Chapter 1, If life were only as it was at first sight
Qiu Kaiyu did not respond, paused for a moment, and then said lightly: "That batch of firearms was originally a secret weapon of my Shuiyun Palace."
He is actually willing to meet me in person said Qiu Kaiyu, looking at her slowly, still with a blank expression
The crisp sound of "ding" was produced by the jade ornaments she wore clashing against each other. Xie Fangfei took a step back, her heart filled with trepidation, yet she remained silent. She naturally thought of the intricate schemes and deceptions involved. Both parties harbored ulterior motives and ill intentions. Xiao Yan was willing to take risks and engage personally, but it did not necessarily mean he truly valued her. As the saying goes, one cannot catch tiger cubs without entering the tiger's den. Xiao Yan was eager to eliminate Qiu Kaiyu just as he was.
Xie Fangfei, feeling emotional, sighed: "When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked; when the flying birds are gone, the good bow is hidden; when the enemy country is destroyed, the strategist perishes. This has been the case since ancient times, and there is nothing more to say about it." Achieving great merit and shaking the ruler has always been a major taboo for those in positions of servitude, and Xiao Yan's fate has been quite difficult.
Xie Fangfei faced him with trepidation, as if walking on thin ice. Aware of his exceptional intelligence and that he spoke plainly in front of others, she decided to be straightforward and asked directly: "Why has Young Master Qiu taken me hostage? If you truly intend to threaten General Xiao, you should have taken his wife or daughter instead. I am merely a minor aide in the Xiao residence, without power or influence, and of no consequence; whether I live or die is of no concern to anyone." She hoped fervently that in his desperation, he had indeed captured the wrong person, which would make everything much easier to negotiate.
Xie Fangfei immediately realized that she had made a grave mistake. Like Qiu Kaiyu, who is ambitious yet employs vastly different methods, she would only resort to the approach of preferring to wrongfully kill rather than let any potential threat slip away, without engaging in any other futile speculations. Even if she believed in herself, she feared that in the end, she would meet the same fate as the hunted bird whose bow is hidden. As the 'Evil Monarch' of the demonic path, Qiu Kaiyu's movements are erratic, and his actions are unilateral and decisive, which is entirely different from Xiao Yan, who at least pretends to be eager for talent on the surface. The strategy that Xie Fangfei intended to use against Xiao Yan would naturally not work against Qiu Kaiyu.
Brother Qiu, our chance encounter outside Yongzhou City on that day was brief and hurried, and we cannot yet be considered old friends. It has already been two years since then; the sky was darkening, and I did not have the opportunity to observe you closely. Given the misunderstanding that has arisen today, it is indeed understandable. I only hope that you, Brother Qiu, do not take offense. At that time, I naturally did not know that the person I encountered was you. I never expected that we would meet again after several years; it can be considered fate. " Xie Fangfei recounted softly, hoping to evoke some inexplicable connections from the past. Fate is truly elusive; what is most feared is a deep affection with a shallow bond, having fate but lacking the opportunity.
"Do you know that Xiao Yan has recently acquired a batch of fine firearms?" Qiu Kaiyu suddenly asked, breaking the silence. The wind blowing from the depths of the mist lifted the corners of his clothing, while Xie Fangfei shivered slightly, forcing herself to calm down.
Qiu Kaiyu's tone was disrespectful yet composed, showing no reaction as she continued to smile and said, "Xiao Yan actually places such reliance on a young woman; you must possess extraordinary qualities." Her cold and emotionless voice sent a chill down Xie Fangfei's spine, as if a dark cloud loomed overhead. In times of chaos, a formidable leader often eliminates talents that are not utilized for their own benefit. If Qiu Kaiyu believes that she can act with impunity within the Xiao Group, her life may be in danger. In such turbulent times, a formidable leader typically kills talents that are not used for their own purposes. If Qiu Kaiyu believes that she can act with impunity within the Xiao Group, her life may be in danger. If she were merely a servant or a lowly attendant, she would be safer; although Qiu Kaiyu is a tyrant, she would not stoop to killing them.
