Wandering Songs at the Ends of the Earth

Chapter 3

5. Jiuru

Two and a half months later, at the gates of the capital, a long line of people waited to enter the city. Xingge sat wrapped in a blanket in the carriage, peering out through the window screen. The winters in the capital were cold early, much like those in Xicang! Leaning back on the pillow, her thoughts drifted back to three months ago.

After parting ways with the old fox that day, I returned to Zui Dongfeng, which I hadn't visited in three years. Without delay, I went straight to the address on the paper to meet the old lady, Granny Wu—who turned out to be Aunt Wan's wet nurse! The old lady and Aunt Wan had a deep bond, so she couldn't help but chatter on. Xingge only listened to the useful parts.

Miss Wan'er lost her mother at a young age and was raised by Granny Wu. Her father, the headmaster of an academy, was busy with its affairs and could only be considered a strict father rather than a loving one. Wan'er was intelligent from a young age, but unwilling to follow her father's path in literature, she instead fell in love with swordsmanship. After mastering it, she cleverly acquired the famous sword "Chao Dan" and traveled far and wide, rarely even seeing Granny Wu more than a few times a year. One year, Wan'er brought home a handsome young man named Ze (a charming old fox?!). Wan'er only considered Ze a good friend, but Granny Wu could see that Ze was extremely fond of her. Later, through Ze's introduction, Wan'er met another man named Lan, and the three of them traveled the world together! Granny Wu had never met Lan, yet her words were filled with resentment. Even Granny Wu couldn't understand why Wan'er hadn't chosen Ze but instead chose Lan. But the following night, Wan'er and Ze hurriedly returned home and, that very night, took Granny Wu south. Fifteen days later, the three were surrounded by men in black sent by Brother Lan. Wan'er gave the "Chao Dan" to Young Master Ze, asking him to fulfill her lifelong wish, and then left alone with the men. The following year, she gave birth to a son named Jiu Ru. Young Master Ze traveled the world with Granny Wu for many years before coming to Linzhou at the invitation of a friend. Granny Wu settled down in Linzhou. It was only after settling in Linzhou that Granny Wu learned that Wan'er had died of depression eight years after their separation! After her death, she was posthumously honored as…

At first, Xingge thought it was a tragic story of a lovelorn man and woman, but when she heard "a son named 'Jiuru' was born," she was terrified. When she heard "posthumously honored as..." her mind went blank! She didn't hear a word after that, and finally slumped into a chair before she came to her senses.

"Miss Wan'er must be worried about the young master. Since Young Master Ze invited you here, you must be a capable person. He even gave you Miss's sword. Please take care of the young master for Wan'er!"

No, really? That young master is several years older than me and so distinguished! He doesn't need Xingge to take care of him at all!

Xingge remained silent, but his mind raced! Hmph! Posthumously honored as Empress Xiaoduan! You old fox! You're none other than the thirteenth prince, Sima Ze, who was renowned for his chivalry and loved the martial world more than the throne! Brother Lan is the current emperor, the former crown prince, Sima Lan! Aunt Wan is Consort Dan, who enjoyed the emperor's favor for eight years—Empress Xiaoduan! And the young master is none other than the current 'Prince Qing,' Sima Jiuru! That young prince gets whatever he wants; besides that one matter, what else could he possibly need help with?! Old fox, you old fox! You know I, though abandoned by my father, still have some regard for ancestral precepts! Besides, once you enter the gates of a noble family, it's like entering a deep sea; how many virtuous ministers and generals can meet a good end? Is it really necessary to test my resolve as a wandering knight with such a tactic?! 'Chao Dan' will be mine sooner or later, yet you use this to tempt me into making a poisonous oath! Old fox, I will never forgive you!

Seeing Xingge's face turn from blue to black, and his teeth clenched tightly, as if he were extremely angry, Granny Wu stopped talking and sat aside waiting for Xingge to speak.

Xingge cursed the old fox to the deepest hell in his heart, but he still had to return to reality! He would settle this score with the old fox in the future, and he would definitely keep his promise to Aunt Wan.

