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Smiling bitterly, Hou Xibai said, “Without you needing to tell me, I myself know what it is. Are you thinking that I will never master the Immortal [Undead, see title chapter] Image Method, because Shi Shi and I are fundamentally two persons with greatly different innate character?”

Laughing involuntarily, Xu Ziling said, “Hou Gongzi, you are indeed good at understanding people’s heart.”

Puzzled, Hou Xibai said, “Ziling, you shouldn’t be a person who take joy in calamity and delight in disaster, why is it that when you hear or confirm a grievous news, you still look like you are that happy and excited? Xiaodi indeed remain puzzled after pondering over it a hundred times [idiom].”

Shrugging his shoulders, Xu Ziling calmly replied, “I wonder if currently Xibai Xiong feel very nervous, your entire being is like a bowstring pulled tight, every moment you are living in a tensed, always on guard – feeling?”

Xu Ziling suddenly signaled him not to answer; he spoke cheerfully, “Before you answer this question, let me tell you the good news first.”

Hou Xibai’s spirit greatly roused, Hou Xibai said, “Is there still good news in the world? Tell me quickly to wash down my bad luck.”

Xu Ziling said, “Xiaodi know the location of another authentic work of Zhan Ziqian.”

Severely shaken, Hou Xibai said, “That is indeed good news as big as the sky. Don’t keep the listeners in suspense! Tell me quickly.”

Xu Ziling said, “As long as you are willing to plead with Song ErGe, he can take you back to Lingnan to see Zhan Ziqian’s ‘You Chun Tu’.”

Emotionally moved, Hou Xibai said, “‘You Chun Tu’ and ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan’ are both representative work of Zhan Ziqian, handed down from ancient times, which brought him to be the forefather of landscape painting. I never thought that unexpectedly it fell into Song Que’s hands. However, it seems like I’d better ask Kou Zhong to write me a letter of introduction, isn’t Song ErGe and his old dad have bad disagreement?”

Xu Ziling said, “This is now, that was then. It is most likely that Song Er Ye has met another bane in his life. His expression after he saw Shang Xiuxun, when you see it, you will understand.”

Staring blankly, Hou Xibai said, “Is there such thing? But it’s also difficult to blame him; between man and woman, ‘similarity’ [or closeness] and ‘dissimilarity’ both can become enormous attractive force. Song ErGe’s taste, personality traits, elegant manner, which are cultivated out of honorable school and world-class powerful family, certainly match very well with Shang Meiren.”

Xu Ziling emotionally said, “To be honest, Kou Zhong and I do not deserve her, only Song ErGe can give her a life in happiness. If our wishes come true, it will be the most ideal ending.” And then he smiled and asked, “How is Hou Xiong feeling right now?”

Staring blankly, Hou Xibai said, “Turns out Ziling was trying to ease my anxiety. But this moment I certainly feel a lot more relaxed and tranquil! Thinking about ‘You Chun Tu’, whether I can master Bu Si Yin Fa or not becomes a small matter. Ay! How can I also see the ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’?”

Xu Ziling spoke with serious expression, “I was not trying to ease your anxiety, but I am reminding you, it would be best if you forget about Bu Si Yin Fa, otherwise, your spirit might suffer serious damage, in the end even the ‘Hundred-Beauty Painting’ that Li Yuan commissioned might be difficult to submit.”

Knitting his brows, Hou Xibai said, “It’s not that serious!”

Xu Ziling asked, “On your Fan of Beauty, do you still need to add one Shang Meiren?”

Shivered, Hou Xibai replied, “You have seen it very accurately. I really do not dare to move my brush, I have no confidence to be able to grasp her enchanting elegant manner and charm; could it be that it is the result of painstakingly studying the Bu Si Yin Fa?”

Xu Ziling said, “This is called abandoning the long to obtain the short. If you could integrate the writing and painting realms into the martial art way to come up with another key point, won’t it surpass learning your honorable Shi Shi’s harming-others-for-one’s-personal-benefit Bu Si Yin Fa? Self-creation is the only way out; furthermore, it is your way to make a living.”

The refined light in Hou Xibai’s pair of eyes flaring greatly, he slapped the armrest and spoke excitedly, “That’s right! When I write and paint, my intention [or thought] is on the tip of the brush, no-man, no-self, where the mind goes, the brush follows, without the slightest amount of obstruction, in my heart, other than the world inside the painting, there is nothing else. Ha! Fortunately I receive Ziling’s reminder.”

