Master Jin began making his usual detestable remarks again, but this time, Xiao Man nodded repeatedly, afraid that if he changed his mind and made her stay at Mount No Return, then the treasure would be lost forever.
Mr. Mu pondered for a while, then suddenly said, "Someone, bring the items numbered Yi Mao from the storeroom."
Immediately, someone agreed and went to fetch them. In no time, two men returned, each carrying a sandalwood box. Mr. Mu took the smaller one, opened it, and found a piece of white jade carved into an ornament that resembled an eagle or a yaksha, about half the size of his palm. He couldn't quite place its strange shape.
He picked up the jade, which turned out to be a pendant hanging around his neck, with a long, twisted gold chain dangling from it. Underneath the jade was a tattered cloth, which, when unfolded, revealed a messy, red and blue drawing, resembling a map.
"My lady, this jade ornament was a treasure that your maternal grandmother gave to Mount No Return. It is carved with the Eastern God worshipped in Cangya City and has the power to bring good fortune and ward off evil. Now that it has been returned to its rightful owner, please take it with you on your journey. This map was left behind by the previous generation of your mistress in our sect. It was only discovered when we were cleaning out the warehouse some time ago. Unfortunately, things have changed in Cangya City. Today, we are returning it to you as well. Perhaps it will be of some use."
Xiaoman took the jade ornament and felt its smooth texture. She didn't know the value of jade, but she intuitively felt that it was a priceless treasure. She couldn't help but drool and her heart was filled with joy.
Wow, she's struck gold again! Luckily, her escape failed, and she encountered Zexiu. If she hadn't come back, how could she have received the good news of the treasure, and how could she have obtained such a peerless jade? It seems that every cloud has a silver lining; there's definitely some truth to that.
Mr. Mu handed her the map, which was covered in a mess of scribbles. It was unclear what it was, and it was marked with symbols like Jiazi and Yichou in fine cinnabar ink. At first glance, it looked like a map, but upon closer inspection, it was just random scribbling and made no sense.
This thing looked worthless, and Xiaoman scoffed at it, casually stuffing it into her bosom, intending to throw it away like a rag. But then Mr. Mu said, "This map is full of mysteries that we simply cannot fathom. We once invited an expert to explore it, and it seems to be a secret technique from Cangya City, dividing the Central Plains into many sections, completely different from ordinary maps, forming its own unique style. I dare to guess that it might be related to the Five Corners. Giving it to you, young master, is of course the most suitable thing to do."
That's why everyone is wary of Cangya City. They really are a bunch of strange people. Even their map is different from others. They're mysterious and don't know what they're up to.
However, since it might be a treasure map, keeping it is always a good idea.
Mr. Mu then opened a slightly longer box held by another person. Xiao Man thought it was some kind of treasure and craned her neck to look. Inside lay a scimitar that was entirely crimson red, with a gilded scabbard. The scabbard was decorated with green gemstones of varying sizes arranged in the shape of the Big Dipper, a striking contrast of red and green.
Mr. Mu took out the curved knife, which was about a foot long, making it a short knife. He gently drew it; the blade was as clear as autumn water, engraved with water-ripple patterns. Mr. Tu took out a purple square handkerchief, placed it on the knife, and gently blew on it. The thin, soft handkerchief split in two. Even Lian Zexiu couldn't help but exclaim, "What a fine knife!"
Mr. Mu handed the crimson scimitar to Xiaoman, saying, "The world is treacherous. Keep this knife for self-defense, young master."
Xiao Man's wrists were trembling. My God, she had suddenly received so many treasures! Heaven was truly too kind to her! She was so excited that she almost covered her face and cried—when luck comes, there's no stopping it. From now on, she was no longer the poor Xiao Man; she would change her name to Rich Xiao Man.
"Does the knife... have a name?" She remembered listening to storytellers in teahouses before, where the weapons carried by martial arts heroes all had to have a beautiful name. Well, although she wasn't a martial arts hero, this kind of precious knife definitely had to have a name, otherwise it wouldn't look so impressive.
"Yes, it's called Crimson Glow."
