Chapter 7, the revenge is ruthless
"Iron Arhat Shi Longbiao and Hu Gongshan's disciple! No wonder they are so formidable!" Wu Xi, one of the Wu family brothers, exclaimed. He usually admires skilled martial artists in the Jianghu, so he is well aware of the prowess of these two individuals. He gestured in admiration and said, "I heard that Hu Gongshan can shatter six whole blue bricks with just one palm strike. Just how strong must he be? I also heard that he practices the Qigong of Zhongnan Mountain, which is simply beyond description in terms of its power."
Useless things, is this the kind of matter you come to me for? Does that little devil dare to kill you? Ao Bai secretly laughed at Wu Yuanming's incompetence. Ao Bai thought that although the crime of attacking the princess was serious, Wu Sangui held tens of thousands of elite troops stationed in the southwest, eyeing the Central Plains. At present, the confrontation between Kang Xiaosan and himself was imminent. That little devil Kang Xiaosan was still trying to curry favor with Wu Sangui, so how could he dare to kill you, Wu Sangui's eldest son? At most, it would just be an imperial decree to reprimand you and Wu Sangui a few times, impose a fine on your salary for a few years, and reduce major issues to minor ones, and minor issues to nothing. Ao Bai thought that although the crime of attacking the princess was serious, Wu Sangui held tens of thousands of elite troops stationed in the southwest, eyeing the Central Plains. At present, the confrontation between Kang Xiaosan and himself was imminent. That little devil Kang Xiaosan was still trying to curry favor with Wu Sangui, so how could he dare to kill you, Wu Sangui's eldest son? At most, it would just be an imperial decree to reprimand you and Wu Sangui a few times, impose a fine on your salary for a few years, and reduce major issues to minor ones, and minor issues to nothing.
"What are you going to do at the residence of Lord Ao? You and he have had no contact at all, have you?" The three brothers, Wu Fu, Wu Lu, and another, asked in astonishment in unison. However, Wu Yuanming only sneered and refused to answer, continuously urging them to prepare the carriage quickly. Unable to persuade him, Wu Fu had no choice but to send his son to prepare the carriage for Wu Yuanming. In the end, Wu Fu asked again, "Young Master, what gift do you plan to bring to Lord Ao? Given Lord Ao's temperament, it would be difficult to speak if you do not bring a present of some value."
"The heir of the Prince of Pingxi?" The Geshaha from the Ao residence cast a disdainful glance at Wu Yuanming. Wu Yingxiong had been married for fifteen years and had not even been able to touch his wife's hand, earning him the notorious reputation of being a complete failure, which had spread throughout the capital. Thus, even the Geshaha from the Ao residence looked down upon Wu Yingxiong. However, considering the heavy silver ingot, the Geshaha still grunted, saying, "Wait here, I will go report to the Xiangye."
"How could this prince blame you?" Wu Yuanming endured the pain, forcing a faint smile on his face, and said gently, "Those few guards are the proud disciples of the renowned Iron Arhat Shi Longbiao from the martial world, and they have been personally taught martial arts by the palace's foremost expert, Hu Gongsan. Their skills are truly remarkable. That stubborn mule who struck this prince was once a bandit from the Northeast, known for being particularly ruthless and merciless."
"I am fine," Wu Yuanming replied with a grin. Although he felt as if his entire body was on fire with pain, Wu Yuanming was still young and strong, and his injuries were merely superficial. After catching his breath for a moment, he struggled to sit up, but Wu Fu hurriedly stopped him, saying, "Your Highness, you must not move; you need to rest properly for two days."
"Aren't you Shi Jianmei? Why have you changed your name to Suqiu? And how did you end up here as a maid for Lord Ao?" Wu Yuanming asked in astonishment, his face filled with surprise. "How is your fiancé, Wei Dongting, Lord Wei? As a third-rank guard in the Imperial Palace, a prominent figure in front of the current Emperor, how could he allow you, his unwed wife, to be here as a servant? And what about your adoptive father, Shi Longbiao? The Iron Arhat Shi Longbiao, who specializes in teaching martial arts to young Buku, why isn't he taking care of you? Your fellow disciples, Mu Zixu, the stubborn donkey, and Hao Laosi, why aren't they looking after you, their senior sister?"
"Lord Ao, if you do not agree to save me," Wu Yuanming cried like a woman, saying, "I will kneel before you and die without getting up, without getting up." At this point, everyone in the room could almost guess Wu Yuanming's intention—he must have been in some grave trouble and had come here to seek Lord Ao's assistance.
