Chapter 470

Ji Feihua said: "You are quick-witted and calm in crises, but everything has its uncertainties." He handed over a pre-prepared parcel to Hu Xiaotian; Hu Xiaotian opened it in front of him, only to find inside a set of sharkskin water armor, his heart tightened instantly. Hu Xiaotian clearly realized that he had actually been moved by Ji Feihua, that Ji Feihua would care about the life and death of such a small figure as himself.

Ji Feihua said: "Such things might come in handy when you are in danger."

After Hu Xiaotian learned of Ji Feihua's full plan, his heart surged; Ji Feihua decided to strike at the Tongtian River, he not only wants to eliminate Wen Boyuan, but likely does not have the life and death of Princess Anping in mind. Yet he gave me these two things, showing that he still cares about my life and death. Hu Xiaotian really couldn't fathom why Ji Feihua would care so much about his life; could it be that he truly has special feelings for him? If he were to be liked by a eunuch, just thinking about it is terrifying.

Ji Feihua then poured cold water on Hu Xiaotian: "If you dare to play tricks on this matter, deceiving the Zajia, then don't blame the Zajia for not showing mercy."

Hu Xiaotian's heart suddenly sounded an alarm; Ji Feihua is after all Ji Feihua, his friendliness toward me is nothing but an attempt to use me; I must absolutely not be dazed by his coaxing tactics, and must always keep a clear mind.

On the seventh day of the first lunar month, after Hu Xiaotian finished his shopping, he came to Baofeng Hall; Zhou Mo had previously arranged for him to meet Zhan Peng here. Since Zhan Peng joined the Shen Ce Fu, to avoid suspicion he has rarely met Hu Xiaotian; now reunited after a long separation, they were delighted to see each other. Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but think of Murong Feiyan, who had been sent by the Shen Ce Fu to Linyuan on a mission and has not yet returned. The letter previously said she could return before the year's end, but there is still no news of her; one reason Hu Xiaotian arranged to meet Zhan Peng was also to inquire about Murong Feiyan's whereabouts from him.

Zhan Peng said: "Rest assured, everything is going smoothly on the Linyuan front; yesterday we received news that they are already on their way back. At the latest they will reach Kangdu by the end of the month."

Hu Xiaotian sighed: "By the end of the month I fear I will already be in Da Yong." This time I am sure to miss Murong Feiyan.

Zhan Peng said: "Benefactor, are you also going to Da Yong?"

Hu Xiaotian, hearing this, couldn't help but startle: "How? You're also going?"

Zhan Peng nodded and said: "I just received an order to accompany Wen Boyuan in escorting the princess to Yongdu; originally I wasn't supposed to go, but two days ago Wen Boyuan suddenly found me and asked me to stand in for someone else."

Hu Xiaotian frowned; originally Zhan Peng going to Yongdu would add another of our own, but upon further thought it seems somewhat improper. Zhan Peng and Murong Feiyan both joined the Shen Ce Fu at Quan De'an's behest; Quan De'an knows their relationship with me inside out, and Quan De'an and the Wen father-son are on the same side; having Zhan Peng temporarily take over this post might be brewing some plot—could this be related to me?

Zhou Mo and Zhan Peng both saw from Hu Xiaotian's expression that he had something on his mind; they asked simultaneously: "What's wrong?"

Hu Xiaotian voiced his worry in a low tone: "Will Quan De'an expose our relationship to Wen Boyuan?"

Zhan Peng said: "Logically, no; Quan De'an's original intention in letting us join the Shen Ce Fu was to have us monitor Wen Boyuan's movements through us. Although the behind-the-scenes organizers of the Shen Ce Fu are him and Wen Chenghuan, Quan De'an does not fully trust the Wen father and son; he often uses your safety as leverage, having us monitor Wen Boyuan's movements within the Shen Ce Fu for him. I think this time it is likely just a coincidence, not something Wen Boyuan deliberately arranged."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Whether it's a coincidence or intentional, for this journey let's pretend we never knew each other." He also recalled that Murong Feiyan is the daughter of Mu Rongzhan; Quan De'an should not dare to act against her.

Zhan Peng nodded: "Benefactor, rest assured, I know what to do."

Hu Xiaotian asked: "How is Wen Boyuan's martial skill?"

Zhan Peng said: "He should be an outstanding expert among the younger generation; although I have never crossed hands with him, I have seen his swordsmanship, and in close combat I would not be his match."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Who knows if it's not just empty fame?" Zhan Peng himself is known for archery; close combat is certainly not his forte. As for Wen Boyuan, although his reputation is widespread, being a son of an official family, he may not possess any real ability.

Zhan Peng said: "It should not be empty fame; I personally saw him defeat Zhao Chongwu within ten moves, and Zhao Chongwu's swordsmanship is roughly on par with mine." The Zhao Chongwu he referred to is a warrior of the Yan unit in the Shen Ce Fu, with whom he has a good relationship, and both participated in this escort mission to Da Yong.

At first Hu Xiaotian thought Zhan Peng was being modest, but hearing this, it seems Wen Boyuan's martial skill is genuine.

