Принцесса Сянси

Глава 24

“That person is Lin Zihan from Longteng Post Station. Don’t you find that strange?” Xu Lianning said calmly.

"So what if it's Longteng Post Station?" Tang Xiao turned to look at her.

"If, I mean if Sect Leader Tang were no longer here, then you would be the head of the Tang Sect, would that be fair?" Xu Lianning asked calmly, a thought stirring within her.

"Of course, even now, everyone knows that the Tang Clan has more than just a sect leader." He said rather arrogantly.

Tang Xiao, like Zhang Weiyi, was an outstanding talent among the younger generation, but now it seems the two are quite different. Although Tang Xiao acts with precision, he is still not as composed and unassuming as Zhang Weiyi.

"So, while Sect Master Tang is still around, you've been openly trying to win people over and have even pressured him to pass the leadership to you several times," Xu Lianning said. "No wonder he's making his move."

"You've been eavesdropping on our conversation all along?" Tang Xiao immediately realized what was happening. "What else did you hear?"

Xu Lianning smiled slightly: "I heard everything, including the fact that you eventually encountered your enemies."

Tang Xiao glanced at her for a moment, a hint of murderous intent flashing across his face: "Who doesn't have enemies when they're in the martial world? There's no need to make a fuss about this." Before he finished speaking, he flicked his fingers rapidly, sending five plum blossom darts hurtling towards her with a few sharp, hissing sounds. Xu Lianning had anticipated this move. She leaped into the air, dodging the attack, her robes billowing out three fine needles that resembled jade and silver. Tang Xiao reached out to catch them, but the moment his fingers touched the hidden weapons, he felt a chill; they had vanished into thin air.

"Is this the Mysterious Ice Soul Mark?" Tang Xiao thought of the legendary Lingxuan Palace's unique hidden weapon, and a chill ran down his spine.

Xu Lianning's voice came from outside the stone cave: "It's a pity I haven't mastered it, otherwise I would really like to ask Young Master Tang for a few pointers." The last few words sounded as if they came from ten feet away.

Tang Xiao chased after him, only able to make out a distant figure. He raised his hand and saw a small needle mark on his fingertip. Remembering the rumors that the Xuanbing Soul Mark could penetrate flesh and reach acupoints throughout the body, he was horrified. He raised his hand, focusing his energy on the meridians at the top of his wrist, and surprisingly, half a very thin needle was forced out of the mark. He muttered to himself, "Lingxuan Palace… what a Lingxuan Palace!"

He looked up at the Tang Clan's mansion, his handsome face contorting slightly as he clenched his teeth.

The next day, after breakfast, a maid informed them that Young Master Tang had been stabbed the previous night and needed to rest in bed. Xu Lianning wiped her hands with a towel and asked with a gentle smile, "I wonder if a doctor has been called?"

The maid replied, "The second young master said he doesn't need it, he just needs to lie down for a few days."

"How can this be? People will say I'm mean to my nephews and nieces. Go and fetch a doctor immediately." Tang Muhua stepped into the hall and, having overheard their conversation, said indifferently.

“But…” The maid paused for a moment.

"You go just because I tell you to? Don't you even listen to me?" Tang Muhua said coldly.

Sikong Yu stepped forward with a teacup, saying softly, "Uncle, please don't be angry. Brother Tang is probably afraid of causing trouble." As he approached, he casually poured the entire cup of tea onto Tang Muhua's clothes. Xu Lianning watched, secretly applauding. Sikong Yu, looking anxious, reached out to brush the tea leaves off Tang Muhua's clothes, making the Tang Clan leader even more disheveled. Tang Muhua waved his hand, saying, "Alright, alright, that's enough." He straightened his clothes, revealing a gruesome scar on his chest.

Sikong Yu turned to look at Xu Lianning and slowly shook his head.

Xu Lianning understood and stood up, saying, "If Sect Leader Tang doesn't mind, I, Xu Lianning, also have some medical knowledge and am willing to share the Sect Leader's burdens."

