Flowers bloomed in vibrant reds and willows swayed in lush greens, with the fragrance of a hundred herbs filling the air. The broad streets teemed with bustling traffic and crowds, merchants weaving through the throng, and shops standing shoulder to shoulder, painting a scene of lively prosperity.
Xianyang City—it was Xianyang City once again.
After days of arduous travel, a dust-covered procession finally passed through the gates of Xianyang City. The accompanying guards paid the entry fee, and over twenty warhorses escorted a blue-canopied carriage as it slowly made its way into the city streets.
Though a border city, Xianyang was commercially prosperous and exceedingly wealthy, built with imposing grandeur.
The city was divided into an inner and outer district. The inner district primarily consisted of the Mengren Palace south of the Chishui River and the Luoli Palace east of the Chishui River. These two palaces spanned a tributary of the Chishui, connected by a massive stone bridge over four hundred meters long, wide enough for twenty carriages to pass abreast. Despite their names, the Mengren Palace and Luoli Palace were not true palaces but rather a series of interconnected luxurious mansions.
It was widely known that Xianyang’s wealth was unmatched across the land, rivaling even the major port cities of Huai Song. Though less than a fifth the size of Zhenhuang City, Xianyang had rapidly developed over less than thirty years, leveraging its superior geographical advantages after Daxia, Biantang, and Huai Song opened free trade. It swiftly established itself as a key hub of commercial prosperity on the Ximeng Continent. The annual tax revenue sent to the imperial capital was sufficient to cover a full year’s expenses for one-third of the empire’s military forces. Rumor had it that this modest city was home to nearly all the wealthiest individuals across the entire Ximeng Continent. These affluent magnates, known for their extravagant spending, had purchased land in Xianyang’s inner district to build lavish mansions. A sweeping view revealed majestic, sprawling architectural complexes, grand and opulent.
The outer district covered an extensive area, more than ten times larger than the inner district, serving as a gathering place for commoners and traveling merchants. It boasted developed commerce and convenient transportation, with all manner of taverns, banks, pawnshops, carriage services, trading companies, inns, and restaurants. Along the Chishui River, rows of gaily decorated pavilions exuded alluring fragrances, and even in broad daylight, the faint, teasing laughter of women could be heard from afar.
The carriage proceeded without further concealment upon entering Xianyang City. After all, this was a world-renowned trade capital teeming with the wealthy, and a mere twenty-plus guards hardly drew any attention.
However, as the carriage passed by the Gold and Silver Pavilion, a sudden exclamation arose from behind, followed swiftly by the hoofbeats of the city guard’s soldiers.
The sturdy coachman, dressed in a plain dark blue servant’s robe, appeared ordinary at a glance, though his eyes were sharp and occasionally gleamed with keen intensity. He glanced back twice, and soon other guards approached, whispering briefly. The coachman leaned toward the carriage door and said in a hushed voice, "Young Master, it’s that woman again. She tried to follow us into the inner district but was intercepted by the city guards."
After a long pause, a calm voice from inside the carriage replied, "Let’s go. She’ll leave on her own if she can’t enter. Pay her no mind."
"Yes," the coachman acknowledged and drove the carriage toward the inner district.
This group was none other than the Yanbei contingent, and the man inside the carriage was naturally Yan Xun, the Heir of Yanbei, who had recently led Yanbei to independence.
Yan Xun’s face was somewhat pale, but his eyes held a sharp, penetrating intensity. His brows were tightly furrowed, as if he were pondering some difficult decision.
"Young Master, we have arrived."Yan Xun, dressed in simple blue robes with clear brows and calm expression, stepped down from the carriage and headed toward a resplendent mansion.
This mansion was situated within Luoli Palace, composed of eighteen courtyards. Though it couldn't compare to the grand residences in Zhenhuang City, given Xianyang's dense population and limited land, the fact that this residence occupied such expansive grounds within the district where Xianyang's nobility, high officials, and wealthy merchants resided still clearly demonstrated the owner's status in Xianyang.
Yan Xun proceeded forward without encountering anyone along the way. Guards like A Jing quickly dispersed, securing the entire mansion with strict vigilance.
