Chapter 5: A true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm, not just for a moment

Clang clang clang…

Feng Yi's shackles dragged on the ground as two jailers held him up, walking along the stone-paved, winding corridor.

What the hell? Why no response? I'm already out of the prison!

Could this broken system have crashed?

He checked the system panel, and the 'Escape from Death' task still showed as unfinished.

Feng Yi was a bit dazed.

As it turned out, Ling Tui Si's mansion was right behind the Jingzhou Prefecture Office; entering the mansion meant leaving the prison.

Then, literally speaking, the so-called 'Escape from Death' task should be considered completed!

After all, he had used his silver tongue to coax Ding Dian, just to get him to bring him out to fight, and then see what reward the system could give.

Although Ding Dian is now a useless showpiece, unreliable, being brought out by Xia San Dao also counts as successfully walking out of the prison alive.

But half a day has passed, and the system still hasn't judged the task as successful.

This left Feng Yi greatly disappointed.

Feng Yi originally thought that if the task succeeded and the system rewarded him with great arts like the Nine Yin Divine Art, Nine Yang Divine Art, or Northern Ice Divine Art, he would immediately break his chains, slaughter in all directions, and let Ling Tui Si know why the flowers are so red!

But there was nothing he could do about it.

Now being held by two yamen runners, if he sees Ling Tui Si, that old man might just say, 'Take him down,' and what then? He wouldn't have just transmigrated only to be reborn, would he?

'Sir, Feng Yi has arrived.'

Just as Feng Yi was worried, Xia San Dao's icy voice sounded from outside the inner hall at the right moment.

This inner hall is where the prefect meets guests after retiring from court; a fence of pale yellow bamboo surrounds three rooms, making it quite elegant and tranquil.

Ling Tui Si stroked the black-and-white beard under his chin, standing quietly by the window inside the room, observing.

He looked about forty, with a vigorous expression, his complexion showing an abnormal pallor. His eyes, half-light half-dark, flickered with an unfixed light; his gaze seemed empty yet able to see through all mist at a glance, and even more so to see Feng Yi through and through.

Ling Tui Si said lightly: 'Seven days have passed; any gains?'

His voice was very weary and desolate.

Feng Yi immediately came to his senses, solemnly said: 'Dragon Head, I have some gains; I was just looking for a chance to report.'

He certainly knew this situation; if he had no gains, he wouldn't even be allowed to enter the door, but would be dragged out and dealt with.

After all, Ding Dian was imprisoned in the Jingzhou Prefecture Prison, a major secret that Ling Tui Si would never let leak.

Ling Tui Si moved slightly and said: 'Come in.'

Xia San Dao waved his hand, letting a few yamen runners guard outside, saying: 'Let's go.' He then walked straight into the inner hall.

Feng Yi got the chance to speak with Ling Tui Si; he just let out a breath, but then kept inhaling, his face looking awful.

It wasn't from fear; rather, he realized that seeing Ling Tui Si, he certainly couldn't just stand and speak—he had to conform to this world's etiquette: kneel in greeting.

Thinking of it, Feng Yi may have been nobody in his past life, but having lived this long, he had only ever knelt before his parents and grandparents; today he must pay respects to this dog official Ling Tui Si!

But if he didn't kneel, not only would people see his insolence at a glance, he would certainly be dealt with.

'Hurry up, what are you standing here for?'

Xia San Dao urged him at the doorway.

Feng Yi also thought that since Ding Dian had already told him the details, that counted as some gain, as long as he could survive today.

Then he could gain another month's time, giving him room to maneuver; oh well, oh well, he could only blame his own inadequacy for having to suffer humiliation today! A true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm, not just for a moment! Feng Yi steeled himself mentally, dragging his shackles, step by step, into the inner hall.

He saw the inner hall's massive pillars, thick as arms, lighting the whole hall brightly. Ling Tui Si's blue-satin long robe, though still fitting, had already grown a bit stout, and the waistband still cinched a few folds at his waist.

Feng Yi didn't know why he could observe so closely, but what came to mind was that the Dragon Head had lost a lot of weight after not being seen for a few days.

