Book 50 Chapter 3 – Too Busy to Attend to Other Things

Translator: Foxs" Wuxia

Just the instant before Zexina hit the ball, from being separated, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling turned to crash themselves against each other.

Just like the other people, Zexina could not figure out the two boys’ intention. Colliding against each other like that, the horses would undoubtedly be injured; but he had a faint feeling that based on the out of the ordinary horsemanship that the two displayed previously, they couldn’t possibly be that useless. Too busy to think too much, plus he had no choice, he seized the opportunity while Kou Zhong was patting the horse’s b.u.t.t to move to the middle and thus was exposing a gap, he swept the ball toward Kesa, who was at the northern borderline with no one entangling him.

‘Bang!’ the two rides collided.

Xu Ziling, as steady as Mount Tai, continued to charge forward, only his direction changed slightly, his target was Zexina’s right side. While Kou Zhong, amidst the people outside the arena’s cry of alarm and the women turned pale – flew at an angle due to the impact with Xu Ziling’s ride, he crossed over eight zhang of empty s.p.a.ce like an immortal from heaven. The hoofs of his horse had not even touched the ground, he bent down from the horseback, the stick in his hand stretched out, without missing a hairsbreadth he poked the ball rolling toward Kesa.

The ball changed direction toward Li Yuanji, who was galloping into the east field.

The cry of alarm turned into applause filling the air, the drummers struck the drums, staking everything they had, ‘Boom! Boom! Boom!’

From the vilest, Li Yuanji’s mood grew to intense delight; catching and holding on to the ball, without saying anything further, he proceeded to attack the gate.

Zexina wanted to turn his horse around to intercept, but Xu Ziling, who was one step ahead of him, blocked him on the outside. He could only stare blankly as he watched Li Yuanji sending the ball into the goal.

Cheers and applause exploded. With spring breeze across his whole face, Li Yuanji returned in triumph, which made Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong begin to understand the reason behind why the ministers who served inside the imperial courts of the successive generations of the House of Han were able to accomplish their ambition more.

It does not matter whether you are a high-ranking minister at the border region or a fierce general on military expedition to outside region, the emperor who stayed deep in the palace for a long time would neither see nor sense their toil and accomplishments. All those brilliant exploits and great undertaking would never compare to cordial feeling of helping him achieving victory on a ball game. Therefore, by letting Li Yuan satisfying his cravings of living an ordinary people’s life, Yin Zuwen could gain Li Yuan’s trust and favor more than Li Shimin, who was going through fire and water outside the Pa.s.s.

All the three points of the second set of the second half of the game were won over, now the Persian team was only ahead by one point. If in the last set the Li Clan could repeat their total victory, then they would be able to pick off the victory garland.

Zhang Jieyu, Yin De Fei, Dong Shuni, and the others, a group of more than a dozen of grandiose imperial concubines swarmed down from the spectator’s grandstand to welcome Li Yuan, the situation was lively and chaotic.

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling focused their attention to search around, unexpectedly Shen Luoyan’s fragrant self was gone, You Chuhong and Dugu Feng’s [phoenix] trace was also lost; inwardly they knew the turn of events was not too encouraging, yet sadly they were unable to get away. Fortunately, Li Jing, husband and wife, were not present at the field either. Without any better option, they hoped that the two would succeed in intercepting and notifying Shen Luoyan.

This moment Li Yuan and Li Yuanji did not have time to pay them any attention. Xu and Kou, two men handed the horses and the sticks over to Cheng Mo’s men while they walked over to one side.

Kou Zhong spoked in low voice, “His Niang’s! The other side unexpectedly are able to play such a trick; even if Shen Meiren went to advise Li Mi not to go out of the Pa.s.s, it won’t matter whether Li Mi listens to her or not, the whole thing about Shen Meiren should stop right there. Could it be that the Dugu Family is able to use this as a pretext to offend Shen Meiren, to act first and report later [orig. to decapitate first and present the trophy later (idiom)]? That would be akin to forcing Li Shiji to rebel; it would be even more difficult to answer Li Shimin later.”

Standing on the sideline, Xu Ziling pondered deeply and said, “Naturally things can’t be that simple. For example, what if Li Mi forced Shen Luoyan to go out the Pa.s.s with him?”

Frowning, Kou Zhong said, “Li Mi’s going out of the Pa.s.s has received Li Yuan’s personal approval, for the time being, Li Yuan cannot reap the consequences of his words [idiom from Mencius]. If this matter of going out the Pa.s.s is legitimate, by making his move to force Shen Meiren and escort her out of the Pa.s.s, won’t that expose that he is harboring evil intentions? Li Mi can’t be that stupid, can he?”