Ao Bai returned to his seat, and with a cough, the conversation in the room immediately ceased. Only then did Ao Bai speak to Wu Yuanming: "Young Master Wu, I have thought it over. It is not that I am unwilling to help you through this difficult time, but the matter between you and the princess is a family issue. As an outsider, I truly do not wish to interfere. How about this: when I enter the palace, I will privately speak a few words on your behalf to the Empress Dowager, asking her to intervene and resolve the family grievances. With her compassion and kindness, I believe she will be able to restore harmony between you and your wife. What do you think, Young Master?"
"Crown Prince, you put me in a difficult position. You do not explain why you seek my help. How can I save you?" Aobai felt secretly pleased; his ambition to usurp the throne had not been a matter of just one or two days. However, there were many loyal ministers to the Aisin Gioro clan among the court officials, and Aobai did not have absolute confidence in his success. If he could do a favor for Wu Sangui's eldest son, it might be possible to win Wu Sangui's support, which would greatly benefit his own plans for usurpation. His ambition to usurp the throne had not been a matter of just one or two days. However, there were many loyal ministers to the Aisin Gioro clan among the court officials, and Aobai did not have absolute confidence in his success. If he could do a favor for Wu Sangui's eldest son, it might be possible to win Wu Sangui's support, which would greatly benefit his own plans for usurpation.
"Young Master, you have finally awakened. How do you feel? I was almost beside myself with worry. If anything were to happen to you, how would I explain it to the Prince?" Upon seeing Wu Yuanming open his eyes, Wu Fu first felt a surge of joy, then he began to cry and blame himself, "Young Master, it is all the fault of my family's incompetence for not being able to protect you well, causing you to suffer. Young Master, does your wound still hurt? Please bear with it for a moment; I have already sent someone to summon Doctor Zhou, he will be here soon."
"Your Highness, I am Su Qiu, what questions do you have?" The beautiful young girl replied with a clear and melodious voice, her bright and clear eyes blinking. ... However, the next question from Wu Yuanming caused her face to change color, nearly making her faint from fright ...
"Lord Ao, I beseech you to save my life." Before Ao Bai could inquire further, Wu Yuanming fell to his knees before Ao Bai, wailing like a ghost and crying out, "Lord Ao, I implore you, for the sake of the friendship between you and my father, to spare my life. I am willing to serve you like a beast of burden in gratitude for your great kindness and virtue."
"It's nothing, help me sit up." Wu Yuanming insisted on getting up. Wu Fu and Hong Shao had no choice but to assist Wu Yuanming in sitting up properly. Wu Yuanming endured the intense pain throughout his body and gasped as he asked, "Wu Fu, how long have I been unconscious?"
Lord Ao, the matter is as follows: this morning, I, due to my infatuation, had an encounter with one of Her Highness the Princess's maid..." Wu Yuanming tearfully recounted the events. However, he would not mention the coercion of Hong Shao to bed or his dissatisfaction with the Manchu rule that led to the beating of Princess Jian Ning. He only stated that after fifteen years without female company, he could no longer restrain himself and had an affair with Hong Shao. When Princess Jian Ning discovered this, he lightly struck her a few times to protect Hong Shao, which was a culmination of accumulated grievances. Later, he was naturally beaten by Wei Dongting and the stubborn donkey, but he would not speak of the coercion of Hong Shao or his discontent with the Manchu rule. Wu Yuanming would inevitably embellish the story, portraying several young guards of Kangxi as lewd and malicious.
"Lord Ao, I must express my dissent," Ban Buer said, blinking his triangular eyes. "I believe that allowing Kang Xiaosan to handle this useless scoundrel's serious crime would bring us greater benefits."
"Young Master, you have been unconscious for approximately two incense sticks' worth of time," Wu Fu replied, choking back tears. Wu Yuanming let out a sigh of relief, thinking that there was still time. At that moment, the three brothers, Wu Lu, Wu Shou, and Wu Xi, crawled a few steps closer to Wu Yuanming, and together they bowed their heads and wept, saying: "Young Master, it is all our fault for being useless, for not being able to protect you, allowing the thieves to injure you in our home. Young Master, please punish us; we are willing to accept any punishment."
"Are you suggesting that we exploit this good-for-nothing to make a case against the princess, using the military funds of the Wu fief? How should I proceed with this matter?" Ao Bai pondered and inquired
"Young Master, you are injured and still want to go there? Be careful not to aggravate your wound," Wu Fu hurriedly asked. Wu Yuanming let out a sinister laugh and replied, "It's nothing, this Young Master can still hold on. Quickly prepare the carriage, or it will be too late. This Young Master is going to visit Ao Bai, the Grand Guardian Ao."
