Chapter 114: After the Matter, Brush Off the Clothes and Leave, the Word “Chivalry” Resides in the Heart
The air was filled with choking smoke, and the sounds of fighting rose and fell.
“Water ghosts, there are water ghosts over here.”
“The cabin is taking on water.”
Zhu Cong paid no heed to these hysterical shouts, his mind occupied with the three words “Duan Tiande” and the past events of the Seventh Brother and his siblings’ thousand-li pursuit.
Suddenly, the memory of the Bluebird returned. The “Masterstroke Scholar” Zhu Cong, fearing Zhou Yan would kill Duan Tiande, agilely advanced and said, “Benefactor, please wait, I have something to ask this military official.”
Zhou Yan had been waiting for Zhu Cong to say this. With a swish, he retracted his blade and helped Han Xiaoying deal with the imperial soldiers from Lin’an Prefecture on the large boat.
There was no need to kill anymore at this point. He dropped his long saber and employed the boxing and kicking techniques from the Yue Family Boxing Manual. His strikes were like wind, unstoppable, with palm strikes, leg kicks, elbow smashes, and knee collisions. Amidst the clanging of weapons falling to the ground, the trajectory of his movements was filled with soldiers who had fallen and lost their ability to fight.
Han Xiaoying’s saber flashed twice, drawing several blood streaks from an Imperial City Guard runner. The runner spun and fell overboard, crashing into the water with a splash.
She leaped to Zhu Cong’s side.
“Let me ask you, did you serve as a military official in Lin’an?” Zhu Cong asked Duan Tiande.
Duan Tiande had actually seen the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan eighteen years ago. If Ke Zhen’e or Han Baoju were asking now, he might have recalled some things and then lied in response.
However, he had lived a life of luxury, and his appearance had not changed much. Zhu Cong and Han Xiaoying, on the other hand, had been tempered by over a decade of hardship in the desert, and their appearances had changed greatly. Especially “Yue Maiden Sword” Han Xiaoying, who was only eighteen or nineteen years old back then, a maiden with skin like snow, now bore the marks of time. How could Duan Tiande recognize her?
He hastily replied, “That is indeed the case.”
As if that weren’t enough, Duan Tiande added, “I am also the nephew of Master Ku Mu, the abbot of Yunqi Temple, so I am considered part of the martial world. It was out of necessity that I received the Jin Dynasty Imperial Envoy. I beg the hero to show mercy.”
Duan Tiande’s thorough explanation suggested a possible turning point, a chance to save his life. Little did he know, Zhu Cong said, “Good, good. The wheel of karma turns, and heaven spares no one. Do you remember the righteous person Guo Xiaotian?”
Duan Tiande’s mind buzzed like thunder, as if struck by lightning. Terrified, he collapsed to the ground. Zhu Cong casually pressed his acupoints.
The Masterstroke Scholar approached Zhou Yan and bowed, “I am deeply grateful for your righteous assistance outside the Zhao Wang Manor in Zhongdu. I am eternally indebted.”
Zhou Yan was not surprised that Zhu Cong recognized him. Even Ouyang Feng had praised the Masterstroke Scholar’s extraordinary skills. Such a person was bound to have sharp eyes. He quickly replied, “I was just passing by at the time and intervened.”
“Your life-saving grace is unforgettable. Once we have repelled the enemy, allow us to express our gratitude.”
“It’s nothing. Let’s focus on repelling the enemy first.”
“Alright.”
The three of them separated and leaped towards the surrounding imperial boats.
The escort party for the Imperial Envoy had already had their boats sabotaged by Taihu Lake water ghosts, and now they had lost Duan Tiande. How could they still have the will to fight? Seeing Zhou Yan and the others attacking, and with heroes from the Taihu Lake Water Village also boarding the boats one after another, they scattered like fallen leaves, throwing down their weapons and surrendering.
…
Sha Tongtian saw that “Thousand Hand Butcher” Peng Lianhu was in grave danger, surrounded and attacked by Zhou Yan, Guo Jing, Zhu Cong, and others. He swung his iron paddle several times, trying to rush to his aid, but was intercepted by Ke Zhen’e, Han Baoju, Lu Guanying, and the others.
When Zhou Yan stabbed Peng Lianhu, Sha Tongtian became enraged, his momentum surging, forcing everyone to keep their distance. Just as Ouyang Ke, Wanyan Kang, and others boarded the boat, he broke free, wielding his iron paddle to smash the spear-wielding scoundrel’s skull.
However, what he heard was Wanyan Kang’s cry for help.
“Mr. Sha, the large boat is taking on water.”
The Eastern Heretic and Western Venom were fighting. With the strength of Ouyang Ke, Wanyan Kang, Monk Lingzhi, and others boarding Lu Guanying’s large boat, it was difficult to predict who would win.
Before Zhou Yan captured Duan Tiande, he used his iron spear to cut the sail rope. Guo Jing, on the other hand, cut the anchor rope. Ouyang Ke and the others could not approach for a while, but skilled divers from the Taihu Lake Water Village swarmed in to sabotage the boats.
