Feng Fei, now dressed as a peasant woman, led Ming Feng slowly out of the woods.
This area should all belong to the General's Mansion. Just because the people from the General's Mansion can't enter the dense forest doesn't mean they can't guard it. Feng Fei could only be extremely careful.
As Feng Fei was about to leave the forest, she suddenly realized she had overlooked a memory her predecessor had given her: a secret passage within this dense forest leading directly to Fengdu City. This passage was secretly dug by Liu Mei when she was on good terms with Feng Jin'er, so that Feng Jin'er could sneak out of the palace to play. Now, besides the missing Liu Mei and Feng Jin'er, only Feng Fei, who possessed the memories of her predecessor, knew about it.
Feng Fei chuckled, lifted the hem of her skirt, and ran off in another direction.
Liu Mei's residence was built between three small hills, and surrounding these three hills were seven slightly higher hills. The secret passage was located somewhere at the foot of the second hill from the west. However, only Feng Fei knew how to get to that secret passage.
Feng Fei carefully made his way there.
Her memories told her that there were three seemingly identical places at the foot of the mountain. Due to the array set up by Liu Mei, the entrance to the secret passage would always be one of those three places, and it wouldn't be certain which one it was. The only distinguishing feature was an extremely subtle detail; without knowing this difference, one would be completely unable to spot it. Moreover, even those who wanted to discover the three similarities would have to expend a great deal of effort to break through Liu Mei's array and enter the cave.
The entrances to all three caves had fine cracks, and the stone walls at the cave entrances had sparse cracks that vaguely formed the character for "death." The horizontal stroke of the "death" character formed by the only correct cave was slightly upturned, while the other two "death" characters were also very crooked. Outsiders would not think that there was anything special about the three "death" characters.
Entering the correct cave doesn't guarantee finding the secret passage. If it were that easy, it wouldn't be considered a secret passage at all.
After entering the correct cave, Feng Fei searched for a small, fingernail-sized depression. This depression was random and wouldn't appear in the same place every time.
Feng Fei didn't need to worry that anyone would try every possible way to open the secret passage after entering the cave, thus discovering it. Because finding the cave required deciphering the formation, and aside from the obvious method of entering the formation, all other methods would cause the fingernail-sized indentation inside the cave to disappear into the mountain wall and never be found again.
Feng Fei searched everywhere and finally found the right spot near the bottom of the cave entrance. With a "poof", a hole appeared on the inside of the cave, just big enough for one person to pass through.
Feng Fei's face lit up with joy, and without any hesitation, he went inside.
The moment Feng Fei entered, the cave entrance that had just appeared quietly closed again, and from the outside, it was impossible to tell that anything was different.
The secret passage is very long, but fortunately, there is a luminous pearl embedded in the rock wall at intervals, which helps to cool the dark passage.
The only sounds in the secret passage were Feng Fei's footsteps and breathing. What was originally a frightening environment made Feng Fei feel at ease.
After an unknown amount of time, Feng Fei finally saw a glimmer of light.
Feng Fei slowly pushed open the partially obscured stone wall in front of him, and the dazzling sunlight shone in, causing Feng Fei to squint.
This appears to be the garden of a house.
Feng Fei turned around and glanced at the stone wall she had just come from, which was now completely submerged in the jagged artificial hills and could no longer be found.
Feng Fei smiled lightly and continued walking towards the right front of the garden without stopping.
This is an uninhabited courtyard, a long-abandoned courtyard, a courtyard with ghost stories. So no one would come in, but inevitably some particularly curious people would wander in. Therefore, Liu Mei also set up a powerful illusion array in this courtyard, not to harm or kill anyone, but only to scare people away.
In a capital city like Fengdu, there are quite a few courtyards with similar rumors, so it did not attract the attention of others. Therefore, it became a good place for Feng Jin'er to stay when traveling between Fengdu and Liu Mansion. Now it has also become a good place for Feng Fei to escape from the encirclement of the White Tiger Kingdom general.
This dilapidated courtyard was located in the northern part of the city, where commoners lived, and Feng Fei's attire did not attract anyone's attention.
There are only two bustling streets in the north of the city: one is Xidao Street, which connects to the west gate, and the other is Tahuang Street, which connects to the south of the city.
Feng Fei was strolling ostentatiously down West Street, intending to find a place to stay. She needed a secluded spot in the city.