After some time, accompanied by A Jing and over ten guards, Yan Xun arrived at the main hall. There, a man in emerald green robes knelt with hundreds of servants, proclaiming without raising his head: "Your subordinate welcomes Your Highness. May Your Highness live a thousand autumns with boundless fortune and longevity."
Yan Xun, who had been frowning throughout the journey, suddenly laughed. He stepped forward, placed a hand on the other's shoulder, and chuckled: "You rascal, get up!"
The young man appeared to be around twenty years old, with delicate features, snow-white skin, and slender eyebrows that carried a somewhat feminine quality. Only his shrewdly shifting eyes revealed his fox-like cunning.
"Hehe," the young man laughed, saying: "Your Highness, you must be tired from the journey. I've prepared fine food and wine - please come inside and rest."
Yan Xun nodded and led the way forward, tugging at the young man's clothes as he walked and curling his lip: "Woven brocade? You've been doing quite well for yourself, you brat."
"Your Highness," the young man said with a bitter expression, pouting in grievance, "this is actually my shabbiest outfit. I was afraid you'd accuse me of extravagance, so I rummaged through my chest to find this one. I still feel itchy wearing it."
"Haha," Yan Xun laughed heartily, a rare occurrence. Still laughing, he turned to A Jing and said: "See? The saying 'give him an inch and he'll take a mile' was made for people like him."
A Jing grinned at the young man and punched his shoulder: "Being this arrogant - careful the young master confiscates all your property."
While chatting and laughing, the group entered the room where a lavish feast was prepared in the main hall. Setting aside serious matters, they gathered around the table to eat, sharing amusing stories from their journey. Yan Xun seemed in particularly good spirits today, not even getting angry when A Jing jokingly recounted how he had rescued a young lady from the Helian family during their travels.
After the meal, A Jing tactfully withdrew. Yan Xun and the young man proceeded to the study, and once the door was closed, all traces of levity vanished from their expressions. The young man lifted his robe and knelt firmly, saying with emotional gravity: "Crown Prince, you've finally come."
Yan Xun crouched down to help him up, his face showing rare gentleness. With a soft smile and calm eyes, he said: "Feng Mian, how long has it been since we last saw each other?"
Indeed, this young man was none other than Feng Mian, the former page who had frequently delivered messages to Chu Qiao for Yan Xun. Back when most of Yan Xun's attendants were killed outside Zhenhuang City, the young Feng Mian, though severely wounded, had managed to escape with his life.Subsequently, the Yanbei faction was completely eradicated by the empire, and Yan Xun lost his power, enduring two years of miserable existence worse than pigs and dogs. It wasn't until the third year that he managed to bribe the prison guards with a large sum of money, rescuing the child who had been imprisoned in a pitch-black, sunless water dungeon for two years.
Feng Mian could not remain in the imperial capital, so he traveled south alone and arrived in Xianyang City. With the support of the Great Alliance Society and the core factions of Yanbei, six years later, he had become the foremost underworld leader in Xianyang City. His influence extended across various industries such as escort agencies, carriage services, water transport, and sea salt. He owned over eighty establishments including brothels, taverns, pawnshops, and money exchanges, controlled more than twenty dockyards along the Chishui River in the southeastern part of the empire, and established the formidable Water Gang that dominated both sides of the river. Nowadays, in the southeastern region, while the name Feng Mian might be unfamiliar to many, if you mention "Fourth Master Feng," even a three-year-old child could recount some of his legendary deeds.
After all, compared to the accumulated operations of major noble families over generations, Feng Mian's rapid rise to stand among the wealthy elites of Xianyang City in just six years, amassing immense wealth, was in itself a legend.
"Crown Prince, it has been six years. This humble servant has finally waited for this day."
Feng Mian's eyes were red and misty as he emotionally grasped Yan Xun's hands and spoke solemnly.
"Yes, in the blink of an eye, you've already grown into an adult," Yan Xun said with a smile. "It might be a bit inappropriate for the renowned Fourth Master Feng to call himself a humble servant. I've heard that even Prince Jing and Prince Ling are regular guests at your residence. Last year, when Prince Ling's son Zhao Zhongyan owed your Water Gang money, you publicly burned Prince Ling's fleet. He lost thousands of bolts of brocade and nearly couldn't make it through the New Year."
