Chapter Twenty: Night Banquet

  The more I practice, the more frightening it is. This first move has made me surrender completely. The seemingly simple knife technique contains many changes, and in just an instant, I have grasped several ways to attack, kill, and resolve. It seems that after mastering this knife spectrum, my half-baked skills will definitely improve greatly.

  After practicing the steps in the book for three hours, I had mastered the first move and roughly understood the footwork. With a body full of stinky sweat, I looked at the hairless duster in my hand and my whole body trembled with excitement, these three hours felt like an eternity. After washing my face in the basin, I stepped on the chicken feathers all over the floor and walked out of the room.

  The sky had already darkened, and when I arrived at the main hall, I saw that everyone was seated around a table in the center of the room, taking things out of a large wooden box to examine. As I gazed upon the pile of letters that covered nearly half the table, I felt utterly bewildered. I hadn't expected there to be so many denunciations; it seemed we would have to seriously investigate the grievances of the people.

  I looked at the two masters sitting there with clenched teeth and asked: "Are there any extremely evil people inside?"

  Qin Qiong sighed and said: "What a heinous crime! The petitions of the people make my heart ache. I never thought that these officials, who appear to be loyal and patriotic on the surface, would be so corrupt behind closed doors. It's no wonder that the whole country is in chaos."

  The old musician sighed and said: "I and Lao Er used to be unable to bear the corrupt behavior of these officials, and we killed more than 40 greedy officials along the way. But I found that the more I killed, the more there were, it was really like a world where all crows are black, not even a white crow could be found. My friend and I were also discouraged. Now with the second prince here, we have some hope again. We can use our old bones to do something, this life will not be in vain."

  "Alas, the land of Yangzhou is rich and prosperous, but elsewhere, it's a different story. Ten out of nine houses are empty, and the officials are not doing their job. My brother and I traveled together, and along the way, we saw people starving everywhere, selling their children just to survive. Which parent doesn't love their child? They're forced to do so because they have no food to eat and want to give their kids a chance at life. We've helped countless people like this on our journey, but it's hard to keep track. We've been killing corrupt officials and giving their money to the poor, but it's not enough. In the end, we brought back over 40 children we found on the road to Donghai. I hope that in the future, the Tang Dynasty will bring peace to the world under the rule of the Second Prince. If his two brothers were to take power, the people would suffer again."

  These words made me feel suffocated in my heart. I said to Qin Qiong: "Keep all these letters well, and ask the second master to deal with them later. I will go to Ruyi Fang for a banquet soon, and I will take Xu Niang with me. You few stay here to rest and recover your spirits. Tomorrow is the day of the solar term, and I'm afraid it won't be as peaceful as now in the next two days."

  Qin Qiong said: "Just the two of you going might be a bit too thin, we'd better go together, that way we can also take care of each other."

  "I replied: 'Don't worry, there shouldn't be any danger tonight, tomorrow is the key'."

  Just as he was saying this, a shop assistant came running in and reported: "Mr. Zhao has arrived and asks when Your Highness will be getting up."

  I said: "Let him wait outside, I'll be right there."

  After finishing, I called Xue Yueqian to find a new set of clothes to change out of this sweat-stained silk robe. I hung the long knife at my waist and headed out. Xue Yueqian blocked me and handed over a sparkling sword, saying: "With your identity, how can you use a knife? Use this instead."

  I took a look at this beautiful sword that was a bit too much, and reluctantly put it on. When I got outside, I saw Siki Maru turning around in circles like a donkey grinding grain, and I walked over with a smile and said: "It's been a long time, Labor."

  He saw me coming out and immediately smiled and bowed his head, saying: "Your Highness, where are you going? I am a servant in your household, how dare you say such things, isn't this like shortening my lifespan?" As he spoke, he gestured with his hand, pointing to a spacious and majestic horse-drawn carriage, saying: "Please get on the carriage, Your Highness."

  The carriage hadn't gone far when it stopped. The Fourth Imperial Prince hurried over to help me down from the carriage and pointed at a magnificent gate, saying: "This is Ruyi Fang, Your Highness, please." He then led the way ahead.

