Fragrance rises to dance

Chapter 71

Shengxiang was delighted to see his nervous expression, and pointed with a smile at the girl in yellow, "Who is she?"

Shang Xuan paused, but Sheng Xiang's mischievous and playful nature remained unchanged. "This young lady's surname is Wenren, and her given name is Nuan."

"Wenren Nuan?" Shengxiang stuck out her tongue at the girl in yellow. "You brat!"

Tang'er looked indignant, but Wenren Nuan didn't take offense and stuck out her tongue at Shengxiang.

This was actually shortly after Shengxiang collapsed from exhaustion. The group had evacuated the riverbank, cleared a patch of grass, and built several shelters. Shengxiang lay down under one of these shelters made of banana leaves. The girl in yellow, Wenren Nuan, held Shengxiang down to prevent him from moving, pressing her fingers on one spot on his chest, then another, and began to ponder.

Shangxuan was a little nervous, "Miss Wenren, Shengxiang, he..."

Wenren Nuan smiled warmly and peacefully, "I'm not a doctor either, but the blood in his chest doesn't flow from here, it flows from here..." Her fingers moved from one spot on the left side of Sheng Xiang's chest to another spot on the right side, "...flowing into his body from here, he'll faint if he's too tired."

Shengxiang paused, staring wide-eyed at Wenren Nuan, only to see her finger pointing to her chest. "And my blood doesn't come from here," she said, pointing to her lungs, "but from here."

Shang Xuan coughed lightly. "Shengxiang, Miss Wenren also has a heart condition. She still has some medicine on her. Why don't you take some too?"

Shengxiang's eyes widened. "You can say whatever you want, but you can't eat whatever you want. If you can't even eat whatever you want, then medicine is even more..." Seeing Shangxuan's face gradually turning cold, he realized that he was at a disadvantage and muttered something before stopping.

Wenren Nuan placed a pill in front of Sheng Xiang, who obediently swallowed it. Wenren Nuan found it amusing to see his reluctant expression; he was such a grown man, yet he was afraid of taking medicine, and seemed quite unhappy about needing to take it.

Shang Xuan stared at Sheng Xiang until he saw his complexion improve before turning away. Sheng Xiang looked at Wenren Nuan, and Wenren Nuan looked at Sheng Xiang. Suddenly, they smiled at each other, both laughing heartily. Tang'er looked at her young mistress with a belly full of doubt. According to the young master, her mistress's illness was fatal. The young master allowed her to travel and enjoy the scenery because the doctor said she wouldn't live more than a few months. If Young Master Sheng Xiang had the same illness as her mistress, wouldn't he also... also die from the illness...? Then... then... what's so funny?

"Lie down for another half an hour, then drink some fish soup, and you should be fine by evening," Wenren Nuan said with a smile, then stood up. "Tang'er, let's go pick mushrooms over there."

“Girl, what mushrooms are there? Even if we pick some, how do we know if they’re poisonous? If they are, wouldn’t the young master skin me alive… It’s not appropriate to just sit here like this…” Tang’er complained as she followed Wenren Nuan toward the woods.

Shengxiang sat up halfway and watched Wenrennuan's retreating figure. A smile spread across his face, but blood was flowing from his left chest through his lungs. The girl could die at any moment. Just then, someone walked up to him. Shengxiang looked up and smiled at the Golden Core Daoist who was looking at him with concern.

“Benefactor…” the Golden Core Daoist began.

"Stop!" Sheng Xiang interrupted, stating firmly, "My name is Sheng Xiang, and I will not change my name or surname..."

The Golden Elixir Daoist could only cough lightly and change his tone: "Saint Fragrance, are you feeling better?"

Shengxiang looked at him with a smile, "Alright." As he spoke, he stretched and jumped up. He saw Yu Cuiwei sitting alone on the top of a tall tree, seemingly lost in thought. He reached out and called out, "Da Yu, this young master is up. Let's go!"

Yu Cuiwei came to his senses, his gaze somewhat strange, and said quietly, "After crossing these two mountains, we'll reach Daming Mountain. How fast."

Shengxiang waved and smiled, "Come down quickly, I have some good news to tell you."

Yu Cuiwei descended with a smile, exuding elegance. "What is it?"

Shengxiang whispered, "When we get to Cangwu, I'll give you a brocade dress woven with kingfisher feathers. Wear it out and scare those old foxes to death."

