Chapter 248

Feng Yi went out the door, and Xiao Feng and the others all remained silent, each with their thoughts rising and falling, feeling that the wonderful encounters of a lifetime were especially remarkable today.

Xiao Feng, Duan Yu, A Zhu, and A Zi felt in their hearts an even stronger sense of fateful entanglement, an ineffable profound feeling.

Listening to the story naturally brings a sense of immersion, and each person's immersion is different.

Xiao Feng naturally placed himself in the role of that great hero who was originally a Xiongnu but raised in a Han household, while A Zhu naturally placed herself in the hero's lover.

Duan Yu felt that Mu Wanqing and Zhong Ling liked him, but they were his sisters, all thanks to his father's amorousness; the difference was that his father was still alive, and the lady Wang he liked was not his sister.

Thinking of this, he suddenly shivered, and a thought struck him: Feng Yi had once said, why not tell his father about Wang Yuyan's situation? Could it be…

He felt that Feng Yi's words contained not only a deep profound meaning, but also, the more he thought about it, the more he felt a sense of overlap.

Xiao Feng stood with his hands behind his back at the window, lips slightly pursed, eyes deep; he was rough yet meticulous, knowing that Feng Yi seemed to be telling a story but actually hid great secrets.

On one hand it was for his own emotional entanglement, on the other hand he used the occasion to advise himself.

Xiao Feng naturally knew that the emperor intended a southern campaign; if he returned to Great Liao and agreed, it would not be his wish; if he tried to dissuade, the emperor would not listen, and he feared he would truly meet the same fate as that great hero.

But thinking of this, he unconsciously rose with the notion that perhaps Feng Yi could foresee the future.

Yet when Xiao Feng thought this, he shook his head, rejecting the inference. Although Feng Yi seemed like a divine person in his mind, foreknowledge is ultimately illusory and elusive.

But thinking of that great hero in the story, compared to him, he felt himself much more fortunate.

What that person experienced was simply too cruel.

To avenge, he accidentally killed his beloved with his own hand, but after great difficulty he found the murderer, only to discover it was his own father.

Xiao Feng inexplicably felt a bit sorrowful.

A Zi and A Zhu thought of the two sisters in the story, feeling somewhat like themselves, yet not entirely alike.

Even though the two were clever and quick-witted, they also found it bewildering, unable to grasp any clue; various thoughts churned in their minds, their little heads filled with a hazy fog.

Huang Wan'er felt great hesitation in her heart, thinking that Feng Yi intentionally or unintentionally avoided her, and when he saw her he spoke strangely, as if accepting her would harm her.

Thinking again of that vicious woman who met a sentimental man and ultimately became a poisonous wife, Feng Yi seemed to fear that she would go astray and repeat the mistake. She felt that her longing for Feng Yi would likely have no happy ending.

Zhong Ling and Mei Lan Zhu Ju were innocent and lively girls, not deeply understanding the so-called matters of love, yet they were also moved by Feng Yi's words of countless sorrows, thinking back and forth, and also felt that love was an exhausting thing.

After all, Zhong Ling knew of Duan Yu and Mu Wanqing's affair, and the four girls Mei Lan Zhu Ju knew of the Tian Shan Tong Lao and Li Qiu Shui martial sisters who, for the sake of Wu Ya Zi, had hurt each other and fought for decades.

After a long while, A Zhu suddenly burst out laughing with a "puchi" sound.

Xiao Feng felt as if a basin of cold water had been poured over his head, waking from that cruel dream back to the comparatively happy real world; he turned his gaze to A Zhu and smiled, saying, "What are you laughing at?"

A Zhu pursed her lips and laughed, "Laughing at you, you're like a block of wood, always standing, aren't you tired?"

Xiao Feng laughed heartily, then said thoughtfully, "I'm not tired, it's just that my head is about to spin from thinking!"

A Zi, being childlike at heart, couldn't help but interject, "Brother-in-law, you're a hero renowned under heaven, well-versed and knowledgeable; what do you say is the explanation of his story?"

Xiao Feng hadn't expected A Zi to ask such a trivial question; being naturally carefree, he stared blankly for a moment, then burst out laughing loudly, "Everyone's thoughts differ, so how could there be a single explanation!"