Feng Mian gave an embarrassed smile, showing no trace of an underworld boss, instead resembling a shy young girl. He said sheepishly, "What Fourth Master? That's just what outsiders call me. Zhao Zhongyan relied on being a descendant of the Zhao family and tried to pressure me with his noble status. Of course, I couldn't let him off easy. Besides, back in the imperial capital, we suffered many hidden losses from Prince Ling's estate. This humble servant has long held a grudge against them."
At this point, Feng Mian suddenly became emotional and said, "Feng Mian will always be a humble servant before the Crown Prince. Without the Crown Prince, there would be no Feng Mian today. This humble servant's life belongs to the Crown Prince. How could I dare put on airs in front of you? That would make me less than human!"
"Alright, get up," Yan Xun said with a laugh. "I was just joking with you, no need to take it so seriously."
With that, he helped Feng Mian to his feet. The two sat opposite each other at a tea table, where Feng Mian deftly prepared tea. Soon, the refreshing aroma of tea filled the entire room.
"Crown Prince," Feng Mian asked with bright, smiling eyes, "What about the young lady? Is she well? Why didn't she come? Recently, I heard that you caused quite a stir in Zhenhuang, and the young lady led thousands of troops across the north and south, routing the Daxia officers and soldiers. I was so thrilled I couldn't sleep all night. At the time, I almost wanted to lead my men back to Yanbei. Isn't she accompanying you to Biantang this time?"
Yan Xun's expression remained calm as he slowly replied, "I've lost contact with her. Zhao Che issued a warrant for A Chu's arrest nationwide. Didn't you know?"
"What?" Feng Mian was stunned. "But later, news came from Yanbei that the young lady had returned!""That news was spread by me, it's false. I only hoped to slightly reduce the pursuers following A Chu, making them think she had already returned to Yanbei so they wouldn't pursue so vigorously." Yan Xun took a sip of tea and said, "Although I previously notified all the vassal kings, I still feared they might pretend not to pursue while secretly causing trouble, so I had to make additional preparations."
Feng Mian nodded, frowning as he said, "So the young lady is still fleeing outside. Crown Prince, rest assured, this servant will send people to search for her. I can't promise anything else, but as long as she remains within Daxia's borders, whether on land or water, my people will be there."
Yan Xun slowly shook his head: "I suspect she may have already left Daxia and entered Biantang."
"Biantang?"
"Yes, if my guess is correct, she should have turned into Biantang, then detoured through Tang Capital, turned into the southern border, and followed the river upstream."
"So that's why the Crown Prince came to Biantang?"
Yan Xun nodded: "This is one of the reasons."
"Understood, I'll immediately issue orders to notify the water transport gangs within Biantang to search. As long as the young lady is on the water, we'll definitely get news."
Yan Xun smiled faintly: "Finding her won't be that simple. If A Chu decides to hide, those fools from Daxia probably can't do anything about her. But it's good that you help search - I'm always worried about her being alone outside."
"Yes."
"One more thing," Yan Xun pondered for a moment before speaking seriously, "The letter I sent you last month, the matter I asked you to handle - how is it progressing?"
Feng Mian's expression changed. After thinking, he stood up, walked to the desk, and took out a thick stack of white paper, saying, "It's all here, everything has been clearly investigated."
Yan Xun took it and just glanced briefly before sneering, "As expected, they can't hold back anymore."
"Crown Prince, the Great Alliance Society is our ally and has strongly supported Yanbei for so many years. If we do this... won't we face criticism?"
Yan Xun sneered and lightly flicked his wrist, making the papers in his hand rustle. He said calmly, "Feng Mian, do you still think the Great Alliance Society is the same as it was a hundred years ago? Now perhaps only people like Mr. Wu survive holding onto beautiful ideals. The Great Alliance has long since deteriorated - having been in Xianyang for so many years, don't you understand this yet?"