As he leaned forward, though he was covered in the smell of earth and grass, Yu Cuiwei could still detect a faint, lingering sweet aroma of pastries on him, giving an idea of the young master's luxurious lifestyle. He laughed heartily, "As long as you give it to me, do you think I wouldn't dare wear it?"

With a "snap," Shengxiang opened his soaking wet folding fan, waving it around a line of ink stains that had become a mess. He smiled and tapped Yu Cuiwei's shoulder with the fan. "It's settled then. I am your savior. A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude. Saving someone's life is the greatest kindness in the world. So from now on, you must do whatever I ask you to do without any objections."

Those onlookers only saw the two whispering amongst themselves, Yu Cuiwei letting out a long laugh, and Sheng Xiang beaming with pride. Little did they know they were discussing something truly auspicious, and they were all filled with curiosity. After the perilous encounter at the Crocodile River, everyone felt a surge of admiration for Sheng Xiang; his fearless act of risking his life to save others certainly had endearing qualities in this young master. However, Yu Cuiwei's own dangerous rescue also earned their deepest respect. Some of the older folks, who had initially been somewhat skeptical, were gradually won over by the younger generation and began to accept Yu Cuiwei's leadership, nodding slightly in approval.

Wenren Nuan shook her head as she watched Sheng Xiang energetically pulling Yu Cuiwei along, whispering amongst themselves. This young master was truly… she admired him greatly. Resting her chin on her hand, she watched Sheng Xiang's retreating figure. She and Tang'er sat a few feet away from the crowd, quietly observing everyone with warm smiles on their lips.

After resting for a while, the group slowly made their way north. As dusk approached, they had crossed two large mountains and reached the foot of Daming Mountain. By this time, Jiang Chenming's remnants of his army had retreated several days prior. After inquiring, they learned that the Blood Sacrifice Ceremony had been completely dismantled; Madam Li had fallen into Jiang Chenming's hands, and Imperial Censor Li had fallen into Wan Yuyuedan's hands—a utter defeat. Yu Cuiwei smiled as he gazed at the mountaintop. The Blood Sacrifice Ceremony was indeed gone, but what about Leng Zhuoyu? Where were Tang Tianshu and his vast treasure?

They stayed overnight at a farmer's house at the foot of the mountain. The next morning, the elders dispersed, some returning home, some returning to their sects, and some going into seclusion. The first thing Shengxiang did upon returning to the mortal world was to take a bath, happily soaking in hot water behind closed doors.

Yu Cuiwei had already taken a bath and bought a large number of clothes from the local Han people for the people who had escaped from prison. He himself wore a slightly worn light blue long robe, and his black hair hung straight down his back, still dripping with water droplets.

Shang Xuan had already changed his clothes and glanced at Yu Cuiwei. He naturally wouldn't forget when he first met this person; he too was freshly bathed and fragrant, his long hair flowing, his robe fluttering, a round fan in his hand, his eyes soft and alluring, like a delicate flower. But now, while his face was still beautiful, the fragrance and alluring charm had faded considerably, revealing a hint of uprightness. However, his brows seemed thoughtful, as if he were pondering something.

This person has changed a lot along the way. Is it thanks to the Holy Incense?

A smile appeared on Shang Xuan's lips. The rescued old men had changed their clothes, eaten, and rested for a while, and they all looked radiant. Although he didn't like these old hands, and they didn't have much affection for him either, his heart warmed as they gradually escaped danger.

Someone was playing the flute. Wenren Nuan sat on a distant rock, holding a bamboo flute, and played "Jinlu Qu." The melody was melodious and elegant, bringing a touch of gentle comfort to the weary crowd. This young girl, whose origins were unknown, remained unperturbed by the large group of martial arts figures, seemingly enjoying herself.

The night passed peacefully, and the next morning the farm's pheasants crowed, signaling the approach of dawn.

Suddenly, a commotion arose outside the village. A dozen or so people swaggered into the farmhouse, cursing and swearing. The one in the lead, with a belly and head like the lid of a wine jar, stood in the open space at the village entrance and shouted, "Get up, all of you! I've heard that this place has taken in many suspicious people. They're probably remnants of the rebels from a few days ago. Hand them all over, or I'll arrest you all as remnants!" This man was the local county constable, surnamed Shi, named Datou. He had brought several archers to patrol the area. Hearing that there were a large number of suspicious people here, mostly old men, he swaggered over.

