Chapter One, The Sound of Autumn (Volume Two)
Qujiang Pool, also known as Furong Pool, is located in the southeast of Chang'an City, covering an area equivalent to an entire block. The pavilions and towers along the banks are mostly summer retreats for high-ranking officials and nobles, and in reality, very few people reside there. There are also many descendants of noble families who have fallen on hard times, quietly converting part of their courtyards to rent out to wealthy scholars who come to Chang'an for study. They call it "assisting the literary pursuits," but in essence, it is merely a matter of taking advantage of the other party's wealth. There are also many descendants of noble families who have fallen on hard times, quietly converting part of their courtyards to rent out to wealthy scholars who come to Chang'an for study. They call it "assisting the literary pursuits," but in essence, it is merely a matter of taking advantage of the other party's wealth
The foreign guest who closely followed Master Gao was known as Cen Qilang. Upon seeing Master Gao's bloodied face, he mistakenly believed that he had indeed been killed by a brick. Enraged, he let out a furious roar, drew his treasured sword from his waist, and lunged at Yuwen Zhi, aiming to stab him.
Wang Xun lowered his head, and after much effort, he finally recognized the bruised and battered figure before him as his good friend Ma Fang. This person was considered a prominent figure in the streets of Chang'an, known for his charm and elegance. Today, however, he had been beaten to the point where even his mother would not recognize him, which illustrated just how tyrannical the troublemakers were. Wang Xun reached out and patted the other man's shoulder, softly reassuring him: "Brother Ma, do not worry. Today, even if I have to chase them to the ends of the earth, I will seek justice for you. How are the two brothers from the Qin family? Do we need to immediately summon a doctor?"
In less than a quarter of an hour, reinforcements had arrived at the entrance of the cockfighting arena. Seeing the chaos inside, Wang Xun was filled with rage. He pointed his riding whip at one of the main attendants and whispered sternly, "Is this how you let them smash things? What are your hands and feet for, to be used as firewood? Hurry up and chop them off, that's the proper course of action!"
Suddenly, Master Gao was caught off guard, struck on the forehead by a brick, and fell backward. "Someone has died!" It was unclear who shouted this, but the other onlookers immediately fell into chaos, rushing about in a panic, fearing they would suffer the collateral damage.
A group of useless people, I have always treated you well! Knowing full well that it was not the fault of the crew, Wang Xun still could not accept the reality of having his event disrupted. Just as he was about to find a couple of unsatisfactory individuals to deal with, someone stumbled out of the room, rushing forward to grab his reins. "Er Lang! Today we have suffered a great loss. Hurry and chase after them, those foreign bastards have run towards Qujiang!"
Wang Xun hated him for using underhanded tactics, and thus he no longer held back. He placed both palms on the opponent's shoulders and lifted his leg to trip at the opponent's shin. If he succeeded in tripping him, even if the foreigner did not suffer a fracture, he would likely be bedridden for months due to a dislocation. Just as the thought crossed his mind, in a flash, he suddenly stirred his arms upward, surprisingly using Wang Xun's force to propel his body upward, evading the deadly strike aimed at his lower body. Then, like a shadow, he circled around Wang Xun like a butterfly, swinging his elbow down toward the back of Wang Xun's neck. Just as the thought crossed his mind, in a flash, he suddenly stirred his arms upward, surprisingly using Wang Xun's force to propel his body upward, evading the deadly strike aimed at his lower body. Then, like a shadow, he circled around Wang Xun like a butterfly, swinging his elbow down toward the back of Wang Xun's neck
In a flash, the scene unfolded like a rabbit leaping and a hawk swooping down, merely a matter of an instant. The onlookers around, unable to escape in time, were all stunned, mouths agape, completely forgetting to cheer. However, the attendants in the following carriage reacted swiftly, jumping down and drawing their swords to encircle both the perpetrator and the rescuer in the center. They awaited a word from the woman in the carriage, ready to dismember everyone on the spot.
Ah! The onlookers around gasped in shock. This was no ordinary fight; it was a life-and-death struggle. The timid closed their eyes and turned to leave, to avoid being summoned by the authorities later as witnesses, bringing upon themselves a stroke of bad luck. The bolder ones held their breath, wide-eyed, watching to see which of the local ruffians or the outsider would strike first.
