The Jianghu of Feng Qingcheng and Mo Xibei

Chapter 73

“Young master, you don’t know this, but normally at this time of year, there are many people going up the mountain to make pilgrimages, pick wild vegetables, and chop firewood. However, in recent years, Japanese pirates have come from the sea. Our area is close to the sea, and small groups of pirates often come ashore with knives to burn, kill, rob, and commit all sorts of atrocities. Now, every household has to send able-bodied men to form a local militia, ready to fight these bandits at any time. The elderly, weak, women, and children are left at home, and we can’t even take care of everything. How can we have the leisure to go up the mountain?” The guide sighed, his face etched with deep wrinkles. “We common people don’t hope for anything else, we just hope that the court can produce a great general like Li Guang, Wei Qing, or Huo Qubing, who can lead an army to drive back those Japanese pirates and ronin as soon as possible, so that the people can live a peaceful life.”

"They will," Mo Xibei felt a surge of excitement. Looking at the old man's somewhat unsteady back, he gently touched the sword on his body, took two steps forward, and asked, "Have the Japanese pirates come this year? In previous years, when did they usually come?"

“Young master, don’t be afraid. At this time of year, the crops are not yet ripe, so the Japanese pirates won’t come. They will only come when the autumn harvest is in full swing, when everyone is busy with the fields and less vigilant, and when they have some surplus funds.” The guide sighed and pointed to a corner of the mountaintop, telling Mo Xibei, “Young master, look over there. There’s a pavilion there. Standing on it, you can overlook the Yangtze River. It’s a good spot on the mountain.”

Happy Chinese New Year! I wish everyone good luck, good health, and new achievements in the new year!

Volume Two: Traces Left by the Wind, Chapter Twenty: Poison (Part Four)

Those built high on the mountain, overlooking the lower areas, are generally called pavilions with a view of the sea or the river. Mo Xibei followed the guide step by step, searching for a path in the grass to climb the mountain.

The guide appeared to be walking with ease, but in reality, he was already sweating a bit when he was about a third of the way from the summit. In previous years, when he accompanied tourists on the mountain climb, he would always take a break halfway through. But this time, a handsome young man in smart clothes was following behind him. He had walked for half a day without breaking a sweat or showing any signs of fatigue. After taking a few more steps, the guide couldn't help but ask, "Young master, are you a martial arts expert?"

“I’ve lived in the mountains since I was a child, and I’m used to climbing mountains.” Mo Xibei knew what the guide meant, so he brushed it off lightly.

“I really can’t believe it,” the guide shook his head. “The mountain kids who grew up here are all covered in mud like monkeys. I don’t believe that someone as fair-skinned and handsome as you has lived in the mountains all your life.” “It’s true, it’s just that the mountain where I live is shrouded in mist all year round, and we never see the sun. Unlike here, the sun shines brightly every day, and my skin is white from the mist.” Mo Xibei joked, half-jokingly, which made the guide laugh.

From Wangjiang Pavilion, one can see the mighty Yangtze River surging forward. The river breeze rises along the mountainside, making one's clothes flutter, as if one wants to ride the wind away.

Mo Xibei took out a silver ingot and gave it to the guide, asking him to descend the mountain on his own. Gazing at the river, he couldn't help but gently tap the railing and sing aloud:

The mighty Yangtze flows eastward, its waves washing away the heroes of the past. Right and wrong, success and failure, all vanish in the blink of an eye. The green hills remain, witnessing countless sunsets. White-haired fishermen and woodcutters on the riverbank are accustomed to the autumn moon and spring breeze. A pot of wine brings joy to their unexpected encounters. So many events, past and present, are now just tales told with a smile.

A round of applause erupted from behind. Mo Xibei slowly turned around, unsurprised to find Chu Junfeng standing behind him. "So many things, past and present, are all but a laughing matter. Fine words, fine music," Chu Junfeng exclaimed, then sighed, "It's a pity that even with his exceptional talent, Master Sheng'an was still exiled thousands of miles away. I wonder if he will ever have the chance to return to his homeland in this lifetime."

"Since ancient times, the emperor has always prioritized filial piety in governing the country. It's just about giving his own father an honorific title. If the emperor has to be controlled by his ministers even in such matters, how can he talk about governing the country and bringing peace to the world?" Mo Xibei only remembered the old story of Yang Shen, the author of this poem, when Chu Junfeng mentioned it. Yang Shen had offended the Jiajing Emperor by discussing the Great Rites Controversy and was exiled to Yunnan last year.

“The path to becoming an emperor has always been paved with blood.” Chu Junfeng sighed sadly. “The Northwest, I’ve forgotten. You are not that carefree young swordsman on the canal boat. Here, you are a descendant of the emperor, second only to the emperor, above all others.”

“You have too many attachments in your heart.” Mo Xibei continued to gaze at the Yangtze River. He slowly said, “I am still me. It’s all just a matter of how you see it. If you see me as a person on a boat on the canal, then I will still be a person on a boat on the canal. It’s just that I don’t know if you are still the same person I knew back then.”