Xu Ziling cheerfully said, “You have finally wakened up from the Bu Si Yin Fa nightmare. By the way, let me tell you another information, ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’ should have fallen into Li Yuan’s hands.”

“What?” Hou Xibai blurted out.

After explaining to him, Xu Ziling smiled and said, “If you want to personally see the ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’, you must take Song ErGe’s place in disguising yourself as Shen Wenjiang to enter the Palace to examine the painting. This matter, if you say it’s difficult it’s actually not difficult, but if you say it’s easy it’s actually not easy, you must master the skill to imitate other people’s work.”

This moment Kou Zhong climbed over the wall and came in, and sat down on Hou Xibai’s other side. He asked in astonishment, “Why does Hou Gongzi look like you have become another person, full of vitality and fighting spirit, no longer lifeless?”

Hou Xibai laughed and said, “It’s entirely bestowed by Ziling. He reminded me to put painting into martial art, to no longer climb a tree to catch a fish with Bu Si Yin Fa, and thus wasting my spirit and time.”

“Any good news?” Xu Ziling asked.

“It’s the good news as big as the sky,” Kou Zhong replied, “Now the overall plan is up in my sleeve, I guarantee it will work.”

He explained about Ouyang Xiyi first, and then said, “In this matter, we have to proceed by painting using two brushes [idiom: two-pronged approach]. First, we ask Yi Lao to personally throw his cap in the ring, to warn ‘Da Xian’ Hu Fo by pointing out that it is very likely that Chi Shengchun is related to Baling Bang and Xiang Gui, so that he should find an excuse to delay the forced-engagement with Chi Shengchun.”

Xu Ziling said, “Don’t you think you are doing more than is required? Because Hu Fo already told Chi Shengchun clearly that only when the ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’ is among the betrothal gifts that he will agree on the wedding.”

Kou Zhong calmly said, “I am afraid that under Yin Zuwen and Li Yuanji’s pressure, Hu Fo might relent. Besides, I don’t know whether Ling Shao has thought about another possibility. Supposing Yin Zuwen, via Yin De Fei, asks Li Yuan to propose the marriage on Chi Shengchun’s behalf, it will be difficult for the ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’ to become a barrier.”

Hou Xibai nodded and said, “This possibility is quite high. One, Li Yuan might be ashamed inwardly, two, toward Yin De Fei, he sees, hears and obeys. Furthermore, maybe Yin De Fei is also in the know that the ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’ is in Li Yuan’s hands.”

Knitting his brows, Xu Ziling said, “But in that case, the only way Hu Fo can refuse is to play Yi Lao, this card, by revealing Chi Shengchun’s identity to Li Yuan. At that time, our grand plan will undoubtedly fizzle out.”

Having a card up his sleeve, Kou Zhong said, “Hence the reason I said two-pronged approach. First of all, we can’t let Yi Lao revealed to Hu Fo too many things about Chi Shengchun; we only say that this person is closely related to the demonic school. Merely this point should be enough for Hu Fo to show respect to Chi Shengchun from a distance. On the other hand, Ling Shao need to try to persuade Hu Xiaoxian. There is no harm in telling her that ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’ has already fallen into Li Yuan’s hands, so that her heart will be comforted. At that time, as long as she put on an air of a filial woman, also announce to the world that whoever can kill Cao San and retrieve the ‘Han Lin Qing Yuan Tu’ to be presented to her Die, she would give herself wholly to marry down that person. This is the move of using the treasured painting to invite the groom [to live with the bride’s family] that will thoroughly solve the problem. This matter will definitely spread that everybody on the street will know, everybody in the alley will hear. Li Yuan will not be able to stick out his head for Chi Shengchun even more.”

Xu Ziling said, “Although your so-called brilliant scheme is outrageous, but it could indeed solve Chi Shengchun’s forced-engagement problem. Because Cao San had become empty, nonexistent character, even deities and immortals descending into the world won’t be able to kill him one more time. However, it seems like it will only be harmful without any benefit toward our grand plan. At least, in the future, Hu Xiaoxian no longer needs to listen to our instruction.”

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “This is precisely the brilliance of this plan. Xu Ziling Daxia at this moment retreat after successful meritorious deed, and change to become Situ Furong and Taihang Shuang Jie coming on the stage, at certain his Niang’s place bump into Hu Xiaoxian, startling man and heaven, with a large sum of money politely hiring Hou Gongzi, who has the most qualifications in Chang’an to kill Cao San and retrieve the treasured painting, to throw his cap in the ring …”

Hou Xibai cut him off, “You really confused Xiaodi. Isn’t this a new branch growing out of a knot, adding more unnecessary trouble?”

