Chapter 3, Evening in the Capital

Xiao Xie from Liangzhou seemed to be taken aback, murmuring: "I am new to the Central Plains and truly do not understand the various customs and etiquette, it is just... just looking at the young lady... I..."

As the brilliance faded, he carefully examined the wooden map before him, a fleeting look of joy crossing his face, only to be replaced once again by an expression of seemingly eternal calmness

With a glance and a chuckle, he walked along the base of the city wall with his entourage, not even sparing a glance at the three people who were saying their goodbyes

Upon careful examination, it becomes apparent that the seemingly haphazardly placed fine peach wood on the wooden table, arranged both vertically and horizontally, subtly conveys profound meaning, resembling a blurred yet remarkably harmonious picture. This wordless image is such that not a single stroke can be added, nor a single part can be erased, evoking an inexplicable sense of tranquility that leaps forth from the composition.

Mo Ji paid him no mind and walked straight to the front of the shop, asking the assassin hanging on the sword: "What grievance or enmity do we have, and who sent you to kill me?" He saw that this person had a large wound in his chest and abdomen, with blood continuously dripping down the sword, making for a truly tragic sight. Although this person harbored intentions to take his life, Mo Ji could not help but feel a twinge of compassion. Seeing him on the verge of death, fearing he might not survive, he hurriedly inquired.

I am Liu Ming, the chief clerk of the second hall of the Board of Punishments. I was just overseeing an execution at Jingyang Gate, and upon arriving here, I discovered that there were malicious individuals attempting to assassinate the young master. My subordinates have not performed their duties adequately, which has caused the young master to be alarmed

Liu Ming quickly smiled and replied, "You are right, my lord." He understood that this young master was particularly concerned about not being associated with his lofty boss, so he changed his form of address with that one sentence

Before long, Liu Ming led the subordinate who seemed to take pleasure in killing back to the courtyard to report, while Jiang Yicao and the other two turned back towards the East City Gate

Unexpectedly, just as the wooden beam was being struck, a sudden gust of wind lifted a piece of straw from inside the house. It floated in the air for quite a while, but now, without any sense of timing, it leisurely descended, landing on this rare wooden painting. The straw fell onto the table, and the entire scene was instantly thrown into disarray, no longer resembling its previous form. Moreover, the deep color of the straw further intensified the red of the wooden table, resembling the remnants of the western sunset, appearing blood-red to the eye.

Jiang Yicao glanced at his younger sister, shook his head, patted her on the head, and said gently: "Silly Chunfeng, don't cry... Be good, stop crying, or people will wonder why this gentle spring breeze girl suddenly brought rain." No matter how he tried to console her, the little girl remained with a face full of sorrow, worried that she had caused her brother to be unhappy, and could only force a smile and say: "Isn't spring rain a transformation?" Yet her voice carried a couple of sobs.

"What are you talking about?" the Spring Breeze girl asked curiously, turning her face to the side, and the two men immediately fell silent

At this moment, the little girl Spring Breeze, who had been forgotten behind them, approached and extended a hand towards Liu Ming, smiling sweetly: "Excuse me."

The pedestrians at the city gate were somewhat taken aback, wondering where this noble personage had come from. Suddenly, the top of the carriage was opened, and a young gentleman stood up. First, he let out an exaggerated yawn, then turned his head to look around, muttering to himself with a look of delight on his face. He bowed to those around him and called out loudly: "Greetings to all the folks from the capital. I am Xie Xiaofeng from Liangzhou, having lived in a foreign land for many years. Today, I am finally able to return to the embrace of my motherland, which is truly..."

Mo Ji also remained silent, extending his hand and giving a heavy pat on his shoulder

"Who are you?" Mo Ji frowned and asked

Jiang Yicao was lost in thought: "It is said that the ancient spittle on this stone pillar is a sight in the capital, but I see worldly matters as fleeting; after some time, they will fade away. I have noticed that people have grown accustomed to it, and there is nothing remarkable about this pillar..."

In a state of great astonishment, Jiang Yicao suddenly realized that the young master in the carriage had somehow arrived in front of the two of them, speaking with a face full of deference. This young master was not unpleasant in appearance, but he had several small moles on his left cheek, which were quite unsightly. Even more off-putting was his vacant, lifeless gaze, which was fixated solely on the young lady Chunfeng beside him. After a moment of contemplation, he understood the situation and laughed heartily, saying: "If you want to know who I am, just ask my sister Chunfeng."

At this moment, the scene had been cleared, and the pedestrians began to walk as usual. Just as Jiang Yicao was speaking, an elderly and shabby man walked up to the pillar, spat forcefully, and as if still unsatisfied, spat several more times while muttering: "You made me lose money... You made me lose..." He walked away angrily, still cursing as he went, muttering: "You made me lose money... You made me lose..."