Tang Muhua looked at her and frowned: "Sect Leader Xu is a guest from afar, isn't this... inappropriate?"

Xu Lianning smiled slightly and said, "It's no trouble at all, it will only take a little while. Besides, I was very well treated by the Second Young Master yesterday."

“Then you two will follow me.” Tang Muhua nodded and led the way. After turning around a few times, they arrived at Tang Xiao’s villa. While Tang Muhua was knocking on the door and not paying attention to them, Sikong Yu lowered his voice and said, “That scar is there, it doesn’t seem like someone is faking it.”

Xu Lianning said calmly, "I'll tell you about it later. I've also found out about some other things."

A round-faced maid opened the door. She was startled to see the master of the house, and before she could stop him, Tang Muhua had already walked into the room. The room smelled strongly of medicine, and there was a pile of blood-stained strips of cloth on the table. Tang Muhua's lips curled into a smile as he stepped forward and lifted the curtain: "Xiao'er, I heard you were stabbed last night. Are you feeling better now?"

Tang Xiao's face was deathly pale. His lips moved, but he couldn't speak. Bloodstained bandages covered his shoulders and chest, indicating severe injuries. Xu Lianning took a few steps forward and sat down on the round stool beside the bed. She immediately saw Tang Xiao glare at her. She smiled mockingly, her fingers landing on his wrist, feigning surprise: "Young Master Tang, you clearly lost so much blood, how..." She paused slightly, and sure enough, saw a fierce glint in his eyes. She continued, "Your life has been saved, but you can't walk for the next two months. You must rest."

Tang Muhua said, "In that case, Xiao'er, don't worry about the sect's affairs for the next two months. Someone will take care of them."

After leaving Tang Xiao's villa and Tang Muhua had walked away, Xu Lianning couldn't help but sneer, "Tang Xiao is really something. He managed to come up with this trick, but even Sect Leader Tang didn't give him a good time."

Sikong Yu understood the implied meaning: "You mean, he wasn't injured at all?"

“Of course not,” she said slowly. “I heard some things last night that I’m still wondering about.” She sat down at the stone table in the courtyard. “Let’s start with that night. We saw two figures outside Tang Muhua’s room that day. If one was Tang Muhua, then who was the other?”

Sikong Yu said, "Later I checked several times, and my uncle had already stopped breathing. But when I woke up in the morning, his body was gone. Then I saw him at Tang Sect. It doesn't seem like someone was impersonating him."

Xu Lianning pondered for a moment and said, "Yesterday during the day, Tang Qin said she wanted to tell my fortune. She mentioned, intentionally or unintentionally, that Tang Muhua hadn't treated her or Tang Xiao very well. I'm just an outsider, so why did she say that?" She paused for a moment and then said, "What happened at night was even stranger. I heard Tang Xiao force Tang Muhua to pass on his position to him, and he seemed to mention that a powerful enemy was coming. After Tang Xiao left, I saw Lin Zihan from Longteng Post Station. He promised to help Tang Muhua get rid of Tang Xiao."

“Longteng Post Station should be in Nanjing Prefecture, which is quite far from here.” Sikong Yu frowned slightly. “Why is Lin Zihan helping his uncle? I wonder if Sect Leader Liu knows about these things.”

“Nanjing Prefecture…?” Xu Lianning turned her head to look at him. “Do you still remember the time we went to the Lingxuan Palace spy post together half a year ago? Or perhaps the two things are related.”

Sikong Yu chuckled slightly: "It's just a coincidence, Sect Leader Liu shouldn't know any of this."

“Maybe I’m overthinking it.” Xu Lianning rested her chin on her hand. “At first, I thought that Tang Xiao had someone impersonate his uncle after assassinating Tang Muhua, but now it seems that’s definitely not the case. As for the person they mentioned, it’s very likely that it was the person I failed to stop that day.”

