Chapter 309: A Dialogue Across Space with the Pavilion Master! (Thanks to Alliance Leader Xia Mumu

Chapter 309: A Conversation Across the Distance with the Host! (Thanks to Master Xiu Mu for the Reward)

Jiang Xing?

His appearance was indeed that of Jiang Xing, yet his aura was vastly different from before.

Clad in dark robes embroidered with intricate patterns, his feet adorned with purple-embroidered dark boots, a long saber hung at his waist, its hilt and scabbard carved with ancient elegance. His hair was neatly tied into a topknot, a hairband across his forehead, his face meticulously groomed, and those eyes—slightly smiling yet radiating a predatory intensity.

—The White Tiger Guard, the might of the Golden Flag Officer, displayed without reservation.

Chen Yi remained calm, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Xing, while faint murmurs reached his ears.

It seemed as if Lou Yu Xue was whispering something about how he had discovered this or that.

Clearly, Jiang Xing had not waited here by chance.

Chen Yi thought to himself, tugged at his cloak, revealing his handsome face, "White Tiger Guard Commander Jiang Xing? Thunder crashes."

Jiang Xing smiled, his features illuminated by the flickering lanterns hanging from the ceiling, "The Host and I, what jokes you make."

"I am but a nameless soul serving the throne, unworthy to compare with your excellence."

He paused, bowing his hands, one hand pointing toward the right, "I know you’ve come here for matters of negotiation; would it not be better to discuss in the study?"

Chen Yi met his gaze steadily, slightly nodding: "With respect, I submit to your command."

The study was not where Lou Yu Xue was.

It seemed Jiang Xing had indeed waited here for him, for there were words to be spoken.

Chen Yi understood this fully, yet followed him anyway.

After all, his purpose in visiting Jing Ruo Lou was also to see the White Tiger Guard and Golden Flag officers, to determine who held more sway—he still knew the hierarchy well.

Inside the study, no windows, the candlelight blazed brightly. A blackwood table, two thrones. The tablecloth pristine white, two cups of tea steaming, their liquid clear and bright.

Chen Yi glanced around, a slight smile tugging at his lips, "He has prepared."

Jiang Xing had only guessed he would come, but could not know when.

Yet those two cups of tea had been brewed long ago, replaced every minute—every minute, a fresh infusion, hot water steeping.

Prepared with care, or perhaps sincerity.

"The Host graces us with his presence; I ought to show proper hospitality."

Jiang Xing sat in the far seat, smiling, gesturing: "Please, sit."

Chen Yi naturally took the seat across from him, hands resting calmly on the table, waiting silently for his words.

Jiang Xing’s courtesy—banishing attendants, refilling the tea cups—surely his request was significant.

Chen Yi could not help but be curious.

Jiang Xing’s smile slightly dimmed, lifting the tea cup, offering a single word: "Please."

Chen Yi took a sip without hesitation, set the cup down, saying nothing.

Jiang Xing smiled, nodding: "The Host and I, truly one who disrupts the winds of Shu Zhou these days."

"Your steadfastness alone makes me humbled."

This time, he did not wait for Chen Yi to speak, setting the cup down: "Moreover, I must first apologize to you."

"Oh?" Chen Yi was somewhat surprised.

Jiang Xing smiled: "When you 'slaughtered' Lü Jiunan in Black Fish Alley, I was outside the Western Market, out of curiosity, I followed."

Chen Yi nodded: "As one would."

Jiang Xing shook his head: "Had it not been so, I would not have been scolded by the Host."

It was not entirely unjust.

He had trailed "Liu Five" to Kangning Street, happened upon Liu Zhaoxue, assuming "Liu Five" was a relative of the Liu family.

For this, he had even written a letter back to the White Tiger Guard.

He had presumed the Host would give him instructions on resolving the Liu family in Jingzhou.

To his surprise, the Host’s recent reply not only lacked guidance but scolded him sharply:

[Idiot! "Liu Five" is from the Xiao family!]

There was clearly a note of indignation in his words.

Fortunately, the following lines soothed Jiang Xing’s panic and shame.

