Chapter 62: Bright Moon and High Tower (1)

In a courtyard of the Shao Yuan Jun Mansion on the east bank of the Chu River, two green gauze wind lanterns on the small building cast dim light, revealing a quiet and dark chessboard and empty jade cups. Outside the courtyard, the flowers and trees are sparse, and the bright moon is half-hidden by floating clouds. Occasionally, wisps of light reflect on the dense chess pieces on the chessboard, flashing faintly, revealing the complex layout of the entire board.

Huang Fei's near-perfect side face is hidden in the light and shadow behind him. His handsome eyes are deep, looking at the mysterious maze in front of him. He holds a chess piece in one hand, taps the table lightly, and when he looks up, there is a bit more solemnity in his smile that is rarely seen on weekdays: "I didn't expect that the one who used the jade flute to break my zither strings was the Eastern Emperor. What Master said tonight really surprised the disciple."

Zhong Yanzi gets up and walks to the side of the vermilion railing. Since seeing the Eastern Emperor in the palace today, he has been thinking about it alone, and many past events have been swirling in his heart. Even if he does not fully agree with some of his practices, and even does not give him a good look, those words have inevitably been rolling in his heart.

Long pain is worse than short pain. The world has already fallen apart, and it is an irreversible chaotic situation, so it is better to let it be chaotic to the extreme.

Prosperity leads to decline, and chaos leads to governance.

Using the heart of soft water to carry out benevolent and clear politics can only temporarily slow down the suffering of the people. If you want to completely calm the chaos, you must use the fire of punishment and the sword of sharpness—using the most powerful force to completely destroy the delusions and ambitions of those who compete for hegemony.

The suffering of the people in two or three years of war is better than the confrontation and attack that may continue indefinitely for five, ten, decades, or even forever.

Stopping killing with killing is a sharp double-edged sword. Using this sword to calm the world requires an alliance between the strong and the strong.

If not, it will be another century of chaotic times, with beacon fires connecting the sky and the struggle of charcoal-burning common people.

Chaos starts from the royal family, so it should end from the royal family. Zhong Yanzi let out a long sigh: "Since I took you as a disciple, I have always taught you to be an enemy of the royal family. I also know that it is not easy to suddenly change this idea."

Huang Fei smiles, raises his hand to throw the chess piece back into the box, turns sideways and says: "Today is the first time I heard Master talk about the past. If Master no longer cares about the grievances of the past, why would I insist on it? Besides, what Master has always taught me is not to be confined to personal grievances."

He stands up, walks to the end of the building, and looks at the deep and distant night sky. His tone is not how to make a gesture, but a kind of extreme self-confidence and arrogance overflowing in an instant: "The disciple once heard Master's teaching, 'If the world has grain, the strong will eat it; if the world has people, the strong will herd them.' Looking at the world today, heroes rise together, fighting in the Nine Domains, there is ten thousand acres of grain, waiting for the strong to eat, and ten thousand people, waiting for the strong to herd. My Chu Guo sits on three thousand miles of rivers and mountains in the Southern Domain, with strong armor and soldiers, surpassing the feudal lords. In this heaven-sent opportunity, how can we stick to one corner and enjoy pleasure? Whether it is 'the rebellious hero pointed at by thousands' or 'the hero and sage who saves the common people from fire and water and relieves the people from being hung upside down,' with the sword in my hand, the army under my command, and the wisdom in my chest, I will definitely correct this chaotic world, make the Nine Tribes bow at my feet, the various states obey my hands, and the people bow before me. Only in this way can I live up to this life, live up to the spring and autumn of heaven and earth, and the ambition of a man!"

The wind and clouds in the night sky flow, and a bright moon slowly emerges from behind the scattered clouds, revealing a cold and bright brilliance, all of which is collected into those black eyes with hidden light, unreservedly reflecting the unparalleled domineering spirit.

At this time, Huang Fei is not the romantic and affectionate noble son on the lake of fragrant dye, nor is he the Shao Yuan Jun who wields a sword to act as a hero in the Jianghu. He is more like a king than the monarch on the golden hall, waving his three armies, with the country as a chessboard, no longer hiding the sharpness of a man's ambition.

Zhong Yanzi has always been very proud of this disciple. Hearing him express his heart so directly, his heart was shaken. He originally wanted to pat him on the shoulder like when he was a child, but stopped in mid-air. At that moment, he was awed by the cold domineering spirit emanating from him, and felt that such an action was no longer possible.

