Chapter 11 – Relax, I Am Even More Vengeful Than You Are

“You are such a strange man. This isn’t your home, and you are not involved in the conversation. Is there no law and order if I cannot even speak in a public place like this?”

Feng Xiao did not even turn his head to glare at the man. He insisted on putting the piece of meat in his chopsticks into Cui Buqu’s bowl. Cui Buqu extended his hands to pull his bowl away, but as if those chopsticks had eyes, it flew into the same direction and still placed the meat into the bowl.

Cui Buqu glared at that piece of meat as if he was looking for any traces of Feng Xiao’s saliva on it. He did not even feel like touching the bowl right now.

But it was far from over. Feng Xiao picked up a plate of green beans from the table and brought it towards him.

“You dislike the taste of chives? No matter, there are still cooked beans. Come, I’ll remove the skins for you. They are white and tender. Quick, take a bite, or would you prefer if I fed you?”

Cui Buqu: …

His hands looked attractive; therefore, it looked like he was picking flowers when he peeled the beans. In the blink of an eye, a bunch of cleanly peeled beans appeared in front of Cui Buqu’s plate, lined up neatly in several rows.

Pei Jingzhe: …

Feng Xiao, “Eat.”

Cui Buqu knew that there was a motive behind his actions, but he still twitched the corner of his lips, turning his head to look outside the window, only to see that there was no one.

The one who was annoyed was someone else.

“You!”

Su Xing’s face had become incredibly red. He wanted to stand up and argue with him, but was stopped by the woman next to him.

“Cousin brother, let it slide!” The young woman’s voice was soft and low. Her expression looked embarrassed. “I know that Master Daoist Cui, the one next to him is surely his friend.”

“It is he who provoked me first. I have to give him a piece of my mind!”

Su Xing’s face was full of irritation. He turned to Feng Xiao and spat, “Such a shame you look like a gentleman, yet you act like a simpleton who doesn’t think before he talks. Utterly disgraceful!”

The young woman walked towards Cui Buqu and curtsied, “Good to see you, Master Cui.”

Cui Buqu, of course, recognized her, “May blessings come your way1, Young Mistress Lu, how is your mother faring?”

The young woman smiled at him, “It is thanks to your medical aid that my mother has healed much from her illness.”

Cui Buqu nodded, “My method can only ease her condition a little bit, but it does not suffice to heal her completely. The Lu family still needs to look for better physicians for her.”

The young woman gave him a nod of acknowledgement.

At that moment, Su Xing also said, “So the one who helped heal aunt is this Master Daoist Cui. My aunt’s health has truly improved these days; please accept my gratitude.”

He turned towards Cui Buqu; put his hands together and bowed before changing the topic, “Forgive me, but this friend of yours is really unreasonable and unmannerly. Master Daoist Cui, you have a good reputation; you should not acquaint yourself with such a man.”

Cui Buqu replied flatly, “You have misunderstood. He is not my friend, and I do not know him either.”

Su Xing stared at Feng Xiao with a questionable look, his face evidently betraying the fact that he did not believe a single word.

Feng Xiao laughed, “What are you looking at me for? Although I am handsome, powerful, and strong, that isn’t something you can level with. You can’t afford to envy me, young man.”

Cui Buqu: …

The colour of Su Xing’s face switched from blue to white, then white to blue again, as if he was poisoned from what he had just eaten a while ago.

With Cui Buqu and Little Maiden Lu present, Su Xing could not punch Feng Xiao even if he wanted to, so he simply walked away.

Feng Xiao watched both of them leave — a flippant look on his face, divulging a shadow of deep thought.

“There is something wrong with this Su Xing; you purposely did that to introduce them to me?”

Cui Buqu, “Lu Ti has no sons. After Su Xing fled to his house, Lu Ti treated him as though he was his son. Although Su Xing enjoyed studying, his talents were only average. Instead, he followed Lu Ti out on job trips and showed some talent there instead. This made Lu Ti very happy, at this present moment; two shops are now under Su Xing’s supervision.”

“That is indeed very suspicious.” Feng Xiao said, “As a businessman who converses with many different sorts of people, he should be charismatic and smooth, yet why did he get provoked so easily just because I was mimicking him?”

Cui Buqu laughed coldly, “Perhaps it is because Lord Feng, your face is one that everyone wishes to beat up when they see you. No matter where you tread, everyone is annoyed.”

Feng Xiao laughed, “How can that be? Just now, you should have looked at the way Little Maiden Lu gazed at me. She was incredibly envious.”

Cui Buqu had met many narcissistic people before, but for one to be so narcissistic to this sort of level was his very first experience. Taking a look back, he also saw that Feng Xiao’s expression had a vague look of disbelief.

“Lord Feng, are you often so self-contained, praising yourself so in your own lonely shadow?”

Not ‘often’. He has always been like this. Pei Jingzhe answered in his heart.

Feng Xiao wriggled his eyebrows, “Is that not the truth?”

Cui Buqu snorted. He was too lazy to continue bantering with him, so he resumed the topic from a while ago, “The only possibility is that he acts differently towards the Lu family.”

“The Lu family loves certain specific attitudes, so he acts accordingly in front of them. Lu Ti liked intelligent people, so when Lu Ti is close, Su Xing appears to be an intelligent, crafty young man that is eager to learn. How interesting is this!”

Feng Xiao changed the topic suddenly, “QuQu, you were only in the City of Six Crafts for two months, yet you have done the background search of practically everyone here. You did not spare even the female members of the Lu family. Ah, to think that those who only knew your identity of a Daoist surely would think you are plotting something shady!”

Cui Buqu coughed twice and faked a laugh, “Even if that is the case, have I not fallen into the hands of you, the Second Commander of the Jiejian Bureau’s evil hands?”

Feng Xiao replied, “Of course not. The Jiejian Bureau acts under the orders of the Emperor. Are you not criticizing our present Emperor with your words? I am a very vengeful person.”

Relax; I am even more vengeful than you are. Cui Buqu answered in his heart and coughed again, intending to spare his strength.

After they had their lunch, the three of them went to the Linlang Guild’s shop.

What Feng Xiao and Pei Jingzhe were unaware of was that, after they had left, two people—a man and a woman—stepped into the VIP area.

“Just now, I saw that the Commander did not look too well. I don’t even know if he fell ill again!”