Otherwise, this Golden Flag Officer might have ended up in disgrace.

Chen Yi, unaware of these details, asked: "The Host and I... scolded you?"

Knowing full well, he pressed the question.

The Host scolding Jiang Xing—only possible if he had misjudged or erred.

Combining with the earlier words, Chen Yi deduced Jiang Xing had presumed the Host was a Liu family member and reported this to the White Tiger Guard.

At the same time, he harbored a deeper suspicion—the Host was certain he was not from the Liu family.

Or perhaps that Host knew his true identity?

Impossible!

The only people who knew his identity were Pei Wen, Luo Wan’er, Wang Ji, Zhang Dabao, and Yan Hai—five in total.

Beyond them, only the legendary White Sage could discern his martial arts prowess and true face.

Others, even those close to him like Liu Rong, did not know he was Xiao family’s son-in-law.

How could the Host, stationed outside Zhouzhu, know his identity?

Chen Yi recalled past instances where his identity might have been exposed.

The killing of Liu Jing, the gun challenge to Ye FuSha, and the previous slaying of Du Cang—

Only these few times had he shown his face or revealed his identity, the most likely was… Ye FuSha…

Who was it?

Jiang Xing, unaware his offhand remark would lead Chen Yi to such deductions, smiled:

"Indeed, the Host and I, truly one with such prowess—he must be someone who knows all without even leaving his residence."

Chen Yi suppressed his curiosity, asking: "Does this concern me?"

"Of course it does."

"The Host has ordered me to invite you to join the White Tiger Guard."

Upon saying this, Jiang Xing shook his head: "But I suppose the Host and I would not agree."

"Just as you once refused the She-Tiger—how could one of such rare talent submit to another?"

Chen Yi looked at him with an inscrutable expression: "If one does not try, how is one to know?"

"Try?"

Jiang Xing raised his teacup, took a measured sip, and fixed his gaze upon him: "Your Excellency is a clever man; I would not dare display my meager skills before you."

Whether it was the matter of the summer grain across the three towns, or everything that had transpired in Shu Prefecture of late, all of it indicated that this "Liu Wu" possessed a mind that bordered on the demonic.

To a certain degree, Jiang Xing's dread of the man's calculating intellect far surpassed his fear of his martial talent and cultivation.

Yet, the reason Jiang Xing was certain Chen Yi would not join the White Tiger Guard was entirely due to a single line in a letter from the Pavilion Master:

['Liu Wu' is a peerless anomaly; the entire cadre of your Shu Prefecture banner officers will not catch his eye. Let the matter of inviting him into the White Tiger Guard rest for now.]

Though Jiang Xing remained unconvinced, after that brief test just now, he had indeed failed to detect the slightest anomaly in Chen Yi's demeanor.

Even when he invoked the "Pavilion Master," the result was the same.

An anomaly of this caliber was truly beyond the reach of his petty stratagems.

"The reason I came to wait here today, aside from meeting Your Excellency, is to request a favor."

Seeing Jiang Xing act with such tact, Chen Yi naturally would not reject him out of hand: "Let us hear it."

"Since Your Excellency can move like a hidden dragon through Shu Prefecture, and has even stepped forward to deal with Liu Wen, Lyu Jiunan, and Du Cang, you must be well acquainted with the circumstances here."

"I have heard a whisper or two."

"Then Your Excellency must also be aware of the background of the Jizhou Trading Company, knowing their profit-driven nature and their collusion with Zhu Hao, the Regional Military Commissioner."

Zhu Hao?

Seeing him circle around to point the spearhead at the Jizhou Trading Company and Zhu Hao, Chen Yi knit his brows inwardly.

The news of Zhu Hao's collusion with the Jizhou Trading Company had been passed to Lou Yuxue by his own hand; he understood the connection better than anyone.

But what did this have to do with him?

That Zhu Hao was far away in Guangyuan, well beyond his reach.

Moreover, he had already excised the cancer that was the Jizhou Trading Company; such a high-ranking regional official should be dealt with by the ministers of the imperial court.

