Chapter 71: The Master of Tianjian Villa
A dark figure leaped overhead; a wolf appeared before them.
Wei Wanlan didn’t know why a lone wolf, a pack animal, appeared in Fēng Gǔ village.
His vision shook violently, and he felt completely lose his balance. Xiao Ji stood between him and the wolf, pushing Wei Wanlan off the ruins. The scholar threw a stone at the wolf: “Your Majesty, run!”
Wei Wanlan tumbled down…
He ignored his injuries; his friend was standing above, unarmed. A scholar, a pure civil official, couldn’t reason with a beast; he couldn’t fight.
The wolf, missing its attack, let out a guttural breath, its body reeking of animal musk.
“Regent King, big bad guy.”
【Login successful.】
The giant screen of the Good Ruler Cultivation System appeared in the wind and snow, surrounding Wei Wanlan with various props.
Wei Wanlan had no idea which to choose.
He had no time. His friend’s safety was imminent; they were bound together. If the wolf killed his friend, it would easily kill him next.
He chose the icon that seemed most powerful…
One icon was a simple “軍” (jūn – army) character. Wei Wanlan recognized it, thinking that it would summon troops. Even if he summoned the Jinwu Guards from the Zichen Palace, in a life-or-death situation, he couldn’t worry about exposure!
This one!!!
Come out, my Da Wei army!!!
He was prepared for the worst, even mentally summoning the Regent King. The system had already summoned Xiao Ji; before being severely punished by the big bad guy, he had to deal with the wolf. He could fight wolves; he had been through the Hundred Beasts Garden.
A golden light appeared.
The wolf in the ruins was indeed attracted.
A long, slender light appeared in Wei Wanlan’s hand, shimmering and solidifying into a heavy, Zhu-lacquered wooden pole. Wei Wanlan was bewildered.
It wasn’t an army.
A red shadow appeared at the top of the pole, gradually becoming solid, fluttering in the wind and snow; red-bordered, white background, with a large 蘇 (Sū) character.
An army… flag QAQ
——This unhelpful system!
The heavy Sū-character banner was difficult to lift.
The tassels on the banner brushed against the wolf’s head.
The wolf was stunned, but only for a moment. It didn’t perceive much threat. Wei Wanlan’s hand trembled, his strength depleted. The tassels shook even harder.
Props couldn’t be combined. Wei Wanlan forgot to put down the flag and choose again, his vision obstructed by the swaying banner.
The wolf howled, passed the banner, and lunged at Wei Wanlan’s neck!
Wei Wanlan clutched the flagpole, feeling the wolf’s impending bite. He could foresee the end.
It’s over QAQ
“Eleven, stop.”
A voice echoed across the wilderness, causing the wolf to suddenly drop to the ground.
The wolf, well-trained, immediately went from attacking to sitting. A youth in animal skin clothing and armbands suddenly appeared, about eighteen or nineteen years old.
His eyes were very dark, his hair messy.
His voice held a suppressed harshness. Xi Yan drew the dagger at his waist, his gaze lingering only briefly on the Sū-character banner, then he questioned the two: “Are you the Regent King’s subordinates?”
“Of course we are not—”
“…Who else could you be besides the Regent King’s subordinates?”
In matters of right and wrong, Xiao Ji, a man of integrity, wouldn’t compromise for survival.
But Wei Wanlan was different.
He was used to deception; a few lies wouldn’t hurt. Since the youth stopped upon seeing the Sū-character banner, he must have some connection with the Regent King. Besides, the youth had a knife and a wolf, he had to be cautious.
Wei Wanlan’s face didn’t redden; he brazenly used the Regent King’s banner:
“We are acting under the Regent King’s secret orders, passing through Fēng Gǔ village.”
“Do you know that among the dead here is my father?”
Xi Yan asked, his eyes burning with hatred, his hand gripping the hilt of his dagger, pointing the tip at Wei Wanlan.
Wei Wanlan’s throat moved. He saw the wolf also poised to attack. If a single word displeased the youth, he would die.
Political intrigue novels are so annoying!
Wei Wanlan tentatively spoke, offering an ambiguous answer. The youth couldn’t even distinguish between “Dòu Hé village” and “Fēng Gǔ village,” he seemed simple-minded.
He probably would be easier to deceive than the Regent King:
“We didn’t know that your father was among the dead. We were inspired by the spirits, sensing a hero here, so we took out the banner to pay our respects. We didn’t expect that your father was related to our army.”
Xiao Mengshi was stunned.
Such a smooth, subtle excuse would impress even the gods!
The Da Wei emperor, flexible and capable.
Seeing some emotion on the youth’s face, Wei Wanlan decided to continue. The youth was less cunning than the Regent King. Changing tactics, he could gain more favor.
