Chapter Nine, The Youthful Scheme

Xu Wujiang and other leaders and officers were drinking at the Hedong market at that time, with some even staying out all night. He casually found an excuse to go to the Hedong market. Not to mention the military camp, one could easily find a ferry to cross the Baijian River—otherwise, swimming across the river in early spring would still be quite cold

Xu Huai did not delay, stuffing the silver ingot into his bosom, and walked straight towards the main gate of the military camp

"You keep it for now; I want to stay by the adult's side. If anything happens later, I will still need to trouble you," said Lu Xiong

"Adults residing in Tangzhou must be subject to the supervision of the local government. Whether they can remain in Huaiyuan depends on the decision of the Prefect Chen Shi," Lu Xiong said thoughtfully

Even Xu Huai received a share of the military pay, but the pay was all saved up by Di Niang for him. He usually did not have to worry about food, clothing, or expenses, and his pockets were truly very empty

Blocked by the eaves, Xu Huai stood by the window unable to see the bright moon in the night sky, yet the moonlight illuminated the courtyard, where two pomegranate trees in front of the corridor were sprouting tender buds, still faintly discernible.

Seeing Lu Xiong staring in surprise, Xu Huai also felt embarrassed, but he could not reveal the two types of medicine, could he just go and rob the pharmacy

Seeing the confusion and surprise in Lu Xiong's eyes, Xu Huai, with fewer reservations, pondered for a moment and asked: "At noon in the courtyard of the post station, I caught a glimpse of the official notice, stating that Lord Wang was demoted to Tangzhou for residence. However, is it possible for him not to go to Biyang City and instead remain in Huaiyuan Town? Huaiyuan Town is also considered part of Tangzhou's territory."

Xu Huai knows very little about the stories within the court, and is even quite unclear about Wang Bing's character and reputation as an official

Lu Xiong had not previously considered using such means to compel Wang Bing to remain in Huaiyuan, but he was not a person who adhered rigidly to conventions

To elevate the control of muscles and bones to a new level, a period of diligent practice is still required; however, the sensation of seeking and discovering the pathways and insights through diagrams and texts is truly remarkable

If one thinks this way, being involved in such matters is not entirely disadvantageous

Xu Huai opened the old lotus leaf wrap, only to find a piece of cooked mutton, which weighed about half a pound

At the Huaiyuan Inspection Office, over a hundred soldiers are able to maintain their daily training. Although Xu Wujiang and others appear to hold low ranks, they possess considerable skills in the martial atmosphere of the Huai River. Moreover, Deng Gui is a legitimate martial arts champion, and with strong bows and crossbows available in the military camp, any three to five assassins attempting to force their way into the military camp would be seeking their own demise

However, in today's world, it is too extravagant to desire meat in daily life

If Wang Bing and Lu Xiong could be persuaded to stay in Huaiyuan, he would not only be able to seize the initiative to a certain extent, but he could also continue to receive guidance from Lu Xiong in his daily activities

Xu Huaixin thought that if he could possess skills like Lu Xiong, or if he could master the Fumang Fist to reach the same level as Lu Xiong, his strength might even be greater. Why then would he need to fear three to five unscrupulous assassins

"What a fool! Next time, I'll take you along to drink, but you mustn't be so dazed and confused, just grabbing the pig's trotters and gnawing on them like there's no tomorrow," Xu Wujiang laughed heartily, taking out a lotus leaf-wrapped package from his pocket and said, "Here, take this and gnaw on it!"

The time spent in the willow grove receiving guidance from Lu Xiong was not long, but after a trip to the military camp, Xu Huai felt a gnawing hunger. Xu Huai did not have many memories of his childhood, but the sensation of hunger was always present. On ordinary days, without any oil or meat, even a meal consisting of a full pound of wheat cakes or coarse grain rice could not sustain him for half a day

Cai Ting, Wang Yongqi, and others, driven by personal desires, often colluded with the inner court eunuchs, fearing that the Censorate would refute their actions. They frequently encouraged His Majesty to issue edicts, which made the officials of the Censorate hesitant to oppose them. The esteemed individual disregarded personal honor and disgrace, repeatedly going against the Emperor's wishes, making their schemes difficult to realize. This time, there was also a fierce dispute with Cai Ting over a certain matter. The esteemed individual repeatedly resisted the imperial edicts and was ultimately accused of 'disrespect' and exiled to Tangzhou. The esteemed individual undertook these actions without regard for honor, disgrace, or safety. If he could remain in Huaiyuan, it would naturally be for the best, but I worry that he will not agree to feign illness.

