Chapter 132
Book 12 Chapter 11 – Each Having Their Own Plots
When Ji Yanran and the ladies set off to Qin Qing’s residence, Xiang Shaolong removed Bloodwave, the sword that has never left his side and changed into commoner’s clothes. Under the discreet protection of the family warriors, he slipped out of Wu residence and made his way to Phoenix Bridge north of Xianyang City to keep his appointment with Tu Xian.
Since he arrived at Handan City, he has always been mixing with the royalty and upper cla.s.s. In Xianyang City, he is leading an even more prestigious lifestyle which is very different from the commoner’s way of life. Whenever he wants to do anything, there is someone at his beck and call. Now, he has regained some freedom and has transformed into a common man, enjoying the interesting lifestyle of the man in the street.
He intentionally squeezed his way into the busy business streets and observed the stalls selling various vegetables, goods and art pieces.
Regardless if it is made of steel, bronze, porcelain, wood, leather, cloth or sculptures, everything for sale has an ancient feeling which is not seen in the modern 21st century.
He could not resist buying a few toys to present to his wives and maids to make them happy.
The market is crowded with people and most of them are females. Noticing Xiang Shaolong’s st.u.r.dy built and handsome looks, they disregard other men and cast their gazes at him frequently.
The young girl selling the bracelet to him kept staring at him with love in her eyes and was smiling sweetly like a blossoming flower.
Xiang Shaolong found it very unique. If it was him years ago when he first came to the ancient times, he would seduce the prettiest girl back home to his bed.
The ladies of Qin are open-minded and straightforward, unlike those in the south-eastern states.
Xiang Shaolong hardened his heart and ignored the young girl’s loving gaze. When he turned around, the crowd was becoming chaotic. It seems like several thugs are chasing a young man and are trying to hit him. On the other side, a girl who appears to be his sister or wife is crying as she tries to stop the attackers but was pushed down to the floor instead.
The young man has strong endurance. Despite being overwhelmed, he did not succ.u.mb to their attacks and gritted his teeth and continued fighting.
One of the thugs picked up a pole from a stall nearby and was about to hit the young man on his head. Xiang Shaolong leapt in front of the young man and pushed the fiercest thug back a few steps. Spreading his hands, he called: "That’s enough! This matter shall end here and no one is allowed to fight anymore. If someone dies, who is accountable?"
The lady took this chance to rush up to the badly bruised young man and cried: "Hubby Zhou! Are you ok?"
Xiang Shaolong realised that this is a young couple and took pity on them.
The group of thugs are rascals who have been terrorizing the common folks. Even though they have caused several stalls to collapse, no one dare to say anything or even blame them for it. Seeing that someone has come to challenge them, they were infuriated and cannot let Xiang Shaolong off. They observed Xiang Shaolong is extremely brave and heroic looking and dared not underestimate him. Picking up poles and other makes.h.i.+ft weapons, they surrounded Xiang Shaolong.
The leader of the thugs roared: "Who are you? You look like a newcomer and probably has not heard of us, the Ten Tigers of Xianyang. If you know what is good for you, you better kneel down, kowtow to us and admit your mistake or we will give you a good tras.h.i.+ng."
Xiang Shaolong rudely stared at him and couldn’t be bothered. He turned back to the young couple and smiled: "Is little brother ok?"
Before the young man could answer him, his wife shrieked: "Be careful!"
Xiang Shaolong let out another smile and flipped to one side, s.n.a.t.c.hing the pole that was about to hit his head. At the same time, his leg kicked out into the private region of his attacker.
The thug gave a loud and tragic cry and released his pole. He was sent flying by another kick from Xiang Shaolong and cannot get up anymore.
Grabbing another pole with his other hand, Xiang Shaolong took up a fighting stance and attacked two men simultaneously with his two poles on two sides. He aimed for their ears and fell both men in one stroke. The ear is the human body’s most fragile part and their agony is written all over their faces.
The other thugs were scared stiff and dared not attack him. Picking up their fallen comrades, they slipped away quickly into the crowd.
The onlookers clapped loudly to show their appreciation.
Xiang Shaolong has an appointment to keep and cannot stay around for too long. From his bosom, he retrieved enough silver to buy several horses and pushed them into the hands of the young man and sincerely advised: "Find a physician to treat your injuries and leave quickly before those men come back!"
The young man firmly rejected: "I did not do anything to deserve this money. Mister has helped me greatly and how can I receive your kindness once again?"
His wife nodded her head vigorously, showing her strong approval of her husband’s decision.
Xiang Shaolong is secretly joyful and gently asked: "If it was me that was in trouble and you are wealthy. Would you have done the same thing?"
The young man named Zhou replied: "Of course!"
Xiang Shaolong laughed: "So be it!" Stuffing the silver into his hands, he left laughing.
Among the cheering of the crowd, he hurriedly left the market. Just as he was about to cross a wide street, someone called him from behind: "Mister, please hold your step!"
Xiang Shaolong turned around in surprise and saw a stocky man approaching him. This man is neatly dressed with a long sword at his waist and appears to be a family warrior. The man invited: "Mister’s action has been witnessed by my Young Mistress who happened to be pa.s.sing by. She admires your character and wishes to meet you."
Xiang Shaolong was very amused but looking at his fine bearing, he must have come from a prestigious family. He politely rejected: "I am a born wanderer and aspires to fly everywhere like the wild geese. Please tell your mistress that I am grateful for her appreciation."
Finis.h.i.+ng, he left.
The family warrior repeated ‘fly everywhere like the wild geese’, the refres.h.i.+ng new proverb a few times before he left dejectedly.
Tu Xian led Xiang Shaolong to a simple and inconspicuous hut near the bridge and declared: "I have specially arranged this place for our rendezvous. If we have to meet up in future, this will be the place!"
Xiang Shaolong knew that he is very experienced and will make this safe house undetected by Lu Buwei and his cronies. He sat down and inquired: "How is Lu Buwei treating Brother Tu?"
Tu Xian plainly state: "There are many things he still needs my help. Especially those that he wishes to keep confidential. For example, it was me who extorted the bunch of Yan courtesans from Prince Dan. Originally, Prince Dan wanted to give them to the influential people in Xianyang City as bribes but Lu Buwei learnt about this. He hinted to me and got