Chapter 155

"Do you want to disarm or not?" Although he asked whether to take off the swords, Qin Shaozong had already removed his sword slide and taken off the ring-pommel sword at his waist.

Xie Yuanyue immediately felt despised and was about to say it was unnecessary when Dong Zhou, seated at the head, spoke first. "Disarm. After all, today is a wine-tasting banquet, not a life-and-death struggle on the battlefield. You two don't need to fight with weapons; bare hands will do."

Nangong Xiong picked up his white jade goblet to drink, hiding the sneer at the corner of his mouth.

He was the one who hosted the banquet, and he was also the one who had a strong man standing on either side of him. How could Dong Zhou be so timid...

The two men took off their swords and stood face to face in the hall. Xie Yuanyue moved his neck left and right, and every time he twisted, his bones cracked. He was indeed heavily built, and with his dark skin, at first glance, he looked like a black bear standing upright.

"Marquis Wu'an, pardon my offense." Xie Yuanyue's smile did not reach his eyes.

After this sound fell, it was as if he had already informed the other party, so there was no need to wait any longer. Xie Yuanyue lunged forward, shortening the distance between them.

A fist as big as a bowl swung towards him. If it had hit a wooden board, those present had no doubt that the poor wooden board would have been shattered into splinters.

His punch was as fast as lightning, but Qin Shaozong was already prepared. While dodging sideways, he raised his hand to grab Xie Yuanyue's wrist. If it were an ordinary person, let alone grabbing and twisting, just holding it would not be able to stop the momentum of the fist.

But Qin Shaozong was also a military general. He had experienced many battles and was in his prime, possessing experience and strength that young people could not match. His thick fingers opened and bent, like a tiger's claw with all its sharp claws extended.

With a solid muffled sound, he blocked and then deflected the force. At the same time, Qin Shaozong raised his leg and kicked fiercely at Xie Yuanyue's calf.

Xie Yuanyue stood his ground firmly, taking the kick head-on, buying time to attack Qin Shaozong's vital points again.

In the spacious hall, the two exchanged blows back and forth. Bare-handed, hand-to-hand combat, blocking and attacking hit the flesh with muffled thuds.

The military generals accompanying the several provincial governors were all capable fighters. As the saying goes, the layman watches the excitement, while the expert watches the technique. Many could see that in this fierce battle, Qin Shaozong was slightly superior.

The advantage was not much; it could barely be called a draw.

Nangong Xiong sipped his wine and sighed, "This Qin Changgeng has more schemes than a rabbit hole on the Qinghe Plain."

However, just as he finished sighing, before he even had time to take another sip of wine, he saw a small object fly out of Qin Shaozong's arms.

Nangong Xiong had excellent eyesight and saw that it was a very delicate pouch, with a pattern seemingly embroidered on it.

After the small pouch flew out, the black-robed man in the hall immediately noticed it and reached out to catch it. The burly man opposite him, however, mistakenly thought he was going to punch a vital point, and hurriedly chopped at Qin Shaozong's wrist-guarded forearm with his hand as a blade.

Qin Shaozong's extended hand was forced to deviate, missing the small pouch flying towards Xie Yuanyue.

The two exchanged a few blows in an instant, and in the blink of an eye, the small pouch fell to the ground.

Before Qin Shaozong could take any other action, Xie Yuanyue, who had just suffered a flurry of attacks, wanted to readjust his state and took a step sideways.

And this step happened to land on the small pouch.

The brown pupils suddenly contracted.

Bai Jianping, Kuang Ye, and the others sat in the back. In terms of viewing position, they were far inferior to Nangong Xiong in the front row, so they only saw the draw broken in an instant.

Qin Shaozong changed his previous style. He used both hands and feet, attacking the opponent's throat above and Xie Yuanyue's base below. This set of attacks was not only as fast as lightning but also carried the force of a thunderbolt, as heavy as a mountain pressing down, unstoppable.

