Edict of Peace 120
Chapter 120: The Phoenix’s Gift
Li Zhaowen’s steps were light and quick as she walked alone through the alleys of Chen Kingdom, softly humming the melody of the poem the young man had just recited. As she walked, the moonlight and starlight were gradually replaced by the bright lights ahead.
Li Zhaowen stopped, remaining in the shadows.
She reached out and adjusted her collar, the smile fading from her face. She resumed the composed demeanor of a young master from a prominent family, opened her folding fan—a renowned landscape painting on one side, four ink characters on the other—and walked calmly back to her residence.
“Second Young Master has returned!”
Attendants rushed forward. Li Zhaowen tossed her fan to one of them, washed her hands in a golden basin provided, and dismissed them all. After paying her respects to her father, she returned to her courtyard. Changsun Wu’gou helped her remove her outer robe, and she bathed and changed into fresh clothes.
She reviewed documents under the lamplight as Changsun Wuchou presented her with more. Li Zhaowen examined them carefully.
Changsun Wu’gou asked, “Second Brother, what would you like to drink? The usual?”
Li Zhaowen usually drank tea; she had a habit of drinking tea at night. She had planned on having some renowned Jiangnan tea, pre-rain Longjing, but hesitated, remembering the exceptionally crisp and delicious wine she had shared with that young man. A sudden craving overcame her. “Do we have any wine from Changfeng Tower?”
Changsun Wu’gou was surprised and looked at her elder brother.
Changsun Wuchou said, “Naturally, I’ll fetch some.”
Li Zhaowen smiled, “Thank you, Wuchou.”
Although the wine Changsun Wuchou brought was of the same type as that from Changfeng Tower, the quality was vastly different. Poured into a cup, it resembled amber. Li Zhaowen took a sip, frowned slightly, and found it lacking; it wasn’t as good as the wine she had snatched from Li Guanyi.
That wine, upon swallowing, was like a refreshing wind.
She didn’t say anything directly, simply saying approvingly, “The flavor is quite good.”
She set the wine aside, untouched, and continued reviewing the documents. They detailed the various events that had transpired in Chen Kingdom recently. Many incidents, large and small, but ultimately all revolved around the upcoming grand Chen Kingdom festival.
Changsun Wuchou softly said, “There’s news of the highest level.”
Changsun Wu’gou discreetly withdrew.
Only the two of them remained in the room.
Changsun Wuchou said, “I hear the Emperor intends to hold a martial competition between various countries to celebrate before the grand festival.”
Li Zhaowen said, “In these times of strife, lasting over three hundred years, the various kingdoms place great importance on martial arts. Martial arts are rampant throughout the land, and both the court and the Jianghu boast countless martial arts masters. Holding a martial competition before a grand festival like this is a way to show our ancestors and descendants that we have not slackened our military preparedness.”
“It’s a common occurrence. Wuchou, why are you so concerned?”
Changsun Wuchou whispered, “There’s word that the Chen Emperor will bestow a grand reward.”
Li Zhaowen continued reviewing the documents, “If it’s just ordinary martial arts manuals or divine weapons, Wuchou, you wouldn’t be so concerned. Could it be…?”
Changsun Wuchou whispered, “A title of nobility.”
“A military title of nobility, specifically a fifth-rank upper, the title of ‘Founding County Lord’.”
Li Zhaowen’s pupils constricted slightly. “A Founding-level military title?”
While countless people have been ennobled through martial merit, it’s not easy to obtain such a title. It requires dedicating oneself wholeheartedly on the battlefield, risking one’s life, and possessing incredible luck. Even though County Lord is the lowest of the five ranks of nobility in the current era, the recipient is still addressed as ‘Your Lordship’. Ordinary titles cannot be inherited by descendants, but Founding titles, signifying merit equal to that of a nation’s founder, can be passed down for three generations.
Such a title, a military title of nobility! That’s different.
It’s not just an official position or wealth; it represents a different social class—the nobility.
Li Zhaowen mused, “The Chen Emperor intends to promote someone.”
“This person must be extremely important, causing even this usually cautious Emperor to show some impatience. Or perhaps recent events have forced the Emperor to accelerate his actions.”
“Yes, great changes are sweeping the land. If one wishes to elevate someone, what better opportunity than this decennial national festival, held under the watchful eyes of the entire world?”
“A chance to instantly achieve nationwide fame.”
Changsun Wuchou agreed, “Though ultimately, it will likely come down to a contest between the Ye Chi Cavalry, Hu Man Cavalry, and Tie Futu, regardless of the legion, anyone can register. However, the news hasn’t spread yet; it should be widely publicized within a few days.”
“You command the Xuanjia Army. Shall we…”
Li Zhaowen decisively refused, “No need.”
“A military’s first appearance needs to be at a critical moment in the larger situation.”
“The first appearance is a surprise attack, the second loses the initiative. The Chen Emperor’s prize is not worth revealing this card.”
“My army is meant for a larger stage.”
“Not in the scheming of this old man. It’s not worth it. However, even if he intends to promote someone, he may not succeed.”