Pointing to his own head, Kou Zhong said, “This is because I have a lot of imagination, naturally I figure out the brilliant scheme of a new branch growing out of a knot. My goal is to destroy Chi Shengchun’s evil plan of acquiring Ming Tang Wo first, and Situ Furong, because he takes a fancy to Hu Xiaoxian, will change his low-profile into high-profile, in the end he directly pits himself against Chi Shengchun, while also luring the master of the Xiang Family Xiang Gui to come out.”

Xu Ziling nodded and said, “Your proposal can still be considered a brilliant scheme. It’s almost time! We still have to meet Er Wenhuan’s wine and meat appointment. Tonight we will definitely win big, but tomorrow night, it’s hard to say.”

Staring blankly, Hou Xibai said, “Er Wenhuan?”

Kou Zhong explained to him. Disappointed, Hou Xibai said, “In that case, won’t that mean I don’t have any share tonight?”

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “Gongzi, don’t worry, how could we dare to treat you coldly? Tonight, the second watch of the night [9-11pm], we will meet again here. Together we will visit Yin Mansion to look for the entrance to the secret passage, to see whether this secret tunnel will lead to which corner of the Imperial Palace. This matter is of utmost importance, we cannot miss it.”

Frowning, Xu Ziling spoke in displeasure, “You again harbor malice toward Li Yuan.”

Kou Zhong raised his hand to swear, “Emperor of Heaven above, if I, Kou Zhong, have that intention, let me forever cannot find a wife.”

Xu Ziling spoke apologetically, “I was blaming you wrongly.”

Hou Xibai spoke frankly, “I ought to apologize to you too, because I had the same thought as Ziling.”

Kou Zhong laughed and said, “We are all brothers, we can say anything to anybody. As a matter of fact, I was well intentioned to invite two Dage with me to appreciate and enjoy life. What is life anyway? It’s precisely the touching personal experience. Imagine how touching is the Great Tang’s Imperial Palace deep in the night, the towering palace hall, pavilions and balconies cutting across the magnificent plaza, dark and serene imperial gardens, which is the most dangerous place in Chang’an for us. We could listen to the Emperor and the beloved imperial concubine’s discussion in whispered tones, and don’t forget that Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji both live in the palace. Without entering the tiger’s cave, how could we catch the tiger’s cub?”

He has not finished speaking, Xu Ziling and Hou Xibai already roared in laugher, yet Kou Zhong still continued to vehemently present his statement until the end.

As if nothing had happened, Kou Zhong said, “Tonight’s program, the two gentlemen shouldn’t have any objection, right?”

※ ※ ※

Suddenly it began to drizzle.

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, dressed as Taihang Shuang Jie, met with Er Wenhuan at Beiyuan. Yao Luo did not show up, but they had Qiao Gongshan keeping them company. The four of them drank and chatted merrily in a restaurant. During the banquet, Er and Qiao, two men were echoing one another, in an old-fashioned way they tried to pry information concerning Situ Furong, while along the way they blatantly interrogated the two boys. Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling dealt with it one by one, giving Er Wenhuan and Qiao Gongshan the initial impression that Situ Furong was having some ambition on casino business.

After the meal Qiao Gongshan proposed that they went to Shang Lin Yuan; he even bragged that he could invite Ji Qian to sing a couple of tunes for them. But Kou Zhong did not want to waste valuable time; he spoke forthrightly that his hands were itching to satisfy his gambling addiction, so Er Wenhuan accompanied them to the Six-Happiness Casino.

So far, the two boys were more certain that Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, in order to strike Li Shimin, were still in close cooperation, so in Chi Shengchun’s affair, Li Jiancheng could only have his trusted aide providing assistance from the side. As for whether Li Yuanji or Li Jiancheng knew that Chi Shengchun and Yin Zuwen were demonic school people, it was difficult to confirm.

Er Wenhuan even found other gamblers, so that they formed a gambling party in one of the Six-Happiness Casino VIP rooms. These several men gambled until the sky turned hazy, the earth turned dark. The outcome was as expected, with the other party deliberated yielded to them, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling made quite a slaughter, each one won nearly a hundred taels of Tongbao [see Book 31 Chapter 6], which was a considerable wealth.

After leaving the Six-Happiness Casino, Er Wenhuan still wanted to take them to a pleasure house for more fun, but they declined with the excuse that they had to go back to protect Situ Furong.