Feng Mian remained silent for a long moment before slowly saying, "The Crown Prince is right. This servant believes there are serious problems within the Great Alliance. The younger faction led by Miss Yu and Mr. Wu is more righteous and still holds the ideal of universal harmony. But those old elders... ah, they're really disgraceful with their drinking, eating, visiting brothels, and gambling. Outsiders are just kept in the dark - those brothels and gambling houses are all run by me, so I know exactly what goes on inside."Yan Xun patted Feng Mian's shoulder and chuckled, "Silly boy, you've stayed in a prosperous and splendid place like Xianyang City for so long, yet you still can't see through it? In this world, all politicians are sanctimonious hypocrites. The Great Alliance Society might have been righteous and served the people a century ago, but now it's just a political bargaining chip for a group of people. No matter how prestigious the name or how grand the slogan sounds, it's merely a means to accumulate power by deceiving the masses. The older generation of the Great Alliance has amassed terrifying wealth—they simply want to select a political representative, support that representative from behind the scenes to rise to power, and then seek even greater benefits."
Yan Xun's gaze suddenly turned cold as he slowly said, "Great Unity Under Heaven—hah, what a beautiful slogan. It's just a pity that wherever there are people, there is strife, and wherever there are interests, there is conflict. Great Unity? Only ignorant women and children would believe in it. However, I must admit their slogan is truly appealing, especially in these turbulent times for the Daxia Empire. The common people have pinned their hopes on the Great Alliance. At this moment, cooperating with them—we provide the troops, they provide the funds—is a perfect match, each getting what they need."
Feng Mian frowned and asked, "If that's the case, why did the Crown Prince still order me to investigate these matters?"
"Any organization should have only one leader," Yan Xun turned his head, gazing at the swaying willow branches outside, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the table as he spoke slowly. "The Great Alliance Society has overreached. Their leader has actually placed a large number of trusted followers as officials in Yanbei. Now, whether in the military or the government, they are all the Great Alliance's loyalists. If this continues, our position in Yanbei will become very passive."
"Yanbei's foundation is still unstable, and it's not yet time for me to carry out a thorough purge. It's better to take this opportunity to warn them by punishing someone as a lesson to others. The leader of the Great Alliance is a smart man—I think he will understand. Besides, these people here are all stubborn old-school factions. I suspect the leader himself must be quite troubled by these old-timers."
Feng Mian's face suddenly lit up with excitement. This outwardly refined Fourth Master Feng grinned and said, "Right! Let's mess with them! I've long been fed up with these old guys. If it weren't for the Crown Prince's sake, I would have dealt with them long ago."
Yan Xun stood up and chuckled, "Get ready. Take a bath and rest. In the evening, you'll come with me to meet these elders of the Great Alliance Society."
Feng Mian also stood up with a smile. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly turned back and asked, "By the way, Crown Prince, what will you wear tonight? Regular clothes or the Great Alliance's uniform?"
Yan Xun frowned slightly and said, "Better wear the Great Alliance uniform."
"But the uniforms have ranks. Although the younger faction respects you as their leader, you're currently only a low-ranking member. I'm afraid they might give you a hard time."
"A hard time?" Yan Xun raised the corner of his eye, a cold smile tugging at his lips. "Since when have I ever feared being given a hard time?"
As night fell, Xianyang City came alive with excitement. The Chishui River flowing through the city carried a fragrant scent, with merchants lining both banks and shops wide open. The brothels and pleasure quarters were bustling with prosperity. At this moment, Xianyang City fully displayed the extravagant scenery of a major city, bustling with noise throughout the night.Feng Mian's luxurious carriage traversed Golden Pond Street, pulled conspicuously by seven pure white steeds—a striking sight.
Noticing Yan Xun's amused gaze, Feng Mian awkwardly explained, "Well, only the emperor is entitled to eight horses."
Yan Xun chuckled, immediately grasping the young man's reasoning. Using eight horses would invite trouble regardless of one's status, yet Feng Mian's pride had compelled him to use seven instead.
Turning back, Yan Xun spotted an untethered white horse obediently trailing the carriage.
His eyes narrowed slightly, remaining silent with restrained intensity.
Half an hour later, they arrived. Feng Mian leaped down first, then lifted the curtain and extended a hand like a servant to assist Yan Xun.
Before them stood an imposing tavern. Yan Xun squinted upward at the wine banner fluttering overhead. Two crimson lanterns hung at the entrance, the facade elegant yet dignified, devoid of any brothel's clamor. The bustling crowd indicated thriving business. A premium nanmu plaque bore two bold ink-brushed characters: "Dawn Dusk."
