spark needed, just one more spark," he said, his voice dripping with anticipation.

"When that happens, rebellion will erupt in Shuzhou, the palace, the court—orders from the court to advance and suppress the rebels, even if they delay it..."

"That elder might seize the opportunity to intervene in Shuzhou, dispatching northern troops southward."

"Once the rebels are crushed, even if the Sage Emperor wishes to launch a northern campaign, he'll be forced to shift his gaze southward."

"If the southern expedition proceeds smoothly... I'll be able to reverse the tide of fortune!"

"Then who would dare question the deeds I've done in the past? Who would dare?"

Liu Hong's eyes blazed with fury, his face twisted into a grotesque mask of malice. "But all these schemes could be undone by a handful of riff-raff!"

"Dragon Spear" Liu Wu.

"Jackal" Du Chang.

King Ran Du, Yuan Jingxuan, Asu Tao, and even the Duke of Qinyang Xiao Yuan—all should be dead!

Liu Hong longed to stab each of them to death with a blade.

"They should all be dead!"

A wave of slaughterhouse fury swept through, as majestic and terrifying as a blade of vengeance slicing through, countless banana leaves snapping in the wind.

After a long pause, Liu Hong steadied himself and spoke in a low, measured tone: "Has any word reached us from outside?"

Zhao Liu'an, waiting at the courtyard gate, hurried forward at the sound of his voice, his face and body drenched in moisture—whether sweat or rain, he could not say.

"Reporting to the lord, the 'jackals' have been confirmed killed by Liu Wu."

Liu Hong nodded, as though he had anticipated this. "What of Asu Tao?"

"My subordinate has confirmed with the supply forces that the vessel has departed the city, heading southward."

"And the prefecture? Xiao's family?"

"Xiao's daughters have returned safely, the outer garrison has sounded the retreat signal, and the city guards have done the same."

"Only the magistrate's office and the execution bureau have spent the night interrogating and arresting the treacherous traitor, but they have information to report immediately." Zhao Liu'an finished, glancing at Liu Hong's expression, his teeth clenched as he added, "No movement from Xiao's side."

"However, I've been informed that a white eagle was seen flying over Xiao's residence in the evening, heading toward Wuyan Mutual City."

Liu Hong's lips curled into a cold smile. "That's to be expected."

"Old Xiao, faced with such misfortune, would think of Xiao Jinghong first, and only Xiao Jinghong."

"That's perfect, hah."

Xiao Yuan barely moved; his left deputy governor remained safe, for now.

"And the Tea and Horse Ancient Road? Was it truly under King Ran Du's scouts who cleared out the rabble for the great battle?"

Zhao Liu'an hesitated, then shook his head. "Cannot confirm at present."

"My scouts sent there earlier have sent no word back."

Liu Hong furrowed his brow slightly, turning his gaze to Zhao Liu'an. "You must ascertain the situation there without fail."

"If necessary, you may take my seal and send covert guards through the Tea and Horse Ancient Road to contact the Quince King's forces directly."

"Aye!"

Zhao Liu'an was about to step back when Liu Hong continued, "Has any letter reached us from the north?"

Zhao Liu'an paused, his head dipping lower, "My lord, I have not seen any letters delivered by the messenger hawks."

Liu Hong fell silent for a moment, then waved his hand. "Go on then."

Zhao Liu'an bowed deeply, stepped back, and hurried away.

Silence fell over the courtyard.

Liu Hong's face grew even more haggard, his mouth emitting a grotesque cawing laugh, like a raven.

"No reply, hah, hah... No reply, hah..."

"It seems he's grown suspicious, trying to sever all ties with me. Fine, fine enough!"

All these years, from horseback to foot, every endeavor Liu Hong undertook was done with that elder's blessing. Even daring to risk his own head to create chaos in Shuzhou, he never wavered.

Now, mere setbacks, that elder had simply ignored his pleas for aid.

How bitter his heart grew!

How he wished to laugh!

If so, then do not blame this traitor "for forgetting loyalty and duty!"

At that moment, a mocking voice floated in from the side: "Lord Liu, take it easy—let me be the one to arrive a moment late."

Liu Hong immediately composed his features, turning to face the speaker, a smile spreading across his face.

A figure in black robes, hooded, with only two serpent-like, upright eyes visible beneath the brim of his hat.

"Lord Liu, your hospitality is beyond measure. I am but a humble villager from the wilderness—your kindness is undeserved."

"The Wudou Sect's Yan Zhiyang has come to pay his respects. I've heard of him since childhood; his elder's presence remains as distinguished as ever."

They exchanged a few courteous words.

Liu Hong led him into the study, offering tea. "Elder Yan, your visit surprises me. How goes this endeavor?"

Yan Zhiyang removed his black veil, revealing a face pale and youthful despite his age, sipping his tea. "Not badly, though the mountain clans received advance warning, so I've had to exert considerable effort."

"The mountain clans... hah, I'd forgotten your Wudou Sect harbors deep grudges with them."

Yet before Liu Hong could finish speaking, Yan Zhiyang set down his cup and shook his head.

"Not truly a grudge, merely an old matter."