Xu Ziling sighed and said, “Don’t forget that Yang WenGan has guaranteed that after leaving Chang’an, there will be a proper arrangement. Therefore, as long as Li Mi can pa.s.s the hurdle of the city defense, he will no longer have any misgivings. Furthermore, with Shen Luoyan, this bargaining chip, in hands, he could coerce Li Shiji to obey him. The impact is enormous, Li Mi cannot but taking this risk; even more, he is not afraid to take this risk.”

After a short pause, he continued, “As for Li Yuan letting Li Mi leaving the city, it is the execution of a plan, so I am sure there will be a follow up, it’s just that we cannot figure out his strategy, that’s all!”

Revealing a solemn expression, Kou Zhong nodded and said, “Your a.n.a.lysis is very reasonable. If Li Mi really forced Shen Luoyan to go together with him, Li Yuan could point out that Shen Luoyan and Li Mi have the same intention to rebel; that would be extremely bad. What should we do now?”

Xu Ziling said, “No matter what, Li Mi will need one or two sichen before he could start on his journey. After we finish this game, we will immediately contact Li Dage, as long as we can grasp Li Mi’s whereabouts, we can rescue Shen Luoyan back, let Li Mi emerges and perishes on his own, it has nothing to do with us.”

His spirit aroused, Kou Zhong said, “All right, that will be our decision!”

The last set began. The Persian team’s confidence was frustrated, it was crushed down by the Great Tang team. On the trick of playing polo, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were holding the pearl of wisdom [fig. to be endowed with extraordinary intelligence]; not only they mastered many different kinds of techniques, they even saw through and understood the Persian people’s tactics. This side is diminishing the other side is flourishing, they had the Persians, who previously were able to move unhindered across the playing field, who considered themselves unexcelled in the world – like a toy in the palm of their hands, and were able to give Li Yuan as much opportunity as possible to bury the shame and score a goal. Amidst the drumbeats and the cheering, Li Yuan greatly showed off his divine might. With the next point, both sides were in a tie, the Persians lost their lead.

Troops in defeat like a landslide, everybody, including the Persian team’s other members, knew that the Persian’s side has lost their momentum. Even if they wanted to forge ahead, they only had the mind but not the power to do so. Hamomei and the others’ expression became disheartened and helpless.

Li Yuan suddenly called a halt. Within the crow and peac.o.c.k made no sound, he galloped to the middle of the field, reined his horse, and shouted, “Let this game of polo ends at this point. Both sides have used the game to talk about harmony. May our Great Tang and the Persian kingdom be in peaceful coexistence for many generations, our friendship will be solid forever.”

His speech was beyond everybody’s expectation; it demonstrated Li Yuan’s magnificent magnanimity. Immediately the cry ‘Wansui’ shook the sky and shattered the earth. On the Persian’s side, everybody showed a touched and grateful expression.

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were glad that the game ended this way, so that they could leave as soon as possible. Hamomei and the others hurriedly rushed forward to express their grat.i.tude to Li Yuan. But Li Yuanji spoke to Kou and Xu, two men, “You have established great merit, Fu Huang is extremely happy. You can go to the side and rest, wait for Fu Huang’s decree.” Finished speaking, he galloped toward Li Yuan, who was still talking cordially with the team members from the Persian’s side.

At this time the entire traversing public square was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with festive atmosphere; one after another imperial concubines and high-ranking officials came to the middle of the field to respectfully congratulate Li Yuan, the situation was a bit chaotic. The two boys flew off their mounts and handed the horses, as well as the polo sticks, to the imperial guards serving them. Happy and excited, Cheng Mo met and took the two to the sideline, while unable to stop praising their outstanding performance.

Yet not even half a sentence entered the two boys’ ears, because they were only thinking about how to get away to rescue Shen Luoyan.

After waiting painstakingly for more than a sichen, finally they received Li Yuan’s summon.

Li Yuan received them in his personal political palace hall, which was located east of the tribute hall inside the rear palace complex. In the hall, Wei Gonggong, Yuwen Shang, Li Yuanji, Li Nantian, Li Shentong, Xiao Yu, and Liu Wenjing were also present.

Li Yuan looked happy; he praised their performance on the playing field first, and then he said, “Your polo skill is indeed outstanding, your horsemanship is even more brilliant, it could only be above the Tujue people, not under them. Such talent is buried in Jianghu, it is indeed a pity. Have you ever thought about vowing loyalty to the imperial court and establishing merit?”

Kou Zhong cried, ‘Not good!’ inwardly; he said, “Huangshang’s special favor [from a ruler], Xiaoren, the two of us can only shed tears of grat.i.tude, however ... ay! However ...”