As he spoke, he walked over to A Zhu's side, sat down, let out a long sigh, and said, "However, if the heart of love is not acted upon properly, it will ultimately harm others and oneself; this is probably also what Brother Feng wanted to tell you."

A Zi was startled.

Duan Yu's face grew solemn as he said, "Yes, Brother Feng is like that sentimental person, but your temper is quite big."

Of course, he was also telling the several young ladies that liking someone one shouldn't like is a karmic entanglement.

But whether or not to take that step must be considered with utmost care, lest one regret it later and regret it too late!

He also thought of himself, that his feelings for Wang Yuyan seemed likewise a karmic bond.

The several girls fell silent involuntarily, all feeling that the tone set before Feng Yi's story was quite accurate: full of grudges, emotions, and hatred, pitiful and lamentable.

Huang Wan'er rose and walked to the window, gazing up at the night sky, murmuring to herself, "What, then, is true love?"

"Could it be like that maiden, unable to bear loving someone who cannot avenge, caught in a dilemma, and thus willingly choose death?"

She asked no one, nor did she let anyone answer.

Yet these words made everyone think likewise.

Even present-day A Zhu could imagine it, but since the situation hasn't arisen, she also has no answer as to whether she could truly do it.

What is true love?

This is a difficult problem.

From ancient times to the present, even those poets with a strong romantic spirit who have written countless poems praising love are all exceptionally talented; they probably would not dare claim to have fully understood love's secret.

And girls like Zhong Ling and Mei Lan Zhu Ju have never even pondered what love actually is.

A Zhu gently rested her forehead on Xiao Feng's shoulder, her eyes slightly narrowed, speaking dreamily, "Big brother, I seek no high rank or power, no wealth and riches, nor do I wish for a world forever without war; I only wish that we may be free of disaster, safe and happy all our lives—I feel that would already make me very happy and content."

A Zhu did not know the past between Feng Yi and Huang Wan'er, but her shared love for a man with her sister was evident; seeing Huang Wan'er's pitiful expression, yet A Zi being her own sister, she thought this was not something she could comfort, and she took the opportunity to express her own feelings.

Because Xiao Feng was the Great King of the Southern Court of Liao, and sworn brother to Yelü Hongji; before coming to Song, he had submitted a memorial clarifying his intentions, and only then set out; to leave without notice would be disloyal and unjust, so she found it hard to speak plainly.

A Zi, Huang Wan'er, and the other girls' eyes lit up: they felt very happy and satisfied—could this not be the very meaning of love's existence?

Especially, A Zi had previously said that Duan Yu sighed and groaned, indicating his inner lack; for a moment her heart wandered, and a sweet smile unbidden rose to the corner of her mouth.

How could Xiao Feng not know that A Zhu had been affected by Feng Yi's story, feeling apprehensive; he gently took her hand and comforted her, "Very well, court affairs are as perilous as the jianghu; retiring to the mountains and forests is truly my lifelong dream—we shall not return to Great Liao."

Between them, tenderness overflowed from their brows; it seemed that for the two of them, this moment was already enough.

A Zi suddenly said, "Miss Huang, if you truly wish to be on good terms with my elder brother, I have no objection."

Huang Wan'er's delicate body trembled violently; with an "ah" she lowered her head, a rosy glow rose on her jade cheeks, the brilliant red reaching her ears—clearly her heart was in great turmoil, and she was caught off guard.

A Zi turned her gaze, lightly tapping with her bare hand, "And you four, Mei Lan Zhu Ju, if you wholeheartedly wish to be my elder brother's concubines, I also agree."

Upon hearing this, everyone was somewhat incredulous; they had never imagined that A Zi's nature would be willing to share her beloved.

Duan Yu remarked strangely, "Sister, how could you think this way? I'd like to ask for instruction."

A Zi giggled, "Little brother, in this world it's common for men to have three wives and four concubines; our father, as far as I know, has your mother, my mother, and an Aunt Qin; elsewhere I don't know how many more there are. (Duan Yu thought there was also Zhong Ling's mother.)"

"Father has done all that, so why can't my elder brother do the same?"

"Moreover, this Miss Huang, upon seeing my elder brother, looks with lingering affection; when my elder brother sees her, his brows move and his eyes jump—clearly he also likes her very much."

