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“If only two sentences, you certainly may,” Song Yuzhi responded.

Kou Zhong sighed before pushing the door and coming in.

The room was dark, only the moonlight from the window coming at an angle illuminated the lantern-less room. It happened to fall onto Song Yuzhi, who was sitting in the only chair in the room, enveloping her in faint golden glow.

The woman’s beautiful long jet-black hair was untied, it draped loosely over her fragrant shoulders, her pair of eyes looked like deep and bright precious stones, and they were gazing steadily at him.

Kou Zhong’s spirit was greatly shaken. It was the first time that he found out that her feminine side and outward appearance were in no way inferior to Li Xiuning.

Song Yuzhi was a bit impatient, “Didn’t you say you were going to speak a couple of sentences? Well, speak up, and then get lost.”

With a wry smile Kou Zhong said, “This time I came just to acknowledge my mistake toward Miss Song, and to call off our wedding contract. From now on Kou Zhong will not dare to have any delusions toward Miss Song.”

Finished speaking, he turned around to leave.

Song Yuzhi was dumbstruck. “Come back here!” she said.

Kou Zhong’s hand was already on the door’s knob; hearing the call, he stopped on his track. With his back toward her, he said bitterly, “I was wrong; I should have not linked the ‘Duke Yang Treasure’ to Miss’ lifelong happiness together, and treated it as a business deal.”

Song Yuzhi was silent for half a day. Finally she said gently, “Would you sit down so that we can talk, please?”

Kou Zhong shook his head and sighed, “Right now I just want to hide alone and think about this matter quietly. These days all I can think about is how to gain victory in my contending for supremacy against other people, while ignoring other important matters. I really want to reflect upon myself for a while.”

Song Yuzhi raised her pretty eyebrows; somewhat unable to hold back her anger, she said, “You, this kid, listen to this Miss and sit down. If you slip away just like that, I am going to hate you for the rest of my life.”

Like a whirlwind Kou Zhong turned around and asked in amazement, “Don’t you already hate me to the core? Are you telling me you were only pretending?”

Avoiding his sharp and penetrating gaze, Song Yuzhi hung her head down and said, “When you came in just now, why did you, like a fool, look at me like that?”

Kou Zhong walked over to where she sat, kneeling on one knee, he put his right hand on the armrest, and said with a sigh, “Because I suddenly realize that you, Yuzhi, are unexpectedly so touching, so that I could not stop an adoring feeling from growing out in my heart, and thus I reflected upon my own various wrongdoings.”

Song Yuzhi could not avoid smelling his body scent, as they were so close, almost face-to-face with each other, invoking the memory of when she was pinned down on the snowy ground the other day. Her fragrant heart fluttered, she said, “Can you stand up first and sit down next to me?”

Surprisingly enough Kou Zhong obeyed her; after he was seated nicely, Song Yuzhi continued in low voice, “What do you really want?”

Grabbing his own head, Kou Zhong said, “Which one is Miss Song referring to?”

Song Yuzhi was back to her calm and composed self; she said indifferently, “Naturally the contending for hegemony matter. When all is said and done, why are you doing it?”

Kou Zhong’s eyes immediately lit up. Nodded, he said, “Miss Song is the first person ever who is asking me that question; even Xiao Ling has no interest in knowing.”

After a short pause, he continued, “I was born in the marketplace, from firsthand experience, I deeply feel how when the government completely loses its benevolence and righteousness, common people’s life would be so miserable and painful. Ay! At the beginning I was just wanted to join a militia, which I think would have the most aspiration and prospects. But having encountered such people like Du Fuwei, Li Mi, and the like, none of them do not look for personal benefit, they are also vicious and merciless characters. If they became the emperor, it would definitely not a good thing. Furthermore, since people like them can vie for the world, why can’t I, Kou Zhong do it? What matters most in people is aspiration.”

He sighed before continuing, “Question is, since I want to vie over the world, in no way I can treat benevolence and righteousness as idle chit-chat, to let benevolence and righteousness bind my hands bind my foot in all respects. Therefore, in Miss Song’s eyes, I became someone who, in order to seek my goal, would do anything by hook or by crook. Hey! In reality, I just wanted to make one move and get two gains!”