As soon as she finished speaking, several people walked in. Leading them were Tianji and Yaoguang. They had obviously received orders to escort her to the Five Corners. Both of them had changed into light clothing and removed their signature No Return Mountain attire.
Xiao Man, with her sharp eyes, had already noticed that there was another person huddled behind the two of them. It was Lao Sha, who had brought her here. He obviously didn't want Xiao Man to find him, so he hid behind Tian Ji, head down, looking guilty.
This person knows she isn't the real mistress. Regardless of whether he's told anyone, he can't be allowed to escape responsibility.
"Godfather!" Xiaoman was overjoyed and called out to him in a clear voice, "Godfather! You've finally come to see Xiaoman!"
The delicate, sweet voice echoed, echoed, echoed in the room…
Everyone was looking at him.
Old Sha felt as bitter as gall, but could only chuckle and say, "Little Man, your godfather has been thinking of you all along. Seeing you doing so well makes your godfather very happy."
Chapter Twenty-One of the Horns: The Five Corners (Part Three)
Updated: 2008-10-04 15:09:01 Word Count: 3819
This is the second update of the two updates I've posted today.
Ahhhhh~~ I need recommendations~~ Beautiful ladies, come and bombard me with them~~
***************
Basically, Lao Sha was certain that he and Xiao Man were now in the same boat. If she caused any trouble, Jin Mu Shui Huo Tu would definitely come after him first, since he was her "godfather"—a godfather bought for three thousand taels of silver, who had lost money and gotten himself into a lot of trouble.
If he had known that Xiaoman would never let him go, he would never have brought her to Mount No Return.
Most people judge others by their appearance. Xiaoman's appearance was too deceptive. At first, he really thought she was a pure and innocent girl. But in fact, the opposite was true, and he suffered a great loss.
After the banquet, he found a secluded spot and whispered to Xiaoman, "Since you've already agreed, you have to do it properly, understand? Don't cause any trouble. You can't just take that three thousand taels of silver for nothing. As the saying goes, 'If you take someone's money, you have to solve their problems.' I think a smart child like you should understand this principle of conduct."
Xiao Man laughed and said, "Godfather, you really know how to talk. You're treating this like you're paying someone to solve a problem."
Old Sha raised an eyebrow: "Isn't that how it is?"
"You're really audacious," Xiao Man laughed. "I don't know if you're treating those old men like idiots, or if your entire Mount No Return is treating me like an idiot."
Old Sha looked around to make sure no one was there before lowering his voice and saying, "Don't say these things again. It's for your own good. Even though you're clever and quick-witted, you're still just a little girl. You don't understand the dangers of the world at all. Killing a girl like you would be a piece of cake. You want to keep your life and enjoy the good life, so you need to learn to be smarter. You can't have all the good things by yourself. Are the others all idiots?"
Xiao Man said calmly, "Godfather, all you've said is to tell me to behave and keep quiet. I think the whole No Return Mountain is using me as cannon fodder, and they're all acting all serious about it."
Old Sha frowned anxiously, "Still talking nonsense!"
Xiao Man chuckled, "I was just joking. Since I am the young mistress, these things are of course my duty. Am I right, godfather?"
Old Sha sighed: "With your personality, your intelligence is too obvious, you're bound to get into big trouble sooner or later. Oh well, there's nothing we can do now, just do your best."
Xiao Man didn't take his warning to heart at all. She held up five slender, white fingers and waved them in front of him.
"What do you mean?" Old Sha asked, puzzled.
Xiao Man blinked. “Five thousand taels of silver! For something this difficult, three thousand taels isn’t enough. It needs to be at least five thousand taels. You know how dangerous the martial world is. I don’t know any martial arts. If I’m chased, I’ll only lose my life. Those seven bastards all look down on me. They might not really take care of me on the road. It would be too unfair to not give them more money.”
You're the one who's being unfair! Old Sha really couldn't do anything with her. He couldn't hit her, and he couldn't scold her, because this was Mount No Return! He could only say perfunctorily, "Okay, okay, I don't have that much money on hand right now, but I'll definitely give it to you when I have it."
Xiao Man wasn't going to fall for his act. She laughed and said, "When will it happen? Don't keep me hanging on. I don't have much patience."