The woman who spoke had a voice clear like ice. She was utterly beautiful. Both features of hers blended well on her body.

The man did not speak. He simply walked towards the table that Cui Buqu and the rest had sat a moment ago; lowered his head to take a look, and suddenly spread the beans apart.

“What did the Commander leave behind?” The woman approached him.

“Plum Blossom.” The man answered.

The woman looked at him, questioningly.

“The Commander wants us to investigate plum blossoms?”

The man’s words were brief and curt, “Khotan murder case.”

He loved words like gold and spoke as sparingly as he could. Thankfully, the woman had worked with him for many years; she followed his words and picked up several hints.

“These plum blossoms are related to the Khotan murder case, but if it was that easy to investigate, then the Jiejian Bureau would have already investigated them. The Commander would not have left it behind for us. Regardless, we should go to the perfume stall to inquire.”

==============

[1] 福生无量天尊 originally from the Daoist Pantheon. It sort of just means ‘May you be blessed with endless luck and goodness that even you wouldn’t have imagined yourself.’

Chapter 12 – This Is A Very ‘Intimate Friend’ Of Mine, His Surname Is Cui, Name Buqu

On the wooden sides of the table, formerly on the spot where Cui Buqu sat, two words were carved by fingernails: Plum Blossom.

“Judging by the strength the Commander asserted, to write those words, it seems as though he is much weaker than last time. I am afraid that he is carrying some sort of wound on him.”

The man never liked talking much; however, he could not help but feel the necessity to remind her. “Qiao Xian; the Commander knows his boundaries.”

Qiao Xian was not as tame as him, “You have served the Commander for so long, how can you still not know him? He knows boundaries when it comes to matters, but he never knew his own when it came to himself!”

Zhangsun Bodhi said nothing but looked at her with a ‘But what can you do about it?’ look.

Qiao Xian was feeling distressed, but there was genuinely nothing that she could have done.

Cui Buqu had always been someone who refused to stop until he achieved his goals. Right now,unless they ran off to Feng Xiao and told him Cui Buqu’s identity and bring him back home, their only other option was to obey his orders. However, if she messed up his plans, she knew Cui Buqu would dismiss her from the Zuoyue Bureau.

Qiao Xian only let out a sigh.

“It is late. Let us go to the perfume shop.” Zhangsun Bodhi reminded her.

“Let’s go.” Qiao Xian brushed the surface of the table, and those words disappeared. The side of the table was clean as if nothing had ever happened there.

There was no shortage of perfume stalls in the City of Six Crafts.

Because it was a city that travellers from the west and east often met, there were a lot of things in the perfume shop that could only be found in the west. The variety of products were even more numerous than those in the capital. Zhangsun Bodhi and Qiao Xian previously had thought that investigating the plum blossom scent would be a piece of cake; but after they ran around for a whole afternoon, practically asking every stall that existed in the city, they could only manage to find three formulas that were related to the plum blossom.

“It is a coincidence now that I think about it. Before you, there was also a young lord who came here asking about plum blossoms. He was thin and tall, seemingly young and handsome.” The perfume shop owner made a gesture.

Qiao Xian and Zhangsun Bodhi exchanged glances and could guess who the perfume shop owner was talking about: it was Feng Xiao’s subordinate, Pei Jingzhe.

Since the Jiejian Bureau had already traced this clue, it could be said that there was nothing more they needed to do. Why did the Commander go out of his way to give this order?

Cui Buqu would never do such a meaningless thing. Both of them felt that there might be something that they had not thought of yet.

“I would not dare comment on other aspects, but within the City of Six Crafts, the formulas in my stalls are assuredly the most organized. If you want formulas related to plum blossoms, there are three types. One of them was gifted by a young lady from the west, whom I saved; she gave it to me.”

The perfume shop owner spoke; taking out three scented strips.

The sense of smell of martial artists was incredibly sensitive. To leave perfume on oneself would give them away effortlessly if they were found out. Qiao Xian held a distinctive identity, so she would never carry any sort of scent on her. For people like her who interacted as less as possible with perfumes, she was even more sensitive to the odour of perfumes. Almost at once, she could tell how many different scents there were altogether.

“These are plum blossoms and apricot flowers?” She smelled the scented strips and asked, before passing them to Zhangsun Bodhi.

The perfume shop owner nods. “You are right. This is called the Three Moons Spring Snow; it is the most popular perfume in the capital. The young maidens all love it, especially those from wealthier households. Come spring, they like to put on fresh-coloured clothing; then putting these perfumes on, they say it makes you look like a goddess. It is guaranteed that a group of suitors would want to stomp your doorstep!”

He was a smooth talker. Even when questioned by his customers, he was still trying to persuade them to purchase from him.

“This type is called ‘The Quiet Waters Runs Deep’; it has the smell of sandalwood and plum blossom. It is excellent for giving you peace of mind and suppressing any foul smell of the body.” He said as he took up another scented strip.

Zhangsun Bodhi smelled it and shook his head.

Qiao Xian said, “This is not the plum blossom scent that we want.”

The perfume shop owner took the third scented strip and gave it to them, “This is the only one with a pure plum blossom smell.”

Zhangsun Bodhi held it in his hand and felt that the plum blossom fragrance was too strong, filling in his nostril; however, it lacked the real cold, icy smell of a plum blossom. Instead, it smelt like peonies.

Qiao Xian, watching Zhangsun shake his head, took the scented strip.

“Sir, you are knowledgeable and have seen many things. This mixture of plum blossom scent, is it indeed that difficult to get?”

The owner of the perfume shop answered, “Usually, the thicker the essence of the smell, the better. But because this is slightly different: at first the smell should be a bland, cold, icy smell; only after an hour would the fragrance of plum blossom slowly emerge, yet you can still smell its faint, icy cold scent. It is neither strong, and it does not dissipate quickly, lasting up to a few days.”

Qiao Xian thought about the fact that after the murder took place, Feng Xiao and his company were able to go to the venue and obtain the clue. The owner’s answer fits in with this fact perfectly, so she nodded and agreed.

“This means that surely whoever uses this perfume is no ordinary person?”

