Chapter 25: Ah-qiao, he’s insulting you.
Tujue? Someone else asked curiously, Why would the Emperor of Zhou start a war with the Tujue? Why would he fight over their wild, unmannednd rather than the affluent Central ins?
The man replied, While wars and expeditions continue on in the Central ins, the Tujue people are also expanding in the northern region. They have even defeated the powerful Persian Empire. China has an abundant amount of natural resources its rich and fertilend also fosters many talented people. Aggressive as the Tujue people are, how could they let go of this great opportunity? Right now, under the reign of Taspar Khan, the Tujue have never been more powerful in its history. With the arrogance of its people, this advantage in strength is guaranteed to lead to ambition. If they want to invade the Central ins, the two countries, Qi and Zhou, will certainly be the first to bear the brunt.
From the Northern Zhous perspective, the Qis national power is declining each day. Thus, Qi country is their perfect target, while the Tujue are also a pain in their ass. If the Emperor of Zhou is a wise leader, he will not let this great opportunity slip by. Compared to these two, the Chen Dynasty should be put off for ater time. Not to mention, the Great Chen is not a weak country that one can easily manipte. Even if Yuwen Yong wants to attack the Chen, it wont be a matter of just a few words. All of you are simply worrying too much.
What this mister said does make sense. They all whispered to one another.
Someone asked, Mister, since you referred to it as the Great Chen, does that mean youre a citizen of the Chen Dynasty?
Thats right. The man admitted it straightforwardly.
Someone elsemented, Mister, Ive been observing your behavior and manners. You dont look like amon merchant youre more like a schr. This is a gathering ce mostly for the merchants, so Im afraid it will bring disgrace to your status if you stay here.
The man exined with a cough, Im not a schr, nor am I a merchant. Im just here to join the fun.
He was talking with such confidence andposure a moment ago, but his body remained seated upright like a pine tree. Everyone here was a merchant who had traveled through countless ces. How could they not tell from the mans behavior that he was obviously from an aristocratic family? However, since the man had no desire to reveal his identity, they didnt question him either. The topic thus returned to the local customs of the Zhou Dynasty.
Shen Qiao was slightly moved by his speech and sunk into contemtion. Before he realized it, Yan Wushi had already fed the stewed goose into his mouth.
He even asked affectionately, Ah-qiao, does it taste good?
Shen Qiao:
It would be ungraceful to spit out things that were already in his mouth, so he had to swallow it with much difficulty. Even his face was slightly distorted because of it.
Were it not for the fact that Shen Qiao slightly understood Yan Wushis personality, he would really believe that the other person wanted to take him as a boytoy. However, in fact, the reason why Yan Wushi did this was simply because he had a sudden impulse to see Shen Qiao get angry. It was but amusement for him, just like when he decided to save Shen Qiao under Half-Step Peak back then.
Yan Wushi had nothing to do with what people would call a good person. He would never act or save others for the sake of helping people. If someone else was saved by him, they might just take it for granted and wouldnt feel indebted to Yan Wushi at all. But Shen Qiao was a genial and upright gentleman. Besides, in his mind, the other person had done a favor for him. No matter what Yan Wushis original intention was, he had benefited a lot from it after all. As long as Yan Wushi was not doing anything immoral, Shen Qiao would let him go and wouldnt fuss about it.
However, this personality of Shen Qiaos was exactly what made Yan Wushi want to continuously toy with him. He wanted to find the other persons bottom line. In fact, he would grow happier every time he saw Shen Qiao get mad.
After being tricked once, when Yan Wushi passed over another spoonful of soup, Shen Qiao refused to open his mouth no matter what.
The others didnt know what was going on between them. All they could see was one person trying to feed the other person, while thetter was rejecting the former rather reluctantly. This further confirmed their assumptions about their rtionship. It wasmon to see cut-sleeve men since the Wei and Jin dynasties. The merchants were all knowledgeable and experienced men. Despite being a little speechless on the inside at how open these two people were in public, they didnt react over it.
Shen Qiao had gotten a lot thinner due to his illness. Much of his dignity as a sect leader was also lost. When he was neither mad nor intentionally keeping his solemnity, he looked like a perfectly delicate and harmless sick beauty. Yan Wushi appeared to be a man not to be trifled with, but his attitude toward Shen Qiao was rather careless as he continued teasing him now and then. Seeing that he didnt seem to be extremely fond of Shen Qiao, someone else itched to have a try. He came over and tried to strike up a conversation. Good evening, mister. May I have your name? Im Zhou Fang, from a merchant family in Longxi. I wonder if we can get to know each other a little bit?