Xie Fangfei was perceptive and understood that he fundamentally did not believe in himself. No matter how eloquently one spoke, it could not sway him in the slightest. Moreover, before Emperor Qi Ming Xiao Luan met his demise, her own life would have already been lost. Such individuals only cared about immediate interests and benefits. Qiu Kaiyu did not think highly of her, believing she was merely skilled in flattery and manipulation of words. Without any factual basis, he naturally would not be convinced. Since persuasion was ineffective, the only thing that could truly move him was that particular item. Xie Fangfei sighed inwardly; the worst-case scenario was merely this. In the future, she did not know how much trouble she would be entangled in, and there was no way to avoid it. However, when comparing future troubles to her current life, which was more significant and how to choose, was self-evident.
Oh? Is that so? How could I possibly know such an important matter! What is my status? I am merely a minor aide in the Xiao residence, Young Master Qiu
Autumn rain fell, yet there was no further pressing for answers; the topic was swiftly changed, catching Xie Fangfei somewhat off guard: "In the past, Yuan Hong mobilized his forces and marched south with great momentum, likely to seize the Han River and achieve success in one fell swoop. However, due to a minor scheme of discord, he was forced to retreat to Yiyang, creating a lasting regret throughout the ages. Conversely, that young Xiao Yan took advantage of the situation, as there were no heroes at the time, allowing a mere youth to gain fame! Yet, judging by the current circumstances, it seems that his future days may not be bright; Xiao Luan will not let this internal threat go unpunished."
Xie Fangfei showed a look of surprise, clearly astonished. She did not expect him to be so well-informed about her; it seemed that any attempt to deceive him would be futile. After a slight nod and a moment of contemplation, she admitted: "Indeed, Young Master Qiu is truly well-informed; he must have many eyes and ears under his command." Unable to help herself, she couldn't help but add a hint of sarcasm.
Xie Fangfei was puzzled by what he meant by this statement, wondering whether it indicated a murderous intent or some other conspiracy. There was no response. A sense of unease began to creep into her heart; this person was too cunning, capable of annihilating enemies with a mere smile. Under such circumstances, she had no chance of escape.
Xie Fangfei naturally knows about Qiu Kaiyu. The current master of Shuiyun Palace, known as the 'Evil Monarch' of the demonic path, instills fear in the hearts of people across the world. He is cold and ruthless. His not killing her at this moment is merely because the timing is not yet right. The more he smiles with composure and elegance, the more ruthless he is in his killings. After witnessing the corpses strewn across the Xiao residence, Xie Fangfei harbored not a shred of doubt. To him, she is still a useful bait for the time being. After witnessing the corpses strewn across the Xiao residence, Xie Fangfei harbored not a shred of doubt. To him, she is still a useful bait for the time being
Xie Fangfei secretly stuck out her tongue. Xiao Luan is naturally healthy now, but soon she will be slightly unwell. Deliberately putting on an inscrutable demeanor, she asked, "Does Young Master Qiu believe in the theories of the stars and the five elements? Whenever significant events occur, Heaven always provides corresponding omens to inform the world as a form of admonition. The assassination of King Liao of Wu by Zhuan Zhu was heralded by a comet striking the moon; the assassination of Han Kui by Nie Zheng was signified by a white rainbow piercing the sun; the assassination of Qing Ji by Yao Li was marked by a falcon striking the hall. Such has always been the case. For future events, Heaven has long provided omens to warn the people."
As the autumn rain fell, I looked up and exclaimed, "Oh," with a profound meaning, and eagerly asked, "Who exactly are you? Given what you say... however—Xiao Yan is so astute and capable, how could he possibly tolerate a subordinate like you?"
Qiu Kaiyu looked at her and smiled lightly, no longer speaking, and walked away leisurely
Xie Fangfei felt a flush on her face upon hearing this, realizing that he was mocking her. She deliberately laughed and said, "The followers of Lord Mengchang are merely a bunch of petty thieves and rogues." There was a hint of sophistry in her words.
Miss Fangfei said that everything has its unchanging fate, and there is a predetermined order in the dark. If that is the case, how can it be changed by human effort? Miss Fangfei is being contradictory. Moreover, Qiu has always gone against the heavens, which is likely to disappoint Miss Fangfei. Qiu Kaiyu still maintained a calm demeanor, smiling on the surface, but the smile did not reach her eyes. Her tone was indifferent, with a hint of disdain. Relying solely on Xie Fangfei's eloquence, how could Qiu Kaiyu easily believe in these ethereal so-called prophecies? Furthermore, Qiu has always gone against the heavens, which is likely to disappoint Miss Fangfei.