Song Yuzhi pondered in silence.

Kou Zhong rose up, stretched out his entire body in an exaggerated stretch and said, “I want to go back to my room! Hee .. hee … after talking it out with you, I feel much more comfortable.”

Song Yuzhi spoke gently, “Do you know, Kou Zhong? Die and Er Shu would never let me marry someone with your background. You play games on them, they also play games on you.”

“What?” Kou Zhong blurted.

Gracefully Song Yuzhi stood up and walked over to him; staring right into his eyes, she said, “Why didn’t you ask me whom Die has betrothed me to? Is it because you feel it’s beneath you to ask, or you simply don’t care?”

Kou Zhong replied in embarrassment, “Actually, I am bit scared of asking.”

Song Yuzhi spoke indifferently, “Even if you asked, I don’t think Er Shu would tell you. My future husband is Li Mi’s only son, Li Tianfan. The engagement was decided a year ago. As long as Li Mi could capture Luoyang, I would have to marry into the Li family. Do you understand?”

Hearing this, Kou Zhong could only stare blankly with mouth agape, unable to make any sound.

Song Yuzhi reached out with her lily-white hand to stroke his cheek and said with a smile, “Kou Zhong Gongzi, go back to your room and rest! Contending over the word is never a simple matter, but I really wish you would succeed.”

Xu Ziling flicked the oil lamp to extinguish it. Pulling the door open, he was just about to step out, while in his heart he was still thinking about Kou Zhong, who could be faking it, but could be really repentance after self-introspection, so that Xu Ziling was worried and delighted at the same time, and his heart was tumultuous, when suddenly a fragrant wind assaulted his face.

Instinctively he backed off to evade it; who would have thought that a tender body was suddenly throwing itself into his bosom, a pair of delicate hands wrapped itself around his neck, and fragrant lips covered his mouth?

It was only then did Xu Ziling realize what happened. Grabbing the other side’s fragrant shoulders, he gently pushed her away a little, and while his handsome face turned beet red, he said, “It’s me!”

Yun Yuzhen’s charming body was severely shaken; she flung back, her jade cheek was burning like the sunset clouds.

Recovering his confident and easy-going manner, Xu Ziling smiled good-naturedly and said, “Now this is my romantic and beautiful memory.” Finished speaking, without waiting for any response he simply turned back into the room.

The ship arrived at Baling. Xiao Xian himself went out of the city gate to welcome them. Accompanying him was the Great General, the Left-field Marshall Zhang Xiu. This man was short, but his head was humongous, his hair unkempt, yet his vision was cool and razor-sharp, as if it could penetrate other people’s heart and soul, so that whomever he gazed upon would feel as if he was interrogating him. According to Xiang Yushan’s explanation earlier, his martial art skill was superior to the Right-field Marshall Dong Jingzhen, and was barely below Xiao Xian’s.

Naturally Susu was part of the welcoming team. Seeing her husband-lord and two brothers returning safe and sound, and had established great merit, she was so happy that she felt her heart was turning upside down.

The ones who really made Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling bursting with joy were Duan Yucheng, Bao Zhifu, Shi Jie and Ma Gui.

These four kids were covered in scars from head to toe; turned out along the way they encountered countless thieves and robbers. But presently they were in very high spirits, apparently because their martial art skills were honed and they made great progress.

Xiao Xian assumed a grateful, ‘rely heavily upon’ and ‘respect for the wise’ manner toward the two boys; he was even more respectful toward Song Yuzhi. Naturally he was thinking of the many benefits if he aligned himself with the Song Clan.

That evening Xiao Xian hosted a banquet to celebrate, during which he praised the two boys without cease.

After the banquet Song Yuzhi remained behind with Xiao Xian for a confidential meeting, while the rest returned to Xiang Yuzhan’s General Mansion. En route Susu reminded them of the promise they made that they would accompany her to go on a tour for several days. Since the two boys felt very deep attachment to her, they regarded her as if she was Fu Junchuo, naturally they readily agreed.