The owner, “There are also different types of ‘cold perfume’. For example, the lotus blossom, the bamboo, but because plum blossoms only bloom during the cold winter, it brings with it the icy-cold essence of winter. This type of ‘cold’ is different and very rare. A few years ago, I obtained a particular type of lotus blossom perfume, and I was reluctant to sell it, desiring to leave it as a wedding gift to my daughter, but this plum blossom is even rarer. Whoever could make this type of perfume would indeed treasure it so, and would not have given it away easily. Otherwise, everyone on the streets would know how to manufacture it, and if that is the case, then how is it still special?”

Qiao Xian, “Then do you know anyone who knew how to manufacture this perfume?”

The owner of the perfume shop laughed bitterly, “If I knew such a person, I would have hired them with gold pieces. Would I still be standing here saying so much to you? Strange wonders can be encountered unexpectedly but cannot be requested. I have spent half my life in the perfume business, so if you find someone who knows how to manufacture that sort of perfume, please be a generous person and introduce them to me.”

He stopped for a moment to pat his head, “Right, last month, Lady Yunyun from the Spring Moon astounded half of the city with her dance. I have heard that she uses a different perfume every day, yet she has never sent anyone here to purchase from me. Perhaps she might have someone teaching her how to make her perfume. Nevertheless, you can head over there and inquire about it!”

Qiao Xian and Zhangsun Bodhi’s eyes sparkled.

“Have you spoken about this to the one that came before us?” Qiao Xian asked.

The perfume shop owner shook his head, “At that time, it did not cross my mind. Naturally, I had forgotten about it.”

Qiao Xian, “That Spring Moon place, is it a place of entertainment?”

The perfume shop owner gave a dubious smile that all men knew.

Qiao Xian immediately understood and felt that the question she had asked was quite ridiculous.

Broadly speaking, spices used to make perfumes were also a type of medicine. Since Cui Buqu was familiar with the arts of healing, he was naturally accustomed to spices, and he knew that the plum blossom perfume was very rare. From this piece of information, he was able to spread out, further finding clues. Qiao Xian and Zhangsun Bodhi knew their Commander very well. Others may underestimate him, seeing how he was often sick and that he lacked physical strength. However, if a person like that could summon winds and storms, making a place for himself in the world, then he would certainly have something that ordinary people would not be able to guess. In the Zuoyue Bureau, even if Cui Buqu spent eight out of ten days lying in bed, no one would dare underestimate him.

“Would the members of the Jiejian Bureau vomit blood if they knew that the ‘Five Tastes’ restaurant is our stronghold?” Qiao Xian felt better after obtaining a possible lead for the case. Although her face was still expressionless and cold, her voice sounded less tense.

Zhangsun Bodhi did not respond but asked her a question back, “The Spring Moon, should you or I go?”

Qiao Xian, “Of course it should be me. With a face like yours, people would think you are there to collect debts, certainly not one looking for entertainment.”

Zhangsun Bodhi held the prayer beads in his hand and did not say a word.

Because, towards Qiao Xian’s words, there was nothing he could refute.

……

Linlang Guild’s Hall.

Today was the final day of the auction, compared to the last few days, there were even more people. However, the threshold was also higher than before. Other than an invitation, customers also needed to give some amount of deposit before entering. If they managed to purchase something they like, then the deposit would be added to the amount they had auctioned for. If nothing caught their eyes, then their deposit would be returned.

Therefore, it filtered out a lot of people who had other intentions; or those who did not really want to make a purchase, simply wanting to come for the crowd.

Feng Xiao brought Cui Buqu and Pei Jingzhe and entered, just as someone immediately exclaimed from behind, “Is this not Feng-er?”

That person immediately ran up to them, both surprised and happy to see Feng Xiao. “Feng-er, long time no see. To think I would see you here!”

The other man looked around twenty-five to twenty-six, wearing a tall headpiece and red robes. He looked like an elegant gentleman, but Cui Buqu’s sharp eyes were able to tell that the way he behaved around Feng Xiao was different from the norm.

Meeting old friends was a common thing, but this manner of attentiveness and welcoming was a little off.

To think of him as someone who wanted to bribe Feng Xiao was not exactly accurate either.

Just as Cui Buquwas was contemplating; Feng Xiao had already raised his brows and smiled “Young Master Lin, it has been some time.”

When these words left his mouth and judging by the other’s age; his background and history were slowly emerging in Cui Buqu’s mind.

The Yandang Estate. Among the Jianghu province, their main profile was doing business. Both rich and wealthy, their family also possessed the Yandang thirteen sword styles. The head, Lin Leng, only obtained a son, Lin Wei, in his late years; therefore it was natural that he spoiled this child rotten. Even towards his son’s bewildered and queer habits, Lin Leng simply remained silent but never obstructed him. The reason that the Yandang Estate was so famous was not because of their wealth, and not because of their sword style, but because of Lin Wei.

Seeing that Lin Wei was all giddy and happy, practically lunging himself forward to hold Feng Xiao’s hand, the latter naturally stepped a few inches away from him, his hand reaching up to place it on Cui Buqu’s shoulder instead. Before Cui Buqu realized it, he was already pulled towards Feng Xiao’s body, their shoulders clashing against one another.

Feng Xiao, “Come, let me introduce you. This is a very ‘intimate friend’ of mine. His surname is Cui, named Buqu. QuQu, this is Young Master Lin of Yandang Estate, Lin Wei.”

He purposely put more emphasis on the words 'intimate friend’, his lips curling into a strange and unusual smile. It was incredibly suggestive, and clear; that anyone could have seen it.

Cui Buqu:???

Chapter 13 – The Emperor’s First Move

As soon as the words ‘intimate friend’ merged, Lin Wei immediately looked at Cui Buqu with hostility.

Since Cui Buqu knew of the rumours concerning Lin Wei, of course, he knew what was going on. Without even thinking twice, he wanted to move Feng Xiao’s hand away from his shoulder, but who knew that the other man had his hand clasped tightly on him. No matter what he did, he could not move it an inch.

Lu Wei’s gaze flashed, and he smiled, “To be able to be Feng-er’s intimate friend, I believe Lord Cui must surely be a man with commendable abilities. May I ask if Lord Cui is from the Boling Cui Clan or the Qinghe Cui Clan?”

Cui Buqu looked at him, blankly, “Neither. I am just an ordinary person from no prominent clans.”

The more he spoke in such a way; the more Lu Wei was unable to determine his intentions.

Cui Buqu’s footsteps were weak and light; his face looked pale and cold, his eyes looked burnout. It was very apparent to the eyes that he was not trained in martial arts. Instead, he seemed like he was ill. It was confusing as to how someone like him could gain the interest of someone like Feng-er.

