Chapter 114: Riding the Wind Across the River—Who in the World Does Not Know You

【You don't care about this at all.】

【You and Lu Yu have already tethered the horses and are turning to leave.】

【Su Zi yin tried to stop you, but Li Ran gently held back his mistress and said: "Miss, don't devalue yourself."】

【"If they truly intend to enter the capital, they'll still come begging to you."】

【Those truly born in tattered clothes face turbulent fates, woven with success and failure; only by skillfully seizing opportunities can they achieve greatness—that is true character.】

【What can a man accomplish by clinging to pride?】

【Zou Shuning also watched your backs; she had been curious about your origins, but now her interest waned.】

【And on another level, she simply dislikes being ignored!】

【"Miss Su, this man's mind is made up; more words are useless."】

【But Su Zi yin felt otherwise—she believed the owner of those eyes could never be an ordinary person.】

【Su Zi yin gathered her courage and called out:】

【"Can you tell me your name?"】

【Feng Long heard this and sneered.】

【"A man who hides his face and fears to speak his name."】

【Zou Lin sighed softly, lamenting the fleeting nature of fate and separation.】

【He had once thought meeting in the temple meant sharing hardship, that you would become friends—even if parting as strangers, or worse, harboring resentment.】

【This must be what they mean: in the rivers and lakes of the world, one is never truly in control.】

【Truly, grudges and affections rise and fall like waves!】

【At this moment!】

【Lu Yu lifted his head calmly, his gaze piercing through the clouds, a faint smile on his lips.】

【You too sensed it, tilting your head slightly.】

【Suddenly!】

【A sharp, piercing cry tore through the sky.】

【You had not yet left; Su Zi yin and the others were drawn by the sound, all looking up toward the horizon.】

【They saw:】

【The falcon was pure white, flawless, its feathers shimmering with silver luster; its flight through the air was graceful and powerful, swift beyond measure—sometimes piercing the clouds, sometimes skimming low, leaving all in awe.】

【All around, people stopped to watch, captivated by its splendor.】

【"This is..." Zou Shuning stared at the falcon gliding low, her eyes alight with astonishment.】

【"That looks like a Haidongqing from Liaodong!" someone gasped.】

【"It really is—this is the symbol of the Northern Wind royal house."】

【Zou Shuning finally remembered the origin of this circling divine bird.】

【Haidongqing!】

【The Northern Wind has a poem praising it: "Of three hundred and sixty feathered creatures, none more majestic than the Haidongqing."】

【It is hailed as the god of all falcons, utterly distinct from the grand but slow eagles of the high plateaus; the Haidongqing flies highest, moves fastest, strikes with greatest ferocity—its tiny frame embodies the spirit of overcoming great odds.】

【The Northern Wind reveres it as a divine bird, their national totem.】

【Once, the Northern Wind was a tiny state, bullied and oppressed by the Wu Huang kingdom to the north, forced to pay tribute and bow yearly.】

【But!】

【One year, Wu Huang demanded—tribute of the Haidongqing, the divine bird of the Northern Wind.】

【The Northern Wind could endure no more; they rose in rebellion and fought Wu Huang in the crimson fields.】

【They ultimately destroyed Wu Huang.】

【This victory was not merely the founding war of the Northern Wind—it forged the famous northern proverb:】

【"Wu Huang provoked with the Haidongqing; the jade-clawed eagle's tribute ceased forever."】

【Each Haidongqing is priceless; even the wealthiest southern nobles, spending ten thousand taels, cannot buy one in the Northern Wind.】

【Haidongqing are divided into four breeds: Autumn Yellow, Bo Yellow, Three-Year Dragon, and Jade Claw; the most precious is the pure white Jade Claw.】

【Haidongqing are fiercely proud, preferring death to submission; few can truly tame them.】

【Yet in the Northern Wind, there is an unwritten rule: whoever captures a Haidongqing may be pardoned of death; if it is the pure white Jade Claw, only treason cannot be forgiven.】

【Feng Long looked up and saw the Haidongqing begin circling low in the air.】

【Its entire body was snow-white, like winter's blessed snow—pure and noble.】

【Its talons were flawless, translucent, like carved jade.】

【This was the ultimate specimen among Haidongqing—the Jade Claw!】

【Feng Long knew the value of this divine bird; for families of county rank, keeping concubines or collecting gems and antiques was low-class.】