"Ah? Elder Yan doesn't seek vengeance against the mountain clans?"

"Not at all. It was merely a means to strengthen the Wudou Sect. Old grudges crumble before might."

Liu Hong finally understood, smiling faintly, as if smiling but not quite. "After this, Master Yan might change his mind." In those days, the Wudou Sect had been wiped out by the mountain clans. He didn’t believe the Yan family would refuse to avenge this blood debt.

Yan Jingchen smiled warmly. "I hope so."

They chatted idly.

Liu Hong composed his features and asked, "How are the border regions?"

Yan Jingchen beamed, nodding. "Not without saying, Lord Liu, your elder brother’s disciple is quite skilled."

"Lord Liu Zhaoxue arrived in Shuzhou these past few days, and already the Xinglin Pavilion is bustling with activity. Tomorrow, I’ll begin arranging things."

"Master Yan is satisfied. Zhaoxue… well, that girl of his, she’s still a bit immature."

Liu Hong said this with a knowing smile. "In that case, I’ll wait quietly for news from Master Yan."

"Certainly, certainly…"

…

Inside the Spring Lotus Garden.

Though it was deep into the night, the interior remained alive with laughter and mirth.

Xiao Wan’er returned safely. Du Cang had been killed. The Xiao family’s defenses were lifted, and Xiao Wugou had escaped from the secret chamber.

The moment he returned, he rushed straight to Chaoxing Yard. Upon seeing Xiao Wan’er, he broke into tears.

Xiao Wan’er soothed him briefly, then recounted the events simply, allowing him to steady himself.

She then decided to return to the Spring Lotus Garden to inform Chen Yi and Xiao Die of the good news.

Meanwhile, Xiao Wan’er, arranging for the patriarch, took the opportunity to accompany him back, thus arriving at this lively scene within the garden.

Though somewhat surprised, Chen Yi, after transcending the illusion of the self-portrait in the study, chattered cheerfully with Xiao Wan’er as though nothing had happened.

Xiao Die was overjoyed too.

Yet upon seeing Chen Yi and Xiao Wan’er’s expressions, she recalled the verse she’d heard in the study earlier.

After a moment’s hesitation, she pretended she hadn’t heard it, writing that very line on her small notebook with great care, leaving no date or reason marked.

After all, such phrases, like the poems her uncle had once penned for the ladies, were best not spread about.

After a while of idle talk, Xiao Wan’er rose, leading Xie Tong and Shen Huatang out. Before departing, she quietly slipped a note into Chen Yi’s hand.

"Brother-in-law, please wait. I, I’m fine."

Chen Yi silently took the note, noticing her uneasy expression, and guessed it had something to do with their secret identities. He gave a vague reassurance:

"The elder sister, having survived such a trial, should rest comfortably at Chaoxing Yard."

"Even if the heavens themselves collapsed, we have tall men to stand beneath. There’s no need to worry."

He then turned to Xie Tong and Shen Huatang with a smile. "What do you think?"

Xie Tong, slightly embarrassed, turned his head away. "Yes, yes."

Shen Huatang was more solemn. "My lord, you flatter me."

"The lord’s negligence, thank goodness the elder sister is kind, and I’ve faced no reprimand."

"Whatever the matter, it should not happen again. From now on, I’ll do my utmost to safeguard the elder sister’s safety."

Xie Tong immediately nodded, patting his chest. "Tong is as well."

Xiao Wan’er glared at Chen Yi, then turned to comfort the sisters from Mount Tai. Yet she sensed his meaning, her heart slightly at ease.

She only hoped things were as he said, for otherwise… she didn’t know how she’d face Xiao Jinghong…

After they left,

Chen Yi ordered Xiao Die to serve Xiao Wugou some rest, then retreated alone to the study.

He read the note again, then let out a hoarse laugh. "The old patriarch’s habit of scribbling love poems again, eh?"

The note read: [Grandfather wishes to marry me to Chen Yu!]

The ink had dried, but faintly visible beneath the smudged "you" on the left side.

Chen Yi glanced at it once more, then crumpled the note into ash. "If only I’d known, she’d have returned after I finished speaking."

Originally, he intended to tell Xiao Wan’er everything—his alias Liu Wu and the matters with Chen Yu.

Now that Xiao Wan’er had learned his identity as Chen Yu, she might harbor some wild guesses.

That would not be good.

Sitting quietly for a while, Chen Yi gazed at the dim courtyard outside the window, where thunder and lightning had ceased. He mentally reviewed the chessboard of events once more.

Having confirmed no further errors, he sighed a long, relieved breath, feeling slightly more at ease.

"The lady’s return, it must be about Liu Hong."

"Even if the patriarch has her attend to private matters, we must first resolve Liu Hong’s situation. There’s still time."

Chen Yi stretched lazily, feeling somewhat fatigued, and returned to his chambers.

"Not urgent, not urgent. In the worst case, I’ll just vanish for a few days…"

He couldn’t afford to meet Xiao Jinghong as "Chen Yu" or "Liu Wu" just now.

Like Xiao Wan’er, he must be feeling a bit shy.

"Though, the lady, upon hearing the news, must be quite anxious, yes?"

(End of chapter)