Jiang Xing seemed to read his doubt: "Your Excellency need not be anxious."

"The matter I request is related to them, but they are not the objective; it is someone else entirely."

Pausing for a moment, Jiang Xing assumed a solemn expression: "This matter is of grave consequence; it is a scheme our White Tiger Guard has been plotting in Shu Prefecture for many years."

"I hope that after hearing it today, whether Your Excellency agrees or not, you will not disclose a single word to the outside world."

In truth, according to his original intent, he would absolutely never allow an outsider to interfere with his mission.

But with the Pavilion Master's command pressing down, he had to obey, and dared not do otherwise.

Seeing him speak with such solemnity, Chen Yi raised his teacup and took a sip.

He pondered for a moment.

Setting down the teacup, Chen Yi shook his head and said: "If that is the case, you had better save your breath."

Better not to hear it at all.

He had no interest in selling his life to the White Tiger Guard, and even if he was curious about their Pavilion Master, he did not wish to embroil himself in this.

If he truly did so, how would it differ from joining the White Tiger Guard?

To his surprise, upon hearing this, Jiang Xing did not fret but instead grew amused, saying with a face full of smiles: "The Pavilion Master is truly divinely prescient; he guessed that Your Excellency would surely refuse."

Chen Yi's expression shifted slightly as he said flatly: "Since your Pavilion Master knew I would refuse, why did he command you to do all this?"

"I do not know."

Pausing, Jiang Xing continued: "I merely follow orders; I hope Your Excellency will understand."

"However, the Pavilion Master did say that once Your Excellency learns who the objective of this venture is, you will certainly be interested."

Chen Yi stared intently at him, and after a moment, spat out a single word: "Speak."

"Chen Yunfan!"

"Chen... Yunfan?"

Chen Yi had originally thought he would hear his own name from Jiang Xing's mouth, but he had never expected it to be his elder brother—Chen Yunfan.

This was, indeed, beyond his anticipation.

And it did, indeed, pique his interest.

Yet because of this very fact, the dread in his heart toward that Pavilion Master of the White Tiger Guard grew even deeper.

It was like a dark cloud hovering over his head, seeing through everything he possessed.

—His identity, his talent, his cultivation, his background, and even his very thoughts.

Jiang Xing's attention had been fixed on him throughout, so he naturally caught the subtle shift in his expression, causing the reverence in his heart for the Pavilion Master to surge like a torrent of rushing waters.

No matter how mysterious this "Liu Wu" was, or how peerless his talent, did he not still fail to escape the palm of the Pavilion Master?

Only, there was one doubt that lingered in Jiang Xing's mind—this "Liu Wu" belonged to the Xiao family, so why would he care about Chen Yunfan?

One must know that within the Xiao family, there were not many people connected to Chen Yunfan; there was one, and only one—the matrilocal son-in-law of the Xiao family, the "fledgling" of the White Tiger Guard, Chen Yi.

Could it be that "Liu Wu" was connected to Chen Yi?

Or perhaps they...

Jiang Xing looked "Liu Wu" up and down, carefully and meticulously, before silently dismissing the conjecture in his heart.

These two men bore no resemblance whatsoever in appearance, aura, cultivation, or talent.

Furthermore, one excelled in poetry, song, the zither, and painting, while the other practiced both the martial path and the medical arts.

If these two were the same person, how could the word "anomaly" possibly describe it?

At the very least, one would have to prepend "peerless," or simply call him "the most talented individual from antiquity to the present."

Jiang Xing obviously did not believe it; searching back thousands or tens of thousands of years, no such figure had ever appeared.

Thus, he leaned more toward the theory that "Liu Wu" had some connection with the "fledgling."

Which was why "Liu Wu" had joined Liu Lang outside the prefectural city on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival to rescue the "fledgling."

He had heard Luan Feng speak of this matter before.

A long silence ensued.

Chen Yi tapped the table, a smile appearing on his face for the first time: "Master Jiang Xing might as well speak of exactly what matter requires this Liu to act."

Since it concerned Chen Yunfan, no matter how much he dreaded the Pavilion Master of the White Tiger Guard, he would give it a try.

