A Step into the Past

Book 18 Chapter 02 – A Grand Scheme

The next morning, Xiang Shaolong, Ji Yanran and the others sent Zou Yan out of the City. After accompanying him for ten over miles on foot did they finally bade farewell.

Zou Yan left with a laugh and took off with about a hundred family warriors. Wu Guo led a thousand Cavalry soldiers to continue escorting him.

By the time Xiang Shaolong is back at Xianyang City, it is already evening time.

The snowstorm that ended last night started once again.

Thinking about this final departure, he was filled with extreme grief!

He was experiencing mixed emotions after interacting with this great philosopher who also happens to be one of China’s foremost mathematician.

If not for this great man, he may not gain Talented Lady Ji’s love or may have even lost his life back at Daliang.

Stepping into the residence, Tao Fang welcomed: “Ying Ying has been waiting for you for almost an hour in the eastern chamber.”

Xiang Shaolong frowned upon hearing this. Excusing himself from his wives, he headed to the eastern chamber.

Ying Ying is reaching the end of her patience. The moment she saw him, she snarled: “Where the he11 have you been?”

Xiang Shaolong had a sudden revelation. Even if Ying Ying changes her mind, he will never accept her love.

This is not because she is Guan Zhongxie’s woman. For a modern man like him, a woman’s virginity is unimportant.

In the past, he has been wooing her because he is doing it as a favour to the Lord Changping brothers and he is lecherous too. But after knowing her better, all his feelings for her have been eradicated by her fickle-mindedness and her lack of priorities. Even if someone holds a knife to his neck, he will not be willing to pursue her anymore.

After this enlightening revelation, Xiang Shaolong politely invited her to take a seat, asking: “What can I do for Miss Ying?”

Sensing the cold and unfriendly tone in his voice, Ying Ying was momentarily stunned. Lowering her head, she protested: “I know that you are feeling troubled. Ai! I don’t know what to say. You will be fighting Zhongxie in three days and I am really worried for you!”

Seeing that she is not here to dissuade him from fighting, Xiang Shaolong’s impression of her improved slightly. Recollecting his new secret weapon: Hundred Battle Sabre and his new set of sabre skills, he smiled: “Thanks for your kindness. Life is full of battles, isn’t it? Only from battles can life becoming more exciting.”

Frankly speaking, if not for Guan Zhongxie’s challenge, he may not have created this wonderful sabre skill.

Ying Ying raised her head slightly and panic is written all over her face. She advised: “I don’t know why I come to find you. Zhongxie has been practising his swordplay every day and has analyzed every move to counter spear attacks. Ai! Everyone knows that you are not good with spear fighting. Even with the Flying Dragon Spear, I am afraid… Ai! I am very worried!”

Xiang Shaolong plainly checked: “Aren’t you worried about Guan Zhongxie?”

Ying Ying nodded her head slightly and softly remarked: “It is best not to fight but I know no one can make both of you change your minds.”

Lowering her head again, she slowly thanked: “Thanks for your advice that day. I have given deep thought over your words and have agreed to marry Yang Duanhe. I haven’t informed my brothers yet. After the duel, Duanhe will seek my hand in marriage.”

Xiang Shaolong was taken aback but at the same time, he set his mind at ease.

He has met Yang Duanhe before and he is the most outstanding military leader under Wang Ci’s command. In the past, Lu Gong and Xu Xian thought highly of him too. However, he has no idea that Duanhe is also wooing Ying Ying.

Based on the current circumstances, whoever that marries Ying Ying will gain plenty of favours with the military and royal family. Only Guan Zhongxie is an exception.

Slightly fearful, Ying Ying peeped at his expression and tested: “Are you unhappy?”

Xiang Shaolong naturally would not show his strong feelings to her. He is certain that she really loves Guan Zhongxie so even if she does not marry him (GZH), she cannot marry himself (XSL) too. He solemnly state: “This is a wise decision. Yang Duanhe is an excellent man.”

Ying Ying stared at him angrily in silence.

Xiang Shaolong bitterly smiled: “Since Miss has decided on her future, she should not waver again.”

Ying Ying intimately asked: “Don’t you blame me at all?”

Xiang Shaolong sighed: “What do you want me to say?”

There couldn’t be a better answer than this. Ying Ying calmed down and thought for some time. Finally, she concluded: “Be careful!”

She stood up.

Xiang Shaolong sent her to the door. Just before she left, Ying Ying whispered: “If I can choose, I want you to win. This is not only because of me but also for Qin. I have finally understood the big picture.”

