Chapter 145
Book 13 Chapter 12 – Flying Dragon Spear
At the appointed hut, Tu Xian is already waiting for him. When they saw each other, both men are equally delighted. Through these difficult times, they have built a trusting relations.h.i.+p and a strong friends.h.i.+p. If not for Tu Xian’s intervention, he would have been killed a long time ago.
Tu Xian smiled: "You did a great job with Lu Xiong, catching Lu Buwei unaware and losing face in front of everyone. Back at the residence, this traitor threw a mad tantrum and summoned Mo Ao for a two hour meeting. Needless to say, they are plotting on killing you."
Xiang Shaolong inquired: "What happened to Lu Xiong and his son?"
Tu Xian revealed: "Lu Xiong may not be badly beaten like his son but was publicly slapped and scolded by Lu Buwei in front of everyone. Lu Buwei has sent him to help out with the Ca.n.a.l and hara.s.s the villagers opposing it. No one is happier than Guan Zhongxie. Lu Xiong has been on loggerheads with him and with his exit, Guan Zhongxie’s importance is elevated within the Premier Residence. With a few more accomplishments, Lu Niang Rong will also be his."
Xiang Shaolong had a brainwave: "Guan Zhongxie is someone greedy for fame and power. Does Brother Tu think we can win him to our side?"
Tu Xian seriously state: "You must never do that. This man’s shrewdness and ambitions are not inferior compared to Lu Buwei. Moreover, he is clear that he is an outsider and is only using Lu Buwei to pursue his own goals. In addition, he bore deep grudges against you over Lian Jin’s death. You must not waste any effort in this area."
Xiang Shaolong nodded in agreement. Tu Xian is an experienced man and his judgement will not be wrong.
Tu Xian divulged: "Recently, I have been secretly monitoring Mo Ao’s activities. I discovered that he had got somebody to produce some floats as well as some snorkelling masks. I am positive that these will be used against you."
Xiang Shaolong was alarmed as this is something he did not consider at all. Rivers and lakes are part of the hunting grounds. Except for the two bridges across the Jing River, they will require rafts or even wade through the water. If someone attacks them underwater, such as shooting a poisonous needle, the victim will be caught with his pants down. He took a deep breath and sighed: "I am lucky that my leg is injured and I cannot go anywhere."
Tu Xian smiled weakly: "That’s the best plan so far. But you must still be careful. He will try to kill Brother Teng and Little Jun too. If they are killed, your strength will be drastically affected."
Pausing, he added: "I may not know what they are doing exactly but based on Mo Ao’s intelligence, he will create a situation where they can attack you when you least expect it."
Xiang Shaolong’s is perspiring with cold sweat. He did not antic.i.p.ate Lu Buwei to target Teng Yi and Jing Jun too. With Tu Xian’s reminder, he realised how careless he is.
Tu Xian described in a deep voice: "The most frightening thing about Mo Ao is that he is the silent killer in the background. He knows how to protect himself and cannot be bothered with fame and official posts. He is a man who goes for the big kill."
Xiang Shaolong questioned: "Doesn’t he have any flaws?"
Tu Xian answered: "His only flaw is that he l.u.s.ts after women! When he first saw Widow Qin Qing, he lost his bearings. Lu Buwei cannot do anything about her or she would have long entered his bedroom. I forgot to tell you. Lu Buwei is very jealous about Talented Lady Ji marrying you. On more than one occasion, he had mentioned that she is too good for you."
He added: "Comparing both of them, Guan Zhongxie has better self control. He has never touched any of Lu Buwei’s courtesans or maids. He spends most of his time practising his horse riding, archery, swordplay and even reads military cla.s.sics. He repeats this schedule every day and his willpower is amazing. Moreover, no one knows what he wants or what he is thinking about. He will be a more difficult opponent to kill compared to Mo Ao. If an opportunity presents itself, you must kill him too so that we can all sleep better at night." Xiang Shaolong was totally frightened by these words. Compared to himself, he is much more lecherous and lazy.
Emotionless people like Guan Zhongxie are the most frightening opponents.
Mo Ao has a weakness, which is Qin Qing.
This weakness will cost him his life.
Tu Xian sighed again: "Lu Buwei’s influence is growing drastically. Every day, there are countless official coming to flatter him or present gifts. Additionally, he controlled Empress through Lao Ai. If this continues, Qin will soon belong to him. If not for his strict security, I will present him with a cup of poison wine just like how he poisoned others."
Xiang Shaolong laughed: "Lao Ai may not be as beneficial to him as it looks."
He told Tu Xian about supporting Lao Ai to oppose Lu Buwei.
Tu Xian was stunned and sighed after some time: "Shaolong may be better than Mo Ao in terms of scheming! Lao Ai is indeed a selfish and ungrateful man."
Xiang Shaolong was feeling guilty about this praise and asked about Lu Niang Rong.
Tu Xian responded: "She is the only person I do not detest within the Premier Residence. Lu Buwei’s three sons are useless b.u.ms who indulges in wine and women. The other two daughters are ugly, incompetent and not worth his attention. Only Lu Niang Rong manages to win his affection. Whoever marries her will be considered to be Lu Buwei’s successor. If you can make her fall in love with you, Lu Buwei will be in trouble."
Xiang Shaolong bitterly smiled: "Even if she is my arch enemy’s daughter, I should not toy with her feelings. Moreover, I am not as capable as Guan Zhongxie. Even I can feel that he is a very charming man."
Tu Xian disclosed: "Guan Zhongxie has his own way of getting anything or anyone he desires. Additionally, he is humble, polite and never put on any airs and is not as inaccessible as Mo Ao. He knows how to win your respect and he has bribed everyone around Lu Niang Rong. Needless to say, Lu Niang Rong is deeply infatuated with him. You honestly do not have the slightest chance of marrying her."
He thought hard and frowned: "But things are not as simple as it looks. Since you rejected the marriage, she was annoyed but her interest in you grew. She loves people with extraordinary sword skills. If you can beat Guan Zhongxie, she may be moved."
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "That is even more difficult than winning her affections openly. Do you know if they had made love already?"
Tu Xian affirmed: "Guan Zhongxie will never do such silly things that will anger Lu Buwei."
Glancing out of the window at the darkening skies, he added: "In the three days of the hunting fair, Shaolong must be fully alert and protect yourself. Do not give Lu Buwei any chance to a.s.sa.s.sinate you. You are his biggest obstacle and you must not be complacent when dealing with him."
Xiang Shaolong nodded his head in agreement and they parted.
As Xiang Shaolong strode down the road, the street lamps are being lighted up. Xianyang City’s nightlife is not as lively as Handan City or Daliang City but there are still people walking on the roads. This is even more true on the main roads where the brothels are located. In fact, there are more people on those roads at night than in the daytime.
They have decided to meet at Xianyang City’s biggest brothel Drunken Wind Brothel. Drunken Wind