Chapter 10, the assassin is also a startled bird
Lu Xiong escorted Wang Bing to Yingzi Mouth. First, there were remnants of the Jing Sheng Army waiting at the cliff's edge, and then Xu Wujiang led his troops and soldiers to rush over on horseback in no time. Now that they have heard about the deep connections between the Xu family and the Jing Sheng Army, what are they supposed to think?
The scar-faced assassin and his accomplice exchanged a glance, both able to see the shock in each other's eyes
Xu Wujiang was still sound asleep, while the diligent Di Niang had already gotten up to prepare breakfast for them
You should wash up quickly and prepare the provisions for the journey; I will go inform Lord Wang to avoid missing the schedule. Xu Xinian thought that this trip was primarily for him, fearing that something might go wrong, so he woke up early to get ready. Now, having called Xu Huai awake, he hurriedly ran to the post station to see if Wang Bing and the others had gotten up to pack their bags.
In the small place of Huaiyuan Town, there are usually no significant events. The mere fact that the Deputy Censor-in-Chief was demoted and passed through Huaiyuan on his way to Tangzhou is enough to keep people talking for half a year
The news of Wang Bing being demoted to Tangzhou and encountering bandits at Yingzi Mouth spread throughout the market last night
Xu Huai rarely had the opportunity to handle a steel knife, and yesterday he was further enlightened by Lu Xiong
Xu and Tang are both prominent clans in the Tongbai Mountains, not to mention the numerous tenants who are dependent on them; there are at least eight hundred, if not a thousand, direct descendants and collateral branches.
Xu Huai's physique was robust, and the gray-black standard military uniform and leather armor he wore were somewhat tight, yet he exuded an imposing presence
This person is one of the assassins who appeared under the eagle's beak yesterday, but at this moment, he no longer has a full beard; only two patches of mustache remain on his upper lip, and he appears very capable.
The Xu family's Fumang Fist, Fumang Knife, and Fumang Spear are indeed extraordinary. Speaking of which, it is also related to this simpleton, as it was his father who brought them back from the Jing Sheng Army to Huaiyuan...
The morning tea has not yet been launched, but every month, thousands of pounds of specialty medicinal materials from Tongbai Mountain are transported to Biyang, and then from the merchants in Biyang City, they are sent south to Jinghu and north to Chuanluo
Hmm! The scar-faced assassin had a clean-shaven jaw and a rather fair complexion, yet he exuded an air of ferocity. He was also fixated on Xu Huai's back.
Xu Huai was both troubled by Wang Bing's fierce temperament and secretly relieved at the same time
There is no need for the scar-faced assassin to press for answers, nor for the loquacious warehouse manager, and the librarian would almost be willing to divulge the entire lineage of the Xu family back to eight generations.
Grandfather, since you are not feeling well, you should heed Uncle Lu's advice and rest here for a couple of days to recover from your illness. This will not delay your trip to Biyang either
The Tang family caravan's journey to Biyang was accompanied by eight or nine fully armed guards, in addition to twenty strong and robust horsemen. This is related to the martial spirit prevalent in the Huai region and the significant influence of surnames such as Tang and Xu in the Tongbai Mountains. However, the two assassins were unfamiliar with the conditions in the Tongbai Mountains, and at this moment, they observed that each of these individuals bore a fierce expression.
Three assassins, except for one who hurried back to Bianjing to report, changed their disguises. Last night, they infiltrated the market in Huaiyuan Town and learned that Wang Bing would accompany the horse team from the Tang family goods depot to Biyang today. They also found the steward of the Tang family in the town and requested to travel with the horse team
It is quite common in the Tongbai Mountains for merchants to pay a fee to the person in charge and travel in the company of a caravan with armed escorts; even without paying, one can join a horse convoy as long as their actions are not suspicious enough to warrant reporting to the authorities, and no one would forcibly drive them away.
Just past the third hour of the day, the scar-faced assassin learned that the Xu family had more than thirty clan members in their early years, including Xu Wuxuan, who had ambiguous ties with bandits. During the Xihe period, when Wang Xiaocheng served as the governor, they were incorporated into the Jing Sheng Army
They need to follow the cavalry and aim to reach Yushan Post, which is sixty li away, before nightfall. The journey is still somewhat rushed, so they must set out early.
After Xu Huai regained his senses, he felt quite uncomfortable in his heart when he heard others view him this way. However, on one hand, more than a month had passed, and on the other hand, after what happened yesterday, he couldn't help but think that others viewing him this way might not be a form of protection after all
Xu Huai led the horse to Lu Xiong's side, and the curtains of the carriage were all drawn down. He faintly heard Wang Xuan inside the carriage persuading Wang Bing
You foolish fellow, why are you making such a fuss? Put away the knife and come with me quickly! Xu Xinan stuffed the bundle containing provisions into Xu Huai's hands, pulling him to the stable to lead out the horse, heading towards the ferry outside the eastern gate of the military camp
While he devoured a pound of wheat cakes with pickles, Xu Xinan ran back with a picture book
Regardless of the type, the number of people who are determined to protect Wang Bing will certainly not be few, but why are there only two individuals accompanying Lu Xiong to escort Wang Bing to Biyang City?
