Chapter 198
Book 18 Chapter 04 – Undercover Agents
The moon is big and round tonight. Together with his wives, Xiang Shaolong went to the garden to enjoy viewing the moon. Jing Shan and the others set up a campfire and began barbequing good food. They felt like they are in the wilderness.
Xiang Bao’er has already learnt how to walk. His steps are not steady and whenever he falls, everyone is tickled and cheered for him, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Shan Lan, Teng Yi and their son were present too and the two kids are having a good time.
Sitting in a pavilion, Teng Yi and Xiang Shaolong watched the kids playing and were filled with joy and satisfaction. At the same time, they realised that their peaceful gathering was the result of their hard work. It is the same in the past, the same in the present and will also be the same in the future.
Moved, Teng Yi remarked: "Another two nights later will be the duel between you and Guan Zhongxie. That fellow hasn’t left his house at all and naturally did not show his face around Drunken Wind Brothel. You can say that he is doing his best to prepare for the fight."
Xiang Shaolong thought of Han Jie and asked: "Second Brother is a Han native and has partic.i.p.ated in the military before. Have you heard of this man named Han Jie?"
Teng Yi’s eyes flashed with surprise: "How did Third Brother know of such a person?"
Xiang Shaolong told him what happened today. His expression turning serious, Teng Yi explained: "Today, in terms of swordsmans.h.i.+p, there is no one better than Ji Xia (place in Qi) Sword Saint, Mister w.a.n.g You (Forget Worries) Grandmaster Cao Quidao. Legend says that his sword skills has reached a G.o.dly level and can win without fighting. One of the main reasons Mister Zou is going back to Qi is to see him. Shan Rou is his closed door disciple."
Xiang Shaolong had heard from Zhao Zhi about this legendary man and was curious: "What is his relations.h.i.+p with Han Jie? Is Han Jie also his disciple? Does that make him Shan Rou’s martial brother?"
Teng Yi revealed: "Cao Quidao may have set up a school in Ji Xia but he is extremely strict when accepting disciples. As a result, his students do not exceed a hundred. He once told the King of Qi that among his disciples; only three of them learnt the essence of his skills. Han Jie is one of them and from this; we can conclude that this man is not easy to deal with."
Recalling Han Jie’s sn.o.bbish att.i.tude and marvellous sword skill, he enquired: "How old is Cao Quidao now?"
Teng Yi responded: "It is rumoured that he does Qi (energy) meditation so he looks much younger than his real age. By the time he becomes famous, I am just a child. By calculating this way, he should be at least sixty years old."
Thinking about the number one swordsman in wuxia novels, Xiang Shaolong’s interest is piqued: "How I wish to visit him someday; but Tian Dan will not welcome me."
Teng Yi was humoured: "Seems like you are more interested in Cao Quidao than Han Jie. Cao Quidao is not concerned about the character of his disciples, only their martial arts potential. In Han, Han Jie is a tyrant who terrorizes the streets and kills anyone he fancies just because he is a member of the royal family. Like his buddy Lao Ai, he is a serial rapist too and that is probably why they can click so well. Now that he has come to Qin to depend on Lao Ai, it is likely that he has run out of options and has to leave Han to escape punishment."
Xiang Shaolong laughed: "The more evil expert swordsmen there are, my Hundred Battle Sabre will be less lonely. Second Brother, your hands must be itching too."
Teng Yi laughed: "Even if you do not get rid of Guan Zhongxie, these two men will fight it out sooner or later. Guan Zhongxie and Lian Jin’s master is Zhao Jianzhai. He once challenged Cao Quidao and lost his little finger in the duel. Since then, both schools are arch enemies."
Xiang Shaolong joked: "Why did he name himself Zhao Jianzhai (abstaining from using the sword)? Isn’t it a name that provokes comments?"
Talented Lady Ji’s voice sang out: "He is not the first one to use Abstain in his name. Hubby must not underestimate him. After Cao Quidao, he is considered the next best swordsman under the sky. Otherwise, he would not have produced a disciple like Guan Zhongxie."
Xiang Shaolong joked: "There is also someone named Lian Wenzhuo (Drinking mosquito) who has just come to Xianyang City looking for trouble."
Ji Yanran came up to the back of the two men and leaned on Xiang Shaolong’s back. Looking up at the bright moon, she softly said: "I am the one whose hands are really itchy. Ever since I married you, you fought all my fights for me. It is so unfair."
Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi exchanged a look upon hearing her words. Ji Yanran imagined: "Two nights later and it will be a three way clash between Lu Buwei, Lao Ai and our hubby. The people of Qin values courage and whoever is the winner shall benefit tremendously. At least this is what the common folks will perceive."
Teng Yi had an inspiration: "It may not be likely but will Lu Buwei take the risk to eliminate everyone who is opposing him? With Meng Ao holding the military seal, they can hold the Crown Prince and Empress hostage. It may cause chaos but it is still a possibility."
Xiang Shaolong frowned hard and thought for a while, commenting: "Unless they have w.a.n.g Ci’s support, otherwise, Lu Buwei will not dare to do it alone. Since the Shang Yang reforms, no one is allowed to have more family warriors than the Imperial Army. As long as the Palace Guards and Imperial Cavalry work hand in hand, Lu Buwei dare not try any tricks. But it is better to play safe. Tomorrow, I will speak to Lord Changping and w.a.n.g Ci just in case."
Ji Yanran insisted: "Hubby must let us come to the banquet too and see how you fight!"
Xiang Shaolong laughed: "How would I dare to leave you behind?"
He sighed: "How I wish to make a trip to Qi. I can pay a visit to Shan Rou and can also pit my skills against the best under the sky."
Teng Yi advised: "You can think all you like but if you really leave Qin, Lu Buwei will surely know. He may even guess that you are going to Qi to a.s.sa.s.sinate Tian Dan. Qi will be waiting for you with all sorts of traps and ambushes!"
Xiang Shaolong