A brothel with such a refined name gave Yan Xun pause, until Feng Mian leaned in to whisper, "Crown Prince, this is my establishment. The name was chosen by the young lady when she visited two years ago."
Yan Xun nodded. Though Feng Mian was capable, he'd been inexperienced upon arrival, requiring Chu Qiao's meticulous guidance in every business decision. This tavern must have cost A Chu considerable effort.
The thought made Yan Xun unconsciously furrow his brow as he stepped inside.
The manager had spotted Feng Mian from afar and waited by the door with a bevy of beautiful women, all bowing with ingratiating smiles.
A voluptuous woman in her thirties swayed forward, her slender waist undulating as she cooed, "Fourth Master, what brings you here today? This humble one is so delighted she doesn't know which foot to step with first."
With Yan Xun present, Feng Mian grew tense. "Madam Yu, where are Elder Liu and the others? Take us there at once."
A seasoned professional, Madam Yu immediately recognized this wasn't a pleasure visit. She led the way silently, though puzzled by Feng Mian's deferential posture behind Yan Xun.
Soon they passed through a long corridor into an exquisite courtyard where the main hall's noise faded. Potted plants and flowers filled the space, their nocturnal fragrance soothing the senses.
Before a standalone pavilion, Madam Yu tittered, "Here we are. This humble one shall take her leave now."
Then the coquettish woman turned, placing a soft hand on Yan Xun's arm as she purred, "You're a new face, young master, but clearly no ordinary guest. Do visit Fourth Master's establishment more often when you have time."Feng Mian was instantly startled and wanted to make amends. However, he saw Yan Xun smile faintly without changing his expression, subtly pushing the woman's hand away as he said, "Very well."
Madam Yu swayed her hips and retreated. Feng Mian quickly explained, "Crown Prince..."
"Feng Mian, there's no need to be so nervous," Yan Xun said with a laugh. "Also, don't call me Crown Prince later."
"Let's go," Yan Xun lifted the hem of his robe. "Let's go in."
The spacious hall was brightly lit, with a round table in the center laden with food and wine.
Yan Xun glanced around and saw eight or nine people seated at the table, each accompanied by a guard. As Yan Xun and Feng Mian entered, the chatter abruptly ceased, and all eyes turned toward them, carrying varying degrees of hostility and disdain.
Feng Mian and Yan Xun removed their cloaks and handed them to A Jing, who stood behind them. Then, Feng Mian exchanged greetings with everyone one by one before taking his seat alongside Yan Xun.
But before he could sit down, a sixty-year-old man spoke in a cold, cutting tone: "Fourth Master Feng has quite the air about him. Not only did he arrive late, but he also brought two guards. It seems the Cao Gang's business is thriving lately, and Fourth Master no longer has any regard for us old men."
The words were sharp and provocative, leaving no room for courtesy.
A glint of cold flashed in Feng Mian's eyes, but it vanished instantly. He smiled slightly and was about to speak when Yan Xun beside him interjected, "This must be Elder Yu, the overseer of the Great Alliance Society's southeastern salt transport?"
Elder Yu arrogantly narrowed his eyes and didn't even bother to reply, merely letting out a cold snort through his nose.
Yan Xun remained unruffled, cupping his hands in a polite gesture as he said, "I am—"
"No one is interested in your identity!" Elder Yu glared disdainfully at Yan Xun's low-ranking member attire and sneered, "You'd better remember your place. You have no right to speak here. Since you're accompanying Fourth Master Feng, just stand aside, listen with your ears, and keep your mouth shut!"
Feng Mian's expression darkened, and he abruptly rose to his feet. But Yan Xun reached out and stopped him, casting a sidelong glance at Elder Yu before saying calmly, "Elder Yu, I think it's still necessary to tell you my name. Because perhaps I'm not entirely unfamiliar to you, and in the future, your impression of me will only grow deeper."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Xun lightly tapped his fingers on the table.
In the blink of an eye, A Jing, who had been standing behind Yan Xun, leaped forward. With a swift, powerful punch, he struck Elder Yu squarely in the face!
In that instant, everyone could clearly hear the sound of Elder Yu's nose breaking. He let out a sharp cry of pain as his body was sent flying backward. A Jing, agile as ever, quickly closed in, grabbed Elder Yu by the collar, and landed several heavy blows, causing blood to gush from his nose and mouth.