"As for lovely girls like Mei Lan Zhu Ju, who look alike, he would like them even more; but he harbors reservations, which is why he dares not agree."

Ah Zhu laughed and said, "What concerns?"

Ah Zi, acting coquettishly, said, "Sister, you're being so dishonest; I don't believe you can't guess!"

Ah Zhu solemnly said, "If you don't say it, how would I know?"

Besides, no one else knows what you're thinking.

Ah Zi lightly snorted and said, "Say it then! If you don't, I'll feel uneasy. First, big brother has been with me from the start and never concealed anything; he just finds my appearance beautiful,"

Second, the Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum sisters are lively and lovable, making anyone who sees them fall in love; Granny Tong treats me very well, so I couldn't bear to kill them.

Third, even if I really hardened my heart and secretly poisoned them, my big brother is shrewd; how could he not know?

But if he were to avenge those women and yet couldn't lay a hand on me, he would suffer immensely; having a man who's constantly frowning and miserable—what pleasure is there in that?

Then accepting the Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum sisters, plus one more young lady from the Huang family—what's the big deal?

I'd rather be broad-minded, happy every day—that kind of life is truly joyful!

Xiao Feng and Duan Yu exchanged a smile, then laughed and went out.

They knew Feng Yi's intention had been fulfilled.

Ah Zi was finally afraid.

The moonlight was like water, its glow soft and gentle, but it was winter now, the weather very cold; yet there were many women in the house, and it was inconvenient for them to stay overnight, so they went outside just like Feng Yi—fortunately, they all possessed deep inner strength, immune to cold and heat, so it was no big deal.

Then we saw Feng Yi sitting cross-legged on a stone bench under the tree, eyes tightly shut, as if in meditation; the tree shadows swayed, the wind clear and the moon bright, as if he had merged into this wondrous heaven and earth.

Suddenly, Huang Wan'er's voice whispered softly beside his ear: "Feng big brother, may I ask you a question?"

Amidst the rustling night wind, Feng Yi slowly opened his eyes and said, "What do you want to ask?"

Huang Wan'er gazed at him with her lovely eyes and slowly said, "Did you hear what Ah Zi just said?"

Feng Yi sighed and said, "I dare not accept you; the real reason actually has nothing to do with Ah Zi!"

Huang Wan'er sadly said, "What is it?"

Feng Yi said, "Alas, I am no gentleman; in some matters I am petty and shameless, and I have done them."

But one must be conscience‑clear; I have already made your father abandon his official post, and now I ask a lady from a respectable family to follow me, a wandering jianghu rogue—if you are happy, that's fine; but if someday I… you would feel regret…

Huang Wan'er interrupted, saying, "What Ah Zhu sister said is quite right; she and Brother Xiao are together and are very happy and satisfied."

I've thought about it, and as long as I can stay by your side, just like now, I am also very happy and satisfied!

Feng Yi's body shuddered violently.

Suddenly, Mei Jian's voice said, "Master, if you don't marry us as concubines, this lifetime will be filled with sorrow and regret, which is inevitable, and it would betray Ah Zi sister's sincere heart!"

The four sisters brought a blanket for Feng Yi to rest on. Feng Yi thought, "I don't feel anything wrong now; perhaps after my falling out with the system, the time‑travel function has failed—if so, what do I have to fear?"

A surge of heroic fervor rose in his heart as he looked at Huang Wan'er: "Waner, are you truly willing to marry me? Even if only for a day as husband and wife?"

Huang Wan'er, overjoyed and bashful, said, "Big brother, you're really bad—who else could I marry if not you? One day as husband and wife brings a hundred days of kindness; how could you not know, yet you insist on asking me?"

Feng Yi felt both gratitude and pity, gazing deeply at her, he reached out, pulled her hand over, and drew her into his embrace.

Waner's emotions surged; unable to restrain herself, she threw her arms around Feng Yi's head and neck and whispered, "Someone's still watching!"

She said that, yet her heart involuntarily felt a flush of shyness and a wave of sweetness.

The Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum sisters stared at each other; Lan Jian rolled her eyes, cleared her throat, and said, "We sisters are not outsiders; from now on we also want the master to hold us like this—you must not be jealous!"