Before she finished speaking, hot tears are already gushing out of her eyes. Helplessly looking at him intimately for one last time, she turned around and leapt up her horse, galloping away.

In a daze, Xiang Shaolong stared at the snow clad Xianyang City, thinking about the end of this relationship. He swore never to get involved with any more beauties for as long as he lives.

But thinking back, it is hard to know what fate has in store for him.

Madam Zhuang and Li Yanyan are two good examples.

Back at the inner hall, just as he is enjoying some playtime with Xiang Bao’er, Teng Yi and Jing Jun came back from work. Teng Yi has a stern expression on his face while Jing Jun has an apologetic look.

Ji Yanran knew that something is amiss and asked for an explanation.

Sitting down, Teng Yi slapped the table and scolded: “I have told this kid umpteen times not to mess with Guoxin. How was I to know that he could not hold back when he saw him?”

Xiang Shaolong smiled: “Second Brother, calm down first. Little Jun, tell me what this is all about.”

Everyone was shocked at Xiang Shaolong’s indifferent attitude. Even Jing Jun was stunned. He explained: “Third Brother knows me best. Ai. I am not saying Second Brother does not know me but it is two different kinds of knowing.”

Teng Yi was amused and Wu Tingfang cannot help but laughed: “Don’t beat around the bush. What is it?”

Putting on a helpless and innocent expression, Jing Jun shrugged his shoulders: “I am not the chief troublemaker this time. I was just touring Drunken Wind Brothel and ran into those from Weinan Martial Arts School. Naturally, Scarface Guoxin is among them. I intended to ignore them but they made some sarcastic remarks and even insulted Third Brother. I won’t repeat what they said but they are very arrogant because they have Lao Ai supporting them. I can bear with personal insults but I cannot take it when they slander Third Brother.”

Zhao Zhi frowned: “What did they actually say?”

Teng Yi replied in a deep voice: “They did go too far with their comments. They mentioned that Third Brother is Lu Buwei’s gay partner. Hei. To think they even dare to spread such rumours.”

Her eyes shining with agitation, Ji Yanran coldly hissed: “If I hear it personally, I will kill them all on the spot.”

Wu Tingfang was furious: “Little Jun, what did you do to them?”

Jing Jun bitterly smiled: “There are only eight of us but there are ten over of them. Moreover, Guoxin is highly skilled so we did not gain much advantage and two of our men are injured. Incidentally, Lao Ai showed up and got them to back off and apologise. As Second Brother has instructed, I avoided any confrontation with Lao Ai. Holding my anger, I left immediately but Second Brother still holds it against me.”

Teng Yi chided: “What did I tell you? I have told you many times not to patronise the brothels but you keep disobeying me.”

Xiang Shaolong was still as composed as ever because he had long anticipated Lao Ai to become more and more insolent.

After a short contemplation, he questioned: “What are the kinds of people in Weinan Martial Arts School?”

Jing Jun took the chance to redeem himself: “The best fighter is naturally the School Founder and Master Qui Risheng. There are quite a significant number of military leaders who are graduates of this school. After him are the three key instructors which includes Guoxin. The other two are Changjie and Jinliang. All of them are first rate swordsmen who are now working together with Lao Ai. In a way, Lao Ai has more than a hundred family warriors after they joined him. These men hoped to be promoted based on Lao Ai’s close relationship with Empress. I heard that Lu Buwei is very dissatisfied with the school’s reopening but cannot say anything because of Empress’s support!”

Teng Yi added: “The fighters in Weinan Martial Arts School are made up of swordsmen from different states. Not everyone is a top fighter but there are some experts among them too. Every one of them is using you as an inspiration and hope to defeat you. By defeating you, that person will be crowned the number one swordsman of Qin and his value will increase by many folds. Ai! Everyone thought that you are the Crown Prince’s favourite subject because of your sword skill!”

Xiang Shaolong fantasized that this is always the worry of being the number one swordsman as always read in wuxia novels. If not for his high official post and his Guardians protecting him, he would have been waylaid on the streets every now and then.

Nodding, he swore: “Let them say whatever they like! My conscience is clear. If they go overboard, we shall not hesitate to act too but everything must come after my duel with Guan Zhongxie. We will lay low for the time being. If we are forced to act, we will go all the way and send Qiu Risheng to meet his maker.”

His eyes shining icily, he stared right at Jing Jun and commanded: “You have Lu Dan’er already. Take care of your health and improve your skills. Otherwise, when we face off with the Weinan Martial Arts School, you will not be able to take your revenge. Understand?”