At that moment, one of Elder Yu's guards rushed forward, drawing a long blade from his waist with a sharp hiss. Feng Mian swiftly stepped in, not bothering to dodge. He seized the man's wrist, executed a quick grappling move, and with a sharp crack, the man screamed as Feng Mian wrested the blade from his grasp. The long-indulged Fourth Master Feng then swung the blade with practiced ease, cleanly severing the man's hand with a single slash!
In an instant, everyone was stunned. Though Feng Mian was young, he had always been shrewd and diplomatic, treating the senior members of the Great Alliance Society stationed in Xianyang City with respect. Why was he acting so recklessly today? Had his master's rising influence in Yanbei made him disregard the Great Alliance Society? And who was this young man beside him?
The crowd looked on in panic and confusion, their expressions a mix of fear and bewilderment.
Yan Xun slowly rose to his feet. His plain white low-ranking member robe seemed to flutter like a funeral banner, eerie and menacing. He stood up, then crouched in front of Elder Yu, speaking slowly, "Didn't you know it's very rude to interrupt someone when they're speaking?"
Then, he stood up and, under the horrified gazes of everyone, stomped hard on Elder Yu's face!
With a sickening splatter, blood sprayed everywhere.
Elder Yu immediately lost consciousness, not even letting out a scream. It was unclear whether he was alive or dead.
"Drag him away."Yan Xun, having reached the peak of motion, now settled into stillness. A few drops of blood had splattered onto his hand from that powerful kick. Sitting by the table, he took out a white silk handkerchief to wipe his hands while giving orders.
A Jing dragged two people with one hand, turned around to open the door, and with a loud "bang," threw them both out!
Everyone was stunned, unable to speak for a long time. After all, this was the second floor, and below was a clear lake.
Sure enough, within moments, the sound of heavy objects hitting the water echoed—two loud splashes, one after another.
A Jing walked back and stood behind Yan Xun. By now, even Feng Mian had risen to his feet, assuming the posture of an attendant.
The fierce aura on Yan Xun’s face had completely vanished. He lifted his head with a faint smile, offering everyone a gentle grin as if he had done nothing amiss. In a calm tone, he said, "My apologies, everyone. The journey has been exhausting, and I lost my temper for a moment."
...
Silence—dead silence. The old men, who usually swaggered about with their noses in the air, felt dizzy and slow-witted, staring blankly at Yan Xun as if he were an alien from another world.
"Now, I wonder if any of your guards know how to swim?" Yan Xun’s smile was serene, light and effortless, carrying the calm and gentleness honed over years of experience. Such an expression would normally put others at ease, but at this moment, it sent chills down their spines like a frigid wind from hell.
"Because I think if no one fishes them out soon, Elder Yu will drown."
The man leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with apparent difficulty. "What a coincidence—we didn’t notice the lake below when we arrived."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone snapped back to reality. The old men jumped up in a flurry, scrambling to find people to rescue those in the lake. The hall instantly descended into chaos.
It took a considerable amount of time—long enough for Yan Xun to finish two cups of tea—before they managed to pull Elder Yu out of the water, his face battered and his stomach full of lake water. By the time everyone returned to their seats, wiping cold sweat from their foreheads, Yan Xun had already finished his meal.
"Fourth Master Feng, may I ask who this friend of yours is? Since he’s also a brother in our society, why does he show no regard for the rules?"
A red-robed elder spoke gravely. This old man, surnamed Liu, was a prominent figure of the Great Alliance Society in Xianyang City. Having established himself in Xianyang for over forty years, he possessed vast family wealth. Even Mr. Wu and Miss Yu had to defer to him—after all, soldiers need provisions and funds to fight, and Elder Liu essentially served as the treasurer and quartermaster of the Great Alliance.
Yan Xun’s tone remained calm, his expression unchanged. "Everyone, I intended to introduce myself earlier, but Elder Yu was too impatient. I believe it’s necessary for me to introduce myself now."
Under the flickering lamplight, with soft music lingering in the air, Yan Xun narrowed his eyes slightly and said slowly, "I am Yan Xun, just arrived from Yanbei. I look forward to your guidance."