“Many kingdoms have outstanding martial artists, and Chen Kingdom has its share of talents.”
Changsun Wuchou realized something, “You’ve met Li Guanyi?”
A faint smile played on Li Zhaowen’s lips, “Indeed, he is a man of both letters and arms.”
Changsun Wuchou hesitated, “Although Guanyi’s bearing is extraordinary, obtaining this military title might still be difficult. The Emperor is spending so much; it’s likely he’ll secretly order others to hold back. Chen Kingdom’s sons will have to concede defeat against him.”
Li Zhaowen recalled the phrase, “Among kings, dukes, ministers, and generals, are there inherent differences?” (Wang Hou Jiang Xiang, Ning You Zhong Hu – an idiom questioning the inherent right of the nobility to rule), and said:
“Li Guanyi is not someone who will obediently follow orders.”
“Wuchou, you can bet on it with me if you don’t believe me.”
Changsun Wuchou chuckled and bowed, “I dare not.”
“I also feel that young master Li Guanyi, with his youthful spirit, will not easily change his nature at the command of a few Imperial Guards. His temperament might cause him to fight even harder.”
Li Zhaowen smiled, “Indeed.”
“However, after reviewing these documents, Changfeng Tower needs to be moved.”
Changsun Wuchou’s eyes showed a hint of surprise. They had placed people in Changfeng Tower to gather information about Chen Kingdom, compiling and analyzing it. Changsun Wuchou and Li Zhaowen would then sift through it, looking for valuable intelligence.
However, the key to using spies is relocation. Spies must live and move; stagnation means death. Remaining in one place for too long will inevitably expose them.
This was the second relocation of Changfeng Tower; the real intelligence network would be transferred elsewhere. Changfeng Tower would become a purely safe business, eventually being cleaned up and sold off. The sons of prominent families would devour it like wolves, by which time Li Zhaowen would have already left.
This was the only way to ensure safety. Of course, it would also result in significant financial losses.
Li Zhaowen’s voice was calm:
“Prominent families, even many elders within the Chen Kingdom imperial clan, are driven by profit.”
“I see something greater.”
“Oh, right, when selling the business, keep the building’s owner.”
Changsun Wuchou was surprised. The girl picked up her wine cup and took a sip, once again tasting the refreshing intoxication, a smile on her lips. She thought of Li Guanyi leaning against the sampan, picking lotus pods and drinking, complaining about the cost of fifty taels of silver.
Li Zhaowen said while drinking, “Give the building to Li Guanyi.”
“He enjoys drinking, so, the number one establishment in Jiangzhou…”
The girl casually tossed down her cup, hands behind her back, “Give it to him.”
……………………
Li Guanyi returned to the Xue family. After telling Xue Lao about everything, the old man laughed heartily. “Those undersecretaries and the secretariat all belong to the Dantài Xiànmíng faction. You slapped him in the face—good job!”
“The old man’s got baggage and can’t afford to offend those fellows. You, kid, give them a good thrashing!”
“Don’t worry; if they dare to cause trouble, I’ll go after them personally!”
Xue Lao was eager to take action.
Li Guanyi could only laugh wryly.
He was relieved; he had worried about causing trouble for Xue Lao, but the elder seemed unconcerned. Li Guanyi ate a bowl of soup at the elder’s place before returning to his courtyard. Yaoguang was out. He took a bath, relaxed, and changed into clean clothes.
The Azure Luan bird circled him constantly.
It absorbed a strand of jade liquid Li Guanyi had received from the phoenix. He felt that the Azure Luan bird was far more lively than usual. Curiosity arose in his heart: “Could it be that the Law Physique is changing, evolving?”
He stroked the Azure Luan bird’s feathers.
The bird was huge; the young man sat cross-legged, its wings nearly enveloping him. A faint golden fire flickered across its feathers, then vanished as quickly as it appeared—similar to Li Zhaowen’s phoenix fire Law Physique.
“Perhaps that’s it. My White Tiger Law Physique also evolved after facing off against Yu Wen Lie.”
Li Guanyi closed his eyes and meditated. The accumulation of jade liquid within his body was complete; he only needed to push past the final barrier to cultivate the Red Dragon Force. With the enhancement of the Six Void Four Harmony Divine Skill, he could unleash the Red Dragon, White Tiger, Yin and Yang, and Hidden Force, undergoing a triple transformation with each punch.
The Red Dragon Law Physique manifested, its low growl resonating through the air, full of longing.
Li Guanyi reached out and touched the dragon’s scales, softly saying, “Don’t rush, don’t rush.”
“I still need this power to deal with the imperial physician.”
“A few more days will suffice.”
Li Guanyi planned to imitate the cultivation method of the Vast Ocean Force, dissipating a portion of the Red Dragon Force daily, then allowing the imperial physician to examine him. Over several days, he would gradually increase its power, much like his cultivation of the Vast Ocean Force. After he has absorbed the Red Dragon Force, he can openly use this skill.
He had to be cautious in this matter.
The next day, Li Guanyi dealt with the imperial physician. Seeing the relief on the old man’s face, he listened to the old physician explain various dietary restrictions before picking up his weapons and returning to his post in the Imperial Guards. However, before he arrived, he heard shouting and cursing.
