Chapter 9, The Killing Intent
Fish, that is what I desire; bear's paw, that is also what I desire. If I cannot have both, I will give up fish to obtain bear's paw. Life, that is what I desire; righteousness, that is also what I desire. If I cannot have both, I will give up life to obtain righteousness
He thought for a moment and then said: "However, the fact that Mencius has been passed down through the ages shows that people's hearts are inclined towards him"
The situation has turned out this way, and Xue Chongxun truly looks down on Feng Yuanjun even more. Is this all he is capable of? If his elder brother Gao Lishi were to find out about this matter, he would surely be furious.
Xue Chongxun said: "Because the feudal lords attack each other without restraint, resorting to any means, frequently slaughtering cities and committing atrocities, they completely lose their humanity, leaving the world filled only with violence and conflict. At this time, some individuals stand up to advocate for benevolence and righteousness, extolling the goodness of humanity, bringing a bit of sunshine and warmth to the world"
His eyes revealed a strong intent to kill; a true man must be ruthless. Whenever there is an opportunity, one must emphasize the principle of being merciless.
Let San Niang take action, as she can be made to bear the blame when absolutely necessary; the reason for having San Niang take action is that the other servants have been in the Xue residence for many years, frequently interacting with one another, and are quite familiar with each other. They may privately discuss the master's rewards and punishments, so it is always preferable to have one of them serve as a scapegoat rather than placing the burden of guilt on a newcomer.
Then the servant shook her head in confusion
Anxious and restless, Pang Er blushed and said, "Wife, why do you have to air our family's dirty laundry? Don't worry, Feng Yuanjun won't kill Pei Niang. Just wait a moment, and the lord will send someone to the residence to retrieve her."
The human heart tends towards goodness, yet it is not solely good. When the Yellow Emperor fought against Chiyou, humanity had just learned to use stones and had already mastered the art of war. As long as the human spirit endures, conflict will persist.
Xue Chongxun's lips curled into a faint smile, but it quickly vanished, replaced by a face full of anger as he exclaimed: "What kind of person is Feng Yuanjun, daring to capture my people in broad daylight? I will definitely skin him alive! Everyone, let go and do your work; if anything happens, I will handle it. He is merely a relative of a eunuch, does he really think he is something special?"
This coarse woman speaks in a vulgar manner, yet there is indeed some truth to it
Fang Yuzhong further stated: "After our people breach the main gate, a servant will feign going to deliver the news. At that time, my lord can follow him with your men."
Do not trouble Xishi any further, she is still lamenting: "My child, how can I live without her? She is all I have left. Pang Er is not capable. I beg the heavens not to take her away..."
Xue Chongxun paced a few steps, his figure somewhat solitary. He spoke to the maidservant, which was essentially akin to talking to himself: "However, Mencius was unable to realize his ideals, making the world peaceful. People still do not uphold benevolence and righteousness, and aggression continues unabated, even intensifying. Because you are kind-hearted and lenient, others will not be so. Once they have the opportunity, they will destroy you without mercy."
Xue Chongxun pondered for a moment and said: "Do not worry, I will personally handle this matter and ensure that Pei Niang is rescued. You all may leave for now. Pang Er, prepare the horses; go and instruct Fang Yuzhong and the others to meet me at Yinyun Studio."
Xue Chongxun walked to the door and secured it, then spoke in a low voice: "You will go in with us, pay attention to the conversation, and after confirming Feng Yuanjun's identity, then..." As he spoke, he raised his palm and struck downwards, "One strike to kill, leave no survivors"
Without the heart-wrenching expression of a beauty like Xi Shi, a person from hetushu.com cried with tears and snot: "I was thinking that Pei Niang didn't even have a decent-looking corset, so this morning I took some money and brought her to the West Market to choose one. Unexpectedly, a few big men suddenly rushed over and, without any explanation, took my Pei Niang away..."
Everyone cast a few discreet glances at her, and Xue Chongxun casually remarked: "You may call her San Niang from now on, as she will also be under my care."
It must be that Feng Yuanjun was mocked by others and wanted to regain his dignity. However, the one who humiliated him was the eldest son of Princess Taiping. Even if he had backing, he could not afford to offend the family of Princess Taiping. Yet, unable to swallow his pride, he could only resort to taking action against Xue Chongxun's maid, making a feeble attempt to regain a bit of face.
In the corner stood a woman dressed in black, her head and face completely shrouded in a black veil. The skin exposed at her wrists and other areas was astonishingly white, appearing even more pallid against the contrast of her dark attire. This ghostly woman, even standing in the corner during broad daylight, evoked a sense of chill.
Did you not hear what I said? This matter is now in my hands; what use is your crying here? Go back and wait!" Xue Chongxun's expression turned cold as he sternly shouted, causing the beautiful Xi Shi to have no choice but to withdraw.
After the servant at the door let them in, she did not allow Xishi and the groom Pang Er to enter together. Xishi and her daughter Pei Niang truly resembled each other, as if Pei Niang had an elder sister; both had delicate and graceful faces, and their skin was also very good. Before Xue Chongxun could inquire, Xishi suddenly knelt down on the ground, grasping the hem of Xue Chongxun's robe, and cried out: "My lord, please save my son, I beg you!"
Do not rush, speak slowly. What happened with the incident and the illustration book?