As her emotions gradually calmed, Xingge also composed herself. Combining the rumors circulating in the world, the current emperor must be the 'Night Crimson' swordsman who fought alongside Aunt Wan in Nanqiang (far superior to that old fox who only knew about romance!). Aunt Wan probably didn't know his identity as the crown prince at the time. When he was about to enter the capital, Aunt Wan was naturally caught in a dilemma. According to Granny Wu, she and Lao Ze should have wanted to live in seclusion in the martial world, but the emperor invited them back. What made Aunt Wan willingly imprisoned in the palace and eventually die of depression? Xingge couldn't help but think of another rumor in the martial world. She turned to Granny Wu with a sheepish smile and said, "Granny, I've heard a rumor in the martial world, but I don't know if I should ask!"

"You heard that Wan'er gave birth to the young master nearly two months prematurely, and that there are rumors that the young master is not of imperial lineage, right?" Granny Wu replied with a carefree smile.

"Could the young master be... Old Ze's son?!"

"To be honest, I don't know either. I hope it really is Young Master Ze. What use is his flesh and blood to the Emperor who ruined Wan'er's life?"

Xingge found the old woman's sincerity and straightforwardness quite agreeable, so she smiled and coaxed her, "As long as she is Aunt Wan's flesh and blood, I will definitely do my best to help her, so please don't worry, Grandma!" But she sighed inwardly! Even Grandma Wu didn't know, so it was probably even more difficult for the young prince to know. Compared to being abandoned by his father, not knowing who his biological father was was probably more heartbreaking!

Next, we asked a familiar martial arts practitioner to collect information, and we quickly got the results—dozens of pages.

Sima Jiuru, the ninth prince of the current dynasty and the emperor's youngest son, was born in the early years of the Tianyuan era to Empress Xiaoduan. He is twenty-four years old this year. Since his mother's death in the eighth year of the Tianyuan era, he has been raised by the Consort Xian. At the age of twelve, he was granted the title of "Prince of Qing," and from the age of fourteen, he traveled the world anonymously for three years. Later, disregarding his princely title, he served as an assistant in the Six Ministries of the Ministry of Personnel, and at the age of twenty, he entered the Secretariat for further instruction. Because his mother, Empress Xiaoduan, was deeply favored by the emperor, he has been greatly loved by him since childhood. He is knowledgeable and courteous, mature beyond his years, and highly praised in court…

Xingge carefully read all the materials.

Flawless! A son, intelligent and filial; a brother, kind and courteous; a subject, humble and dutiful. Hmph, young prince, you must have been enduring a lot! Now that everything is ready, let Xingge be the east wind!

His thoughts returned to the present; Xingge's carriage had already squeezed through the city gate. Xingge smiled as he gazed at the palace.

Young Prince! You are suspicious and hesitant; how can I gain your trust? Are you satisfied with the gift Xingge gave me?

In the study of the Prince of Qing's residence, a man sat at his desk for a long time, his fingers lightly tapping the tabletop, seemingly deep in thought.

Ten days ago, the Tianyu Money Shop in Luoyang was attacked by its own staff, and overnight, flames engulfed the shop, which was burned down!

Besides the Sima family, the Wang and Jiang families were also prominent in this dynasty. The ancestors of both families were founding members of the dynasty. The heads of these two families held the positions of Grand Secretary and Minister of State Affairs respectively, both being key ministers who shared the responsibilities of prime minister. Both families had numerous marriage alliances with the imperial family; the Crown Prince's mother, Consort Shu, as well as the Crown Prince and the eldest prince's principal wife, Prince Li, were all from the Wang family, while the most powerful consort in the harem, Consort Xian, was a daughter of the Jiang family.

Tianyu Money Exchange was owned by the Chen brothers of Luoyang. These two brothers were relatives of the Wang family, and it was common knowledge in the court that Tianyu Money Exchange was actually the Wang family's money laundering and transit treasury. According to a spy, two months ago, a dancer from the Soul-Sweeping Pavilion in Luoyang caught the eye of the head of Tianyu Money Exchange on her debut performance and was bought and brought back to the exchange. The dancer fell seriously ill as soon as she entered the exchange, and it was later discovered that the head of the exchange was responsible. The head of the exchange was furious and wanted to severely punish his wife. This wife had already been having an affair with her brother, the second-in-command. After some instigation, the second-in-command led his cronies to attack his brother at night, which escalated into a bloody battle between the two factions. In the end, everyone in the exchange died tragically, including the troublesome dancer who perished in the fire. These were all shameful things, but they were indeed beneficial to him. Although Jiu Ru was secretly pleased, he only intended to treat it as a joke, just like everyone else.