Huang Wan'er's face flushed, and she immediately jumped up from Feng Yi.

Seeing the several women, Feng Yi found them truly pleasing to the eye and laughed heartily.

The next morning, Feng Yi decided to return to Piaomiao Peak to marry the several women; Duan Yu also went to inform his father, wishing to join the procession and attend the wedding.

= 9 + book bar

Duan Zhengchun brought Ruan Xingzhu, as well as the Four Guards and Three Dukes of Dali, and they also intended to attend the wedding; meanwhile, they took care of Xiao Feng and Ah Zhu's matters as well.

Feng Yi sent Zhu Danchen and Chu Wanli on a trip to Fujian to inform the Huang family that Huang Wan'er was with him; if they had time, he asked them to come to the wedding.

Having settled everything, the party left Shaoshi Mountain and headed toward the Heavenly Mountain.

That day, as they passed through a grove, Feng Yi, Xiao Feng, Duan Yu, and Ah Zi suddenly heard a male voice from the woods calling: "Cousin, I'm going to the Beggars' Sect headquarters to lie down; I want to first escort you back to Mantuo Mountain Villa."

They, possessing deep inner strength and extraordinary hearing, recognized the voice as Murong Fu's.

Hearing him say he was going to the Beggars' Sect, this greatly surprised Feng Yi and Xiao Feng; their hearts jolted: "Could it be that Murong Fu intends harm to the Beggars' Sect?"

Feng Yi, Xiao Feng, and the Beggars' Sect shared deep ties; they immediately took note, signaled the group to be silent with a hand gesture, and with a flick of their bodies silently slipped into the forest; Duan Yu, whose lightness skill was excellent and who was concerned about Wang Yuyan, also followed.

Again from the forest came Wang Yuyan's voice: "No, I won't go back; my mother will kill me."

They drew nearer, hid behind the trees, and looked toward the sound; they saw Murong Fu smiling and saying, "Although Auntie has a fiery temper, she has only you as her daughter—how could she bear to kill you? At most she'd scold you a few sentences, that's all."

Wang Yuyan said, "No… no, I won't go home; I'll go with you to the Beggars' Sect."

Murong Fu said, "Alright then! As a young lady, following us in the jianghu and exposing ourselves is improper; since you don't want to go to Mantuo Mountain Villa, stay at my home in Yanziwu for now, and when I finish my affairs I'll come see how you are."

Wang Yuyan gave no definite answer, but slowly lowered her head, her eyes revealing a strange gleam.

Wang Yuyan's lifelong wish was to marry her cousin and live in Yanziwu; upon hearing Murong Fu's words, though not a formal proposal, the matter was crystal clear, and she was overjoyed.

Upon hearing this, Duan Yu's heart suddenly sank, turning icy cold.

Feng Yi and Xiao Feng glanced at Duan Yu, saw his pallid face, and involuntarily shook their heads.

All we heard was Murong Fu saying, "That cousin, I and Big Brother Deng and the others need to discuss some matters."

Wang Yuyan slowly turned her body and walked away, distancing herself from the crowd.

She knew her cousin still harbored ambitions to restore the kingdom; her mother had always opposed the Murong family's schemes of rebellion and usurpation, believing that proclaiming oneself king or emperor was merely the Murong family's centuries‑old foolish fantasy—restoration hopeless, annihilation possible.

Moreover, although the two families are closely related, Lady Wang and Lady Murong have fallen out over words, their grudge running deep; thus Lady Wang has in recent years barred Murong Fu from entering her home, choosing to seclude herself in the depths of Linghu Lake, unwilling to have any entanglements with the Murong household.

At this moment we saw Murong Fu, Deng Bai chuan, Gongye Qian, Baobutong, and Feng Bo'e forming a circle.

Feng Yi and the others focused their energy on their ears, listening intently; Gongye Qian whispered, "Yesterday I and my younger brothers three and four heard the Beggars' Sect disciples express extreme dissatisfaction with Gong Tianzhi; although the transmission‑practice elder Lü Zhang strongly supported him, I fear Gong Tianzhi may not be able to hold onto the chief's seat."

He paused, then added, "Some people want to ask Xiao Feng to serve as chief again, but Xiao Feng is the Prince of the Southern Court of Liao, a Khitan; opinions within the sect are not unified, so it's already not a concern."