Xie Yuanyue retreated repeatedly in a moment of inattention. Finally, seeing the opponent suddenly launch a heavy flying kick, he was powerless to stop it. He took a kick to the chest, spat out a mouthful of blood, and was actually sent flying.

Jiang Shi was originally watching the show, but when he suddenly saw the situation on the field reverse, he was shocked. Before he could figure out why, he saw Xie Yuanyue flying straight towards him.

Jiang Shi's expression changed drastically as he tried to dodge, but he was sitting down, so how could he retreat in time?

Xie Yuanyue crashed directly onto his desk and was carried backward by the residual force, knocking Jiang Shi dizzy.

Amidst cries of "Ouch," the desk overturned, jade plates shattered into pieces, and even the young woman carrying a wine jar behind was affected, spilling wine all over the floor.

Qin Shaozong didn't look over there. He bent down, picked up the small pouch from the ground, carefully patted the dust off it, pinched the opening of the bag to glance at the tiger-shaped brush rest inside, and then put it back into his arms.

Dong Zhou and Governor Liu of Xu Province, seated at the head, were both dumbfounded.

In the large hall, there were only the groans of pain from Xie Yuanyue and Jiang Shi.

Qin Shaozong said coldly, "I yield."

Hearing this, Xie Yuanyue, whether out of severe injury or extreme anger, vomited another mouthful of blood.

Kuang Ye and Feng Feng exchanged a glance, both showing solemn expressions.

Dong Zhou barely recovered his senses and hurriedly called for the physician waiting secretly to treat Xie Yuanyue: "It's just a martial arts sparring. Tengyun has no enmity or grudge against you. Marquis Wu'an, why did you strike so heavily?"

These words carried a reprimand.

However, whether it was because Dong Zhou had drunk too much and his tone was strange, or for some other reason, Qin Shaozong inexplicably heard a trace of excitement in it.

"Since ancient times, heroes have had difficulty passing the beauty test. It's normal for Marquis Wu'an to be furious for a beautiful woman. Since he likes her so much, Tengyun, you shouldn't fight with him over that dancer," Governor Liu of Xu Province smoothed things over with a smile, calling Xie Yuanyue by his courtesy name.

Qin Shaozong turned and returned to his seat without saying a word.

Du Manxiang was still in her original seat. Looking at the burly man walking towards her, her heart thumped, making her cheeks flush and her eyes blurry.

After nearly a year of separation, he was still as strong and imposing as in her memory, like an eternally standing mountain, always reliable.

"Qin Lang, I knew you wouldn't lose." Seeing him sit down, Du Manxiang instinctively leaned towards him.

Qin Shaozong suddenly picked up the wine jug on the desk. As he poured the wine, he bent his elbow outward, blocking the woman who wanted to get closer. He turned his head slightly, his narrow eyes like amber soaked in a cold spring, devoid of much warmth. "Can't straighten your bones?"

Du Manxiang knew he always meant what he said. At this moment, he was somewhat displeased. She paused and could only slowly straighten up.

The sparring just now seemed to have given Dong Zhou some inspiration. His interest suddenly rose. "The great affairs of the state lie in sacrifice and military affairs. Although the world is at peace now, martial arts cannot be neglected. It's rare for a gathering of heroes today, and with Marquis Wu'an and Tengyun competing as a start, why not carry it through to the end? Everyone, send your subordinates to the field to spar. The winner will receive a prize. What do you all think?"

Li Lishen was the first to agree, "The Prime Minister's proposal is excellent."

Where there is one, there is two. Nangong Xiong thought about it and also agreed.

"Marquis Wu'an, what about you?" Dong Zhou specifically asked Qin Shaozong.

Qin Shaozong: "Since it is the Prime Minister's word, we should obey."

Dong Zhou clapped his hands and laughed, praising it. He took the lead in pointing out the subordinates of Jiang Shi and Li Lishen.

The two groups of people walked to the center, gave a hasty salute, and began to fight.

Qin Shaozong's gaze fell on the center of the hall, but he said, "Who arranged for you to come here?"

