Joy of Life

Fan Xian had two sets of intelligence reports in his hand. He learned about the news of the world quickly. The opening of the Sword Hut in Dongyi was the most important matter various factions were focused on. He had left the capital quickly. At that time, the Overwatch Council and Baoyue Brothel had not yet sent reports.

Yanjing was more to the north and had more interactions with the other two powers. Furthermore, the military had its own intelligence network. Thus, he had anxiously asked Wang Zhikun if he had any news.

Wang Zhikun furrowed his brows in thought for a moment. He then said uncertainly, “Inferring from common sense, it should be Marquis Changning.”

The side Dongyi decided to lean toward would have a deep and lasting influence. Both Northern Qi and the Qing Kingdom were nervous. The Qing Kingdom sending out Fan Xian was probably an act that surprised no one. Northern Qi also had to send someone comparable to make Dongyi feel their sincerity and bargaining power.

Marquis Changning was the brother of the Northern Qi empress dowager. He also held Northern Qi’s palace treasury, as well as the coming and going of silver. He was indeed an important figure.

Fan Xian raised his brows and said quietly with some misgiving, “Marquis is an old face. He’s good at drinking, but when it comes to actually doing things, he is far inferior to his son.”

Wang Zhikun knew they were speaking of serious matters. Given his status as Governor, he didn’t slack off. “Although Wei Hua is the Commander of the Brocade Guards, the Northern Qi Brocade Guards are far inferior to the Council. He doesn’t have much authority.”

Fan Xian nodded. The Overwatch Council was truly too special. Other than an Emperor dripping with confidence, no ruler would allow the existence of such an organization. Although the Northern Qi Brocade Guards said that they were a group of riders Xiao En had organized, under the empress dowager and Emperor’s attacks, its reputation was far from what it was during the Wei Kingdom, particularly after Shen Zhong was stabbed to death by Shan Shanghu. Although the power of the Brocade Guards remained, its status fell lower by the day. If the Northern Qi Emperor truly wanted to achieve something in Dongyi, then Wei Hua would not be a good choice.

“When soldiers come, generals block. Regardless of who they send, in the end, it’s a competition of national strength. It is better to not dwell on it further.” Fan Xian took a sip of wine as a faint tiredness rose between his brows.

Wang Zhikun looked at him with a slight smile and said, “Since you are, we will certainly succeed.”

Fan Xian laughed awkwardly. Before he left Jingdou, everyone, including Hu the Scholar, had the same confidence as Governor Wang. Even when the Emperor had briefed him in the royal study, it was as if he hadn’t even thought that Fan Xian could lose the fight.

In the hearts of the Qing officials and people, the golden light that shone around the borders of the words “Sir Fan junior” had long become a brilliant gold light. Everyone had great confidence in him. Five years of events had long proved that as long as he acted personally, nothing was impossible.

Everyone in the Qing court seemed to be silently waiting for Dongyi to swear its allegiance and Sir Fan junior’s carriage to enter the Sword Hut and taken over a vast swathe of land, the people living on the land, and the great wealth that had accumulated for countless years without the use of a single soldier or infantry.

Fan Xian did not have such thoughts. Although he had felt Sigu Jian’s attitude through Thirteenth Wang and carefully demonstrated his attitude toward the sword-saint and two sides, which found a shared point of interest on some levels, the advantage he had to fight for the Qing Kingdom was too large.

Speaking from a different perspective, the interest that Dongyi had to pay out was too high. This was not playing house. It also wasn’t a large business deal involving millions of silver. It was a true change to history. A truly historical event was going to happen in front of Fan Xian’s eyes, possibly even in his hands.

It was impossible for Fan Xian to not be scared. He often wondered what virtues and abilities he had to be able to open up new territories and possibly take the nine-seven road [JW1]?