Yan Wushi didnt even get up. He remained where he was and askedzily, Whats up?
Zhou Fang could be counted as a local big shot in the Longxi area. Seeing that Yan Wushi neither said his name nor paid any attention to him, he couldnt help but feel a little unhappy, Is he your favored boy? Mister, Im willing to pay 20 gold if you let me have him.
Yan Wushi replied with augh. He turned around and said to Shen Qiao, Look, Ah-qiao. Even if you dont make a living in the pugilistic world, you can still earn a lot of money with your face alone. After I sell you to him, Ill find a chance to take you away and find you another buyer. This way, within less than a month, well be able to afford arge residence with beautiful servants in Changan!
Shen Qiao was already used to Yan Wushis nonsense. He didnt even pay attention to him but said to Zhou Fang, Mister Zhou, you are mistaken about me. Im not a boytoy.
His manner was naturally revealed the moment he opened his mouth. It was gentle and slow, much like the wind passing through a forest. Just by listening to Shen Qiaos tone alone, Zhou Fang knew he was the one being frivolous. A person like Shen Qiao would never be someones boytoy.
That was rude of me, please dont mind it. Zhou Fang was a little embarrassed. May I know your name, mister? Will you grant me the pleasure of knowing you?
Im Shen Qiao.
Qiao as in<em></em><em>thewood (Qiao)in the south</em><em></em>?
Its Qiao as in<em>I came to appease all gods in the world, including the ones in rivers andhigh mountains(Qiao)</em>.
Zhou Fang let out a gasp. He smiled apologetically, Its a rather rare character. Well, this small misunderstanding today actually led to us getting to know each other. Therefore, please excuse my rudeness, mister. Ill definitelye to your ce with a formal apology some other day.
Shen Qiaoughed, Mister Zhou is too polite. Theres no need toe over. My eyes are bad, and Im afraid its not very convenient for me to treat my guests. If we ever meet again in the future, Ill make sure to treat you to some wine.
Since Shen Qiao had already ended it here, it would be inappropriate for Zhou Fang to insist anymore. He cupped his hand and left a few more lines in courtesy, then excused himself.
Yan Wushi had a lot of fun watching the exchange. He didnt say anything to interrupt their conversation and onlyughed after Zhou Fang had left, Ah-qiao. You are not cute at all. We could have had that 20 gold, but now its gone.
This kind of conversation happened countless times every day. Shen Qiao was already used to it. He simply ignored Yan Wushi as if he didnt hear anything.
He wanted to get back to his room but Yan Wushi stopped him, Its early spring right now. Flowers are blooming in the citys outskirts. Lets go take a look first before returning to your room.
When Yan Wushi opened his mouth, rather than asking for opinions, it was usually to state his decision.
Shen Qiao was not his match in martial arts right now, but that didnt mean that he absolutely had no right to make decisions when they were together. After hearing what Yan Wushi said, he shook his head, No thanks. Sect Master Yan may go as you please. Ill just return to my room.
Yet Yan Wushi grabbed him by the wrist and refused to let him go, You stay in your room all day long and do nothing but stare nkly. Im being considerate of you by letting you take a walk for rxation.
Shen Qiao:
It was true that he stayed in his room all day long, but he wasnt just doing nothing. He was either practicing martial arts through meditation or studying<em>The Strategy of the Vermillion Yang</em>. Therefore, over these days, while his body was getting better and better, his martial power was slowly recovering as well. Right now, he had already regained about fifty percent of his martial arts before he was injured. It was just that<em>The Strategy of the Vermillion Yang</em>was truly a broad and profound book. He couldnt even say he had fullyprehended the volume Qi Fengge passed onto him back then.
Now he had the<em>Book of Free Will</em>on top of that. It might seem like something one could go into a rapture about since other people wouldnt be able to get it even if they asked for it. Shen Qiao thought about it day and night, only to feel that Tao Hongjing was indeed a heavenly talent. What he wrote was so profound and abstruse that it was not something one couldprehend in a short amount of time. Since he was blind, he didnt need to walk around during daytime, so he just pondered over it in his room by himself. In fact, he would be asionally enlightened with ideas about this and that, which could count as entertainment out of the boring meditation.
