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Xu Ziling said, “It was because we had no choice that we had to risk it and take a gamble. These two reproductions were kept at the bottom of a chest full of paintings, stuffed together among a large pile of other famous paintings, so probably no one would have the leisure to look over. Besides, these days Dugu Feng is busy dealing with Li Mi and Shen Luoyan, he shouldn’t have the time to enjoy the paintings in his collection, not to mention it really isn’t the genuine article.”

Song Shidao said, “Lei LaoGe may rest assured that, in fact, Dugu Feng has violated the ethics [orig. righteousness and justice] of buying and selling painting and calligraphy. Chi Shengchun already paid the astonishingly high price of ten thousand taels of gold to acquire the painting, Dugu Feng should have included the reproduction, lest there be any false circulation. This is the rule. Therefore, even if he knew that the reproduction is being stolen, he could only shut his mouth and eat Huanglian [Chinese goldthread (Coptis Chinensis)] and painstakingly keep it for himself, not daring to bring it out into the open.”

Greatly delighted, Xu Ziling said, “Nothing is more perfect than that. Last night at the Tang Palace I encountered three fresh-faced martial art masters. There was a pair of husband and wife, the man wields a shield, the woman uses a sword.” And then he described what they looked like.

Emotionally moved, Song Shidao said, “Who could have thought that Li Yuan managed to move their heart and invite them. This couple of husband and wife are known as ‘Shenxian Juanshu’ [immortal couple]. The man is Chu Junming, the woman is Hua Ying. They are most adept in fighting together, and have become famous for close to fifty years, of the same generation with Ouyang Xiyi, Wang Tong, and the likes, pivotal figures of the White Way, always love to roam the mountains and play on the water [go on scenic tour], never stay in one place for more than a year.”

“Who’s the other guy?” Lei Jiuzhi asked.

Xu Ziling replied, “I am certain that this person is not a martial art master of the older generation. He uses heavy iron lance, his face is full of beard, his build is like an iron tower, his strength astonishing.”

Shaking his head, Song Shidao said, “Never heard of him!”

Thinking deeply, Lei Jiuzhi said, “Very likely he is Yan Pingzhao’s son, Yan Li, who is known as the ‘Yao Mao’ [demon lance]. In recent years this man made a name for himself in Guanzhong. Yan Pingzhao has a deep relationship with Li Yuan, so his son working for Li Yuan is something that only to be expected.”

Smiling ruefully, Xu Ziling said, “On top of that, there were Yuwen Shang, You Chuhong and Dugu Feng [phoenix]. Martial art masters by Li Yuan’s side are certainly as numerous as the cloud, even above the Tian Ce Fu; I am not optimistic about Li Shimin’s situation even more.”

Letting out a strange laughter, Lei Jiuzhi said, “You’d better think about your own situation! Now that we have fallen into a serious crisis, how are we going to deal with it?”

Lowering his voice, Xu Ziling said, “Kou Zhong and I have discussed it. Unless we could kill Shi Zhixuan in the shortest possible time, we will only have one way out: withdraw immediately.”

This moment a servant came to report: Xiao Yu was asking for an audience.

The three were greatly astonished, they never expected that Xiao Yu would come looking for them as soon as it was daybreak, what exactly did he want?

Song Shidao said, “Lei LaoGe and I will accompany Xiao Jun to deal with him, you guys better prepare for the worst.”

After the two men left, Kou Zhong came back. Sitting down, he said, “Are we going to make the mistake of trusting the good beauty again?”

But Xu Ziling was thinking about something else. He said, “Do you remember a couple of days ago when we were walking down the street dressed as the Taihang Shuang Jie, we had a feeling that someone was following us, but could not find who it was?”

Kou Zhong nodded and said, “There seems to be such thing, but it has long been forgotten.”

Xu Ziling said, “That stalker is most likely Shi Zhixuan. Huh? Someone’s here!”

Kou Zhong’s heart also gave out a warning sign. Peeking out the window, he heaved a sigh of relief and said, “It’s Li Dage!”

They were now every minute, every moment of their live, in a state of fear, without any sense of security.