The spring breeze seemed to smile even more happily as it took the money, and with a slight movement of her elegant brows, she said: "That is so. But do the officials of the inspection department still worry about these silver coins? I am well aware of this little girl."

What did that hidden weapon look like just now? Let me see it. Mo Ji did not even glance at Jiang Yicao.

The mountaintop was originally cold, but this room, equipped with a brazier, remained warm as spring. The high priest residing in the thatched cottage casually sat down, his posture relaxed yet naturally exuding an air of elegance. In front of him was a small black lacquered wooden table, beside which he carelessly placed the food tray he had just received, not even glancing at it. Scattered on the table were small sticks made of peach wood. The priest picked up the thin wooden sticks that were haphazardly piled together on the table, his lips moving as if in silent prayer, before releasing them.

Upon hearing the last two sentences, Jiang Yicao felt a tightening in his heart. He noticed that Yu Guangzhong, Jiang Chunfeng, and Mo Ji still had unchanged expressions, which eased his mind. He hurriedly quickened his pace to leave, but in his haste, he inadvertently headed in the opposite direction of the city gate. The two of them, seeing him leave in such a rush, couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled, yet they exchanged wry smiles and followed him out.

Jiang Yicao noticed that he was lost in thought and suddenly a hint of a smile appeared on his face as he asked, "What is it then?"

Although the spring breeze revealed his face to be somewhat detestable, his appearance was comical, and a single remark unexpectedly caused her to break into several segments of laughter. Upon seeing her face, which still bore traces of tears, suddenly blossom into a smile, it was as if the pear blossoms were illuminated by the sun after the rain, leaving him utterly entranced

What is even more terrifying is that the figure thrust a sword through the assassin's abdomen, pressing his body against the assassin as he did so. Their brows and eyes seemed almost to touch. The assassin let out a piercing scream, clearly in extreme pain, and the green blade in his hand fell to the ground as he staggered backward. However, the one who came to aid him clung to him like a parasite, his right hand continuously twisting, stirring the sharp blade within the assassin's abdomen. With each twist, the assassin's screams grew incessant, reaching a heart-wrenching pitch. Yet the one who came to aid him remained like a parasite, glued to him, his right hand still twisting, stirring the sharp blade within the assassin's abdomen. With each twist, the assassin's screams continued unabated, reaching an extremely mournful intensity.

At this moment, the pedestrians around the intersection had long been frightened by a recent failed assassination attempt, scattering in all directions and watching the commotion from a distance. Mo Ji noticed that more and more people were gathering, so he quietly instructed Liu Ming to clear the scene before preparing to leave. However, he saw that Liu Ming and Jiang Yicao were both in a daze, standing silently on either side of him, their gazes fixed intently on a certain spot in front of them. Mo Ji noticed that more and more people were gathering, so he quietly instructed Liu Ming to clear the scene before preparing to leave. However, he saw that Liu Ming and Jiang Yicao were both in a daze, standing silently on either side of him, their gazes fixed intently on a certain spot in front of them.

Picking up this firewood, I found that the table was no longer filled with the original charm. The priest in white gently twisted this out-of-season firewood in his hand and said with a bitter smile: "What a disappointment"

At this moment, the sky suddenly darkened for some unknown reason, and the shadows of objects naturally grew dim. The wind also picked up, swirling some debris from the street in all directions, evoking a sense of desolation reminiscent of the west wind, carrying the flavor of parting.

Tomorrow, send a letter to Wangjiang, informing my elder brother when I will be leaving and approximately when I will arrive. Also, include my address there. Do you remember this

As Jiang Yicao lowered his head and walked, he suddenly raised it and realized that he had already reached the intersection of Zhuque Avenue. Noticing that his fingers were drenched in cold sweat, he couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, secretly mocking himself for being overly timid.

"Has he left?" the boy in black asked

Mo Ji was just about to strike decisively when he saw a figure leap down from the wall facing the street. The person had a very mysterious demeanor, arriving without any warning, and swiftly approached the two engaged in a struggle, thrusting a sword down fiercely, completely disregarding the life or death of his accomplice

Before long, the three of them passed through Jingyang Gate and approached the East City Gate. By this time, the sun was beginning to set, and among the people entering the city, it was difficult to find anyone coming out. Mo Ji laughed and said, "I thought that today, because of me, there would be some inconvenience for you in the courtyard. Unexpectedly, someone came for me." Jiang Yicao was just about to respond when he caught sight of a person squatting on the stone slab under the city gate from a distance. The person, upon seeing him, extended two fingers of his right hand and gestured a horizontal line from his left wrist.

Jiang Yicao and Liu Ming exchanged a glance,苦笑着摇摇头.

