Chapter 24: Carrying A Letter
After a round of impassioned speech, Xiao Yi clearly noticed Li Tao and Li Fang exchange a glance, their expressions shifting.
His heart settled slightly, but the next moment, Li Tao’s voice suddenly turned sharp.
“You brat, if I let you go, you’ll go to Ye Du to instigate Guo Wei to raise an army? How many more common people will be plunged back into the flames of war? Mingyuan, this child must not be kept alive, kill him!”
“Yes.”
Li Fang responded, sneering at Xiao Yi, “You’re very clever, but you’ve misjudged. Duke Xin Chen prioritizes the stability of the common people and the state, while you use the power of a strong regional warlord to coerce and lure. How laughable.”
“Hmph!”
Li Tao flicked his sleeve and left.
For a moment, Xiao Yi was genuinely intimidated by the two of them.
However, on second thought, would they not still be vassals if Guo Wei declared himself emperor?
Then, this act of prioritizing the common people and the state must be a performance.
Why perform? There must be a motive.
Because… they knew Guo Wei commanded a strong army and wanted to place their bet, yet also didn’t want to get too deeply involved.
Craftier than ghosts.
Xiao Yi decided to play along. Mimicking Li Tao, he flicked his sleeve, put his hands behind his back, and gave a slight, cold smile.
“Covering one’s ears while stealing a bell, how ridiculous!”
Li Tao, who had just reached the door, stopped upon hearing this and asked, “Are you cursing me?”
“I wouldn’t dare.” Xiao Yi cupped his hands and said, “This junior is merely wondering, if Duke Xin Chen hides this from Guo Wei, will everything be alright?”
“You insolent brat, if I don’t let you go, then I’ll be the one hiding it from Guo Wei? Twisted logic, simply detestable.”
Xiao Yi said, “I just believe that rather than letting Guo Wei hear about this from someone else, it would be better for Duke Xin Chen to write a letter himself, clarify the righteousness of the matter, and advise him not to be blinded by anger and to prioritize the overall situation of the state.”
With that one sentence, the woodshed fell silent.
Li Fang’s mocking smile vanished from his lips, and surprise flickered in his eyes as he nodded.
Li Tao, however, belittled him a couple more times.
“Why would I need you to deliver the letter?”
“If someone else is sent, and they are intercepted by Li Song or Su Fengji, it would backfire on Duke Xin Chen. I was able to escape from the Shi Residence, so I can reach Ye Du. Even if I am discovered, it would be attributed to the Shi Residence’s leftovers, with no connection to Duke Xin Chen.”
The woodshed remained quiet for a moment.
Li Tao stroked his beard and murmured, “In this way, perhaps the common people can be spared from war?”
“Duke Xin Chen is noble!” Xiao Yi said, “This letter should not be signed by Duke Xin Chen, to avoid turmoil in the Imperial Court. Brother Li can draft it.”
Li Fang, being decisive, no longer tested him. He bowed to Li Tao and said, “Duke Xin Chen, rest assured, your nephew will handle this matter properly.”
“Very well.”
Li Tao nodded and stepped over the threshold.
A simple Crane Cloak disappeared into the night, and with it, the oppressive aura.
Finally, Xiao Yi knew he had survived. He let out a long sigh of relief.
“Follow me.” Li Fang’s smile also softened as he led him outside, casually praising him like an old friend, “Truly impressive. Second Young Master has a silver tongue and a sharp wit.”
“Brother Li misunderstands, I am truly not Second Young Master Shi.”
“Alright, Xiao Yi, I’ve noted that.”
Li Fang gave a self-deprecating smile, a look of relief appearing in his eyes, and no longer dwelled on the matter.
Instantly, Xiao Yi understood why Li Fang and Li Tao had speculated if he was Second Young Master Shi.
The truth was to ensure he would go to Guo Wei.
An old servant from Li Song’s household might flee once outside the city. But Second Young Master Shi, in order to survive and avenge his family, could only go to Ye Du.
They weren’t concerned about his identity; they were concerned about whether they could use him.
His survival was not just due to his skills and insight, but most importantly, his determination to go north.
Xiao Yi firmly remembered this realization: whether one’s life was valuable depended on how much value it held.
Li Fang said, “Rest in my room. After I write the letter for Duke Xin Chen to review, I’ll find a way to send you out of the residence tomorrow.”
“No.” Xiao Yi paused, “I’ll leave tonight.”
Li Fang pushed open the door of the woodshed and glanced at the sky, “You can’t leave at night. The City Gate is not open, and there are Patrol Soldiers everywhere.”
“I’m going to the Guo Residence. I must go tonight.”
“You’re afraid… it will be too late tomorrow?”
Xiao Yi had pondered this question for a long time. He nodded, “After eliminating the Shi Family, he will surely deal with the Guo Family immediately.”
“Alright, follow me.”
Li Fang quickly understood and quickened his pace.
Xiao Yi followed him to a Guest Courtyard.
As soon as Li Fang entered the room, he lit a lamp and ground ink, saying, “You can take a short nap on my couch. I’ll send you out of the residence once I’ve written the letter.”