But I have heard that several elders—Song Xi, Chen Wu, and others—all agree to ask Feng Yi to serve as chief again; whether it will be a blessing or a disaster is hard to say.

Feng Bo'e hurriedly interrupted his words: "What fortune or misfortune cannot be spoken of; judging from their words, if Feng Yi truly intended to become chief, he would have taken it long ago—how could it possibly fall to the You family's brat?"

Deng Baichuan also said: "Yes, Feng Yi is such a person, transcendent and aloof; the only ones who interest him are masters like the nameless old monk of Young Forest."

Feng Bo'e said: "With the young master's peerless martial arts and strategic brilliance, if he truly intended to take over the Beggars' Sect, they would have no reason to refuse; the only thing they would worry about is our restorationist sentiment, which everyone knows, and they might not agree among the Beggars' Sect."

Deng Baichuan said: "The lord has already become a monk and no longer mentions restoration; Xiao Yuanshan and Xiao Feng father and son have let go of their grudges, and we can use this as a cover, claiming our restorationist sentiment has died out. But once we hold the Beggars' Sect's great power, we can also develop our confidants, gradually infiltrate, and in three or five years, the sect's financial and material resources might well be usable!"

Murong Fu fell silent for a long moment, then said: "No matter what, I must also strive to become chief of the Beggars' Sect; at most I would just suffer another defeat…"

"Young master need not think too much; after all, things have come to this!" Deng Baichuan declared resolutely: "We have been loyal and devoted through the generations, inheriting Murong's dying instructions—to do our best and leave the rest to heaven; why bother caring about success or failure?"

"No, no!" Bao Bu Tong shook his head: "We follow our ancestors' dying instructions, wholeheartedly assisting the young master to achieve greatness—naturally that's fine, but the urgent matter at hand is the young master's affair with Miss Wang."

"Yes!" Deng Baichuan said solemnly: "Our Great Yan restoration has been plotted for hundreds of years, yet it remains like flowers in the moon, reflected in water—hard to succeed."

"At the root, it's simply because we lack a strong external ally. If the Beggars' Sect were subdued by my Murong clan, their numerous members and the countless merchant families within would greatly increase our chances of victory; yet even with our best hopes, we must prepare for the worst—if we fail, we must keep a spark alive so it can reignite."

Gongye Qian said: "Regardless, Miss Wang is wholeheartedly devoted to the young master; why not turn raw rice into cooked rice? As soon as the young master has a wife and children, we can let loose our hands and feet—if something were to happen to him…"

Murong Fu sighed deeply: "I ask myself, throughout my life I have feared nothing; only this matter has kept me restless these past few days. If I ever make a mistake afterward, I hope several elder brothers and descendants will look after me from all sides."

Deng Baichuan, Gongye Qian, Bao Bu Tong, and Feng Bo'e stood up together, solemn and respectful, speaking in unison: "The resolve to restore the nation shall never be forgotten!"

Several drew their waist sabers or raised their long swords, holding their weapons before their chests. The sound was not loud, yet it startled the forest birds into flight, fluttering away with chirps.

Feng Yi and Xiao Feng, how perceptive they were, from these few sentences already deduced everything: it turned out that Murong Fu's desire to restore the nation still lived; hearing that the Beggars' Sect intended to depose You Tanzhi as chief, he wanted to become chief himself, yet feared Feng Yi would come after him.

Thus he thought to first seize Wang Yuyan, to leave an heir for the Murong household.

Although Feng Yi had the advantage of foreknowledge and his divine skill was astonishing, giving him an innate calm toward all things in the world, hearing this news also sparked a surge of anger within him.

This anger was not for anything else.

It was for Wang Yuyan.

This young lady possesses such beauty and talent, and is wholly devoted to Murong Fu, yet in Murong Fu's eyes she is merely a dispensable machine.

The principle that true sincerity must not be betrayed, Feng Yi deeply believed.

Xiao Feng also lost all the goodwill he had previously felt toward Gongye Qian, Bao Bu Tong, Feng Bo'e, and others under Murong Fu's command.

Yet a thought arose in him: he still remembered Feng Yi telling the nameless old monk, "You can enlighten Murong Bo, but what about Murong Fu?"