"It is often said that 'there are many heroes in the Huai region,' and I was initially skeptical. However, observing this soldier, who is not very old yet wields his knife with remarkable prowess, is truly impressive!" The scar-faced assassin lagged slightly behind and quietly inquired of the manager of the Tang family goods store.
The manager received a message last night and was very enthusiastic towards the two foreign merchants, saying: "Ha, you say that the stupid donkey from the Xu family is foolish. This fool, however, possesses extraordinary strength; he can overturn an ox with his two arms, but he is indeed a bit foolish here..."
Two individuals, under the pretext of lagging behind, passed a fork in the road. Taking advantage of the inattention of those ahead, they directly urged their horses into the fork and swiftly departed
As long as Wang Bing and Lu Xiong do not reveal the truth, the assassin who found Huaiyuan Town would probably never have imagined that it would be him standing at the Eagle's Mouth yesterday
The narrow-bladed iron knife was used by ordinary soldiers and could not be considered exquisite, yet Xu Huai had a great fondness for it. He drew the knife, first positioning it diagonally to the left rear of his body. As he stepped forward, he used his wrist and elbow to bring the narrow-bladed iron knife above his body, striking diagonally to the right front side.
Xu Wujiang is the younger cousin of Xu Wuxuan, belonging to the collateral branch of the Xu family. Although he did not serve in the military, he practiced martial arts from a young age in the Tongbai Mountains and gained a reputation for his bravery in his youth. He later learned the Fumang Fist and Fumang Sword and Spear, becoming exceptionally skilled in martial arts. He represented the Xu family and entered the Inspection Office to serve as a section chief.
The head of the Tang family rarely makes appearances, while his younger brother, Tang Tiande, is inferior to Xu Wujiang in both swordsmanship and martial arts, yet he has managed to hold the position of deputy chief in the inspection office.
Four light carts; more than thirty mules and horses, most of which are tied with large bags of medicinal herbs; the muleteers, guards, and accompanying foreign merchants together number over forty people. This procession, winding along the narrow horse path, stretches over a hundred paces from front to back, yet it is quite a magnificent sight
Lu Xiong is an elder of the Jing Sheng Army. Wang Bing served in the Jing Sheng Army in his early years, during which Lu Xiong was appointed as his personal guard, and thus they forged a deep friendship, which they had long been aware of. When they set out from Bianjing, they believed that as long as they dealt with Lu Xiong, there would be no further obstacles.
Regardless of how insignificant the military rank may be within the bureaucratic system of Đại Việt, Xu Wujian, representing the Xu family, is the foremost figure in the Inspection Office at Tongbai Mountain
In addition to the Tang merchant convoy, many other traders also crossed the river at this time, accompanying the convoy to Biyang.
Ah? The scar-faced assassin looked back at Xu Huai in surprise. Firstly, the steward of the Tang family had no reason to deceive him. Moreover, Xu Huai was wielding a knife on horseback, and everyone else appeared to be afraid he might lose control, wanting to keep their distance. He said, "We have traveled far and wide and have seen quite a bit. The knife technique displayed by this soldier is truly remarkable. How could one not notice that there is something wrong with his head?"
Tongbai Mountain may not be small, but the fact that Xu Wuxuan, who served in the military in his early years, returned home to pass on the Fumang Fist and weapons techniques to his clansmen has long been known throughout the surrounding mountains and hills; it is not a secret.
"You foolish fellow, are you going to wait until the sun is high in the sky before you leave?" Xu Xinian urged, throwing a set of armor and a matching sword to Xu Huai, saying, "Put down your burdens and let me take care of them. Hurry up and put on the armor, don't embarrass yourself with that firewood knife any longer! Old Wang and Lord Lu have already gone to the ferry. My goodness, hurry up!"
"Previously, during the two-day journey to Biyang, I only felt a slight chill. Sitting in the carriage without the wind blowing on me, what harm could there be?" Wang Bing said weakly while coughing in the carriage.
... ...
The journey is dull, and the person in charge is also willing to chat a bit more with generous guests, especially when it involves matters he is familiar with.
Lu Xiong should have taken action against Wang Bing, and Xu Huai, of course, was not in a hurry. After a while of dawdling, he pretended to walk into the courtyard to fetch well water for washing up.
Xu Huai's movements were not large; he merely wanted to experience the sensation of his spine integrating with the momentum of the blade, yet he needed to be more at ease.
Although he thought to himself that there was no need to rush for success, walking along the mountain path with the group was quite tedious. He often took out his knife, held it in front of him, and occasionally waved it a few times, contemplating how to better integrate the essence of his body as a root into the momentum of the knife and the books.