Sigu Jian was heavily injured and on the verge of death. His hatred and anger toward the Qing Emperor probably couldn’t be washed away, even if it was soaked in the water of the East Sea. Although this Great Grandmaster knew that after he died, Dongyi would certainly be split up by the two large countries, he had to consider his city and the surrounding countries. Thus, he had invited Northern Qi and the Qing Kingdom to participate in his last opening of the Sword Hut ceremony. He still had to fight, on behalf of the Dongyi people, one last time.

Fan Xian couldn’t help but remember his last deep talk with the Emperor in the royal study before he left the capital. At the time, there was a faint smile on the Emperor’s face. Although he, like the other officials, was full of confidence in Fan Xian’s trip to Dongyi, his words and actions showed that he did not attach much importance to the Sword Hut opening ceremony.

Fan Xian understood the Emperor’s thoughts well. A confident person like the Emperor cared nothing for the attempts of a falling nation at reconciliation and their last act of kindness.

From the Emperor’s perspective, this was Dongyi’s last lament. If the Qing Kingdom could pay a smaller price to obtain its land and wealth, it was a very worthwhile thing to do. However, if the Qing Emperor considered the conditions that Sigu Jian raised were nonsense, the Qing Emperor was not afraid to raise the weapons in his hand and turn the lament into a dirge.

Given Fan Xian’s analysis and understanding of the two warriors’ personalities, the conditions Sigu Jian was about to propose would be impossible for the Qing Emperor to accept. This was the biggest problem he faced on this trip.

…

…

The diplomacy group didn’t waste too much time in Yanjing. Bright and early the next day, Fan Xian was sent off by Wang Zhikun and Mei Zhili. He met up with the Fourth Bureau of the Overwatch Council that had come from Jiangnan. Together, they rode toward the official road.

The group of carriages moved toward the border of the Qing Kingdom. Before they had completely left the escort of the Yanjing soldiers, they welcomed another group. A merchant climbed into Fan Xian’s carriage under everyone’s confused gaze.

“You’ve worked hard.” Fan Xian patted Shi Chanli’s shoulder. These years, three of Fan Xian’s four students were working in the Qing court. Shi Chanli, who had failed to pass the provincial imperial examinations, had become his personal aide. He had long been in Jiangnan and the wealthy regions outside the border opening Baoyue Brothels with Sang Wen. He was secretly helping Fan Xian organize the incoming stream of intelligence reports.

Shi Chanli lowered his voice and related to Fan Xian the recent situation with Baoyue Brothel, as well as some small news they had heard in Dongyi.

“Looks like what Thirteenth Wang said was correct. There is also internal conflict within Dongyi. Everyone thinks that the Qing Kingdom is going to pluck the fruit. Who would have thought that this fruit may be poisonous?” Fan Xian listened for a moment and then laughed self-mockingly. “I just don’t understand where the Master of Dongyi got the courage to act against the Qing Kingdom as Sigu Jian was about to die.”

“The Northern Qi people must be supporting him in secret. Even within the Sword Hut, there are many people who don’t wish to get closer to the Qing Kingdom.”

“These things are not up to whether they want to or not.” Fan Xian sighed. “Strength decides everything. After Sigu Jian dies, Northern Qi and Dongyi will both be without a Great Grandmaster. The two sides can only meet on the battlefield. Northern Qi is vast, with wealthy people and fertile lands. They have the strength to fight us. However, Dongyi was built on commerce. They are wealthy but not very strong or a match for the Qing army.”

“Sigu Jian was injured by the Emperor. The entire Sword Hut hates the Qing Kingdom to their bones. I’m afraid they would rather die in battle than surrender and call themselves citizens of the Qing Kingdom.”

Shi Chanli had been living the life of a big boss. He had grown slightly fatter, but there was no white hair on his head yet. Compared to his previous inexperienced and wretched appearance, he had changed untold amounts. One thing that had not changed was his loyalty and admiration toward Fan Xian. He had stayed in Dongyi two years to investigate. He knew the danger hidden under the deathly stillness of the Sword Hut. He couldn’t help but feel worried for his teacher.