Xie Fangfei was greatly astonished, staring at him intently. She was well aware that what Qiu Kaiyu said was not unfounded; Xiao Luan remained suspicious of Xiao Yan until his death. This person possesses keen insight and profound foresight, having already seen clearly the events that will unfold in the future. This is why he can traverse the world, with no one able to obstruct him
Of course I remember the autumn rain, at that time I had finally taken the first step towards achieving my grand ambitions, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions, how could I possibly forget! Meanwhile, the peach blossoms around me were blooming vigorously, spreading like a spark igniting a prairie... As the evening mist gradually rose, the beautiful scenery and exquisite poetry made the spring colors around me even more vibrant... He waved his hand, seemingly wanting to brush away that past encounter without leaving any trace. Suddenly, he sat down opposite Xie Fangfei, his smile as warm as the spring breeze, yet his tone was completely opposite: "Brother Yifei! I, Qiu, have never killed out of anger, nor would I spare someone out of nostalgia for the past." His temperament was truly unpredictable. Xie Fangfei felt a chill run down her spine, as if a snake had slithered across it, leaving her feeling icy. His words clearly indicated that he would not let her off easily.
Xie Fangfei gradually calmed down, as she naturally found herself in the majority of situations, so she had to find every possible way to preserve her life. As the saying goes, where there is life, there is hope. "Qiu Gongzi, my real name is Xie Fangfei, the Fangfei of the world in April when all blossoms fade. How about we make a deal?"
Xie Fangfei noticed the fluctuating expression on his face, his gaze cold and sinister, and felt a surge of fear in her heart. Two years ago, in the autumn rain, he might have shown a trace of compassion, but now, asking him to let her go for no reason would be as difficult as ascending to the heavens. Unable to help but reveal a look of sorrow, she sighed deeply and softly recited: "The road is long and slow, laden with thirst and hunger; my heart is filled with sorrow, who knows my grief?" After reciting, she quietly asked, "Brother Qiu, do you still remember this line of poetry?"
Qiu Mo did not expect that 'Brother Yifei' was actually a woman. Qiu Kaiyu's eyes flickered for a moment, and he focused again to scrutinize the person standing before him. Despite knowing his identity, he remained calm and composed, speaking eloquently, and it was indeed remarkable that she was a woman.
Xie Fangfei forced a smile, and after a long while, could only let out a deep sigh: "For those in high positions of power, reason always outweighs emotion." Coming back to her senses, she turned to Qiu Kaiyu and said: "Enough! Brother Qiu, I have been asking myself, in this world, it seems that at certain times, there are always things that are more important than life itself, right? However, most of the time, naturally, nothing is better than life. What do you think?"
"Young Master Qiu, it seems unnecessary for you to take me hostage just to leave the Xiao residence, does it not?" Xie Fangfei paused for a moment, glancing at him sideways, feeling somewhat alarmed.
The autumn rain falls gently, accompanied by a faint smile, leaving the matter unaddressed
It was not until this moment that I truly became interested in this topic, so I approached and asked: "May I ask how Miss Xie came to know such important matters?" Nowadays, the situation within the court remains unclear, and the health of Emperor Ming, Xiao Luan, is naturally the focus of everyone's attention, with countless individuals secretly waiting for an opportunity to act.
Yuan Hong was the personal name of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei, while Xiao Luan was the personal name of Emperor Qiming of the Southern Qi. At this time, Xiao Yan was merely a minor general in the Southern Qi. The chaotic era of the Southern and Northern Dynasties led to a situation where the realm was divided by the river, with one power in the south and another in the north, each standing firm. The situation in the world was tumultuous, with fires of war rising repeatedly, instability prevailing, and the people suffering greatly. In times of chaos, heroes emerge; this was an era of great leaders rising in unison, grand and magnificent; it was also a time of rivers running red with blood, where human lives were treated as mere grass, and the aristocracy was rigidly hierarchical.