The Da Wei emperor continued: “It must be the spirits’ guidance, which led us to you. And this majestic wolf, we feel incredibly fortunate.”
Wei Wanlan always got along with small animals.
The wolf had received the message “Do not attack Wei Wanlan.” It had foolishly befriended Wei Wanlan. The ferocity in its eyes subsided, becoming calm and friendly. If it weren’t for its master’s restraint, it would have already approached Wei Wanlan for petting.
Xi Yan fell for it.
Xi Yan sheathed his dagger.
Wei Wanlan breathed a sigh of relief. He thanked the big bad guy for training his mental resilience. He saw Xi Yan standing there, suspiciously touching his scabbard, suddenly lowering his voice:
“Since the Regent King secretly sent you to arrest Yuan Xizai, why only two of you?”
The word “only” was charged with emotion.
Xiao Mengshi: “Young hero, do you look down on us?”
Following Wei Wanlan, Xiao Sheren found his rhythm. He was quick-witted, and he responded smoothly:
“I am well-versed in Da Wei’s laws and have many friends in Luoyang. If I disguise myself to approach Yuan Xizai, whether as his advisor or a minor official, who could discover my deception?”
Xiao Mengshi looked like a noble scholar; his appearance was refined and elegant. Even their village teacher wouldn’t match him.
Xi Yan, having lived in Fēng Gǔ village since childhood, was inexperienced. Recognizing the Su family banner, he had already lowered his guard. He looked at Wei Wanlan cautiously:
“What about you? What can you do?”
Soft and tender, like a pampered young master from Chang’an, completely non-threatening.
And everyone knew that the Su family’s army was strictly disciplined.
Wei Wanlan didn’t look like the Regent King’s subordinate.
It was a wonder they could win any battles with such subordinates!
But Wei Wanlan was Wei Wanlan. Understanding Xi Yan’s temperament, he decided to bluff: “I can move objects from a distance. Let me show you.”
He pulled out an icon from the Good Ruler Cultivation System.
It was relatively safe. A folding fan appeared in Wei Wanlan’s hand. Showing off was essential for a wise ruler. He could give the fan to Xiao Ji later.
Xi Yan was immediately impressed, looking Wei Wanlan up and down: “How… did you do that?”
Why would I tell you it’s my built-in cheat?
Wei Wanlan acted mysterious: “Just a magic trick. But if I were among Yuan Xizai’s people, and I suddenly pulled out a knife, killed him, would he die?”
Xi Yan’s chest heaved violently; he gasped, then said hatefully:
“He… should… die.”
Xi Yan completely believed Wei Wanlan.
Xiao Ji seized the opportunity, knowing that Xi Yan, after the snowstorm and village destruction, was still alive, his wilderness survival skills were extraordinary.
Xiao Ji said, “Since we’re here to arrest Yuan Xizai, the evidence gathering in Fēng Gǔ village is complete. Walking to the next village will waste time. Young hero, can you help us leave Fēng Gǔ village and get to Luoyang?”
Xi Yan said, “Why go to the prefectural office to kill him? It’s heavily guarded. It’s better to lie in wait here, waiting for that dog to appear, and eliminate all the corrupt officials!” Xi Yan was about to draw his knife again.
Wei Wanlan didn’t dare let him draw his knife; he had to continue his deception:
“Young hero, wait. The country has laws; we’ll bring down the corrupt officials through proper procedures, Yuan Xizai will be disgraced. But if we assassinate him here, even if he dies, he’ll still have his title, perhaps even a grand funeral…”
“He… dares!!!”
The young man’s eyes were bloodshot.
“I’ll take you out of the village!!!”
Xi Yan immediately acted, the wolf behind him. Wei Wanlan and Xiao Ji followed closely.
They didn’t follow the village path.
They climbed into the snowy mountains.
Xi Yan led the way, his dagger skillfully cutting through branches. The sound of breaking branches mingled with the wind and snow.
Hunters spent most of their time in the mountains; they had huts in the mountains, nothing unusual.
Xi Yan’s hut was surrounded by a fence; behind the hut was a stable with two wild horses, which he and his father had tamed. The horses were well-fed, showing the owner’s skill.
The horses were fitted with Da Wei military saddles…
They were just old, the bridles worn smooth and shiny.
Xi Yan handed the reins to the two: “If you fail to kill Yuan Zēi (Yuan Xizai), and are implicated, after I kill Yuan Xizai, I’ll come to Chang’an and kill you.”
The youth was full of murderous intent.
Wei Wanlan feared he would go crazy and stab them.
Although he knew that the youth must have a story to tell, who were his parents? What was his relationship with the Su family? Why was he here… He dared not ask. He quickly thanked him, taking the reins; Xiao Ji bowed deeply, promising to eliminate Yuan Xizai.
Leaving Fēng Gǔ village, on the Luoyang mountain road.