He wanted to see exactly what this White Tiger Guard intended to do.

Hearing this, Jiang Xing clapped his hands and said: "Your Excellency is a man of direct speech; you have my admiration."

"In truth, the matter is quite simple..."

After listening to the end, a strange look flashed through Chen Yi's eyes: "Is that... all?"

Jiang Xing nodded and said with a smile: "It is just that simple."

"Your Excellency only needs to make a journey on behalf of my White Tiger Guard, and place the evidence of Zhu Hao's crimes into the hands of Counselor Chen."

"Why don't you do it yourselves?"

"My lord is unaware, for the previous few incidents, Chen Shenzheng has harbored many misunderstandings about my White Tiger Guard."

"If we were to intervene, it would only cause him displeasure."

"Then I could go?"

"At least my lord's recent deeds in Shuzhou have reached Chen Shenzheng's ears; he would merely think your lord came in the name of the Xiao family."

Xingxing lifted the teapot, pouring tea for both of them, and continued speaking:

"My lord can rest assured."

"Chen Shenzheng is not only the eldest son of the Chen family in Jiangnan Prefecture, but also the esquire chosen by the Emperor himself. Even if we resort to any means, we cannot harm him."

"This visit to your lord is truly a matter of necessity."

"After all, Chen Shenzheng... he does not seek fame in the court."

Chen Yì heard this and offered no response, staring at him for a moment before slowly nodding, "Very well."

He understood.

The head of the White Tiger Guard was seeking to leverage, through the Xiao family, through the connection between Chen Yì and Chen Yunfan, to allow this outsider "Liu Five" to deliver a accomplishment to Chen Yunfan.

It seemed a bit roundabout.

Yet Chen Yì was certain that the White Tiger Guard had certain designs on both him and Chen Yunfan.

He was a "chick," while Chen Yunfan—what was he? A phoenix soaring straight up nine ten thousand feet?

Still, there was one thing Chen Yì was confident in—that Chen Yunfan indeed did not seek fame in Shuzhou, nor in official affairs.

He also believed Chen Yunfan would not care for the White Tiger Guard.

How could one who constantly has the Emperor's father on his lips obey the White Tiger Guard's arrangements?

A few casual words.

Xingxing did not wait for Chen Yì to rise before departing, taking two items from his sleeve and placing them on the table.

"The item on the left is the secret letter you previously entrusted to Ni Tiger, as well as the 'evidence' I gathered in Shuzhou regarding Zhu Haotong's treasonous collusion."

"The item on the right..."

Xingxing slapped it emphatically, saying meaningfully, "This is the silver money you are entitled to for establishing the Ji Zhou trading house."

Chen Yì glanced at him, then at the two items covered with silk cloth on the table, "Did Luo Yuxue tell you?"

"Or else."

"Ni Tiger holds your lord in high regard; she does not wish to reveal the details of her collaboration with you."

"Lady Rongfeng?"

Xingxing shook his head again.

"They said nothing, but upon receiving your lord's command, they had someone investigate their recent activities."

"This money was prepared by Ni Tiger long ago; I merely borrowed it to offer it as a votive."

When he reached this point, Xingxing wore a sly smile, looking at Chen Yì and saying:

"Do you know, originally Lady Rongfeng intended to split this silver evenly with Ni Tiger?"

"But Ni Tiger, feeling it unbearable, deliberately set aside ten million taels of silver for your lord."

Chen Yì looked at him, his finger trembling slightly on the table, his spiritual energy flowing, gripping both items in his hands.

Then he lifted each one in turn.

A stack of evidence.

Silver... two million taels?

Xingxing did not wait for him to speak, smiling and explaining: "The additional one million taels is the fee for your lord's trip here."

Chen Yì nodded, tucking the items into his sleeve, then drinking the last of the tea, rising to say:

"I'll tell Ni Tiger to thank her."

Xingxing paused, "Would you like to see her?"

Chen Yì turned and walked toward the door, "The purpose of this visit has already been achieved. Whether to see her or not is irrelevant."

He understood the meaning behind Xingxing's words.

