Edict of Peace 91
Chapter 91: Phoenix Sojourn
A roar, immense and majestic, seemed to shake the entire city of Jiangzhou. Horses panicked, all collapsing to their knees. Li Guanyi tumbled from his mount. The Bronze Tripod shrieked, seemingly sensing an incredibly potent spiritual aura.
A layer of cloud-like mist appeared before Li Guanyi, coalescing into a vision. Ripples spread across the boy’s world, transforming into water, separating reality from illusion. The ordinary world before him undulated, and a being emerged from its slumber. First, he saw horn-like structures resembling a dragon’s, then tiger-like claws, and flames swirling around it like a retinue surrounding its monarch.
It was a Qilin (Chinese Unicorn).
Li Guanyi witnessed the Qilin’s appearance. A dragon’s head, tiger’s claws, scales covering its body, its four feet stepping on fire, its gaze slowly fixated on him, unwavering. Others couldn’t see the Qilin; only chaos reigned. Li Guanyi froze, as if he perceived a glimmer of humanity in the divine beast’s intense stare, noting excitement in the Qilin’s eyes. The Bronze Tripod continued to bellow, and Li Guanyi felt a voice within his heart.
The voice held both sorrow and joy.
“It’s you… his child…”
“Excellent, excellent.”
The Qilin’s voice gently echoed in Li Guanyi’s mind:
“You survived…”
“You’re alive!”
The emotion in the voice was overwhelmingly complex; gentle, yet evoking a sorrow that brought Li Guanyi to the brink of tears. He saw the massive Qilin approach him, wanting to gently touch him, yet hesitant and clumsy.
The next moment, the sound of chains erupted, the Qilin roared, Li Guanyi groaned, and the vision vanished. He glimpsed only massive chains rising from all directions, binding the Qilin in a formation reminiscent of the Four Symbols (Four Images Sealing Spirit Array), as the Qilin roared in defiance. The vision then dissipated before Li Guanyi’s eyes.
The chaotic din flooded his ears once more; the Qilin’s roar had caused immense panic. Not just animals, but most people were sitting on the ground, legs weak, covered in cold sweat. A tiger’s roar could send chills down one’s spine; a Qilin’s wrath was far more terrifying.
Li Guanyi placed a hand over his heart. A sturdy young man from the Western Regions looked at his donkey, sighed, knelt down, and patted its face:
“Old Brother Donkey?”
“Brother Donkey? Hey, hey, hey, wake up, Brother Donkey.”
He looked helplessly at Li Guanyi, saying, “My old brother donkey has collapsed. It seems we can’t travel together.”
“Your martial arts are quite impressive. At your age, I couldn’t match you.”
Li Guanyi looked up: “Tiele person?”
He spoke in the Tiele language. His first opponent had been the Third Prince of Tiele, so he knew a little of their language. The young man’s Mandarin was awkward, carrying a Tiele accent.
The young man’s eyes widened in surprise, then he laughed: “Brother, you know so much.”
“You’re skilled in martial arts, kind-hearted, and you even understand our Tiele language.”
“Is this what the books in the Central Plains describe as a gentleman?”
He exerted himself, hoisting the donkey onto his shoulders. With a smile, he said, “It seems the books were right sometimes.”
“I heard that the emperor of the Central Plains is a sage, but compared to the tribal leaders of the Western Regions, he’s not much better. The Western Regions’ masters whip their cattle and sheep; the Central Plains’ sage uses imperial edicts to drive the people. The rulers of the world are all the same.”
“If he truly were a sage, the masters of the Western Regions would just demand the hides and meat of the cattle and sheep; they wouldn’t demand that the cattle and sheep skin themselves and offer themselves on bended knee.”
The young man, carrying the donkey, said:
“Brother Donkey, Brother Donkey, you carried me for over three thousand li. Now, let me carry you.”
“Young master from the Central Plains, you are a good man. May we meet again.”
Li Guanyi nodded. He could see the young man’s extraordinary martial prowess. He asked: “A swordsman like you, why did you leave Tiele?”