But when Yan Wushi wanted to do something, others never had the chance to refuse. Shen Qiao was not his equal, so he could only let Yan Wushi drag him away.
They hadnt walked far before a voice came from behind, Sect Master Yan, wait for a moment, please!
They stopped and turned back. Shen Qiao squeezed his eyes and studied the people who hade. Since he had been injured quite a few times, his body condition was not very stable, and it was the same for his eyes. Sometimes he was able to approximate peoples silhouettes, while other times it was just pitch-ck. His eyes had recovered a little more recently. Under the sunshine, he recognized from their clothes that it was the person who had been talking during the meal.
From the way they nailed Yan Wushis identity, they obviously came prepared. Perhaps they were also the reason why these two people appeared in thepartment a moment ago.
The man in the yellow robe approached them and stopped at about five or six steps away from them. He cupped his hands and saluted, I am Xie Xiang from Linchuan Institute. Greetings to Sect Master Yan.
There was another person with him who was slightly older. Zhan Ziqian from Linchuan Institute. Best wishes, Sect Master Yan.
Yan Wushi made noment. He nced at Zhan Ziqian, then turned his eyes back to Xie Xiang. So youre Ruyan Kehuis favorite disciple?
Xie Xiang replied, I dont deserve Sect Master Yanspliment, but Ruyan Kehui is indeed my master.
Yan Wushi was surprised, Why did you think I wasplimenting you? I havent finished yet. You look just so-so.
Xie Xiangs mouth twitched.
Shen Qiao:
Zhan Ziqian:
Shen Qiao was good-tempered. Yan Wushi had been trying to stimte him in every possible way, so he got used to and was already insensitive to these insults and ridicules that were as sharp as des. Yet he still sympathized with this young man in front of him.
He heard about Xie Xiang before. He was from the Xie Family in Chen Commandery, and he was the most remarkable disciple in Linchuan Institute within his generation. Rumor had it that Ruyan Kehui was going to pass his mantle to Xie Xiang, and thetter didnt disappoint his master either. Despite his young age, he already had a deep understanding of everything Ruyan Kehui had taught him and was one of the top experts from the young generation.
Moreover, it was said that he was surpassing his master even in Confucian studies. Linchuan Institute often invited Confucian schrs from all over the world for debates, and Xie Xiang would alwayse first in such events. For a person like him, others would treat him with courtesy at least for the sake of his master, not to mention that he was an outstanding person as well. When had he ever been taunted like this?
A person whom Ruyan Kehui cared about a lot would not be an impulsive person. Anger only shed across his face and Xie Xiang had already resumed hisposure, Im here to deliver an invitation from the Master in Charge of Linchuan Institute. He would like to meet Sect Master Yan in Huiyang Restaurant in Changan on May 5th.
Yan Wushi sneered, If Ruyan Kehui wants to see me, he cane himself. Whats with all of this?
He turned around and was going to leave at once. Xie Xiangs tone of voice grew deeper, May I know if Xiang has the chance to exchange a few moves with Sect Master Yan?
Yan Wushi pulled a smile and suddenly pointed at Shen Qiao, If I say you arent even his match, will you believe me?
One could only me that Shen Qiaos appearance was too deceptive. In addition to the intimacy Yan Wushi had shown a moment ago, even Xie Xiang was mistaken about Shen Qiao. He frowned. Without even ncing at Shen Qiao, he retorted, Sect Master Yan is a legendary hero. Why would you bring disgrace to yourself by insulting me with your boytoy?
Shen Qiao had already moved a little farther from them, but Yan Wushi pulled him back at once and spoke with a tone that was almost dripping with honey, Ah-qiao, hes insulting you. Are you just going to tolerate it?
Shen Qiao:
He was just quietly standing on the side. Why would he be implicated still?
<em><strong>Authors Notes:</strong></em>
<em>Shen Qiao: Sect Master Yan is so skilled at fanning up the mes and driving a wedge between others. I really admire how you wish to bring the world into chaos.</em>
<em>Yan Wushi: Thats because I like you, therefore granting you this honor.</em>
<em>Shen Qiao (surprised): That was a sarcasm. Can you not tell?</em>
<em>Yan Wushi: Ah-qiao, even your sarcasm is so gentle (3)</em>
<em>Shen Qiao: (Speechless)</em>