【True aristocrats keep rare beasts; to have such a noble falcon at one's side is the highest honor in elite circles.】

【Feng Long's heart burned with desire.】

【Such a Haidongqing, the imperial court of Daqing may never have possessed.】

【Someone exclaimed: "How could such a perfect Jade Claw Haidongqing appear in the south?"】

【"Indeed, Jade Claw is a rarity even in the Northern Wind—one in a hundred thousand, each a true national treasure," people murmured around.】

【As the crowd still wondered, another sharp, excited cry rang out across the heavens.】

【They saw:】

【The magnificent white falcon dove from high above, spreading its wings gently, descending slowly.】

【Feng Long felt the bird was flying toward them; his heart quickened.】

【Countless eyes followed it, waiting for its next move.】

【The divine falcon glided gently into the crowd.】

【Feng Long's gaze locked on it, watching the Haidongqing draw nearer.】

【His heart raced—it was coming closer to him.】

【Finally!】

【It landed softly on the shoulder of a middle-aged man wearing a conical hat.】

【It flapped its wings affectionately, brushing its soft feathers against his cheek, as if rejoicing in a long-awaited reunion.】

【"Hm?"】

【Feng Long's pupils widened, staring in utter disbelief.】

【Zou Shuning was equally stunned.】

【You reached out and gently stroked the Haidongqing on your shoulder—this bird named "Chu Feng."】

【Its name, "Chu Feng," was given when it was still a chick.】

【In the northern lands, as your hunting falcon, it had accompanied you into battle many times, warning of enemy movements, earning great merit.】

【You never imagined it would meet you again in the south.】

【You smiled at "Chu Feng" and said: "Friend, we meet again."】

【No sooner had you spoken than "Chu Feng" let out a clear, ringing cry—as if answering you.】

【Divine birds possess spirit; their cries echo far and wide.】

【Su Zi yin did not know the value of the Jade Claw; she merely gazed in confusion at the white falcon on your shoulder.】

【When she noticed you, her face lit up with a genuine smile—pure, heartfelt joy.】

【The crowd turned their eyes toward the plain-dressed middle-aged man, filled with curiosity and speculation.】

【Could this man be the owner of the Haidongqing?】

【Feng Long clenched his fists tightly—he could not accept that someone like you deserved such a divine creature!】

【Lu Yu stood aside, having foreseen this moment; he recalled his own days capturing Haidongqing in the Northern Wind.】

【Their spirit is fiercest; ordinary methods of breaking them cannot tame them.】

【They would rather starve than bow—but only by conquering their spirit can you earn their willing submission.】

【The Haidongqing in your brother's hands was extraordinary.】

【Its noble appearance and spiritual connection made it the pinnacle among Haidongqing.】

【"Chu Feng" could find its master from a hundred li away—such a marvel even Tuoba Shu Yi envied.】

【Your brother rescued this Haidongqing from a cliffside; after patient care and gentle training, it became his loyal companion.】

【Lu Chen remembered that since his brother retired, this Haidongqing was entrusted to Yu Xu.】

【Today, it had flown all the way to the south?】

【Just then.】

【The sedan on the floating bridge slowly opened, and a middle-aged man in brocade robes stepped out.】

【He was lean and strong, his hair tied back and flowing over his shoulders, his face rugged and resolute.】

【He walked forward with the stride of a dragon and the gait of a tiger, radiating boldness and grandeur.】

【With his appearance, the crowd erupted; countless people shouted together:】

【"Master Qin!"】

【"Master Qin!"】

【This man was Qin Xiaowu, the supreme boss of the two Guang provinces, feared and revered by both underworld and official circles.】

【Along the Yuetangjiang, his name was known to all.】

Those strong young men were even more excited, shouting loudly: "Master Qin!" Their voices brimmed with reverence.

The crowd was wildly agitated as Master Qin Wu stepped forward, each step steady and powerful.

He ignored the surrounding clamor, his gaze firm, moving steadily toward one direction.