"Where have you been at this late hour?" Xu Wujiang asked

Unable to sleep at night, I just walked around the village twice said Xu Huai

"Certainly," Xu Huai said

After persisting for a little over half an hour, he felt somewhat fatigued and stopped practicing, yet it was significantly easier than usual

Xu Wujiang's status is ultimately lowly; in the military camp, he can only be considered a minor soldier. His daily interactions are simple, and Di Niang takes care of everyone's living and dining needs. There are no maids or servants, and the front yard does not require a separate gatekeeper or reception room. Therefore, Xu Huai and Xu Xin'an each have their own individual rooms

Indeed, having already glimpsed the path, it is merely a matter of adapting to the new methods and integrating them into the previously learned techniques of the Fumang Fist and weaponry. Each day will bring different variations, yet there is no need to rush for immediate results

After parting ways with Lu Xiong, Xu Huai returned to his residence. At this moment, Xu Wujiang, reeking of alcohol yet full of energy, walked back with Xu Xinan.

Yushan Station is located between Huaiyuan and Biyang City, approximately sixty to seventy li from each side, and is referred to in contemporary terms as "one journey".

The assassin and the mastermind Cai Ting are unlikely to let the matter rest easily

"But is it that person behind you who suggested this?" Lu Xiong asked uncertainly

Xu Huai was aware that revealing the truth would not gain Lu Xiong's trust and would only complicate matters, so he said, "He wishes for Lord Wang to stay in Huaiyuan for easier covert support, but how to keep him here is something I thought of on the spur of the moment. Perhaps my method is somewhat absurd; does Lord Lu have any other good strategies?"

However, after Xu Huai practiced the techniques of sweeping with the side elbow and striking with the sinking elbow more than ten times, he began to feel soreness and discomfort in the muscles along the outer edge of his right arm

"There is no need for so much," Xu Huai said

In addition to a few weary post soldiers, Yushan Post is also significantly smaller than the Huaiyuan military stronghold, making it more susceptible to infiltration

"Oh, oh, oh, I have some silver here, do you think it is enough?" Lu Xiong took out a handful of silver coins from his inner pocket and handed them to Xu Huai

If one wishes to stay, one must strive to remain within the Huaiyuan military stronghold, and actions should be swift rather than delayed

Uncle Seventeen always assumes that I am naive and does not allow me to interfere in matters of money and property, and I am quite happy to refrain from intervening

Xu Huai secretly felt that his understanding of the body's muscles and bones was not particularly profound. If he were to continue training in this manner forcefully, he feared it would lead to injury to his tendons and bones

They have no need to confront Cai Ting, but Wang Bing's death in Tangzhou will not only become a blemish on their official careers, but it may also cause them to become victims of factional struggles within the court

Xu Wujiang entered the backyard, and the sound of his quiet murmurs with Su Di could be heard.

He also contemplated that it was unlikely for the assassin to seek him out first, but after Wang Bing was attacked in Biyang, it was still possible for the assassin to find him and eliminate him.

The initial stage often shows the most significant progress

"Alright, you should go get the medicine quickly," Lu Xiong said

Xu Huai remarked that Lu Xiong had never considered using such means, saying: "It is over 130 li to Biyang. Uncle Seventeen asked Xu Xinan to find a horse team to travel together. Unless there are unforeseen circumstances, we will split into two stages. I will go prepare the laxative now, and tomorrow morning I will set out with the horse team from the town. We will rest at Yushan Post at night, and by then, Master Lu must make a decision"

The attitude of Deng Gui, the inspector from Huaiyuan, today has not escaped his notice

Xu Huai left the military camp, and on the opposite bank of the river, a ferryboat was still docked, specifically engaged in the business of transporting inspection officers and soldiers. Xu Huai called for the boat to cross the river, hurried to the pharmacy to buy a packet of laxatives, and handed it over to Lu Xiong, all within less than half an hour.