Xie Fangfei secretly found it amusing, thinking that to deceive someone as exceptionally intelligent as Qiu Kaiyu, one must employ every trick in the book. Fortunately, this kind of nonsense is only suitable for deceiving clever individuals. Generally speaking, the more intelligent a person is, the more likely they are to be overly clever for their own good. Who would have thought that people of this era would believe such things! No matter how powerful and capable Qiu Kaiyu may be, he is still constrained by the limitations of his time and cannot escape this realm.
Brother Qiu, it is only today that I, the younger sister, truly understand and should be grateful for your mercy back then, for not taking your anger out on others and refraining from delivering a fatal blow. It turns out that my life was hanging by a thread at that time, perilously close to disaster. Now I realize the fear, drenched in cold sweat, yet I still do not know how to navigate the current crisis. Truly, just as one wave recedes, another rises, with troubles never ceasing to emerge.
Qiu Kaiyu looked at Xie Fangfei and said with a faint smile: "Miss Xie, since the Wei and Jin dynasties, the situation in the world has been changing every single day."
She walked up to Qiu Kaiyu, looked up at him, her expression calm, and said softly: "Young Master Qiu, you will naturally know in the future that what I say is not false. Since you do not believe my words, I will not say much more." After a slight pause, her gaze sharpened, her hands clasped together, and she continued, "However, what about the Taiyue Ling? The Taiyue Ling! Young Master Qiu must be interested, right"
The autumn rain fell, yet she smiled; in that fleeting moment, she radiated the brilliance of autumn chrysanthemums and the lushness of spring pines, making her impossible to gaze upon directly. She slightly raised her right eyebrow and scrutinized him for a moment: "He too wishes to kill me, Autumn." Her tone was nonchalant, as if the matter were of no concern to her. Such a casual attitude towards life and death, so light and airy, could only be attributed to either a young bull unafraid of tigers or a person who remains unfazed even amidst a sea of blood.
Oh? Thank you, Miss Xie. I wonder what kind of transaction allows you to face me, Qiu, with such confidence? I am quite interested!" Qiu Kaiyu remained unmoved, quietly observing the situation.
Xie Fangfei looked at him and nodded, saying, "Indeed, for hundreds of years, the divisions and fragmentation, the changes of dynasties, have not seen a single day of peace and stability." She then turned back, as if nothing had happened, and continued, "The Ming Emperor is slightly unwell; I wonder if Young Master Qiu is aware of this?" This should be extremely important intelligence for him
Xie Fangfei pondered quietly, realizing that the autumn rain would likely not spare him. He was waiting for Xiao Yan to take further action. A person without long-term concerns will surely face immediate troubles. Suddenly, he made a decisive choice, betting everything on it.
Following closely behind Qiu Kaiyu, she softly said: "I wonder if Brother Qiu still remembers the Reclining Buddha Temple outside Yongzhou City? In the world, when the flowers of April have withered, the peach blossoms in the mountain temple begin to bloom! Alas—what a beautiful time and scenery, yet how can one rely on the heavens? Whose courtyard holds such delightful moments? I wonder if Brother Qiu still has any impression of this?" She herself recalled it as if it were a dream, half believing and half doubting.
In the deep autumn rain, I glanced at her, avoided answering, yet smiled and said: "It is said that the strategy to sow discord between Yuan Hong's generals Liu Chang and Wang Su was proposed by you?" There was a clear disbelief in my words regarding what she had said.
Xie Fangfei's expression was solemn and unassailable: "In the theory of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, the East corresponds to Wood, with its sovereign being Taihao and its assistant being Jumang, governing Spring with regulations; the South corresponds to Fire, with its sovereign being Yandi and its assistant being Zhuming, governing Summer with balance; the Center corresponds to Earth, with its sovereign being Huangdi and its assistant being Houtu, governing the Four Directions with order; the West corresponds to Metal, with its sovereign being Shaohao and its assistant being Rushou, governing Autumn with standards; the North corresponds to Water, with its sovereign being Zhuanxu and its assistant being Xuanming, governing Winter with authority. Everything in the world conforms to the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. Those who are skilled can naturally foresee the heavenly secrets in advance and make early plans. Since ancient times, there have been those who could predict significant future events, aligning with the will of heaven. I, Fangfei, am not particularly talented, yet I still have some utility. The current situation is obscure and unclear, a state of chaos, with its complexities difficult to fully describe. If I were to assist the palace master in striving for a favorable position, afterward, would the palace master be able to spare my life?"
