Chapter 52
Book 5 Chap 7 – Lies and trickery
After Xiang Shaolong and Jing Jun returned to the Wu Residence, they each went back to their own rooms.
Before they parted, Jing Jun seemed to have something to say but he stopped himself.
Xiang Shaolong knows what he’s thinking and said, "Nothing will happen during the day, just rest a.s.sured and go to school! But be careful, now in Handan, besides the Wu residence, there’s no other safe place."
Jing Jun was ecstatic as he replied, "I am a born hunter, I won’t become prey so easily."
Xiang Shaolong knows that he is cunning and smart, and his skills at escaping is unparalleled so he was not worried.
When he returned to Hidden Dragon Abode, all the ladies were already in dreamland.
Although Xiang Shaolong is extremely tired, but his mind and spirit was greatly affected by the string of events that has happened tonight and was not in the mood for sleep at all. He suddenly had an idea, so he sat down on the bed next to his wife and concubine and followed the meditation skills written on the ‘3 killer moves’, sitting cross legged as he adjusted his breathing, his mind melding with his heart, his heart joined with his spirit, his spirit joined with the universe as he eliminated all thoughts and unintentionally went into a state of nothingness, something he has never experienced before. His spirit seems to leave his body, joining and parting and when he regained his senses, it was already morning and the ladies were awake.
Xiang Shaolong ignored the ladies’ surprise and he was secretly astounded. He has been meditating for more than 2 hours but it felt as if he was asleep and woke up in the blink of an eye. He was sitting cross-legged but he did not feel any numbness in his limbs at all from lack of blood circulation.
When he was training in the special task force, he has learnt Qigong as well, using different methods but he’s never had such a refres.h.i.+ng feeling before and for a moment he’s not really concerned about Lady Ya’s matter.
During breakfast, Chunying and the maids served him especially meticulously with bright and sweet smiles and although it’s the cold winter, he can still feel the allure of spring and his mood turned for the better, filled with the strong desire to fight.
After kissing the ladies, he hurriedly went to look for Xiao Yuetan, who was still sleeping with a beauty in his arms. When he knew he was looking for him, he put on a robe and came out.
At this time Xiao Yuetan’s disguise has been removed, revealing his sharp features, a far cry from what he looked like yesterday, even having an air of flirtatious charm.
After exchanging civilities, Xiang Shaolong said quietly, "The news of Master Tu coming to Zhao has already been leaked by those in your country who are against Mister Lu, and the King of Zhao and Zhao Mu has learnt of this."
Xiao Yuetan’s expression changed slightly, revealing a look of surprise and uncertainty.
Xiang Shaolong continued, "But it seems that they still do not know where Master Tu is but it’s certain that they have sent men to search."
Xiao Yuetan said, "I will send someone to warn Master Tu. Shaolong, Master Tu will be very grateful to you, this news is too important."
Only now did Xiang Shaolong realize that Xiao Yuetan have not come to Handan alone. Seeing that his tone towards him has changed, he was secretly amused as he said, "Zhao Mu is keeping the Crown Prince very heavily guarded." He then told him what Zhu Ji has revealed last night, even telling him about how Zhao Mu has been drugging Ying Zheng.
Xiao Yuetan’s expression really changed totally and he was quiet.
Xiang Shaolong has already felt last night that his main purpose is to bring Zhu Ji and her son back to Xianyang and is not at all enthusiastic about how they should bring the Wu family over to the Qin border. Now that he’s heard the true situation, he finally understood that for outsiders like them to save Zhu Ji and her son is impossible, even with the most expert skill of disguise.
Just like what Zhu Ji has said, unless they attack the city, or else how can they bring Ying Zheng away and even if they did, he’ll end up dying from poisoning.
Xiao Yuetan took a deep breath and said, "Where did Shaolong get these news from?"
Xiang Shaolong replied, "I have men planted around Zhao Mu and last night I finally had the chance to make contact with Lady Zhu Ji, she told me personally."
Xiao Yuetan was impressed with Xiang Shaolong’s abilities, and after a moment’s hesitation, said, "Shaolong please forgive me for being straight, it seems that the King of Zhao has long been suspecting that the Wu family is in secret contact with our Master Lu, and now that the news of Master Tu coming here has been leaked, anyone can guess that the purpose is to steal away mother and son. Now you are stuck, how will you be able to proceed with the plan?"
Xiang Shaolong said confidently with a smile, "I can only answer you tomorrow, anyway we have not come to the end of the road. Can you please pa.s.s the message to Master Tu that if he really wants to bring the Crown Prince and his mother back to Xianyang, both sides must be able to cooperate sincerely."
Xiao Yuetan knows that Xiang Shaolong has seen through their intentions and said with a slight blush, "This is but of course… of course! Heh! I will inform Master Tu."
He continued with furrowed brows, "Zhao Mu is famous for his art in using drugs, how can we solve this issue?"
Xiang Shaolong laughed, "Tomorrow I will have a satisfactory answer for you."
Xiao Yuetan saw how energized and relaxed he looked and his confidence was raised as well and said with a nod, "It seems that I’ll have to make a personal trip to see Master Tu and I can only be back about 3 to 4 days even at the earliest. I hope by then Shaolong will have good news to share."
Xiang Shaolong continued talking to him in secret a little more before he left and on the way back b.u.mped into Tao Fang who was out looking for him. He looked spirited and Xiang Shaolong thought that the Chu spy could not even hold out for a day and has revealed the truth. However, Tao Fang only said, "Shaolong’s plan is really useful, it’s just one night and he’s almost half collapsed and only wants to sleep. I don’t think he can hold out much longer and will soon confess."
Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that this can also be considered good news. Such methods may be inhumane but it’s a little better than torturing his body. No matter how strong a person is, under such a situation, will also become extremely weak.
Tao Fang said, "Young Master left the city early this morning to the livestock farm and won’t be back for a few days." He lowered his voice and added, "He’s going to make arrangements for pulling out of Zhao, it’ll be the Farmers’ Festival in 10 days time and we traditionally have a ‘prayer ceremony’ and the King of Zhao will come personally to the farm to oversee it. At that time we will send part of the family to a secret hiding place which has been prepared long ago and after the grand event, we will send them towards Qin one by one."
Xiang Shaolong was a little relieved. With Wu Yingyuan’s farsightedness and planning, anything that he thinks is secure will definitely not have any problems.
Tao Fang led him towards the Wu family mansion and said along the way, "At that time when I met Shaolong at Mulberry Village, I already knew you’re no ordinary man but I did not expect you to have such accomplishments today."
Once he mentioned Mulberry Village, Xiang Shaolong can’t help but think of Mei Canniang and he turned gloomy!
He did not expect that after coming to this ancient period, there are a lot more things that makes him worry compared to in the past.
Tao Fang knows what he was thinking and tried to console him a little, but he knows that his empty words are of no use at all so he said, "Old Master wants to see you!"
Master Wu met his Grandson-in-law alone in the secret meeting room and came straight to the point, "Find a time today and I’ll hold a simple ceremony for you and Fang’er to become official husband and wife."
Xiang Shaolong hurriedly kowtowed and offered his thanks.
He’s already developed deep feelings for