Mao Ya employed a stratagem: first, she dispatched Lin Chaoying to lead the northern return, using the opportunity to remove her and make the disciples at Jie Wushan complacent. Then, she sent Wu Nanyong to lead swordsmen in a surprise attack, making them misjudge it as a "retreat for advance" tactic. They sent an urgent message to the alliance, diluting their strength. Another contingent landed in Taizhou by sea, attacking Sun Boqi, the local commander of the Wei Wu Alliance, leading the opponent further into the confusion of a "feint." At that time, Mao Ya secretly expedited her journey, personally intervening, using deception and theft to reclaim the imperial edict and complete her mission.
Wang Shixiong and the Wei Wu Alliance disciples were at a loss. Mao Ya also resented that she couldn't eliminate Wang Shixiong as a threat during the process.
Mao Ya arrived at the Li Wanxue residence in Luan Shan on the third day of August.
The You Xu Cave, in alliance with the three prominent Nanyang remnant clans, was effectively absorbed by them. The three clans borrowed the cave's name and formed the "Luan Shan Alliance" with various caves, forcing each cave to recognize them as the alliance leader, thereby controlling the entire region. The old clans of the three surnames had ranked themselves by age when they formed their pact. Although the later ruler's dancer, Li Jincuo, was at the center, the remaining Zhan and Dong families looked up to her, making the Li clan the true power. Since the annexation, three groups had formed within You Xu Cave: the original cave dwellers, the three clans, and those not belonging to the three clans. Those not belonging to the three clans were Nanyang refugees who had fled to Liaodong following the three old clans. They outwardly submitted to the three clans but inwardly resented that, despite sharing hardships, the results and privileges were enjoyed by the "Xiang Jia Tuan" formed by the three clans. Even when forming the group, Li Jincuo allowed those not of the three clans to elect a candidate for the Great Xiang Jia, while she stepped down to be the third Xiang Jia to ease tensions. However, those not of the three clans still felt manipulated, as if they were at the lowest stratum of the cave. The original cave dwellers were also resentful of being usurped and plotted to drive them out. Therefore, from Li Jincuo onwards, the Li clan had governed the cave and the Luan Shan Alliance through coercion, bribery, division, and external warfare.
Children in the cave, from the age of four, had to find and attach themselves to a "dai jia" (foster family/mentor) for learning. This was one of the methods of recruitment, division, and suppression. Mao Ya and Wu Nanyong, who were from families not belonging to the three clans, were granted permission by Li Wanxue to be "dai jia," which, besides the behind-the-scenes planning of their parents, was also due to their own outstanding qualifications.
Mao Ya arrived near the main mountain, in front of the "Qing Ping General's Residence," known as the "Snow Palace." In the central part of the main mountain was the "Ning Dong Prefectural Office," where the four great Xiang Jia conducted their affairs. However, Li Wanxue, ranked as the third Xiang Jia, often worked in her residence, and important figures from both inside and outside the cave flocked to her. Even the You Xu Cave Master, who was also the alliance leader, the other three Xiang Jia, and the masters of various caves had to visit her when seeking counsel, leading to the saying, "Entering the palace to see the sovereign," a veiled sarcasm towards Li Wanxue's arrogance. Furthermore, her ruthlessness and heartlessness were criticized for imprisoning her own kin to consolidate her position and seize power. She was also criticized for her greed and profiteering, selling young disciples of the Luan Shan Alliance to the Jin state in exchange for their support.
The guards recognized Mao Ya's special status and did not dare to stop him, saluting him and greeting him respectfully, allowing him to enter the residence. In fact, not only within the Luan Shan Alliance but also among many figures from outside regions, his extraordinary bearing and aura inspired admiration and respect.
Looking across the garden, he saw a woman selecting flowers. Her tall and slender figure from childhood had inevitably become slightly sturdier with age, but it added a grandmotherly steadiness and warmth. "May your Xiang family be peaceful and comfortable," Mao Ya said, bowing his head and kneeling on the bluestone to pay his respects. The three clans revered ritual and law, adhering to them meticulously. Li Wanxue waved her hand, signaling him to dispense with the formality, understanding that his return was not for ordinary reporting or seasonal greetings, but likely concerning Yingyue's unusual actions. Alas, the pair she had envisioned... she finally understood the purpose of her grandmother's arrangements and ashamed herself for repeating her mistake. Mao Ya said, "The Song civilians are gathering and causing trouble; Wang Shixiong of Chuzhou is the most vexing to the Jin Lord." For the past three to four months, she had been preoccupied with the actions of the Xuan Yang Cave Master. At this moment, Li Wanxue realized that it was that "first person to defend Chuzhou with righteousness." She said, "Come in, have a cup of tea." Mao Ya habitually tidied up the flower shears and the potted branches, following her to the pavilion.