"The King of Yanbei?"
Elder Liu shot to his feet with such force that he knocked over the teapot in front of him. Tea splashed all over his robe, but he seemed unaware, his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at Yan Xun.
"To be precise, although Yanbei has declared independence, I haven’t officially assumed the title of king. But if Elder Liu wishes to address me as such in advance, I won’t object."
"How is that possible?" another elder exclaimed in astonishment. "How could someone from Yanbei come to Xianyang?"Yan Xun smiled, "Elder Xi, of course you don't wish for my arrival, because you're just about to gather your family wealth and relocate to Biantang. If I were to come, wouldn't that shatter your sweet dreams?"
His words sent a shock through the entire assembly!
Everyone stared at Yan Xun in terror, their faces ashen, not daring to even breathe heavily.
The smile on Yan Xun's face gradually faded as he slowly said, "Daxia has revived like dying embers and is about to move back to Zhenhuang. Zhao Yang is deploying troops everywhere with fierce momentum, while Zhao Che holds Zhenhuang, coordinating the nation's military forces. The war between Yanbei and Daxia is inevitable, yet at this critical moment, the Great Alliance Society no longer has faith in Yanbei. So, you plan to retreat to Biantang to save your own lives, is that it?"
"Y-Young Master Yan," Elder Liu stammered, "This is merely a contingency plan from the higher-ups, an arrangement by the society's leader. For years, the Great Alliance Society has fought tooth and nail for Yanbei, and we've long been politically unified with Yanbei. To rescue you, we've lost countless members. Now, this is just a strategic move to preserve our strength."
Yan Xun coldly stared at the crowd and slowly stated, "For eight years, the Great Alliance Society has acted in my name, managing Yanbei, planning strategies for me, and stabilizing the livelihoods of Yanbei's people. Such great kindness need not be spoken—I dare not forget this!"
"But!" Yan Xun's expression turned sharp, his narrow eyes narrowing further as he said gravely, "Under my name, you rightfully collected Yanbei's taxes and finances, opened the Baiyu Pass for trade with the West, and amassed vast wealth. Moreover, just last half-year, before I returned to Yanbei, you took advantage of the sudden deaths of imperial officials to collect ten years' worth of taxes in one go, plundering Yanbei's common people. Now, as Yanbei is about to go to war with the court, you plan to simply walk away, leaving behind a devastated Yanbei—where is Yanbei to go from here?"
After saying this, Yan Xun suddenly relaxed into a faint smile and calmly remarked, "The young warriors of the Great Alliance Society are shedding blood on the front lines, yet you all feast on delicacies here. Don't you feel any guilt? I've heard that Feng Mian has some documents. I wonder if Miss Yu would let you off if they were made public."
Upon hearing this, everyone's faces turned pale with fear. Among the younger generation of the Great Alliance Society, while Wu Daoya held the highest prestige, when it came to tactics, Miss Yu was undoubtedly number one. This young woman's ruthlessness, her fierce methods, and her extreme hatred for evil forces were unparalleled. If she were to find out, the consequences were unimaginable.
"This... Young Master Yan, I believe it would be best not to let Dao Ya and A Yu know about this matter."
"Of course," Yan Xun chuckled. "Elder Liu, we stand on the same side. The road ahead is long, battles must be fought one by one, and Daxia's walls must crumble inch by inch. We all need a strong army and a harmonious government externally. So, some things are better left unsaid. They have full confidence in the Great Alliance Society; if their illusions were shattered and the society fell apart, it would do me no good."
"Absolutely, absolutely."
"In that case, you all should know what to do."
Elder Liu tentatively suggested, "Then shall we wait peacefully in Xianyang City for news of Yanbei's great victory?""No need," Yan Xun shook his head. "You may continue transporting your wealth to Biantang."
Everyone stared at him in stunned disbelief.
Then Yan Xun smiled slightly and said, "As it happens, I'm also heading to Biantang. Afterwards, I'll return to Yanbei via the southern border. I'll take these things back with me along the way."
