Chapter 8: Spring Shade (Part 2)

The Buddha spoke: There are five types of eyes in the world. The eyes possessed by the physical body are the lowest, as they can see near but not far, see in front but not behind, see outside but not inside, see during the day but not at night, and see above but not below. The matters of human life, aging, illness, and death, as well as the fate and lifespan of nations, cannot be explored.

Both individuals have been tied up

This is the game that Zhao Qian dislikes the most

Zhang Duo lowered his head and looked at him: "There is no one who speaks the truth in front of me, but I can always hear the truth"

Little did they know, the person behind raised their voice

Zhao Qian found himself in an awkward situation, unable to move forward or retreat appropriately. However, having known Zhang Duo for a long time, he was bold enough to respond even if the words were as cutting as a cold knife. At this moment, he took a timely step back, regaining his composure once again.

Zhang Duo turned around and said, "Heh, do you want to give it a try"

Eh? No.

Cen Zhao felt a sharp pain in his shoulder, his voice slightly gasping. "The power dynamics in Luoyang are complex, and people are filled with myriad thoughts, yet they are unaware that a single leaf can obstruct their vision. Even the esteemed ones are often blinded by their own wisdom. My sister A Yin thinks differently from the esteemed one. Although I raised her, my blindness prevents me from teaching her to read and write; I can only impart to her the skills of playing the qin, so that she may have a means of livelihood. It is indeed a source of shame that, although Zhao is a man, he is incapacitated and relies on her care. To avoid drawing attention in the city and to seek a stable existence, I have taught her to retreat in all matters and to yield in every situation, which has led her to become timid and weak. In the esteemed one's residence, she must certainly face considerable disdain from him."

If you have relatives, they may have already been coerced by the Jin Wang with threats

His voice was caught in his throat

Although he was not accustomed to it, he was not overwhelmed. He could only try his best to turn towards the shade to avoid the light, but he was pushed back by Jiang Ling.

Zhang Duo did not respond to his words, merely glancing at Jiang Ling. Jiang Ling understood and, taking advantage of Zhao Qian's moment of distraction, pressed down on Cen Zhao's shoulder with one hand, using the blind cane to strike against his knee, forcing him to kneel

Cen Zhao raised his head and said: "However, rare goods can command a high price, thus elevating one's own value."

Does the Chief Minister not desire a pair of eyes in Dongjun?

Cen Zhao smiled. "Chen Zhao is fortunate."

The chief of the Central Secretariat does not trust the methods of torture he employs himself

The sound was like the tapping of jade, seemingly responding to Zhao Qian's words, yet it appeared to be directed towards Zhang Duo in the car

It is fortunate that it is under the shade of the plum tree, where the sunlight is fragmented and does not scorch the eyes

Cen Zhao released his grip on the cane and, feeling his way, pressed down on Zhao Qian's arm: "It seems that the gentleman has already inquired about A Yin's name."

Zhao Qian was still pondering the meaning of this sentence when he saw Zhang Duo had already gotten off the car and was walking towards him, lifting his robe.

Zhang Duo released his grip, and the green belt with pine wave patterns was carried away by the wind. He stood upright, allowing the wind to sweep the plum blossoms and snow, striking his face.

Zhang Duo tilted his head to avoid the shadow of a plum blossom hanging in front of the car tent. He gazed towards that invisible gaze and spoke in a flat tone

After finishing speaking, he raised his eyebrows, turned over and dismounted, and walked towards him with great strides, saying joyfully: "In the Western Han Dynasty, there were four wise men of Shangshan, and today there is one virtuous man remaining in Qinglu. It refers to you, doesn't it... I have heard that you are well-versed in the Book of Changes, excel in interpreting celestial phenomena, and even..."

Zhao Qian's fingers quickly tapped several times on his arm, and suddenly he slapped his forehead, turning to look at Zhang Duo, "Does it look like Chen ... ... " but was met with a gaze as piercing as that of a hawk swooping down. This forced him to swallow that name back down immediately.