A few years ago, when Lu Wei met Feng-er, owning to the latter’s willingness to be less strict on the matter; he was able to avoid some troubles.

At that time, it was as if Feng-er descended from the heavens, causing him to be bedazzled. From then onwards, he had found no one else more attractive. However, Feng-er was not interested in him in the same way; additionally, his martial arts were unparalleled, so even if Lu Wei wanted to force himself onto him, he did not have that opportunity. If he did not deal with it properly, he might not be able to save himself. So all he could do was restrain his feelings and desires while doing all he could for Feng-er, hoping he would reconsider it. However, Feng-er was unpredictable, and Lu Wei knew very little of his identity. Even if he wanted to search for him, he did not know where to look. So being able to see him in a place like this had been a pleasant surprise.

Lu Wei thought of himself as being handsome and gentlemanly, yet to imagine that he could not compare to a sickly person like Cui Buqu in Feng-er’s eyes, of course, he felt unhappy about it.

He wanted to say something, but Feng Xiao did not give him that opportunity. He merely smiled and said, “Let us proceed.” before bringing Cui Buqu inside.

Cui Buqu was half-dragged, half-pulled into the hall. On the exterior, Feng Xiao looked very intimate and gentle, but in truth, he did not allow him the chance to revolt.

The Linlang Guild’s Auction Hall had two floors shaped like a patio. In the centre was where the auction would be taking place and around it were tables and chairs for its bidders. From the second floor, one could glance down and see everything that was happening in the centre. Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu’s seats were located south of the second floor. In the morning, there was already a few dumplings and tea. The employees also did not yap and talk loudly as usual. Even when they walked, their footsteps were silent. Following their example, the guests themselves also spoke softly. The melody of the lute filled the hall, creating a soothing rhyme. It did not seem like the usual way the Linlang Guild would conduct business. It was as if one had entered a pub.

Cui Buqu roughly scanned the place with his eyes. He realized that at most, those who sat on the first floor were typical businessmen and pugilists, on the second floor were either relatives of the Emperor or sons of officials of the Imperial Court. Compared to the quietness on the second floor to the first floor, the latter was far rowdier. The reason the Linlang Guild separated the two floors was that they were trying to avoid unnecessary troubles.

Just as they walked up the stairs and took a turn, entering behind the screen and completely out of Lin Wei’s line of sight, Feng Xiao almost immediately released his hand, practically shoving Cui Buqu to the side, as if he was afraid that if he continued touching him for a moment longer, some sort of dust would cling onto him.

Cui Buqu: ……

He quietly gave Feng Xiao another mark in his book before sitting down expressionlessly.

Feng Xiao acted as if he felt nothing, laughing, “Judging by your look, I wager you know of Lin Wei’s queer habits?”

Cui Buqu was displeased, “This is the reason you used me to make a fool out of him? Does our agreement include this sort of arrangement?”

Feng Xiao faked a look of innocence, “Regardless, I brought you to here to witness a rare sight today, as compensation, it does not hurt you to sacrifice a little. In my presence, he will not be able to do anything to you.”

Cui Buqu responded blandly, “Although Lin Wei is absurd, he is no fool. Using me as your excuse, would not Pei Jingzhe be more convincing?”

Pei Jingzhe who had been quietly drinking his tea coughed suddenly.

Feng Xiao laughed, “Impossible. He is not as good looking as you are.”

As his voice died down, Lin Wei’s shadow emerged from behind the screen.

“How rowdy is the floor below, it makes one unable to attain a moment of quietness. Feng-er Lang1, you surely would not mind if I came here?”

There was only a foot of distance between Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu, but the moment Lin Wei’s voice was heard, Feng Xiao grabbed Cui Buqu’s wrist at the speed of light, the upper half of his body leaned down towards him, and spoke in a very intimate voice, “QuQu, there is dust on your nose. Come; allow me to wipe it away for you.”

Cui Buqu: ……

Lin Wei glared at Cui Buqu with a gaze that looked as if it would burn. Cui Buqu, no doubt caught his glare and killing intent, but the other quickly withdrew his gaze, as if nothing out of the ordinary happened.

In the Jianghu province, although the Yandang Estate was only a moderately ranked family, because of Lin Leng’s open personality, everyone would tolerate him and gave him some face when they were conversing with Lu Wei. However, when it came to Feng Xiao, this was practically useless.

“My apologies, I fear there is no space left on my table.” Feng Xiao smiled, but his refusal was straightforward and clear.

Lin Wei refused to budge. He looked as if he wanted to say something, but Pei Jingzhe immediately interrupted, “Young Master Lin, this way.”

“Then we may converse at a later time.” Lin Wei could only leave.

Feng Xiao was smiling daggers.

He gave no face to Lin Wei, but Lin Wei did not even show his displeasure. To Lin Wei, Feng Xiao was like a mysterious, grand, and otherworldly figure. He was unable to find out his name or background. He came and went like a shadow that was untraceable. With this trait alone, it was enough to make Lin Wei faint; otherwise, he would not have been unable to forget him until this moment.

Before he left, Lin Wei could not help but look at Cui Buqu again. The latter’s hand was still held by Feng Xiao; his eyebrows were low. It was difficult to tell what he was thinking about.

He gave a faint smile as if he thought that Cui Buqu was merely a temporary plaything for Feng Xiao; flipped his sleeves and left.

After Feng Xiao’s fingers let go of his wrist, Cui Buqu did not show the displeasure that he had shown just before, in fact, he was deep in thought.

With Feng Xiao’s position as the Second Commander of the Jiejian Bureau, there was no need for Feng Xiao to be so concerned about Lin Wei’s feelings. It was unnecessary to use Cui Buqu as a defensive mechanism. Even though Lin Wei kept coming and harassing him, Feng Xiao seemed as though he had no intentions of cutting off his ties with Lin Wei. This act alone deserved its reason.

“What are you thinking? Want me to help you ease your worries?” Feng Xiao’s voice rang in his ears.

Cui Buqu thought of one possibility, “Is the Jiejian Bureau investigating Lin Wei in secret?”

Feng Xiao blinked in surprise, “What makes you think that?”