“We are inside the room!” Xu Ziling called out.

His expression grave, Li Jing asked, “The one breaking into the palace last night, was it one of you guys?”

Kou Zhong nodded and said, “We both have a part in it, but no one found us out. Sit down and we’ll talk. We were just thinking to get in touch with you.” And then he reported about Shi Zhixuan discovering the Situ Furong’s affair; he said, “We have to prepare for the worst. Naturally if we could get rid of Shi Zhixuan, once the main problem is solved, all troubles are solved. Otherwise, we must withdraw immediately.”

Hearing that, Li Jing was stunned, he forgot to question them about the theft in the Tang Palace.

Xu Ziling said, “Our greatest concern is that if this matter is exposed, it will implicate Chen Fu and Ou Liangcai, along with their families.”

Taking a deep breath, Li Jing said, “On the contrary, you won’t have to worry about this matter. As long as Chen Fu push the blame neat and clean, saying that he basically did not know that you guys are impersonators, our Tian Ce Fu can support them; unless Qin Wang loses power, they won’t have any problem.”

Kou Zhong spoke in delight, “If that’s the case, we can feel reassured. Do you know that Yang Xuyan and the Dugu Clan are playing with trick and toying with scheme against Li Mi and Shen Luoyan? Their ultimate target is to deal with Li Shiji.”

And then Xu Ziling told Li Jing the inside story; he reminded him. “Li Yuan himself ought to have the intention to kill Li Mi; therefore, Shen Luoyan’s current situation is very dangerous.”

Li Jing said, “This is no small matter at all, if Li Shiji is accused of guilt by association, not only the blow toward our Tian Ce Fu is difficult to estimate, it would also greatly harmful to the foundation that we laid outside the Pass, it would bring about serious damage to Qin Wang’s reputation. Ay! There is not much time, how are we going to notify Shen Luoyan?”

Kou Zhong’s countenance changed, he said, “We thought you’d have a way.”

Li Jing sighed and said, “Huangshang strictly prohibits the people from both the left and right palaces to enter the Taiji Palace; to enter Zhang Jieyu’s Ning Bi Pavilion is even more difficult above difficult. You guys should know the reason.”

The two boys nodded to indicate they did. Since Li Yuan suspected that Li Shimin poisoned Zhang Jieyu, not only he sealed the passage between the left and right palaces and the Taiji Palace, he also invited You Chuhong to personally protect his beloved imperial concubine.

Kou Zhong said, “We have not given up all hope yet. Without any better option, we’ll ask Song ErGe to notify Shang Xiuxun, to ask her to help. I hope Li Yuan will not cancel the polo match this afternoon!”

Knitting his brows, Xu Ziling said, “You are really muddleheaded. If Li Yuan cancels the match, how could Li Mi have the opportunity to make a private request to him? We need not worry.”

Slapping his forehead, Kou Zhong exclaimed, “Right! Today’s game is absolutely necessary. I should have said that I hope Shang Xiuxun will be invited as the guest of honor to watch the game.”

Li Jing said, “I definitely will not allow this thing to happen. Otherwise I will be ashamed to face Qin Wang.”

Xu Ziling shook his head and said, “Li Dage should not get involved in this. We’ll handle this ourselves.”

Li Jing said, “At least I can send someone to monitor Li Mi and Wang Bodang’s movements. Furthermore, I have to maintain contact with you.”

After Li Jing left, Lei Jiuzhi hurriedly came over, saying, “Xiao Yu is inviting our Shen Ye to immediately come with him to the palace. I don’t know if this matter is inauspicious or lucky.”

Kou Zhong slapped his thigh and said, “My Niang! Unexpectedly the ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’ was really in the imperial study room. Xiao Hou missed the opportunity to see the real painting.”

“What are you talking about?” Lei Jiuzhi was baffled.

Xu Ziling explained to him; he said, “Only if the real painting is kept inside the imperial study room would Li Yuan be worried that Cao San, who had entered the imperial study room might substitute the treasured painting by stealing the dragon and swapping the phoenix. Therefore, as soon as it is daybreak, he sent someone to invite our Shen Ye into the palace, to have him verify the authenticity of the treasured painting.”

