Ten days have passed, and she has not been seen again. Was she plotting to eliminate Chong and Wu? Was she ambushed by fellow disciples? Was she angry about that case? Were her plans related to General Guan? If so, wouldn't Guan's personality and recent actions reveal something? If ambushed... did the demon general Mao Ya himself appear? Thinking of that demon, he couldn't help but recall the tragic scene in Chuzhou, where the righteous army brothers and common people were decimated, and cuckoos cried everywhere. He had been bitterly contemplating the "Golden Boy Sword Technique" in the tomb, believing it was meant to deal with him, but little did he know...
"Brother Shixiong, we will soon reach Shangluo County." Guan Zumeng noticed that Wang Chongyang had been dispirited for the past half month, mostly silent and even absent-minded. Whenever he tried to chat with him, Wang Chongyang seemed to evade him, guessing that after eight years of seclusion, he found it difficult to adapt to life outside. "Mr. Changsun from the local area, who deeply cares for his homeland, often sends items to Xiangyang in secret to aid the righteous army." Wang Chongyang nodded in response, afraid to ask what he shouldn't.
Changsun Zhenlong was tall and slender, his attire highlighting his prosperous bearing. His demeanor and speech were 친切 (familiar), yet Wang Chongyang felt it was like the way a merchant would try to win over someone. "Brother Shixiong, to break through the pass and emerge again to protect the nation and save the people is truly what the nation hopes for and the people are fortunate for!" Guan Zumeng said, "The immediate priority is to stop the person surnamed Chong from continuing to sow discord and division, and to consolidate our strength to deal with the Jin invaders' southward push." Changsun Zhenlong's anger flared, "Those self-righteous thugs! In the areas of Anqing Prefecture and Huizhou, they frequently intercept merchant caravans, accusing them of colluding with the Jin and amassing wealth, selling out the Song people's interests. We merchants, after earning a modest living, also donate to the country! They gather to cause trouble and shout slogans all day, but what actual good have they done for the Song land?" Wang Chongyang sincerely said, "Arrange for both sides to sit down as soon as possible, exchange their needs, dispel their grievances, recognize the national crisis, and work together." Changsun Zhenlong held his cup for a moment, then placed it back on the table with a smile, saying, "Brother Shixiong's sixteen characters are just and impartial, truly admirable."
The Changsun family's residence, though not opulent, possessed a refined elegance reminiscent of Suzhou and Hangzhou. Wang Chongyang was housed in the main room of the west wing. Upon entering, to the left of the eastern window set in the wall, hung a replica of Huang Quan's "Cold Birds on the Bank" from Western Shu. A small bronze ding beneath the scroll held a sprig of half-bloomed red apricot. To the right, a white porcelain hollow incense burner from Hongshan kiln emitted wisps of sweet fragrance from a mixture of lilac and spices. Wang Chongyang, however, was reminded of her scent. He pushed open the two windows in the center, gazing at the crescent moon obscured by an approaching cloud bank, and murmured softly, "Where are you?"
Suddenly, a cold laugh came from behind him. "To be like this after not seeing each other for just seventeen days and a half an hour, you can imagine how I've endured these past few years." He turned sharply and saw she was wearing a rather ferocious mask. Startled, he asked, "Why are you wearing that?" She replied coldly, "I'm afraid you'll find my face, which causes death, hateful." He was momentarily speechless, then heard her continue, "Why did you summon me?" He quickly organized his thoughts and words, only to see her flitting out of the room. He immediately called out, "Didn't I ask you to help me in secret?" She landed gracefully on a rock path in the garden and asked, "How can I help you?"
"I haven't thought of it yet..."
"Come back when you have."
Seeing her about to leave, he urgently asked, "How do I find you?" The black scarf on her head shifted slightly to the left, and she said, "Burn this incense in the air and chant 'Where are you?' three times."
