A Step into the Past

Book 22 Chapter 08 – Local Villain

As Xiang Shaolong brisk-walked along the road, proceeding towards the central Little Lin Zi, he noticed the increase in the number of pedestrians. Under the illumination of the lanterns, the falling snowflakes resemble the Immortals sprinkling heavenly powder onto earth, giving his surroundings a dream-like appearance.

Most of his fellow foot-travellers are walking in small groups and are speaking in different dialects. They are probably admirers of the Three Courtesans from the other six States or even the Qi people from the countryside. The locals only made up a handful of the crowd.

According to Xiao Yuetan, Lin Zi is home to approximately seventy thousand households and has a population of three hundred thousand. Compared to Xianyang, it is far less populated.

As he was beginning to panic in his search for Lei Yun’er & company, he caught someone waving at him across the road. It turns out to be a family warrior Fei Chun (was wrongly named Fei Sun earlier, also a ex roomie) and five other drivers.

Waiting for two carriages to drive by before crossing the road, he came to the side of the six men and prodded: “Where are the others?”

Fei Chun invited: “They are headed to the red light district! We are looking for a place to have a drink. Why don’t Manger Shen join us?”

Xiang Shaolong interrogated: “Do you know which brothel they are visiting?”

One of the drivers joked: “They surely cannot afford the expensive ones. Manager Shen only has to look for the most run-down brothel and you will definitely find them there.” Fei Chun and the other drivers burst out laughing.

Witnessing their lively mood and making sure that there are no suspicious characters nearby, Xiang Shaolong could not bear to spoil their night. Pulling them aside to avoid blocking the road, he then revealed: “Something has cropped up. Assistant Manager Zhang just informed me Mistress (Feng Fei) has offended a local villain of considerable influence. Although he cannot lay a finger on Mistress, he can effortlessly create trouble for us. Please go and have your drink, and return to the Villa as soon as possible.”

Their faces drained of colour, Fei Chun and the drivers nodded in obedience.

Xiang Shaolong speedily continued his search for Lei Yun’er and the others. After walking for some time, all he could see were splendid buildings housing brothels or wine houses. He thought to himself that this is similar to Beijing’s Wangfu Jing (王府井) in the 21st Century; unless you are a rich man, this place has nothing for you. The only places an average person can go are the small lanes and narrow streets, where the cheap thrills are situated.

His heart is swelling with regret.

At the end of the day, he lacks experience in managing people, simply because he does not believe in treating fellow humans as servants at his beck and call. His only wish is for them to be happy and free as much as the situation permits.

With the present unfavorable scenario, he should not have let them run amok.

His reservations are not without reason.

A sore and incensed Zongsun Long will use every opportunity to harass Feng Fei.

If he lands himself in trouble when they had just arrived in Lin Zi, everyone will lose confidence in this newly appointed General Manager. In addition, except for a dagger, he did not bring any weapons with him. If he gets into a fight, he will be at a serious disadvantage.

Burning with anxiety, he happened to see a crowd gathering in front of a brothel. The people are whispering to one another and pointing fingers at the brothel.

Xiang Shaolong can feel his heart sinking. Stepping forward, he squeezed into the pool of people and questioned: “What happened?”

Bearing scorn in his tone, one man ridicule: “Having the guts to visit prostitutes when he hasn’t paid up his debt to Master Zongsun, these people do not know the meaning of death! Ai! Being dragged away like a pack of dogs, how shameful.”

‘Game over’ Xiang Shaolong thought. He made enquiries about the appearances and dressings of the men being mugged and after confirming their identities are those of the missing Lei Yun’er and company, he announced: “Those men are my friends and I have brought the money to redeem their debts. Does anyone know where is Master Zongsun staying?”

Unexpectedly, the faces of everyone in the crowd lost colour. Not only did they fail to give him an answer, they ran off, disappearing without a trace, leaving him stunned on the spot.

Coincidently, a shifty and mysterious-looking man happened to sneak out of the brothel, Xiang Shaolong grabbed him, asking: “Brother…”

The man was shocked out of his wits: “Please do not tell my wife…”

Xiang Shaolong is not in the mood to laugh at the man’s blunder. He corrected: “Brother is mistaken. I am just asking for directions.”

