Chapter Seven, A Night in Chang'an

The more sour one feels, the more vehemently one disparages. Only in this way can one slightly compensate for the sense of loss from not obtaining that grape. Now, you are that sour grape

It was already late at night, yet the night market on Chisheng Street remained exceptionally vibrant. The streets were bustling with traffic and thronged with people; numerous taverns lined the roadside, brightly lit. The shouts of many street vendors calling out their wares rose and fell, intermingled with dialects from all corners of the country, resembling a boiling pot of mixed flavors

"Xiao Huo, are you unwell?" Gao Fan was taken aback, standing still and gazing blankly at Huo Qubing.

"Who are you?" Huo Qubing casually took a step toward the door, blocking the angle at which the other party had intruded.

No, no! I am just a very honest and innocent locksmith! It was he who asked me to come and help fix the locks in the residence. Gao Fan slowly approached Huo Qubing, suddenly thrusting the Fengshui talisman down to the ground, and called out: "The wind is strong, pull it tight!"

"Misunderstanding? Then what is it that you do?" The palace-dressed old woman scoffed disdainfully, "Cleaning the study in the dead of night?"

Li Hong, as delicate as a flower, playfully stuck out her little tongue and said: "I certainly do not wish to spend my first night in Chang'an in a prison cell." The two leaped out of the window, urging their respective winds to soar higher and higher, gliding beneath the starry night sky of Chang'an, taking in the splendid night view of the magnificent Han capital.

With a sudden swish, the elderly woman in palace attire waved her sleeves, striking both of Huo Qubing's temples without warning

"Why?" Li Hongru, catching up with Huo Qubing, asked in confusion, "What does this have to do with being beautiful?"

"Second Master, leave it to me to handle." A tall, thin man who appeared to be a friend of Sun Erye volunteered, casting a lewd glance at Li Hongru as he swept his eyes over her several times, reaching out to grab her, "Little girl, why don't you step aside!"

Huo Qubing's blade and body merged as one, charging straight in before his opponent could close their sleeves. He struck towards the chest of the elderly woman in court attire. The two combatants seemed to have an unspoken understanding, deliberately restraining their forceful winds, unwilling to disturb the night watch guards in the princess's residence

Human nature is often quite malicious. People tend to enjoy making unfounded speculations about things they cannot see with their own eyes, while being particularly inclined to believe the rumors they hear. A trace of sadness emerged in Huo Qubing's brow, but he quickly smiled and said: "Especially when faced with beautiful women, men often exhibit a sour grapes mentality"

"One or two taels of silver? That's easy, I'll get it right away!" Master Sun Er looked at Li Hong, who had raised a slender finger like a spring onion in front of him, and readily agreed, treating the other party as a country bumpkin who had just entered the city and had not yet seen the world

"You haven't spent all the one hundred taels of gold you just received, have you?" Huo Qubing looked at Li Hongru with suspicion

"You little brat, do you dare to play tricks on me?" Sun Er Ye's expression suddenly darkened, his forehead veins throbbing violently, "Do you know who I am?"

"What happened to the Marquis of Wu'an?" Li Hongru said with a huff, "Even if he comes, I will not yield my position."

"No matter how spicy, it can't be spicier than you, right?" Huo Qubing said, "If I say I can't eat spicy food, you wouldn't change the place, would you?"

Huo Qubing smiled enigmatically and said: "Go and realize your dream of embracing the city of Chang'an. Sometimes, the fewer secrets you know, the safer you are. I hope you can completely forget the recent experiences in the gentle embrace of tranquility"

Huo Qubing remained silent, leisurely pouring and drinking for himself, yet the disdain and disgust in his expression were unmistakable

Remember to lock the study door. The palace-dressed old woman floated back toward a ginkgo tree in the courtyard, suddenly vanishing within the trunk. The night breeze blew, and her voice was ethereal and cold, as if it came from beyond the heavens

Only then did Master Sun realize that he had encountered a malevolent star tonight, covering his face and calling out with a toothy grin: "If you have the ability, don't run away!"

She unexpectedly sat on the eaves above the main entrance of Changleju, her delicate lotus-like feet swaying as they kicked against the large red lantern hanging outside the door. The moonlight falling from the sky and the candlelight emanating from the lantern intertwined and reflected on her charming and enchanting face, creating a layer of hazy, gossamer-like, captivating luster.