As if he was relieved from a burden, Lei Jiuzhi sat down and said, “In that case I am relieved. I am going to give your gadget to him. As long as ErGe hides the fine powder in his fingernail and applies it onto the painting, after the painting is rolled up and sealed up for one or two sichen, it will start emitted faint scent, which won’t dissipate until after one or two days. This is the sample.”

He took out a small paper wrap from his bosom and sure enough, as soon as he opened it, it emitted a faint smell.

Kou Zhong sighed and said, “Unless Li Yuan is not worried and still keep the painting in the imperial study room, any gadget will be totally useless.”

Xu Ziling responded with a sneer, “So what if it is still in the imperial study room? You think we could still sneak into the imperial study room?”

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “I was just giving thought to Hou kid. Oh! Darn it! Song ErGe is going into the palace, who’s going to talk to Meiren’er Changzhu?” His eyes turned toward Xu Ziling.

Smiling bitterly, Xu Ziling said, “No need to look at me, Xiaodi will walk this path of misfortune.”

Kou Zhong stepped into the main hall, Ren Jun, dressed as Situ Furong, was staring blankly by the window. Seeing Kou Zhong came in, he hastily stood up and greeted him, “Kou Ye!”

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “It should be me who pay my respect to you. Looking at you, this kid, seem to have your spirit and soul upside down, I am really worried.”

Embarrassed, Ren Jun sat down. Hanging his head down, he said, “I am all right.”

Kou Zhong sat down by his side and said, “Tell me a bit more honestly, are you having love at first sight toward Hu Xiaoxian? Be bold and tell me, I will take care of everything for you.”

Ren Jun stammered, “I am really all right. I should be okay in a couple of days.”

“There! You admit it!’ Kou Zhong said, “This is not something that you should be embarrassed. Real man should dare to do anything. Success or failure, let Laotianye decides.”

Ren Jun spoke apologetically, “Our proper business is important, I …”

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “And major turning point of lifelong importance is not a proper business? But you ought to know that Hu Xiaoxian is not simple at all, she understands how to charm men like a fox. Don’t look at her repeatedly throwing flirtatious glances at you, that was actually no more than her usual skill to bewitch men.”

“I know,” Ren Jun replied in deject.

Kou Zhong spoke indifferently, “You already knew she is that kind of woman, yet you still want to get close to her? If you are just looking for a chance to have some fun, I’ll say your chances are quite high. As long as Da Xian Hu Fo is interested in your Flying Money business, no need for you to look for her, Hu Xiaoxian will drop by your door on her own.”

Ren Jun suddenly appeared as if he made up his mind, he spoke decisively, “Kou Ye need not worry about me, I have the ability to maintain self-control.”

Astonished, Kou Zhong said, “Turns out you are serious, hence the reason you gnashed your teeth in saying those words. The affair between man and woman might be the predestined affinity that was carried over from your previous life, it’s not something that can be conquered by self-control. You are a single man, she is not married yet, just let everything flows naturally.”

Grateful, Ren Jun said, “Xiaoren thought Kou Ye might reprimand me for this matter, who would have thought that Kou Ye is encouraging me instead? Ay! I never thought I would be this useless.”

Xu Ziling entered by climbing over the wall; he landed inside the rear garden of the mansion Shang Xiuxun was staying in her trips to Chang’an. Hearing footsteps, he hurriedly flashed behind a cluster of flowers. Peeking toward the winding corridor piercing through the rear garden, he saw Fu Dajie [big sister] and Xiao Juan, whom he has not seen for a long time - walking past in a hurry.

Pulling off his mask, Xu Ziling flashed out of his hiding place and called out, “Fu Dajie! Xiao Juan Jie!”

The two women turned around in shock, their flowery countenance turned pale.

Xu Ziling hurriedly came over and cupped his fist to greet them, “It’s me! I come to see your Changzhu.”

Recovering from her shock, Big Sister Fu looked around to make sure no one else was around first before speaking in displeasure, “You want to see Xiaojie for what? She is mad at you guys!”

Xu Ziling said, “Fu Dajie, please help me, I have a very important thing to discuss with Changzhu face to face.”