The man took a closer look and realized Xiang Shaolong is not someone familiar to him. Putting his hand on his chest, he panted: “I was nearly frightened to death! Even if you are asking for directions, you need not pull my shirt!”

Scanning this man, Xiang Shaolong guessed he is about twenty-five or twenty six years old. Dressed in flamboyant clothes, he is rather fine looking and must be the offspring of some Qi official. Loathing his hen-pecked behavior, Xiang Shaolong grumbled: “I am anxious to locate Master Zongsun’s Residence. Little Brother (I) is his distant relative and is here to visit him.”

The man sighed with relief: “Zongsun Residence is along Great Southern Way, diagonally opposite my house. Let me give you a ride! Ai! I also need to be home soon.”

Xiang Shaolong is secretly delighted to meet such a friendly person and is now having a favourable impression of him. Together, they crossed the road to the opposite side.

There is a carriage parked outside a wine house and as they approached it, a driver climbed out of the carriage and sat down in the driver’s seat in front.

The man proudly declared: “I intentionally parked the carriage here so that nobody will suspect I actually went to a brothel. Hey! I still do not know Brother’s name.”

Xiang Shaolong introduced: “I am Shen Liang. What about Brother?”

The man cheered: “I am called Xie Ziyuan. Come! Get in the carriage!”

As the carriage began to move, Xie Ziyuan comfortably lounged in his seat, praising: “Lan Lan’s skin is as smooth as silk and she knows exactly what I want. What a pity I cannot stay overnight.”

Xiang Shaolong has calmed down by now and is busily thinking of a plan to rescue his men back from Zongsun Long. He casually asked: “Is your wife ugly looking?”

Like a wronged man, Xie Ziyuan protested: “Of course not! Lan Lan may be rather good-looking but my wife is way prettier than her”

Xiang Shaolong’s curiosity is aroused: “Then why is Brother Xie looking for other women?”

Xie Ziyuan explained: “Please do not jump to the conclusion that I have grown sick of looking at her. Actually, the more I look at her, the more I love her, and also fear her. Whenever we start quarrelling, my Mum will side her and not me because she has given my mum two healthy grandsons.”

Xiang Shaolong sympathized: “Brother Xie is fooling around because your wife has failed to treat you in a kind and loving manner.”

Slapping his thigh, Xie Ziyuan exclaimed: “Brother Shen truly understands me! Ha! Can Brother Shen do me a favour?”

Xiang Shaolong was amazed: “How can I help you?”

Xie Ziyuan leaned towards his ear as if he is afraid of being eavesdropped. He whispered softly: “Can you pretend to be my long lost friend, coming to visit me from a faraway place? Thus, I will have to play a good host to you and this will allow me to spend more time outside the household. Hey! I will not treat you shabbily and will pay for all of Brother Shen’s expenses.”

Xiang Shaolong did not know whether to be angry or amused at his proposal. He rejected: “I will be quite busy over the next two days. I am afraid I cannot visit you at your honourable residence.”

Xie Ziyuan begged: “I will only take up a bit of your time. Is tomorrow good for you? I will wait for your esteemed arrival anytime after five pm.”

Xiang Shaolong helplessly agreed: “I will try my best to make time!”

Xie Ziyuan was thrilled: “Brother Shen is a true friend. Ai! You would not believe it even if I told you. I, Xie Ziyuan, am an Imperial Treasurer but there is nobody who dares to accompany me to a brothel. Even when beauties surround me, there is not a single mate by my side. It is so depressing. Now, I am thankful for Brother Shen’s company.”

Xiang Shaolong secretly kicked himself for not recognizing someone’s true status. The man is a high-ranking official of Qi and it is rare that he did not display any airs and speaks in a straightforward manner. He is starting to like this new friend of his.

He joked: “I think all your friends are frightened of your wife’s scolding.”

Xie Ziyuan muttered: “It is her beating.”

Just as Xiang Shaolong was reeling in shock, the burly driver turned around and announced: “Young Master! We are reaching Master Zongsun’s Residence.”

Xie Ziyuan whispered again: “Only Xie Quan is loyal to me.”

Finishing his sentence, he faced Xie Quan and commanded: “We will send Master Shen in before going home.”