It was simple working with intelligent people. Xiao Yi was not polite either. He lay down fully clothed and said, “Okay, make sure to wake me before dawn.”
“Don’t worry.”
Xiao Yi was also tired. Listening to the faint sound of ink being ground, he closed his eyes and fell straight asleep.
…
He was woken by a push.
When he woke, the night was as deep as ink. Li Fang handed him an envelope and said, “You actually managed to sleep.”
“I’m used to it, sleeping whenever I get a chance.”
“Now that you mention it, I’m starting to believe you were a servant.”
Xiao Yi was speechless.
He had been like livestock before, not a servant.
Taking the letter and tucking it inside his clothes, he asked, “How do I get out?”
“What’s the hurry? If you leave like this, will you even reach the Guo Residence?”
Li Fang turned and brought over a green Official Robe, saying, “Change into this.”
Xiao Yi didn’t waste words and immediately changed.
The Official Robe was very new, clearly just tailored, and still carried a faint scent of soap.
“Is this Brother Li’s Official Robe?”
“Mm, I haven’t worn it yet. It’s your good fortune.”
Although Xiao Yi was young, his build was similar to Li Fang’s, so it fit him well.
He put on the Official Boots and then took a bronze-buckled Belt, tying it and adjusting it, feeling a sense of authority.
Li Fang picked up the black Headwear and placed it on him, muttering, “If I pawn your sable cloak, I wonder if it will be enough to cover the cost of this outfit.”
“This kindness, I will repay Brother Li in the future.”
“Someone else will repay me. Don’t you worry about it.”
Saying this, Li Fang tossed over a Crane Cloak, letting Xiao Yi put it on himself. He looked him up and down and nodded approvingly.
“A fine appearance, barely worthy of my clan sister.”
“Brother Li misunderstands.”
“It’s good that it’s a misunderstanding.”
Li Fang spoke quickly and handed over an Official Document.
Xiao Yi took it and looked, exclaiming in surprise, “Is this… a forgery you made?”
The paper was exquisite Fine Silk Paper, inscribed with: “By Imperial Decree to the Gatekeeper: Xiao Yi, presented with an early swift examination and profound wisdom, is appointed to the Han Academy, to reward current talents, he is to serve as Secretary Province Textual Editor. You shall diligently examine all texts, collate lost writings, temper your character, uphold your conduct, and not neglect your duties. Qianyou First Year, Eighth Month, Eighth Day.” Following this was a large Official Seal.
“This seal?”
“A radish stamp. How’s the craftsmanship?”
“Indistinguishable from the real thing.”
Li Fang smiled slightly, “I’m skilled in seal carving. Just a small hobby.”
“Brother Li is truly talented. You’ll never starve to death in this life.”
“Don’t joke with me… Here’s your Luggage back. The Dagger and Flint have been returned. It’s not appropriate to carry a Hand Crossbow when going out, so take my Personal Sword instead.”
Li Fang pushed the items on the Desk towards him.
Xiao Yi picked up the sword first, drew it, and casually performed a sword flourish, testing its feel.
The hilt was wrapped in only a layer of Leather, it was hard, weighed about two jin, which was just right, and was over eighty centimeters long… Overall, it was quite handy.
Li Fang’s eyes lit up and he asked, “An expert?”
“A little bit, just a small hobby.”
“Then you won’t starve either, but you might get beaten to death. This sword cost me seventeen strings of cash to have a master craftsman forge. Remember to repay me when you’re successful, with four percent monthly interest. But if you’re caught, I only ask that you don’t betray me.”
“Brother Li is good in all aspects, except he’s too cautious and stingy.”
“You’re quite generous, give me a few Pearls.”
“I’ll need expenses for the journey. By the way, do you have an iron hook and Rope?”
“What kind? Is one for hanging preserved meat acceptable?”
“Yes, for climbing walls.”
“Let’s go, we can get some from the Kitchen on the way.”
The two chatted idly to alleviate their tension, but their steps were not slow. While talking, they passed through the Kitchen and arrived at a small side door on another side of the Li Residence.
“Here, a Lantern… Do you know why I’m giving you a Lantern?”
Xiao Yi said, “Shining brightly to illuminate the way, it conversely won’t attract suspicion.”
“Because Kaifeng City is too dark.” Li Fang said casually, pulled open the Door Bolt, and said, “I won’t see you off.”
“We’ll meet again.”
Xiao Yi strode out quickly, and the sound of a creaking door closing immediately came from behind him.
The brief and fragile sanctuary was once again sealed off.
Xiao Yi took a deep breath of the crisp night air, tightening his grip on the green Official Robe. The bronze-buckled Belt pressed against his waist, reminding him of his new identity.
He knew the way to the Guo Residence and immediately hurried in that direction.
The night wind blew, seeming to carry the ashes and shouts from the Shi Residence. The young man walked alone on the dark Long Street of Kaifeng City, but with a hint of anticipation in his heart.
Although he had experienced tribulation tonight, he was moving upwards.