After discussing it for a long time, they still hadn't reached a conclusion. Xu Lianning stood up dejectedly: "If we still don't have a clue by tomorrow, we can't just stay here and not leave." Sikong Yu couldn't help but say: "I think you... have changed a lot."

"What?" She didn't react at first.

"I remember half a year ago, I mostly saw you smiling, but now your emotions are written all over your face," he said slowly, lowering his eyes.

Xu Lianning tilted her head and thought for a while: "I guess I've let go. The past is gone, and I can't keep torturing myself." Suddenly, she heard a crisp clapping sound from not far away. Tang Qin walked over slowly, smiling: "I just happened to be passing by and couldn't help but come and join in the fun. That's how life is, better than living a life of constant torment."

Xu Lianning knew she must have more to say, and sure enough, she saw that she looked troubled for a moment, and said, "Since we are all family, there is nothing to hide. The truth is, our sect has recently had a powerful enemy come to our door, but we are really sorry to trouble you two with matters concerning our sect."

The desolate emptiness in the distance is unbearable.

Sikong Yu said calmly, "Miss Qin, you flatter us. Since we are not outsiders, we cannot stand idly by when the Tang Clan is in trouble."

Xu Lianning said, "That's fine then. There are some things we shouldn't get involved in. We'll leave tomorrow."

Tang Qin looked apologetic: "I am truly sorry for not being able to entertain you properly. In the future, if you two pass through Sichuan again, I will certainly do my best to be your host."

"I'm afraid I won't have the chance to visit Sichuan again in the future," Xu Lianning said with a slight smile.

Tang Qin gave a vague answer, chatted for a few more minutes, and then left in a hurry.

Xu Lianning said leisurely, "It seems I won't need to sleep tonight. I'll just stand guard outside Tang Muhua's door and keep an eye on things."

After thinking for a moment, Sikong Yu understood: "You mean, if their enemies come knocking, Tang Xiao will take the opportunity to make a move?"

"If it were me, I definitely wouldn't let this opportunity pass." She gazed into the distance and muttered to herself, "I used to treat people the same way, and one day I got my comeuppance..."

"Heaven knows you've reformed and will certainly not punish you."

She smiled and said calmly, "Over time, it becomes a habit; how can you change it?"

Seeing her smiling face, Sikong Yu felt a surge of warmth in his heart and couldn't help but ask, "If, I mean if Brother Zhang were to meet with misfortune, you..."

Xu Lianning gently interrupted him, "If he's gone, I'll live on for him. He gave me this life, how can I just throw it away?" She turned her head to look at him, speaking slowly and deliberately, "If you're trying to comfort me by saying that you'll meet someone you care about in the future, and he'll be happy to see you like this... knowing his personality, I'm afraid he won't think that way. I don't want to have nightmares every night about him throwing a tantrum."

"Is that so?" Sikong Yu felt a sudden chill. The spoiled and coquettish Sword-wielding Young Master Zhang Weiyi was truly a nightmare.

When he came to his senses, she turned and went back to her room. Out of the corner of his eye, all he could see was a pale green hem of her dress.

He went back to his room to catch up on sleep, but for some reason, he couldn't fall asleep. Various faces kept flashing before his eyes, and he drifted off to sleep until evening. The maid who brought him food looked at him with a coquettish smile: "Young Master Sikong, why did you sleep so much that you didn't even eat lunch?" Sikong Yu smiled slightly: "I didn't sleep well last night, and as a result, I overslept."

He couldn't wait until it was completely dark, so he went to keep watch at the window on the side of the mountain behind his uncle. More than an hour later, Xu Lianning floated over.

Sikong Yu realized she had misspoke earlier and felt slightly awkward seeing her. But the other person calmly hid to the side, not forgetting to send a sarcastic message: "You're here really early."

He turned his head to stare at the movements inside his uncle's room, feeling truly uncomfortable tonight.

Just as they were about to doze off, they suddenly saw a figure lightly land near their hiding place, then casually open the window and enter the room. That figure was clearly Tang Xiao.