  Following him, I walked and observed the surroundings. The courtyard was filled with peonies and large chrysanthemums, their fragrance refreshing me. The path was paved with bluestone slabs, leading to many crescent-shaped gates. At the far end of the stone path stood a grand main hall, where lights shone brightly inside. Several people in luxurious clothes were seated and chatting. Suddenly, Siji Wanzi rushed to the door and shouted loudly: "The Second Prince has arrived! Please welcome him!"

  The people in the house hurriedly ran to the door and stood in a welcoming posture. I nodded with a smile as I entered, but suddenly found two strangely dressed little dwarfs, their foreheads shaved and their hair tied up in a high ponytail, smiling and bowing to me. I looked them up and down and asked: "Who are these two?"

  "Ah, these two are Japanese merchants Nansei Chūji and Nansei Chūza, brothers who have been doing business in Yangzhou for many years. They heard that Your Highness had arrived and came especially to pay their respects."

  I smiled and said: "Great, you've come from afar, it's not easy. I'm very happy to have you here today. Later, tell me about the customs of your place and let us broaden our horizons."

  Nan Yun Zhong Er hurriedly accompanied the smile and said in a strange Chinese accent: "I've long heard that Your Highness is extraordinary and knowledgeable, today I see that it's indeed true. You're interested in our small Japan, which makes me extremely honored. After the banquet, please let Miss Hana, Japan's number one beauty, accompany you to have a good chat." As he spoke, his face revealed a strange smile.

  Chu San behind him stared at Xu Yuexian behind me with unblinking eyes.

  My heart suddenly moved, and I couldn't help but smile at the two of them. I walked over to the main seat and said with a wave of my hand: "Everyone doesn't need to be polite, please sit down. Today we are guests, so let's just follow the host's arrangements."

  After everyone sat down, Si Xi Wan Zi clapped her palms together and a row of beautiful women dressed in floral patterns emerged with dishes. Once the dishes were served, Si Xi Wan Zi stood up, raised her wine cup and said: "Today, Your Highness's presence is our fortune! We wish you longevity and boundless prosperity, we wish the Second Prince success in all endeavors, and we wish the Great Tang Empire to unify the world under one rule. Come, let us all drink to this toast!"

  Seeing me drinking the Four Joy Pills, he said to me: "Today, I invited you to come not just for a drink. There is an extraordinary woman here, whose dance skills are unparalleled in the world. Today, I specially invited her to perform a dance for Your Highnesses, to toast your good fortune." As he spoke, he shouted loudly outside: "Please invite Madame Gongsun!"

  I was startled when I heard him call out "Gong Sun", and I asked Si Xi Wan Zi: "Could it be that Gong Sun Yu Lan?"

  The Fourth Son was overjoyed and said: "Your Highness also knows this person? That's great!"

  I turned around to look at Xu Yu Chan who was serving me wine behind my back, only to see that her face had turned a bit pale. I gently patted her arm and smiled at her, saying: "I've also heard of her great reputation, today I can finally witness her divine skills, it's really worth coming, thanks to the governor too."

  Si Xi Wan Zi's face lit up with a smile after hearing my words, just as she was about to speak, a melodious piano sound came from outside, and a stunning beauty in purple clothes walked in lightly.

  After entering, she first paid her respects, then raised her head and was stunned when she saw me. I smiled lightly at her and said: "I've long heard that Madame Gongsun's dance skills are divine, today I see your immortal face and know that the rumors are true." As I spoke, I took down the long sword from my waist and said: "This sword is a gift from my close friend Qin Li, named One Heart Sword. He has always admired Madame Gongsun the most in his life, now I will pass this sword on to you as a replacement for him to fulfill one of his heart's desires, please don't laugh at me." After finishing speaking, I handed the sword over with both hands.

  Gongsun Yulan took the sword and stroked the scabbard with a smile: "Thank you, Your Highness. I also know that Qin Li you mentioned. Is he okay?"

  I replied: "He is fine. In a few days he will also come to Yangzhou. At that time I will bring him to meet you and the others at Gong Sun's place."

  Gongsun Yulan stopped speaking and handed the long sword in her hand to the person behind her, saying: "Today, I will perform my latest dance for Your Highness, please correct me."