The next day, Meng Han'guang arrived. Entering the main hall, he heard Wang Chongyang asking Changsun Zhenlong for incense and was surprised, lamenting that he, who had been in hiding for years, had become so fussy and petty. Changsun Zhenlong said, "This unique blend of incense I've created is called 'Misty Spring Light Penetrates,' most suitable for spring. Burn two spoonfuls in the censer, and it has effects like purifying the air, dispelling dampness, calming the mind, and relieving depression. Brother Shixiong, since you like it, feel free to recommend it to your friends." Wang Chongyang accepted the incense box, only responding with a face full of joy. Meng Han'guang interjected, "The officials of the Central Secretariat, the commanders and high-ranking officials of various routes, and our friends are delighted to hear of General Guan's summons and have instructed me to invite Brother Shixiong to a gathering in Xiangyang to discuss state affairs. They are already on their way." Wang Chongyang asked, "Can we also invite members of the Yangwu Gang to the conference?" Meng Han'guang could no longer restrain himself and furiously cursed, "Those arrogant and presumptuous young scoundrels, their reckless behavior has incurred the wrath of heaven and earth, causing our allied brothers to be insulted as accomplices. Some families within the alliance have even seen fathers and sons estranged, brothers become enemies, and friends break ties! Do you understand now?" Guan Zumeng explained, "He is acting out of good intentions, hoping that both sides can calmly resolve their differences, mend their relationship, recognize the national crisis, and work together." Meng Han'guang scoffed, "Asking them to come will only cause trouble and disruption; discussing matters is out of the question." httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Gazing at the plum-green cucumber-shaped porcelain incense box, Wang Chongyang was angered by her deliberate attempt to embarrass him, but recalling her triumphant look after her scheme succeeded brought a hint of joy. After leaving the Changsun residence, Meng Han'guang kept a watchful eye on him along the way. How had he become so foolish, acting in such inexplicable ways? He had heard upon arrival that the demoness had entangled herself with him again. Could she have used some sorcery or trickery to bewitch him? Pitying the ruin of a generation's hero, Meng Han'guang vowed to find a way to rescue him.
After dinner, Guan Zumeng pulled Meng Zu'guang aside, seemingly to discuss the latest situation of the Yangwu Gang's gatherings and disturbances extending to Jiangzhou. Although regretting their hesitation regarding the Yangwu Gang matter, Wang Chongyang, being closely watched by Meng Han'guang these past four days, seized this opportunity to ask her to appear for a meeting.
Finding a secluded hilltop, he gathered some incense powder and lit it, sincerely chanting "Where are you?" three times. Before the time it takes for an incense stick to burn out, a cone-shaped shadow appeared among the trees. "What is it?" Her head was still wrapped in a scarf, and she wore a mask. "The high-ranking officials of the Wei Wu Alliance have invited me to discuss matters in Xiangyang." You are likely lurking nearby and already know about it. "What concern is it of mine?" Hearing this, what he had intended to say about the grievances and troubles he had endured these past days to get the two families to abandon their opposition, stop blaming each other, and jointly devise strategies against the Jin, dissolved into a long sigh.
His heart, no longer able to remain hardened, said, "What cannot be done must still be done within one's capabilities."
"We cannot just stand by and watch the two families continue to fight, allowing the Jin to benefit from their conflict." Hearing her also let out a long sigh, unwilling to insist further, he said, "I expect the Jin have learned of my mediation efforts and will send dark swordsmen to disrupt them."
"Heh, where in the world are there no spies or insiders?"
"You must be careful!"
"It is only natural to be punished for failing to complete a mission."
Stop talking nonsense! His blood boiling, he said, "I won't let you bear it alone."
"If I am attacked, would you dare to save me in front of the Wei Wu Alliance members?"
"Since it is not for evil, why wouldn't I?" he said sincerely.
"You will pass through the Golden Silk Grand Canyon, won't you? I hear the numerous springs there are like dancing dragons."
"I hear the waterfall under Xianglu Peak is suitable for moon-gazing, do you like it?" Through the holes in her mask, he could clearly see her looking at him, her eyes flickering. Unfortunately, as he tried to step closer to speak, she had already turned and drifted away. Since I have affirmed my feelings and am willing to say more, please don't overthink it!