"Young Master, please have some tea." As Su Qiu placed the teacup on the table beside Wu Yuanming and was about to turn to leave, Wu Yuanming suddenly exclaimed, "You are Su Qiu?"
In the twelfth year of the Shunzhi reign, the tax revenue of our Great Qing was merely over 7 million taels of silver, yet the Three Feudatories demanded over 9 million taels for military expenses. If it were not for the gold and silver left by Zhu Ming and Li Zicheng, as well as the wealth plundered by the Eight Banners army, the court would have already been unable to support itself. Ban Buershan slowly said: "By the sixth year of the Kangxi reign, Wang Xu, the Deputy Minister of Revenue, submitted a memorial to the court, arguing that the military expenses of the Three Feudatories placed an excessive burden on the court and requested a reduction in their military funding. Although the Wu Feudatory was reluctant to accept this, it had no choice but to agree to reduce its military funding from 3 million to 2 million taels, as both the Geng and Seng Feudatories consented to the reduction. However, the dissatisfaction in the Wu Feudatory's heart is understandable; what it yearned for day and night was how to increase its military funding."
Indeed. With a crisp and pleasant response, everyone present, including Ao Bai, felt their eyes brighten. A tall and athletic maid entered, carrying a tea tray. This maid, named Su Qiu, was exceptionally beautiful, her looks not at all inferior to the charming maid Hong Shao in Wu Yuanming's household, and she exuded a lively spirit, radiating a captivating youthful aura. Upon seeing this beautiful maid, not to mention the others, even Ao Bai could not help but swallow a few times in secret—because the beautiful maid he had longed for but had not been able to possess was none other than this Su Qiu.
"Heir, heir, wake up, please wake up quickly." When Wu Yuanming regained consciousness from his coma, he found himself lying back on the bed in Wu Yingxiong's study. The tearful Hong Shao was applying the white medicine that his father, Wu Sangui, had brought from Yunnan to his wounds. The family servant, Wu Fu, was half-crouched on the bed, crying out in despair, while the bruised Wu Lu, Wu Shou, and Wu Shou, the three brothers, were kneeling obediently before Wu Fu, their expressions extremely dejected
"Young Master Wu, please rise. How could I dare to accept such great courtesy from you? What is it that you wish for me to assist you with?" Despite Ao Bai's height of at least 1.9 meters and his physique resembling that of a large bear, at this moment, it was impossible for him to touch his own head. Ao Bai waved his bear-like palm and commanded, "Someone, quickly help the Young Master of Pingxi to his feet."
In no time, the two brothers, Wu Lu and Wu Xi, prepared the horse-drawn carriage. During this period, Wu Yuanming arranged for Wu Fu and Wu Shou to stay at home, instructing them on various matters, and personally promoted the two sons of the old beggar, who had been killed by the stubborn donkey, to be assistants to the steward Wu Fu, also rewarding them with twenty taels of silver to bury their father. Only then did they, supported by Hong Shao and the Wu family, get onto the carriage and head towards the Ao Bai residence located outside Xizhimen.
"Despicable, are you just as morally bankrupt as I am?" Wu Yuanming first cast a disdainful glance at Wu Xi, then sneered, "No need. It is only those of low quality who enjoy fighting and resolving issues through violence. A person of such high caliber as myself will solve problems with intellect. We shall engage in a battle of wits, not of strength!" Having said this, Wu Yuanming struggled to stand up and commanded, "Wu Lu, Wu Xi, you two immediately prepare a carriage for me; we are going out."
"Indeed, a brilliant plan." Ao Bai exclaimed with great joy, repeatedly saying, "Good, let's proceed as such and go out to deal with that useless fool."
When Ao Bai returned to the original room, Wu Yuanming was groaning in pain while lying on the table, and Mu Limar, Saibende, Taibitu, and Asihai were engaged in their own conversations, clearly unwilling to pay any attention to Wu Yuanming, the infamous good-for-nothing in the capital. Moreover, this good-for-nothing had come empty-handed to seek help, which certainly made him even more contemptible.
Cough. Ao Bai was just about to open his mouth to make a hollow favor, but he suddenly noticed that his chief advisor, Ban Buer, coughed and gave him a wink as if to signal him to stop. Ao Bai then changed his words: "Young Master Wu, please wait a moment. I will discuss this further after I return from my brief respite. Someone, help Young Master Wu to sit comfortably." After saying this, Ao Bai stood up and walked towards the back hall.