Xu Lianning couldn't help but take another step toward the window frame, only to hear Tang Muhua's voice, both surprised and angry, say, "How come it's you?" Tang Xiao sneered, "Uncle, I think you're getting old, why are you asking such questions at this crucial moment?"

Tang Muhua slammed something on the table, something that looked like a jade pendant: "So you found this thing by playing some kind of trick to make things mysterious, didn't you?"

Tang Xiao glanced at the jade pendant on the table and said disdainfully, "Uncle, don't pretend you don't know the answer. Have you forgotten how you got such a long scar on your chest?"

Tang Muhua remained silent for a while, but did not respond.

Tang Xiao shook his folding fan and said slowly, "Are you afraid to say it, or have you really forgotten?"

Xu Lianning listened with increasing curiosity, feeling as if the whole matter was shrouded in mystery.

"Now that those foreign devils are coming to our door, as the sect leader, how will you deal with them tomorrow?" Tang Xiao sighed, his tone gentle. "If you hadn't sent assassins to kill me, perhaps I wouldn't be in this situation—" Before he could finish his sentence, he moved swiftly, scattering a cloud of iron sand across the sky with deadly speed. Tang Muhua was no ordinary person; he reacted instantly at that distance, pulling the table over to deflect all the iron sand. Tang Xiao sneered, his folding fan transforming into a short sword, which he plunged into Tang Muhua's chest through the table: "You were lucky that night, managing to come back alive. But you won't be so fortunate tonight." He then sheathed his sword, closed the door, and strode away.

Sikong Yu was deeply shocked by what he saw. After Tang Xiao walked away, he was about to come out of his hiding place.

Xu Lianning raised her hand to stop him and shook her head slightly.

Tang Xiao turned back after leaving, glanced around, and then walked away again.

Sikong Yu climbed through the window lattice into the room and looked at the iron filings: "This Brother Tang is really cunning, deliberately not using the Tang Clan's hidden weapon techniques. I'm afraid it was him that day too."

Xu Lianning bent down, reached out and picked up the jade pendant that had fallen to the ground, and muttered to herself, "It's from Chongyan Palace."

Everyone in the martial arts world knows the saying: "Shaolin is revered in the north, Wudang in the south, two manors, three palaces, and five noble families." Besides Lingxuan Palace and Guanghua Palace, the other of these three palaces is Chongyan Palace, far away in the Western Regions. Xu Lianning suddenly looked tense and stepped forward to examine Tang Muhua's face: "Young Master Sikong, come and see, doesn't this person look somewhat different from your uncle?" Sikong Yu looked closely for a while and couldn't help but say, "He does seem a little different. My uncle's nose is a bit higher and straighter, but I can't quite put my finger on it."

Xu Lianning continued, "That day I saw Tang Muhua at the inn and noticed that he had many scars on his face and neck. This person also has them, and they don't seem to be old scars, but they don't seem to be newly added either. If it's a disguise, to achieve this level of status, one must be unparalleled in the world."

"Do you think someone is impersonating your uncle?"

Xu Lianning nodded without hesitation.

"We've treated our guests so well, but for them to do something like this is just too much." Tang Xiao's voice suddenly came, and he took a candlestick and walked closer step by step.

Sikong Yu had never seen anyone so twisted the truth, and couldn't help but say, "Brother Tang, everyone knows who did it. You don't need to frame someone like this."

"I just said it offhand, but in this situation, who do you think anyone with eyes would believe?"

Xu Lianning stood up: "Young Master Tang, I'm afraid we're really on the same page this time. The person lying there is probably not your uncle, but someone else in disguise."

"Oh, I'd like to hear the details." Tang Xiao opened his fan and waved it, then suddenly remembered that it was still stained with blood and quickly put it away.

"That day at the inn, Sect Leader Tang had already met with misfortune. Young Master Sikong cleaned up the bloodstains and originally planned to come and report the news the next day. I also saw the wound at that time. The wound looked like it was caused by a master being ambushed by someone with lower martial arts skills when he was flustered and confused." Xu Lianning said calmly, "At that time, I always felt that the person was you, Young Master Tang."