This moment Wei Gonggong walked over by Li Yuan’s dragon chair’s side; stooping down by his ear, he spoke something in low voice and then retreated.

Without any sign of displeasure at all Li Yuan looked at Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling standing respectfully under the stone steps; he smiled, nodded, and said, “Zhen understands two gentlemen’s situation. Zhen will give you one year to finish your Jianghu affairs well, and then you will separate yourselves from the gangs and societies and come here to serve Zhen.”

The two promptly thanked the Emperor for his favor.

Li Yuanji laughed and said, “Fu Huang and I will wait for you to come back and play ball again!”

The others laughed. The atmosphere was pleasant and relaxed. The two took this opportunity to pet.i.tion to be excused. They finally managed to get away and leave the palace.

Cheng Mo personally led the imperial bodyguards to escort them back to the Situ Mansion, they acted with diligent care to fawn on the two, making the two felt that although they have not really become petty official in the House of Tang, they have become the Emperor’s favorites that others regarded as having good prospects. Whether their future official post would be high or low, they would at least become the member of the monarch’s inner ministerial circle who would accompany Li Yuan to play polo. Merely this fact was enough to make them ascend to the dragon gate, their reputation increased a hundredfold.

Both Li Jing and Hou Xibai have been waiting in the inner hall for a long time. Lei Jiuzhi took them in; he said, “We have made adequate preparation, we could leave any moment. Chen Fu obtained Li Jing’s a.s.surance, hence he will stay in Chang’an with peace of mind. Ay! It is me and Song ErYe who are worried about him.”

Shen Luoyan’s affair was still hanging in the two boys’ mind, they picked up speed to walk faster. As soon as they entered the hall, they asked Li Jing without any chitchat, “Did you intercept Shen Luoyan?”

Li Jing told them to sit down around the table first, and then he said, “No opportunity, but no need to worry, Li Mi already notified the city guard that he will leave the city at dusk, by taking the boat to get out of the Pa.s.s. We still have nearly two sichen to work.”

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling heaved a sigh of relief at the same time.

Xu Ziling said, “Didn’t Li Dage send someone to keep watch over Li Mi?”

Shaking his head, Li Jing said, “We discovered that the imperial guards stationed some men outside Li Mi’s Mansion, hence we were forced to retreat.”

Stunned, Kou Zhong said, “In that case, you don’t know whether Shen Luoyan has come to see Li Mi?”

Li Jing replied, “I have no choice either; now Huangshang has made it clear that he is going to deal with Li Mi personally. If they find out that we are involved in this, even jumping into the Yellow River will not be enough to wash away the suspicion. I have no choice but giving consideration to the overall situation.”

Hou Xibai volunteered himself, saying, “It would be better for me, an outsider who has nothing to do whatsoever with this matter to throw my cap in the ring. Perhaps I could intercept Shen Meiren.”

Xu Ziling shook his head and said, “I’m afraid it’s a step too late. Li Mi chose to leave at dusk, it must be because he wants to use the night as a cover so that as soon as he is out of the city, he is free to move his feet to leave in stealth, so that Li Yuan cannot pursue him even if he wants to.”

“How many people will be in Li Mi’s group?” Kou Zhong asked.

Li Jing replied, “Li Mi and w.a.n.g Bodang, plus the troops under their command are more than a thousand, and then there are freight carts, more than thirty of them. Unless they have other arrangements, if they get out of the Pa.s.s via the waterway, Huangshang can still intercept them any moment before they get out of the Pa.s.s.”

Puzzled, Song Shidao asked, “At most Shen Luoyan fails to advice Li Mi to abandon his intention to leave the Pa.s.s, everybody parts on bad terms, so what’s the problem?”

Smiling bitterly, Kou Zhong said, “The problem is that Li Mi is a man who – in order to seek success – will do whatever it takes, by hook or by crook. On top of that Yang WenGan instigated him in order to frame him. Maybe, taking a risk out of desperation, he would subdue her and kidnap her, in order to threaten Xu Shiji. It should be noted that Li Yuan has never been too trusting to Xu Shiji, who holds ma.s.sive military force in his palm, hence he had Shen Luoyan staying in the capital. Now Shen Meiren’er unexpectedly follow Li Mi to leave the city. Merely this one act is enough to charge Shen Luoyan with big crime of treason, and it would be difficult for Li Shimin to protect both of them.”

Shaken, Li Jing said, “We have never thought that Li Mi might have this move. What shall we do now?”