"Northwest," Chu Junfeng called her name softly. Mo Xibei looked at him but didn't speak, just stared quietly until the red sun gradually set behind the mountain. Then he sadly withdrew his gaze and said, "As soon as you entered the mountain, the Embroidered Uniform Guard sentries saw you. Now, Huang Jin is still waiting for us. Let's go."

"I remember you said you weren't interested in treasure, so why did you suddenly come looking for it?" Following behind Chu Junfeng, Mo Xibei still asked.

"Now that the imperial court is besieging the Japanese pirates at sea and waging war in several places in the desert, the national treasury is empty. Unearthing the treasure can alleviate the tax burden on the people. Isn't that a good thing?" Chu Junfeng walked ahead, his voice coming over in a calm tone, as if he were talking about someone else's business.

"Where's Murong Lianyun? How did she become your sister?" Mo Xibei stopped in his tracks. "What are you and her planning to do?"

"Northwest, I helped her, and you're unhappy?" Chu Junfeng's eyes held a self-deprecating smile. After a while, he said, "If possible, I really hope you're unhappy. That way, I won't feel so hopeless. In the end, I think we're the ones who owe her. If it weren't for you and me, we might have had our own difficulties, but we still went to the arena and changed her mother's fate. That day, she came to me crying and begged me to exchange the secret of the treasure for her and her child's lives. I have no interest in the treasure, and I couldn't find you that day. I thought that if it could be used to save people, you might not object."

"And what about the future? The secret of the treasure can be exchanged for a chance to live, but what about the future? Without strong support from the court, how far can Murong Lianyun go in the palace?" Mo Xibei sighed. "So, you think you're saving her?"

“She has a child. What hardship can a mother not endure? Besides, I also feel that she is no longer the Murong Lianyun of the past. If entering the palace is her choice, she will definitely be able to go smoothly. I am more worried about you, Northwest. You are not suitable for the palace,” Chu Junfeng gently pulled Mo Northwest’s arm. “I don’t know why you have lived in seclusion among the common people for so many years. I just feel that the Emperor and Empress Dowager suddenly finding you, restoring your identity, and giving you wealth is not a reassuring thing.”

“Yes, didn’t you say that the road to becoming an emperor is paved with blood? Some of that blood comes from enemies, and some from one’s own flesh and blood. I’ve been in business for a while now, and I like to measure everything by profit. I don’t do things without profit, and I don’t believe anyone else would do them.” Mo Xibei shrugged, his words carrying a double meaning.

"Since you understand, why are you still willing to be used and take such a huge risk here?" Chu Junfeng's fingers unconsciously tightened, gripping Mo Xibei's flesh and bones painfully. She frowned and tried to free herself with her other hand, but unexpectedly, Chu Junfeng suddenly raised his hand, and their hands touched in the air. Mo Xibei tried to pull her hand away, but Chu Junfeng grabbed her hand even faster and clasped her hands together. Chu Junfeng's palm was burning hot, while Mo Xibei's hand was as cold as ice.

"Why are your hands so cold?" Chu Junfeng was stunned and subconsciously placed his hand on her wrist to check her pulse.

"That's why I came." Mo Xibei didn't dodge or hesitate.

"They used poison to coerce you?" Chu Junfeng asked incredulously.

"That's not necessarily true. Oh, I forgot to ask, do you know where that miracle doctor, by the way, Liu Haiyang, is now?" Mo Xibei waited until Chu Junfeng finished taking his pulse before pulling his hand back and gently rubbing the sore spot on his arm.

"He's always been a wanderer, never settling down. I haven't seen him in a long time since last time." Chu Junfeng's eyes flickered briefly when Mo Xibei suddenly mentioned Liu Haiyang, but didn't linger. Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a prosperous and blessed year, full of happiness and smooth sailing!

Volume Two: Traces Left by the Wind, Chapter Twenty-One: The Treasure (Part One)

The entrance to the treasure has now been determined. Chu Junfeng said that, according to the map, it should be located on a cliff overlooking the river somewhere in the mountains.

The two remained silent, continuing their journey along the rugged mountain path, one after the other. As darkness fell, the surrounding trees swayed in the wind, rustling softly. The moon was just rising, the light dim, and Mo Xibei felt as if countless menacing, swaying shadows were reaching out to them from the darkness. "I remember you saying that this treasure was built by Chen Youliang, but Zilang Mountain shouldn't have been his territory back then. Why would he hide the treasure here?" Night roads were Mo Xibei's least favorite. She always admitted to being timid, so even without the howling of wolves, the swaying shadows of the trees still made her uneasy. She felt uncomfortable if she didn't say something.

"So this treasure has been hidden for so many years. If the map hadn't been found, perhaps no one would have ever imagined that Chen Youliang could transport things thousands of miles to someone else's territory and then hide them." Chu Junfeng slowed down slightly and looked up at the crescent moon in the sky. "But imperial ambitions are nothing but a dream. He certainly never imagined that he would never have the chance to use this treasure to make a comeback."