Zhou Mo said: "Although I have never seen Wen Boyuan, I have also heard that since childhood he has followed the Blade Demon FengXingyun in learning martial arts; he is FengXingyun's most favored disciple. The Blade Demon FengXingyun, who treasures the blade as his life, is one of the three great swordsmen universally recognized under heaven; his disciple should not be far behind."

The more Hu Xiaotian listened, the more his head ached; Wen Boyuan is getting more formidable, making it harder for me to deal with him. Ji Feihua having me eliminate him en route makes the task truly arduous. Although this matter requires Zhan Peng's cooperation, telling him now is still premature; we must plan thoroughly and seize opportunities along the way.

Zhan Peng chatted a few more words with Hu Xiaotian, then left Baofeng Hall first.

After Zhan Peng left, Hu Xiaotian then told Zhou Mo about Ji Feihua's instruction to eliminate Wen Boyuan en route; Zhou Mo, upon hearing, also felt this was no small matter. He frowned tightly and said: "Wen Boyuan is certainly no ordinary person; with your skills it will probably be difficult to pull this off, but just now why didn't you tell Zhan Peng about it?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Zhan Peng has always felt grateful to me; if he knew my mission for this trip, he would surely do his utmost to help me accomplish it, but I worry that he is not good at concealing things, and might reveal it prematurely, arousing Wen Boyuan's suspicion and backfiring."

Zhou Mo said: "In the past I only knew that the court's power struggles were deceitful and scheming, using any means; only today did I realize their conflict is so ruthless and cold-blooded."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Although Ji Feihua promised that after I accomplish this matter he would help my father regain his official post, I still cannot fully trust his words; Wen Boyuan is the son of the current Grand Tutor Wen Chenghuan; if he dies, even if the emperor does not pursue it, Wen Chenghuan will certainly not let it rest." Thinking of this, Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but feel a headache; the task Ji Feihua gave me this time is truly enormous—not only must it be done without a trace, but I must also withdraw completely.

Zhou Mo said: "Brother, I will accompany you."

Hu Xiaotian looked at Zhou Mo; actually he also had this intention in mind. With his own martial skill he has no chance against Wen Boyuan; even adding Zhan Peng, it's hard to say they could smoothly take him down. But if Zhou Mo joins, the situation would certainly be different—Zhou Mo's martial skill is high, he is steady and experienced in countless battles, and most importantly, they are sworn brothers, their hearts and gall bladders mutually loyal.

Hu Xiaotian nodded: "On this journey transporting the dowry, there will be porters accompanying; I will make arrangements for the elder brother to mix into the porter squad at that time."

Zhou Mo said: "Good!" He then whispered: "Third brother, you have always wanted to escape the capital; this time it is indeed an excellent opportunity."

Hu Xiaotian sighed: "Elder brother, at the very beginning I truly wanted to leave the capital, but now my thoughts are different from before."

Zhou Mo nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"My father has clearly stated he will absolutely not leave the capital; back then I risked returning to the capital with the sole purpose of rescuing my parents; if in the end I am still the only one leaving, what meaning does my efforts over the past half year have?"

Zhou Mo has always valued filial piety, loyalty, and trust; that is why he and Hu Xiaotian could become sworn brothers who would die for each other, and why their feelings have grown deeper—this is one important reason.

Hu Xiaotian said: "I have also considered that even if my parents were willing to flee with me, where in the vast world could we find a place to settle? I cannot let my parents wander with me in desperation, living in constant fear, letting their twilight years suffer from fright and disturbance; as a son, how could I do that?"

Zhou Mo said: "Uncle Hu insists on not leaving, and it's not right to force him. Actually, fleeing does not necessarily mean becoming a fugitive; I often discuss the state of the world with my second brother—Dakang's regime is tottering, perilously unstable, heroes arise everywhere; perhaps before long it will fall into fragmentation. Times make heroes; you and I brothers, united in effort, could indeed carve out our own territory." Zhou Mo was full of heroic ambition, his inner blood boiling; a man's life should be spent building achievements and wielding his horse and blade across the world; he clearly realized that the battlefield is where he belongs.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Elder brother, I still have one matter I have been keeping from you."

Zhou Mo's eyes flickered: "What matter?" After saying that, he laughed: "If you find it difficult to speak, you need not; even as brothers we are not obliged to tell each other everything." Everyone has their own privacy.

Hu Xiaotian said: "I promised Princess Anping that I would not send her to Da Yong."

Zhou Mo startled, his tiger eyes widening: "You mean you want to take Princess Anping and flee?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "It's not about taking her away to flee; I want to rescue her!" If I were to take Anping away to flee, my parents, relatives, and friends would inevitably be implicated; I have previously considered this matter repeatedly, and I must achieve both goals, seeking to leave nothing to chance.

Zhou Mo only now realized that Hu Xiaotian's mission for this trip is extremely arduous—not only must he eliminate Wen Boyuan, but also spirit away Princess Anping without anyone knowing, and finally shift all responsibility onto others; in Zhou Mo's view this is nearly unthinkable, to achieve leaving no trace is basically impossible; this sworn brother's courage is truly immense. (To be continued~^~)