Old Wei laughed and said: "This is Lord Mo ... ... "

At this moment, the gentle spring breeze had finally dried her tears, and she said earnestly, "Don't worry, brother, this important matter will not go awry."

Jiang Yicao sat motionless in the Tianxiang Building. The old bear from Chengdong, who claimed to be the best storyteller in the world, was speaking downstairs, captivating the entire building into silence. He couldn't help but sigh to himself and turned to Mo Jiyan, saying: "It is getting late; since we are setting off today, we should leave a bit earlier."

Mo Ji and Liu Ming exchanged a glance, noticing the killer's fierce demeanor, each perceiving a hint of unease in the other's eyes. The man lay in a pool of blood, murmuring to himself: "My elder brother is Feng San from Beiyang City... even if you know, you cannot move against him..." The blood flowed more rapidly with his cries. Mo Ji cursed under his breath. Liu Ming, listening attentively from the side, appeared to hear nothing.

The common people of this capital city are well-informed and have seen all kinds of characters. Upon hearing that this was a country bumpkin from the west, they dispersed with a loud noise, leaving only the young man alone on the roof of the carriage, lost in thought

"Thief?" Mo Jiling was momentarily taken aback, reflecting on his past actions and comparing them to today's events. He couldn't help but let out a few dry laughs, the sound of which was quite strained. At that moment, he realized that the words he had learned in his youth could indeed have different interpretations, and he inwardly sighed, saying: "Thief, thief, so it turns out to be the son of an old thief..."

Liu Ming was taken aback, turning to look at Mo Ji and Jiang Yicao, both of whom also wore puzzled expressions. The young girl smiled even sweeter: "The place where that so-called Beiyang mouse died is called Chuan San Xiang, and it is a porridge shop. That madman of yours not only killed someone but also casually nailed a big hole in the wooden door of that shop. The owner of the porridge shop is surnamed Shen, and I know him. If you give me some silver, I will compensate him on your behalf"

Mo Ji let out a bitter laugh, thinking to himself how unpredictable the affairs of the world truly are. Zhuo Siming, once a revered imperial teacher with immense power, ultimately met a fate of disgrace and ruin. Although the crime of plotting to assassinate the emperor may not be unprecedented, the fact that it was carried out is indeed shocking. While lost in these chaotic thoughts, he suddenly heard Liu Ming beside him softly say: "Traitorous ministers and unfilial sons, their names should be inscribed on this ominous pillar, subjecting them to the scorn of the masses, ensuring that their souls in the underworld shall find no peace... I can only hope, I can only hope that the height of the names on this pillar does not rise any further." It was unclear to whom he was speaking.

At this moment, the person who had just cruelly nailed the assassin to the wooden board also approached, bowing his head to pay his respects to Mo Ji. Mo Ji observed that this person had a somewhat refined appearance, but noticed that blood was still dripping from his sword. Recalling the manner in which he had acted earlier, Mo Ji could not help but feel a tinge of annoyance and said淡淡道: "Do not refer to yourself as my subordinate. The City Patrol is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War, while you belong to the Supervisory Court; we are not of the same department, so where does the notion of subordination come from? Speaking of which, the fact that there are assassins in broad daylight in this capital is a failure on the part of my City Patrol, and it has nothing to do with you."

The spring breeze, seeing his infatuated state, pretended to kindly remind him: "That horse-drawn carriage that looks unfit for a person to sit in is still behind you"

At this moment in the capital, the spring breeze was blowing gently, while Mo Ji remained serious, following as if on an official inspection. Close behind the two, there was a young gentleman dressed in luxurious attire, exuding an air of inherent roguishness, who followed closely in their footsteps. Even more remarkable was a rather imposing carriage that trailed the three from a distance. Inside the carriage sat a middle-aged man, whose face bore the marks of time yet carried an undeniable presence, idly tapping on the yoke. This man was likely the servant known as Old Long, described by the young man from Xiliang as skilled in martial arts and one who stood up for justice.

Mo Ji was watching the actions of the person who had come to his aid, feeling a great shock in his heart. Although he knew that this person was helping him, he could not hide his astonishment. He thought to himself, although this person's swordsmanship was fierce, it was still traceable. However, he wondered how many people in the world could withstand such a vicious and selective aura that seemed to devour its targets.

Rest assured, I will take care of Chunfeng

At this critical moment, Mo Qi remained completely unflustered, delivering a straightforward punch towards the sword's blossom. It was unclear how he managed to discern clearly amidst the chaotic swordplay, but the two individuals transitioned from extreme motion to utter stillness, and his punch struck directly against the blade held by the assassin. This punch came with a gust of wind, full of power, deflecting the deadly green blade aside. With a misstep, he avoided the second sword that passed closely by his waist, and with a twist of his hand, he seized the wrist of the approaching assailant.