But today I received an item saying that a young master Ye is requesting an audience. This made the joke less funny! I didn't want to meet him at first, to avoid any entanglements, but it seemed suspicious. After much deliberation, I finally arranged to meet him in the study. On the desk was the item—a clay rubbing of a waist tag, with four characters clearly visible on it: "Tianyu Money Shop"!

6. First Meeting

Xingge sent someone to deliver the items, expecting that the usually prudent young man would take at least ten days or half a month to consider them. Unexpectedly, the next morning, the people from the Qingwang Mansion woke Xingge up from his hibernation.

Upon entering the Qing Prince's Mansion, Xingge followed the old steward, Shen Bo, through a winding path, understanding that they were bypassing the front hall and heading directly to the back courtyard. After passing through a long corridor, they came upon a body of water with two or three rooms built on stilts. On Xingge's side, there was an open-air pavilion, and on the side closer to the shore, a covered walkway was faintly visible. From inside the rooms, one could not only enjoy the water view but also see people coming from any direction. After walking around a little further, they arrived at the covered walkway connecting to the shore. A maid was sitting on the railing by the walkway, and a young man in a light blue outfit stood near the door.

"This old servant will see you off here. His Highness is in his study. Young Master Ye, please go in by yourself."

"Thank you for showing me the way, Uncle Shen."

Xingge stepped into the corridor and walked to the door. The young man raised his hand to stop Xingge. Xingge took off his sword and handed it to the young man before stepping through the door.

The study was furnished with dark sandalwood furniture, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere. Behind the desk sat a man in a black brocade robe. Xingge's gaze fell upon his face, and she couldn't help but smile inwardly. "Grandma Wu, your wish has come true! Your young master has the beautiful face of Aunt Wan, yet he also possesses a pair of phoenix eyes as beautiful as Old Ze's!"

"My name is Ye Xing, and I greet the Ninth Prince!" He bowed to the man.

Jiu Ru silently observed the clear-eyed and handsome young man before him. Xing Ge remained expressionless, meeting his phoenix eyes and quietly allowing him to scrutinize her. After a moment, Jiu Ru raised her hand, gesturing for Xing Ge to sit down in the chair opposite her at the table.

After Xingge sat down, he looked up and saw a plain black iron sword with an ordinary handle hanging on the opposite wall, nothing special at all... A smile flashed across his face as he turned to look at the person behind the table.

"Does Your Highness like my gift?"

"Two hundred and ninety-seven lives, I cannot bear this."

"Your Highness has counted them so clearly, is it because you think there aren't enough?" Xingge's smile deepened.

"Young Master Ye, have you come here today to have me send these people to the Ministry of Justice to seek justice for those who died unjustly?"

"Those people risked their lives for their masters, what does it have to do with me? When did Your Highness become so compassionate?" Xingge chuckled inwardly. Send me to the Ministry of Justice?! Heh, would a shrewd prince like you wade into this mess and do something so foolish as to try and cover it up?

He remained silent for a long time, only staring sharply at the boy.

The young prince's opinion of the old fox was still unclear; how could he be trusted? Xingge hesitated for a moment.

"Your Highness, I was just a nobody in the martial arts world. A few days ago, I met an old man who took a liking to me and gave me something in return. He only asked me to fulfill one of Your Highness's wishes. Would Your Highness like to see what it is?"

Xingge knew that ordinary people would think these words were nonsense, but it was different when the listener was the young prince.

"Okay!" After a long silence, the person behind the table replied.

"The item is with the door god statue outside."

Jiu Ru called Mo Yi, who was outside the door, to come in. Mo Yi presented Xing Ge's sword and then withdrew.