Elder Liu and the others instantly turned as pale as ghosts. Yan Xun stood up and said calmly, "Well, we've eaten and spoken. It's time for me to take my leave. Elder Liu, I'll be traveling to Biantang under the identity of your nephew Liu Xi. I expect you to make the necessary preparations by tomorrow morning. After all, with the Crown Prince of Bian Tang's grand wedding, you, as the foremost wealthy merchant of Xianyang, ought to make an appropriate gesture."
Facing a room full of elderly men whose dreams had been shattered and faces turned pale, Yan Xun slightly cupped his hands. "Farewell!"
The carriage traveled through the streets late at night, yet the city remained bustling with activity.
Feng Mian asked doubtfully, "Crown Prince, these old men possess extraordinary wealth. Traveling to Biantang with all these goods in such a conspicuous manner is too dangerous. Why not return directly to Yanbei?"
"Do you think returning directly to Yanbei with these possessions would be any less dangerous?" Yan Xun countered calmly. "Daxia's political situation is currently unstable. The journey back to Yanbei passes through multiple provinces and commanderies - who can guarantee nothing will go wrong? If word gets out about the wealth of Xianyang's merchants, do you think military commanders and local governors wouldn't be tempted?"
The man leaned back in the carriage, sighed softly, and half-closed his eyes as he spoke slowly. "To prevent this fortune from falling into government hands or being embezzled by these old men, taking the route through Biantang is our only option. Biantang maintains relatively better public security, and by posing as a representative of Xianyang merchants defecting to Biantang, they'll surely dispatch heavy escorts to develop their economy. This way, the journey to Tang Capital will be secure. Once we reach Tang Capital, I have ways to quietly slip into the southern border undetected, then follow the current upstream back to Yanbei - everything will fall into place naturally."
"But?" Feng Mian still expressed concern. "Tang Capital must be crowded with many nobles now, most of whom recognize you. Can you really pass as Elder Liu's nephew without being discovered?"
"Don't worry about that. I have my methods," Yan Xun said. "To prevent information leaks, after I depart, keep close watch on these elders. Find a way to ensure they can never speak again, eliminating any future concerns."
Feng Mian was momentarily stunned into silence.
Yan Xun maintained his composed expression and continued slowly, "With you here, I'm at ease. It's time for a change in the Great Alliance Society's southeast financial stewards. Feng Mian, though you're young, it's time for you to gain proper experience."
Feng Mian quickly bowed his head. "This servant obeys!"
Yan Xun seemed to be drifting off to sleep, his voice growing increasingly ethereal."Greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. These elders were once passionate members of the Great Unity Society in their youth. Yet after gaining much, they grew greedy, attempting to seize what does not belong to them without weighing their own capabilities. One may harbor ambition in this world, but not greed. Ambition can help you achieve great deeds, while greed will only lead you to eternal suffering. Feng Mian, as you hold a high position, you must carefully ponder these words of mine."
Feng Mian's face gradually paled. He bowed his head respectfully and remained silent.
The long wind blew through the carriage curtains, brushing against the man's face. With the dim shadows cast by the lanterns on both sides, Yan Xun's face suddenly seemed obscure, making it difficult to discern.
A chill ran down Feng Mian's spine. He suddenly recalled a remark Chu Qiao had made when she left two years ago: "You are loyal, cautious, intelligent, and bold, Feng Mian. You excel in every aspect, except for one flaw—you are too capable."
He had never believed it and had never pondered the meaning behind those words.
But at this moment, as he looked at his master, he began to understand. Carefully, he picked up a cloak from the side and draped it over Yan Xun. He knew he wasn't asleep, yet he dared not make a sound, moving with utmost caution.
The carriage moved slowly forward. The streets were crowded with people, bustling and packed. Feng Mian suddenly drifted into thought. He hoped His Highness would have a safe and smooth journey and that the young lady would return to his side soon.
In this world, the only person His Highness would never hesitate about is the young lady.
The summer breeze was intoxicatingly warm. That night, the Yanbei soldiers changed into Xianyang attire and mounted fine horses from the inside out. The next day, under the escort of Liu Mingjun, a major grain merchant of Xianyang City, they departed Xianyang City in a grand procession, heading south by water, winding their way toward the Tang Capital.
————Divider————
This chapter might feel a bit heavy, but it was necessary. With this, all the groundwork for this volume has been laid, and what follows is the essence of the Biantang volume.
Apologies for the late update, my dears.
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