Only a few sharp sounds were heard, and a large handful of slender sticks fell onto the table. The pearly white thin wood was haphazardly piled on the vermilion wooden table, forming a picture that no one could clearly discern. The priest closed his eyes and spread his hands flat over the thin wooden diagram. Suddenly, a mysterious wind arose in the room, and a vast expanse of light burst forth from between his immaculate hands

In the midst of thoughtful contemplation, the horse trader from Liangzhou, Xie Xiaofeng, approached rather awkwardly and said, "How is it that as soon as I met that gentleman Fang Yi, he left? What bad luck." However, his tone did not convey any sense of regret, as he quickly turned to the young lady and respectfully said, "So your name is Chunfeng, I am Xie from Liangzhou..."

After sitting for a while longer, the two could no longer withstand Jiang Yicao's persistent entanglement and followed him downstairs, preparing to leave. Jiang Yicao restrained his breath and quietly walked past the onlookers below, but unexpectedly, the gaze of the storyteller, Old Xiong from the east of the city, remained fixed on his back. He felt as if two icy stares were pressing against him, causing him to walk even faster. At that moment, he suddenly heard a loud clap, which threw his heart into disarray.

In the eyes of the onlookers, on the bustling street, a killer wielding a sharp sword was lunging towards him with lightning speed, while Jiang Yicao appeared to be stunned, completely unaware of the need to evade. Seeing this person so helpless, the sword-wielder took the opportunity to strike.

Jiang Yicao chuckled softly. Just as he was speaking, Old Wei from the East City had already brought over a horse. He was originally the duty officer for the city patrol at the East Gate today, and having heard from Mo Ji yesterday that someone was to be sent off, he had prepared everything in advance.

Jiang Yicao unexpectedly articulated a lengthy discourse, prompting a moment of contemplation. After a while, he remarked: "In this world, amidst all things, what we ultimately seek is merely order. To navigate within this order while also maintaining its operation may prove somewhat arduous. However, what do the common people desire? It is simply a few days of peace. If everyone strives to cultivate their hearts and is willing to part with certain difficult-to-let-go matters, the world will naturally be free from disturbance." This statement was delivered in a calm manner, yet it remains unclear whether it was directed at Mo Ji or intended for himself. Furthermore, it is uncertain what he is contemplating letting go of that is so difficult to relinquish.

It is just that... Mo Ji pondered his words in his heart and cautiously said: "It is merely that he is overly extreme in his views and fiercely protective of his own interests. He is constantly in conflict with the court and the faction in the Eastern Capital, completely disregarding the bond of father and son. Anyone who touches his subordinate officials will meet a tragic end. I have never agreed with this; such a person is a tyrant, and I do not wish to emulate him"

Jiang Yicao walked over, patted the glossy neck of the horse, and turned to smile, saying: "Old Wei, this gift is quite substantial"

Although the common people of the capital claim to be well-informed and experienced, such a peculiar procession still piqued everyone's interest. Passersby along the street shifted their gazes as the procession moved forward, and some women paused under the eaves to observe, occasionally pointing and commenting, their faces displaying amused expressions

He shook his head and said, "I am not worried about this; our sister is not in a position to need someone to take care of her. It's just..." His words trailed off, as if he did not know how to continue. He waved his hand and said, "Forget it, I owe you a favor this time, and in the future, there will surely be a way to repay you."

"A Cao, this is Liu Ming from the Supervisory Court, Lord Liu." Mo Ji noticed that Liu Ming still did not take the hint and continued to follow closely beside him, showing no intention of leaving. He could only casually introduce Liu Ming while maintaining a polite demeanor. Liu Ming smiled as he glanced at Jiang Yicao, and for some reason, his smile became even more sincere as he gently said, "This brother, it is a pleasure to meet you"

Liu Ming was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, but he saw Mo Ji and Jiang Yicao pretending not to hear and whispering something to each other. Knowing that this young girl was a friend of the eldest son, he could not afford to offend her and had no choice but to comply, taking out the silver from his bag and presenting it with both hands. After handing over the money, he suddenly leaned in and softly said in the young girl's ear: "A small hole can be easily fixed with any piece of wood, no need for this much. You really are quite generous."

As Mo Qi stepped forward confidently, Chun Feng wore a strange smile, pondering what her brother was up to this time. However, to her surprise, Jiang Yicao did not employ any tricks; instead, he simply weakened and collapsed onto the ground. This fall allowed him to narrowly escape the peril of the sword, but it left a significant opening above and behind him, allowing the assassin's already unleashed sword flowers to head straight for Mo Qi.

Jiang Yicao smiled and said, "Today is a farewell for me, could you please put away that official demeanor of yours?" He glanced at Fu Yan and said, "I recognize him too; he is quite impressive in the West City." Turning to speak to Mo Ji, he secretly hid his right hand behind his back and gave a thumbs up to Fu Yan under the city gate.