Zou Shuning realized that Master Qin Wu seemed to be heading straight for this spot.

She glanced at the majestic sea-eagle perched on your shoulder, lost in thought.

Could it be that Master Qin Wu had come specifically to find you?

The thought flashed through her mind, making her find it hard to believe.

Impossible!

The armored soldiers on the road bowed slightly upon seeing Master Qin Wu, but he paid them no heed, walking straight ahead.

His arrival silenced the entire scene; every eye fixed on him.

Master Qin Wu walked into the crowd, and the bystanders instinctively parted to make way for him.

His steps were steady and forceful; his head remained lowered, his face solemn.

Master Qin Wu drew closer, now only a few zhang away from you and the others.

Since the appearance of Master Qin Wu in the sedan, the woman on stage had not taken her eyes off him.

She was his adopted daughter, filled with curiosity and confusion over her father's actions.

She watched as Master Qin Wu stepped deeper into the crowd below.

She wanted to know: what exactly was her father about to do?

Su Ziyin had met Master Qin Wu with her father, who held him in the highest esteem, never daring to be careless.

Now, she stared intently at the approaching Master Qin Wu, her heart brimming with curiosity about his purpose.

Su Ziyin stole a glance at you, seeing only calm indifference.

Li Ran's reverence for Master Qin Wu was plain to see; he bowed respectfully and called out, "Five Master," his voice thick with deep respect.

As Master Qin Wu drew nearer, Li Ran began to wonder: could this famed leader of the Two Guangs know someone special here?

Li Ran scanned the crowd, his gaze sweeping across the faces, finding no one particularly notable except the elderly Zou Lin.

Yet when Master Qin Wu finally stopped before a middle-aged man, all of them were utterly baffled.

Master Qin Wu said nothing, only kept his head bowed.

Feng Long remembered having once glimpsed Master Qin Wu at home, then glanced at Su Ziyin, gathering his courage.

He took a deep breath, straightened his robes, and said boldly: "Feng Long, eldest son of the Feng family of Yunnan County, pays homage to Master Qin Wu."

After speaking, he bowed slightly, his gaze fixed only on the ground beneath his feet.

Yet there was no response.

Instead, a chorus of sharp intakes of breath rose from the crowd—everyone was stunned by what they saw.

Feng Long looked puzzled, slowly raising his head.

The woman on stage was equally shocked, for she witnessed something inconceivable.

Master Qin Wu fell to his knees with a thud before the middle-aged man wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

This sight left everyone speechless—no one had anticipated such a scene.

Zou Shuning's eyes widened, filled with disbelief.

Zou Lin, the seasoned official, also wore an expression of astonishment.

Li Ran, commander of the Yuetang River garrison, knew well the power of Master Qin Wu—his own lord dared not even breathe loudly before him. Seeing this, he was utterly astounded, his sword nearly slipping from his grasp.

Su Ziyin covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes glazed over, clearly terrified by the spectacle.

The white-robed woman, once composed, had never imagined such a moment.

Let alone—

The surrounding commoners were even more astonished, all staring at the middle-aged man in the wide-brimmed hat, motionless as stone.

In their minds, they wondered: who is this man, that Master Qin Wu would kneel before him?

Among the crowd, someone fell into deep thought.

Feng Long slowly raised his head and saw Master Qin Wu's eyes, misty with tears.

Watching Qin Wu bow his head to the ground before you, his mouth fell open in shock:

"How is this possible!"

Master Qin Wu pressed his forehead to the ground, lips clenched, voice trembling as he whispered:

"Qin Xiao Wu… pays homage to… Shaobao."

At those words, the entire scene fell utterly silent.

Shaobao?

Everyone present was filled with questions.

In Daqing, only one man deserved to be called "Shaobao" by Master Qin Wu: Lu Chen, Lu Shaobao, who had cultivated on Mount Zhongnan for fifteen years.

This sudden revelation stunned everyone present.

You, too, had not anticipated this turn of events; helplessly, you turned to look at Su Ziyin and replied:

"I am Lu Chen."

"My courtesy name is Shenzhou."

While the crowd was still reeling, three thousand soldiers and a host of strong young men shouted in unison:

"Hail Shaobao!"