The village headman rushed out to greet him, explaining that he was an old man who had wandered into the mountains and was resting there. This county magistrate, Magistrate Shi, frequently came to the village to conscript soldiers. The village already had a shortage of able-bodied men, and after several conscriptions, the fields were abandoned and uncultivated. All the young men had been sent to the countryside as soldiers, and to buy the bows and arrows needed for their service, they had to sell their grain. Two old men had already starved to death in the village. The village headman harbored both hatred and fear for Magistrate Shi, but was powerless to do anything about it.

"How could so many old men have wandered into the mountains? Is there some treasure in your mountains? They must be thieves!" Shi Datou said lazily. "Quickly bring them out here. I want to take them back to the county office for a thorough interrogation."

Just as he was shouting and yelling, he suddenly heard someone coldly say from afar: "The laws of the Great Song Dynasty stipulate that a village with fewer than a thousand households may only have ten archers, and the county magistrate may not take three of those ten archers with him when he goes out. This Lord Shi has twelve people behind him, which means that Hongshui County, with fewer than a thousand households, has at least forty archers. Lord Shi, do you know that allowing more archers to act arrogantly and domineeringly constitutes a serious crime: firstly, it is an abuse of power and illegality; secondly, it deducts more money and grain from the national treasury; and thirdly, it disturbs the lives of the people?"

Shi Datou was stunned. The person who spoke was ten feet away, yet his words were as clear as if they were right next to his ear, hitting his sore spots one by one. After a moment of stunned silence, he flew into a rage, "Who is spouting nonsense? I am an upright and honest official, brave and skilled in battle. Everyone in Hongshui County knows me! Seize this scoundrel!"

It was Shang Xuan who spoke. Shi Datou's archers immediately drew their bows and surrounded him. Shang Xuan stood with his hands behind his back in the center of the circle, treating those surrounding him as mere mountains, rivers, and plants, completely disregarding them. Just as Shi Datou was about to order the arrows to be released, someone behind him suddenly shouted, "Wait!"

The voice that shouted the order was somewhat strange in tone, yet it was still elegant and composed. Shang Xuan was startled and turned around abruptly. He saw a person slowly walking out of the woods. The person was dressed in plain clothes and white shoes, and his whole body exuded an air of elegance and composure. The word "exile" was clearly visible on half of his face!

"Ze Ning!" Shang Xuan exclaimed in surprise. The person who came was Ze Ning, the son of the Prince of Qin, who had committed a serious crime and was exiled to Zhuozhou by the emperor. Three years later, he was granted a general amnesty but insisted on not returning! How could he be here?

Ze Ning was clearly surprised as well. He hadn't heard from Shang Xuan since hearing of his departure from the capital and the suicide of the Prince of Yan. The two had grown up together and were very close, but now, meeting in a strange place, one an official and the other a bandit, they stared at each other, unsure what to say. After a moment of stunned silence, Shang Xuan finally asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Rumors have it that a large number of remnants of the Northern Han army have appeared here." Ze Ning raised his hand, a tiger-shaped jade pendant hanging between his fingers, "The rebels have caused chaos, with more than three hundred dead or wounded."

Upon seeing the tiger tally, Shang Xuan suddenly sneered, "My apologies, my apologies. So you've finally decided to return. The Emperor immediately appointed you as the Pacification Commissioner of Guangdong Circuit, and you've come here to suppress the rebels." He arrogantly took a step back, flicked his sleeve, and said, "I am the descendant of a traitor. Arrest me if you want, I don't care. But you rely on this kind of official to arrest people—after not seeing you for several years, Ze Ning, your methods and demeanor have become so pathetic that they are laughable."

“I never said you were a rebel.” Ze Ning stared at him without blinking. He always looked at people with an air of superiority, able to see right through them. “When did you hear me say I was going to arrest someone?”

His casual question left Shang Xuan speechless, but Lord Shi became anxious. "Lord Zhao, I'm sure these people are rebels! Arrest them and interrogate them thoroughly, and we'll find out the whereabouts of a large number of rebels..."

Ze Ning silenced Shi Datou with a single, understated remark: "When did you hear me say I was going to arrest someone?"

Shi Datou was speechless. A loud laugh came from afar, and a man rushed over and pounced on Ze Ning, shouting, "So many years! All that effort I put into going to Zhuozhou to call you back? You actually—got promoted!"