At this time, the spring breeze makes it difficult to dispel the sorrow in my heart. Little did I know that an uninteresting person would appear beside me, constantly disturbing my feelings of grief, causing my tears to flow without satisfaction. Unable to hide my annoyance, I said, "Young master, please have some self-respect." Then I turned and left with Mo Ji.

Upon turning his head, he saw the old bear from the east of the city slowly picking up the awakening wood from the table, and with a raspy voice said: "People say that fate is predetermined, yet they are resentful of those who do evil in this world and enjoy great fortune, while the suffering escape a lifetime, yet they speak of fate and do not dare to resist in the slightest. But is fate truly like this? Just like that young lord from the eastern capital who fled in disgrace with a beauty, in this vast world, there was not a single person to save him from his plight. He could only take a horse-drawn carriage through a thousand mountains, cross a hundred streams, reflecting the light of blades, drenched in the rain of swords, enduring countless deaths and tribulations before finally returning to the hometown of the princess, Wangjiang County. Just like that young lord from the eastern capital who fled in disgrace with a beauty, in this vast world, there was not a single person to save him from his plight. He could only take a horse-drawn carriage through a thousand mountains, cross a hundred streams, reflecting the light of blades, drenched in the rain of swords, enduring countless deaths and tribulations before finally returning to the hometown of the princess, Wangjiang County. At that time of panic, who could have predicted that this young man would later be granted a title of nobility and achieve great fame? As the saying goes: Who abandons the grass by the stove? A single blade of grass can disrupt the world!"

Mo Ji smiled and let go, just as he was about to launch a full counterattack, he felt a swift figure darting out from behind him. Before he could see who it was, a sword had already pierced the chest and abdomen of the first assassin.

Mo Ji looked over and saw the cylindrical structure, crafted from black meteorite, standing despondently amidst the swirling dust and wind

The grace of rescue from the shallow waters, yet how can it be calculated

At this time, the sky has begun to darken, and there seems to be a slender figure in the pavilion

Upon hearing this, the crowd thought to themselves that such a person must naturally be wealthy yet coarse, and thus they paid no further attention. However, the young man who called himself Xie Xiaofeng, standing atop the carriage and feeling a surge of pride, suddenly caught sight of Chunfeng among the crowd, her eyes glistening with tears. He was momentarily taken aback, thinking to himself that this Central Land was indeed incomparable to the remote regions of the West; having just entered the capital, he had already encountered such a tearful beauty.

Mo Jinei possesses profound internal strength and a far-reaching vision. Upon seeing that person, he felt a twinge of displeasure and remarked, "Isn't that the so-called boss Fu Yan from the West City? What is he doing squatting here?" As an official of the City Patrol, he found these individuals quite bothersome.

As everyone watched the man and horse slowly disappear into the distant forest under the evening glow, Fang Yiyu turned around. Old Wei jokingly scolded, "Ah Cao has really changed his ways today, daring to ride a horse through the city gate. He isn't afraid of breaking the law; if he gets caught, it will be quite a scene."

He lightly leaped onto the horse, securely fastening the package, and bowed to the crowd. Then, with a flick of his wrist, the whip drew a half arc in the air, cracking sharply, and the steed beneath him neighed before galloping swiftly towards the city gates. At this moment, the golden sun was setting, casting the shadow of the city gate tower into a bizarre shape on the ground. The sound of hooves echoed as they trampled over that strange figure, showing no sign of pause, even when a little girl at the city gate cried out "Brother" in a sobbing voice, it did not cause the figure of the man and horse to hesitate in the slightest.

As soon as Xie Xiaofeng woke up, he bowed and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Miss." He then turned and shouted, "Old Dragon, why aren't you hurrying up?" After that, he turned back and smiled, saying, "My servant's full name is Tianwai Feilong, he possesses excellent martial skills, and he has always loved to uphold justice, reflecting some of my own temperament..." He was indeed constantly seeking to embellish his own image.

Jiang Yicao, who had been sitting alone for a while, finally had the leisure to speak, "Brother Mo, from your tone, it seems you have a certain admiration for Prince Wang of Wangjiang."

At the intersection of Zhuque Avenue in Xicheng and Dongcheng, ten steps south of the black stone pillar inscribed with the names of one hundred and twenty-seven traitors, in front of the shop door nailed with the bloody corpse of an assassin, amidst the swirling dust of spring, in the twilight of this capital city, Jiang Yicao first met Liu Ming on the very day he was about to leave this place

When these individuals have already become a new sight in the capital, Jiang Yicao, along with a person and a horse, has long since traversed the several miles of dense forest beyond the city gate, and before long, he catches sight of the lonely pavilion at the end of the dirt road, illuminated by the setting sun

***

As soon as he had this thought, he felt a sharp sword energy coming at him from behind, the momentum of the sword was so overwhelming that it left no room for evasion. However, at this moment of peril, Jiang Yicao sensed that although the sword energy was in motion, it was actually coiled and not yet unleashed. He surmised that the person must be using him as a decoy, aiming instead at Mo Ji, who was less than two feet away from him. Instantly, several thoughts raced through his mind on how to respond.