Returning to the Mansion, the three sister and brothers chatted freely at the inner courtyard’s pavilion, recounted what had happened since they parted. While they were talking and laughing happily, Xiang Yushan came in a hurry.

As soon as he sat down, he said, “Tieqi Hui has been split into three factions: one faction throws themselves to Lin Shihong, one faction adheres to Shen Faxing, the remainders swear an oath to avenge Ren Shaoming. This last faction is headed by the Evil Monk and Amorous Nun.”

Susu’s flowery face lost its color, “What do we do?” she asked.

Xu Ziling shot Xiang Yushan an unhappy look, blaming him for frightening Susu.

Kou Zhong asked in astonishment, “How did this happen?”

Xiang Yushan smiled apologetically toward Xu Ziling first, and then he comforted Susu before replying, “The ranks within Tieqi Hui are very complex, good and bad people intermingled. Even before, there were different opinions as to whom they ought to align themselves with. Only because everybody was intimidated by Ren Shaoming’s power did they appear as ‘millions of people all of one mind’. But now that Ren Shaoming’s big tree has fallen, the monkeys and apes under the tree are all split up and in pieces.”

Kou Zhong was delighted, “This is a good thing for the South,” he remarked, “Tieqi Hui was just a group of organized thieves anyway. If they gained momentum, the first to suffer calamity would be the civilians, the common people.”

Xu Ziling rarely heard him ‘opening his mouth on behalf of the country, closing his mouth on behalf of the people’; he shot a curious glanced at him.

Xiang Yushan said, “The news of Ren Shaoming’s death is currently still confined in the South, yet it already stirred up a great deal of chaos. Once it is leaked out to the North, nobody knows what the consequences will be.”

Kou Zhong suddenly asked, “How’s your relationship with Li Mi?”

“In the past,” Xiang Yushan replied, “Because we worked for Yang Guang, it could be said that we were always at odds with Li Mi, our relationship has always been a bad one. However, there has never been any direct conflict; therefore, our relationship is in a very delicate balance. Why do you suddenly ask?”

Right this moment Yun Yuzhen arrived, hence Kou Zhong changed the subject and did not answer Xiang Yushan’s question.

Chapter 6, Part 2

That night Song Yuzhi returned very late, everybody else was asleep already. By daybreak Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling went out for a stroll with Susu, while she was still asleep. By the time they came back, they found out that she had quietly slipped away.

After dinner that evening, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling had private discussion with Duan Yucheng, four people, about the route they were going to take to return to the North. Afterwards they returned to their rooms to rest.

Trailing behind Xu Ziling, Kou Zhong proudly said, “Ling Shao! This time I am listening to you! Last night I personally called off my engagement with Song Yuzhi, and this morning she left without even saying goodbye.”

Xu Ziling was amazed, “You don’t seem to have the least bit of displeasure of her leaving?” he asked.

Kou Zhong sat down dejectedly, looking at Xu Ziling, who was standing by the bed, about ready to lie down and sleep; letting out a wry smile, he said, “I would be lying if I said I did not suffer any blow. But with so many things giving me headache right now, how could I have the luxury of worrying over this matter? Girls are like butterflies, if they want to fly away, just let them fly away! Ha! Not only we do not have any luck at the brothel, we don’t have any luck with pretty girls either. All beautiful women seem to have ten grievances nine enmities with us.”

Xu Ziling was raising the mosquito curtain and was sitting down on the bed; hearing Kou Zhong’s remark, his heart ached, recalling Fu Junchuo and Sister-in-law Zhen [See Book 1 Chapter 2]: the former’s sweet soul was already gone, the latter’s whereabouts was unknown. He could not help feeling depressed.

Currently Elder Sister Su was the closest woman to them, but her happiness was closely related to Xiang Yushan; would they be this helpless for the rest of their lives?

Kou Zhong mused, “Our trip back to the north this time could very well be the most dangerous journey we ever take. We don’t even know for sure how many enemies we have out there.”

Taking a very deep breath, Xu Ziling said, “Starting tomorrow, we will have Duan Yucheng and the others subjected to the most rigorous training we can muster, so that they at least will have the ability to protect themselves.”