“Most important is still Sigu Jian’s attitude.” Fan Xian lowered his head and closed his eyes. Rising and falling with the movement of the carriage, he smiled bitterly and said, “If he was truly a stubborn idiot, then I’m afraid there will be another large batter. If there really is to be a battle, then what was Thirteenth Wang? If the messages you’ve been sending these years are accurate, then Thirteenth Wang will be the one to inherit his mantle. Such a strong and powerful attitude even forced him to reconsider Dongyi on his behalf. Sigu Jian can’t have taken this step for no reason.”

“This is another problem. Whether Dongyi with lean toward the Qing Kingdom or Northern Qi is one matter, while who exactly will control the Sword Hut after Sigu Jian is another major matter,” Shi Chanli said, full of worry. “Although Sir Thirteen is deeply loved by Sigu Jian, Yun Zhilan is his foremost disciple. He has traveled far and wide, and he is greatly liked by people. There are also countless disciple siblings and descendants. Additionally, there is the Master of the City with Northern Qi support. If Sigu Jian dies, I’m afraid that Yun Zhilan would not give Sir Thirteen any opportunities.”

Fan Xian opened his eyes. A cold light danced in his eyes. Muttering to himself, he said, “Is it going to take a massacre like the one many years ago to decide the ownership of the Sword Hut?”

This was referring to a major matter in Dongyi many years ago. Sigu Jian ordered the killing of hundreds in his clan. He didn’t even spare his own parents. The reputation of being crazy and an idiot spread like wildfire and lasted until now. At the same time, it allowed the Overwatch Council to pick up a Shadow.

Shi Chanli was silent, unsure how to reply.

“The Master of Dongyi will not be able to accept our conditions,” Fan Xian said in a quiet voice. “A book that mentioned the three kingdoms said that citizens could surrender because they will continue being citizens. However, if the Master of the City surrendered, he would be nothing.”

“Another important thing is Dongyi’s inheritance.” He rubbed between his brows. “If Yun Zhilan truly fights for it against Thirteen, as outsiders, we can’t do much about it.”

Shi Chanli muttered irresolutely to himself for a moment. He then asked in a small voice, “Before you left the capital, what was the bottom line from the Emperor?”

“Refer to themselves as citizens, pay tribute, and disperse armies. Each country to open their borders to allow the Qing army to be stationed within and all nobility are to live within Jingdou,” Fan Xian said with his head down.

Shi Chanli sucked in a cold breath. With these conditions, it was the same as completely destroying Dongyi. The Emperor’s appetite was too big. He was relying on the strength of the country to scare them and take their troops without a fight. No one in Dongyi would accept such crippling and humiliating terms.

“Of course, the time limit could be discussed later. There is no need for it to happen at once,” Fan Xian said in a quiet voice. Actually, he had obtained the little bit of extra time for Dongyi after privately arguing with the Qing Emperor for a long time. He paused for a bit and then continued. “If these nobles do not live in Jingdou, the Emperor will build them a new residence in Yanjing. Naturally, they will not be mistreated.”

Shi Chanli suppressed the shock in his heart and shook his head. “No one will agree. Such conditions would be the same as placing their heads upon the chopping board of the Qing Kingdom. I’m afraid they would rather die in a last struggle. At least then there is some hope.”

Fan Xian changed the topic and said, “Northern Qi will not just watch as we swallow Dongyi. This time, they will interfere thoroughly.”

“What can they do?”

Fan Xian lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked out at the green trees along the official road. Casually, he said, “The Northern QI Emperor will, before Sigu Jian dies, try to convince him to ally with Northern Qi with Northern Qi giving Dongyi large amounts of support. If the Northern Qi people feel that Dongyi cannot hold out any further and is going to agree to the Qing Kingdom’s conditions, then they will spare no expense in trying to destroy the negotiation.”

Without waiting for Chanli to open his mouth, he continued in a quiet voice. “If they kill me or any other important figure within Dongyi and provoke the already powerful hatred and bloodlust between Dongyi and the Qing Kingdom, once the battle starts, even if Dongyi wants to surrender, the Emperor would not agree. At that time, the Northern Qi people can sit on the wall and wait to make their decision.”