There were only two people seated at this desk. How could Du Manxiang not know he was asking her? "Qin Lang..."

"Call me Lord Marquis," he corrected.

Du Manxiang looked at his profile with hidden bitterness. "It is a long story, full of twists and strange turns. There are maids behind us; would you allow me to explain it to you in detail later?"

Qin Shaozong took a sip of wine, noncommittal.

Du Manxiang knew in her heart that he had agreed.

Most of the guests had arrived at the Changle Manor around the hour of Wei, but by the time the wine-tasting banquet truly began, it was already the hour of Shen. The event flowed seamlessly into the evening banquet. As they drank and dined, the sky outside unknowingly darkened layer by layer.

Changle Manor was quite a distance from Chang'an, and it was now too late to rush back even on fast horses.

Besides, the invitations sent to the various families had originally noted that they would stay overnight at the manor. Therefore, the setting sun had no impact on the grand feast; it merely added a touch of radiant afterglow.

The spacious hall was filled with the scent of alcohol as wine jars were brought out one after another.

The entourages of the various warlords had all drunk heavily. Some had seen battle, while others had not, but right now, as they held wine jars in one hand and embraced dancing girls with the other in wild abandon, one could hardly tell the difference.

At the very least, they were not like Xie Yuanyue, whose face was currently deathly pale, clearly suffering from internal injuries.

The evening banquet lasted until the end of the hour of You before it finally dispersed.

The courtyards and pavilions of Changle Manor were as numerous as carp in a river; there was plenty of room for everyone to stay.

Dong Zhou arranged for Qin Shaozong and Xie Yuanyue to stay in the same large courtyard, while Li Lishen and Jiang Shi shared another.

As for himself, he announced that he would be staying in the same courtyard area as Nangong Xiong.

However, this was only on the surface. After entering the courtyard area known as Jiangnan Garden with Nangong Xiong and the others, Dong Zhou quickly slipped away through the back door.

He arrived at another courtyard.

Jiang Shi had been waiting respectfully for him there for quite some time. Seeing Dong Zhou walking over slowly, he hurried forward to greet him.

Dong Zhou let out a drunken hiccup and did not stop the other man from supporting him. However, he was so obese and round that he resembled a mountain of flesh, while Jiang Shi had a slender build. Even if the latter gritted his teeth, it was a struggle to hold him up alone.

The two of them swayed precariously together until Dong Zhou finally stood up straight on his own and took a seat by a nearby desk.

"How is Xie Tengyun's condition?" Dong Zhou asked.

Jiang Shi said, "He is a martial artist after all. Even after spitting out two mouthfuls of blood, he was still able to answer with a clear mind. I am afraid... he won't be easily confused."

The last few words were spoken vaguely.

Dong Zhou sneered, "What is there to fear? There are many helping you tonight. Besides, Yu Teng, Yang Tong, and Min Zhongtian are already nine parts drunk; they had to be carried back by others. I imagine they won't wake up until the golden crow rises into the sky tomorrow."

The "Yu Teng and Yang Tong" he mentioned were both subordinates of Xie Yuanyue.

Jiang Shi had also drunk a lot of wine tonight. At this moment, he felt as if rivers were surging through his veins, causing his heart to jump up and down. He lowered his voice to make one final confirmation, "Chancellor Dong, are you certain that apart from Yang Tong and his ilk, the rest are all Second Brother Xie's men?"

A massive, palm-leaf-fan-like hand reached out and patted Jiang Shi heavily on the shoulder. Dong Zhou smiled and said, "Rest assured. This matter also concerns my safety and the future shifts in power. If I were not absolutely certain, I would never ask you to take such a risk."

Xie Yuanyue was the eldest in his family. He had two younger brothers: Xie Yuanqi was the second, and Xie Yuanxiu was the third.

Initially, it was Xie Yuanxiu who had risen to power.

Later, Xie Yuanxiu was defeated in battle and captured. He suffered greatly at the hands of Qin Shaozong, and his defeat was like a landslide. His faction was naturally swallowed up completely by his two older brothers.