Holding Xiang Shaolong’s hand, Xie Ziyuan apologized: “Please forgive Little Brother (me) for only sending you here but unable to stay and accompany you. I have a curfew and need to return immediately. If her anger is provoked, Little Brother (I) will be in trouble!”

The carriage stopped in the front of an enormous property filled with multiple courtyards. Next, Xie Quan reported Xie Ziyuan’s name to the sentries and the main door opened in an instant, allowing them to drive straight in.

Xiang Shaolong was flabbergasted. He could not help but asked: “Brother Xie seems to be on good terms with Master Zongsun.”

Xie Ziyuan smiled: “We have a few ongoing collaborations!”

He added: “The relationship between people are partly decided by fate. Somehow, when I first met Brother Shen, I can feel a sense of delight and instinctively feel that Brother Shen is a friend worth having. Hey! Remember to come by tomorrow night!” He pointed to the location of his residence.

In this moment, the carriage grinded to a halt, stopping in front of a flight of steps of the main building within the residence. A few muscular men accosted the carriage and their leader opened the carriage door, respectfully introducing: “Your servant is named Bao Guang. Will Official Xie please alight.”

Xie Ziyuan started: “I am just sending Zong…”

Xiang Shaolong rapidly whispered into his ear: “I am not his relative.”

Xie Ziyuan was stunned momentarily before continuing: “I am sending my good friend Shen Liang to pay his respects to Master Zongsun. Is Master Zongsun at home?”

Bao Guang was slightly surprised: “So it is Master Shen. Master (Zongsun) is hosting an esteemed guest from Chu. Your servant (I) will notify him now. What does Master Shen want your servant (me) to report to Master (Zongsun)?”

Not wanting to reveal too much about himself to Xie Ziyuan, Xiang Shaolong turned to him and promised: “There is no need to hold back Brother Xie any longer. I will definitely see you tomorrow night.”

Concluding his sentence, he got down the carriage and watched Xie Ziyuan drove away.

As Xie Ziyuan was leaving, he continued waving back, not taking Xiang Shaolong’s lies to heart.

The main building inside Zongsun Residence is a spectacular Courtyard built entirely of white stone and is elevated above the ground. The main double doors and walls are lavishly sculptured.

Above the double doors is a majestic signboard with three words written on it: Zongsun Residence, flaunting the wealth and status of its occupant.

The main building is flanked by a left courtyard and right courtyard. Behind the building is a huge garden, housing many more courtyards that are further than what Xiang Shaolong is able to see. Sweeping his gaze across his surroundings, he observed that the entire cluster of courtyards is surrounded by another high wall. The layout of the residence is similar to a fortress and the first door that Xiang Shaolong entered is equivalent to a fortress gate.

As the raindrops and snowflakes fly through the air, scores of eight-sided lanterns are shining brightly into the square in front of the main building, making it look as bright as day. There is a carriage parked by the side but the horse has been led away. It probably belongs to the distinguished visitor of Chu.

Looking at his collected and awe-inspiring posture, Bao Guang dare not behave in a slipshod manner. He welcomed: “Master Shen, please enter to avoid the wind and snow before speaking!”

Xiang Shaolong nodded and climbed the steps alongside Bao Guang.

Zongsun Long is truly a renowned tycoon. The building materials used to build the main building are meticulously selected, leaving a strong impression on anyone who passes by. The pillars and beams are all made up of high quality Nan wood and only complete logs are used. Cornices are carved in suitable corners and stone sculptures are exquisitely engraved. It is an exciting sight to behold.

After sitting down, Xiang Shaolong then implored: “Brother Bao, please inform Master Zongsun that I am here regarding Feng Fei’s issue.”

With astonishment written all over his face, Bao Guang was in a fluster and hesitated for a while before entering the hall to make his report.

Xiang Shaolong coolly waited.

If Zongsun Long chose not to see him, what can he do?

Resorting to force is suicidal.

He retains some confidence that Zongsun Long will see him, for if he truly loves Feng Fei, his curiosity will certainly get the better of him and he would want to find out what Xiang Shaolong is up to.

After a short wait, Bao Guang summoned: “Master invites Brother Shen to go in.”

Xiang Shaolong was incredulous that his plan is proceeding smoothly. He did not have time to delve further and quickly stood up and followed Bao Guang in.