"Injustice in the world, everyone has a say!" The outsider smiled faintly, retreating with alternating steps, narrowly avoiding Wang Xun's sharpness. Then, with a very casual wave of his left arm, the wide sleeve of his robe swept towards Wang Xun's ankle like floating dust
After a prolonged stalemate, both combatants began to sweat profusely. Wang Xun was anxious, while his opponent, an outsider, was struggling due to his advanced age and could no longer rely on his physical strength. With a few sharp commands, both sides simultaneously altered their tactics. Wang Xun, leveraging his strength and long reach, advanced forward, preparing to employ the close-quarters grappling techniques of the Turks to gain the upper hand. The outsider transformed his fists into claws, targeting Wang Xun's joints with a ruthless joint-locking technique commonly used in the martial arts world. Wang Xun, utilizing his strength and long reach, advanced forward, preparing to employ the close-quarters grappling techniques of the Turks to gain the upper hand. The outsider transformed his fists into claws, targeting Wang Xun's joints with a ruthless joint-locking technique commonly used in the martial arts world.
The two gentlemen from Qin have gone to find some assistance. They will be here shortly! Without waiting for Ma to speak, the kneeling servant proactively responded on his behalf.
Hmm. Ma Fang wiped away her tears, responding like a sulking little girl.
Like a tiger colliding with a leopard, there was a muffled sound as both parties crashed into each other. Subsequently, four arms flailed, fists pounding like drums on each other's backs. If this continued, the outsider would surely be beaten to the point of spitting blood, but Wang Xun would not necessarily gain any advantage. The companions of both sides could not bear to see their own people get hurt, shouting loudly and rushing forward. Among the onlookers, several individuals stepped out from the crowd, attempting to separate the two parties locked in combat to prevent mutual destruction. The companions of both sides could not bear to see their own people get hurt, shouting loudly and rushing forward. Among the onlookers, several individuals stepped out from the crowd, attempting to separate the two parties locked in combat to prevent mutual destruction
"What does it matter to you whether I cheat or gamble!" Wang Xun had no intention of reasoning with the other party. His earlier shout was merely to avoid the infamous reputation of being ambushed from behind. Hearing that the outsider not only showed no intention of apologizing but also turned the tables to accuse him of cheating at gambling, he was filled with rage. Immediately, he kicked off the stirrup with his left foot, exerted force with his right foot, and leaped off the horse like a hawk, his feet coming together in mid-air like a pair of iron pestles, aiming directly at the chest of the outsider who had slandered him.
Before he could catch his breath, Wang Xun, one of the rescuers, was also taken aback. Just over an hour ago, he had mocked that the officials in the capital were as numerous as the hairs on a cow, and that any fire could easily claim the lives of over twenty generals. Little did he expect that retribution would come so swiftly; he had merely engaged in a scuffle, and yet it had resulted in at least a princess. In his grandfather's time, such a calamity would hardly have been considered significant. However, now, the so-called Young Marquis Wang was merely a viscount living off his family's fortune, bullying a few ordinary commoners without a second thought. What right did he have to provoke a princess adorned with a carriage entirely decorated in white bronze?
Where to run! How could Cen Qilang let go of this "real murderer" who killed his friend? He drew his sword and gave chase. It was no wonder that Yu Wen Zhi was unfortunate; after just a few steps, a sudden scream echoed from the street ahead, and several carriages wrapped in white copper came barreling straight towards him.
What are you all doing kneeling there? Hurry and help Young Master Ma to see the doctor! Knowing that Ma Fang has been beaten to this state, when he goes home to face his coffin-faced father, he will surely receive another beating. Wang Xun pointed at the kneeling subordinates who were begging for mercy and commanded loudly.