“Yes, in the end, who are we working so hard for? So, if you ask me, we should enjoy life while we can.” Mo Xibei chimed in, feeling a bit hungry. She hadn’t been mistreating her stomach these past few days of traveling, but today, apart from some dry rations, she hadn’t eaten anything else while climbing the mountain.

"You mean, you want to eat dried vegetable duck again?" Chu Junfeng suddenly remembered what Mo Xibei had said to her on the canal boat that day—the theory that the most beautiful woman in the martial arts world was not as good as a plate of dried vegetable duck. He couldn't help but laugh, stopping and turning to look at her. "I didn't expect you to understand me so well. Haha, you truly are my friend." Mo Xibei took two steps forward and walked alongside him. "Speaking of food, I'm really hungry. Is there anything to eat later?"

The casual use of the word "friend" made Chu Junfeng pause in his tracks. A pang of sorrow welled up inside him. When had he become her friend? How many times had he so clearly sensed her subtle, budding feelings for him? He wasn't the only one who was moved; it was just that he had missed his chance. He had never been the only one to see her beauty. He had considered keeping his distance and wishing her well, but... when he saw her willing to risk her life to test medicine for another, he was ultimately consumed by jealousy.

"What's wrong with you?" Noticing Chu Junfeng's unusual expression, Mo Xibei also stopped and turned around to wait for him to catch up.

“Since ancient times, the stories of treasures have mostly been fabricated by people. They may even be deliberately set traps. In the Northwest, we don’t covet anything from the treasures. Why should we get involved?” Chu Junfeng quickly took two steps forward, grabbed Mo Xibei’s shoulders with both hands, and held them tightly. “Let’s go, let’s go. From now on, we can sail the rivers and seas. The world is so big, we can always find a beautiful place to live a few years of peaceful life.”

These words, spoken at this time, caught Mo Xibei somewhat off guard. She didn't know why Chu Junfeng would suddenly say such things, but the current situation and circumstances subtly confirmed the ominous feeling in her heart. "What happened, or did you discover something?" She gently held Chu Junfeng's wrist, her voice soft and calm.

"I was touched. I'm sorry, I lost my composure." Mo Xibei's gentle voice struck Chu Junfeng like a thunderbolt. His grip on her hand weakened; he suddenly remembered that day, the murderous intent in Liu Haiyang's eyes, and his words: "You shouldn't have stopped for a woman." Yes, what was wrong with him? It seemed that many decisions he had made were forced to be compromised when Mo Xibei was involved. This feeling of longing and tenderness shouldn't belong to him anymore. He had no right to love, and she already had someone else in her heart.

“Brother Chu, I don’t know if I’ve been thinking too much these past few days, but I just feel that, well, things will work themselves out.” Mo Xibei had been watching the changes on Chu Junfeng’s face, seeing the despair and pain that suddenly welled up in his eyes, and finally said nothing more. Instead, he turned gracefully and looked into the depths of the mountain. “Where have you set up your camp? It’s been so long and you still haven’t arrived.”

The Eastern Depot's camp was concentrated deep in a mountain forest, below which was the entrance to the treasure.

When Mo Xibei arrived, Huang Jin was already waiting outside the camp. The Eastern Depot had its own methods for transmitting information. Along the way, Mo Xibei had noticed that the tool they used to transmit information was not a carrier pigeon but an eagle. No wonder they could always get ahead of everyone else.

"Now that Your Highness has arrived, tomorrow I will instruct people to prepare to explore the entrance to the treasure." Inside the tent, wine and food were prepared. Since it was deep in the mountains and forests, there were naturally no elaborate delicacies, just a few mountain specialties, either roasted or stewed.

Mo Xibei was hungry, so she picked up her bowl and started eating. The dishes were prepared in an ordinary way and tasted average, not even up to her standards. However, there was one stew with a unique flavor. The meat inside was in sections with hollow bones, somewhat like chicken necks. The meat was incredibly delicious.

"What kind of meat is this?" She picked up another piece from the bowl, wondering why a chicken had such a long neck.

"Your Highness, this is a snake that our men caught in the mountains," Huang Jin replied. He knew that Mo Xibei had many skilled chefs under his command, and assumed that Mo Xibei was disgusted by the simple preparation of the dish. Just as he was about to ask why it was stewed so simply instead of using other methods, he saw Mo Xibei disappear from his sight as if flying away.

When Chu Junfeng found Mo Xibei, she was vomiting violently under a tree. He had never seen Mo Xibei like this before. After a long while, he went over to help her up and asked, "You don't actually eat snake meat, do you?"

Actually, he didn't need to ask to know the answer. Mo Xibei was such a connoisseur; she knew what anything was as soon as she took a bite, or even before she took a bite, and she could even tell you its origin perfectly. Today, she took two bites of this stewed snake meat and still didn't know what it was, which was naturally because she never ate it before.