Bao Guang whispered: “Master (Zongsun) is willing to see Master Shen because Master Shen (you) is a friend of Official Xie.”

Xiang Shaolong knows that Bao Guang has intervened for him and hurriedly thanked him.

They passed through a garden path made up of crushed rocks before arriving at the entrance of the main hall. Four family warriors are standing guard on two sides.

Bao Guang stopped in his tracks and announced in a loud voice: “Master Shen is here!”

Witnessing the elaborate setup of the place, even Xiang Shaolong is feeling slightly uneasy. However, it is impossible to back out now. Taking a deep breath, he stepped over the door ledge. What entered his view is a well-maintained classy interior, with a touch of antique elegance. A wide and bright yarn screen served as a divider, partitioning the massive hall into a south portion and a north portion. Every piece of furniture is made of top quality redwood. Beyond the screen, Xiang Shaolong can vaguely see two men sitting face to face, with serving maids on both sides. Behind each man stood a squad of family warriors, giving him the impression that the guest is not an ordinary person.

Under the direction of Bao Guang, Xiang Shaolong crossed the divider. Staring fiercely at him is a tall man in his forties and tastefully dressed in silk. For some reason, the man is as skinny as a chimpanzee.

When Xiang Shaolong laid his eyes on the other man, he was frightened out of his wits. He nearly wanted to turn around and run for his life.

It is Li Yuan whom he hasn’t seen for some time.

His biggest regret now is not putting the fruit seed below his tongue, disguising his voice from Li Yuan.

Just by looking at Li Yuan’s expression, he knows that his cover is blown and his disguise is useless.

When Li Yuan looked over, his body trembled slightly and surprise is written all over his handsome features in this face-to-face encounter as the four eyes meet.

Firstly, in order to negotiate with Zongsun Long, Xiang Shaolong did not bother to conceal his strides and heroic aura. Secondly, there is no one around that he can shy behind. Thirdly, Li Yuan knows Xiang Shaolong more intimately than Tian Dan. Thus, he could recognize Xiang Shaolong in one look.

Just as Xiang Shaolong is secretly lamenting the end of his life, Li Yuan actually winked at him, giving him a ray of hope.

In terms of integrity and character, Lord Longyang should be more ‘innocent’ than Li Yuan. But life is always unpredictable.

There are two charming ladies standing behind Zongsun Long, massaging his skinny shoulder and back as he leaned against a cushion. This magnate who made his fortune through loan sharking looked at Xiang Shaolong through the corner of the eye and remarked: “Please have a seat!”

An absent-minded Xiang Shaolong paid his respects and sat down opposite the two men like a common criminal. In his mind, he was thinking: Zongsun Long, with your kind of looks, it is not surprising why the beautiful swan Feng Fei is not interested in you, the ugly toad.

Zongsun Long’s bones supporting his eyebrows are exceptionally high and his gaze is sharp and piercing. Despite the lack of flesh on his face, his expressions are incredibly animated. Adorned by thick and long eyebrows, Zongsun Long condescendingly mocked: “Does Chancellor Li know why did I bother to attend to this anonymous fellow without any delay and even allow him to be seated opposite me?”

Initially, Xiang Shaolong thought Zongsun Long is speaking to him but realized that he is speaking to Li Yuan. His words are immensely ill mannered and carry an insulting tone.

With a strange expression on his face, Li Yuan answered: “Master Long has always handled your affairs in an unorthodox manner. I do not have the slightest idea.”

Behaving as if Xiang Shaolong is invisble, Zongsun Long continued talking to Li Yuan: “It is because this person is sent here by Xie Ziyuan, therefore, I need to be accountable to him. When Xie Ziyuan ask about this matter in the future, he cannot hold me for treating his friend shabbily.”

Turning his head over and staring at Xiang Shaolong with his squinty eyes, Zongsun Long demanded: “Report your identity and purpose, as well as your relationship to Xie Ziyuan. If I detect any lies, I guarantee you will never be able to walk out of here with your two legs.”

Xiang Shaolong had barely calmed down and exchanged a look with ‘the friend more trustworthy than Lord Longyang’ Li Yuan before turning his head up and burst out laughing.

Behind Zongsun Long, several family warriors are now glaring at Xiang Shaolong viciously with their hands on the hilt of their swords. Once Zongsun Long gives the command, they will beat the daylights out of Xiang Shaolong.