Old Sha wanted to strangle her to death. His face was ashen, but he forced himself to say, "Go down the mountain first. The money will definitely be delivered to you within two months."
Xiao Man was slightly satisfied. Well, two months. Since that's the case, she'd play for two months first. Once she had the money, she'd start "working" for them. A business can't afford to lose money, right?
"Then I'll go pack my things. I'll have to trouble you to look after me along the way, Godfather. I'm young and don't know anything, so Godfather will have to teach me a lot."
She giggled and walked away contentedly.
*****
Now, a series of arduous tasks—restoring her family's honor, seeking allies, and avenging her family—have fallen upon her shoulders. This is the tragic fate of the protagonist. Xiao Man sighed, feeling utterly miserable.
She was currently in a magnificent and exquisite carriage, surrounded by soft and fragrant cushions. If she wanted something to eat, she could simply pull a drawer on the side of the carriage, which would open and be filled with pastries and drinks. If she was sleepy, she could simply lie down and sleep, in any position without any effort.
She had almost never felt this comfortable in her life. She even felt a little smug: it wouldn't be so bad if there were more jobs like this.
She leisurely drew back the tightly drawn curtains, only to be immediately dazed and confused by the blizzard that rushed towards her. She hurriedly slammed the curtains shut, when she heard Tianji outside the carriage laughing, "Useless! Can't even handle this little bit of snow!"
Xiao Man wasn't angry. She quietly pulled back the curtain a crack, and the gust of wind carrying snowflakes stung her face, giving her a slightly creepy feeling. Outside, everything was a vast expanse of white, pale gray like ink spreading across a silvery-white background—it was the distant, undulating mountain range. She said, "We've been gone for almost half a month, haven't we? I remember it's only March now, it should be spring. Why is it snowing here?"
Yao Guang, who was driving the carriage ahead, was wearing a white fox fur hat. Her nose was red from the cold, which made her look rather playful. She adjusted her hat and said, "This kind of bad weather is common outside the pass. It won't clear up and the snow will melt until May or June, and it will start snowing again before October."
Where are we going?
"We are currently bypassing the Altai Mountains (note: today's Altai Mountains) and heading to the territory of the Khitans. Tianquan and his men have gathered intelligence that people from the Ten Directions of the Heavenly Fiends are active near Mount Taibai (note: today's Changbai Mountains), and one of the Five Corners might be there. Besides, we are passing through Karakorum on the way, where we have old acquaintances. My lord wants to make an alliance, so we cannot refuse to go."
Xiao Man lazily lay back down and slowly said, "How could there be an alliance in the land of the Khitans? The people you know in Mount Bugui are really strange."
Yao Guang quickly shook his head: "No! Old Master Chang is not a Khitan! He is a Song person! It's just that... he didn't live in the Central Plains."
"Mr. Chang?"
"Yes, he is a highly respected senior in the martial arts world, the former head of the Qixia Sect, and has a deep friendship with the Bugui Mountain. If he were to help you rally support, it would surely be twice as effective."
Yao Guang spoke in a serious tone, but through the carriage wall, she couldn't see Xiao Man's lazy appearance. Clearly, she hadn't listened at all.
Anyway, she only promised Lao Sha not to talk nonsense and to try her best to do this well, but as for the final result, no one knows. She just played around and it didn't work out, but they had no reason to blame her. They should blame those so-called allies who refused to help her.
Sigh, it's more important for her to buy a piece of land, build a big house, and live the life of a rich woman.
After countless days, Xiaoman was practically rotting away in the car. Finally, the car entered a city, which must be the city they had been talking about, Helin.
Xiao Man wore a mink cloak and a fox fur hat, her small face almost completely hidden in the heavy clothes, her skin fair and radiant, making her very cute. She leaned against the carriage, let out a long sigh, and white mist immediately enveloped her face, her eyelashes wet. She sighed, "So cold! I thought I was quite resistant to the cold, but I didn't expect it to be this cold here."
As Yao Guang tidied up the clutter in the carriage, she listened to the woman's complaints and smiled good-naturedly, "Your Highness has no internal energy and is so thin, it must be hard on you. I'll have the inn light a hot brazier for you later, so you won't be cold after sitting for a while."