Ouyang Ke and the others, none of whom were skilled swimmers, naturally panicked. They cried for help while retreating towards the boats behind them.
Sha Tongtian heard Wanyan Kang’s plea for help and thought to himself, “The Little Prince is not a good swimmer. Saving him is the priority. I will avenge Brother Peng later.”
With this thought, he swung his iron paddle with the ferocity of a madman, broke through the encirclement, and leaped into the water. A straight streak of light shot towards the boat where Ouyang Ke and the others were.
The “Three-Headed Flood Dragon,” which had been submerged in the lake water all along, saw Sha Tongtian leave and shouted, “Senior Brother, wait for me!” and dove into the water.
Taihu Lake had many skilled swimmers, but none possessed the water skills and martial arts of Hou Tonghai and Sha Tongtian. Several members of the Yellow River Gang followed, leaping into Taihu Lake, fighting the Taihu Lake water ghosts while protecting Wanyan Kang and the others as they retreated.
Ouyang Feng did not linger in the fight. With a feint, his body moved like a great bird, landing on boats of various sizes.
“Brother Yao, we shall have a proper duel another day.”
Huang Yaoshi also had no further words for Zhou Yan. He leaped onto a small boat and disappeared into the storm.
Zhou Yan watched the small boat sail away and thought, “Huang Yaoshi should be going to Guiyun Manor, right?”
The heroes of the Taihu Lake Water Village launched their attack, annihilating the imperial escort party from Lin’an Prefecture. The Jin Dynasty fleet also suffered casualties, but Wanyan Kang escaped unharmed. Zhou Yan, on the other hand, killed the “Thousand Hand Butcher” with his spear and subtly handed Duan Tiande over to Guo Jing.
Zhu Cong, carrying Duan Tiande, looked around. The smoke was hazy, and Zhou Yan had already sailed far away on a small boat.
Han Xiaoying saw a figure blurred in the moonlight and asked, “Has Benefactor left?”
Zhu Cong nodded, “Hearing Benefactor’s voice, he must be around Jing’er’s age. His youthful chivalry is truly admirable.”
“It’s a pity we had no chance to thank him.”
“The Jianghu is vast; if fate allows, we will meet again.”
Han Xiaoying nodded.
The two did not linger on the large boat. Zhu Cong, carrying Duan Tiande, leaped onto a small boat, and Han Xiaoying rowed them to their hired large boat. Zhu Cong called out, “Big Brother, Third Brother, Jing’er, come aboard.”
Ke Zhen’e’s voice trembled upon hearing Zhu Cong’s call, unaware of the reason. He quickly greeted Lu Guanying and led everyone onto the boat.
Han Xiaoying said, “Jing’er, it’s Duan Tiande. Benefactor captured Duan Tiande.”
The wind rustled past, and the air still carried the choking smell of blood. Guo Jing was stunned for a moment, his eyes turning red.
Han Xiaoying said, “Benefactor captured that corrupt official, but he has already left. Jing’er should remember to ‘know grace in your heart and act with gratitude.’ If you encounter Benefactor in the future, you must thank him properly.”
“Jing’er understands, but I don’t even know Benefactor’s esteemed surname?”
As Guo Jing spoke, Zhu Cong, Han Xiaoying, and the others sighed.
At this moment, the large boat from the Taihu Lake Water Village approached. Lu Guanying leaped onto the boat and cupped his hands in greeting, “I am Lu Guanying of Guiyun Manor. Thank you, great heroes, for drawing your swords to help.”
Zhu Cong returned to his usual self and said with a smile, “Lackeys of corrupt officials should be punished by all. Young hero need not worry.”
Lu Guanying said, “My manor is by the lake. I presume to invite you heroes to stay for a few days as a token of our gratitude.”
Ke Zhen’e and the others, having captured Duan Tiande and being anxious about their appointment in Jiaxing, said, “Thank you for your kind invitation, young hero. However, we have urgent matters to attend to and cannot stay long. We hope for your understanding.”
Lu Guanying’s invitation was warm, and he invited them again, but they all politely declined. He no longer insisted and blurted out, “Wasn’t that young hero wielding the fine iron great spear with you all?”
Han Xiaoying replied, “The young hero once showed us kindness. We wanted to thank him, but by the time the fighting subsided, the young hero had already left.”
Zhou Yan had saved Lu Guanying, and now he was also called Benefactor. He quickly said, “Please wait a moment, everyone. As long as we are in Taihu Lake, it won’t be difficult to find him.”
After the young manor lord of Guiyun Manor spoke, he inquired about Zhou Yan’s whereabouts and immediately summoned his trusted subordinates, along with a few water village personnel who had seen Zhou Yan’s figure, to search by fast boat.
…
“The Head Escort is back.”
In the night, the excited voice of the runner Liang Xiaowu rang out. Zhou Yan leaped onto the large boat, and several people worked together to hoist the small boat.