His eyes rotating wildly, Zongsun Long roared: “What is so funny?”

Xiang Shaolong stopped laughing in an instant. With his eyes shining ominously, he stared at Zongsun Long and ridiculed: “I am laughing because the earth-shattering Zongsun Long is actually a rich man using his resources to bully the weak. No wonder Miss Feng Fei chose to reject you.”

Before Zongsun Long has the chance to speak out, the two family warriors standing behind Xiang Shaolong pounced on him from the left and right. From their body movements, they probably want to drag Xiang Shaolong up from his seat and force him down on his knees.

Just when Li Yuan is grimacing at the potential onslaught, Xiang Shaolong has skillfully grabbed the two rough hands that have landed on his shoulders. Without moving his body, he deftly twisted their arms, using their momentum to slam the two family warriors in front of himself.

Behind Zongsun Long, the family warriors are protesting angrily. Drawing their swords, they advanced towards Xiang Shaolong.

When a fight looks inevitable, Li Yuan thundered: “Hold it!”

The warriors freeze in bewilderment.

The two family warriors who were thrown to the floor are now getting back on their feet. Both were holding their hands with a pained expression on their faces. Xiang Shaolong had evidently twisted both their wrists.

Zongsun Long was in a daze and bellowed: “Back down!”

The squad of family warriors returned to their original positions while the two injured men left the hall. The hall is now as quiet as before but the atmosphere is as tense as a fully drawn arrow on a bow.

Xiang Shaolong acted as if nothing had happened, coldly exchanging glances with Zongsun Long.

Zongsun Long suppressed his anger and faced Li Yuan: “Why did Chancellor Li prevent me from teaching this arrogant fellow a lesson?”

Li Yuan swept his gaze across the warriors behind him and plainly state: “If I were Master Long, I will give these servants a beating for taking matters into their own hands. Before Master Long gave the order, they have lost control of their emotions and commence an attack. This move could potentially cause Master Long to lose your life.”

Zongsun Long was taken aback: “Cause me to lose my life?”

By now, Xiang Shaolong is certain that Li Yuan will not betray him. His spirits soaring and resuming his heroic aura, he laughed loudly: “Chancellor Li is really smart. Watch it!”

As fast as lightning, Xiang Shaolong pulled out the dagger tied to his foot and threw it towards a food laden long table in front of Zhongsun Long.

Pok!

The men were staring speechlessly and the maids cried out as the dagger embedded itself deeply into the hard redwood.

Looking at the dagger handle that is still quivering, Zongsun Long’s face is drained of colour and he was dumbstruck for some time.

The large hall is completely silent as everyone’s attention is now on the dagger.

Nobody dared to move for it is possible that Xiang Shaolong may throw a second dagger at him. Moreover, Li Yuan had earlier chastised the family warriors for taking things into their own hands and deserves punishment. This time round, none of the earlier antics were repeated.

A powerful and accurate attack like this will surely bring fear to anyone who hears of it but what really subdued Zongsun Long is Xiang Shaolong’s display of confidence and heroic air.

Xiang Shaolong plainly asked: “Can we have a good talk now?”

This is the first time ever Zongsun Long feels that his life is at stake. He took a deep breath and agreed: “Fine! Seeing that you possess such an extraordinary skill, speak your mind!”

Xiang Shaolong first turned to Li Yuan and smiled: “Chancellor Li is truly brilliant, guessing that I came prepared.”

Li Yuan smiled back: “Just by observing Brother Shen’s icy demeanor, I instinctively knew you must be a top assassin.”

His gaze turning back to Zongsun Long’s face, Xiang Shaolong officially state: “I, Shen Liang, is Miss Feng Fei’s General Manager, assisting her in overseeing the operations of the Troupe. I also happen to be a very good friend of Xie Ziyuan but if Master Long wishes to harm me, you need not worry about spoiling your friendship with Xie Ziyuan. Since I, Shen Liang, dare to come to you, I have cast my life aside. It is better to die with honour than to live in infamy.”

Li Yuan was agitated: “It is better to die with honour than to live in infamy. This is a very meaningful sentence.”

Zongsun Long and everyone else were moved as they can clearly feel Xiang Shaolong’s fearlessness, even towards death.