It is not often Xiang Shaolong speaks so harshly to Jing Jun, making him sweat profusely and nodding his head non-stop in agreement.

Scanning the crowd, Xiang Shaolong laughed vociferously: “One fine day, we shall confront them and let them have a taste of Second Brother’s Mozi Sword, Yanran’s Flying Dragon Spear and my Hundred Battle Sabre!”

It was early next morning.

Xiang Shaolong began practising the Hundred Battle Sabre Play. The area surrounding him became enveloped with cold flashes of sabre energy. It was powerful beyond measure.

His sparring partner is Teng Yi. Even with Teng Yi’s ability, he cannot attack with the Mozi Sword. However, Mozi Swordplay focuses on defence. With his stronger arm strength and heavier wooden sword, he can still defend himself against the numerous attacks from all different directions.

Seeing the Hundred Battle Sabre in action for the first time, Jing Jun and Tao Fang’s jaws dropped, as they can never envision such a fearsome weapon and such ruthless and swift attacks.

Every time the two weapons clash, a loud sound is produced, adding to the excitement of the fight.

Since they started fighting, both men have exchanged over a hundred strokes but Teng Yi is still unable to find a loophole in the Hundred Battle Sabre Play to counter attack.

Xiang Shaolong is having the time of his life. Using his knowledge of many schools of martial arts and the use of science and body momentum, he applied it to the chopping attack nature of the Hundred Battle Sabre. Adding to the heavy sabre weight and intricate footsteps, the power of the sabre attacks is maximised. Like an endless torrent of earth crushing attacks, any enemy would be hard pressed to defend. Even with Teng Yi’s ability, he is at a losing end.

Out of a sudden, Wu Tingfang screamed: “Stop!”

Puzzled, Xiang Shaolong retreated and retrieved his sabre.

Everyone stared at her in amazement.

Her facing turning pink, Wu Tingfang awkwardly explained: “Don’t look at me this way. I am afraid that hubby will really fight Second Brother like he will fight Guan Zhongxie!”

Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi exchanged a look and burst out laughing.

Looking at his own right hand that was shaking because of over exertion, Teng Yi panted: “Tingfang is right to call for a stop, otherwise; I may be disgraced in public. The Hundred Battle Sabre may be powerful but the real might comes from Third Brother’s sabre play. Although it may be straight chopping styles, the changes are unlimited and the angles are precise as if it was directed by the immortals themselves. It is definitely worthy of its name.”

Xiang Shaolong smiled at Jing Jun: “Does Little Jun want to give it a try?”

Jing Jun bitterly smiled: “Can we do it tomorrow? I am already terrified to death and cannot find the courage to fight you.”

Everyone saw that Jing Jun is so intimidated and burst out into laughter.

Tao Fang remarked: “After witnessing Shaolong’s prowess, I can’t wait for your duel with Guan Zhongxie!”

At this moment, Wu Guang came to Xiang Shaolong’s side and whispered a few words. Xiang Shaolong handed the Hundred Battle Sabre to Zhao Zhi before gesturing to Teng Yi, Jing Jun and his wives to follow him towards the main hall.

Teng Yi caught up to him and inquired: “What is it?”

Xiang Shaolong whispered: “Meng Wu and Meng Tian have come secretly to see us.”

After paying their respects and getting seated, Meng Wu sincerely praised: “Official Xiang is truly a military genius. Tang Yi is the best general under my father’s wings but was soundly defeated despite having numerous advantages.”

Meng Tian added: “Father was infuriated but was powerless too. But we know him too well; he will never let the matter rest.”

The three ladies exchanged looks, finally aware that Meng Ao did not take the risk of leading the attack personally.

Meng Wu was frustrated: “We still do not understand why Father is so loyal towards Lu Buwei that heartless traitor.”

Meng Tian surmised: “It must be that beauty that Lu Buwei sent to seduce Father. Now, Father no longer listens to Mother. Mother has reminded us many times that Lu Buwei is a ruthless man and will die a horrible death. Father may be muddle-headed but we will not follow in his footsteps. Ai!”

Xiang Shaolong and the rest finally understood why they are willing to switch loyalty. Except for the strong relationship they built while escaping Lu Buwei’s assassination, it also involves their family conflict.

Their best buddy Jing Jun puffed his chest: “Relax! The Crown Prince knows that the both of you are loyal subjects. No matter what your father does, both of you will not be implicated.”

Xiang Shaolong nodded: “Little Jun is right. I have told Crown Prince everything and he will assign important tasks for both of you. Now, the most important thing is you must not let your father know that both of you have switch allegiance. In the future, you can inherit your father’s family warriors.”

