Chapter 92
Book 9 Chapter 06 – Each having their own motives
Having tasted the forbidden fruit, Shan Rou was much more compliant and well behaved. Early in the morning, she pretended nothing has happened and brought Zhao Zhi to practise their swordsmans.h.i.+p on the garden. Jing Jun was pining for his pretty village girl and left for the farm at daybreak, leaving Tian Zhen and Tian Feng to breakfast with Xiang Shaolong.
Wu Guo came in and reported: "Marquis Pingshan has sent word to invite third master to his residence in the afternoon."
Xiang Shaolong was alarmed. The person who wanted him to be the City Commander was Zhao Queen Empress Jing and not Han Chuang. Otherwise, it will not be easy for Han Chuang to fix an appointment with the First Lady of Zhao.
Thinking deeper, everything starts falling in place.
Handan City’s generals were all split into different factions. He is the only one who has yet to ally with any party. If he becomes the City Commander, he will naturally be the confidant of Empress Jing. After the demise of King Xiaocheng and the power transfer to Empress Jing, he will be her most powerful weapon.
But why did she choose him?
Wu Guo saw that Xiang Shaolong was deep in thought and dared not interrupt. When he was about to take his leave, Xiang Shaolong questioned: "How is the situation outside?" Wu Guo strictly reported: "It is more peaceful now but there are still Zhao soldiers doing checks at every main street. King Xiaocheng has sent out an official notice that no one is allowed to house any strangers and every inn is thoroughly searched."
Tian Zhen and Tian Feng like Wu Guo’s character. Witnessing his strict reporting, they cannot help but laughed in secret. While Xiang Shaolong looked away, he winked at them, adding to their happiness.
Xiang Shaolong suddenly shouted: "Wu Guo!"
Wu Guo jumped up in fright and quickly acknowledged.
Xiang Shaolong instructed: "Send word to Talented Lady Ji that I will officially visit her in the evening and want to have dinner with her."
Wu Guo received his order and left.
Full of sweat, Zhao Zhi and Shan Rou came in and sat on his two sides. The Tian sisters hurriedly see to their needs.
Recalling Shan Rou’s enticing figure and wild beauty, his heart sweetened and coaxed: "Aren’t the both of you going for a shower first?" Shan Rou hesitated but Zhao Zhi joyfully complained: "But I am hungry!" As she ate, she continued: "Sister Rou’s steps have slowed down and I am able to catch up."
Xiang Shaolong understood the reason for the slowing down and nearly spit his bun out.
Shan Rou’s face reddened and she pinched Xiang Shaolong’s thigh fiercely under the table.
Zhao Zhi was deep in thought before enlightenment shone on her face. Her face then turned red and lowered her head, eating in an awkward atmosphere. Xiang Shaolong was humoured. Feeling both girls under the table, he then stood up patting his stomach, mentioning: "I am going out for a walk and exercise my muscles."
Zhao Zhi yelped: "Wait for me! I nearly forgot Zhao Ba instructed me to bring you to the martial school."
Xiang Shaolong joked: "Is this considered an invitation?" Zhao Zhi’s face was fiery red by now and she retorted: "Your legs are not grown on my body; Who cares where you are going." Smiling sweetly, she batted her eyelids and left.
Xiang Shaolong faced the Shan Rou who is still eating and added: "We’ll wait for sister!"
Shan Rou gave a loud howl and kicked over with her leg.
Xiang Shaolong avoided and smiled: "My good Rou Rou. Do you still think your kicks are as formidable as last night, nearly taking my life?" Smoke coming out from her ears, Shan Rou picked up a bun and threw it at his face. Xiang Shaolong caught the bun neatly and took a bite. "Sister Rou tastes better," he said after a short moment of thinking.
As Shan Rou pounced up like a mad tiger, he has followed Zhao Zhi and slipped into the bath house.
He spent the entire morning at the martial school. When Zhao Ba brought up "Long Shan," Xiang Shaolong gave the excuse that he was at the farm.