The palace-dressed old woman said: "I only need you to tell me, who exactly sent you here?"

The palace-dressed old woman said: "Do not be afraid, I will not resort to torture on you—there is no need to use torture on intelligent people"

"Rice bucket!" Huo Qubing delivered a punch to Sun Erye's chubby face, causing blood and front teeth to spray everywhere. He spat disdainfully, rinsed his fist with liquor, as if his hand had been soiled.

"If you keep talking nonsense, I'm really going to get angry!" However, Li Hongru's face showed no signs of anger as she said, "I know a place that serves authentic Bashu cuisine. Can you handle spicy food?"

Huo Qubing said nothing further, turning to walk out onto the street, denying Gao Fan the opportunity to continue boasting about himself

The night was quiet, the road was desolate with few vehicles and pedestrians, and Huo Qubing could hear the sound of his footsteps echoing in the empty street

What was even more intolerable for Huo Qubing was that he was actually an illegitimate child! How could someone with his proud nature accept this?

Huo Qubing sat down, while the busy waitstaff in the tavern swiftly cleared the table and asked, "Gentlemen, what would you like to order?"

"You should know the notorious reputation I have in Dingxiang," Huo Qubing frowned and warned, "Aren't you afraid?"

"How is it that you are interested in her? Truly, you have a discerning eye." Huo Qubing always manages to bring up the most frivolous topics at the most unexpected moments of tension.

The elderly woman in court attire spoke in a hoarse and deep voice, slowly saying: "Is this important?"

The elderly woman in palace attire floated back gracefully, lightly sweeping her sleeve across the snow to reveal the blade beneath, and said: "You may leave now"

Gao Fan's face contorted in pain, "Eh? 'Earth-breaking Golden Talisman'!" He flicked his hand and shot out a snow-colored rainbow chasing the moon, saying, "Leave through the back window!"

"Xiao Huo, you are truly impressive; with just a few words, you managed to dismiss that female tyrant." Walking through the streets of Chang'an after nightfall, Gao Fan continuously expressed his gratitude to the benefactor who had rescued him from the clutches of the formidable Li Hong.

How can this be acceptable? Gao Fan caught up with Xue Hong and said to Huo Qubing, "How can I abandon my friend?"

Therefore, Princess Pingyang is even more formidable than the King of Huainan. If someone discovers that we are engaged in this activity, all the grand dreams I envisioned upon coming to Chang'an will be completely ruined. Gao Fan complained incessantly while deftly unlocking the copper locks on the rows of bookshelves.

Standing here, Huo Qubing felt for the first time that Dingxiang City was truly far away from him

The life of Cao Can has been recorded in these three volumes of silk books. Huo Qubing took out the other two scrolls placed side by side in the bookcase and said: It is evident that this was written in his later years based on his recollections of his life experiences

"But you didn't tell her anything just now, did you?" Gao Fan suddenly realized: "Your swordsmanship!"

It is very important. "Huo Qubing seemed not to have heard the sarcasm in the other person's tone: 'At least it can avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.'"

Huo Qubing and Gao Fan parted ways outside the residence of Princess Pingyang, each slowly making their way towards Changleju.

Huo Qubing's body swayed slightly as he stepped out the door, sheathing the Snow-drinking Demon Blade: "Has the old lady changed her mind?"

Gao Fan, however, no longer had such a good appetite, and asked: "Knowing that she would test your swordsmanship, why didn't you tell her directly?"

"You must be someone from the princess's residence, right? You've been standing outside for quite a while, yet you haven't summoned a single guard." Huo Qubing smiled and said, "I guess you must have something you want to discuss with me privately, and coincidentally, I am also very interested."

Of course not, Li Hongru said: "But I must set aside a portion as a reserve for future contingencies, and it absolutely cannot be touched"

Do you know that Princess Pingyang is the biological sister of the current emperor? Although her husband, Marquis Pingyang Cao Shou, was a short-lived man, leaving her a widow on the very night of their marriage, both Empress Wei Zifu and General Wei Qing were originally entertainers and cavalry servants in the princess's residence, and they owe their current status to her recommendation

Isn't it true that places unsuitable for young girls are not limited to brothels? Huo Qubing said: When will your mind finally open up?