Cui Buqu did not respond, but thought instead: Could it be that Lin Wei is related to the Khotan ambassador’s case? No, that’s certainly not right. The Yandang Estate is a thousand miles away from the City of Six Crafts, on regular days; the Khotan kingdom also did not have much to do with the Linlang Guild. The reason Lin Wei came here was definitely for the crowd. However, among the things the Lin family sold was a type of silk called the ‘Sky Blanket’. It was manufactured in the South and had colours like that of daylight. That silk is similar to glass and is well received by its customers. It soon became a tribute. Every year, the Lin family would provide the silk to the palace. According to rumours, it’s said that they wanted to get close to the Crown Prince through this fact.

Feng Xiao allowed him to think whatever he wanted, but said leisurely, “QuQu, it is such a waste for a man of your capabilities to be a small nobody in the Zuoyue Bureau. If you are willing, there are now three Commanders in the Jiejian Bureau; I could offer a recommendation, and make you the fourth Commander of the house.”

From the side, Pei Jingzhe opened his eyes wide. As if he wanted to say something, but refrained from doing so.

The Jiejian Bureau held power that surpassed even the six ministries; additionally, Feng Xiao also had the privilege of making decisions without needing approval from the Imperial Court. Although Cui Buqu was very likely a member of the Zuoyue Bureau, as of now, they were still unsure. For his lord to offer the position of the fourth Commander of the Jiejian Bureau like this, how can it not be bewildering? For a moment, Pei Jingzhe could not tell whether Feng Xiao was genuinely recruiting talents, or he was simply testing Cui Buqu.

Cui Buqu was expressionless, raising his head, “Zuoyue Bureau? Why is it that I understood nothing of what you are talking about?”

Feng Xiao held his hand, “Your body is fragile. It is unbearable for you to run around the city like that, strategizing your next moves, and yet no one cared. I felt pity for you. The Jiejian Bureau needs someone with your intelligence and sharpness. If you would only nod, I will deal with the Zuoyue Bureau myself and guarantee your transfer. What do you say?”

He used a very earnest gaze on Cui Buqu, sincerity all over his smile. It was as if dead trees would blossom, and pebbles would weep at the sight.

This was the first time Cui Buqu met someone who could lie so convincingly by solely using a handsome face. It was enough to make one faint, dropping everything they were thinking about. Although Cui Buqu was not seduced, it was impossible for him to not admire the beautiful sight before him.

“Lord Feng, although your words are quite convincing, I am not certain what you are talking about. I am only interested in being a Daoist. After all this is over, I implore you to keep your promise and let me go.”

Seeing that his seduction had failed, Feng Xiao smiled and released his hand, leaning back and returning to his normal posture.

“Since when did I promise to let you go? That time, I said I was willing to consider it, but whether you can convince me or not, that is up to your performance.”

Even though a playful, douche bag look from Feng Xiao was also very attractive, Cui Buqu could not help but call him despicable in his head.

Just as the two of them were bantering, a clear sound rang across the halls. A young man walked to the centre of the hall and sounded the bell.

Everyone present immediately turned their gaze towards him.

The real show was about to begin.

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[1] Feng-er Lang: A way to call Feng Xiao in a way that seems intimate, almost like flirting.

Chapter 14 – Do You Want To See My Most ‘Invaluable Treasure’?

Ever since the Linlang Guild became famous, many businesses also copied its methods, creating auctioning events. However, when compared, the Linlang Guild was still the grandest. Every year, the Linlang Guild only needed to issue invitations, it would be received as something even more invaluable than gold. Many people would view the invitation as an identity significance, and take it to attend the auction with pride.

If Feng Xiao wanted an invitation, he didn’t need to flaunt his title to get one. However, it was not so easy for the others.

“Today is the last day of the auction. We thank everyone who took the time to attend; it is the pride and honour of the Linlang Guild to receive you. Let us not waste time bantering; we know that everyone is both eager and excited to begin. Let us bring the first item forward, everyone please be patient.”

The middle-aged man did not care to suppress his words, shouting in a deep rumbling voice that resonated across the place. This man was certainly a martial artist with high capabilities. However, at a glance, the Linlang Guild was a dominant business; naturally, it would attract a lot of envious people. To invite a few highly skilled martial artists here to sit around as bodyguards was not strange at all.

Just as the orders were given, a beautiful waitress brought a tray forward with two young waiters on her left and right. Once the golden cloth was pulled away, a jade green copper wine vessel was revealed before the audience’s eyes.

“This is the very same vessel used by the Duke Han of Qi during the Spring-Autumn period. On the vessel, there are inscriptions that prove its authenticity. This item is brought to us by our Lanling Guild’s Master Dong Yang. The beginning price is ten guan. The auction ends if there is no higher bidder after three calls. Please begin.”

The waitress moved promptly, ringing the bell, and immediately someone said, “Eleven guan!”

“Twelve guan!”

“Thirteen guan!”

Once the auction had begun, the entire hall became rowdy. Not long after, someone called for thirty guan.

These people may not be too interested in the wine vessel itself, but as long as the item was from the Linlang Guild, it was almost certainly valuable. Even if they did not want it for themselves, they could use it to give to others. They merely needed to say that it was from the Linlang Guild’s Master Dong Yang, it was enough to impress anyone.

“Who was the one who offered thirty guan?” Feng Xiao asked Cui Buqu with deep interest.

He did not shout for a price. Compared to the wine vessel, Feng Xiao was more interested in its bidders. He knew that Cui Buqu would know this.

As he expected, Cui Buqu answered, “The man’s name is called Leng Dou. He is the adopted son of the Group Leader of the Nine Groups of Caoyun1. As of late, the leader, Ning Shewo, gifted a beautiful woman to the Emperor of the Southern Dynasty, Chen Shubao. The woman obtained the love and attention of Chen Shubao and became an important person by his side. Because of this, Shubao was willing to allow Ning Shewo to conduct the business of all the canal transports in the south. The reason Leng Dou bid for the item, is most likely because he wants to give it as a tribute. Except that Chen Shubao is an Emperor, he would not be interested in something like this. So this tribute is simply for someone close to him, a servant or attendant. If not mistaken, he is determined to get the item. Others would not place such a heavy bid on merely the first item.”

The Nine Groups of Caoyun was not only just a group; it formed from the merging of nine different groups. They did business on water and were one of the vital forces in the Southern Wulin that could not be underestimated. Among the Nine Groups, the Jinhuan Ganghad the highest power; thus, the Jinhuan Gang’s leader, Ning Shewo, became the leader of all nine groups.