The young man grinned, patted the uniquely shaped scimitar at his waist, and began to sing a ballad. His voice was ancient and desolate, yet powerful. He kept time with his feet, singing in the Tiele language:
“The敕勒川 (Chìlè Chuān), under the Yin Mountains, the sky is like a huge tent, covering the four wildernesses.”
“The sky is vast, the wilderness is boundless, the wind blows the grass, and the cattle and sheep are visible.”
“The rule of the Western Regions’ Tuyuhun has ended, and I came to the Central Plains, hoping to obtain the seal of the Tuyuhun king.”
“To allow us Tiele people to escape the status of slaves and serfs in the Western Regions.”
“But the royal seal likely fell into the hands of those powerful figures. I came here, hoping to get help from the gentlemen of the Central Plains, so that the Tiele tribes could have their own name in the Western Regions, so that my people could live well. If I could, I would entrust my life.”
“When we meet again, I will treat you to our sheep milk wine, and we can become good friends.”
“Then I will toast you and tell you my name.”
This was the northwest folk song, the Chìlè Gē.
The ancient and desolate young man, with a scimitar identical to that of the Third Prince of Tiele hanging from his waist, carrying the donkey, left amidst the surprised and amused gazes of the onlookers, his manner relaxed and carefree.
Li Guanyi watched his back, murmuring, “Chìlè Gē, the Tiele tribe still exists in this era.”
“The Tiele’s Golden Scimitar Cavalry, known as the kings of the steppe light cavalry.”
He suddenly remembered General Xue’s words:
*I truly wish to clash with the heroes of the world.*
Li Guanyi shook his head, dismissing the thought, feeling that the world held too many heroes. Jiangzhou City was a confluence of the world’s trends; outstanding individuals from various countries would gather here. With Tuyuhun’s fall, the Dangxiang people had established a kingdom, becoming a buffer against Chen; the Tiele naturally hoped for Chen’s support.
Li Guanyi felt this was natural. Chen would certainly support them. People in the Central Plains always hoped for chaos in the West.
As for the royal seal, Li Guanyi had no intention of revealing it. It represented legitimate royal authority over the thirty-six tribes of the Western Regions; revealing it would only invite trouble.
Xue Daoyong approached him, saying, “Guanyi, are you alright?”
Li Guanyi nodded, feigning ignorance, and asked, “That sound just now was…?”
Xue Daoyong replied, “It was a Qilin.”
Li Guanyi said, “Chen has a Qilin?”
Xue Daoyong whispered, “Yes. It was once Chen’s guardian beast. Legend says that over two hundred years ago, when the Taizu raised his army and established Chen, five hundred armored guards stormed his residence. It was this Qilin, with a breath of Qilin fire, that burned the five hundred guards, allowing the Taizu to survive. However, the Qilin became known by another name more than a decade ago.”
The elder paused, saying, “The mount of the Taiping Gong.”
!!!!
A surge of intense emotion rippled through Li Guanyi’s eyes.
*As expected!*
The truth behind his parents’ affair and the existence of his father’s mount exploded in Li Guanyi’s heart, causing waves of emotional turmoil. He yearned to rush to the Qilin’s side immediately.
The elder said, “Back then, the Taiping Gong, a brilliant warrior, wore black armor, a crimson cloak, a dark gold mask, and rode a Qilin.”
“Commanding 300,000 troops, he pacified the southwest and struck against the far reaches of the empire. He was one of the top ten Divine Generals in the land.”
“His bearing was unparalleled.”
“When the Taiping Gong married, the Qilin walked on water.”
“It is said that this beast was intelligent, bound to the Taiping Gong in life and death, and there are legends…”
When Xue Daoyong spoke of this legend, he couldn’t help but laugh. He said: “The Fire Qilin had a violent temper.”
“Even the Taiping Gong himself could be accidentally kicked over by the Qilin.”
“But it is said that the Qilin was very fond of the Taiping Gong’s child. When the child was young, he often saw the Qilin carrying him across the water, and it would even shrink in size to play with the child.”