Just then, Tianji came around the corner. It is said that the Seven Envoys of the Big Dipper have their own secret communication methods, and he is here to find Tianquan's mark.
Tianji was not old, probably only fifteen or sixteen years old. He was tall and thin, with a look that was somewhere between a boy and a young man. In addition, he was very handsome with red lips and white teeth, and his clothes were also very luxurious. In this cold and harsh northern land, everyone was a burly man, and it was rare to see such a handsome young man. Along the way, countless people secretly stared at him, their eyes unwilling to leave him.
Tianji didn't care at all. Holding a thin piece of bark in her hand, she walked up and waved it: "Tianquan arrived a long time ago and is waiting for us at the Heji Inn on East Street."
Upon hearing this, Yao Guang quickly led the carriage away, but suddenly remembered something and asked, "Where is East Street?"
Tianji shrugged and grinned mischievously, "How should I know? Go ask them."
Yao Guang glared at him: "I knew you'd be this lazy all along! Mr. Mu and the others shouldn't have sent you! You did nothing but slack off the whole way! You wait, I'm going to tell Master Jin about this!"
Tianji said, "Who's slacking off? Cooking, washing clothes, and cleaning are women's jobs! There's no reason for men to do these things! I'm just here to be Xiaoman's bodyguard and protect her safety, not to be her maid! All you do is tattle, you have no other talent besides tattle, from now on I'll call you the Tattle King."
Yao Guang couldn't help but scold him. The two of them would bicker every few days, with Tian Ji always taking the lead. He was quick-witted and sharp-tongued, while Yao Guang was honest and simple, and was often driven to rage by him.
Xiao Man coughed and said slowly, "Stop making noise, everyone's watching. Haven't you all been reminding me to keep a low profile the whole way?"
Yao Guang quickly turned around and saw that people were gradually gathering around to watch the commotion. Startled, she quickly pulled the carriage forward. Tian Ji followed behind with a grin and said, "Don't be angry. Even if I was wrong, okay? You're already ugly. If you make a sad face, you'll look even uglier. How am I supposed to eat with a face like yours?"
Yao Guang was so angry that she kept kicking the snow on the ground without saying a word. Tian Ji rubbed her hands together. "Alright, I'll go ask for directions. You guys wait here."
After saying that, he actually put on a cute smile and went to ask for directions. The old Khitan woman who ran the stall was overjoyed to see him and almost wanted to pat him on the shoulder. In no time, she got the exact address. Tianji came over triumphantly and said with a smile, "Got it! How about that? Still saying I don't do anything?"
Still furious, Yao Guang coldly said, "I don't care! If you don't want to do it, then don't! It's none of my business anyway."
Tianji tried everything, making faces and telling jokes, until she finally managed to make her smile. She gritted her teeth and said, "Let Tianquan see what you're like later! Our mistress is still here; let her laugh at us!"
Xiao Man quickly shook her head: "It's okay, it's okay. You guys continue, just pretend I'm not here."
Well, young men and women, childhood sweethearts, walking together all the way, like dry wood meeting a raging fire... well, that's understandable.
Suddenly, a man in black flashed past at the street corner. Xiao Man was startled, feeling a strong sense of familiarity. That figure, that thick, long braid reaching his waist—could it be Ze Xiu? Had he followed her here too?
She couldn't help but recall that back at Mount No Return, after agreeing on a specific date to descend the mountain, Ze Xiu left without a word, just as he had come. He was quite carefree and arrogant, yet Mount No Return seemed to care about him, maintaining impeccable etiquette, as if they didn't want to offend him.
Is this person someone of considerable importance?
Suddenly, a pair of alluring, flirtatious eyes flashed into his mind. Although he was rude and barbaric, upon careful reflection, he hadn't actually done anything truly rude. He remembered that during the meal, his demeanor was in no way inferior to Tianquan's; they were practically two wealthy young masters.
Interesting. A wandering swordsman, a noble young master from a wealthy family, Zexiu, what exactly is your identity?
(End of Horn Chapter)