Feng Yi thought that this old man had gone to great lengths for Ding Dian's secret; he immediately dropped to one knee, the iron chains clanking, clasped his fists, bowed his head, and said: 'Subordinate pays respects to the Great Dragon Head.'

Ling Tui Si sat down behind the desk, the desk covering half his body, his gaze heavy as he looked at Feng Yi.

In the martial world, Ling Tui Si is the chief of the Two Lakes Dragon Sand Gang; now also a prefect of a region, he naturally bears an aura of authority without anger.

From Feng Yi's perspective, he looked like a statue placed in a temple hall, silent and inscrutable.

Xia San Dao had a cold, stern expression, standing at the side.

Feng Yi didn't even dare to take a breath, his palms slick with cold sweat; he didn't know whether it was Ling Tui Si's long-standing prestige, the original soul's grudge, or his own feeling, but his life hung in Ling Tui Si's single thought.

After a moment, Ling Tui Si said softly: 'We're our own people; get up and sit.'

His face was cold as a statue, but his speech was soft and courteous.

Feng Yi knew Ling Tui Si came from a martial arts family, not caring about bureaucratic formalities; when he said to sit, he meant it.

He immediately rose and sat on the chair, though only half his buttocks touched the seat and his back remained ramrod straight.

'Speak!'

Ling Tui Si's voice was a bit hoarse, obviously not in a good mood; Feng Yi quickly steadied himself, bowed, and said: 'After days of contact, Ding Dian now ultimately has some trust in me!'

'Oh?' Ling Tui Si raised his eyebrows.

Xia San Dao coldly said: 'Feng Yi, you'd better be honest; you've been beaten every day these seven days. Heh, how did you gain trust?'

Feng Yi's anus tightened, he secretly resented Xia San Dao for sabotaging him, gave a slight smile, and said: 'Dragon Head, I think Master Xia is quick-witted; if he went to the prison, he would surely not disgrace his mission!'

No matter the reason, Feng Yi indeed feared Ling Tui Si—not just his status and position, nor his ruthless heart, but because Ling Tui Si himself possessed top-tier martial arts; if he wanted to kill Feng Yi, it would be like stepping on an ant.

But toward Xia San Dao, he had far fewer scruples!

If the chains were off, the two could fight openly; who knows who would win!

Anyway, his son had been beaten badly by the original owner; if he could beat his son, he could beat his father.

'You?' Xia San Dao raised his eyebrows.

Then Ling Tui Si waved his hand and said: 'Listen to him.'

'Yes!'

Xia San Dao dared not speak further.

Feng Yi said: "I dare not deceive; from the day I entered the prison, I have indeed been brutally beaten over and over by Ding Dian."

I thought, Ding Dian is also a veteran of the jianghu; perhaps he already saw through that I was sent by the Dragon Head, so he treated me this way. If I wanted to fulfill my mission without disgrace, further deception would be useless, so I directly admitted that I am the undercover agent sent by the Dragon Head.

Ling Tui Si, while Ding Dian was being punished, called for him; seeing that there was no satisfactory answer, he knew he had to change plans, so he could only resort to unconventional tactics, just get through this for now.

"Admitted?"

Ling Tui Si frowned slightly, unable at the moment to discern Feng Yi's intent; he picked up the tea cup on the desk and slowly sipped the hot tea.

Ling Tui Si possibly felt his pallid face flush a little from the tea's warmth, a twitch at the corner of his eye, and said: "I know you're usually clever, but does merely admitting your identity win Ding Dian's trust?"

Ling Tui Si set down the tea cup, his narrowed old eyes wandering over Feng Yi's face.

Feng Yi, however, felt the sharpness in Ling Tui Si's gaze, making him ill at ease all over; he didn't know whether it was the so-called kingly aura from novels or killing intent spilling out. He could only rise, steel himself, and say: "Since you told me I wanted to obtain a secret from Ding Dian, I have been thinking all along—three years have passed, and despite all the severe tortures Ding Dian has endured, they have been useless, so we must change our approach."

I thought, since Ding Dian lusts after the young lady, we could certainly start from that angle!

I then said that you intended to betroth the young lady to someone else, thereby cutting off her longing……

"Bold!" Xia San Dao shouted angrily: "You dare insult the young lady's reputation—do you truly not fear death?"

He stepped forward, raised his right palm, and was about to strike down at Feng Yi.

Feng Yi didn't even glance at him, standing arrogantly upright, merely looking at Ling Tui Si.

"Stop!" Ling Tui Si waved his right hand repeatedly, speaking softly: "You mean to have our prefecture exchange my daughter and Ding Dian for the Divine Illumination Scripture and the Linked City Secret?"

Seeing this, Xia San Dao could only swallow back the words he was about to utter.

Feng Yi's heart tightened; he quickly adopted a solemn expression and said: "That's impossible! I only said that to him to provoke Ding Dian into having the idea of eloping with the young lady."

But he had his hamstrings severed and his shoulder blades pierced, leaving him willing but unable; so I told him to transmit the Divine Illumination Skill to me, and I promised to help him elope with the young lady.

He said this while observing Ling Tui Si's expression.

Ling Tui Si's cloudy eyes flashed a glint: "Oh? Does Ding Dian agree?" Yet he thought to himself: "What makes you worthy of cultivating the Divine Illumination Skill?"

Feng Yi saw Ling Tui Si smiling at him, let out a light sigh, and said: "Too bad Ding Dian this brat won't believe me; he never mentions the Divine Illumination Scripture or the Linked City Secret."

Ling Tui Si's brows furrowed slightly, and Feng Yi added: "But Ding Dian is also flustered, seeming at a loss, which shows his deep affection for the young lady."

Ling Tui Si gave a slight nod, stroked his beard, and said: "Since he doesn't trust you, are you just going to give up?"

Feng Yi gave a faint smile and said: "Actually, I never intended for Ding Dian to teach me the Divine Illumination Skill; I said that merely to give Ding Dian another option."

So I also said: "Since you, Ding Dian, don't trust me, then rely on yourself."

I then advised Ding Dian, saying that the Dragon Head and the young lady are blood-related father and daughter; since you, Ding Dian, deeply love the young lady and wish to marry her, the Dragon Head is your father-in-law, and you two are a proper family.

Offering the treasure to the Dragon Head is equivalent to offering it to your father-in-law; this would better demonstrate your filial piety and respect, so the young lady would love you even more, and furthermore……

Feng Yi, having said this, looked at Ling Tui Si with an apologetic smile, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Ling Tui Si raised his eyebrows and said: "And what else? Go ahead, speak!"

Feng Yi whispered: "Furthermore, Lord Ling has no sons, only the young lady as his daughter; after a hundred years, everything will be yours, so why bother competing and enduring this great hardship? It would be rather foolish."

Pa—

Ling Tui Si slapped the table, sprang up, and shouted: "You have tremendous gall!"

Feng Yi instantly shuddered, inwardly cursing: "You old bastard, for the treasure you literally starved your own daughter to death; heaven saw your wickedness and made you childless, yet here you are still slamming the table!"

But he dared not speak plainly; he hurriedly dropped to one knee, clasped his fists, and said: "Your subordinate spoke out of line, all to move Ding Dian to hand over the Divine Illumination Skill and the Linked City Secret to offer to the Dragon Head; however, my words were improper, I beg the Dragon Head to punish me."

Although Ling Tui Si came from a martial arts family, he himself had passed the imperial examinations to become a Hanlin scholar and thus looked down on jianghu ruffians. Yet, being experienced, after a brief pondering he already had a plan, and said: "You have slandered this official; you deserve punishment……"

Ha ha—

Ling Tui Si suddenly burst into loud laughter: "But you are loyal to me; how could this official add guilt to you? All right, rise!"

His tone was quite kind, but Feng Yi didn't believe it at all.

"And what did Ding Dian say?"

Ling Tui Si sat back in his chair, his voice trembling slightly, his excitement impossible to conceal.

Feng Yi said: "Although Ding Dian hasn't directly agreed, he also hasn't beaten your subordinate, showing he has somewhat loosened up. After all, he's been tortured by the Dragon Head for three years; if he had agreed outright, it wouldn't be like that Ding Dian who endured the five punishments and yields to neither soft nor hard tactics."