West Street was extremely bustling, as it connected to the west city gate, resulting in a constant flow of people coming and going. Many merchants also frequented the area. Listening to the cacophony of street vendors' cries, Feng Fei wore a typical matchmaker's smile, almost as if she were about to scoop something up.
Seagulls, swollen and rustling, their icy demeanor a stark contrast to the ethereal beauty of the sea. They seemed to be caught in a whirlwind of activity, their voices sharp and unrestrained, their voices a mixture of rustling and whispering ...
Feng Fei covered his mouth and smiled mischievously, but his eyes were still searching for a suitable place to stand.
Heaven rewards those who persevere!
Feng Fei finally found a very popular inn at the entrance of an alley near the city gate on the western road.
Without hesitation, Feng Fei carried the bundle wrapped in linen that he had just bought from the clothing store and walked toward the inn.
The name of this inn is quite imposing; it's called "Dragon and Phoenix Inn".
Feng Fei chuckled. She suddenly remembered a movie she had seen in China called "Dragon and Phoenix Inn," but she couldn't recall the plot at all.
Feng Fei put aside the slight melancholy that arose from thinking about his days in the Celestial Empire, gathered his bundle, and strode into the inn.
"This lady, cough cough, sir, are you here for a meal or to stay the night?" The waiter greeted her warmly. He had thought she was a nice woman, but she turned out to be an ugly village woman. He couldn't help but choke on his own saliva, but his good professional manners made him greet her with a smile.
Feng Fei raised her eyebrows and looked at the waiter with disdain, shouting in a high-pitched voice, "Stop dawdling here and get me a superior room!" She then walked to the only empty table next to her and sat down casually, startling the three men who were walking in front of her and about to sit down.
The waiter stood awkwardly to the side, somewhat at a loss.
Among the three men, one with a full beard was clearly hot-tempered. Seeing Feng Fei so brazenly taking their seats, he immediately blushed and shouted, "Where did this wild woman come from! How dare she steal my place?"
Feng Fei casually propped his legs up on the bench and said nonchalantly, "What's all the fuss about? You're just a lazy bum who doesn't want a wife! None of your brothers have said a word."
The bearded man was about to burst out with a shout when the refined-looking middle-aged man beside him waved his hand and said with a faint smile, "Third brother, don't be rude." He then turned and bowed to Feng Fei, "I wonder why this young lady has taken up the space where the three of us brothers were supposed to eat?"
"Hey, how come you, as the eldest brother, are a bit clueless? Am I sitting here to steal your place to eat? Can't you see that this is the only table with an empty seat in the whole room? All the others are full. If I don't share a table with you guys, what am I supposed to eat?" Feng Fei sneered and retorted without getting angry.
Upon hearing Feng Fei's words, the man was taken aback at first. He looked around, lowered his head slightly, and pondered for a while before suddenly clasping his hands in a fist and laughing heartily at Feng Fei, "Thank you so much for your guidance, young lady!" The other man, who hadn't spoken, stroked his long beard and smiled faintly, seemingly understanding the meaning behind Feng Fei's words. Only the man with a full beard was still confused, his face filled with bewilderment.
The waiter noticed that the tension between Feng Fei and the three brothers seemed to have eased, but he smiled ingratiatingly and asked, "What would the four officials like to eat?"
The eldest of the three sat down opposite Feng Fei first. The man with a long, beautiful beard sat on the left, while the man with a full beard scratched the back of his head, still looking puzzled, but also sat on the bench on the right.
When Feng Fei summoned the waiter and asked him to recommend some good dishes, the waiter said, "Bring one of each of your restaurant's most popular dishes! And also ten catties of glutinous rice and five catties of beef!" He then said to Feng Fei, "Please don't be angry, miss. Consider it a thank you for your guidance earlier."
Feng Fei nodded noncommittally and waved for the waiter to leave.
The waiter quickly returned, carrying several large jars of wine. He said with a smile, "Please wait a moment, gentlemen. Our shop is quite busy, and we were worried that it might delay your meal. So the manager specially sent me to bring you some peanuts to chew on." He then called over a waiter carrying a tray and placed three stacks of peanuts in front of Feng Fei and the others.
"May I ask this young lady's name?" Feng Fei was eating peanuts when she suddenly heard the question from the person opposite her. She thought for a moment and then suddenly remembered a name that was very popular in China. She almost couldn't help but spit out the peanuts in her mouth. Finally, she said in a serious tone, "Just call me Sister Feng."