His impatient echoes had not yet faded, while the voice behind him was warm and calm

Zhao Qian saw Jiang Ling approaching and quickly stepped in front of Cen Zhao, lowering his voice and saying

However, Cen Zhao smiled, his voice as gentle as the breeze carrying floating plum blossoms, calm and mild

He involuntarily looked towards Zhang Duo

Isn't the gentleman unable to see? How does he know who I am

Who caused A Yin, blind and flustered, to board the carriage of the Central Secretariat

Zhao Qian innocently asked, "What is the purpose of tying it up?"

Well, regret can come swiftly. There are many ways to die a quick death

The coachman sets off, the falling plum blossoms are swept away by the wind, and they fly into Zhang Duo's sight.

There is a willingness to give it a try

You cannot possibly guess that I have already killed her

Zhang Duo remained silent, yet his fingers gradually formed a fist. Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly reached out and forcefully tore away the green ribbon in front of the person kneeling on the ground

Before he finished speaking, he took a step back and cupped his hands to bow again

A sudden gust of wind lifts the green ribbon and tousles the hair, gently brushing against the face

What?

Zhao Qian was taken aback: "Cen Zhao?"

Zhao Qian crossed his arms, looked into the distance, smacked his lips, and hesitated, saying, "This person seems a bit familiar."

Zhao Qianli stood between the two, feeling inexplicably sweaty on his forehead after listening to this ambiguous verbal exchange

Cen Zhao turned sideways, seemingly to avoid his gaze

Although these two characters are devoid of emotion, they nonetheless caused Zhao Qian, who was standing nearby, to click his tongue in astonishment

He let out a cold snort and said, "Not dirty?"

The person has lost their physical sight; what do their eyes truly perceive?

His voice carried a hint of lamentation: "The world sees her as my family's maid, yet I treat her with great affection, never spending a day apart from her in my daily life."

Although there was still some distance between them, that person seemed to have heard Zhao Qian's voice. He straightened up from the wall he was leaning against, stood upright with his cane, exuding a refreshing and dignified presence, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. Like the new needles sprouting from the pine trees in spring, fragrant and elegant, they drew the attention of passersby.

What, hang to death? Zhang Tuihan, you give me a response ... ...

As a person from Yingchuan, I have admired Chen Xiao from Dongjun for many years and have harbored the ambition to emulate him since my youth. Now, having received a word from the Director of the Central Secretariat, I shall not disappoint the ten-year-long obsession of my pursuit.

Cen Zhao gently called out this soft name

He raised his head and indeed saw a person leaning against the green tiles under the plum shade, dressed in a loose robe with wide sleeves, the fabric billowing in the wind. The figure was adorned with the shadows of trees, the patterns of light and dark intermingling, and in his hand, he held a blind cane carved with a pine and crane design. Without a cap, he was devoid of embellishments, save for a blue silk ribbon covering his eyes, on which the embroidered pattern of pine waves was exquisitely crafted.

What is the matter

General Zhao, please take care to avoid this

The person smiled calmly under the shade of the plum tree, relaxed as usual, completely devoid of the fear that precedes the collapse of the mountain or the shattering of the flesh

Zhao Qian hurriedly stepped forward and patted Zhang Duo on the shoulder, whispering: "If you ask me, it resembles him, but Chen... it’s not the case. However, he died alongside his father, Chen Wang, under the sword of execution. You personally verified his identity, and to say this now is quite unsettling"

In the tenth year of Xingqing, in the third month, the Prince of Jin ordered his favored concubine to serve tea at the Qinglu, inviting the gentleman to come down from the mountain. If the gentleman did not drink, he would execute the one serving the tea. During the month of March, more than twenty people were killed in front of the Qinglu, and the mountain stream ran with mixed blood, remaining unclean for seven days. Yet the gentleman remained indifferent, sitting peacefully in the Qinglu without coming out. Since you possess such a nature, why have you come now?

Zhang Duo felt a chill in the air. Zhao Qian, however, stubbornly retorted, "Do you think I am trying to harm you!"

It is rare that a virtuous young master has lived in seclusion in Beimang for many years, never revealing his true appearance

Zhang Duo has crossed the threshold, moving forward without pause, and coldly replied, "I do not trust anyone"

No, before that, I would like to meet A Yin

You have not answered yet

Turning back, I saw the person had already arrived before me, bowing with clasped hands and bending down in a plain robe

He looked into those grayish-white eyes and said, "Chen Xiao."