San Niang coldly said: "This is fate; I am only worthy of such a life"
The third lady, who had remained silent until now, said: "My life belongs to my benefactor. Whatever my benefactor asks me to do, I will not have a second word. However, after killing someone in public, I must leave Chang'an immediately and will need some traveling expenses."
Beside him, the foolish Pang Er simply summarized the lengthy discourse of not relying on Xi Shi: "Pei Niang was captured by Feng Yuanjun's men"
At this moment, Fang Yuzhong took out a piece of paper and placed it on the large table, "My lord, this is a sketch of the Feng residence, which I had someone infiltrate to ascertain the details."
Xue Chongxun, upon hearing this, said: "Bring her over."
Xue Chongxun shook his head and said, "You don't need to escape; you are mine, and I will not hand you over easily." A hint of a cold smile appeared on his face, "Who is guilty, who is at fault, who decides? The law? Then shouldn't Emperor Taizong have been subjected to the most severe punishment back then? Haha..."
Feng Yuanjun captured Pei Niang, he captured a maid... Xue Chongxun was somewhat surprised, but soon understood the reason.
The servant believed he was discussing grand matters such as the principles of governance and the mysteries of the universe. Although she did not understand, she stood by respectfully and motionless.
A narrow-minded and self-important person, feeling wronged, does not let the other party's background deter his anger. As soon as he becomes angry, it becomes manageable; he loses his composure, and there is always an opportunity. Xue Chongxun is like a silent wolf, closely watching the sheep in the pen, yet he does not rush to act.
At this moment, Xue Chongxun took out a waist token and picked up a pen to write a note, handing it to San Niang, saying: "At the Xiantong Bank in the Eastern Capital, you can withdraw silk and silver with these two items. Here are several ingots of gold, prepared for your use before you reach Luoyang. Whether to stay or leave, you decide for yourself"
Noting her tears, Xishi said: "My lord, you must be sure to rescue Pei Niang..."
At that moment, a sudden commotion arose at the garden gate. Xue Chongxun loudly inquired, "What is the disturbance?" From the other side came the voice of the cook, not flattering the beauty, saying, "My lord, my lord, please save my son..."
Xue Chongxun said: "Gao Lishi was originally named Feng Yuanyi. Previously, the Feng family was punished, and most of the Feng family members died. Feng Yuanjun is his only relative. If you want to escape, it may be very difficult to do so. Even if you manage to escape, you should be well aware of what it feels like to be hunted every day in the days to come"
He left the Duke Wei's residence and arrived at the nearby Yinyun Studio. Upon entering a side room, Fang Yuzhong and other trusted guards and servants were already waiting inside. The room was not large, accommodating about twenty people, which made it feel somewhat cramped.
Xue Chongxun waved his hand and said: "Go down and prepare the tools. Well, something like wooden sticks will do, preferably without causing any fatalities. We will set off shortly... San Niang, stay here."
How would Feng Yuanjun take revenge on himself? Xue Chongxun pondered this matter; he truly could not guess, but it was certain that Feng Yuanjun would not be able to swallow this grievance.
Another joke has emerged in the officialdom of Chang'an
"Yes, my lord." The crowd consisted of skilled fighters, naturally possessing a combative spirit, and at this moment, they were all somewhat excited
San Niang remained silent; she did not know whether to trust this man she had known for only a short time
The servants scattered like birds and beasts, leaving only the third daughter still standing in the corner of the room, not moving a step and not saying a word
"Very good," Xue Chongxun said as he looked at the blueprint. "We will send people to the library directly through the main entrance, without needing to waste words. We will strike as soon as we see anyone, taking them by surprise. First, we will take down the group of guards at the entrance, ensuring our initial advantage. Then we will head straight to Feng Yuanjun's residence. At this moment, he is short on manpower, so it will not be difficult to force him to hand over his people."
Not extending her hand to grab the face of the chubby boy, she felt both sad and angry: "You pig-headed fool! Can't you guess what Feng Yuanjun intends to do? There are rumors outside that the gentleman has sullied someone else's fiancée. They cannot afford to provoke the gentleman, but they cannot swallow their anger, so they will target the gentleman's household servants, which will surely ruin Pei Niang! Pei Niang is pure; she originally hoped to rely on the gentleman for the rest of her life. If Pei Niang becomes a withered flower, what good days will she have in the future..." Pei Niang is pure; she originally hoped to rely on the gentleman for the rest of her life. If Pei Niang becomes a withered flower, what good days will she have in the future...
The garden is resplendent with blooming flowers, showcasing an exquisite layout. In spring, the green leaves and red flowers compete to blossom, presenting a scene of opulence and beauty. Xue Chongxun, dressed in linen, holds an ancient-style thread-bound book in his hand, resembling a scholar. He said to the illiterate servant beside him: "Do you know why there was Mencius during the Eastern Zhou period?"
Xue Chongxun nodded in approval, stretching his neck to examine the drawing closely
Perhaps recalling the sound of children reading that day in the Yinyun Study, Xue Chongxun took out the "Mencius" and read it for a while
Fang Yuzhong stated: "There are a total of five entrances and exits. In addition to the main gate and several back doors of the side courtyards, the kitchen also has a small door, which is generally used by the servants responsible for procurement to come and go... Feng Yuanjun often frequents this place. The total population of the household is one hundred and twenty-three, excluding the female family members, gardeners, maids, and scholars who are not skilled in combat. There are more than twenty household servants who regularly guard the estate, which is comparable to the number of people we deploy."