Originally, she wanted to make a laugh, but the person opposite her nodded seriously, "So it's Sister Feng, I've heard so much about you." Well, Feng Fei, who was initially sighing that she couldn't understand her humor, was suddenly amused by the person opposite her saying "I've heard so much about you." In the Celestial Empire, aren't people "I've heard so much about" Sister Feng?
Ahem, Feng Fei cleared his throat, put his legs down from the stool, and asked with a serious expression, "May I ask the honorable names of the three heroes?"
"I dare not accept the title of hero!" The man opposite him quickly waved his hand and said angrily, "My name is Liu Xiaobei, and I am the eldest brother." He pointed to the man on his left and introduced, "This is my second brother, Guan Dayu." He then pointed to the bearded man on his right and said, "This is my third brother, Zhang Zhongfei."
*Pfft...* Feng Fei couldn't hold back any longer and spat out the mouthful of wine in his mouth. Luckily, he turned his head quickly, otherwise it would have sprayed all over poor Zhang Zhongfei. Feng Fei sat up straight, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and looked at the three brothers with raised eyebrows.
Is this Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei from another world?
Chapter 37: Treasure and Enlightenment
Chapter Thirty-Seven: Treasure and Sudden Enlightenment
"Liu Xiaobei? Guan Dayu and Zhang Zhongfei?" Feng Fei raised an eyebrow at the three brothers in front of her. Their figures involuntarily overlapped with the images of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei in her mind. "You three didn't swear brotherhood in the Peach Garden, did you?"
Liu Xiaobei, the eldest brother, looked at Feng Fei with surprise: "Why do you say that, young lady? Where is Peach Garden?"
"Alright," Feng Fei patted his head. "This isn't the same three people from the Celestial Empire." He let out a breath and laughed, "I must have mistaken you for someone else. You three look just too much like those three brothers!"
"Oh? I am indeed curious! I would like to trouble Sister Feng to introduce us three brothers when we meet those three again."
"well!"
The waiter brought the food to the table one by one. Liu Xiaobei urged Fengfei to eat, and Fengfei, without getting angry, ate heartily.
The food on the table was quickly devoured. Feng Fei patted his round belly, thanked Liu Xiaobei without getting angry, and then asked the waiter to find him a room.
Feng Fei sat cross-legged on the bed, closed her eyes and thought about what had happened in the past two days. Suddenly she remembered what she had heard a few months ago when she and Yuan Jue were having dinner at Zuifeng Pavilion. It seemed that the person named "Ye Rong" was imprisoned in the General's Mansion, in this mansion called Meng Xi.
However, like a cunning rabbit with multiple burrows, just like the old man that night, Meng Xi, despite his weakened state, must possess extraordinary abilities to have risen to the position of general in the White Tiger Kingdom. Therefore, it's highly likely that Meng Xi's occupation of Liu Mei's residence is only what's out in the open; there's probably a secret place they share hidden away.
After the White Tiger Army captured the imperial palace in Fengdu, they killed all the handsome men in the palace. Only Ye Rong survived. If there were no hidden story behind this, no one else would believe it.
Perhaps we should go back to the general's mansion and see if we can find this person named Ye Rong.
Having made up his mind, Feng Fei stopped thinking about anything else and focused on circulating the jade-colored spiritual energy.
Nothing was said that night.
Before dawn, Fengfei opened his eyes, stood up, stretched, opened the window, and took a deep breath. The cool air filled his chest, instantly making him feel more energetic.
Using the clean, cold water that had been delivered the night before, Fengfei washed up and then went downstairs.
After ordering two side dishes and paying for three nights' stay, Feng Fei sat down at the table to eat and listen to other people's discussions.
Because it was still early, there weren't many people out for breakfast, but most of them were men.
If this were still the Vermilion Bird Kingdom, such a scene would be rare. The streets would definitely be dominated by women, and most of the people eating out would also be women. However, since the Vermilion Bird Kingdom was conquered by the White Tiger Kingdom, although the prosperity of Phoenix Capital has not faded, it has gradually become a male-dominated society. Many women have concealed their sharpness and stayed at home, no longer showing their faces in public, except for those women who possess martial arts skills.
Feng Fei sighed. Her mission was precisely to restore the nation to its former state—to restore the Vermilion Bird Kingdom, which had gradually become male-dominated, to its former state where women were respected. Feng Fei didn't look down on women; she was a woman herself, and having received the "gender equality" education of the Celestial Empire from childhood, she naturally didn't have any negative views of women. However, she had to acknowledge some facts. Regardless of the dynasty or the world, men were generally more aggressive, possessed stronger military thinking, and were more capable of governing than women.