Xu Ziling said, “If we break into Li Mi Mansion now, it will only mess things up, hence any action we take must be carried out outside the city. It is inadvisable for Li Dage’s side to touch this matter, Xibai might want to stay out of this as well, it would be best for you to proceed to Shang Lin Yuan to enjoy the wind, flower, snow and moon. Let us get out of the city one step earlier to wait for Li Mi’s fleet, and then we will see the opportunity and act accordingly.”

Under Kou Zhong and the others’ forceful persuasion, Li Jing finally gave up his partic.i.p.ation. Tian Ce Fu really should not be involved in this matter, because that would mean they were going directly against Li Yuan.

After Li Jing left, the crowd changed the topic of their discussion to how to deal with Shi Zhixuan, which gave them another headache.

Muttering to himself irresolutely, Kou Zhong said, “Naturally the painting should be handed over to Shi Zhixuan, otherwise, how is he going to step down the stage?”

Knitting his brows, Lei Jiuzhi sid, “Since we have two scrolls of reproduction anyway, giving him one scroll is the exertion of lifting our hand. The problem is that if he knew that the real painting is still in Li Yuan’s hands, if he gets angry, the consequences will be hard to fathom.”

Song Shidao said, “On the contrary, there’s no need to worry about that. Unless among the people by Li Yuan’s side like Wei Gonggong, Yuwen Shang, and the others, there is a mole that Shi Zhixuan planted in the palace. Otherwise, they definitely will not leak out any information. Furthermore, Shi Zhixuan cannot ask about a secret that is even hidden from Yin Zuwen. What I am worried about is that after obtaining the fake painting, Shi Zhixuan would use some method to toss the painting back into Chi Shengchun’s hands. In turn, Chi Shengchun might present the painting as a betrothal gift to Hu Fo, and then Hu Fo will see that it’s a fake. If that happens, then the consequences will be really hard to fathom.”

Kou Zhong slapped the table and blurted out, “I got it!”

Everybody was stunned.

Kou Zhong took the two scrolls of reproductions and stuffed both into Hou Xibai’s hands; he said with a laugh, “One scroll to be given to Shi Zhixuan as a present, the other scroll may be able to be used to swap with the real painting. Ha ha ha ...!”

Kou Zhong’s Cai Yuanyong stopped by at the gate, asking for an audience with Chi Shengchun. After the doorman reported his visit, Chi Shengchun personally came out to meet him. He asked in surprise, “What wind brings Cai Xiong to my humble abode? Shengchun was thinking of seeing you off, but was afraid that Cai Xiong’s boss will not be happy.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, Kou Zhong said, “It’s good that I get to see Chi Ye; I was afraid Chi Ye already went to the casino and thus I pounced empty air.”

Chi Shengchun pulled his hand and took him to the main hall; he said with a laugh, “Whatever it is, feel free to speak up. We are all of the same side, whatever it is, Shengchun will definitely try to accomplish it for Cai Xiong. Ha! I hear that in the palace today, Cai Xiong and Kuang Xiong have greatly revealed your divine might on the polo field, making Huangshang’s dragon heart greatly delighted. Two gentlemen’s future outlook cannot be estimated.”

Kou Zhong acted as if he wanted to say something but then hesitated; lowering his voice, he said, “This time I am coming to Chi Ye not to ask for any favor, rather, I have an important matter I want to report. Ay! Wentong and I thought about it all day long, finally we recalled how affectionate and true Chi Ye was to us. If we are fully aware about this matter but conceal it from Chi Ye, how could we live with our conscience?”

This moment the two men entered the main hall. Chi Shengchun was stunned and came to a halt. Puzzled, he asked, “What is actually the matter? Why does Yuanyong seem to have a hidden trouble that is hard to mention?”

Kou Zhong leaned over and whispered in his ear, “After hearing this, Chi Ye must never, ever tell anybody else, otherwise Da Laoban and all of us will be beheaded.”

Chi Shengchun revealed a suspicious look; turning toward the two beautiful maids in the hall, who were ready to wait upon them, he shouted, “You may withdraw.”

After the two maids left the hall, Chi Shengchun invited Kou Zhong to take a seat in a corner. He asked in heavy voice, “What is actually the matter?”

Kou Zhong said, “This morning, Xiao Yu came over to invite our Shen Ye into the palace, to authenticate a painting for Huangshang.”

Chi Shengchun’s countenance changed. “What painting?” he asked.

Kou Zhong lowered his voice and said, “Didn’t Cao San steal Zhan Ziqian’s ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’ from Chi Ye? Turns out that roll is just counterfeit article, the real deal is in Huangshang’s hands. It was because Huangshang did not know whether Chi Ye’s scroll is real, or whether the one in his hands is real, thereupon he invited Shen Ye to look over. According to what Shen Ye said, the ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’ in Huangshang’s hands is certainly the original copy.”