"Hail Shaobao!"

Their voices echoed to the heavens, shaking the soul.

Lu Chen looked up and saw three thousand armored soldiers kneeling halfway, forming a long, orderly line.

The common folk, having heard the name Shaobao, began to murmur:

"It's Lu Chen, Lu Shaobao."

"Father, it's Lu Shaobao! Lu Shaobao has descended the mountain!"

In an instant, the crowd erupted—voices rose in a chaotic chorus.

Among them, an elderly man with white hair, eyes red from weeping, cried out:

"Lu Family Army, Shan Battalion, Ma Huai Guo, pays homage to Shaobao!"

"Lu Family Army, Que Battalion, Chen Can Jun, pays homage to Shaobao!"

"Lu Family Army, Yue Battalion, Zhang Shun, pays homage to Shaobao!"

"My family was saved by Shaobao at Fengling Ferry—my wife has since borne three sons. I, Zhang Jiande, humble subject, pay homage to Shaobao!"

"My father was saved by Shaobao beyond Hulao Pass; we moved south and settled. He passed away last year, and on his deathbed, he instructed us descendants: every year, visit Mount Zhongnan to inquire after Shaobao's well-being. I, Zhu Qi, humble subject, pay homage to Shaobao!"

"I, General Zhang Hang, served under Shaobao's command in the three battles along the Yellow River at Hulao Pass. I pay homage to Shaobao!"

A pregnant woman pushed away her husband's hand and knelt firmly on the ground: "I, Zhang Yue, was saved by Shaobao when I fled south and was attacked by northern bandits—fourteen of my family were spared. Deeply grateful, I pay homage to Shaobao!"

…

…

Countless commoners now cried out in increasing numbers, kneeling en masse.

You listened, then shook your head—you disliked such scenes.

You mounted your horse and tossed your whip to the ground.

Looking at Qin Xiao Wu, kneeling and weeping uncontrollably, you smiled:

"You fool, why are you crying?"

"We've crossed the river!"

Hearing this, Qin Xiao Wu leapt to his feet, snatched up the whip, and tore off his shirt, revealing his bare torso.

He had once been the one to lead your horse and hold your whip in the Lu Family Army.

Now, one hand gripping the reins, the other clutching the whip, he shouted in the dialect of Yuetang River with all his strength:

"Shaobao—has crossed the river!"

His voice echoed along the riverbank.

Su Ziyin covered her mouth with both hands, her beautiful eyes wide with disbelief.

The ground was covered with kneeling, bowed heads.

Only two crisp hoofbeats rang clear.

One horse led the way, Qin Wu walking beside it, pulling the reins and calling out:

"Shaobao—has crossed the river!"

Su Ziyin should have realized long ago: Lu Chen, Lu Shaobao, was born in Huainan County.

She murmured softly, lost in thought: "I am but a humble clothed one from Huainan."

He refused to reveal his name—not out of cowardice or concealment, but because the name Lu Chen, Lu Shenzhou—

Was known to all under heaven!

Eight thousand laborers pulled the floating bridge into place; Lu Yu deliberately lagged behind.

Drums beat on both banks, their thunderous sound shaking the heavens.

Below, the river surged, waves rolling endlessly.

The river wind blew against their faces; millions on both shores watched as one man crossed the river!

The eight thousand laborers shouted in unison:

"Honorably see off the Junior Protector as he crosses the river."

"Tens of thousands of people on both banks echoed in unison: 'Honorably see off the Junior Protector as he crosses the river.'"

"On the Guanjiang Terrace, the four highest-ranking figures dared not delay; they all rose to their feet."

"The man in the python robe, Yu Xu, bowed solemnly: 'Honorably see off the Junior Protector as he crosses the river.'"

"The farmer named A Mang also spoke with solemn seriousness: 'Honorably see off the Junior Protector as he crosses the river.'"

"You rode your horse across the floating bridge and looked back to see countless villagers on the shore cheering joyfully."

"'Chu Feng' on your shoulder took flight, circling above the floating bridge."

"You lowered your conical hat slightly."

"Less than a hundred li remain—tonight you will enter the capital!"

Originally two chapters, but the plot was merged—slightly late!



(End of Chapter)