As Zhao Zhi was directing fifty female warriors in their practice routines, Zhao Ba pulled Xiang Shaolong aside and intimately said: "I was summoned to the palace last night by King Xiaocheng and your name came up."
Stunned, Xiang Shaolong asked: "What?!" Zhao Ba continued in a low voice: "He wanted to hear about how you and Long Shan battled Li Yuan. Naturally, I was full of praise."
Xiang Shaolong quickly gave his thanks but his heart was muttering in turmoil.
King Xiaocheng may not be so astute to discover any suspicious points about him but the crafty and intelligent Guo Kai may raise some suspicions about this horse-breeding army. Of course, King Xiaocheng may be just thinking of a suitable position for him and is seeking advice from Zhao’s chief Martial trainer.
From Zhao Ba’s words, there must be other stuff that King Xiaocheng had spoken about. He must ask Zhao Zhi later if she knows anything.
For everyone’s safety, he has to win over Zhao Ya and use her to investigate Guo Kai’s schemes. Anyway, Zhao Ya had deceived him before. When he deceived her in return, this wanton woman can only accept her fate.
After lunch, Xiang Shaolong left Zhao Zhi at the martial school and went to Han Chuang’s residence alone.
Handan City is slowly regaining its former peace but the pedestrians are much lesser. He met some soldiers occasionally and everyone paid respects to him. He felt more prestigious than his former position of Zhao’s Number One Warrior.
Han Chuang’s residence is swarming with strict Zhao soldiers. Xiang Shaolong deduced that Empress Jing has arrived even before him.
Why is she so anxious about him? Maybe she has a motive and needs someone she can trust to become Handan City’s City Commander and this newcomer is the best choice.
He remember that Empress Jing and Zhao Ya were not on good terms at Tian Dan’s feast. If Empress Jing recommends other people for the post, Zhao Ya may object but if it was Dong Horse Fanatic, Zhao Ya may adopt a different att.i.tude altogether.
After the servant’s report, Han Chuang came to receive him in the main hall. He brought Xiang Shaolong to a side hall and suspiciously emphasize: "Be careful when you speak later. This sister Empress is very formidable. If you say anything wrong, your City Commander promotion will be gone."
Han Chuang continued: "On this trip to Handan City, I have another mission – which is to escort my State’s seventh Princess here to marry the Crown Prince. Empress Jing use her as an excuse to visit so there will be no loopholes."
Xiang Shaolong was amazed. This political marriage must be put together by Empress Jing. Among the six states, Zhao and Han are on much better terms.
Taking this chance, Xiang Shaolong asked about the alliance treaty. Frustrated, Han Chuang cursed: "Using Yan as an excuse, Tian Dan and Li Yuan made a huge disruption to the negotiations. These two people in cahoots are more dangerous than Qin as far as we from the Three-States Ally are concerned. Guo Zhong and I heavily suspect them to mastermind the a.s.sa.s.sination on Lord Longyang and you. Not satisfied with only his death, they wanted to kill you as well."
Xiang Shaolong was blown away. With Zhao Ya’s reminder, he wasn’t as sure about his initial suspicion that Prince Xinling is the a.s.sa.s.sin. Although Tian Dan wanted to recruit him, it is just another form of "killing" him. In times like these, talented people that you cannot recruit are better killed so as to deprive other people of utilising them.
An attendant came to report that Empress Jing is ready to meet him.
With Han Chuang at his side, Xiang Shaolong crossed two stairwells, a huge garden before meeting the First Lady of Zhao in the inner chamber.
After they paid their respects, Empress Jing winked at Han Chuang. He retreated with all the attendants, leaving only the two of them seated and facing each other across a table.
Dressed in a luxurious outfit, the Zhao Queen looked even more elegant and attractive.
Compared to Lady Pingyuan, they have their own strengths and it is hard to distinguish who better.
Flas.h.i.+ng her eyes and scrutinizing him, Empress Jing simply said: "Does Mister Dong know why I set up an appointment to see you?" From her tone, Xiang Shaolong could tell