The traffic conditions of that time were naturally not comparable to those of today. Even the streets of Beijing were filled with potholes, making it difficult to find a flat surface. Moreover, the jolting of horse-drawn carriages far exceeded that of automobiles. It is easy to imagine the suffering endured by Wu Yuanming, who still bore the marks of the whip, as he sat in such a carriage. Coincidentally, Beijing was a bustling place, with street vendors setting up stalls on both sides of the road, and everywhere there were peddlers selling goods and beggars who had fallen on hard times, further narrowing the already cramped ancient roads. Consequently, the speed of the carriage that Wu Yuanming was riding in could not increase, and in his anger, he forgot the constraints of time and space, cursing loudly, "These damned city management officials, why don't they clear the streets?"
"Young Master, since those guards are so formidable, let us put today's matter aside for now," Wu Fu said tearfully. "We are in the open while they are in the shadows; they are numerous and powerful, and we are isolated and helpless in Beijing. Young Master, you must hold your temper for the time being. When the Prince's men come to Beijing to collect the tribute, we can have them help you seek justice." Wu Fu thought for a moment and added, "In my opinion, even seeking justice may not be worth it, as the Prince's men can only protect you for ten days or half a month; they will eventually have to leave Beijing."
After another two tea times, Ge Shihua finally emerged from the residence, gesturing, "You may enter; the Lord is receiving you in the warm pavilion of the Eastern Flower Hall." Upon hearing that Ao Bai was willing to meet, Wu Yuanming first let out a long sigh of relief, thinking that the important matter was accomplished. He was then assisted by the servants of the Ao residence into the inner court, while Wu Lu, Wu Xi, and Hong Shao, being of lower status, could only wait outside the residence.
Ao Bai entered the inner chamber shortly after using a ruse, and Ban Buer Shan, who had a pair of triangular eyes, came in right after him. He asked straightforwardly: "Lord Ao, are you planning to respond to Wu Yingxiong's plea for help?"
Forget it? Wu Yuanming is not as timid and fearful as Wu Fu, Wu Yuanming sneered and said: "I, Wu... Wu Yingxiong, have been beaten like this for the first time in my life. If I do not avenge this grudge, I vow I will not be human!"
"Lord Ao, you have also heard that I have been married to the princess for fifteen years without ever sharing a bed, and every day I must kneel twice and bow six times to her. Is this the life of a normal couple?" Wu Yuanming lamented. Wu Yuanming's heartfelt words made Ao Bai nod secretly—because Ao Bai was also a man who feared his wife. Out of fear of his wife, he did not dare to touch even a remarkably beautiful maid in his household. In the end, Wu Yuanming cried out: "Lord Ao, I know that striking the princess is a grave offense punishable by death, but even an ant strives to survive. Therefore, I do not wish to die; I only ask Lord Ao to intercede for me before the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. I am willing to repay this kindness with my life."
Aobai nodded and replied: "Of course, Kang Xiaosan would definitely not dare to kill this useless fool. I will go to the court and defend this useless fool for a few moments, which will not only give Kang Xiaosan a way out but also do a favor, making it easier to deal with Wu Sangui in the future. What? Do you think this is inappropriate?"
The heir... Wu Yuanming, being so understanding and considerate for the three brothers of the Wu family, moved Wu Fu and Wu Lu to tears, leaving them so emotional that they could hardly speak. Their loyalty to Wu Yuanming undoubtedly reached a point of unwavering devotion. The youngest, Wu Xi, who was not yet eighteen, secretly resolved to seek out a master to learn skills after this incident, in order to better protect Wu Yuanming in the future
Wu Yuanming remarked, "Indeed, that Shi Longbiao is quite formidable. He was once a spy sent to the capital by the Yongli Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, but later sought wealth and glory, thus aligning himself with the court." Upon saying this, Wu Yuanming managed a difficult smile and continued, "With such powerful opponents, yet when you three stayed in Beijing with me, Wu Lu was only eleven years old, and Wu Shou and Wu Xi were not even ten. You had not trained under our father, and in recent years, I did not arrange for you to learn martial arts from any masters. What could you possibly use to contend with Wei Dongting and the stubborn donkeys? How could I blame you for not adequately protecting me in front of them?"