Time is urgent, the rise and fall of the country, the replacement of chaotic times, heroes emerge one after another. Ten years of fleeting time, things are different like flowing water. Today's world already belongs to these young men who are better than blue.

Seeing that person again today, seeing that imperial son's style and the ten-thousand-foot king's heart, I originally thought that the fire in Liyang Palace burned the sky, and a heart of ambition had long been burned to ashes. Who knows, there is still a bit of unwillingness, a bit of obsession, seen through by a junior quietly.

At this time, Huang Fei turns to look at his mentor, suddenly solemn, and bows long.

Zhong Yanzi is slightly stunned, then relieved, reaches out and pats him on the shoulder, saying: "What I can teach you, I have already taught you all these years. You should think carefully about what I said today, how you are going to play this game of chess, and how much chance of winning you have."

Huang Fei shows a smile, raises his eyebrows and says: "To be honest with Master, if we go on like this, the number of wins and losses is five to five. Although I have always looked down on myself, I dare not say that I have a complete grasp of winning this game of chess."

Zhong Yanzi says earnestly: "Borrowing what cannot be used and using it, then it is not me seeking the child, but the child seeking me. This can avoid the danger of both sides being hurt and being taken advantage of by others."

Huang Fei nods, but the light in his eyes is deep, and he has deep thoughts: "As Master said, the Eastern Emperor's words today are already very clear. But I have always had one thing I don't understand. From the Battle of Jiuyi to the flute and zither confrontation on Jian Fang Terrace, he and I have actually competed several times. In terms of military strategy, literature, and martial arts, I have to admit that he is indeed a rare opponent in my life. With his ability, since he has seized power and personally governed, it is not difficult to stabilize the Imperial Capital. Now that the world is chaotic, if he has the heart to clean up, at least he can maintain a balance of the four domains and respect the royal family together. Why does he want to hand over the country and make wedding clothes for others? If it is just to win me over and make the Chu Guo unable to act rashly, this price is too high."

Zhong Yanzi also has this doubt in his heart, pacing slowly, bowing his head in thought, but he can't solve it: "He said that as long as he brings the message to you, you will understand. The reason for this..."

"Does the Shao Yuan Jun not understand the reason for this with his intelligence?" Suddenly, a voice as clear as clouds and water, and as charming as the dark night, sounded.

Outside the high building, under the bright moon, a woman in black clothes and clear face entered the painting, her wide sleeves flying like dragging the wind and moon, her water eyes flowing and taking in the starlight.

Jade steps moved lightly, and the dark ink bloomed like a lotus, the dark fragrance was charming, and the flowers in the garden were all blooming.

"Zi Rao, pays respects to Uncle." She bowed gently in front of the elder, her clear eyes flowing, but she glanced at Huang Fei faintly and smiled.

The moonlight seemed to dim in front of her eyes, and the man's eyes flashed with stunning light, and he also bowed: "Princess, have you been well?"

Zi Rao smiled and said: "I have been well, but not as glorious as the Young Master. I suddenly remembered some old agreements today, so I came to discuss them with the Young Master. Uncle, he owes me a debt that hasn't been repaid. Do you care or not?"

Zhong Yanzi raised his eyes. The bright moon outside the building shone, and the pair of jade people stood by the railing. The man's style was handsome and extraordinary, and the woman's jade posture was elegant and fairy-like. His heart moved: "How can my old bones still care about the affairs of you young people?" After saying that, he glanced at Huang Fei and turned away, leaving with his hands behind his back.

Zi Rao was stunned, and couldn't help but complain: "No wonder brother said that Uncle only loves disciples and not nephews. It's really true!"

Huang Fei watched his master leave, turned slightly, and smiled: "What is the Princess looking for me for?"

Zi Rao's clear eyes flashed, and she slanted over: "Have you forgotten the matter you were entrusted with before?"

Huang Fei said: "The Princess's entrustment, I naturally dare not forget. The matter has been agreed upon. The Princess can ask Qi Shi to fulfill his promise at any time."

Zi Rao said: "He agreed? Are there any conditions?"

Huang Fei smiled: "He dare not."

"Oh?" Zi Rao wondered, "Is Qi Shi willing to treat patients unconditionally?"

Huang Fei nodded: "That's right. Since I opened my mouth, he should naturally obey. But... Qi Shi is Qi Shi after all. Does the Princess really believe him?" As the words fell, a flash of electricity flashed in his heart, as if thinking of something, his eyes stopped on Zi Rao's face.