It was not a difficult task for the Jiejian Bureau to investigate whoever they wanted to, but it was not as convenient as having Cui Buqu by their side who knew the entire worldly matters of Wulin and Jianghu in his heart. With a few words, he would recite the other person’s origins and background. This was an ability that Pei Jingzhe would not even be able to manage. Only the Zuoyue Bureau could produce such a talent.

After Cui Buqu finished talking, the exchange was done. The wine vessel was bought by Leng Dou, completely aligning with Cui Buqu’s prediction.

This person looked pale on the surface; he also looked sickly with a large robe over him that practically covered half his face. People who sat near him could feel the tiredness radiating from him, but when he opened his mouth to speak, there was optimism in his voice. It made one not help but to admire it.

Feng Xiao clapped his hand and complimented, “A-Cui, you are truly brilliant! From all the guests before my eyes, you’re the only one who got distinguished by thirty percent!”

Cui Buqu kept his mouth shut, refusing to respond to him.

But Feng Xiao refused to let it go, “Will you not ask where the other seventy percent went?”

Cui Buqu replied coldly, “There is no need to ask for me to know.”

Feng Xiao laughed, “It seems you also think the same way. Of all the heroism in the world, they are the same. I have taken seventy percent, so the remaining thirty percent is offered to you!”

Cui Buqu rolled his eyes in reply.

Pei Jingzhe asked in curiousity, “Does Ning Shewo have any sons?”

Cui Buqu shook his head, “Ning Shewo and his wife were married for nineteen years, but they were blessed with no children except for an adopted son, Leng Dou. They treat him like one of their own. Ning Shewo already spread the word that he would be retiring next year, if not mistaken, the position of the leader would be succeeded by Leng Dou. However, Leng Dou is still young; he cannot even dominate the Jinhuan group yet. All has yet to be set in stone; there are still things left to be observed.”

Pei Jingzhe only knew a little of it from the rumours, but he had smiled and dismissed them. The reason being that he felt like those related to the Jianghu province were matters concerning the South and had nothing to do with the Sui Empire2 whatsoever.

It was as if Cui Buqu understood what he was thinking, saying blandly, “If the Emperor wants to cut down the Chens, he would have to head down the Southern river. The Nine Groups of Caoyun is indispensable in the South; therefore, if things can be done within to avoid conflicts when the time comes, the situation would not have been worse than watching the Nine Groups of Caoyun allying with the Southern Dynasty to go against the Sui Empire.”

Feng Xiao only smiled and remained silent. He had already long thought of this matter.

But Pei Jingzhe had not. Listening to this, he was shocked and immediately clasped his hands together, “I understand.”

At first, when Cui Buqu had started coughing before he could even speak two sentences, although Pei Jingzhe had never said it on the lips, he could not help but look down on Cui Buqu. After all, the Jiejian Bureau and the Zuoyue Bureau were different from the Three Departments and Six Ministries. The two often traveled across lands. The knowledge of martial arts was not a must, but if they did not know how to defend themselves and were ambushed by skilled martial artists, it would hinder their tasks. Cui Buqu was a unique case. This person came from the Glass Palace and knew the world of Jianghu like the back of his hand, yet he did not even have a single ounce of martial arts on him. Although right now he was under the control of Feng Xiao, the way he spoke did not show a hint of cowardice or intention of giving in, he neither begged for his life.

Pei Jingzhe felt that this person, even if he did not know any martial arts, it was not a weakness. If his lord could make this man work beneath him, the Jiejian Bureau’ power will have increased dramatically.

The next one was two ancient instruments. One was a zither called Green Dragonfly, the other a famous sword called White Rainbow.

Both were exemplary weapons. Therefore, it was natural that many people went out of their way to fight for them. Even Feng Xiao seemed to be interested in the Green Dragonfly, participating in the auction as well. However, in the end, someone bought it for three thousand silver taels and acquired the zither. Feng Xiao did not seem like he absolutely needed to own it, so he gave up midway.

Cui Buqu could tell that the other had no doubt really wanted the zither, but had given up half-way; he could not help but glare at him a few times.

Feng Xiao, realizing, curled up the corners of his lips, “I do not want the Green Dragonfly because I have something that is even more invaluable. Do you want to see my most ‘invaluable treasure’?”

Cui Buqu, “……”

Cui Buqu was not someone who fought with words. If he so desired, he could argue with the other and make his face cease all form of light. Previously, when he was faced with someone despicable like Feng Xiao, there was no need for him to open his mouth; someone else would clean up these sorts of people for him. However, as of now, trapped under the banner of the other, he needed to make his move personally. He fixed his eyes on the other and spoke.

But since Cui Buqu was not a shy lady, there was no expectation for him to blush madly after hearing something so suggestive. He merely replied flatly and calmly, “Please bring it out and enlighten me.”

Feng Xiao sniffed, “A-Qu, how could you be so frivolous? A ‘holy’ item like this, can you not use the word ‘bring it out’? It should be ‘presented’.”

Cui Buqu, “I am afraid that when you bring out your ‘invaluable treasure’; in less than a minute it would shrink to the size of a finger, then I will be very disappointed.”

Feng Xiao was shocked, “I am speaking of a zither, were you not speaking of one?”

Cui Buqu laughed coldly, “I am also speaking of a zither, how do you not know I am speaking of one?”

Pei Jingzhe, “……”

He could no longer tolerate listening to these two talk; his only option being to raise a cup to his lips to hide his twitching mouth.

Feng Xiao used a ‘keep talking’ look and glared at Cui Buqu, “In that case, QuQu, what zither in this world can expand and shrink as it pleases?”

Cui Buqu replied, “Tiangong Pavillion’s Li Xuanji just made a fold-up zither. When folded up, it is as big as a palm, when expanded; it is as big as a lute. Lord Feng, you are a member of the Jiejian Bureau, yet you did not know of this?”

Feng Xiao smiled, “Li Xuanji possesses god-given haves, but my skills with the zither are definitely better than his, and better than the Green Dragonfly. Except the Green Dragonfly is a famous zither, it is difficult to come across. If I can have it for a few days, it would be excellent.”

Cui Buqu spoke, “The one who bought the Green Dragonfly is called Cui Hao. He is the eldest son of the second wife of the leader of Boling Cui Clan. Next month on the eighth day, it will be his father, Cui Yong's birthday. Cui Yong loves the zither like life itself, and he also loves Cui Hao.”