Wei Wanlan couldn’t ride, so he hugged the horse’s neck. Xiao Ji wasn’t much better.
Along the way, Xiao Ji guessed, “When Yuan Xizai ordered the village to be destroyed, Xi Yan must have been hunting with his father. Only Xi Yan’s mother was left behind, unable to evacuate, and was crushed to death. Xi Yan’s father fought with the officials, and likely died. Xi Yan escaped to the mountains and has been hiding there until now.”
The arm was most likely Xi Yan’s father’s.
All because of Yuan Xizai!
Before reaching Luoyang City, Wei Wanlan’s hatred for Yuan Xizai reached its peak.
Hugging the horse’s neck, they reached the city gate. The scene of Dongdu was magnificent and grand.
Wei Wanlan and Xiao Ji were cold and hungry, looking like two snowmen. Wei Wanlan was freezing; his ears were numb.
After entering the city, they had to find out where the prefectural office was, and then find the most comfortable inn to clean up and rest. Then continue the investigation.
They paid the city entrance fee, and the two wild horses walked slowly towards the main road. Wei Wanlan relaxed his vigilance, drowsiness overcoming him. He loosened his grip on the horse’s neck.
The horse shook its body.
Wei Wanlan’s heart lurched; he was about to fall!
But at that moment, a pair of hands steadied him.
The owner of the hands lifted him back onto the horse. Wei Wanlan thought he felt his waist being squeezed lightly, a tingling sensation.
He looked at his savior.
Wei Wanlan blurted out, “Coachman!”
The coachman was no longer wearing simple clothes. He was dressed in elegant attire, with silver trim, ornate patterns, and golden peonies embroidered on the front and bottom. The dark silk couldn’t hide his handsome features and elegant posture.
He also wore a sword, a long and beautiful sword.
“Mmm.”
The response was still cold, and Wei Wanlan felt guilty.
If he hadn’t just been saved, he would have thought the man was about to attack him.
“I’m sorry QAQ” He shrank his neck. “Coachman, I’m sorry for leaving you in the snow. We were rushing to Luoyang, were you cold?”
Wei Wanlan lowered his head, admitting his mistake. He had rushed to Luoyang, enduring hardship, and only now had his feet dried from the mud and snow.
The coachman’s pupils reflected a dirty, pitiful young emperor.
Wei Wanlan felt, perhaps it was his imagination, that the man, though still angry, seemed less aggressive.
Wei Wanlan’s breathing became easier; he looked sincerely at the man:
“Don’t be angry, okay? I’ll be scared.”
The anger lessened further.
The coachman stood with his hands behind his back, a nasal sound escaping his lips: “I deceived you first. I’m not a coachman, no wonder you suspected.”
Several sword-wielding disciples approached, addressing the man respectfully:
“Please give your orders, Master!”
There was a Tianjian (Heavenly Sword) Villa in the martial arts world.
Wei Wanlan hadn’t heard of it before, but given the coachman’s presence, he couldn’t be an ordinary person. So he wasn’t connected to the Regent King? He was just coincidentally traveling under an assumed name, not the big bad guy’s spy?
Whew, as long as he wasn’t taking him back to Chang’an.
Wei Wanlan felt relieved, hearing the Master of Tianjian Villa say softly, “You have some connection with the court. We have the same goal. I can provide military support. After you arrest Yuan Zēi, can you allow me to interrogate him privately?”
—So, he’d been following them to make a deal.
If he asked for nothing and offered assistance, Wei Wanlan would have refused. There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
But this man had the bearing of a master and had a request…
Wei Wanlan was wavering. The man seemed less suspicious than the Regent King’s spy.
He seemed to be like Xi Yan, someone with a personal vendetta against Yuan Xizai.
Wei Wanlan nodded, continuing to use his alias, changing three characters to two, feeling safe:
“My name is Xiaowan, Wei Xiaowan. Let’s cooperate happily~”
Xiao Ji suddenly said from his horse, “No, Young Master, this man’s background is unknown, how does he know our background…”
He had prepared an answer. The Regent King sighed softly:
“Yuan Zēi’s actions deserve death. The rules of the martial arts world and the court don’t conflict. A righteous person can use force against the law. I’ll start with this.”
What a noble sentiment!
He diverted the conversation!
Xiao Ji felt inferior, a suspicious clown. Xiao Sheren twitched his mouth.
The Master of Tianjian Villa’s words aroused a gentle wave in Wei Wanlan’s eyes: “Coachman, you’re amazing.”
“Xiaowan.” The man called out suddenly.
Although his tone was calm, his voice was thick, causing Wei Wanlan’s cheeks to flush. He was being called by his nickname in public:
“I’m… what?”
The Regent King’s mouth twitched slightly. He calmly took the young emperor’s hand, writing two characters in his palm:
“I have a name without characters. You can call me this.”