Zi Rao smiled with the breeze, her soft voice containing deep elegance: "If I don't believe him, don't I believe you? No matter what, I must thank you first."

"Why is the Princess being polite?" Huang Fei looked at her and suddenly asked: "The Eastern Emperor's words today are incomprehensible. I wonder if the Princess can give some pointers?"

Deep and handsome eyes, darkly locking into it, firmly fixing the woman's ice-clear pupils. Zi Rao's eyes seemed to have overlapping waves, clear light crystal clear, rippling into the bottomless night, dark colors born: "You keep calling me Princess, don't you know my name?"

Huang Fei leaned over and smiled, leaning close to her ear, his breath gently whispering, full of her water-like breath: "Zi Rao, can you solve the confusion in my heart?"

One person's confusion in the heart, one person's pain in the heart. Zi Rao smiled silently, but it was charming.

That person, he is ambitious, the various states respect the royal family, he wants the four seas to be one, and the Nine Domains to be of one heart. That person, he is indifferent to fate, life and death, good and bad luck are all meaningless. The promise that moved the world was thrown to others so easily. That person, how can he be so hard-hearted, leaning behind the curtain in the depths of the lamp, his face pale and distant, weak as if drifting, but smiling faintly at her, using such a soft and calm tone to speak lightly of two men who have nothing to do with her.

Inch by inch, a heart is dissected clearly.

Step by step, a game of chess calculates the wind and clouds of the world.

Ye Xuanshang, and... Huang Fei! After he took the medicine and fell asleep, she turned to look for him, running all the way, but when she stepped into the moon, she suddenly calmed her mood.

Country and clan, does he really value them more than his life? Then for him, what can she not do?

In Zi Rao's eyes, there is nothing in the world that cannot be done. In Zi Rao's heart, all men in the world are the same.

Her eyelashes trembled, her thin brows twitched, and the flowing light dyed her eyes. Her jade fingers pointed at the man's heart: "You, you knew the answer in your heart, but you asked knowingly."

Huang Fei said in a deep voice: "I am just a bit emotional. Even if I thought of the reason, I have a more thorough way to achieve the goal, but I have no choice but to work for a beauty."

Zi Rao smiled softly: "Because you are a smart person, a smart person will never disappoint people."

Huang Fei closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The faint fragrance in the dark night lingered in his lungs, soft and refreshing: "Zi Rao, Zi Rao... I have to admit, you really make me a bit fascinated. Such a dangerous game, even if I can choose a safer way, I don't want to refuse."

Zi Rao turned her eyes: "The Young Master's choice will definitely get what he wants."

Huang Fei locked his eyes on her and asked in a low voice: "Really? Does Zi Rao know what I want?"

Zi Rao's voice was clear, like water flowing: "What else can a person like you want?"

"Haha!" Huang Fei laughed loudly: "Talking to the Princess is really a pleasure!" He stepped back half a step gracefully, bowed elegantly: "Unfortunately, I still have some worldly affairs tonight, and I can't chat with the Princess under the moon. Please ask the Princess to greet the Eastern Emperor on my behalf."

"Young Master, please."

Bright moon and high terrace, wind full of buildings, gorgeous clothes and dark shadows overlapping, sleeves fluttering, passing by, dark fragrance floating and sinking, people gone and building empty.

Ranxiang Lake, the exquisite painted boat is hidden in the depths of the fog, one boat is alone, the cold moon cannot shine on the center of the lake, and the dark waves are like flowing.

The gorgeous lamp is half-remnant, casting light and shadow on the woman's enchanting face, jade fingers writing non-stop: Book presented to His Highness the Crown Prince, changes in the Chu capital, Shao Yuan Jun has the ability to reach the sky, Helian Hou Mansion is afraid that it is difficult to protect itself...

A wisp of gauze curtain dragged across the long desk, the lamp shadows were flickering, drowning the already imperceptible footsteps in the depth that the light could not reach. The pure white sleeves, woven with exquisite cloud patterns, unexpectedly brushed down in front of him, and strong arms wrapped around the woman's thin shoulders. A low voice with amazing dark temptation sounded in her ear: "It's so late, what is Shu'er writing?"

Suddenly, her charming body trembled, and Bai Shu'er stiffened in the man's gentle embrace. A drop of thick ink splashed onto the silk, and her heart felt as if a cold feeling had suddenly seized her whole body, and she couldn't move.

