Chapter 156: Sworn Brotherhood, Assassination Attempt
White walls and black tiles, lanterns strung up.
The couplet at the entrance of the “Yuelai” Inn in Zhongdu read: “Accommodating all manner of distinguished guests, welcoming scholars, officials, and merchants.”
The windows were open, facing the bright moon.
The clear moonlight cast upon the dark window frame, making it appear like a yoke, especially when Guo Jing stood by the window.
He, Qiu Chuji, Wang Chuyi, Ma Yu, and Ke Zhen’e were staying at the inn.
The other Six Freaks of Jiangnan were also in the city, but not staying together.
Yang Kang saw Bao Xiruo off, and told Qiu Chuji that Ouyang Feng was by Wanyan Honglie’s side, waiting for an opportunity. Qiu Chuji, Ke Zhen’e, and the others waited from the Mid-Autumn Festival until early winter.
During this period, contact was naturally maintained, and the location was at “Yuelai.”
The night sky was a flowing Milky Way. Yang Kang, dressed plainly, arrived at the inn, went upstairs with familiarity, and knocked on the guest room door.
“Disciple has arrived?” Qiu Chuji said.
“Yes, Master, Junior Uncle, Hero Ke, are you well? Brother Guo, we meet again.”
Yang Kang greeted them one by one. Guo Jing poured tea and waited by Ke Zhen’e’s side.
Qiu Chuji said, “The Mongol Army will be arriving at Zhongdu soon, won’t they?”
“Indeed.”
Guo Jing said, “The city is in chaos. Now is the perfect opportunity to assassinate Wanyan Honglie.”
“Brother Guo is right.”
Ma Yu was startled and asked, “Judging by your words, you are prepared.”
Yang Kang picked up his teacup and lowered his head to drink. His lips were red and teeth white, and his composed face appeared on the surface of the tea, his gaze calm and decisive.
“Gulp, gulp…”
After finishing the tea, Yang Kang said, “Tomorrow, the Jin Emperor will depart the capital for Kaifeng Prefecture. Wanyan Honglie will accompany him. Ouyang Feng and his nephew are renowned figures in the Jianghu and will not be present in the entourage.”
Ke Zhen’e struck the ground with his steel staff. With a “bang,” he said, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Once they leave the city, they will be escorted by a large contingent of troops, making it difficult to act. It’s best to do it within the city; a few swift moves to take his head and then escape and hide.”
Qiu Chuji also thought it was a good idea. “Is it reliable?”
Yang Kang nodded. “Wanyan Honglie told me himself, and he wants me to accompany him.”
Guo Jing, with his honest nature, said, “Brother Yang, stay far away from that scoundrel Wanyan tomorrow. After the deed is done, quickly rejoin us and leave Zhongdu.”
“Thank you for your concern, Brother Guo.”
Guo Jing said, “Uncle Yang mentioned that he had an agreement with my late father back then, that you and I should become sworn brothers. What do you think?”
Yang Kang replied, “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
“Then let us become brothers.”
“Good.”
The two discussed their ages. Guo Jing was born two months earlier. Qiu Chuji and Ke Zhen’e served as witnesses. Guo Jing and Yang Kang bowed eight times and became sworn brothers.
Guo Jing helped Yang Kang up, and everyone sat down again. Yang Kang detailed the route out of the city and the approximate number of guards.
As the night deepened completely, Yang Kang took his leave, and Guo Jing escorted him out of the inn.
“Brother, you must ensure your own safety tomorrow. After we achieve great success, come visit Uncle Yang.”
“Alright, Brother Guo, take care.” Yang Kang cupped his hands, turned, and left.
The embers of the long night, bean lamps like fireflies.
In the inn, Wang Chuyi asked Qiu Chuji, “Senior Brother, what do you think of this matter?”
“There should be no problem. The Jin Emperor won’t hold Zhongdu forever; they will surely move the capital. The imperial family members will naturally leave the city together.”
“Yes, perhaps we should inform Young Friend Zhou.”
Ke Zhen’e said, “That’s not advisable. This is an assassination. Our Benefactor is kind-hearted and would surely help if he heard the news. He is not a Jianghu person and works at an Escort Bureau. If the Khan takes Zhongdu, it would be one thing, but if the troops are blocked outside and they are inside the city, wouldn’t that bring trouble upon themselves?”
“Hero Ke’s considerations are indeed thorough.”