Tang Xiao laughed and said, "If it were me, I would never have someone impersonate my uncle. Wouldn't it be better to hold the position of sect leader directly in my own hands?"

“That was something Pavilion Master Xu wanted you to do to impress others, Second Brother.” Tang Qin stood at the door at some point. “I know a little about these things, so let me tell you the whole story from beginning to end. Pavilion Master Xu, please see if there’s anything wrong with it.”

Xu Lianning remained calm and said, "Please speak, Miss Tang."

Tang Qin leaned against the door and slowly said, "Actually, when Uncle came back the next day, I felt something was wrong. He couldn't even remember what color shirt I liked or what foods I couldn't eat. Second brother, don't be dismissive. In the future, when you meet a girl you like, you'll remember what she likes. Actually, I didn't tell Pavilion Master Xu the truth that day. Uncle loves me very much, although he can be a bit strict sometimes. Of course, I noticed this abnormality."

Xu Lianning did not respond.

"That day, when Pavilion Master Xu was listening to Second Brother's conversation with this person on the ground outside the window, I was actually there too. I just arrived earlier than you all, so no one noticed me," Tang Qin chuckled. "It turns out there was also a Young Master Lin from Longteng Post Station hiding in the room. I was afraid they would discover me, so I didn't move. I remember that Young Master Lin said, 'Now that you are the head of a sect, you should act like one.' At the time, I was puzzled. My uncle had been the sect leader for so many years, did he need a junior to teach him? But this person on the ground took out the jade pendant that Pavilion Master Xu is holding now and said, 'Tang Muhua has made such a powerful enemy, yet he can freely enter and leave the Tang Clan mansion. I can't be the sect leader for long.' That Lin guy was very disdainful: 'There are always a few petty thieves in the martial world who are used to being mysterious. There's no need to be so afraid.' In the end, he even promised to let Sect Master Liu know so that Sect Master Liu could send someone else. Later, Second Brother came in and pushed this guy too far, so the Lin guy said he would get rid of Second Brother."

Tang Xiao pondered and said, "Longteng Post Station? This is truly a difficult matter."

“If nothing happened to you tonight, Young Master Tang, you can naturally keep it a secret for a while,” Xu Lianning said calmly. “Unfortunately, that would mean you can’t frame someone else.”

Tang Xiao's face turned ashen, and he was speechless.

Tang Qin smiled slightly: "At first, I didn't understand why they said that, but when I heard Pavilion Master Xu say that someone was impersonating my uncle, I knew I wasn't wrong. It's precisely because he's an imposter that he doesn't know the origin of this jade pendant. I remember my uncle once told me about the origin of that jade pendant, and that's how he got the scar on his chest. He did something wrong when he was young, and the person seeking revenge would come with the jade pendant. Now that my uncle is gone, the revenge will naturally be abandoned. I lied to you two earlier, saying that an enemy had come to our door, only intending to eliminate this imposter tonight, but I didn't expect Second Brother to make the first move." She curtsied: "Second Brother, you have cleaned up the Tang Clan's ranks; the position of Clan Leader is rightfully yours."

Xu Lianning remained calm and smiled slightly, saying, "It is a great pity that I only learned of such a remarkable person as Miss Tang today."

Tang Qin said modestly, "I just happened to see it."

Tang Xiao said, "Now that things have been clarified and your goals have been achieved, I will not insist on keeping you here. The Tang Clan has many affairs to attend to, so please forgive me for not being able to entertain you."

Sikong Yu cupped his hands and said, "Then I'll take my leave."

As they stepped out of the Tang Gate, they saw the sky beginning to lighten, and the long night had passed just like that.

Tang Qin saw them off for a while when suddenly Xu Lianning drew his sword, his robes flashing, and thrust it forward. She barely dodged, and before she could even regain her footing, he attacked again. She couldn't help but cry out, "Sect Leader Xu, what do you mean by this?"