Xiao Juan lightly pulled Big Sister Fu’s sleeve to plead for Xu Ziling.

Big Sister Fu’s countenance alternated between clear and dark. Finally she sighed and said, “Changzhu is in a very difficult position. Da Guanjia [big/first housekeeper] and both Zhishi and his deputy [manager, see Book 9, starting at Chapter 4] are all advocating that we sever all relations with you guys, only Luo Fang is willing to speak favorable words for you. But what lowly people think counts for little [idiom], so it was useless.”

Xu Ziling sighed inwardly. “I understand!” he said, “I just want to say a few words to Changzhu.”

After listening to the situation clearly, Ren Jun asked in horror, “What do we do now?”

“No need to panic!” Lei Jiuzhi said, “We decided to let Chi Shengchun go for the time being, we will retreat in honor and glory.”

Ren Jun did not understand, “Retreat in honor and glory?” he asked.

Kou Zhong calmly said, “Let me explain: there are two ways to retreat. The first is slipping away via the secret tunnel of the Duke Yang’s Treasure; this is not the preferred policy. The second one is: our Furong Ye has completed exploring business opportunity in Chang’an, he has other important matter to attend to, hence he has to leave immediately, later on he might come back to develop the business, which is his Niang’s Flying Money business. We’ll talk some more when you, the Senior, come back.”

Ren Jun asked in astonishment, “What might be more important than the Song Clan’s threat?”

“You are Situ Furong,” Kou Zhong replied, “You don’t have to explain anything to anybody. That will look more like Situ Furong’s usual style.”

Ren Jun still appeared to be at a loss. “I understand!” he spoke dejectedly.

Kou Zhong smiled and said, “Have you forgotten about letting everything flows naturally? Trust me, I’ve been there. If it’s yours, then it’s yours, it won’t go anywhere.”

Big Sister Fu walked out of the room, she spoke to Xu Ziling, who was sitting in the inner hall, waiting quietly, “Changzhu invites you to come in.”

Xu Ziling was slightly surprised, he did not expect that instead of coming out to see him, Shang Xiuxun asked him to come into the lady’s chamber to see her. Although it was to guard against other people’s eyes and ears, it was still a bit inappropriate.

Xiao Juan, who had been accompanying him by his side, urged him, “What are you waiting for? Changzhu still has to go to the main hall to receive Da Guanjia and various Zhishi who are going to pay their respect.”

Xu Ziling had no other choice but to walk over toward the bedroom. After passing through a small hall with elegant furnishing, he entered the inner room.

Shang Xiuxun was sitting in front of the dresser, facing a copper mirror, putting on her makeup. The spacious bedroom was separated by a screen partition in the middle, so he could not see the bed on the other side.

Shang Xiuxun wore plain blue shirt with dark brown, embroidered with floral pattern, long gown with slit on the hip, golden-yellow leather belt on her waist, and a pair of red and white striped trousers, het feet were encased in embroidered shoes. Although she wore men’s clothing, she still gave up a very feminine graceful impression.

The lady’s chamber was full of light sweet scent, which came from a tray of freshly-picked jasmine lying on a small table.

The person and the flower compete in beauty, Xu Ziling could not refrain unbounded tender sentiments from welling up in his heart.

Looking at his reflection in the copper mirror coming behind her, Shang Xiuxun said, “Hou Xibai did not pass on Xiuxun’s message to you?”

Xu Ziling remembered her tender disposition and beautiful appearance when she was eating, which could be rated as matchless under the heavens, he stopped and stood still behind her flaky back, he nodded and said, “We are clear about Changzhu’s standpoint, this time I am coming for another matter, boldly asking Changzhu to do us a favor. Oh! Maybe a couple of favors.”

‘Pfft!’ Shang Xiuxun giggled tenderly. Staring at him in the mirror, her pretty eyebrows lightly knitted, she said, “How could Xu Ziling become such a greedy person? I practically shouldn’t even receive you!”

Xu Ziling spoke calmly, “I never thought that Changzhu is not going to see me.”

