Chapter 257
Book 23 Chapter 04 - Evil Upon One’s Door
Despite Feng Fei’s lack of admission, Xiang Shaolong is unwaveringly a.s.sured that her lover is Han Jie.
He can visualize Feng Fei getting to know Han Jie in Xianyang and both parties begin to rendezvous with full awareness that Lu Buwei or Lao Ai would surely object to their relations.h.i.+p. The critical factor is Lu Buwei is in cahoots with Lao Ai so even if Lao Ai approves of their relations.h.i.+p, it would still be in jeopardy.
As a result, the couple has decided to reunite in Qi before eloping or executing a similar plan. Since Han Jie is one of Cao Cuidao’s top disciples, he can openly travel with Lu Buwei to Qi with good reason.
In this aspect, Xiang Shaolong’s role as a troupe manager is absolutely crucial as Feng Fei requires someone to see to her travel arrangements and an appropriate cover up, allowing her to leave Qi unmolested.
Supposing Han Jie is Feng Fei’s Prince Charming, the perpetuators behind his a.s.sa.s.sination must be a joint scheme between Lao Ai and Lu Buwei. For Feng Fei to change her mind, it must be due to her intention to elope with Han Jie. It would be unwise to bear the risk of this murder charge.
Delving deeper, Feng Fei could be acting on Tian Dan’s instructions and was given the poisonous ring by Lu Buwei. With a slow acting venom taking his life several days later or a venom that causes blindness, she can safely depart once she completed her a.s.signment.
He may not possess all the fine details but Xiang Shaolong is confident that he has a good grasp of the big picture.
Before he could step out of the front hall, he collided with Xiao Yuetan who had came looking for him. The two men isolated themselves in the quiet eastern chamber.
Xiang Shaolong began: "Is there a way for you to obtain a blueprint of Qixia College?"
Xiao Yuetan was incredulous: "What do you want it for? Cao Cuidao is not to be trifled with."
Xiang Shaolong explained: "I am only going to steal something that rightfully belongs to me. The King of Qi has bestowed my Hundred Battle Sabre to Cao Cuidao and it is now hanging in the main hall of Qixia College."
Xiao Yuetan questioned: "I was about to tell you about it. Who did you get this information from?"
Xiang Shaolong told him everything about Han Chuang’s morning visit. Knitting his brows in a giant frown, Xiao Yuetan thought long and hard in complete silence.
He finally warned: "Shaolong must not blame me for being a nag but I know Han Chuang’s character very well. He is a greedy pervert and is extremely selfish. To achieve his goals, he can forsake his integrity and morals. Although he owes you a huge debt of grat.i.tude, it makes no difference when it comes to fulfilling his agenda."
Recalling Han Chuang’s sincere outlook this morning, Xiang Shaolong found it arduous to agree with Xiao Yuetan’s point of view. Nevertheless Xiao Yuetan meant well and momentarily, Xiang Shaolong did not know what to reply.
Doing his best to persuade Xiang Shaolong, Xiao Yuetan advised: "Shaolong cannot afford to let your guard down. Presently, you are jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. You are not out of the woods yet. If I were you, I would never trust anyone from the Three States (Han Wei Zhao). Inversely, Li Yuan is much more reliable because at the end of the day, Chu is not under direct threat from Yingzheng’s aggressiveness."
Xiang Shaolong bitterly smiled: "I am alone by myself. It would be awfully easy for Han Chuang or Lord Longyang to take my life."
Xiao Yuetan shook his head: "You are too gullible. Firstly, Han Chuang and company knows that they must remain confidential about your presence. If Qi knows the truth, the King of Qi may welcome you as a VIP and honourably escort you back to Xianyang."
Pausing, he added: "Or he may simply use this opportunity to get rid of you for good and no one will be the wiser."
Xiang Shaolong kept silent.
Xiao Yuetan continued: "Currently, no one would dare to shoulder the responsibility of being your murderer. He who kills you today can expect the Great army of Qin descending on his city gates the next morning. I can a.s.sure you this is hardly amusing."
Xiang Shaolong wondered: "If they killed me in secret, who would know about it?"
Xiao Yuetan replied: "At least Li Yuan would know. Han Chuang and Lord Longyang cannot choose to sit idle too."
He added in laughter: "Our Shaolong is not a sitting duck and your sword skills are top notched. If you managed to escape a murderous attempt and coupled with the fact that this is not the territory of the Three States, who would have the guts to try and take your life a second time round? If I were in their shoes, I would do my best to reduce your suspicions and defenses, thereafter steadily luring you into an inescapable dead end before making my move. Even with your consummate abilities, strength and tricks, it would all be useless as you are ambushed and butchered."
Though his entire body is breaking out in cold sweat, Xiang Shaolong is still doubtful and gave a cursory a.s.surance: "I will be careful!"
The objective Xiao Yuetan nodded: "Maybe I have been thinking too much! But it is better to be safe than sorry. Theoretically, Lord Longyang has tried to harm you before and it would be more challenging for him to harden his resolve to repeat this crime. However, a man’s heart is unfathomable. Furthermore, this implicates the survival of one’s country and clan. Shaolong had better give it some serious thought!"
Patting Xiao Yuetan’s shoulder, Xiang Shaolong gratefully thanked: "Now, Senior Brother you is the only man I can place all my trust without any reservations. Feng Fei’s issue has grown in complexity."
Xiao Yuetan hastily enquired and after Xiang Shaolong revealed his conclusions, Xiao Yuetan mused with his brows locked in a frown: "I do not know Han Jie personally but seeing that he came all the way to Xianyang to seek his fortune, would he be willing to give up his career over a lady?"
Xiang Shaolong agreed: "It is said that Han Jie is a member of the Han Royalty and got acquainted with Lao Ai in Han a long time ago. For someone to be a close friend of Lao Ai, one can hardly expect him to be a man of integrity. If he is out to deceive Feng Fei and does not truly love her, the problem will be bigger than what I imagined."
Xiao Yuetan chuckled: "As outsiders, it is tough for us to comprehend the truth. Feng Fei is a definitely a beauty who can cause a man to sacrifice everything for her. Why don’t Shaolong have a go at her, at least it is better than letting Han Jie obtain her."
Xiang Shaolong shook his head: "Knowing that her lover is Han Jie, I would be less inclined to get involved with her."
Slamming the table, Xiao Yuetan exclaimed: "I’ve got it! Feng Fei must have decided to elope to Xianyang and become Han Jie’s secret mistress. This matter has been approved by Lao Ai and all they need to do is keep Lu Buwei in the dark."
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "Feng Fei is really a cunning fox. Back on the s.h.i.+p when I confess to her that Lu Buwei is the mastermind behind Zhang Quan, she pretended to be surprise and desperate, thoroughly misleading me and implicating me in her devious scheme."
Xiao Yuetan disclosed: "I have discovered a piece of information that will only add to your worries. Are you keen to hear about it?"
Xiang Shaolong bitterly laughed: "I am already numb to all these upheavals. It would not affect me much even if I know about it."
Xiao Yuetan went on: