Chapter 93: with translation of chapter title

Feng Yi spoke eloquently, almost laying out the greatest difficulty currently faced, as well as the dangerous situation he himself would face, yet he still did so—this is disregarding life and death!

This action made Guo Jing involuntarily feel reverent; he lightly sighed and said, "Brother Feng, you see things clearly, possess great wisdom and courage; it's rare to find a second person who would think that."

For Guo Jing to be able to meet him is indeed a great fortune in his life.

This time, I and Rong'er have widely sent out hero invitations to heroes under heaven, yet many famous figures refuse to accept them—alas!

Huang Rong's strategies surpass others; she and Guo Jing once analyzed the current situation. Although they plan to convene a martial arts assembly to jointly resist the Mongols, they are certainly aware that the present circumstances are subtle and perilous, and court officials are unwilling to deal with the martial world's ruffians.

Even among the martial world, there are hot-blooded men willing to join the anti-Mongol cause, yet they usually kill and set fires, treating human lives as grass, lawless. To try to restrain such untamable, ferocious people and have them fight trained Mongol elite troops is extraordinarily dangerous.

If the war goes well, overawed by force and reputation, perhaps none would dare act rashly; but if the war turns unfavorable, those who might defect cannot be guaranteed absent. Moreover, there is another group who care only for their own survival, regardless of whether the Song state or the Han people live or die, as long as they themselves can stay safe. Thus this topic is exceedingly weighty.

At this moment, even the surrounding air seemed to grow solemn.

Feng Yi smiled and said, "The Way of Heaven is to reduce what is excess and supplement what is deficient; this is exactly the opening principle of the Nine Yin True Classic."

But unless one is a great sage, a great virtuous person, of great wisdom and great benevolence, how could one understand the meaning of the Heavenly Way "to reduce excess and supplement deficiency"?

Therefore, the greater one's abilities, the greater the trials; those who can overcome calamities are none other than outstanding figures of great benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, and courage. In their eyes, their own responsibility grows greater—just like you, Hero Guo and your wife—but such people are all too few! Selfish and self-interested, caring only for personal gain, worshipping power, bullying the weak—there are far too many of such people; this is human nature.

Thus, to reduce deficiency and add excess becomes the human way, thereby creating a world where the strong grow stronger and the weak grow weaker.

Now the Mongols are mighty, their fortunes flourishing, talent abundant; yet our Han court is in decline, and renowned generals such as Yue WuMu, Han ShiZhong, and Meng Gong have all withered away.

Moreover, even the most capable general in this court will be hampered by logistical support; to rely on sheer force alone is impossible to win.

Only by employing unexpected tactics can one win; otherwise, these splendid lands will surely become a playground where the Mongols gallop at will.

These words left Guo Jing and Huang Rong astonished; they looked toward Huang Yaoshi.

The two had no idea that anyone else knew the Nine Yin True Classic; they assumed it was Huang Yaoshi who said it.

Huang Yaoshi, with a strange demeanor, sighed, "How did he come by the Nine Yin True Classic? I cannot fathom it either."

He actually guessed it: Wang Zhongyang had once lost to Lin Chaoying, and perhaps it was she who left it behind; but this would contradict his earlier vow never to look at the Nine Yin True Classic.

Involving Wang Zhongyang's reputation, Huang Yaoshi did not wish to say more; as his words fell, suddenly a gleam flashed in his dark pupils, like a bolt of lightning cutting through dark clouds, straight toward Feng Yi, and he said, "Just now you spoke of being burdened by fame—do you include me, old man?"

Huang Yaoshi is exceptionally clever; how could he fail to hear Feng Yi's implied meaning?

Feng Yi's eyes also shone fearsomely bright, clear as ice and snow, two cold beams fixed on his opponent, and he nodded, saying, "Naturally, you are one of them—you appear lofty, yet your whole life is bound by fame, and you do not take it for me!"

How arrogant Huang Yaoshi is—even if government troops came to kill him, he would deign not to lift a hand; asking him to carry out an assassination would be harder than ascending to heaven.

Moreover, his reputation is illustrious, and many heroes in the martial world emulate him.

Therefore, we must get him to join the assassination ranks just like ourselves.

The two locked gazes, their momentum like clashing thunder and lightning; Guo Jing and Huang Rong instantly felt a chill all around, their bodies tensing.

Huang Yaoshi suddenly burst into a loud laugh.

This laugh eased the atmosphere. Only hearing him speak leisurely: "You do not fear others' ridicule, daring to follow your own path. Being able to say those words before my daughter and son-in-law shows sufficient frankness; it proves you are not one who hides."

To be able, with one's own body, to forsake petty fame for great benefit—these three points make you, Feng Yi, a remarkable person; Huang Yaoshi, whom you directly denounced as wrong, is also not at fault!

But I have two doubts. First, if I were like you, or if heroes worldwide could emulate us, and we succeeded in curbing the Mongols' aggressive intent through assassination, yet we would have preserved this great Song, thus also preserving that corrupt court—would we then continue to let these foolish rulers and wicked ministers indulge nightly, reveling in luxury, lying upon the common folk, continually sucking their marrow?

Second, the Mongols' brutality is well known.

If we act thus, we and our ilk may not fear danger, but when the Mongols are driven to desperation, they will surely unleash a killing spree—slaughtering civilians to vent rage or forcing us to submit—so the calamity will spread poison across the seas, irredeemable, and we shall both become eternal sinners.

We might also fear neither infamy nor praise, yet the common people suffer—what then is the answer?

Guo Jing also slowly raised his head, gazing at the boundless sky, and said solemnly, "Father-in-law, you are right—now we face a situation bristling with thorns, extraordinarily perilous; if mishandled, we will not only be abandoned by allies and kin, but also fall into a pincer attack from two sides—how could this not evoke countless feelings of sorrow and lament?"

Feng Yi lightly said, "What you two say is reasonable; regarding this point, I have long considered it."

First, if we openly slaughter officials, the Mongols, even if they wished to retaliate, would not immediately launch a massacre against ordinary civilians.

Because they consider their strength formidable and wish to possess the world, they could not directly carry out mass slaughter, for that would lose popular support and, moreover, increase the Han people's hatred of a common enemy, which in turn would only add trouble for themselves.

They will likely take a couple of steps and then surely send their martial arts masters, under everyone's eyes, to defeat our Central Plains' top expert, striking at our morale—this, their so-called masters cannot yet accomplish.

Or they might have martial arts practitioners assassinate Song officials, which, for me, would actually be a good thing.

This Song is utterly rotten; its loss would be no great loss.

Our China has always produced many talents; whether among the nobility or the wilderness, there are inevitably those who wait for the right moment and then rise.

I care not whether the world bears the surnames Guo, Huang, or Feng; as long as we prevent the Mongol Borjigin from gaining the world, that is enough.

Now, the second point.

If the Mongols were truly driven to desperation and slaughtered civilians, even if the entire Han populace did not resist, instead submitting completely and kneeling, would the Mongols then refrain from killing? Hero Guo, I have heard that when Temujin sent Togei to lead an army to attack Qingzhou, you saw the enemy's strength was overwhelming and resistance impossible, and you once contemplated assassinating Togei—did such a thing occur?

Guo Jing and Huang Rong exchanged startled glances—how could Feng Yi possibly know of this?

Guo Jing nodded and said, "Indeed! I had intended to assassinate my sworn brother to drive back the Mongol forces; fortunately, Genghis Khan fell ill and the Mongol army withdrew, thus fulfilling my oath of brotherhood."

Feng Yi said, "Then, if you really had killed Togei, whether the Mongol army would retreat or not—let that be aside."

What would become of that Genghis Khan—have you considered that?

Guo Jing's chest jolted, and he thought, "That's right—when attacking Khwarazm, he lost a grandson and thus wanted to raze the city; if I had truly killed Togei, today's Qingzhou would likely see its entire populace buried alongside!" Thinking this, his hands involuntarily trembled slightly.

Huang Rong, knowing her husband's thoughts, reached out and grasped his hand.

Feng Yi continued, "Whether in ancient dynastic changes or in this world, there are too many great men and heroes who cannot bear this man-eating order and wish to rescue and change it; thus they will inevitably struggle."

Where there is struggle, there will be sacrifice.

Those who die, whether nobles and officials or ordinary commoners, number in the tens of millions—no one can alter or prevent that.

But if the Mongols truly carried out massacres, it would indeed be tragic, yet it could also give those Han people who sit on the fence, watching, a clear awakening.

At that time, hearts will scatter, the world will fall into great chaos, and there will surely be true heroes who soar to the ninth heaven, changing dynasties; this sacrifice will ultimately be meaningful!

Huang Yaoshi, Guo Jing, and Huang Rong all know that Feng Yi speaks the truth, yet such a situation is something no one wishes to see; for a moment they face each other with sighs, their faces grim, like prisoners facing each other.

Feng Yi gazed at the three, his eyes flickering, then he let out a long sigh and said slowly, "Of course, we must do our utmost to prevent this day from coming, so I still have a trump card."

"A trump card?" The three all started, and Huang Yaoshi frowned slightly, asking, "How so?"

Feng Yi said, "Now the Mongols occupy half of the Central Plains, but their roots lie on the steppes; if at this moment the steppes were to undergo a great upheaval, what would be the result?"

Huang Yaoshi, understanding, laughed heartily and said, "What need is there to say? The Mongols, a barbaric little state, by nature greedy and brutal, rely on strong bows and swift horses to indulge their speed; if the steppes fall into turmoil, their morale will waver—how could they then advance south?"

Having said this, he let out a deep sigh: "The grasslands are vast, the royal court's defenses are strict—how could you possibly proceed?"

Feng Yi looked at Guo Jing and Huang Rong and said, "This is where I must rely on the two of you."

Huang Rong laughed: "But speak without reservation!"

Feng Yi said, "Nomadic peoples follow water and grass for their livelihood, but since the Qin and Han dynasties, they have been hard to trace. I heard you two once brought Beggar Sect disciples to assist Temüjin in his western campaign—are any of those people still alive?"

Huang Rong nodded and said, "Naturally there are—several hundred of them. How do you plan to proceed?"

Feng Yi let out a breath, glanced at Guo Jing, hesitated slightly, raised his dark eyebrows, and coldly said, "My idea is that Great Hero Guo Jing and the fellow heroes will bravely fight the strong enemy ahead, while I, Feng Yi, have prepared a large amount of poison, bringing along those familiar with Mongolian routes, and will scatter a large amount of poison over the water sources on the grasslands……"

"What?" Even though Guo Jing had weathered many storms, he was shocked and angry, leapt to his feet, and shouted, "The Mongol invasion is indeed hateful, but we killing officials and generals is one thing; however, those common folk only know how to herd sheep and horses, they are defenseless, they too need water—your extermination of them would greatly harm the heavenly harmony, not to mention, could the Mongols not learn to do the same?"

They too could resort to poisoning, and then the entire world would be plunged into misery……

Feng Yi cut in and said, "How is it not already a world of misery? From Chang'an all the way south to here, I have seen desolate villages everywhere, sparse population, many fine fields overgrown with thorns, and everywhere traces of beacon fires—truly, 'When bandits pass, they comb; when soldiers pass, they rake.'"

Heh, the great Genghis Khan said it well: a man's greatest pleasure lies in subduing rebellious masses, defeating enemies, taking all they possess, riding their fine steeds, and taking their beautiful wives and concubines—have you heard this saying, Great Hero Guo Jing?

Guo Jing hesitated slightly, then nodded.

He had heard this saying when he followed Temüjin on his western campaign.

Feng Yi said lightly, "Because human nature possesses evil, we establish laws and strict punishments; because people seek profit, there arise struggles over land and wealth; because hearts harbor greed, there is violence and slaughter; because life breeds extravagant desires, there arise licentious indulgence, music and beauty."

Yet the Mongols are inherently barbaric, uneducated, yet they take the great Genghis Khan as their model, only thinking of besieging cities, plundering lands, killing families, seizing what others love, and defiling others' wives and daughters.

Although Temüjin is indeed a butcher, his mighty power has unknown numbers of followers who also wish to emulate him, seizing others' property and sleeping with others' women.

Thus many Han people in the north now strive to join them, simply to enjoy those pleasures.

Moreover, the Mongol commoners are merely herders of horses and sheep, innocent and defenseless—are the people of the Central Plains not also innocent farmers who till the fields and weave?

The Mongols run rampant, plundering our wealth and women for their pleasure, driving men and elders into assault units to indulge their killing prowess, undermining our army's morale—this demonic conduct, when has it ever spoken of not killing the innocent?

Must we then speak of benevolence and righteousness? What you say is correct—they too could emulate poisoning—but given the situation, even if the court's troops and heroes from all over are willing to fight the Mongol army to the death, would no one die? Once dead, are there really any differences between dead soldiers, dead generals, and dead civilians? Even a three‑year‑old knows that civilians can become soldiers at any moment; that is why the Mongols, wherever they go, always kill some civilians—to establish supremacy and because there are too many Han people.

Yet they dare not slaughter too many at once, for fear of arousing the Han people's rebellious hearts, which would unite everyone in resistance against the Mongols—this is certainly not mercy!

Likewise, the Mongol commoners are the same: in leisure they herd sheep, but with a horse between their legs, a strong bow in hand, and a saber at their side, they can gallop a thousand miles—must we wait until they tread our soil, slaughter our people, before we can retaliate? As Emperor Wu of Han said, "If the invaders may come, I may go forth!"

Thus, if the invaders may act, so may I!

Feng Yi's words left Huang Rong silent; she knew he too had seen through the balance of power, recognizing the vast disparity in strength, which is why he acted thus. Yet she also knew her husband's thoughts, and her heart felt as if cut by a knife, her expression growing ever more anguished.

Huang Yaoshi's composure is extraordinary; even when startled, he merely raises an eyebrow slightly, but after Feng Yi finished speaking, his eyebrow had twitched eight times.

He had not expected to meet today someone more wicked than himself, more poisonous than the Western Poison.

And yet so young! As for Guo Jing, he raised his brows, clenched his fists, feeling a flame burning in his chest, making it hard for him to breathe.

He grew up in Mongolia, he hates the Mongols' brutality, yet he also knows the pitiable state of Mongol herders.

But are the people of the Great Song any less pitiable? The splendid mountains and rivers of China lie in ruins for a thousand li, white bones piled high.

Moreover, his feelings toward Feng Yi are also very complex.

He is alone, unafraid of infamy and danger, traveling a thousand li to slay officials—his heart for country and people earns Guo Jing's deep admiration.

When he learned this news, he hoped the other party would remain safe and unharmed.

But regarding Feng Yi's vicious plan, he utterly disapproves of it.

These tangled, complex thoughts troubled Guo Jing for a moment, and he couldn't help but think: "If this world were free of war and famine, with clear politics, no corrupt officials, farmers owning their fields, laborers receiving their due, people mutually respecting each other, no strife, and the two peoples living in harmony, how splendid that would be—how wonderful that day might be!"

Guo Jing does not wish any side to meet a tragic end, yet he feels utterly helpless, and a vague notion of a world of great unity arises in his mind.

Unfortunately, Feng Yi does not know his thoughts; otherwise he would tell him that even after thousands of years, this idea of his would never be realized.

This is a delusion that has troubled countless philosophers and scholars through the ages, yet can never truly be fulfilled.

Including Feng Yi, he can only indulge in empty fantasies.

Just as in his previous life, the era he lived in saw countless benevolent souls exhausting their wisdom, together with ordinary people building it with their lives, yet even when ordinary people were unaware, the struggle never ceased, at times sacrificing official troops.

Thus, even though Guo Jing bears the Nine Yin True Scripture, the Eighteen Dragon‑Subduing Palms, the Empty Bright Fist, left‑right mutual combat, the finger‑snapping divine ability, and other divine arts—enough to be called the foremost martial artist under heaven—regarding this, he can only imagine it.

The more Guo Jing thought, the more his grief and indignation welled up; he thrust a palm forward, striking the stone beside him, sending chips flying, and he said resentfully, "Could it truly be that there is no way? Could it really be that there are no heroes in this age? Must we come to this point?"

Feng Yi sighed and said, "Heroes draw their swords, the calamity of all beings! Unless someone can make the Mongols lay down their arms. Or else, if you raise your voice from a high place, you could have the martial world clash with the Mongol army to the death."

Guo Jing shouted, "What then? Your method might succeed, but it would be harming the enemy eight hundred while hurting ourselves one thousand; we martial artists cannot let ordinary commoners bear all the burden!"

Feng Yi smiled and said, "Great Hero Guo Jing, your great benevolence and righteousness—I know that. Yet people like you mostly leave later generations a few regrets and wistful longings; how many truly achieve their wishes and bring blessings to all beings?"

Guo Jing said hoarsely, "I dare not claim great benevolence and righteousness, but if we do this, how would we differ from the Mongols?"

Feng Yi let out a breath, gave a wry smile: "Though your words are not wrong, our kind always have our heads at our waist— we are not letting others die while we hide in the rear! We too are fighting desperately!"

As the military strategist Sunzi said, "Soldiers have no constant condition, water has no constant shape."

Therefore, when we meet good people who speak of virtue, we ought to speak of virtue with them.

When we meet evil people who esteem force, we ought to speak of force.

They play with schemes of driving the populace to assault cities; I can counter with a scheme of poisoning water sources! Those acts of treating all equally and winning people over with virtue—heh, just listen and forget it.

You say if Confucius were resurrected, could he stop the Mongols from invading Song? Daoist Qiu once advised Temüjin—what was the result of that counsel?

Guo Jing's face was overcast with gloom, yet he still wanted to say more.

Feng Yi said, "Great Hero Guo Jing, do you know the saying, 'When the day is late and the road ends, one therefore resorts to reverse measures'?"

Guo Jing shook his head.

Huang Rong said, "This was said by Zhongfu Yan of the Han dynasty; it means, since one's life is short anyway, one might as well do all the things one previously dared not think or do. Later, Zhongfu Yan acted recklessly and was exterminated, his property confiscated, by Emperor Wu of Han!"

"Not bad!" Feng Yi said lightly, "I believe we cannot prevail over the Mongols by force of arms; I am somewhat better than Zhongfu Yan, my master's family is no longer in this world, only a woman follows me—anyway, we have only these two lives. The nomadic peoples have long coveted the Central Plains, and for a thousand years they have never forgotten that desire."

Feng Mou does not consider himself talented, yet he resolves to tackle this problem; whether we exchange it for a peaceful world or for a world of misery, I deem this reverse course worthwhile!

Feng Yi has always been indifferent to praise or blame, seeking only practicality, yet his words betray a tone of bleak sorrow.

After all, he knows this poisoning scheme is excessively vicious.

But if not, Guo Jing and his wife leading the Central Plains heroes would ultimately suffer heavy casualties, gravely wounding the martial world's vitality, yet still fail to alter the situation of the Mongols taking over the Central Plains!

Thinking of how the Mongols govern like galloping a horse, and the Han people endure all manner of inequality, even if cursed for ten thousand generations, he would still do it!

It's a pity that poisoning cannot be done by one person alone, and it's not something this directionally-challenged person can manage.

If he goes to the grasslands to poison, he must also ensure he has supplies; otherwise he cannot leave himself stranded there.

Therefore he needs to rely on those Beggar Sect people who followed the Mongol western expedition.

Guo Jing heard that Feng Yi's mind was made up; further persuasion would be futile, and he let out a long sigh.

Feng Yi glanced at him and said, "You grew up in Mongolia; I know you feel torn."

But I don't know the terrain of Mongolia; to poison I also need to leave myself a resupply route, so aside from the Beggar Sect, I have no one else to turn to.

I don't need your agreement today either; you can look upon this Central Plains land and see what the Mongols have brought to Chinese civilization. Moreover, I know your idea is to rally the heroes and try to achieve something, even though you know you cannot win, you still want to fight to the death. In my view, that is merely the bravery of ordinary men and women, which we cannot emulate.