"Can you leave the military camp at this time?" Lu Xiong asked with some hesitation

If Wang Laogong suddenly falls ill and is unable to get out of bed tomorrow morning, is there any possibility for Chen Shi to allow Wang Laogong to stay at the Huaiyuan military camp to recuperate?

In Huaiyuan Town, especially within the military camp, the relationships are much simpler, making it difficult for assassins to infiltrate; should an assassin dare to forcefully breach the military camp, the more than one hundred soldiers of the inspection office are not mere decorations

A more critical point is that Xu Huai is beyond the reach of Biyang.

The gatekeeper soldier, curled up in a wall nook with an iron spear, heard Xu Huai mention going to the military camp to find Xu Wujiang, and chuckled, "Has that old tigress from Xu Jieji's family gone on a rampage again? It seems Xu Jieji will have to keep us company on the wall tonight"

Lu Xiong's eyes lit up

However, in Tangzhou, the Prefect Chen Shi and the various civil officials of the Prefectural and Biyang County Yamen had no connection with Cai Ting

Cai Ting has supervised military affairs for nearly twenty years, until he took charge of the Privy Council. His former students and officials are spread throughout the Privy Council as well as the garrison and auxiliary military systems in various provinces, and his influence can even permeate down to the most grassroots levels of the inspection offices and patrol offices.

Xu Huai swung his right arm to the side, attempting to execute the whip hammer technique. He could feel that the continuity between the side elbow sweep and the sinking elbow impact had noticeably improved.

And in this vast world, is there any place he cannot go?

Certainly, Cai Ting must ensure that Wang Bing is killed. The acceptable limit for officials such as Governor Chen Shi and Bi Yang County Magistrate Cheng Lunyin is likely that Wang Bing dies from an "accident," and it is preferable that this "accident" occurs outside of their line of sight, so they can confidently shift the blame onto one or two low-ranking officials.

Although the Inspection Department is part of the Privy Council system, it is primarily under the control of the County Military Office and the Provincial Military Command in local areas (subject to the constraints of civil officials). Even if Deng Gui is willing, individuals like Xu Wujiang, who come from local power backgrounds, would certainly be unwilling to act as scapegoats and would watch as Wang Bing is assassinated in the military camp.

However, as he recalled the situation in front of Eagle's Mouth Cliff, Wang Bing indeed had the intention to seek death to avoid implicating others. He secretly felt that persuading Wang Bing to cooperate by feigning illness and remain in Huaiyuan would not be easy

Xu Huai returned to his room, not even removing his boots and socks, and lay on the bed in his clothes, contemplating the many events of the day. He gnawed on a piece of cooked mutton a few times, then stood by the window and pushed it open

Does Master Lu have any wealth? The market has shops that sell medicine, and a couple of doses of laxatives aren't worth much, but it still requires money...

Although the guidance from Lu Xiong was brief, Xu Huai's experience was entirely different

That will do. Xu Huai said

Lu Xiong widened his eyes, filled with questions: How could Xu Wujiang and the others regard the young man before them as a fool

He is well aware of the chaotic mix of fish and dragons in Biyang, but where Wang Bing stays is not something they can decide

Although this courtyard is small, it has no side rooms in the front yard, and directly opposite the flower hall, there is a reverse house facing south and north, which consists of three rooms.

"May I go to the market now to buy some laxatives and add them to the elder's tea as you see fit?" Xu Huai asked again

Biyang County is the seat of the Tangzhou Prefecture, with a population of around 60,000 to 70,000 residents. There are also many merchants and travelers passing through. If assassins were to make another attempt, it would be very difficult for Lu Xiong alone to ensure Wang Bing's safety

Of course, Lu Xiong was also well aware of Wang Bing's character, and he said with difficulty:

In the long, endless night, Xu Huai once again contemplated the key points taught by Lu Xiong in the willow grove. With his legs standing weakly, in the profound stillness of the night, he focused more intently on sensing the essentials of the Fumang stance, specifically the principles of "lifting" and "supporting"