The eight-liang horse-drawn carriage, adorned entirely in white bronze, was pulled by a team of uniformly chestnut-colored ponies. Regardless of who was seated inside the carriage, if they were harmed today, even if Yuwen Zhi had three heads, it would not be enough to appease the situation. Thus, he could not afford to deal with Cen Qilang's pursuit any longer and took off in pursuit of the carriage. Cen Qilang was momentarily taken aback by Yuwen Zhi's sudden change, but soon realized that he had caused a great disaster today. He abandoned his sword and followed closely behind Yuwen Zhi, leaping in pursuit.
If he were to be hit now, he would surely be shattered into pieces. Yu Wenzhi let out another horrifying scream, his legs suddenly lifting more than half a zhang high, as he leaped over the back of the horse pulling the first carriage. At that moment, Cen Qilang was also chasing closely, and without time to gather himself, he too exerted his legs with force, soaring past the same horse's back like a falcon.
Ah—inside the carriage pulled by the startled horse, a woman let out a piercing scream. Yet the carriage did not pause for a moment, the shafts striking against the stones by the roadside, sending up a shower of sparks
From a young age, Yuwen Zhi had followed Wang Xun around, trusting in his good friend's skills. With a promise, he led the strong servants to form half a circle behind him. On the other side, known as Master Gao, Cen Qilang and his two companions, along with a group of outsiders, were equally bold. Seeing that Yuwen Zhi and the others did not step forward to assist, they slowly formed the other half of the circle. It was like two armies facing each other, their faces reflecting the distance between Yuwen Zhi and the others.
The group of troublemaking outsiders fled swiftly, barely reaching the banks of Qujiang Pool, where Wang Xun and the others finally caught up with a group of figures. "It's them!" Yu Wenzhi shouted, his eyes bloodshot, pointing at the others, "Don't run, if you have the guts, stop right there!"
How could a person with two legs outrun a startled horse with four legs? As the white bronze carriage was about to be crashed into the blue brick wall of a nearby house by the startled horse, the woman's screams from inside the carriage changed pitch, coming in fits and starts. Yu Wenzhi closed his eyes, feeling all his strength drain away in an instant. Had he known it would come to this, why would he have taken on this task? He had thought he could take the opportunity to please someone, to find a way out for himself, and later restore the glory of the Yu Wen family. Yet, unexpectedly, before he could see a way out, the gates of hell were already looming before him.
Hearing the sound of hooves approaching from behind, the group of outsiders remained calm. One tall, thin man who appeared to be around forty turned his head and smiled as he complained to another middle-aged man, who was quite handsome in both stature and attire, "See, I told you, hitting the child would bring out his mother! Am I right?"
Do not wait any longer; let them follow along this street. I will take people to pursue the culprit right away!" Wang Xun patted Ma Fang's shoulder again, signaling him to release his mount.
Something is wrong! Hearing the woman's scream, Yu Wenzhi instantly became alert. He was also a descendant of a prominent family, and although his family's fortunes had declined for many years, the influence he had received was still present. He was well aware of the clothing regulations and the hierarchy of carriages in the Tang Dynasty. A carriage adorned with white bronze was at least reserved for noble families, or for princesses and their consorts. If this were a few years ago, during the time when His Majesty the Emperor was advocating frugality, it was also quite possible that a princess was seated inside such a carriage. A carriage adorned with white bronze was at least reserved for noble families, or for princesses and their consorts. If this were a few years ago, during the time when His Majesty the Emperor was advocating frugality, it was also quite possible that a princess was seated inside such a carriage.
Then teach his mother how to manage her child!" Another middle-aged man turned around gracefully, smiled slightly at Wang Xun, and said, "You set up a scheme to cheat in gambling and deceive people out of their money. Do you think you have a reason for that? Oh, why is there another half-grown child? Go back and have your elders come to speak!
Yuwen Zhi's thoughts were entirely focused on his good friend Wang Xun, completely oblivious to the intentions of others. Seeing the foreign guests approaching swiftly and knowing full well that he was no match for them, he gritted his teeth, picked up a brick from the ground, and hurled it at the nearest scholar, who appeared to be around forty years old.