Judging by his meaning, this zither was bought as a gift for his father.

The rest of the auctioned items were all purchased as well.

Those who are able to attend the Linlang Guild’s auctioning event were naturally people who had no money problems. When they bought something, it could alleviate their position and significance, creating an illusion of someone at a higher place. So no matter how expensive the items were, there was bound to be someone who bought it. However, some of the participants were people that not even Feng Xiao or Pei Jingzhe knew, yet Cui Buqu could recite their background one by one. From his introduction of them, Feng Xiao vaguely knew that they had nothing to do with the case.

When the day drifted towards the afternoon, half the auction was already over with. The Linlang Guild served its customers with a variety of desserts, so they could fill their stomachs with something. The people were not too hungry; instead, they were excited for the next half of the auctioning event.

Pei Jingzhe could no longer sit for another moment. He suspected that the Jade of Heaven’s Lake might not even appear here, however, Feng Xiao seemed as though he intended to go with his decision in the end, so Pei Jingzhe could only sit properly back.

After a while, he heard a young man say, “The next item is a jade stone, it has no name or origin. It only arrived here yesterday, given to Linlang Guild. It has not gone through Master Dong Yang’s approval, so it is impossible to determine whether it is a genuine or bogus item. This sort of thing, if bought by the customer and regretted, the Linlang Guild will not take any form of responsibility. Just as a heads up.”

This rule was already spoken once, but was repeated again. People, who originally were not too interested, looked discouraged.

The waiter brought a chest with cravings and took out the item inside. From outside the window, sunlight shone through. Everyone gasped in wonderment.

Pei Jingzhe practically could not sit still. He immediately straightened his body and glared at the item in the waitress’ hands.

It was the Jade of Heaven’s Lake!

================================

[1] Nine Groups of Caoyun: 漕运九帮 the name scheme of this group is strange, but it seems like they’re in charge of transporting merchandise through the canals. It’s called the Caoyun system.
[2] Sui Empire: The Sui Dynasty will now be called the Sui Empire to avoid confusion with the Northern and Southern Dynasties.

Chapter 15 – Feng Xiao: I Played Myself

Just as Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu were in the Linlang Guild’s hall waiting for the Jade of Heaven’s Lake to appear, the Spring Moon received an unusual guest.

The reason as to why the guest was strange was because he had shaved all his hair and held prayer beads in his hands. To say that he was a monk was not right, as he was wearing the usual clothes, yet it was also not correct to not call him a monk because his face looked like a well that had dried up. He did not look like he was here to entertain himself; instead, he looked like someone who came here to spread Buddist teachings.

The mistress of the place, Lady Xue, received a lot of guests in the past years, but this was the first time she had seen someone so strange. She heard that the guest has disregarded all propriety and busted himself inside, so she could only simply grab a hairpiece, yawn, and walk down the stairs with a few guards by her side.

When both gazes met, Lady Xue had to suppress her anger and switch to a smiling face.

“My Lord, in the Spring Moon, we do not receive guests during the day. If you want, you can come back in the evening.”

Zhangsun Bodhi, “I heard there is a Lady Yunyun; whose dance has astounded half the city, I came here to see her.”

Lady Xue covered her lips and laughed, “I fear that Lady Yunyun hasn’t even woke up yet at this hour!”

If regular customers of the Spring Moon were here and witnessed how Lady Xue acted so aggressively towards a customer that did not know the rules, their jaws would have fallen out right away. However, to Lady Xue, she had interacted with many different people in the past, so Zhangsun Bodhi’s handsomeness was enough for her to relieve her disgust, and put on a smile and welcoming façade.

Zhangsun Bodhi’s eyebrows furrowed, “But I am only travelling past the City of Six Crafts, tonight I will be leaving. Can I not see her even once?”

He took out a pouch and gave it to Lady Xue.

Once Lady Xue opened it,she was stunned on the spot.

Inside the pouch were numerous large, round pearls from the Southern Sea, gleaming under the sunlight.

With Zhangsun Bodhi’s handsome face added with this bag of pearls, let alone asking Lady Yunyun to accompany him, even if he had asked for Lady Xue herself, she would not have declined.

“My lord, please come this way. I will call for Yunyun at once!”

Zhangsun Bodhi nodded his head slightly, his gaze mildly moving to the house in front. With a light movement and a shadow, he swiftly disappeared.

If they wanted to avoid suspicion, of course, it was best if they came at night, but after much discussion with Qiao Xian, they still decided that it was more convenient to come in the morning. It would be easier to catch them off guard, and it might even lure the culprit out.

The Spring Moon’s building was very complex, consisting of many turns and allies; it was as if it had hidden many mysteries inside. Zhangsun Bodhi walked behind Lady Xue, thinking that this was indeed a place that was easy to hide a person, especially when the one was skilled in martial arts. As long as one remained quiet, and hid behind flowers and trees, no one could find them.

“This is Yunyun’s place. You may go up yourself, but she might not have woken up.” Lady Xue laughed.

Although Yunyun was someone who sold both her skills and her body, she was not someone just anyone could have. It was only because Zhangsun Bodhi was simply too generous, taking out a bag of pearls like that. It was not only enough for one Yunyun, even if he wanted ten Yunyuns, it was also adequate.

After Lady Xue spoke, she turned and left. Zhangsun knocked on the door twice, and the door opened quickly afterwards. A young woman staring at him stood outside.

Zhangsun Bodhi, “I am here for Yunyun.”

The young woman got angered, “You do not know the rules, do you? The lady does not accept guests during the day. Leave now, or I will call the guards.”

Zhangsun, “It was Lady Xue who allowed me to come.”

The young woman was stunned for a moment, her anger turning to sorrow, but after a moment, she peacefully said, “My lord, this way. Please take a seat, Yunyun has yet to wake up, but I will call for her now.”

Zhangsun nodded, “Thank you.”

The place was meticulously decorated. Among Zhangsun’s surroundings, he could see there was a pot of lamei flowers in front of the window. He was thinking of how they were able to get blossoms during spring, so he got up to take a look only to realize it was silk flowers. Solely because it was presented remarkably well, did it seem to be real. Its colour was evenly spread out, and deeply attractive, it could pull off the look quite well.

“Do they look nice?” Behind him, the voice of a woman sounded.