Examining the white sword on the table, Jiu Ru's eyes suddenly flickered, and a complex look swept over Xing Ge. Xing Ge raised an eyebrow and gave her a "why not give it a try" expression.

The sword was drawn; two fingers of the left hand twisted together, and a drop of blood fell onto the blade. A crimson blush spread from the droplet across the blade, instantly shimmering with a crimson crystalline light, its sharp aura filling the study. For a long time, I was immersed in the sword's energy. Was it that person? Was it really him?!

"Your Highness, please tell me your wish?"

After a long silence, he wiped the blood off the sword and slowly sheathed the now-white blade.

"I'll let you scold me for nothing, or I'll take that position to the north. I'm open to both!" Xingge pointed to the location of the imperial palace to the north.

"Why would I scold you?" Thinking that it was related to that person, Jiu Ru relaxed a bit and actually used "I" instead of "this king".

"For over twenty years, Your Highness has presented a gentle and refined demeanor in public and in private. You must be harboring deep resentment. Allowing Your Highness to express your feelings will greatly benefit your health."

Jiu Ru wasn't annoyed; she simply smiled and asked, "Really, any wish is welcome!"

"Your Highness, please tell me. Even if it's something as simple as plucking stars from the sky or reaching for the moon, I will do my best."

"Could you grant me a few days to consider?"

"Alright, I have plenty of time, but I'll have to trouble Your Highness to cover the expenses while I wait." Xingge thought to himself, "It's just that wish, why bother hiding it?"

Jiu Ru hesitated. Although the person that person had invited probably meant no harm, the matter was of great importance and she needed to investigate the details first. This young man acted with composure and remained calm in the face of power. Moreover, he had chosen the enormous Tianyu Money Exchange in such a short time… Jiu Ru suddenly felt a pang of anxiety. She looked at Xing Ge and slowly said, “I’ve heard that the Tianyu Money Exchange incident originated from a dancer!”

Xingge hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Has Your Highness ever heard of 'Phantom Flower Shifting'?"

Jiu Ru was startled, not only by the words themselves, but also by the change in the voice from a deep, resonant male voice to a clear, melodious female voice.

Upon seeing Xingge again, she gracefully curtsied and said in a soft, charming voice, "This humble servant greets Your Highness, the Prince of Qing."

'Phantom Flower Shifting' is rumored to be a mysterious and evil technique. Initially, practitioners can conjure various sounds; intermediate practitioners can change their appearance; and advanced practitioners can even change their gender, known as 'Phantom Sound,' 'Phantom Face,' and 'Phantom Form.' Practicing this technique is extremely taxing on internal energy, and many practitioners in the past died from qi deviation. Later, reputable sects classified it as an evil technique, and it has been lost for centuries. The young man before him not only knows the 'Phantom Sound' technique, but he also remains calm and composed while emitting the phantom sounds, his internal energy unfathomable…

"You were transformed from a man into a woman and sent to Tianyu Money Exchange?!" Jiu Ru couldn't help but ask in surprise.

The clear, melodious female voice continued, "No, no, no, that would consume far too much internal energy." Xingge waved her hand and smiled, "Besides, I have no need for that!"

Jiu Ru paused for a moment, pondering the meaning behind the words, her gaze sweeping over that fair neck, not noticing there was no Adam's apple!

"Zijuan!" Jiu Ru called in the maid outside the door. "Take this young master Ye to the guest room in the south courtyard and serve him for the time being."

Xingge took the sword from the table and followed Zijuan out of the study. This girl, Zijuan, was about twenty-one or twenty-two years old, with a round face and almond-shaped eyes, and a sweet appearance. Xingge liked her very much.