You think you can just leave after causing a scene? Is there no law in this Chang'an city? Wang Xun fiercely lashed the horse twice, accelerating to chase after the other party
Hey! Wang Xun suddenly lunged forward, dodging the opponent's lethal strike. He then turned and attacked the foreigner's abdomen. The foreigner raised his palm to meet the attack, trapping Wang Xun's fist, and with a pull and a push, he surprisingly neutralized Wang Xun's offensive move, before launching a fierce counterattack.
The attacks were decisive, and the counters were swift, prompting both sides' onlookers to cheer loudly. The moment the strike was launched, it caught Wang Xun off guard; the elegant middle-aged man did not take the opportunity to pursue but instead waved his hand behind him, smiling as he instructed, "Finally, someone with decent skills has arrived. Cen Qilang, Gao Fuzi, you all should not interfere. Let me have some fun with him."
Note 1: Lingyan Pavilion is a memorial dedicated to the meritorious officials of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin. It features portraits of twenty meritorious officials. Among them are many of his trusted civil officials. However, the public perceives that figures such as Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling, who have long been involved in military affairs, belong to the category of both civil and military talents and cannot be considered mere scholars
"Pursue! Dig three feet into the ground, and today we must root them out!" Wang Xun forcefully kicked the horse's belly and charged fiercely towards the direction of Qujiang Pool.
At that moment, when it was said that hetushu.com was late, it was actually quick. Just as he closed his eyes, two figures suddenly lunged towards the front of the carriage. One was Wang Xun, who was wrestling with someone and rolling on the ground, covered in mud. The other was a burly man, who was even half a head taller and two sizes broader than Wang Xun. The two of them almost lunged at the same time, exchanging a tacit glance in mid-air. Immediately, Wang Xun's body sank sharply, diving straight towards the yoke of the carriage. The burly man then let out a furious shout, "Get down!" His fist, as large as a bowl, came crashing down from above, striking a startled horse on the neck.
Wang Xun and Yu Wen Zhi led five strong attendants, rushing through the crowd. The streets, still muddy from the rain that had fallen the day before, splashed with gray mud as the horses' hooves struck the ground, drenching passersby. The common people pointed and whispered at the receding figures, their curses unending. The riders, however, acted as if they had heard nothing.
Note 2: The Chinese foot, one foot is approximately equivalent to twenty-three centimeters in modern measurements
In the Tang Dynasty, a martial spirit prevailed, and there was a saying among the people: "There is not a single scholar atop Lingyan Pavilion!" Therefore, the authorities did not strictly prohibit private fights. As long as no fatalities occurred, it was common for the local constables to remain absent until a fight was concluded. As evening approached, the number of visitors near Qujiang Pool dwindled, making both the time and location ideal for a brawl
Just then, several groups of idle people returning from the Qujiang area happened to pass by. Upon seeing a fight, they cheerfully gathered around, forming an additional layer of spectators on the outside, continuously shouting encouragement and cheering.
In the Tang Dynasty, it was fashionable for scholars to wear a sword at their waist. Typically, the blade would be left unsharpened to avoid accidentally injuring oneself. However, Cen Qilang's sword was certainly an exception; as soon as it was drawn, it immediately emitted a dazzling cold light. Despite Yu Wen Zhi's usual brazen behavior in the marketplace, he had never truly killed anyone. Upon seeing his opponent in a desperate struggle, he was so frightened that he let out a scream and fled.
At this moment, the surroundings had become much quieter, with only the heavy sounds of fists and feet colliding echoing in the air. In the blink of an eye, both sides exchanged over ten moves again. Wang Xun seized an opening from his opponent and, using his leg like a whip, swept horizontally with all his might. The foreign guest nimbly leaped aside once more, then immediately aimed a kick at his knee. Wang Xun did not evade; instead, he advanced half a foot. The two men's thighs collided in mid-air, producing a loud "bang". Wang Xun retreated, gathering strength for a counterattack. The foreign guest stumbled back a few steps, unable to steady himself to retaliate, and could only let out a loud shout as he charged in with his shoulder. The two men's thighs collided in mid-air again, producing another loud "bang". Wang Xun retreated, gathering strength for a counterattack. The foreign guest stumbled back a few steps, unable to steady himself to retaliate, and could only let out a loud shout as he charged in with his shoulder.