Mo Ji shook his head and said: "The court has only conferred titles on three princes of different surnames. The old prince of the Eastern Capital has always been diligent for the country, and there is no need to elaborate. As for the absurd prince of Gaotang, he relies on the blessings of his ancestors, neglecting state affairs, and there is no need to elaborate on him either. However, this prince of Wangjiang County possesses exceptional martial skills and remarkable insight in recognizing talent. His three banners command great respect in the western frontier, and he himself is a master of military strategy. For seven years, he has engaged in warfare in the western wilderness without suffering a single defeat. It is just..."

Xiao Xie from Liangzhou was taken aback, standing still as he looked at the impressive Mo Ji beside the woman, murmuring, "So there are already people in line." Yet, he still gritted his teeth and followed.

***

The person in the room had a wooden fork in their hair, and was strikingly handsome with clear brows and bright eyes, exuding an air of elegance. Dressed in a white robe adorned with faintly depicted withered bamboo, they radiated an ethereal quality. Upon noticing the finely embroidered silver-threaded cold plum blossoms around the collar of the robe, one could discern that this individual was, in fact, the high-ranking priest of the temple.

Mo Ji quietly inquired, "Liangzhou, wasn't it occupied by Xishan and Xiaofeng decades ago? This person claims to be Xie Xiaofeng; what is his connection to the ancestor of Xishan?" Old Wei, who was beside him, laughed and said, "Nonsense about the ancestor of Xishan. The Xie family has always been involved in horse trading in Liangzhou. Decades ago, when the world was in chaos and several battles were fought, they made a fortune. However, I heard they have never been willing to submit to Xishan and have been talking about returning to their homeland for years. This person claiming to be Xie Xiaofeng, what is his connection to the ancestor of Xishan?" Old Wei laughed again, saying, "Nonsense about the ancestor of Xishan. The Xie family has always been involved in horse trading in Liangzhou. Decades ago, when the world was in chaos and several battles were fought, they made a fortune. However, I heard they have never been willing to submit to Xishan and have been talking about returning to their homeland for years. This is probably some young master of the Xie family making his way forward, right?"

In the spring breeze, a young girl had never encountered such a scoundrel before, which left her both angry and annoyed. Mo Ji glanced at her displeased expression, then turned to stand three feet in front of the young man from Liangzhou, extending her palm and coldly staring at him without uttering a word, yet naturally exuding an indescribable sense of intimidation.

The horse moved at an astonishing speed, and the two individuals merely crossed paths in the blink of an eye. Yet, in that fleeting moment, their hands clasped together, and the young man was unexpectedly lifted by Jiang Yicao, tracing an arc in the air before settling securely behind Jiang Yicao.

Mo Jiyan stated that it was unreasonable to leave the city at this time, suggesting instead to wait until after dark to stay overnight at the inn outside the city before departing. Jiang Yicao, however, shook his head, seemingly with some reservations. The spring breeze girl, who had just been smiling brightly, now had tears welling up in her eyes, holding onto Jiang Yicao's sleeve as if she were unwilling to let go for even a moment

Seeing the two of them, one deeply engrossed in conversation and the other leaning on the railing, unwilling to turn back and showing no intention of leaving, Jiang Yicao could only continue the conversation, saying: "If one does not aspire to be a tyrant, then one can only strive to be a hero"

At this moment, Jiang Yicao had walked over, rubbing his forehead, looking quite disheveled. Upon seeing the bloodied corpse of the assassin nailed to the wooden board, he was even more horrified and taken aback. ... Then ... . ... he saw the young man beside Mo Ji, whose face was adorned with a smile and whose appearance was rather ordinary.

Jiang Yicao had no idea that the person in the nearby carriage was harboring such thoughts. He directly pulled Chunfeng aside and spoke to her in a low voice. Onlookers merely thought that the two siblings shared a deep bond and were currently exchanging heartfelt sentiments, not giving it much thought.