The South Courtyard guest rooms were a secluded and comfortable place to stay. Although it looked like it hadn't been lived in for a long time, it was kept clean and tidy. It was separated from the Prince's East Courtyard by the waterway near the study. After more than ten days of inquiries and observations, Xingge had basically figured out the situation of the Prince's mansion. The amiable Uncle Shen was the head steward of the mansion, in charge of all matters, big and small. The doorman 'Mo Yi' from that day was the Prince's bodyguard since childhood, a cold and taciturn man. Zijuan was the Prince's personal maidservant brought from the palace, and there was also a fourteen-year-old sister, Ziying, who was also the Prince's maidservant. Although they were maidservants, their status in the mansion was extraordinary, and Mo Yi seemed to have a great fondness for Zijuan. The Prince had not yet established a principal wife and had two concubines, both bestowed by his adoptive mother, the Noble Consort Xian, who lived in the North Courtyard. Because of his male identity, Xingge had not yet had the opportunity to see the two beauties. Miss Zijuan was indeed worthy of being raised by the Prince, managing the South Courtyard meticulously and thoroughly. Xingge let the young prince inquire about his origins, but he spent his days playing in the mansion and becoming familiar with the servants.

Jiu Ru sat in the soft chair in the study, her fingers lightly tapping the table, her brows furrowed in worry. A few sheets of paper lay on the table. "Is this Ye Xing some kind of genius?! They've only found traces of him after he entered the capital; there was no trace of him before that?!" Seeing Zi Ying bring in tea, Jiu Ru asked.

"Any new news from Zijuan?"

"My sister said that Young Master Ye is not acting strangely. He is not only gentle and polite, but also very talented. He even has a good understanding of women's hairstyles and embroidery patterns. Right now, Young Master Ye is explaining the latest hairstyles to everyone in the courtyard!" Zi Ying said, her face showing longing.

What kind of news is this?! What exactly is Ye Xing planning?!

"Take me to see this!"

Zi Ying looked at the prince in surprise, "Your Highness wants to watch a woman comb her hair?" Seeing that the prince had already stepped out of the study, she hurriedly followed him out.

Jiu Ru lingered behind the scenic window of the south courtyard wall and looked into the courtyard. Seven or eight maids of the mansion sat in a semi-circle. In the center of the circle sat Zi Juan, who only had half of her hair in a bun, while the other half was loose and held in the hand of Ye Xing, who was standing behind her. Ye Xing, dressed in men's clothing, held a comb in his hand and gestured while muttering incantations.

"Young Master Ye, what style of hair would suit my wife?" a maid asked.

What does your wife look like?

"Madam is so beautiful, with a small oval face and almond-shaped eyes..."

"Then your wife would look best in a hibiscus-shaped bun; remember to comb her hair loosely on both sides."

"My lady has a round face and phoenix eyes, how should she style her hair?" another maid asked anxiously.

"Then the best way would be to style it into a flowing cloud bun and wear a flower hairpin."

"My hair is often dry, how can I comb it into smooth braids?"

"..."

"..."

"Your Highness!" "Greetings, Your Highness!" "Greetings, Your Highness!" A group of maids hurriedly bowed when they saw the prince appear at the courtyard gate.

Zijuan was extremely embarrassed. With her hair only half-combed, she curtsied and gave a disapproving look to her sister behind the prince.

Xingge, holding a comb, bowed and put on a bored expression. "I greet Your Highness. What leisure Your Highness has today to come and inquire about the pleasures of the ladies of the inner chambers?"

"Young Master Ye is indeed very talented and has a close relationship with the women in the household!"

Seeing the prince's displeasure, the maids quietly slipped away, leaving only Ziying, who was secretly laughing, and Zijuan, who looked embarrassed. Xingge simply smiled and remained silent.

"Zijuan, comb your hair and come to the study!" the prince said sternly, then turned and left.

Inside the study, Zijuan stood obediently before the desk, answering questions.

“Your Highness, I have carefully examined Young Master Ye’s belongings. There is indeed a black lacquered zither. There are no inscriptions on the zither, and it looks very ordinary.”

Jiu Ru pondered this for a long time. Rumors circulated in the martial arts world that the young man who earned the title of "Qin Demon" over three years ago with his rendition of "Tianya Xing" was that person's disciple. If Ye Xing was indeed the Qin Demon, he should possess that crimson "Li Sao." Furthermore, to earn the title of Qin Demon, his qin skills must be exceptional; a young man who had mastered such an art would have no time to learn anything else. Ye Xing's martial arts were unfathomable; if he truly was the Qin Demon, he could truly be called a celestial being! If not, then what was his background?!