The angry shouts belonged to a senior officer of the Imperial Guards, a personal guard of the Imperial troops.
This fifth-rank upper general of the Imperial army, clad in armor, exuded powerful vital energy. The group who had fought the previous night stood before him. Li Guanyi arrived and was also rebuked, standing there quietly.
The young man swept his gaze over them, a smirk playing on his lips.
Zhou Liuyng’s eyes were dark and swollen, Ye Buyis forehead was bruised, and several others were wincing, clutching their buttocks. Clearly, they would face punishment from their martial arts families upon their return.
The senior officer sneered, “Finally here.”
“The young masters in ceremonial robes, we wear them too. Otherwise, should I get down, and you sit?”
Li Guanyi grinned, knowing it was likely the undersecretary who had reported them.
He said submissively, “General, you jest.”
Gong Zhenyong, the senior officer, laughed angrily, “Oh, that’s what you think! You don’t wear ceremonial robes, you wear jade belts? I’m only a mere fifth-rank upper, just got a ceremonial robe, a rhinoceros horn belt at that, how dare I call myself a general before you?”
He glared with bulging eyes, cursing, “Fighting!”
“Fighting in Changfeng Tower with those officials, you’re quite capable! Ten of you against thirty-four, several of them bedridden; the undersecretary’s son took at least ten chair blows! Confess, who used underhanded tactics?”
Except for Li Guanyi, the other nine stepped forward.
Li Guanyi and Gong Zhenyong both twitched their mouths.
The young men looked at Li Guanyi.
Li Guanyi, after a moment’s thought, stepped forward.
Gong Zhenyong laughed angrily, “Your families have power and influence, you’re not afraid of them, but today, a bunch of people came to me!”
“I just woke up, and opened the door to thirty-four ceremonial robes!”
“And a goddamn imperial purple robe standing there! I’ve never been so nervous even charging against the Ying Country’s Hu Man Cavalry!”
“Damn it, I almost lost it.”
“You sons of…”
Although he was from a noble family, he had risen from the ranks, and his language was coarse; he had fought hard battles, and it was his habit to curse, but he suddenly realized that these lads’ mothers were either prominent family’s daughters or imperial relatives.
And one of them was related to him. He was his own sister’s son.
The curse died in his throat.
Gong Zhenyong’s face flushed, he said, “…dog, dog, dog darlings.”
“You little brats!”
Several of the young nobles could not help but laugh; Gong Zhenyong continued cursing. His voice could be heard outside, even the dogs scurried away, knowing the fury of this veteran officer who became an Imperial Army General at age 30. A man likely at the fourth level of martial arts strength.
But finally, Gong Zhenyong cursed for a long time, then took a sip of tea, coughed, and casually said:
“Win or lose.”
Zhou Liuyng blinked.
He understood, proudly saying:
“We definitely won!”
A faint smile appeared on Gong Zhenyong’s face: “That’s more like it.”
Zhou Liuyng said, “Then General, won’t we be punished…?”
Gong Zhenyong’s smile turned grim: “No punishment? Bullshit! I mean, if you won, then the normal punishment. If you lost?”
“If we lost, humph…”
Including Li Guanyi, all ten Imperial Guards shuddered. The General stood up, his back broad and strong. As a General, he was at least at the third level of martial arts strength, and he could easily slap these ten young men without blinking.
Everyone held their breath.
Gong Zhenyong’s eyes widened, and he scolded, “Go guard the Cold Palace!”
He used the harshest tone to issue the softest punishment. Everyone was stunned, then overjoyed. One young man shouted, “Uncle, can we go guard Qilin Palace instead?”
Gong Zhenyong kicked him, cursing, “Call me General outside, General!”
He knew what his men were like and why they yearned for Qilin Palace. “Fine, fine, go, go, don’t bother me.”
“I’ve never seen anyone who’d rather guard the Imperial Palace than the Cold Palace.”
The young men thanked the General and scattered, taking their weapons and armor; they didn’t seem to be punished, but rather rewarded.
Li Guanyi silently followed, going to Qilin Palace. Few people were around. The young officers merely practiced martial arts and chatted, recounting how they were beaten by their fathers and brothers.
Martial artists often used fists to discipline their sons.
Somehow, it turned into a contest: “I received this many punches,” “I got this many cane strokes.” They started comparing. Ye Buyi sat in meditation; Li Guanyi did the same. After a couple of hours, several young officers had already left, saying they needed to relieve themselves.
He approached a well, using his Qi-sensing technique to confirm safety.
He lowered himself and felt a thin rope.
He retrieved his hidden spoils.
Hou Zhongyu’s treasure, that third-realm cultivator, even Qilin fire couldn’t destroy it. What could be inside? A divine skill, ultimate technique, or some secret transmission?
Li Guanyi looked at the untouched leather bag.
He had carefully followed the trail, waited until a sufficient time had passed after the death of his victim.
Qilin Palace’s secret transmission, Hou Zhongyu’s treasure.
Finally in hand.
What was inside?
(End of Chapter)
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