Before the words were finished, a loud rumbling sound was suddenly heard, and a carriage drove in from outside the city gate. This carriage was somewhat peculiar, drawn by eight horses in front, and its body was actually one-third the width of the city gate. Made of redwood, it featured carved windows, and the window frames were wrapped in fine wool velvet, making it extraordinarily luxurious

A thousand miles southeast of the capital, a solitary green mountain rises abruptly amidst the flat plains. The trees within the mountain are lush and verdant, and clouds and mist occasionally drift through the valleys. At the very top, a temple appears and disappears among the clouds. A young attendant emerges from beside the temple, carrying a food table, but instead of entering through the main hall's grand door, he takes a turn and heads straight towards a thatched cottage behind the temple. The young attendant places the food table outside the door, then gently knocks twice before silently retreating. With a creak, a hand as white as jade reaches out from the door to take the food table inside

Mo Ji was taken aback upon hearing this, and turned to look again at the expanse of the red-burnt forest outside the city gate, yet could see no trace of a person. He murmured, "Why is it that as soon as one leaves this capital, there is such unrestrained joy? Could it be that this place is truly, as you say, not a place for people to linger? It resembles those old ministers who harbor hidden thoughts in the court, who, after entering this realm for over a decade, have shed their bonds..." As this thought arose, he immediately shook his head, thinking to himself that this young lad, despite his youth, could not possibly be entangled in such matters.

The young master was startled

He was unaware of what Liu Jiang and the other two were looking at; he simply looked up, his gaze moving to the last name among the columns. At that moment, the sky suddenly cleared, and a beam of golden light shone down, perfectly illuminating the name that had been the most famous in the world ten years ago

Jiang Yicao feigned surprise and said, "What did you say?"

Mo Ji was taken aback upon hearing this and said, "It is rare to hear Old Xiong from the East City talk about his experiences, why is he leaving so early?" He turned to look out the window. "It is still early, so it would be fine to sit for a while."

Mo Ji smiled and said, "You young ladies enjoy listening to these strange tales. The Prince of Wangjiang is quite a figure, after all, he is the direct nephew of the Empress Dowager. Although there was a rift between father and son in his early years, leading to a situation where they could not coexist, they are still blood relatives. As the past fades, naturally, there is not much left to discuss... As for the matter of being conferred a title, considering his diligent efforts in the western frontier over the years, resisting the various tribes of the wilderness, who among the common people and even the military does not respect him? Receiving a royal title is simply a matter of course." He picked a piece of magnolia from the plate and chewed it, then carelessly remarked, "Generally speaking, great figures must have their minds set. If it were an ordinary noble, upon hearing the old bear from the east of the city rambling about old matters, he would have likely found a way to undermine him long ago. Only the Prince of Wangjiang, being so far removed, would be too indifferent to care."

"He has left." Jiang Yicao turned to look at the capital city shrouded in the glow of the sunset behind him, and said softly

The assassin forced a smile and disdainfully said: "... ... you scoundrel ... ... if I cannot kill you today, it is truly ... ... hard to be at ease." He then coughed twice, spitting out blood.

However, I heard someone nearby interject: "May I ask your esteemed surname, dear brother? I am new to this place and sincerely hope to make good friends. Upon seeing your impressive stature and extraordinary appearance, it is clear that you are a person of high standing, and I earnestly wish to befriend you. I am Xie Xiaofeng from Liangzhou, commonly known as Little Xie, aged twenty, with a reputable family background and a principled approach to life. I have always cherished the making of friends, and I hope you will not disdain my humble self and will lower yourself to associate with me..." I have always cherished the making of friends, and I hope you will not disdain my humble self and will lower yourself to associate with me...

The remaining assassin in the arena stood frozen, seemingly stunned by the tragic fate of his companion. Suddenly, he let out a loud shout, but to everyone's surprise, instead of charging forward, he flipped over the wall. Just as he was about to land, he lightly waved his right hand, and with that motion, a barely perceptible breeze rushed towards Mo Ji's chest.

Jiang Yicao turned to Mo Qi and said: "Mo Qi, I am leaving now..."

At this moment, the spring breeze was leaning against the railing, listening with great interest, not turning its head, saying: "Brother, this person is really interesting. Right now, he is talking about how Lord Wang of Wangjiang and the princess picked flowers and had a mishap in the Eastern Capital, encountering that scene. We can't leave; at the very least, I want to hear how that audacious young master of the Eastern Capital abducted his stepmother, how he escaped to Wangjiang, and eventually became a lord..." The tone was quite mischievous, resembling a little girl from the neighbor's house who was preparing to eavesdrop on her older brother's romantic history. We can't leave; at the very least, I want to hear how that audacious young master of the Eastern Capital abducted his stepmother, how he escaped to Wangjiang, and eventually became a lord..." The tone was quite mischievous, resembling a little girl from the neighbor's house who was preparing to eavesdrop on her older brother's romantic history.

He turned to Liu Ming and said softly, "This person is entrusted to you. If he cannot be saved, then grant him a swift end." He was well aware that it was common for the Inspection Institute to seize lives, and seeing that the assassin had no chance of survival, he decided to leave it to them. Liu Ming nodded in agreement. However, the dying assassin thought they were plotting to extract a confession, and despite his body hanging on the sword, he remained unafraid, shouting, "You don't need to force me... Let me tell you... I am a rat from Beiyang City..." With a surge of determination, he used his last bit of strength to pull the long sword out of himself and fell down.