Both men were overwhelmed and excited. Meng Wu intimately asked: “Is Crown Prince going to do something against Father?”

Xiang Shaolong acknowledges that the main source of Lu Buwei’s power arises from Meng Ao which allows him to last until Xiao Pan’s coronation. Based on this, Meng Ao should be fine these years. He predicted: “You can set your mind at ease. Your father will be fine before the Crown Prince coronation. Use these five years to learn, grow and do your best. When the Crown Prince is crowned King, all these problems will be solved. I will ask the Crown Prince to be lenient on your Father based on your merits.”

Both men were very touched and immediately kowtowed.

Xiang Shaolong hurriedly helped them up. Recalling that Meng Tian will be Qin’s best general after Wang Jian, he could not help but feel a sense of pride and wonder at the same time.

He instructed them further before allowing them to leave.

At the main door, Meng Wu worriedly advised: “Official Xiang must be diligent when fighting Guan Zhongxie the day after tomorrow. Yesterday, he came to our residence to look for sparring partners. Both of us fought against him too but we barely lasted a minute. He is much more formidable compared to the hunting fair duel.”

Meng Tian interrupted: “Can Official Xiang defeat him? This will make that traitor Lu vomit blood.”

Jing Jun smiled: “Don’t worry. My Third Brother is like a general from Heaven. Even if Guan Zhongxie has three heads and six arms, he will be defeated for sure.”

Both brothers stared at Xiang Shaolong with suspicion.

Teng Yi accosted them and smiled: “Little Jun is not bu11shitting this time. Your uncle Xiang has even defeated me soundly. Just wait and enjoy the show.”

Both men knew of Teng Yi’s skill and his truthful disposition so they managed to put aside their worries for the time being.

Meng Tian’s eyes suddenly reddened. Lowering his head, he swore: “This time, we are against our father not only because Lu Buwei tried to kill us and Mother. We must also take revenge for Princess Qian and the maids. When it is time to attack him in the future, you must include us in your plans.”

Xiang Shaolong was reminded of their close relationship with the girls. His heart swelled up with pain and he shook his head, sighing.

Teng Yi and Jing Jun knows that he is feeling despondent over the past and quickly led the brothers away.

The three men headed back to the Command Centre and were having lunch when an attendant reported that Wang Ci is here to see him. Xiang Shaolong put down his chopsticks and went to see him in the main hall.

Xiang Shaolong got Wang Ci to be seated in the higher ranked seat, remarking: “Great General need not come all the way here. As long as you send the order, I will report at your General Residence.”

Wang Ci smiled: “Aren’t you afraid that I may change my mind and try to assassinate you again?”

Xiang Shaolong jested: “If Great General wants my life, it is as easy as killing an ant!”

Wang Ci shook his head: “Your life is not so easy to take. Even Lu Buwei and Meng Ao have been defeated soundly by you and are at their wit’s end.”

Pausing, his brows furrowed deeper and he solemnly revealed: “Lu Buwei does have the intention to rebel. Using the excuse of needing men to build the Zhengguo Canal, he got the military seal from Crown Prince and Empress and began redeploying the troops. If not for my strong insistence that my army remains untouched, Xianyang City will be in his hands by now. But sooner or later, I may have to field a campaign and I will be too far to protect Xianyang City. The Crown Prince will be in serious danger. Does Shaolong have any solution?”

Xiang Shaolong wanted to tell him that everything will change after the Black Dragon sighting but he felt that it is better that less people know about this secret. He turned the question around: “Does Great General have any suggestion?”

Wang Ci thought for some time and sighed: “Because I refused to kill you, my relationship with Lu Buwei is strained. You should know that if Tian Dan attacks Yan, Lu Buwei will force Meng Ao and me to attack the Three Allied States. That will also be the best time for him to create chaos. If all of Xianyang City’s standby army is made up of soldiers loyal to him, then Empress and Crown Prince are as good as dead.”

Xiang Shaolong heaved a sigh of relief: “That should happen in Spring next year. Yan is in the extreme north and winter is very harsh there. Tian Dan needs some time to prepare too so we still have some time to plan.”

Wang Ci is displeased: “Since Guan Zhong took over as the Premier of Qi, the nation should enjoy progress. Unfortunately, the people of Qi are only good at bragging and lack military preparedness. Once, they were nearly annihilated by Yan which is much smaller than them. Although Tian Dan appeared, they are only good at surviving and nothing else. If not for Zhao between us and them, we would have conquered their lands a long time ago.”