This is an era where talented men are highly valued. Regardless of whether one is rich or poor, as long as one exhibits talent or is educated, one will be respected wherever one goes.

Zongsun Long has never met anyone of Xiang Shaolong’s caliber. Faced with Xiang Shaolong and Li Yuan’s continuous verbal assault, coupled with this life-threatening situation, his ferocity has greatly mellowed.

Nevertheless, he is still a notorious triad boss who is not new to perilous environments and has overcome his fair share of trials and tribulations. Zongsun Long bluntly pointed: “You have earned your right to speak but if you are here to pit yourself against me, I am afraid you have overestimated yourself.”

Li Yuan interrupted: “Will Master Long allow Li Yuan (me), this neutral party, to say a few words in fairness?”

Zongsun Long would not dare to offend the highly ranked Li Yuan who easily enjoys the entire backing of Chu. He politely acquiesced: “Chancellor Li, please speak.”

Attempting to ease the hostility, Li Yuan professed: “I wish to have Brother Shen’s assurance that he will not release any more hidden weapons. Only then can we talk amicably.”

Xiang Shaolong knows that this strategy is to give Zongsun Long an opportunity to back down. Moreover, he did not have any daggers left. He gladly agreed: “I, Shen Liang, dare not disobey Chancellor. In addition, I have always been an admirer of Master Long and was forced by circumstances to act against my own wishes. I pray that Master Long can be magnanimous and pardon me.”

Earlier on, Xiang Shaolong appears to be strong-willed and unyielding but is now using condescending words towards him. This flattery is extremely successful and Zongsun Long’s expression became warmer. In a deep voice, he remarked: “What does Chancellor Li propose?”

Li Yuan harmoniously inquired: “What is Brother Shen’s motive for coming here?”

Xiang Shaolong simply answered: “I am here to ask a favour from Master Long, begging him to show mercy and release my comrades, and not make things difficult for Miss Feng Fei.”

Zongsun Long secretly regretted summoning Shen Liang into the main hall.

Feng Fei is highly respected by everyone all over the world. If he is openly making trouble for her, what will Li Yuan think of him?

He is used to doing whatever he pleases and initially wanted to rough up Xiang Shaolong, demonstrating his might in front of Li Yuan. He is not someone who gives up easily but if he refuses Xiang Shaolong’s request, he will be digging a bigger hole for himself.

His initial plan is to break Xiang Shaolong’s legs and have someone to carry him back. Not only can he indirectly challenge Tian Dan’s authority, it is also sending Feng Fei a message that he is unafraid of anyone, pressuring her to succumb to him.

Given the current scenario when the man in front of his eyes can take his life in a flash, he obviously cannot carry out this plan.

While he is contemplating, Li Yuan laughed: “I am sure this is a misunderstanding! Master Long will not bear grudges against these servants.”

As Xiang Shaolong and Li Yuan supported each other verbally, causing Zongsun Long’s face to lose colour, both men are secretly amused.

Being forced into a corner, Zongsun Long had no choice but to snarl at his men: “Who is responsible for kidnapping Miss Feng’s subordinates? Did it really happen?”

One of his brainier followers caught the hint and responded: “There were some men creating a scene at a brothel earlier and they got into a scuffle with our guys. We seized them and were prepared to send them to the magistrate office tomorrow. We did not know they are Manager Shen’s followers.”

Zongsun Long pretended to be angry: “In this case, release all of them immediately and send them back to Miss Feng.”

His subordinate left to execute his order.

Li Yuan stood up and bade farewell. To Xiang Shaolong, he offered: “Manager Shen is highly skilled and your bravery is unheard of. I, Li Yuan, admire men like you. Why don’t I send Brother Shen back and use this occasion to have a little chat?”

Xiang Shaolong is deeply grateful because this arrangement will prevent Zongsun Long from exacting revenge on him.

Zongsun Long’s attitude underwent a huge change and suddenly became very hospitable, personally sending both men to the door.

Only now did Xiang Shaolong realize Zongsun Long is a very tall man, almost as tall as himself.

This bloodsucker looks much more daunting when standing up.

Until the carriage exited Zongsun Residence did Xiang Shaolong finally heaved a sigh of relief but his whole body is already covered with cold sweat.