Ling Tui Si stared intently at Feng Yi's eyes, suddenly sighed, feeling the vicissitudes of life, and said: "Your father and Master Xia were both old followers who helped me found the Dragon Sand Gang in my youth; he died young, leaving me without his aid, but you surpass your father."

Now my Dragon Sand Gang dominates the region; I have served as prefect for five years, and according to court convention I should have stepped down or been promoted/demoted, but because of the secret Ding Dian mentioned, I have been pulling strings both above and below, causing the gang to expend huge resources.

Ling Tui Si suddenly paused, his tone filling with resentment, his voice turning icy, and said: "Next year I will take office again, seeking re-election, and will again have to pull strings above and below."

Moreover, this involves too many disputes; now, because of Ding Dian's troublemaking, my household is unsettled. If you truly can make Ding Dian speak, not only will I achieve my wish, but all the brothers of my Dragon Sand Gang will each gain a great windfall; then I will certainly not treat you poorly!

Feng Yi hastily expressed gratitude: "Thank you, Dragon Head; your subordinate dare not but lay down his life for you!"

Ling Tui Si's eyes gleamed, he fixed his gaze on Feng Yi's face, gave a faint smile, and said: "You are a clever person; I originally intended to dispose of you. You surely have guessed that."

But since we've come this far, this official will give you a guarantee.

Ling Tui Si spoke meaningfully: "Indeed I have no sons; I am now nearing sixty, this legacy has no heir, so today I will take you as my adopted son, in one fell swoop becoming the young Dragon Head of the gang."

Once we extract Ding Dian's secret, this official will again secure you an official post, bringing honor to your family; I will absolutely not kill you to silence you. Do you believe me? —yet in his heart he had already decided that Feng Yi absolutely could not be allowed to remain.

However, Ling Tui Si has weathered many perils in the jianghu, well-read in the classics, his mind adorned with brocade; having become a prefect and long experienced in officialdom's vicissitudes, he possesses judgment beyond ordinary people. He knows Feng Yi is crafty like a ghost; if he doesn't give him a reassurance, let alone having him work hard, it might even cause some variables, so he first makes him his adopted son to let him work at ease.

Feng Yi, however, listened dumbfounded; he could hardly be unaware of this old man's thoughts. Yet to bow to him as father is utterly impossible—if he did, how could he later kill him? Look at Lü Bu, who stabbed his foster father and his name became infamous. Even if he killed Dong Zhuo, in fact prolonging the Han dynasty's mandate, it changed nothing.

But if he does not bow, would that not openly tell the other side that he harbors different intentions—could he still survive?

"Feng Yi, what a great thing this is—why don't you hurry and give thanks?" Xia San Dao urged from the side.

Feng Yi thought: "You really think I'm a blockhead? You want to entrap me with an empty check; I'll give you a check within a check!"

Immediately he beamed with joy, knelt down, and kowtowed loudly: "Thank you, Dragon Head, for your extraordinary promotion; your kindness to your subordinate is as vast as heaven and earth; your subordinate feels immense gratitude, unwavering even if the seas run dry and the rocks rot, unshaken even by a thousand cuts and ten thousand slices."

Ling Tui Si and Xia San Dao saw him first stunned, then his brows and eyes jumping with joy; they both thought he was simply stunned by this sudden surprise, a normal reaction, and they exchanged smiles: "No matter how clever the lad, he's still just a youngster."

Ling Tui Si waved his hand and said: "All right, all right! Go attend to your duties now."

Feng Yi straightened his body, hesitated a moment, gritted his teeth, clasped his fists and bowed his head: "Just that your subordinate does not want to call you adoptive father!"

"How so?" Ling Tui Si laughed: "Am I not worthy to be your adoptive father?" But his face was cold enough to scrape off a layer of ice.

Feng Yi slowly rose, fixed his gaze on him, and said in a deep voice: "How dare I? Rather, I wish to call you father-in-law; I hope the Dragon Head will grant this."

(End of chapter)