Naturally, he also grasped Luo Yuxue's intention.

Yet his heart was small, unable to contain too many people.

And this was between him and Luo Yuxue; how could he allow an outsider to meddle?

As for his purpose in coming here today—to secure the silver, and to prevent Liu Hong and Zhu Haotong from panicking into action—had indeed been fulfilled.

The door to the quiet room clicked shut and then opened again.

Xingxing opened his mouth, then wore a bitter smile, "I fear I have done a good deed and caused a bad one."

"Ah, your lord is indeed wise in his planning, yet this Jin Guard official truly does not fit into his eye."

His actions just now were somewhat self-interested.

After all, Luo Yuxue was the White Tiger Guard's spy, and was about to become a core Jin Guard officer.

If she could form a marriage alliance with the "Dragon Tiger," it would bring benefit to the White Tiger Guard without harm.

Even if the "Dragon Tiger" did not join the White Tiger Guard, in the future, if Luo Yuxue encountered danger, he could still risk his life to save her.

Yet this maneuver seemed to have been seen through by the "Dragon Tiger."

"Hope Ni Tiger doesn't blame me for causing trouble."

"Indeed, she had better not know... I do not wish to have another Jin Guard official as an adversary..."

Xingxing shook his head with a bitter smile, then composed himself and took out a sealed letter, reading it.

On the surface, several words were written:

[If he is unwilling, you may use "Chen Yunfan" to entice him.]

[If he still refuses, then this person cannot be used; I will have you use all means, kill him!]

Xingxing looked at the last two characters, his face showing regret.

"Your lord, you speak so lightly, yet do you know that this 'Liu Five' is capable of battling even three levels above him?"

"Or the 'wolf' Du Cang..."

The shadow of a man's name.

Xingxing considered himself to be, in comparison to Du Cang, merely a breath apart, where life and death were at stake, who would win and who would lose was uncertain.

Adding to that, that night, "Liu Five" not only killed Du Cang, but also brought back Xiao Wan'er, hair and all, to the Xiao family.

Combined with this, Xingxing felt he was no match.

Even if he spares no effort to kill "Liu Five," it would still demand the utmost exertion.

Thankfully, "Liu Five" agreed to it.

Xing Qing thought for a moment, then rose and entered the quiet chamber where Lou Yu Xue remained, his composed facade now replaced by a smile:

"The 'Dragon and Tiger' group is quite satisfied—they’ve taken the money and left."

Lou Yu Xue felt a great relief, his voice remaining as placid as ever:

"It is entirely up to you, my lord..."

...

Kyoto Prefecture.

Mid-October, the northern frontier felt noticeably colder than the southern Shu Province.

Fine rain fell in countless droplets, each tile of the roofs cloaked in a shadowy hue.

Yet within the imperial city, the scarlet rooftops and golden pillars, the carved beams and painted eaves, stood proudly and grand.

Even in this drizzly weather, the palace retained its brilliance of gold and jade.

Within a study deep in the palace, incense smoke curled gently in the burner, its fragrant resin filling the air.

In the stone stove against the wall, charcoal burned silently, its warmth radiating softly.

Seated before the chessboard was Chen Xuanji, his pale mask concealing his face, fingers clutching a black stone that would not fall.

Across from him sat a middle-aged man in midnight-blue robes, a dragon crown upon his head, his features pale and eyes bright with intensity, his mustache twitching as he smiled:

"Xuanji, surrender, then."

Chen Xuanji startled, then placed his black stone upon the board with deliberate calm:

"The victory is already yours, my lord."

The man glanced at the board, his smile softening slightly, nodding:

"Always so, Xuanji. Your skill in this game—perhaps you’re nearing the pinnacle of mastery?"

"Almost there."

"Hah, hurry and achieve it. I await your decision on whether to strike south or cut north."

"Your Majesty, take your time. Within five years, I shall ensure your blade falls where it must!"

Chen Xuanji’s gaze swept the southern lands, his expression neither sorrowful nor joyful, utterly serene.

A small boat, a glimpse of the father—how will he choose?

(End of Chapter)