“Unfortunately, that child also… Eventually, it was heard that the Qilin went berserk and many court officials died under its fiery breath.”
The youth clenched his fist, suppressing his emotions, and softly asked, “A Qilin… I’ve never seen one before, Elder Xue. Where is this beast?”
The elder said, “When the Taiping Gong died, the Qilin remained in the imperial palace.”
“It’s within the inner palace, heavily guarded. Not just anyone can see it.”
“Speaking of which, Guanyi, if you want to see the Qilin, there is a way, though only on the day of the Great Sacrifice.”
Li Guanyi smiled, “What way?”
“I’ve always wanted to see the legendary Qilin.”
Xue Daoyong casually said, “Aren’t you one of the seventy-two seventh-rank military officials appointed by imperial decree? Military officials from other regions entering the capital must receive assignments. If you receive an assignment to the Jinwu Guard, you could enter the palace and see the Qilin. The Qilin Pavilion, where the Qilin is kept, requires Jinwu Guards for protection.”
“However, most positions in the Jinwu Guard are held by the children of military families.”
“Although there is a selection process, it has gradually become a way for those noble children to gild their resumes.”
“If you want to go, you’re considered family to us in the Xue family. You’re eligible for the Jinwu Guard selection. But if you do so, you will inevitably clash with those military nobles who are vying for the position. Right now, His Majesty’s decree is what keeps those military nobles from showing hostility towards you.”
“If you do this, they will surely make a move.”
Li Guanyi softly said, “If I want to join the Jinwu Guard, will it bring trouble to Elder Xue?”
Xue Daoyong laughed heartily, “Trouble?”
“If the fathers of those military nobles want trouble, let them fight this old man!”
“Let’s see who wins!”
“Since you have this idea, this old man will put your name forward. It’s true; those military nobles don’t let us off easily. We likewise haven’t spared them either. Only with such ambition and ruthlessness can one be considered a son of the Xue family.”
“Don’t worry. If anything happens, this old man will cover for you.”
Li Guanyi calmed his emotions and thanked him.
He arrived at a mansion in the capital with Xue Daoyong’s party. This was the Xue family’s residence in the capital, worth hundreds of thousands of guan. The population of Jiangzhou City was extremely large, and house prices were exorbitant. Many officials could only rent houses. The Xue family possessed vast wealth, and didn’t need to live in the accommodations provided by the court. Li Guanyi was also assigned a separate courtyard. He moved his belongings in, stroking his blade, pondering his next goals.
The Qilin. He had to interact with the Qilin. But the imperial palace was filled with experts. He had to find a way in, and the imperial decree, previously a burden, now seemed an opportunity.
The Jinwu Guard…
Li Guanyi murmured softly, his breath deep and steady.
Besides this, he had to meet Master Zu Wenyuan and Master Si Ming.
Li Guanyi subconsciously looked towards a corner of the room, smiling inwardly, *I wonder who will appear first in this place—Master Si Ming’s white-haired head or a silver-haired girl.* He shook his head, said goodbye to the Xue family’s steward, and went out with his long sword. The Xue family steward said: “Young Master, if you are going out, please return early.”
“We received a visiting card earlier. Tonight, the second son of the Ying Country Duke’s Mansion will come to visit the old master.”
The Ying Country Duke’s Mansion?
The second son who wrote the letter?
Li Guanyi’s heart was filled with joy, and he nodded, saying: “I’ll go out for a stroll and will be back soon.”
He went out, identified the direction, mounted his horse, and rode towards his destination. Zu Wenyuan had told him that he would be staying in a Daoist temple in the east of the city. If he wanted to find him, he could go there. Li Guanyi rode his horse, not speeding, appreciating the scenery of Jiangzhou City. When he reached the east of the city, he dismounted and walked slowly.
The Daoist temple wasn’t far, but a strong scent of medicine filled the air. Many apothecaries in the temple were treating patients. Daoists were generally knowledgeable in medicine and would provide free treatment to nearby residents. Li Guanyi tied his horse outside the temple and stated his identity. A young Daoist quickly came out, saying, “The Priest is currently studying the array for the Great Sacrifice and has no time to receive you. You may look around the temple.”