I have not seen my sister for six days, hence I have come here to search for her

If you can endure, I will let you go to Dongjun and also give Xi Yin a chance to live

Zhang Duo fell silent for a moment and then uttered a sound of acknowledgment

Hiss ... ...

The woman I picked up has been raised for ten years, is she a sister?

It is merely a cage of empty fame. In reality, it is but a speck of dust in the world, a mere remnant of a body, not worth mentioning

Zhao Qian was eager to chase after him, but he heard Cen Zhao calling from behind

Cen Zhao, if you seek profit, you may certainly respond to the request of King Jin, who will surely honor you as a distinguished guest. Why must you become my captive?

Wait a moment

Having said that, I cupped my hands in salute: "I truly apologize for the offense, um... it is because, oh, Mr. Shiyin resembles an old friend of mine quite closely."

North Mang Mountain, Green Lodge, Cen Zhao. I have long admired the name of the Director of the Central Secretariat

If Mr. Cen is but a speck of dust, what should we use to compare ourselves? Perhaps we are even inferior to the filth of pigs and dogs

The entire Chen clan of Dongjun has been annihilated. Nowadays, even those who engage in supernatural antics cannot be tolerated. Knowing the risks of death, why then do they venture out?

Ayin

His willingness to befriend Zhang Duo stems from the fact that he is not like those who engage in empty discussions of metaphysics, who are overly verbose and only see the superficial. He has bathed in the blood of the battlefield and has also been tainted by the stench of prisons. He does not believe in conjecture, but only in the words that emerge from a person's mouth after a thorough examination. However, Zhao Qian is unaware that there are individuals like Cen Zhao in this world, who, despite appearing delicate and seemingly indifferent with their white robes and blind canes, can still speak with piercing insight.

Zhang Duo Han smiled coldly and said

He raised his head and said: "In the entire city of Luoyang, the only one who can bear the blame for General Zhao and can alone conceal A Yin is none other than Lord Zhongshu Jian. Therefore, I must take the risk to meet him."

Take it down

If it is unbearable to be close, why must the adult suffer

If the Chief Minister has indeed committed murder, it is necessary to expose the corpse in order to resolve the case for General Zhao. Now that neither the person nor the corpse can be found, it seems there is still something to be uncovered.

The person heard the footsteps, discerned the distance, and appropriately took two steps back. Zhang Duo clearly did not show the same understanding as Zhao Qian; he took two steps forward, pressing closer to him. He looked up and smiled, deciding not to retreat any further.

Meanwhile, the car also came to a stop in front of the gate.

Yes

Zhang Duo clapped his hands and laughed heartily, stepping inside, "I do not need any aides. Jiang Ling, hang him."

The tone of speech is calm and gentle, the demeanor is modest and measured, yet it remains restrained and distant

You step aside

Yes, Jiang Ling, take the person to the West Pavilion. Also inform your father to bring that half-ghost over as well

Yes, I dare not deceive.

Uh... it's getting cold, this is in front of your door, why not invite Mr. Cen...

Indeed, it is precisely because of this that I am well aware of her inability to even harm a chicken, and being alone in Luoyang without any relatives, it is utterly impossible for her to venture out of the inner city. Moreover, the Prince of Jin regards her as a discarded pawn and would not take the risk to shelter her. Now, the internal imperial guards are mobilizing their entire force to search, and even the major government offices in Yongle must open their doors for inspection. With General Zhao's capabilities, it is inconceivable that within six days, let alone three people, there should be no results, and it should not lead to General Zhao being punished.

Oh, filthy

Is it really necessary? The virtuous young master of Qinglu, Jin Wang and Hejian almost set fire to Beiming Mountain in order to invite him out of retirement. Even if you are unwilling to honor the worthy and respect the talented, you should not leave yourself open to criticism.

She is indeed a person I cherish. If she is willing to violate the prohibition against killing, what harm is there in helping her to step out into the world

What is referred to as beyond the naked eye is merely an exploration of human nature and an analysis of the connections between individuals

Zhao Qian turned around, still blocking Jiang Ling from advancing, and asked suspiciously

As soon as the words fell, Zhang Duo's voice was heard chasing from behind: "How do you know that Xi Yin is in my residence"

Zhang Duo bent down, holding the pine wave-patterned ribbon.