Also! Li Hong, like a delicate smile, hops and skips along the quiet street, resembling a joyful little bird, leaving sadness and suffering to the night of Chang'an

"What if I don't tell you?" Huo Qubing said, "Everyone has the right to keep their own secrets. Why are you unwilling to remove your veil and deliberately altering your voice?"

"What difference does it make from being a thief? I have long since washed my hands of it and will never engage in such activities again!" Gao Fan declared with righteous indignation. He turned his head aside and said angrily, "Just because I say I won't do it doesn't mean I will!"

Why should I go look for her!" Huo Qubing violently shook his head, trying to cast this thought far away. Since his biological mother could cold-heartedly hand him over to someone else just three hours after his birth, why should he, after growing up, seek her out and beg for her belated affection?

Perhaps it was to alleviate the pressure of confronting the elderly woman in court attire, or perhaps it was to celebrate his safe arrival in Chang'an City after a series of dangers, a strong impulse to indulge in a drunken revelry surged within him

Do you want to return to Dingxiang?" Huo Qubing was momentarily taken aback as he walked into the bustling and noisy Ba Mountain and Shu Water Tavern

You are mistaken! Huo Qubing shook his head and said: "He is afraid that I will not uphold loyalty; he confessed everything before even facing punishment."

"Go, go to Chang'an... to find your biological mother, she is called Wei Shao'er, the second sister of the great general Wei Qing..." For some unknown reason, Huo Qubing recalled the last words his adoptive mother entrusted to him before her death

"I have a sack here, large and sturdy. Do you want it?" Suddenly, someone answered him from behind.

The door to the study was gently opened, and an elderly woman dressed in palace attire, her face veiled in black and her hair as white as frost, stood indifferently at the entrance.

"Oh, didn't you say that place is not suitable for young girls?" Gao Fan said in a daze, "What about the galloping horse and the stage..."

"You, Lao Lu, and Xiao Gao haven't returned; it's quite boring for someone alone," Li Hongru said. "Honestly confess, what mischief did you and Xiao Gao sneak out to do? Why hasn't he come back?"

Seeing is believing, hearing is deceiving. Unless she experiences it herself, she will not believe it. Huo Qubing replied, "Moreover, I intentionally used the sword techniques of my school in exchange, and I obtained the information I wanted to know. I do not consider myself at a loss either"

Indeed, it couldn't get any worse. Xiao Gao and I were almost captured by an old witch to be used as a side dish. Huo Qubing's response was half true and half false: As for Xiao Gao, he was racking his brains trying to spend the fifty taels of gold he earned tonight as quickly as possible

Li Hongru's smile suddenly froze on her face as she replied, "None of that is correct; I just want that finger of yours!"

You are quite loyal, aren't you? The palace-dressed old woman mocked, Indeed, they are not ordinary petty thieves

The place where the two individuals are conversing is in the study of Princess Pingyang's residence. The study is quite spacious, especially the back hall, which resembles a storeroom. The collected books and correspondence of various generations in Princess Pingyang's residence are almost all stored here

Those who usually consume plain food often say this. Huo Qubing opened the seal of the wine jar and poured himself a cup.

This is the one! Li Hongru pointed to a restaurant on the street with a golden sign reading "Bashan Shushui." "However, I must clarify in advance that since you are the one drinking, I am merely accompanying you, so you must cover the bill for the drinks."

Huo Qubing ignored him, while Gao Fan, feeling utterly bored, glanced around the study's furnishings. Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he said: "There are quite a few valuable items here. I really don't understand why you would choose to steal these worthless bamboo slips instead of something more worthwhile."

"Where to go?" Gao Fan asked hurriedly. Huo Qubing whispered something in his ear, and he immediately jumped up

The night in Chang'an possesses a unique charm, not rendered desolate or silent by the dimming sky. The streets are bustling with traffic, and the flow of people is like a woven tapestry, filled with laughter and joy.