A talent like Brother Qiu is naturally unforgettable to anyone who has seen him. Unlike my younger sister, who has an ordinary appearance and can be found anywhere. It is not surprising if one fails to recognize her at first glance. Although Xie Fangfei's words were certainly meant to protect her own life and carried a hint of flattery, no one would consider them an exaggeration. Qiu Kaiyu stands tall and elegant, with a handsome appearance. When not engaged in killing, he possesses the temperament of a poet, exuding an ethereal charm, truly a dragon among men.
"Are you going to kill him?" Xie Fangfei raised her eyes and asked softly. The person before her, with his clothes billowing in the wind, appeared ethereal and graceful, making it difficult to associate him with such a bloody scene.
Xie Fangfei's rambling words, lacking coherence, piqued Qiu Kaiyu's interest somewhat, raising an eyebrow. Life is indeed precious, but is there anything more valuable than life itself? Perhaps some people believe there is, while others think there is not
Deliberately slightly increasing the volume of the words "Young Master Qiu," whether intentionally or unintentionally, serves as a reminder to oneself that one is truly insignificant and not worthy of such "attention" from him
As the autumn rain falls, I turn around, the hem of my clothes fluttering gracefully, standing with my hands behind my back, my profile perfect yet aloof; my expression remains calm and inscrutable. After a moment, I coldly say: "Xiao Yan values you highly."
Xie Fangfei stood up and said softly yet clearly: "Young Master Qiu is a person of great ambition, naturally he looks down upon ordinary matters. The situation in the world is about to undergo significant changes, I wonder if Young Master Qiu has any strategies to cope with it?" If she could foresee the future and assist him, would he spare her life?
Xie Fangfei suddenly realized why both parties were determined to eliminate each other; it was all due to this batch of firearms that had ignited the fuse underground, making it impossible to control the situation any longer, leaving no room for negotiation, and forcing them to confront each other with real weapons. Being caught in the middle, her life was likely in danger, so she hurriedly said: "I do know that the Xiao residence has recently acquired a batch of firearms, but General Xiao only mentioned this matter in passing. At that time, I was still confused and had no idea where the firearms were hidden. Moreover, given my position, I usually only handle trivial matters, like delivering messages or running errands. How could I possibly be privy to such confidential matters!" She quickly distanced herself from the situation, hoping that Qiu Kaiyu would show mercy.
The autumn rain suddenly stopped, and turning around to face Xie Fangfei, he scrutinized her for a long while, his expression revealing no hint of change. After a prolonged silence, he said gloomily: "I, Qiu, never expected that it would be an old acquaintance meeting again in a different place. Please forgive my lack of insight, as I did not recognize you at first." It was unclear what state of mind led him, who usually kept his emotions in check, to exclaim: "In the past, I departed, the willows swayed gently; now I return, the rain and snow fall thickly..." After pondering for a while, they looked at each other in silence, and after some time, he continued: "Good, good, Yi Fei, indeed very good! I, Qiu, am truly both surprised and delighted today!" His gaze flickered uncertainly, revealing that his heart was already filled with anger.
In the autumn rain, silence prevails, yet my heart sinks. I recall that slender, scholarly man in a blue robe, who spoke with a gentle smile, exuding warmth and comfort. It was merely because he recited the beautiful lines, "When the blossoms of April fade away in the world, the peach blossoms in the mountain temple begin to bloom," that my spirits were lifted, and I refrained from taking his life. Thus, it is said that in all endeavors, one must never act on a moment's impulse, lest it lead to lifelong regret.
Hmm? Xie Fangfei lightly bit her lower lip, her brows slightly furrowed, unsure of the meaning behind his sudden words
Xie Fangfei knows that the thoughts of "Evil Monarch" Qiu Kaiyu are always profound and unpredictable, with moods that fluctuate between sunny and gloomy. She is genuinely afraid that he might act out in anger and resort to violence. Moreover, she had concealed her identity that day and harbors other secrets, which indeed makes her feel guilty. What kind of person is Qiu Kaiyu? How could he allow others to deceive and manipulate him?