After all, this is not some martial arts rivalry settling personal grudges, but the fate of the world and the nation.

You are called Guo the Great Hero not because of anything you've done in the martial world, but because you initially refused Temujin's ennoblement, did not betray your homeland, could stand with spear and horse before the gate of Qingzhou, protected its soldiers and civilians, and drove back the Mongol army.

So you have the prestige and qualification to call a martial arts assembly, but if you cannot secure the nation's fate as firmly as Mount Tai, even our myriad deaths would not absolve us! Guo the Great Hero, think it over well— the heroic name is never easy to bear. If you feel troubled, return to Peach Blossom Island; no matter who rules the world, I believe, thanks to your friendship with Temujin and Tolui, even Mongke, Kublai, Batu would have to call you 'Uncle Guo.' Why bother with this heart?

These words made Guo Jing feel his heart heavy.

Whether Huang Yaoshi and his daughter were moved by these words, had other thoughts, or something else, they both remained silent.

Feng Yi clasped his hands and said, "All right, I've said what needed to be said. I must hurry to Guanzhong; you all have other matters. Mountains high, waters far— let's meet again at the heroes' gathering. I hope to receive a reply then. Farewell."

Huang Yaoshi suddenly said, "Are you going or not to Longju Fortress? I'll accompany you……"

Feng Yi shook his head and said, "Thank you, Island Master Huang! I don't like fighting battles without certainty; since they're waiting for me, I'll deliberately not go!"

Moreover, the reason I went south was to give the Mongols the illusion that I was heading to Jiangnan; in fact I want to destroy the Mongols, which should be done by going north— why go south at all?

It's nothing more than slaughtering across this Central Plains land once; the deterrent power is still insufficient. I need to let the newly appointed officials die again back and forth— only then will it be more convincing!

Huang Yaoshi burst out laughing: "You little brat, you're as crafty as a ghost!"

Feng Yi laughed and said, "Even if you're slipperier, haven't you been followed by your old self without knowing it?" As he spoke, his silhouette vanished into the darkness.

Seeing him leave, Guo Jing felt a pang in his heart and couldn't help asking, "Rong'er, do you think Feng Yi is like a great villain?"

Huang Rong furrowed her brows, shook her head and said, "Since childhood I've dealt with evildoers; though I can't claim to read people perfectly, I can still sense some clues."

Feng Yi's outward appearance has a hint of evil, but his heart is open and honest; he is certainly not a wicked person.

Otherwise, how could he have spoken those words to us three without reservation? Moreover, listening to him speak, you can tell he greatly admires your bearing and spirit; such a person would never associate with evil, right, Father?

Huang Yaoshi smiled and said, "All right, you two discuss it yourselves!" As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Guo Jing: "In this life, where can one have both sides perfect? When you served the Mongols, everyone admired you and obeyed your commands! Now if you raise your arm and call, will they still listen to you? People ultimately have degrees of closeness and distance!"

Speaking, the green shadow silently dissipated; Huang Yaoshi had already vanished.

Jing and Rong faced each other; Huang Rong swallowed, then raised her voice: "Father, I'm going to do this— don't scold me for being unfilial!"

Guo Jing anxiously said, "Rong'er……"

Huang Rong reached out to cover his mouth, smiling: "Brother Jing, Feng Yi's move might not be a bad thing; perhaps it could truly bring about a ceasefire between the two nations."

Guo Jing frowned and asked, "How so?"

Huang Rong sighed softly and said, "What do the Mongols seek when they attack cities and seize land? It's because our Central Plains are rich and prosperous, with beauties as numerous as clouds."

Such wealth and manpower make them yearn endlessly; if we really provoke both sides into using poison to wreak destruction, that's something nobody wants to see— in the end it's just spinning a cocoon to bind oneself, so why bother?

Everything in life depends on fate and circumstance; how can it be obtained by force? Silly brother.

Guo Jing knew his wife was exceptionally clever; hearing her, his mind truly became clear and pure, and his heart felt relieved.

(End of chapter)