“They do.” Zhangsun Bodhi turned around, “Did you make this yourself?”

Yunyun smiled but did not reply. She was only wearing a thin outer robe that hung loosely on her body, looking leisurely and relaxed.

“It is good if it looks nice. Does it matter where it came from? My lord, why did you come here so stubbornly in the day, that even Lady Xue was unable to stop you?”

Zhangsun Bodhi said simply, “A bag of pearls.”

Yunyun listened and understood immediately; she laughed, “No wonder she was willing to make you an exception.”

After she spoke, she immediately held Zhangsun’s hand and leaned close to him.

It did not matter that Lady Yunyun’s dance was beautiful and alluring; many wealthy men willingly threw their money to her. Beautiful women were easy to get anywhere, but everyone tended to be in a hurry to act.

Yunyun knew this, so she did not imitate the other girls from other entertainment taverns.

However, Zhangsun Bodhi pushed her hand away.

“I want to see you dance.”

Yunyun laughed, “My lord, are you feeling shy, so you wanted to see a dance instead? It is possible, but there are no instruments here, I can only let my maidservants play the lute.”

Zhangsun Bodhi, “I am not shy, neither am I pretending to be a gentleman. I truly just want to see you dance.”

His expression was pale, and neither was he smiling, the way he spoke was almost convincing.

“Do you remember this golden hairpiece?” Zhangsun Bodhi took out an ornament from his sleeves and gave it to her.

At first, Yunyun looked confused, but then the colour returned to her face as she remembered something.

“Are you that… from the western ally…”

Zhangsun nodded his head, “Eight years ago, a young man wandered the streets nigh starvation, and it practically claimed his life. It was you who gave him a golden hairpiece and allowed him to pawn it for money. Later that, he strived hard in life, with enough money, he purchased this hairpiece back and carried it on him at all times, only to return it to you. To draw an end to the kindness that you began.”

Yunyun stared at the golden hairpiece for a long time, tears slowly filling her eyes. In the end, they fell onto Zhangsun Bodhi’s palms.

“Eight years. You are already a man, and I have grown old.”

Zhangsun, “If you are willing, I can redeem you from this place.”

Yunyun wiped her tears and shook her head, “I enjoy days like this, to be able to perform before many eyes on the stage. You need not be worried about me. You can keep this hairpiece as a form of a memoir. What dance would you like to see? I will dance for you.”

After that brief conversation, Lady Yunyun’s attitude towards Zhangsun Bodhi changed. She acted incredibly familiar with him, no longer awkward and distant like she was before.

Zhangsun looked at her intently before putting the golden hairpiece back into his sleeves.

“Then, please dance ‘Zui Dong Feng’.”

……

Within the Linlang Guild’s stall, practically no one managed to sit still. The quiet atmosphere was heated up at once. A few people stretched their necks to look at the waitress’ hands that were holding the jade, round and beautiful and perfect.

There was no need for the Linlang staff to introduce the item. Whoever held knowledge of gemstones would know that this was a valuable piece of treasure.

“The Jade of Heaven's Lake looks like that?” Pei Jingzhe could not stop himself but speak.

They had tried to estimate the facts before. It was very likely that the Jade of Heaven’s Lake would appear in the Linlang Guild’s auction event, but no one thought that it would come in such a glorified manner. If the Jiejian Bureau came out now and took the jade away, would not the other party’s schemes fall apart right then and there?

“Could this be a fake?” Pei Jingzhe thought of this possibility.

Since the Linlang Guild took it out, it would be too late for them to keep it. Regardless of whether it was the real one or a fake one, they could only determine it if they owned it.

“This item’s origins are unknown. The Linlang Guild would not bestow upon a conclusion. So, the starting price of the item will be set to five guan, whoever wants to bid for a higher price, please help yourselves.”

The middle-aged man’s voice rang throughout the halls. Someone shouted six guans, and the prices kept building. Not long after, it became fifty guans, and the crowd was still in the heat of the moment. The prices kept rising, until it was impossible to predict that it would end any time soon. Even Lin Wei who had been silent also joined the bid and straightaway shouted a whole one-hundred guans before someone pushed the price higher.

Pei Jingzhe could not help but ask Feng Xiao, “My lord, what should we—”

With a jade like that, even if it was not the Jade of Heaven’s Lake, it would still draw commendable attention from the crowd. Adding to the fact that news of the Jade of Heaven’s Lake being lost was spread throughout the place, many people who kept close to winds knew of it. It was because of this reason that this jade now looked familiar to more people when compared to the few items before it.

Feng Xiao, “Wait for a little while.”

That waiting lasted until the price finally reached three thousand and two hundred silver taels. Seeing that the bidders had begun to slow down now, under Feng Xiao’s orders, Pei Jingzhe shouted five thousand silver taels, added with the price of ten pearls from the Southern sea.

The place immediately quietened down.

Everyone stared in Pei Jingzhe’s direction.

Cui Buqu pulled the brim of his robe loose around his neck, moving away slightly sideways avoiding the gazes of everyone.

Feng Xiao purposely moved closer to him, “You’re no little lady, why be so shy? Are you not willing to see this?”

Cui Buqu answered coldly, “For you to grab attention like that, I fear that if I am seen with you, even if someone murdered me in my sleep tonight I would not even know what happened.”

Feng Xiao laughed, extending a hand to put it on his waist and said in a suggestive voice, “Then you can share a bed with me. I guarantee you will sleep soundly until the next sunrise!”

Cui Buqu rose to his feet. Raising a hand, at the blinding speed of thunder, he slapped Feng Xiao across the face. It all happened in the blink of an eye that even Feng Xiao himself, who was unparalleled in martial arts, could not respond to it. He wobbled a little before finally taking a step back.

“You shameless, despicable, unscrupulous lecher! After taking my sister, you would not even let me run free? I even left for the City of Six Crafts, yet you refuse to cease pursuit. Has this world become lawless?!”

Under the eyes of everyone, Cui Buqu looked terrified, the fact that his face was pale made him look even more convincing. It made them think of bamboo amidst of snow, brittle yet refusing to break.

Feng Xiao: ……

Never in his life would he have thought that Cui Buqu kept holding it in, refusing to speak; only to wait until he was under the eyes of the public. The way everyone looked at Feng Xiao changed immediately.

Feng Xiao thought to himself, that this time, he really did play himself.