Chapter 86
Book 8 Chapter 10 – Surmounting Problems
When Xiang Shaolong arrived at Liu (Huasheng) Residence, he felt extremely uneasy. It was because there is a huge increase in the number of guards and all the nearby houses have all been evacuated and converted into security posts.
Based on this fact, it is evident that Lord Longyang has the backing of Zhao. If not, there is no way he can relocate the neighbours.
The surrounding high points are all ambushed by reconnaissance troops and are very well-hidden. If Xiang Shaolong is not an expert in this field plus his familiarity of the neighbourhood, he may just rush head in.
Lord Longyang is awfully obstinate. Swearing that Ji Yanran and Xiang Shaolong (not Dong Kuang) are keeping in touch, he has deployed more men and cast his net wide and big, hoping to catch Xiang Shaolong who is rumoured to be on his way back to Zhao.
However, he has to admit that Lord Longyang has laid his bets on the correct stake. The only hiccup is that Lu Buwei and himself has, through Lord Yangquan (Lu Buwei’s Qin Court rival), tricked everyone who wishes to capture him. The fact that he has arrived much earlier makes it crucial to the success of his plan.
After a thorough examination of the environment, he has a seventy percent probability of success if he tries to enter her room undetected. Still, the risk is too high to undertake. When he was about to quit, he heard the whistling sound of an arrow. A strong arrow shot out from Ji Yanran’s loft and fly through the backyard, burying itself into a soldier laying in ambush on the high tree outside the wall.
The receiver of this arrow fell from the tree and broke dozens of branches before he landed on the street with a loud "pong!" In terms of accuracy and arm strength, the shooter sends fear into one’s heart.
The nearby ambushers were thrown into confusion and did not know how to deal with the enemy archer from the loft. Two more cries were heard on the other side of the room. Two more men were shot and they slipped and fell head-down from different levels of the building onto the pavement.
Under the mesmerizing moonlight, Ji Yanran appeared on the balcony of her loft. Dressed in a full black spying suit and holding a strong bow, she hollered: "If there is anyone else who dare to peep at me Ji Yanran, I will kill without mercy."
The ambus.h.i.+ng soldiers were frightened by her posture and her sure-kill arrows. Everyone withdrew, especially those hiding at the higher positions.
Xiang Shaolong was full of excitement. He could not imagine the usual gentle and scholarly Ji Yanran could be full of female prowess when provoked. Compared to Shan Rou, she do not lose even one bit. Without hesitation and while the enemy’s monitoring network is in chaos, he used his agile climbing skills and swiftly vaulted over the high wall. Travelling within the shadows, he arrived at the bottom of Ji Yanran’s loft and sent out his secret signal.
Ji Yanran was heard dismissing her maidservant.
Xiang Shaolong knew that the obstacle is gone and he started climbing to the second floor with his back facing the street. Ji Yanran is already waiting at the door with a big welcome.
This beauty leaped in for a full embrace. Both happy and annoyed, she chided: "You should not have come amongst all these danger. I can hold out for one night right?"
Laughing, Xiang Shaolong explained: "Beauty has commanded and regardless of danger and obstacles, it must be done. Moreover, one night’s waiting is equivalent to three autumns (一晚已等若三秋). If Talented Lady cannot hold her desires and someone else took advantage of this, who can I find to settle the score?"
Ji Yanran is still dressed in her tight night outfit, revealing her full delicate curves, making Xiang Shaolong busy with his hands like a desperate lecher.
This beauty was violated until her desires can be seen from her eyes. She groaned: "I want to quit. I, Ji Yanran, would only yield to two men. It is either Dong Kuang or Xiang Shaolong. You are degrading me, humph!"
Both males and females are alike. Once their last line of defence has been broken, even virgins and gentlemen will pursue the need for s.e.x. This is basic human nature and nothing to be surprised about.
Somersaulting in the blankets, both of them are entangled in the peak of pa.s.sion. The thought of danger right outside the room only serves to increase the excitement of the rendezvous.
Until both of them are exhausted did all the heavy action started to slow down and stop.
Still wearing his mask, Xiang Shaolong laid horizontally on the bed while the naked Ji Yanran has transformed into a warm and lovely little lamb. She rested on his board chest with her silky hair spread over his face and neck.
Both of them do not want to spoil the peace and serenity of the loft and listened quietly to each others’ subsiding breath.
The wind begins to blow harder outside the loft and the curtains rattled "pi pah."
The moon is gradually covered by dark clouds.
Charmingly, Ji Yanran complained: "You have harmed me and made me more and more wild. Yanran dare not look down on those loose and wanton women anymore."
Xiang Shaolong could hear the howling wind outside. Affectionate and tenderly stroking her delicate back, he summarized what has happened in the past few days, including that of Tian sisters, Shan Rou and Zhao Ya.
Hearing Shan Rou’s masquerading as his wife; the carefree Ji Yanran could not resist a bout of jealousy. "That person should be Yanran! I also want to keep you company!" She whined.
Rea.s.suring her, Xiang Shaolong observed: "Tian Dan did not come with good intentions. He wants to stir up internal strife and weaken Zhao from within."
Forgetting her whining, Yanran climbed up from his chest and shared his pillow. Kissing him, she painted: "I have the same thinking too. Yan may even be instigated by him to attack Zhao in the first place. Qi shares its border with Zhao and Yan. If Tian Dan does not have any motives towards Zhao and Yan, even a kid will not believe it. Including the powerful Qin, no one is unafraid of Li Mu and Lian Po (Zhao’s best generals fighting Xiong Nu and Yan respectively). If Tian Dan can borrow Zhao Mu’s hands and get rid of these two men, it would be his dream come true."
Xiang Shaolong nodded his head, adding: "King Xiaocheng may be muddle-headed but he still has the basic wisdom that Lian Li both generals are the pillars of Zhao and must not be shaken. But if Zhao Queen and Zhao Mu a.s.sa.s.sinates the Zhao King and takes over the state, this will be a different matter altogether."
Ji Yanran surmised: "Breaking all norms, Zhao Queen attended Zhao Mu’s banquet tonight. This may be Zhao Mu’s display of strength to Tian Dan, showing him that even the Queen has to listen to him."
Continuing in a smile: "Regarding Yanran’s husband (Dong Kuang), it is also a point of contention between them. Fearing another Li Mu or Lian Po appearing, even the rare twin sisters have to be forced to change hands"
Xiang Shaolong is engrossed with her story. Patting her twice on the shoulder, he digged: "Are you jealous, my darling?"
Ji Yanran gave a serious reply: "Jealous to the max! Unless you come and accompany every other night, Oh! I am joking only. It is too dangerous."
Xiang Shaolong felt a sensation in his heart. He bemoaned: "I may find a solution to this problem. Hai! I have to