This stone pillar has stood since the rebellion of Wang Zhi from Gao Tang three hundred years ago. It is inscribed with the names of one hundred and twenty-seven individuals, all of whom are notorious for their treachery and evil deeds, usurpers of the throne. In this region, there is no one who is unaware of this sight; it is common for passersby to spit upon it as a sign of disdain. Mo Ji grew up in the capital and is naturally familiar with this; without needing to look closely, he remembers that the first name inscribed at the base of the pillar is that of Li Hongxing, the Gao Tang king who caused chaos in the southern regions. Above that, the next thirty-two names belong to He Yin, the infamous eunuch who wreaked havoc in the court a century ago.

Just as I was feeling emotional, I suddenly heard a faint sound of wind rushing towards my chest, which made me chuckle softly. With a surge of strength in my fingers... I saw Jiang Yicao, who had just fallen to the ground, inexplicably stand up at this moment, blocking my way. The hidden weapon released by the assassin before his escape vanished without a trace.

The conversation was not yet finished when the spring breeze, listening from the side, couldn't help but laugh first, thinking to itself that this servant's name was not only resounding, but simply... it was truly too amusing

The young lady of spring breeze turned her head, her eyes filled with laughter, and asked, "So according to you, the story circulating in the streets about a horse-drawn carriage fleeing for thousands of miles is actually false?" Mo Ji was taken aback and retorted, "Those matters, if not known by the parties involved, who else would know? If no one knows, then this story is naturally false." The spring breeze smiled, her lips moving slightly, yet she did not refute him, her eyebrows playfully raising as if to mock this Mr. Mo for being truly uninteresting

At this moment, the sun had shifted, a gust of wind swept through the street, and the air felt even more refreshing. He shook off his anxious demeanor, turned to the two people hastily following behind him with a smile, and was about to speak when he suddenly noticed a strange expression on Chunfeng's face. Mo Ji also revealed a look of alertness in his eyes, knowing that something was amiss.

Mo Ji smiled faintly and said, "Where is such great ambition?" Then, with a serious expression, he continued, "Although the world is currently stable, there is pressure from Beidan in the east, disturbances from Xishan in the northwest, and hidden threats from the mad Third Young Master of Beiyang City among the Tianmai mountains. The south may seem peaceful, but no one knows what that reckless prince might do. " His voice rose slightly, "As a man standing in this world, I do not seek to achieve great accomplishments for eternity, but I do wish to secure the nation and protect the people, hoping for favorable weather and a life free of troubles for all. " He then smiled, as if to comfort himself, "I know my nature is stubborn, and I cannot learn the smooth skills of the officials in the court. Although the south may seem peaceful, no one knows what that reckless prince might do. " His voice rose slightly, "As a man standing in this world, I do not seek to achieve great accomplishments for eternity, but I do wish to secure the nation and protect the people, hoping for favorable weather and a life free of troubles for all. " He then smiled, as if to comfort himself, "I know my nature is stubborn, and I cannot learn the smooth skills of the officials in the court. But now that the Empress Dowager is in power, and seeing that the Emperor will take over governance in two years, although there are still some rats in the court, the governance is relatively clean, and everything is in order. I do not ask for much, only to maintain this order in this peaceful world.

At this moment, the other side had already ceased their actions. When Mo Ji turned his head to look, he saw that the assassin had been pinned to the wooden door of a shop by a long sword, his chest and abdomen in a state of disarray, a sight too gruesome to behold, prompting him to turn his head away. However, upon turning again, he noticed a young man of ordinary appearance, dressed in the attire of a seventh-rank official, bowing respectfully to him.

Amidst the sound of hooves, a person and a horse swiftly galloped in. A figure emerged from the pavilion, clad in a black outfit that accentuated a lean frame, exuding an air of coldness. On their head was a short-brimmed hat that barely concealed the face above the mouth and nose. Upon seeing this person, Jiang Yicao revealed a barely perceptible smile, and his mount did not slow down, merely extending a hand. The young man in black twitched the corner of his mouth, seemingly also bearing a hint of a smile, and reached out his hand to a height of half a person.

Mo Ji said lightly, "You know what I mean." Jiang Yicao made a helpless expression and handed over a dark iron object. Mo Ji did not examine it closely, but wrapped it in a piece of paper and scolded, "You suddenly collapsed just now, which startled me." Jiang Yicao covered his mouth and chuckled, saying, "Who doesn't know that you, Mo, are highly skilled in martial arts and handsome? I was just giving you a good opportunity to show off in front of the girl."