Ke Zhen’e smiled slightly and said, “Then that’s the decision. The blind one will go find the siblings.”
“Alright.”
The inn lights went out. Ke Zhen’e’s figure suddenly flew out of the window. He had been living at “Yuelai” for a long time and was intimately familiar with the surrounding terrain. Although no one guided him, the gray figure moved like a large bird flying through the moonlight, rising and falling, blending into the night.
…
The sounds within the Zhao Wang Manor were like a roaring ocean.
However, the backyard of the manor was immersed in tranquility.
Zhou Yan infiltrated the manor, and as expected, was discovered by Mei Chaofeng.
Of course, this was partly because he had deliberately slowed his footsteps.
Mei Chaofeng lived in an underground cave, while Huang Rong and the Medicine Boy resided in a dilapidated hut above ground.
Zhou Yan learned from Huang Rong that the main personnel of the manor would all be leaving the capital tomorrow.
Outside the backyard, the manor was in disarray with people packing gold and silver. Zhou Yan saw no need to risk infiltrating further. If the Six Freaks of Jiangnan and Guo Jing were to assassinate Wanyan Honglie, it would be tomorrow, and within the city.
Once they left the city, they would be heavily guarded by troops, and there would be no opportunity. At that point, he would only need to track and observe.
The two squatted on the ground, looking at the Pusi Snake in the bamboo basket by the moonlight.
Indeed, professional matters required professionals.
In just a few dozen days, in Zhou Yan’s perception, the golden scales of the two large snakes had become even more lustrous. Their abdomens faintly showed red spots. He mused that if he could raise these large snakes to achieve the effect of Liang Zi Weng’s Treasure Snake, the time required would be significantly reduced; things with spirit grow quickly.
“Lord Zhou, at this rate, within a year, the entire abdomen will turn red.”
“This is truly a pleasant surprise. Raise a few more in the future; everyone will get one.”
The Medicine Boy was now quite astute, and he chuckled, “With both masters teaching me cultivation techniques and Lord Zhou taking care of me, I am truly content.”
Huang Rong, however, had a thought. “Perhaps when the weather warms up, I’ll catch a batch to raise at home.”
“Not depleting the pond to catch fish, of course, that’s fine.”
Huang Rong tilted her head and looked at him.
Zhou Yan said, “These snakes are far more intelligent and spiritual than other species. In the struggle for survival, they cannot be wiped out by humans.”
“That makes sense. Father sometimes says things like that too.”
Zhou Yan chuckled. He had seen her father not long ago.
“By the way, where did you learn those leg techniques?” Huang Rong’s thoughts were very jumpy, and she brought up a question from nearly a year ago again.
“By the riverside in Jingzhou. After you borrowed the horse, a man in a green robe asked some questions and then taught me.”
“What did he ask?”
“It was likely related to you. He asked if I had seen a teenager around fifteen or sixteen years old at Fengling Ferry who had attacked the Yellow River Gang.”
“How did he find you?”
“I was practicing by the river. A small boat was heading south. We happened to encounter each other.”
“That must have been my father.” Huang Rong suddenly smiled. “When I saw you using Father’s techniques in Zhongdu, I was truly surprised.”
“Perhaps if I hadn’t used those leg techniques, you wouldn’t have suffered undeserved disaster.”
“Fate is predetermined.”
“Indeed.”
“Right, Wanyan Honglie is leaving the capital tomorrow. What about those who want his head?”
“We lost contact during the escort mission, but acting within the city is the best opportunity.”
“There will be excitement to watch.”
Zhou Yan smiled.
“Aren’t you going?” Huang Rong asked.
“I am. Zhongdu will be sealed off. Aren’t you leaving the city?” Zhou Yan asked.
“If everyone leaves, it will be convenient for raising snakes. After a night of spring breeze, I want to see what the city looks like when the Mongols arrive.”
“Alright, I’m leaving. If you need grain, feel free to get it from the Escort Bureau.”
“Okay.”
The conversation stopped. The dark figure stood up and, with a “swish,” disappeared into the night.
Zhou Yan returned to the courtyard. It was silent; Hong Qigong had not returned.
He sat quietly, calming his mind, and practiced Quanzhen Internal Energy. When midnight arrived, he washed up and went to rest.
As he turned off the light, he sighed, “The wind and rain are coming, and the mountain is full of turmoil.”