Kou Zhong nodded. “How many days do you think we ought to stay here?” he asked, “If we leave too early, Su Jie will certainly blame us.”

“Why don’t we stay with Su Jie for ten more days?” Xu Ziling replied, “Incidentally we can also use this time to drill Yucheng and the others.”

Kou Zhong agreed, “Let’s do it just as you said.”

“How’s the situation with Beautiful Shifu?” Xu Ziling asked.

“Of course she wants to come with us to the north,” Kou Zhong replied, “But she is going to make her own arrangement.”

And then immediately lowering his voice, he said, “That Xiang kid told me quietly that she is going to rendezvous with Dugu Ce, that’s why she is unwilling to leave Baling. Asking for this woman to be devoted to just one man is probably more difficult than plucking the bright moon from the sky.”

Frowning, Xu Ziling said, “Why did that Xiang kid tell you this kind of thing? This is totally unlike him.”

Letting out a cold snort, Kou Zhong said, “Naturally he received Xiao Xian, that old fox’s order; he is trying to damage my relationship with Beautiful Shifu. Currently Haisha Bang has suffered severe setback, leaving only Jukun Bang, Shuilong [water dragon] Bang, and Dajiang [great river] Bang. In Xiao Xian’s eyes, Beautiful Shifu is a lot more important than us.”

Xu Ziling spoke in heavy voice, “Just now our side warned Xiang kid, if Su Jie is the least bit unhappy, I will demand explanation from him.”

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “Even if he has guts as high as the sky, he won’t dare bully Su Jie. Ay! I still don’t understand why did Su Jie agree to marry him.”

Shushing him, Xu Ziling said, “It’s no use talking about it now.” After pausing, he went on, “Do you know why I want to stay for that long, ten days? Although you agree, I know that you actually don’t have any choice.”

Kou Zhong was stunned, “I really have not thought about it,” he replied, “I only think that being with Su Jie right now is the most important priority. As long as I am with her, I feel relaxed and comfortable.”

Xu Ziling apologetically said, “It was me who had weird thought. In my opinion, Evil Monk, Amorous Nun, and those vicious people would look for us to give us trouble. If we could ruthlessly inflict heavy losses to them first before starting out, our journey would be a lot smoother!”

Frowning, Kou Zhong said, “This place is Baling Bang’s domain; do you think they’d dare to come here and run amuck?”

Xu Ziling smiled and said, “We came to their domain and killed Ren Shaoming, naturally they also want to kill us in our domain, so that they could show off their prowess. Therefore, unless they are not coming, they would definitely want to, using the ten-thousand-junpower, inflict the biggest casualties and heaviest damage in the shortest possible time.”

Raising his scimitar-like eyebrows, Kou Zhong laughed grimly and said, “Hence they must be sending people in advance to scout the situation and gather information. If we could intercept these vanguard troops, we can defeat them before they start, humph!”

With an indifferent laugh Xu Ziling said, “If I were they, I would take advantage while we go out with Su Jie on a tour to make my move; don’t you agree?”

Kou Zhong’s tiger-eyes immediately lit up.

Xu Ziling went on, “Once we are going up north to transport the salt, we will be in the open while the enemies are in the dark; we will be caught in the disadvantageous situation of an absolute passive position. Tactically, it is extremely unwise. If we cannot get hold of the initiative, I can guarantee that we will never reach Guanzhong.”

Kou Zhong was astounded, “What’s going on today?” he asked, “It seems to me that you have never been this enthusiastic and proactive about these things.”

Xu Ziling shifted over to the window; with his hands behind his back he turned his gaze toward the starry sky outside, and said mysteriously, “The moment we killed Ren Shaoming, I suddenly felt myself stepping into another stage of my life’s journey. Yet I know clearly that we have an unclear entanglement with several evil forces, and are being sucked into the maelstrom of the present age. We can’t avoid it; either we choose to kill ourselves, or choose to confront it. There is no third possibility.”

Turning his head around, he noticed that Kou Zhong was staring at him with some strange expression. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked in astonishment.