"We've received intelligence that bandit Wang, entrusted by Han Shizhong on his deathbed, must go to Lingyan Mountain in Pingjiang Prefecture every August 26th to pay respects to Liang Hongyu's death anniversary," Li Wanxue said while contemplating how to arrange the flower branches in the vase, listening to his report. "Who needs to be deployed to assist?"
Before Mao Ya could speak, he glanced at Lin Chaoying ascending the steps. He feared that her hurried arrival meant she was no longer as simply welcoming his return to the mountains as before. After paying her respects to both of them, Lin Chaoying said, "Brother, are you discussing how to deal with the anti-Jin Song civilians with Grandma?" Li Wanxue was confident that her grandson's foresight was not inferior to her own, but "one does not know the heart's intention until hearing the words," and as her dependent grandmother, she couldn't help but worry. After Mao Ya recounted the details, he added, "He seems quite familiar with the Dark Swordsmen's martial arts. I plan to seek Uncle Zhan's assistance to deal with this bandit." The "Uncle Zhan" Mao Ya mentioned was Zhan Cunmiao, the second Xiang Jia.
The three clans had sworn brotherhood, making them one family. Zhan Cunmiao was of the same generation as Lin Chaoying's mother, and Lin Chaoying had called him "Uncle Zhan" since childhood. Li Wanxue also permitted Mao Ya to follow. Lin Chaoying's sword-like eyebrows raised slightly. "No need. I've repeatedly studied his moves this past month and am confident I can take his head." Mao Ya sneered, "This is a top priority task set by the Jin Lord. How can we afford to lose it again!" Lin Chaoying glared at him, resolute. "If I, Lin Chaoying, cannot complete this mission..." Li Wanxue immediately said, "You must return and accept my severe punishment."
Li Wanxue personally cooked dinner. At the dining table, she glanced from side to side, still seeing the innocent faces of the two children from that year in her eyes. Despite the day's many busy affairs and troubles, a dinner with the two children instantly revitalized her spirit. Beautiful moments and things are always fleeting... Forget it, it's also happiness to have enjoyed them. During dinner, Mao Ya felt the person before him becoming distant. Because of their earlier conversation, he was still that "Song pig"... For a beautiful future, he needed to destroy him completely. After dinner, Lin Chaoying said she was returning to her room to rest, and Mao Ya also took his leave.
Li Wanxue, holding the freshly steamed "Zhui Yu Gui Qing Gao," went to Lin Chaoying's room. Her grandson had a preference for savory dishes, so she had added shredded taro dipped in salted egg to the sweet cake. Along the corridor by the pond, she watched her practicing swordplay in the open space outside, her heart filled with both joy and worry, recalling her daughter's similar "enthusiasm" back then.
Li Wanxue placed the plate on the stone table and said, "Rest a bit." The weather was cool, and Lin Chaoying's forehead was not sweating, but Li Wanxue still took out a silk handkerchief to wipe it for her. "You will depart tomorrow morning for your mission." Lin Chaoying was taken aback for a moment, forgetting to avoid her grandmother's childish gesture. "It's still time after the eighth, after eating Grandma's 'Old Pumpkin Stewed Sticky Rice'," she said. Li Wanxue immediately put on a stern face. "Strike when it's time to strike, no hesitation." She then handed Lin Chaoying a notebook. Lin Chaoying flipped through it and was secretly surprised. "Grandma, you actually copied the 'Private Succession Notes' of our founding ancestress?"
Li Jincuo and the then You Xu Cave Master, Jiang Jinsheng, had jointly formed the Dark Swordsmen, claiming to have contributed the "Martial Arts Essentials" written with all their heart as the foundation. However, they kept another copy of the "Private Succession Notes," claiming it contained some incomplete techniques, instructing their clan's inheritors to study them to achieve perfection. In reality, these were all advanced martial arts techniques, meant to prevent future rebellion.
Such notes, let alone hand-copied backups, would result in the death penalty, including the gouging of eyes, if perused without the permission of the affiliated Xiang family. Some of the moves within had already been privately taught by her grandmother. She presumed her grandmother feared her failure and thus lent her the notes to enhance her strength, but how could she bear to trouble her grandmother? Lin Chaoying returned the notebook. Li Wanxue did not take it back; instead, she held her hand and said, "This rightfully belongs to you. Make sure to take the time on your journey to study the final section carefully, mastering and deciphering the essence of various martial arts." Seeing her granddaughter's worried expression, she said proudly, "There is nothing in this world that can defeat me anymore. Just carry out your mission with confidence." Lin Chaoying's face also showed the same pride. She stood up and turned to practice her swordplay.