Chapter 63
Book 6 Chap 7 – Love at the Qin Palace
The next morning, Tu Xian’s best advisor Xiao Yuetan came to look for Xiang Shaolong. The 2 of them sat and the small hall in the inner courtyard and Xiao Yuetan said, "It was the Premier who asked me to look for Grand Tutor, to see if there’s anything I can be of help."
Xiang Shaolong had too much fun last night and drank a little too much as well so he replied with a heavy head, "There’s no need for Mister to be so polite, just call me Shaolong. No matter what rank I hold, we’re still friends who have been through thick and thin so we can speak as equals." At the same time he tried to figure out the reason he has come.
Xiao Yuetan saw that he did not put on any airs at all and was secretly overjoyed. After expressing his humbleness, he told him the reason for the visit, "It’s to make it more convenient for Shaolong to work in Zhao. If you depend purely on trying to disguise yourself, not only is it troublesome but inappropriate as well. Therefore the Premier has ordered me to specially help Shaolong, Xiao Jun, Brother Teng and Brother Wu make 4 exquisite masks based on the shape of your faces. You’ll just need to add some minor details like change the hairstyle and color and I guarantee that you’ll be able to hide from Zhao Mu. Of course! Shaolong and the others will still have to work on your voices and mannerisms, otherwise you’ll still be recognized."
Xiang Shaolong felt as if he has just woke up from a dream and asked happily, "Premier indeed thinks of everything, I wonder if you’ve brought the things here."
Xiao Yuetan proudly took down the little package he has carrying on his back and opened it, and indeed there are 4 masks inside.
He took out one of them to let Xiang Shaolong wear it and immediately Xiang Shaolong turned into a coa.r.s.e looking man with a face full of beard.
Xiao Yuetan reached out with his fingers and started touching the area around his eyes and said with a smile, "The most unique thing about this design is that the connecting parts are mostly at where the hair is. For example the hole here which reveals your eyes, not only has it made your eyebrows thicker, but it also made the shape of your eyes rounder so even for those who knows you, they won’t be able to recognize you from the shape of your eyes. As for the rest of the connecting parts, just apply a layer of powdered oil and it’ll be seamless."
Xiang Shaolong hurriedly took a copper mirror for a look and was extremely impressed.
Xiao Yuetan took out a chalk and made some markings on the mask before removing it for him, saying "The mask still need some refining, I’ll be able to hand it over within 3 days."
Xiang Shaolong replied with astonishment, "Mister Xiao is indeed gifted in your art, you’re able to make such a well-fitted mask based only on your memory. What material is this?"
Naturally Xiao Yuetan was overjoyed that someone found him impressive and he replied happily, "This is made from a precious beast called ‘leopard deer’ from the northwest. It’s a little larger than hunting dogs and extremely rare. I collected them at a high price and only managed to get 4 skins and now I’ve used them all up at one go."
Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that such a rare beast that he’s never even heard of before most likely became extinct because of Xiao Yuetan. After thanking him, he called for Teng Yi and the rest to let them try on the masks to see if any changes need to be made.
Teng Yi and the rest all expressed admiration for the masks and they became more excited about the trip to Handan.
Jing Jun’s physique is so good that it’s unbelievable. He was able to move freely in just a few days, but of course he still cannot turn somersaults.
When Xiao Yuetan removed the mask for Teng Yi, he asked in bewilderment, "Has Brother Teng encountered some joyous event, why have your whole countenance changed."
For the first time Teng Yi blushed as he hemmed and hawed his way though. Neither does he dare to look at the others in the eyes.
After Xiao Yuetan wrapped everything up, he lowered his voice and said, "About the ambush on Shaolong yesterday on the streets, Premier has already sent someone to investigate. They should be from Weinan Martial Arts School, because 2 of their warriors pa.s.sed away coincidentally yesterday and they carried out the funeral secretly."
Once he said that, everyone knows in their hearts that Tu Xian has bribed someone from the martial arts school, otherwise how else would he know such tightly guarded news.
Xiao Yuetan added, "But Premier would like to ask Shaolong to tolerate this for the time being, because he already has an even better plan which can get rid of Lord Yangquan and Qiu Risheng at one go, so he would not want to put them on their guard at this juncture."
Jing Jun was furious, "They come and deal with us as and when they like, sooner or later someone will be killed by them!"
Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that Lu Buwei is getting more and more formidable, no longer is he intent on just getting a moment’s revenge. This type of ruthlessness indeed makes one’s heart run cold and after stopping Jing Jun, he said, "Mister Xiao, please tell the Premier not to worry, we know what to do."
Obviously Xiao Yuetan is on good terms with Jing Jun and he pulled him aside to explain and guarantee that they will not let Qiu Risheng and his men off before leaving the Wu residence.
They discussed the problem of security for the Wu family and came up with a plan. Xiang Shaolong told them, "All of you get ready, once we get the masks 3 days later, we’ll depart immediately."
He turned towards Teng Yi and said with a laugh, "Brother Teng! Better thoroughly enjoy the next few precious days!"
Teng Yi said with a wry smile, "Even you’re making fun of me!"
At this point in time an attendant came and informed that the Empress has summoned Xiang Shaolong to enter the Palace immediately.
Xiang Shaolong obeyed the order with consternation and left the residence.
Naturally this time he brought along a huge entourage of Wu family warriors, not like the last time when he traveled alone.
After Zhu Ji ordered the maids and attendants to leave, only Zhu Ji, Xiao Pan and Xiang Shaolong was left