The slender and powerful hand held the soft hand holding the pen, and the soft and cold lips slid gently across her ear. The man sighed with love, as if every day under the flowers and under the moon, his breath gently brushed her jade neck like snow, stirring up tremors between her skin: "Why don't you speak?"

Bai Shu'er turned her head with difficulty, the pearl hairpin in her hair trembling like silk: "Young... Young Master..."

"Hmm?" The lamp candle was bright, and Huang Fei's handsome smile was as charming as ever, his eyes like gentle blades, cutting through the woman's terrified and flickering charming eyes inch by inch: "Did Shu'er miss me today?"

Bai Shu'er's breathing was rapid, and her peripheral vision swept across the boat cabin, finding that Zhao Yu, who had rushed over to report the news in the night, had disappeared. The inside and outside of the painted boat were as quiet as a dead domain, not hearing half a human voice, only the waves hitting the boat, making a low, palpitating sound.

For a time, she had no time to think about why Huang Fei suddenly appeared here. Her heart was in a mess, and she thought of several ways to escape. However, being held in his arms, she clearly felt the hand that held the lifeblood of the Great Chu and had ruthlessly played with the Helian Hou Mansion today, just happened to cover her heart at this time. As long as the palm force was spit out, it could easily shatter her heart pulse. Even if she was full of schemes on weekdays, she didn't dare to move a finger at the moment.

Seeing the beauty's face pale, Huang Fei smiled coldly, looked at the secret letter on the desk, and turned his wrist with the pen in her hand, dyeing the murderous intent between the lines: "His Highness the Crown Prince. Sigh... Shu'er, oh Shu'er, I have spoiled you so much, but in your heart, you are not as good as a mere Tai Zi Yu far away in the Mu Kingdom?"

The night was like water, the floating fragrance was warm, and the man's vague sigh carried an unspeakable temptation and an indistinguishable ambiguity. Bai Shu'er's lips trembled, her soft waist bent, her charming face turned slightly, and a few tears of sorrow fell from her face: "Young Master, Shu'er... Shu'er didn't want to, it was just forced by Tai Zi Yu. Fortunately, Young Master is safe, otherwise... otherwise Shu'er really doesn't know what to do..."

Her beautiful eyes were watery, rippling and falling. In the blink of an eye, she was sobbing uncontrollably. Huang Fei seemed full of pity, tightened the person in his arms, pressed against the charming bones under the silk clothes, and asked softly: "Oh? Who dares to force our Shu'er? Is it using heart-breaking poison, or locking up Shu'er's closest relatives and loved ones? Otherwise, did you steal Shu'er's heart?"

The beauty in his hand was sobbing, speechless. A dark and charming interest appeared in Huang Fei's eyes: "Shu'er has always been the best at guessing my thoughts. Why don't you guess what I am thinking now?"

Bai Shu'er raised her tearful eyes, her originally sweet voice low and miserable, but it was a thousand kinds of tenderness and ten thousand kinds of pity: "Shu'er is already satisfied to see Young Master. Even if Young Master wants Shu'er to die to redeem her sins at this moment, Shu'er is willing to do so."

Huang Fei finally laughed aloud. With a hook of his finger, he pinched her delicate chin, forcing that beautiful face—which had been acting so well—to face him. "Actually, I am just curious about one thing—with my Zhuri Sword, after how many moves will the Hall Master of the Purple Residence Hall, who can dodge the killing blow of the Xuan King without changing her expression, escape with her life under the Guili Sword, and stare directly at the Tongyou Chess without the slightest abnormality, perish on the spot?"

All kinds of colors on Bai Shu'er's face suddenly fell, and her beautiful eyes flashed with strange light, coldly looking at this man who was like a demon and not a human, and after a while, she said: "If Young Master wants to try, why not let go of Shu'er, so that you can enjoy it?" Her voice no longer had the previous charming and charming, but revealed a bit of strange and cold.

Huang Fei still smiled, shook his head and sighed: "Sigh, women... are really hard to figure out. Why bother to turn your face so quickly? If Shu'er shed a few more tears, maybe my heart would soften and let you go."

Bai Shu'er said expressionlessly: "How can the dignified Shao Yuan Jun be moved by beauty? Shu'er was wrong from the beginning. Why bother to be wrong again and again and humiliate herself?"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 63 =====