Chi Shengchun’s countenance changed several times, showing that overflowing-the-heaven huge billows were surging in his heart; he was bewildered and could not make up his mind, he was speechless and remained silent.

Kou Zhong said, “Huangshang implored Shen Ye over and over again not to leak this matter out, so much so that he is not to tell Da Laoban; but how could Shen Ye conceal it from Da Laoban? I knew about this matter because I overheard them speaking. Chi Ye should quickly recall the ten-thousand-tael gold reward, how could a fake painting worth such price?”

Chi Shengchun finally came back to his senses. Forcing himself to squeeze out a hint of smile, he said, “Fortunately Yuanyong notified me of this matter, I, Chi Shengchun will surely repay this. Yuanyong, please sit here for a moment, I will be right back.”

Kou Zhong accompanied him standing up and said, “Chi Ye must not give us any more gold, this time I came here is to repay Chi Ye’s benevolence. As long as Chi Ye keeps the secret ...”

How could Chi Shengchun believe him? He insisted that Kou Zhong sit back down, while he himself went into the inner hall.

Kou Zhong smirked inwardly. He had full confidence that Chi Shengchun would be duped, simply because there was already previous conviction of Liu Wenjing coming to ask him the painting, plus that night it was indeed Li Yuan who made his move to steal the painting. Chi Shengchun was not a fool, naturally he was able to guess the truth.

Since Chi Shengchun now know that the real painting was in Li Yuan’s hands, even if Shi Zhixuan delivered the painting into his hands, even if Chi Shengchun had guts as big as the sky, he would not dare to take the painting as betrothal gift, because if it was not a reproduction, it must be the real article stolen from the palace.

Thinking back and forth, the whole quarter hour pa.s.sed yet he still did not see Chi Shengchun coming back from getting some silver.

Kou Zhong was also thinking about dealing with Shi Zhixuan, he secretly mused that rescuing Shen Luoyan was more important. Without any better option, putting Shi Zhixuan in order must wait until tomorrow night. After he came back, he must carefully discuss this matter with Wanwan.

As he was waiting impatiently, Chi Shengchun finally came back, carrying a bag heavy laden with gold. Looking at how heavy it was, it should be over a hundred taels.

Kou Zhong hurriedly stood up and said, “Chi Ye should not stand on ceremony, I really came here not to ask for silver.” [Note: the same word could mean either money or silver.]

Chi Shengchun resolutely stuffed the bag into his hand, he laughed and said, “Friends mean going through wealth together, not to mention Yuanyong is giving me, Chi Shengchun such a consideration. If you decline again, that means you don’t consider me as your own brother.”

And then he lowered his voice and said, “After paying back your gambling debts, the remainder can be considered a gambling capital, ha!”

Kou Zhong noticed that when he spoke the last two sentences, a mocking expression flashed through his eyes; inwardly he was greatly astonished, but naturally he would not reveal it. Acting reluctant, he received the gold.

With his arm around Kou Zhong’s shoulders, Chi Shengchun walked him out the door, saying, “Whenever Yuanyong and Wentong are back in Chang’an, you must come to look for me, Chi Shengchun. Afterwards we are all family; blessing we enjoy together, but disaster does not concern us, brothers. Ha!”

And then he spoke in low voice, “It would be best if Yuanyong don’t take big streets, big alleys; if someone found out that you came to see me, it won’t be a good thing.”

Inwardly Kou Zhong was shaken; he finally understood.

The mocking expression in Chi Shengchun’s eyes just now was laughing at him that he had the life to get the money, but he would not have the life to enjoy these riches. Chi Shengchun went to the inner hall for such a long time, it was not because he prepared the gold, but to tell his men to ambush and kill him on his way back. The reason of the murder was not that Chi Shengchun was reluctant to part with this much of gold, but because he wanted to frame Guanzhong Jian Pai.

Imagine that he died of violence on the street, Li Yuan would definitely fly into a terrible rage; plus Er Wenhuan and Qiao Gongshan could forge human testimony and material evidence, the City Guard’s Yao Luo could also prove Guanzhong Jian Pai’s operation in killing the Taihang Shuang Jie, how could Guanzhong Jian Pai avoid disaster?

This was certainly not a last-moment decision in Chi Shengchun’s mind; rather, it was a well-thought plan. Now that Taihang Shuang Jie have become favorites of those in power at the House of Tang, it would be even more beneficial to Chi Shengchun’s plan.

Naturally Kou Zhong could not possibly expose Chi Shengchun’s despicable plot; with ‘Hee hee, ha ha’ he left the Chi Mansion.