Li Guanyi nodded and expressed his gratitude.
The young Daoist hesitated, then added, “Please be careful, especially of the monks.”
“They came before and had a dispute with our senior brothers.”
Li Guanyi asked, “Monks?”
The young Daoist said resentfully, “Yes, they always say that this place originally belonged to Buddhism and that we should give it up to them. During the Great Sacrifice, the Emperor decreed that non-clergy cannot attack monks and Daoists. To do so is disrespectful, so even the constables can’t do anything about them.”
“Don’t mind them, just have a look around.”
Li Guanyi thanked him and walked alone, his mind at peace.
*The conflict between Buddhism and Daoism?*
He had heard that more than ten years ago, the Regent King had swept away many temples. More than ten years had passed, and the current emperor was now promoting Buddhism and Daoism.
Countless auspicious omens were offered from various places.
So the monks were planning to reclaim their territory?
Li Guanyi felt that Chen, although outwardly prosperous, had problems piling up one after another.
Literati and martial artists, nobles, relatives, the imperial family, and now Buddhism and Daoism.
He cast aside these thoughts, exhaled, and emptied his mind, feeling his spirit relax. As he was enjoying the scenery, he suddenly felt a Qingluan bird (a type of mythical bird) land on his shoulder. The Qingluan bird seemed to sense something and was overjoyed, circling around Li Guanyi, its wings fluttering, its chirping clear, as if wanting to find someone. Li Guanyi subconsciously began to walk.
The Qingluan bird suddenly sped up, and Li Guanyi quickly caught up, turning a corner by a pavilion.
He saw an elderly man with white hair and closed eyes fortune-telling, with a boy and a girl in front of him. The girl was exceptionally beautiful and gentle.
The boy, however, was different. He stood with his hands behind his back, an exquisite jade belt adorning his waist, his brocade robe embroidered with large peonies in gold thread, an air of innate wealth about him. He possessed captivating phoenix eyes, his eyebrows slanted into his temples, with a red mark on his forehead, his spirit vibrant. A phoenix soared on his shoulder.
The crimson phoenix and Li Guanyi’s Qingluan bird met and seemed to rejoice, chirping at each other.
The Qingluan and the phoenix sang together, their sounds intertwining.
Li Guanyi subconsciously looked over. The boy was waiting for the fortune-teller, but he also seemed to sense something. Their eyes met, as if only seeing each other.
The boy opposite him froze, smiling slightly and nodding.
Changsun Wu’kou said, “What’s wrong, Erlang?”
The boy replied, “I just wanted to look over there.”
A red dragon also soared, chasing the Qingluan and phoenix.
Li Guanyi pondered and stepped forward. The Daoist was frowning while arranging his divination tools. He was an old Daoist in the temple, blind from birth, over seventy years old. Lacking other skills, he earned a living by fortune-telling. However, he was having difficulty deciphering the complex destiny of the person before him.
But as Li Guanyi approached, the old Daoist’s counting rods fell to the ground, and the answer suddenly became clear.
The old Daoist breathed a sigh of relief and said politely, “Young Master’s destiny has been calculated.”
“Oh, what is it?”
“It is a very wealthy destiny.”
The blind old man felt the counting rods, and in the spring sunlight, with the Qingluan and phoenix singing together, the old man placed his hands on his knees, unaware that two young men were standing before him—one vibrant and energetic, the other calm and composed. The blind old man gently placed two counting rods on the table, pushing them forward to the two young men.
Li Guanyi stood shoulder to shoulder with the boy.
The spring sunshine was bright. The Emperor of Chen was preparing for the Great Sacrifice. The Emperor of the Central Plains was furious and resentful, while the Khan of the Turks was eyeing the Central Plains.
The monarchs vied for the world, like dragons vying for supremacy.
Inside the Daoist temple.
The blind fortune-teller, seventy years old, answered:
“The appearance of a dragon and phoenix.”
“A sign of heavenly favor.”
(End of Chapter)
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