Although Xu Wujiang instructed Xu Xinan to tell everyone not to speak of Wang Bingyu's criminal activities, the soldiers below could hardly control their tongues
Fifteen years ago, Jing Shengjun disbanded a portion of the old soldiers and recruited new soldiers to fill the ranks. In the end, more than ten members of the Xu family returned to their hometown with Xu Wuxuan.
Xu Wuxuan passed away less than two years after returning to his hometown, leaving behind a son who was simple-minded. The other members of the Xu clan who returned to their hometown were mainly taken in as tenants by the clan leader Xu Wufu, forming a particularly formidable group of local militia in the Huaiyuan Mountains. The techniques of Fumang Fist, Fumang Blade, and Fumang Spear subsequently spread among the Xu clan members and the non-Xu tenants who allied with them.
The outcome before him is always more acceptable to him than unintentionally saving a villain.
In addition to operating brothels and warehouses in Huaiyuan Street and Biyang City, the Tang family also engages in the tea and medicine business
The Tang family has been operating in the Tongbai Mountains for several generations, with interconnected fields and a financial power that surpasses that of the Xu family by a margin.
"How did this fool go to the county with you?" The manager of the Tang family goods store asked Xu Xinan with a smile as he saw Xu Huai leading the horse over.
However, when it comes to the Fulong Knife, this simpleton has yet to even scratch the surface, and with his intellect, he will likely never even think about entering the realm. Among the practitioners of the Fulong Knife and Fulong Spear from Tongbai Mountain, Xu Wujiang and a few others are the strongest, including the slightly smaller Xu Xinan, who is also quite skilled among the youth in Huaiyuan Town. This simpleton, aside from his extraordinary strength, falls short in other areas, but with his build, he will be more than sufficient to receive military pay in the Inspection Department in the future. If it weren't for Xu Wujiang not letting him go, the goods warehouse would have wanted to hire him—if nothing else, at least to intimidate others. Just look at his size; he resembles a small calf, so robust!
To the west of the Baijian River, the horse path is situated among the mountain ridges and valleys, and is somewhat more rugged than that to the east. Large vehicles find it difficult to traverse, and bulk goods must either be transported by mules and horses or carried on the shoulders of people, making it a slow process
Xu Xinian did not wish to travel alongside Xu Huai, who had a hatchet tucked into his waist. At this moment, he had already skillfully borrowed a set of military uniform and armor from the barracks.
Are we setting off now? Xu Huai asked with uncertainty
At this moment, seeing this young man dancing with a knife on horseback, although it appears somewhat awkward, there are clearly traces of the hidden python knife. How can they not be alarmed?
He certainly cannot bind Wang Bing and leave him in Huaiyuan in front of the public
However, Xu Xinan's skills are among the best in the younger generation, while Xu Huai, with such a large build and natural strength, is known for being foolish and clumsy, making him a notable figure in Huaiyuan
Xu Huai was taken aback: Where has the problem arisen? Lu Xiong has not yet subdued Wang Bing, yet he is urging to set off? Has he changed his mind, or has Wang Bing sensed something?
Seeing that Xu Huai had not even prepared his travel bag, he angrily shouted: "Are you a mule or a donkey? Why are you moving so slowly? Do you need someone to specifically whip you to get you going?"
Regardless of whether there are dangers on the road, it is indeed true that they represent the inspection department in escorting Wang Bing to Biyang City
Yesterday, they were stopped in front of Eagle's Mouth Cliff and dared not force their way through. To put it plainly, an unexpected situation led them to suspect that Lu Xiong was in contact with the remnants of the Jing Sheng Army in Tongbai Mountain to protect Wang Bing. The matter was far more complicated than they had anticipated, which prompted them to send someone back to Bianjing overnight to report the situation
At dawn, Xu Xinan came to knock on the door
Is it a deliberate show of weakness
This fellow is demonstrating the Fumang Knife created by Wang Xiaocheng during his time in the military. Was it that person from yesterday at the cliff?" The thin-faced man stared at Xu Huai's back, his eyes filled with astonishment, and quietly asked his companion
Although the past two years have been relatively peaceful, bandits have already ventured near Huaiyuan Town yesterday. Xu Xinian did not dare to be too careless and chose to travel with the camel caravan for much greater safety
Both of them realized this point, their eyes filled with astonishment: this is a trap designed to lure them in
Xu Huai then realized that Lu Xiong had already drugged him, but what he did not expect was that Wang Bing, with his fiery temperament, knowing full well that going to Biyang would likely lead to danger, still refused to stay in Huaiyuan Town and not leave despite his physical condition.
What are they going to do next
Xu Huai, however, did not notice that two individuals at the back of the group were keeping their eyes fixed on him
... ...
Is it that the Xu clan has all been bought off by Lu Xiong, with the intention of preserving Wang Bing, or are only those old members of the Jing Sheng Army being incited to participate in this matter?