The boatman, hearing the commotion, emerged from his cabin. He saw large boats burning in the distance, but the fighting had long since ceased. The boatman said, “Merchant, may we set sail?”
“Alright!”
“Coming right up.”
The boatman summoned his shop assistants to raise the anchor and hoist the sails.
As the large boat moved forward, several small boats approached. A disciple from the water village at the bow scratched his head, looking incredulous.
He had been to this boat with Lu Guanying. The one who had resolved the crisis for the young manor lord was actually a Head Escort from Zhongdu.
…
The small boat docked, and a manor disciple leaped onto the bow.
“Any news?” Lu Guanying asked anxiously.
The disciple said, “We caught up to the large boat where the young hero was.”
“And then?”
“The young hero is Head Escort Zhou.”
“Ah!” Lu Guanying was greatly shocked. Realizing belatedly, he was quite annoyed. If that Head Escort were an ordinary person, why would his father have sent gold and given him pills?
“Does the young manor lord know Benefactor?” Zhu Cong asked.
While Ke Zhen’e and Lu Guanying were waiting, they had some conversation. The young manor lord of Guiyun Manor knew that the six people before him were called the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan. The young man was their disciple.
Lu Guanying was not familiar with the fame of the Seven Freaks and had an age gap, so their conversation was limited.
When Zhu Cong asked, he quickly replied, “I just parted ways with Benefactor last night.”
Zhou Yan had saved Lu Guanying, and now he was also called Benefactor.
“To be honest, Benefactor is a Head Escort from the Fu’an Escort Agency in Zhongdu. He escorted a shipment to our manor.”
Zhu Cong suddenly understood. No wonder Benefactor had acted righteously in Zhongdu; he was an escort from an escort agency in the city.
Han Xiaoying felt relieved. “Jing’er, after the matter in Jiaxing is concluded, we will return north. You must go to Zhongdu to express our gratitude.”
“Jing’er understands.” Guo Jing, deeply grateful to Zhou Yan, nodded heavily.
After a brief exchange, they parted ways. Lu Guanying thought about asking his father for more information about Zhou Yan when he returned. Such a person was someone he would definitely want to befriend in the future.
The large boat set sail and departed. Guo Jing also thought about the martial arts competition in Jiaxing. Regardless of the outcome, he would present Duan Tiande, that scoundrel, as a sacrifice to his father and Uncle Yang, and let Wanyan Kang acknowledge his ancestors.
When he killed Wanyan Honglie and went north to see the Khan, he would go to Zhongdu to thank Benefactor.
As the sun rose and the stars faded, gulls came and went on the lake, white sails dotted the water, green peaks stood quietly, and green waves rippled. In the sight of Guo Jing and the others standing on the bow of the boat, there was no trace of the sword light and saber shadows from before.
Seeing Guo Jing lost in thought, Zhu Cong stepped forward and asked, “Jing’er, are you thinking about the martial arts competition in Jiaxing?”
“Second Master, Jing’er is thinking about Benefactor Zhou, the Head Escort. He also knows the Huyan Spear Technique.”
Zhu Cong smiled, “Head escorts from escort agencies are usually proficient in all eighteen types of weapons. However, the ‘Yue Family Spear’ that Benefactor Zhou used later was completely different from the versions circulated among the common people. It should be a true transmission, possessing the demeanor of a spear master.”
The Yue Family Spear, Yang Family Spear, and Huyan Spear Technique were all circulated among the common people, which was why Zhu Cong recognized them.
“Could Benefactor be from Grandpa Yue’s lineage?”
Zhu Cong smiled, “Benefactor’s surname is Zhou, so how could he be? However, it is possible that he has a connection with the Yue Family Army.”
“Second Master, please tell me about Grandpa Yue and the Yue Family Army.”
“Alright!”
The two sat down at the bow of the boat, and the Masterstroke Scholar Zhu Cong began to narrate.
“…Thirty merits and fame are like dust and soil, eight thousand li of clouds and moon. Do not wait idly, let your youth turn white, and grieve in vain… With lofty ambitions, I shall feast on the flesh of barbarians, and laugh while drinking the blood of the Xiongnu. When the time comes, I shall reclaim our old mountains and rivers and pay homage to the Emperor…”
“Where are the soldiers? Their blades are dulled. Where are the people? They fill the ditches. Alas, the rivers and mountains remain the same, but the villages are desolate. When will I be able to lead a sharp army, and with a single whip, cross the Qinghe and Luo rivers…”
Zhu Cong, being learned, recited these poems to Guo Jing and used them as a starting point to recount the events of the Yue Family Army’s loyalty and patriotism during the golden age of warfare, leaving nothing untold.
He also mentioned how Zong Ze, unwilling to abandon the northern expedition, passed away with grief and indignation. He spoke of the Yue Family Army’s great battles at Xiao Shang River, their bloody fight at Niutou Mountain, and their great victory at Zhu Xian Town.
Guo Jing, with his simple nature and his mother’s good upbringing, was filled with righteous indignation upon hearing these heroic and soul-stirring tales. In his heart, he vaguely saw the path ahead.