Then came the struggle between the eldest and Second Brother Xie, which ended with Xie Yuanqi's defeat. After Second Brother Xie lost, he fled Si Province in a panic. It was said that he later encountered bandits on the road and tragically perished. There were also rumors that he was successfully assassinated by Xie Yuanyue's subordinates.

Opinions varied, and there was no definitive conclusion. To the outside world, it was only claimed that Xie Yuanqi had fled.

Yet only a very few knew that the defeated fugitive was still living safely and soundly; he had merely gone elsewhere.

He transitioned from the light into the shadows, becoming a hidden chess piece.

Jiang Shi still hesitated. Tonight was of grave importance; the slightest mistake, and the meal on the chopping block would instantly change from the Tiger of the North to himself.

The smile on Dong Zhou's face widened, his fat squeezing his eyes into tiny slits. "If this succeeds, half of Si Province will be yours."

On the surface, Li Lishen and Jiang Shi showed a higher degree of obedience to the imperial court than those in other regions. Dong Zhou's relationship with both men was decent, but the former was far less useful than the latter.

Xu Province's terrain was excellent, easy to defend and hard to attack, and it was further from Chang'an than Yu Province. Li Lishen had a broader avenue of retreat than Jiang Shi, which was why the latter was the most suitable pawn for tonight's operation.

The look in Jiang Shi's eyes shifted unpredictably, but ultimately, ambition gained the upper hand. He rose from his seat, cupped his hands, and bowed to Dong Zhou. "Then I shall follow Chancellor Dong's words. However, I am not a man of steadfast fortitude or tight lips. I can only hope that everything goes smoothly tonight."

His final words carried a distinct undertone of threat.

Dong Zhou's smile did not wane. After watching him leave, he leisurely picked up a cup and poured himself some tea.

To win a game of chess, how could one be unwilling to sacrifice a single piece?

*

The door to the main room of the courtyard was pushed open, and the gradually brightening moonlight spilled inside. A burly man entered first, followed by a graceful figure.

Qin Shaozong pulled out a fire starter. Just as he was about to blow on it to light the lamp, he suddenly furrowed his long brows and stepped aside.

It was exactly this step that caused the woman coming up from behind, intending to embrace his waist, to catch nothing but air.

Du Manxiang had not expected him to move so suddenly. Unable to stop her momentum, she stumbled and fell to the floor.

Qin Shaozong didn't look at her, continuing what he had been about to do.

Soon, light filled the pitch-black room.

Kuang Ye, Feng Feng, and their group had also drunk quite a bit tonight. The military officers of the North had excellent tolerance for alcohol, but they were slightly inferior to their superior, hence their footsteps were a few beats slower now.

The first to step into the doorway of the main room was Feng Feng.

He was just about to speak to Qin Shaozong regarding tonight's guard duty. However, the moment he looked up, Feng Feng shuddered, his drunkenness instantly dissipating by a few degrees, and he hurriedly stepped back.

Yet the scene he had just witnessed still flashed before his eyes.

Lady Du, dressed in a thin, crimson gauze robe, was slumped on the floor. Whether she had accidentally torn her clothes when she fell or for some other reason, a large expanse of her chest was exposed, and a pair of snow-white mounds were just a fraction away from spilling out.

She seemed entirely oblivious to it, only gazing at the man beside her with tear-blurred eyes.

She was, after all, his superior's woman. Even if she was a dismissed concubine, Feng Feng instinctively pulled the door shut and backed out.

Qin Shaozong walked over to a chair and sat down with an imposing, wide-legged stance. Tonight, Dong Zhou and the others had deliberately urged him to drink, and he had consumed a great deal. However, aside from an imperceptible flush on his dark skin, he showed no signs of intoxication.

Du Manxiang did not stand up. She crawled over on her knees, crying softly, "Lord Qin..."

Qin Shaozong finally spoke, but his first sentence was not directed at the person in the room. "Why did you close the door? Feng Feng, open the door and roll back in here."