Kou Zhong stood up abruptly, and then spoke in earnestness, “Because you have just displayed the prestige and style of a martial art master of the present age. What struck me the most was that it looked so smooth and natural.”

Xu Ziling smiled, “Oh please don’t lick Xiaodi’s butt,” he said, “Are you saying that you don’t realize that recently your mannerism has also changed? Swindling, pretending, leading, listening, teaching, and every now and then speaking some pompous words, deceiving me big time.”

Kou Zhong slapped his shoulders hard and roared in laughter, “Sometimes a man shouldn’t be that forthcoming,” he said, “There is one more thing that I haven’t told you about: do you know who Song Yuzhi’s future husband is? My Niang! It’s Li Mi’s only son.”

Although Xu Ziling was fully aware that Kou Zhong deliberately changed the subject, he still could not help crying out involuntarily, “What?”

Kou Zhong let his hand off Xu Ziling’s shoulder; leaning on the window sill, he gazed into the boundless moonlit night, with gleaming eyes he said, “This is the Song Clan and Wagang Army’s business deal. North and south aligning themselves, together they are going to deal with the Li Clan of the northwest. If we can’t find a way to crush this north-south union, the world will eventually fall into the hands of Li Mi.”

Letting out a wry smile, Xu Ziling said, “Are you persuading me to agree with you in exploiting Song Yuzhi?”

Kou Zhong smiled and shook his head, “You despise me, Kou Zhong, too much,” he said, “As long as we can prevent Li Mi from taking over Luoyang, the engagement will be invalidated. At that time, whomever the Song family’s Big Miss wants to marry, I, Kou Zhong will not destroy her happiness. However, if by that time she finds out that she is helpless to leave the Ol’ Kou, it will be the Ol’ Kou’s good fortune. How’s that? Am I forthcoming enough for you?”

Xu Ziling shrugged his shoulders, “All right!” he said, “We are all adults, let’s leave this matter in Laotianye’s hands. Right now let us focus our attention to deal with the enemy. Other things, we will think about it when we are still alive later!”

Knitting his brows, Kou Zhong said, “Are you implying that we must go to bed now? We haven’t talked happily and excitedly like this, and haven’t been getting along so well like this for a long time. Ha! These words ‘getting along well’ are so appropriate.”

Xu Ziling spoke indifferently, “While we are getting along very well and our amiable talk is in full swing, I’ve got a hunch that Evil Monk, Amorous Nun and their cronies are lying low in the vicinity of Baling, waiting for an opportunity to kill us.”

Kou Zhong sat down and mused, “Perhaps they are even inside the city already. Is there any way we could lure them out?”

Calm and composed, Xu Ziling said, “He who comes is surely ill-intentioned, no-one well-meaning will come. If we wait for them to act first, it would be difficult for us to avoid dead and injured; hence the best strategy is whether we could gain the initiative by striking first.”

A faint smile, brimming with confidence, appeared on the corner of Kou Zhong’s mouth; he said slowly, “This time we will be dealing with our enemy without relying on Xiao Xian’s support at all; only by doing this will we reach our goal of tempering ourselves.”

After thinking deeply, he added, “In my opinion, due to their distinctive appearance, Evil Monk and Amorous Nun would not dare to venture into the city. Rather, they would send their people to spy and watch our movements. So they must be somewhere outside Xiang kid’s General Mansion, watching our coming and going. As long as we can find those spies, we can launch the anti-tracking operation, and will be one step ahead in killing the enemy.”

Xu Ziling said, “After failed assassination attempt by Yang Xuyan, Xiang kid’s military mansion’s security is strengthened considerably; they even have hidden sentries outside the mansion. Therefore, if the opponents are sending people here, they must be good in hiding their tracks and are martial art experts in qinggong, so that it won’t be easy for us to detect their movement and find their hiding place. Therefore, unless we have certain technique, it might be hard to find such people.”

Kou Zhong laughed aloud. “Don’t worry!” he said, “Leave it to me. If even Evil Monk, Amorous Nun, I am unable to deal with, would I talk about vying over the world?