They are merely a few worthless notebooks. However, it requires someone who can pick locks

"Is this the kind of thankless task that I would undertake as a historian?" Huo Qubing scoffed, his gaze swiftly scanning the three rolls of silk scrolls. After a while, he rolled them up again and said, "Alright, let's leave this place."

Kill this brat! The bodyguard of Master Sun Er charged at Huo Qubing and Li Hong like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey

"Have I ever said that I would go to Zhangtai Street with you?" Huo Qubing, listening to Gao Fan's dreamy aspirations, mocked.

"Hey, you don't intend to do this alone, do you?" Gao Fan caught up with Huo Qubing: "Can you tell me what exactly you are looking for?"

About an hour later, Huo Qubing slowly unfurled a yellowed silk scroll and gently said, "I found it"

He glanced at Gao Fan, his eyebrows slightly raised: "Of course, due to the age difference, you need not worry that she would take a liking to me"

You are right; this is indeed a better place than Zhangtai Street. Gao Fan excitedly moved the antiques and asked, "Xiao Huo, could you lend me your coat as well?"

Fortunately, after the other party tested his sect, he indeed withdrew gracefully in a timely manner. However, what is the true background of this unfathomable old woman in palace attire, and why does she linger in the princess's residence instead of leaving?

"Penny-pincher, it's just a meal. I'll treat you another day." Li Hongru turned her head to observe the more than ten tables of guests seated on the second floor, many of whom were carrying weapons. She lowered her voice and asked Huo Qubing, "They are all here to attend the Hero Conference, right? Let's sign up too."

Li Hongru wrinkled her delicate and petite nose: "Who would believe you! Tell me, where do you plan to wander off to this time?"

The man showed a difficult expression but did not dare to disobey. He walked up to Huo Qubing and said in a low and humble voice: "Sir, could you and this young lady change to another table? I will have the chef add two more stir-fried dishes for you."

Of course, this is a family heirloom passed down for three generations, I wouldn't sell it for ten fine steeds. Gao Fan immediately dismissed the previous topic and suddenly exclaimed: "I warn you, do not entertain any crooked ideas about them"

"Thank you for the compliment, Xiao Gao, you may leave now. This old lady wants to keep me here." Huo Qubing chuckled, completely unconcerned about the palace-dressed old woman nearby, as he bent down to pick up the snow-colored rainbow chasing the moon and tossed it to Gao Fan

"That would be perfect, how much do I ... ... huh?" Gao Fan felt that something was off with the voice and hurriedly turned around

What? Gao Fan felt as if he had been granted a great pardon, moving to stand behind Huo Qubing to observe. "Oh, this seems to be the notes of Cao Shou's great-grandfather, the old Pingyang Marquis Cao Can, detailing the stories of his youth following the Emperor Gao in conquering the world"

Scum!" Huo Qubing laughed fiercely, casually swinging the three belts he had snatched from the bodyguards, which formed a long loop in the air and accurately ensnared the legs of Master Sun. With a leap, he hoisted the opponent up to the beam.

It was not until this moment that the cold sweat on Huo Qubing's body was gradually dried by the wind. The brief confrontation with the elderly woman in palace attire at the door of the study had consumed more mental energy and was even more perilous than the great battle beneath Dingxiang City

Ding! Huo Qubing swiftly drew his sword and struck down the snow-colored rainbow aimed at the elderly woman in palace attire.

Elder Sun was both frightened and embarrassed, desperately kicking his legs and shouting: "Someone, quickly get me down! You two little bastards, don't..." Before he could finish his sentence, Li Hongru had already stuffed a piece of burlap from a worker's shoulder into his mouth.

What is it? Gao Fan's face turned red, and he hurriedly explained, "I just don't understand why she left."

It seems I have inadvertently become an instigator. Huo Qubing crossed his arms and leaned against the bookshelf, looking at Gao Fan with considerable amusement

Huo Qubing stood on the street, raised his head to look at Li Hongru, and said: "I still want to ask you, why are you not honestly going back to sleep in the middle of the night, but instead climbing onto the roof to enjoy the breeze? Aren't you afraid that the night patrol guards will mistake you for a female thief and capture you?"

"What? You want me to do ... ..." Realizing that he and Huo Qubing were in the bustling streets of mhetushucom.com, Gao Fan quickly fell silent

To be precise, it is to help me find something. Huo Qubing abruptly pulled Gao Fan into a secluded alley.