When he said this, the carriage turned toward the southeast. They drove by a small mountain and the banks of a clear river, headed toward the Song Kingdom. Fan Xian narrowed his eyes and gazed back. Yanjing City was still clearly visible. The soldiers in the camp were waiting for the arrival of the battle, or ,perhaps, they were terrified by the approaching battle.

The young lady of the Wang family was going to enter the prince’s manor as a Secondary fei. She could not come to send off Fan Xian. However, she still respectfully had Governor Wang bring Fan Xian a gift. Every time he thought of his once unruly young lady, who had been wretchedly disciplined by him, Fan Xian’s emotions felt rather complicated.

No matter what kind of person they were, no matter if they were a Great Grandmaster or a proud and unruly daughter of a noble, if they had a goal they must achieve in this world, then they would be willing to pay a price that would usually be impossible for them.

“I am just worried about one thing now.” Fan Xian drew back is gaze from outside the window. “Sigu Jian is not a saintly or virtuous person. If he is like me and not afraid of a flood to overrun the heavens after death, then it will be troublesome.”

“Hmm?” It was clear Shi Chanli had not completely understood his meaning.

Fan Xian laughed bitterly and said, “Before Ku He died, he made two ruthless moves and caused the Qing Kingdom a great deal of work, which gave me a great headache. For such major figures as them, they can see further than anyone. I find it difficult to believe that after Sigu Jian had been defeated by the Emperor, he would just be willing to admit defeat. He’s hung onto his last breath until now and had two-and-a-half years to think. How could he not have any plans?”

He was afraid of this Great Grandmaster’s terrifying plans.

…

…

On the third day, the group of carriages passed through the invisible border hidden within the plains and entered the Song Kingdom. This vassal state was not very big. It wasn’t even comparable to a large province within the Qing Kingdom or Northern Qi, but its history was very long. Although they had a king in name, they were completely controlled by Dongyi. Other than the power to appoint and dismiss officials, all military powers came from the Master of Dongyi and the Sword Hut.

Fan Xian was not a stranger to the Song Kingdom. He was even more familiar with this road because the Baoyue Brothel in the Song Kingdom had opened early. It was the first testing place for Fan Xian’s control of the high-class brothel business and development of a chain store. After Fan Xian had killed Yan Xiaoyi in the Dong Mountain incident, he had escaped with heavy injuries out of the mountains and had gone through the Song Kingdom to enter the Qing Kingdom. Going through Yanjing, he had finally returned to Jingdou and led the Overwatch Council in a vicious retaliation against the Eldest Princess’s faction.

Back then, Fan Xian had been alone. He had hidden his identity and disguised his appearance. With fear in his heart and covered in injuries, he didn’t know what his next steps were.

Now, he was accompanied all the way by an imperial canopy and attendants like clouds. His banner flew brightly and were seen by tens of thousands of eyes. His glory knew no bounds. As a powerful official of the most powerful country in the world, he flaunted his way across the streets of the Song Kingdom.

In Fan Xian’s opinion, he had not changed in the slightest. What had changed was the comparative power of the three factions.

Rejecting all of the invitations of hospitality from the Song officials and hiding from the cautious and complicated gazes, Fan Xian and his group moved into Baoyue Brothel. After all, it was his property. Its safety was reassuring.

Moments after he entered the building, a Song official came nervously forward to report that there were guests wished to see Sir Fan junior. Fan Xian’s expression changed slightly. He looked at the official’s nervous state of mind and knew who the guest was. He couldn’t help but smile and thought, What a coincidence this was. He had just arrived, and the Northern Qi people had arrived too.

He rose and went to the outside hall. Raising his hands in a salute, he smiled and said, “Brother Wei Hua, it is indeed you who have come.”

The Commander of the Northern Qi Brocade Guards, Wei Hua, smiled helplessly and solemnly returned the greeting. “Greetings, Sir Fan junior.”

[JW1 ] The meaning of this is unclear.