Would he not, for the sake of restoration, turn Southern Murong into someone who stops at nothing?

Duan Yu, by nature simple and honest, could never have imagined that such a dim-witted, obtuse person as Murong Fu existed in this world; unable to bear it any longer, he stepped out from behind the tree and said: "Murong young master, Miss Wang loves you wholeheartedly; if you love her, you should fly together with her, not drag her into rebellion and chaos."

Upon seeing him emerge, Murong Fu and Wang Yuyan and the others were also startled, but recalling that Duan Yu had been following Miss Wang all along for her sake, they thought nothing of it.

Murong Fu said indifferently: "Brother Duan, did you come specially to teach me what to do?"

"How dare I?" Duan Yu said: "But I can advise you well: riches and honor vanish in an instant. Miss Wang is exquisite and unworldly, rare in the world, gentle and virtuous; you would search all under heaven and not find a second like her."

For the past thousand years there has been none, and even after another thousand there will still be none. Moreover, Miss Wang has loved you, Murong young master, for many years, yet you treat her with false affection; you treat her so ruthlessly that even if you became chief of the Beggars' Sect and then emperor of Great Yan, you would not know how many you would have to kill.

Even if you made the Central Plains run red with blood and pile corpses like mountains, whether you could actually become emperor of Great Yan remains uncertain.

Hearing this, Wang Yuyan was deeply moved, and softly said: "Master Duan, you speak so kindly of me; that is your intentional praise, seeking to win my favor…"

Duan Yu hurriedly replied: "No, no!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he had picked up Bao Bu Tong's habit from his influence, learning his catchphrase.

Murong Fu frowned slightly and said: "Master Duan, on what basis do you speak to me like this?" Killing intent already stirred in his heart.

Duan Yu said: "I naturally have no talent; my literary and martial abilities are inferior to yours, my character and bearing are not as good as yours, my suave elegance and prestige do not match yours, but there is one thing in which I surpass Murong Fu."

Murong Fu raised his eyebrows: "What?"

Duan Yu shouted: "I have a sworn elder brother named Xiao Feng, and my brother-in-law is Feng Yi; they are both here, and whatever I ask of them, they will surely not refuse!"

Murong Fu and the others felt a jolt in their hearts, hurriedly looking left and right.

Wang Yuyan wondered: "Master Duan, what do you mean by that? What does my cousin's business have to do with you?"

She had not heard the discussion among Murong Fu and the others at all.

Duan Yu turned his body and said: "I do not wish to see Miss Wang distressed; I hope she can have everything go smoothly. As long as you can speak and smile cheerfully, with a happy heart, I am willing to do anything for you."

On Wang Yuyan's jade‑like cheeks a sudden flush rose; she felt that this sentence could be said to express her affection for him to the fullest.

Yet all of Wang Yuyan's thoughts were fixed on Murong Fu; feeling moved, she then forgot, and softly said: "Master Duan, do not argue with my cousin; please leave quickly."

"Leave?" Murong Fu sneered: "Having shown off your might here, you now want to go?"

Duan Yu felt a sudden tightness in his back; Murong Fu had already seized his pressure point and lifted him up.

Duan Yu gave a bitter smile: "Master Murong, you deceived Miss Wang with lies first, could not outargue me, and then turned to brute force—truly not the conduct of a gentleman."

Murong Fu snorted coldly: "Dealing with a petty man like you, how could one use gentlemanly means?" He dragged him aside, looking for a pit to strike him dead with a palm and bury him on the spot.

Unbeknownst to gods or ghosts, how could Feng Yi and Xiao Feng, however fierce, possibly know?

"Want to silence a witness?" a voice drifted over: "Murong Fu, you really are getting more and more shameless."

Upon hearing the voice behind him, Murong Fu's mind thundered, as if he had fallen into a ten‑thousand‑foot ice cave; besides despair, there was only despair.

Deng Baichuan and the others faced him, yet they could not see clearly how Feng Yi had arrived, as if he had risen from the ground; such lightness was astonishing and terrifying.

A booming "bang" sounded.

A great tree instantly shattered as if struck by an axe from the heavenly thunder god, split in half; one person, with hands behind his back, stepped forward against the howling gale and shouted loudly: "Release my second brother!" (End of chapter)