Two people are chatting and laughing, while the stairs are thumping with the noisy arrival of seven or eight people from below

"Xiao Huo, why are you sneaking around at the door? What are you trying to do?" A clear voice like a bell rang from above.

Li Hongru turned sideways and waved her hand, her tall and slender figure soaring like a cloud as she flew over three or four tables, crashing onto the floor.

Indeed! Gao Fan gritted his teeth and made a firm decision. "For the sake of my friend, I will risk everything this one time. Just this once, and I will not do it again! However..." He changed the subject, "You must give me half of that one hundred taels of gold!"

"What is that?" Gao Fan asked curiously

In front of the slightly ajar gate of Changle Residence, Huo Qubing paused his steps and suddenly changed his mind, returning to the street

But that is the residence of Princess Pingyang!" Gao Fan sighed and said, "You really know how to find someone.

Gao Fan opened the last brass lock on the bookshelf, let out a sigh, and sat down on the pile of books behind him, crossing his legs and urging, "You better hurry up, the night is long and dreams are many"

Huo Qubing sat still, using his fingers to snap the belts of the three bodyguards who lunged at him, causing them to grip their pants tightly in fear of making any sudden movements. Li Hong was equally decisive, throwing one person after another out.

"He is not ill, at least he is far more awake than you." The palace-dressed old woman shook her head and said, "Such a person is too talented to be a petty thief."

It is like a venomous snake lurking deep within the heart, quietly emerging to bite and torment him whenever the night grows deep and silent, causing him pain and inner conflict

The elderly woman in palace attire held a golden talisman in her hand, which she cast onto the ground, transforming into a series of faint golden halos. These halos rapidly expanded from her feet in all directions like ripples, quickly seeping into the ground

"You little rascal, trying to play the pig to eat the tiger again," Li Hong secretly cursed in her heart. A smile gradually appeared on her charming face as she said to Master Sun Er, "You should have said so earlier; I am someone who loves to take advantage of free meals."

"Naive girl." Huo Qubing continued walking forward without looking back: "What I mean is not this. When someone like me goes out at night, even if there is nothing happening, others always assume that something must have occurred. This is especially true for more beautiful girls."

Perhaps, in the eyes of his biological mother, he was merely an unwelcome burden? Huo Qubing felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if a sharp awl were piercing through it.

"I laugh at your foolishness." After a while, Huo Qubing's laughter finally ceased: "Have you forgotten that piece of jade accessory? If we foolishly register like everyone else, we would be undermining that person's reputation."

Soon, the dishes were served. Li Hong picked up a piece of pickled fish with her chopsticks and remarked, "Hmm, delicious."

"Sign up?" Huo Qubing paused in surprise, his wine cup halted, and suddenly burst into hearty laughter. His unrestrained laughter drew the attention of diners upstairs, who turned to look, yet he remained utterly unconcerned.

Then it depends on whether Chang'an is fun or not. Ah, there is a seat here, come quickly! The two ascended to the second floor, and Li Hongru, with keen eyes and quick feet, seized a table that a guest had just vacated after settling the bill, calling over Huo Qubing.

Is it true or not? Li Hongru looked at Huo Qubing with a mixture of belief and skepticism, as if trying to find traces of deceit on his face

"You are not considered foolish yet." Huo Qubing's eyes shone in the darkness: "Do you still wish to take those antiques away?"

"Are you afraid?" Li Hong's almond-shaped eyes widened in anger, "If you dare to touch even a single finger of mine, I will shoot you until you feel completely chilled to the bone"

"No way! There are empty tables upstairs, why should we give up ours?" Li Hong deeply disapproved of the fat man's behavior.

"If you dare to rob the tombs of the dead, how much more so the homes of the living?" Huo Qubing turned around, looking at Gao Fan with a smile that was not quite a smile.

Congratulations, the deal is done! Huo Qubing agreed exceptionally quickly, which made Gao Fan wonder if he should ask for a bit more

"The Imperial Guards are here!" someone shouted in the bustling tavern. Huo Qubing set down a small ingot of gold and called to Li and Tu Shuhong, saying: "Have you had enough fun? Do you want to spar with the Imperial Guards as well?"