Feng Fei ate silently, while the sun outside gradually brightened, illuminating the city of Fengdu, which was shrouded in morning mist, with dazzling brilliance. The sounds coming from outside gradually grew louder, as the people began another ordinary yet similar life, different from their usual routines.
Just as Feng Fei put down her bowl and chopsticks, a cheerful voice came from behind her.
"Sister Feng, you're up early! My two brothers and I just got out of bed and you've already finished breakfast!" The person who came was Liu Xiaobei, who had sat at the same table with me yesterday, followed by his two brothers.
Feng Fei chuckled; the appearance of these three people always made her happy.
"Brother Liu, I'm so angry! I just can't get used to that bed, so I have to get up early. By the way, what brings you and your two younger brothers to Fengdu, Brother Liu?" Feng Fei was very curious. In the past few days, it seemed that many people had come from all over the place.
Liu Xiaobei smiled faintly and led Guan Dayu and Zhang Zhongfei to sit in the empty seats next to Feng Fei's table. He didn't rush to speak, but instead called the waiter for breakfast. He then smiled and asked Feng Fei if she wanted more. Seeing Feng Fei shake her head, he didn't get angry and dismissed the waiter before slowly saying, "So, Miss Feng, you didn't know? I originally thought you, like us, came to Fengdu because of that news."
What does this mean?
"While stationed in Fengdu in the White Tiger Kingdom, some rumors circulated in the martial arts world, but most people considered them nonsense and didn't take them seriously. However, a few days ago, rumors suddenly surfaced that the previous news about the treasure was true, because someone could vouch for it and provide convincing evidence. As a result, many people have come to Fengdu from all over the country. My two brothers and I also came to Fengdu after hearing this news. Although we don't seek to obtain all the treasure, we hope that the three of us can gain some benefits so that we won't have to worry about our livelihood for the rest of our lives." Liu Xiaobei patiently explained that these things were not secrets at all; one could easily find out by asking around on the street, so there was no issue of keeping them secret. It was also a good opportunity to give Feng Fei some face.
Feng Fei nodded thoughtfully. This was the second time she had heard about the treasure. The first time was when she was brought into the general's mansion and overheard the conversation of her guards. The second time was when she heard it from Liu Xiaobei. Rumors don't come from nowhere; they might not be entirely without basis.
"I see. Then I wish Brother Liu and the other two good luck!" Feng Fei clasped his hands in greeting, glanced at the sky outside the door, and explained to Liu Xiaobei and the other two, "I only arrived in Fengdu yesterday, and I was planning to familiarize myself with the place today, so I won't disturb you any longer!"
Wan nodded slightly to Liu Xiaobei and then turned to leave.
Liu Xiaobei, watching Feng Fei's retreating figure, said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, "This Miss Feng must have an extraordinary background. 'Feng' is the imperial surname. Even if it's not her surname, it's enough to prove that she has a powerful background. Third brother, in the future, you must not do anything impolite to her. If you can gain some favor from her, you may be able to benefit greatly in the future."
Guan Dayu nodded in agreement, and although Zhang Zhongfei didn't quite understand what Liu Xiaobei meant, he knew that his elder brother was always resourceful and never made a mistake. So he just needed to listen to him, and he hurriedly nodded to obey Liu Xiaobei's instructions.
A glint of wisdom flashed in Liu Xiaobei's eyes. He lowered his gaze slightly and urged Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to eat breakfast, while his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Feng Fei wandered aimlessly along West Street in Fengdu. Farmers from outside the city were selling their own fruits and vegetables along the way, while the original residents of Fengdu slowly came out to the streets, either to buy what they needed or to open their shops to do business.
Feng Fei was momentarily dazed. The lives of ordinary people were largely the same regardless of time or dynasty. All they sought was security. Therefore, Feng Fei suddenly began to doubt Feng Yi and the others' persistence and her purpose in coming to this world.
"Sigh..." Feng Fei sighed, which caught the attention of an old woman who was buying hairpins next to him.
"Oh, this... cough, young lady, why are you sighing? You don't look old at all. It's not good to always be so gloomy and sighing!" The old woman, holding the cheap hairpin she had just bought, kindly tried to comfort Fengfei.
Feng Fei looked at the kind old woman speechlessly. Although she seemed to be meddling, she meant well! "This... auntie, I wasn't frowning at all!"