With a loud whinny, one of the two startled horses let out a tragic cry, writhing in pain and collapsing weakly to its knees. Following closely, the other horse was also brought down by a burly man. Just before the cart could overturn, Wang Xun wrapped his arms around the yoke, took a few steps in the direction of the cart's momentum, and forcefully applied the brake. "Whoa!" he shouted loudly, his eyes bulging as if they might burst with blood. The cart surged forward a few more steps before finally coming to a halt just before colliding with the wall.
In order to ensure the safety of their journey, the other party deliberately chose the Shiwai horse, known for its endurance but relatively short stature, which allowed them to narrowly escape disaster. Had they opted for the Turkic horse or the Khitan horse from the military, both Yuwen Zhi and Cen Qilang, who was pursuing him, would have undoubtedly been trampled and left incapacitated by the draft horses. However, they managed to escape with their lives, while the draft horses, accustomed to a life of luxury in noble households, had never experienced such a fright. Suddenly, a roar echoed from the middle of the convoy, and two draft horses, disregarding the shouts of the drivers from the front and back of the team, bolted down the main road, dragging the cart and heading straight for the nearby open ground.
It is no wonder that they fear chaos in the world; the duel between the two individuals is indeed spectacular. Although Wang Xun is only seventeen years old, he has already reached a height of around eight feet, with great strength and long legs, his movements creating a gust of wind. The foreign guest is slightly shorter than Wang Xun by half a foot and narrower by three inches, yet he is remarkably well-proportioned. Upon realizing that his opponent possesses great strength and heavy strikes, he immediately adopts a strategy of evasion, skillfully avoiding direct confrontation. With every gesture, he appears ethereal, as if a wild crane is dancing with a fierce tiger, not only maintaining his composure but also adding an air of elegance.
This situation may seem understated, but if he were unfortunate enough to be caught up in it, Wang Xun would surely end up with a head full of injuries. Fortunately, Wang Xun, despite being a young dandy, has performed adequately; although he hasn't thoroughly read several large volumes, his martial skills are quite refined. Seeing the outsider's swift attack, he quickly straightened and twisted his waist in mid-air, managing to abruptly halt his momentum, and his legs evaded the opponent's attack range, landing gracefully several feet away like a wild goose.
"Second Master, we have done our utmost. They are numerous and all skilled fighters; we truly cannot hold them back!" The attendants, terrified, knelt on the ground, trembling and pleading.
Wang Xun was an experienced fighter. As soon as he exchanged blows, he realized that before the Qin brothers brought in their new reinforcements, his companions and bodyguards behind him, even if they rushed forward together, would likely not be a match for the group of outsiders before him. Therefore, seeing that the opponent was willing to engage in a one-on-one fight, he was more than happy to take the opportunity to buy some time. He glanced back and smiled, advising, "You all wait for now, so as not to let anyone say we are bullying outsiders"
Although it was already close to evening, the East Market remained crowded with people jostling against one another. Upon hearing the hurried sound of hooves, the common folk knew that the few young masters who usually flaunted their power were about to cause trouble again, and they quickly pushed and shoved each other to the roadside, clearing a path for the ruffians.
This appropriate tactic attracted more cheers for him, as the uninformed spectators instinctively directed their praise towards the more visually appealing performer. Yu Wenzhi and others, unwilling to see their side's momentum overshadowed by the enemy, could only shout desperately. As a result, not only did they fail to turn the situation around, but the cheers for the outsiders also grew louder. The continuously rising cheers quickly drew in more spectators. With more spectators joining the fray, the cheers became even more intense, even surpassing the evening bell of the Ci'en Temple. Ultimately, not only did they fail to turn the situation around, but the cheers for the outsiders continued to swell. The ever-increasing cheers rapidly attracted more onlookers. More spectators joined the viewing ranks, further intensifying the cheers, which even drowned out the evening bell of the Ci'en Temple.
Sigh, just go, just go! The fellows, seeing that he no longer pursued the matter, felt as if they had been granted a great pardon. They helped the Second Young Master Ma up from the ground and carried him towards the clinic at the entrance of the alley like stars supporting the moon