Taking this chance, Xiang Shaolong clarified: “Zhao has lost Lian Po so can they still be considered a threat to us?”

With a suspicious expression, Wang Ci sighed: “The best armies and generals are from Zhao. If not for the muddle-headed King Xiaocheng using Zhao Gua instead of Lian Po, Bai Qi may not necessary win the Battle of Changping. Lian Po may be gone but Li Mu is still around. This man is unfathomable in terms of fighting a war. In fact, he is better than Zhao’s King Wuling. His tactics are unpredictable and he attacks when he is least expected to. If you ever meet him on the battlefield, you must never let your guard down or be prepared to take a heavy loss.”

In his heart, Xiang Shaolong prayed that it will never happen too. Concurrently, he was filled with respect at this famous general who has achieved such a godly reputation.

Recollecting the day when Li Mu heroically gave him Bloodwave and even advised him to come to Qin, telling him that should they ever meet on the battlefield, they should fight each other to death. Not many men can match up to his depth.

Wang Ci groaned: “As long as Li Mu is around, we can forget about attacking Zhao.”

Each in his own thoughts, both men are sighing and momentarily forgotten their present danger.

Wang Ci suddenly brought up: “Does Shaolong know that after Chongqiao has been promoted to be Marquis Changan, he has been in secret contact with Zhao General Pang Nuan. With Du Bi’s support, he has been recruiting men and buying horses. If Xianyang City is in chaos, he will surely come back to vie for the throne. He still has many supporters and you must guard against this.”

Xiang Shaolong can feel a big headache coming. So it is really not easy to help Xiao Pan become Qin Shi Huang after all. Nodding his head to acknowledge this, he sighed: “Lu Buwei should be more worried than me. He is the first person Du Bi and Chongqiao want to kill. My turn will come much later and Lu Buwei will not take this lying down.”

Wang Ci stifled his laughter: “Talking about scheming, we are not Lu Buwei’s match. These few nights, I have been drinking with Wang He. Whenever we spoke about this, Wang He says that Lu Buwei is purposely allowing Du Bi and Chongqiao to run amok. With this threat hanging over their heads, Empress and Crown Prince will still have to rely on him.”

Xiang Shaolong had seen this coming. He asked: “What is the relationship between Du Bi and Lady Xiuli?”

Lady Xiuli is the other concubine of King Zhuangxiang and Chongqiao’s mother.

Wang Ci replied: “They are cousins but we all know that there is something going on between them.”

Pausing, Wang Ci realised that they have drifted too far off the original topic. He officially suggested: “I have a plan. I heard that you are quite close to the people of Chu. Can you persuade Li Yuan that if Qi annihilates Yan, then Chu will be his next target? Get him to deploy soldiers near the Qi-Chu border so that Tian Dan will not attack Yan recklessly.”

Xiang Shaolong slapped the table and praised this wonderful tactic. At the end of the day, Wang Ci is still more experienced than him. This is akin to surrounding Wei to save Zhao. Moreover, Li Yuan hates Tian Dan to the core and Chu is safe from Qin because of the buffer of the Three Allied States. He nodded in agreement: “This is easy; I will get someone to write a letter to Li Yuan immediately. Consider it done.”

Wang Ci officially state: “This is crucial. Shaolong must do his best to persuade Li Yuan!”

Xiang Shaolong respectfully consented: “I know!”

Wang Ci is pleased: “If we can delay Qi’s attack of Yan, when Wang Jian is back and Huan Yi, Wang Ben has the new army ready, I can set off with a peace of mind.”

Xiang Shaolong knows that he has secured at least one quarter of the Qin military support and was comforted. Recalling Jing Jun’s marriage proposal, he sincerely explained it to Wang Ci.

Wang Ci laughed loudly: “No problem. I will get Wang He later to visit the Lu Residence later. Wait for my good news!”

In a second, his expression darkened as he was reminded of Lu Gong and Xu Xian.

After some time, he reminiscence: “Does Shaolong know that Lu Gong is not originally surnamed Lu? During the hunting fair, his hunting catch of deer is unmatched so the late King conferred him the title of Deer King (Lu Wang). Thus, he changed his surname to Lu and as he grows older, people called him Lu Gong (Deer Senior)!”

Xiang Shaolong bitterly laughed: “Does Great General know that I am no longer called Xiang Shaolong but Long Shaoxiang? I did swear to write my name backwards if Tian Dan manages to return back to Qi safely.”

Wang Ci was stunned for a while before he left, laughing.

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