After trudging along the narrow streets for nearly an hour, Wu Yuanming and his party finally arrived at the gate of Ao Bai's residence. Wu Yuanming, dragging his injured body, got off the carriage and personally handed his business card and thirty taels of silver to the gatekeeper, Ge Shaha, clasping his fists and saying: "I trouble you to convey a message, the Prince of Pingxi, He Shuo Efu, and the Grand Guardian and Prince of the Heir Apparent, Wu Yingxiong, request an audience with Lord Ao."
"Crown Prince, I will go and take revenge on them for you." The impulsive Wu Xi jumped up and shouted, "Although my martial arts are not as good as theirs, I can wait until they are alone at night to strike, throw lime, hit them with a club, pull their braids, and grab their testicles. I have heard how to do all these things from people in the Jianghu!"
Thank you, Lord Ao, I am deeply grateful. Wu Yuanming expressed his gratitude with a hum, then continued to plead, "Lord Ao, I have one more request. If those censors and officials in the court heavily criticize Wu Yingxiong, I hope that you and the other esteemed officials can help exonerate him, so that those censors and officials do not take advantage of this matter to make a big fuss.
Bamboo sneered coldly: "My lord, you can excuse the matter of that useless fool beating the princess as a family affair, which you are not in a position to interfere with. You can merely agree to help him navigate the situation without guaranteeing any outcomes. Then, let the censors and officials who are inclined towards you heavily impeach Wu Yingxiong for beating the princess, making the matter as public as possible. When the situation escalates to an irreconcilable point, you can then step in to save that useless fool. This way, you can gain even greater favor from the Wu clan and deepen the rift with Kang Xiaosan. Furthermore, it will force the Wu clan to accept the current military pay, making it easier for you to act once you ascend to the throne. At that time, if you are willing to increase the military pay for the Wu clan, they will undoubtedly be grateful and support you in securing your position in the Dragon Court; if you are unwilling to increase it, keeping the money in your own hands is better than giving it to others.
Do not worry, I have already prepared a generous gift for Lord Ao, and that gift is at his home. Wu Yuanming's sinister smile appeared exceedingly mysterious as he instructed Hong Shao: "Hong Shao, you must accompany this young master to Lord Ao's house; otherwise, if that wicked woman returns before me, you will be in danger." With tears in her eyes, Hong Shao agreed, hurriedly bandaging Wu Yuanming's bleeding wound and helping him into his official attire for going out. Wu Yuanming again instructed Hong Shao: "Hong Shao, you must accompany this young master to Lord Ao's house; otherwise, if that wicked woman returns before me, you will be in danger." With tears in her eyes, Hong Shao agreed, hurriedly bandaging Wu Yuanming's bleeding wound and helping him into his official attire for going out.
Passing through countless corridors and intricately designed rooms, Wu Yuanming was assisted by the servants of the Ao family into the room where Ao Bai was located. The spacious and bright room, equipped with a heated floor, was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the biting cold of the outside. When Wu Yuanming entered, there were already seven or eight Manchu officials dressed in various ranks of official attire seated in the room. Among them were Ao Bai's brother, Mu Limar, Ao Bai's chief advisor and the shadowy figure of the Mao family, Bulushan, as well as officials from the court such as Saibende, Taibitu, Asihua, Gechuhua, Namo, and Jishi, all of whom were Manchus and trusted confidants of Ao Bai. The man who had been killed countless times on television by Kangxi and Lord Wei, the Vice Minister and concurrently the Grand Minister Ao Bai, was seated in the central position, observing Wu Yuanming with a peculiar gaze, likely wondering why Wu Yuanming had sustained such severe injuries.
"Your Highness, do not take offense; it is my carelessness that has led me to forget the etiquette of receiving guests." Aobai responded with hesitation, feeling that this seemingly inept person was not as incompetent as the legends suggested. Aobai then instructed, "Su Qiu, serve tea to Young Master Wu."
"Are you saying that by having Kang Xiaosan deal with this useless criminal, Wu Sangui will harbor resentment and will actively align himself with us?" Do not be deceived by Ao Bai's burly physique; his mind is exceptionally clear, and he immediately guessed Ban Buer's intention. Ban Buer nodded and said softly, "In addition to this, there is an even more important reason, which is the issue of military pay for Wu's faction."
Good lad! Ao Bai and Ban Bu Er both exclaimed in their hearts, wondering if this fellow was truly a good-for-nothing. At that moment, Wu Yuanming suddenly began to mumble, saying: "Lord Ao, Wu Yingxiong is injured and parched, I humbly request your lordship to grant me a cup of tea to quench my thirst."