Shang Xiuxun hung down her lily-white hands, which were straightening up her beautiful hair; she stared at his reflection in the mirror for quite half a day before speaking indifferently, “Why do you have that kind of confidence? If it were the day before yesterday, I would have my men beat you randomly with a stick and sweep you out of the door.”

Smiling wryly, Xu Ziling said, “This is perhaps Nature [as the mother of all things] is playing with people. I wonder if Changzhu does not have a good opinion on Li Shimin?”

Shang Xiuxun’s tender body trembled lightly, she sighed faintly and said, “Now the one holding power in the Li Clan is Li Yuan, his heir is Li Jiancheng, how do you expect me to look at Li Shimin? If you are Kou Zhong’s good brother, you should advise him to withdraw from the struggle over the world. Unless Song Que can deploy his army in the middle of the winter to go up north, you can only collect Kou Zhong’s remains. This is something that no one can change. The birds are gone, the bow is put away. The people of old had a wise lesson, Li Shimin’s end could be inferred. If I, Shang Xiuxun, were not the Ranch Master of the Flying Horse Ranch, I don’t have any problem accompanying you, two kids, roaming far and wide. But last night I already promised Li Yuan that from now on, the horses of the Ranch will be sold only to his Li Family.”

After a short pause, she went on, “Speak up! Let’s see if I can help.”

Xu Ziling breathed a sigh of relief. Listening to her, it looked like Li Yuan has not proposed a marriage to her on Li Jiancheng’s behalf. Thereupon he told her about Shen Luoyan.

“That is merely the exertion of lifting one’s hand [idiom],” Shang Xiuxun said, “However, if Shen Luoyan does not attend today’s polo match, I can do nothing. Furthermore, if Zhang Jieyu and the Dugu Family join hands and form a gang, they definitely will not give Shen Luoyan the opportunity to contact Li Mi.”

Staring blankly, Xu Ziling said, “We did not think about that possibility.”

Shang Xiuxun said, “I will do my best, plus I will let you guys know the result as soon as possible. What is the other favor?”

Xu Ziling was a bit to embarrassed to mention it; he said, “Now the Li Clan’s internal tumult and external struggle is growing more complex day by day. Although Kou Zhong is at a disadvantage, but he is not completely without any power to strike back. May I be so bold as to ask Changzhu not to make any major decision? At least you ought to give yourself half a year to see the situation clearly.”

Shang Xiuxun slowly turned her tender body around to face Xu Ziling. Her flowery jade countenance revealed an unusually strange expression; without blinking at all she fixed her gaze at him and said, “What major decision?”

Greatly embarrassed, Xu Ziling wanted to say something but then hesitating. “I hear … ay! I hear Li Jiancheng … ay! How do I say it?” he stammered.

Shang Xiuxun hung her head down and spoke softly, “I understand what you want to say. Does this matter have something to do with you, Xu Ziling?”

Xu Ziling was shocked inwardly. He heard the resentment and affection in Shang Xiuxun’s heart; panicked, he replied, “I am just afraid the Flying Horse Ranch will be drawn into the Li Clan’s internal power struggle, in which to whom the deer falls is still unknown.”

Shang Xiuxun raised her pretty, charming face. She smiled and said, “You think I am that stupid? Even if I have to marry a pig, or I have to marry a dog, I will never marry Li Jiancheng. Thank you for your concerns.”

Xu Ziling relaxed; he said, “There is one thing: Song ErGe is being summoned into the palace today, hence he cannot keep his appointment.”

Shang Xiuxun hung down her small-cicada-with-a-square-head head, and spoke heavily, “Even if he came today, he won’t be able to see me. I already promised Da Guanjia and the others that I will no longer interact with people from the Song Family, I hope Song Xiansheng understands my difficulties. He is a man whom Xiuxun respect deeply.”

Xu Ziling’s mind was severely shaken; he secretly mused that if he passed this on truthfully to Song Shidao, could he take this most serious blow after Fu Junchuo’s death?

Remaining tranquil, Shang Xiuxun said, “Ziling, go! You and Kou Zhong will always be Xiuxun’s real intimate friends, I love to eat the strange things you came up with the most.”