Huo Qubing did not believe that his encounter with the other party was merely a coincidence. The most likely possibility was that the mission of this elderly woman in court attire was to protect the three volumes of Cao Can's notes treasured in the study

Gao Fan could no longer contain himself and hurriedly rushed to the antique shelf, removing his outer garment and quickly placing each precious item inside. He regrettably discovered that despite his earnest desire to follow his mother's teachings and turn over a new leaf, the inheritance from his father's bloodline ultimately triumphed over his persistent yearning for goodness

What are you laughing at?" Huo Qubing's laughter made Li Hong feel both shy and angry

"What do you want this for?" Gao Fan asked in confusion, "Are you thinking of changing careers to become a historian?"

Ordinary guards cannot stop you, let alone I, who am not a constable and have never liked apprehending people

The prosperous Chang'an reveals her enchanting beauty, distinct from that of the daytime, under the veil of night, making countless wanderers reluctant to part with her

Huo Qubing, calmly flipping through the stacks of bamboo slips and silk books illuminated by the faint light coming through the window, said lightly: "The lock-picking tool you are using is quite rare; it must be a family heirloom, right?"

"Mao Xue Wang, Suan Cai Yu, Spicy Chicken, Twice-Cooked Pork, Water-Boiled Sliced Meat..." Li Hongru looked at the menu and, regardless of how much she and Huo Qubing could actually eat, ordered a dozen famous Sichuan dishes in one go

Let us go to Zhangtai Street," Gao Fan said with excitement, "I have secretly inquired with the inn's staff and found out that the best brothels and the most beautiful women in Chang'an are all gathered on this street. Listening to the qin under the moonlight, with the fragrance of red sleeves adding to the charm, what a delightful and poetic life that is! If we could encounter great literary figures like Sima Xiangru or Dongfang Shuo, we might even leave behind a captivating tale of friendship through literature.

Wood Release! Gao Fan gazed at the ginkgo tree with uncertainty: "Who on earth is she?"

The attendant whispered, "The window seat you have is the best spot on the second floor. Every time Master Sun brings friends, he always sits here. Miss, you must be from out of town, right? No wonder you don't know. This Master Sun is a relative of the Duke of Wu'an, Chancellor Tian, and a well-known wealthy man in Chang'an. The business of this small establishment relies entirely on his patronage"

"Very well, in order to verify the truth of your words, I am prepared to sacrifice my sleep tonight and accompany a scoundrel at the cost of my life." Li Hongru's eyes flashed with a glimmer of cunning as she gracefully leaped down from the rooftop

"Give me a call, if someone dies, it's on me!" Master Sun Er's face turned as red as a pig's liver as he pointed at Li Hong and shouted.

Because I bet correctly, she obtained the answer to the question and there is no need for her to continue to engage with us

"Not right, not right, far from it." Li Hong said with a smile, shaking her delicate fingers like jade, "Think again."

The middle-aged man at the forefront, dressed extravagantly, appeared arrogant as his gaze swept across the restaurant and settled on the table where Huo Qubing and Li Hongru were seated. He beckoned to a nearby attendant and commanded, "Have two young men move aside and give us the table by the window. Hurry up!"

"False." After saying this, Huo Qubing left Li Hong and walked along the path he had come, the starlight casting his solitary shadow on the street, stretching it out particularly long and profound.

I want to go drink," Huo Qubing did not conceal this time: "It is best to return only when sober.

The fellow, seeing that persuasion was ineffective, approached Master Sun with a troubled expression for assistance. Master Sun, swaying slightly, stepped forward, placing his short, plump hands, which were as red as carrots, on the table, and said: "Name your price; how much will you offer to give up your seat?"

"Who do you think you are?" Li Hongru said while looking at Huo Qubing, intent on dragging this onlooker into the fray: "Is being wealthy and powerful really that impressive? If you have the guts, grab a sword and ride out to fight the Xiongnu savages!"

"Is that ten taels?" Seeing Li Hongru's finger still shaking, Master Sun snorted, "Do you perhaps want gold?"

Wait! I have made up my mind. Since I rarely come to the princess's residence, I should at least take some souvenirs; otherwise, it would be a pity