After parting ways and scattering the escorted goods, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling walked in the direction of Situ Mansion. The drizzle still continued unabated, so that the city of Chang’an was shrouded in dense fog.

Kou Zhong spoke with a sneer, “Er Wenhuan and Qiao Gongshan are both non-professional swindlers, they are over-enthusiastic. Okay! I am going to see Yi Lao now, are you coming with me?”

“Didn’t you want me to go see Ji Qian?” Xu Ziling asked, “I now have to go to Ming Tang Wo to leave some secret marking, to make an appointment to meet with her tomorrow.”

Kou Zhong nodded and said, “There’s not much time, we have to split up and do our tasks separately. Remember tonight’s splendid program, the first to arrive must wait.”

After parting company, Xu Ziling became the full-bearded Gong Chenchun. He turned around to go back to the Beiyuan’s Ming Tang Wo to leave secret marking. And then after gambling a couple of hands, he hurriedly left. But as he was walking along the street, not even for ten steps, the alarm went off in his heart. Turning his head around, he could not help groaning inwardly.

Shi Zhixuan, seemingly moving slowly, but was actually very fast, caught up with him from behind, with a smile on his face he spoke calmly and indifferently, “Ziling hurried back from Cijian, what exactly is the matter?”

※ ※ ※

Kou Zhong went to see Ouyang Xiyi inside Du Fuwei’s office [orig. working/business mansion] in Chang’an. This was Du Fuwei’s arrangement, other than a few trusted aides, the rest of the people in the Mansion did not know that Kou Zhong was meeting Ouyang Xiyi.

At the inner hall of the rear court, Ouyang Xiyi, who had never thought that he would meet Kou Zhong, was greatly surprised. After some pleasantries, Du Fuwei said, “I’ll leave Xiyi Xiong and Xiao Zhong to speak in private in here. Although I arranged your meeting, that does not mean that Xiyi Xiong needs to consider my sentiment and face, everything can be decided by Xiyi Xiong yourself.”

Finished speaking, he left.

Ouyang Xiyi heaved a sigh and said, “Xiao Zhong, you really should not have come to see me, because I already promised Ning Daoqi that I am determined to help Li Shimin with all my strength to unify the world. Strictly speaking, we are enemies and not friends at all.”

Kou Zhong respectfully said, “I understand Yi Lao’s position, but let me tell you first the reason we require Yi Lao’s help, and then Yi Lao can decide whether you want to help me or not.”

Without concealing anything at all he explained the purpose of his trip to Chang’an, and then he said, “This time we want to deal with the demonic school people, for the Li Family, it will only be beneficial without any harm, plus the biggest beneficiary could possibly be Li Shimin. Even more, Li Shimin is aware of this matter.”

Ouyang Xiyi revealed a shocked expression. Knitting his brows, he said, “Unexpectedly even Yin Zuwen, father and daughter are evil spies of the demonic school infiltrating the House of Tang. This is a very serious matter, I must explain to Li Yuan clearly.”

“Absolutely not,” Kou Zhong said, “First of all, we do not have any evidence, and secondly, if Li Yuan asks Yi Lao where the information came from, could it be that you tell him that it was me, Kou Zhong who told you? If Li Yuan thinks that Yi Lao slanders Yin De Fei on behalf of Li Shimin, things will become even worse.”

Finally Ouyang Xiyi was moved, “How can I help you?” he spoke heavily.

Kou Zhong cheerfully said, “Hearing Yi Lao said that, I am both grateful and happy. Yi Lao can help me in two ways; first, to warn ‘Da Xian’ Hu Fo, suggesting that Chi Shengchun has a close relationship with the demonic school, telling him that the information came from Ning Daoqi, so that Hu Fo cannot but believe.”

Ouyang Xiyi said, “I am a man who has never lied to a friend.”

Kou Zhong said, “In that case, you might as well not tell him where you heard the information from, but when you are speaking, you must describe it perfectly; if Hu Fo is angered that he wants to take Li Yuan to court, our grand plan will come to an end.”

Ouyang Xiyi said, “I wonder if we could disclose to him that the information is from Li Shimin. This really is not all lies, because Li Shimin indeed knew about this matter, plus it will make Hu Fo not daring to pass on to Li Yuan.”

Delighted, Kou Zhong said, “Ginger is, after all, the older the spicier. This move is certainly wonderful.”

Laughing involuntarily, Ouyang Xiyi said, “No need to pat the horse’s butts, I have liked you since the first time I saw you and Ziling, convincing Hu Fo is just the exertion of lifting one’s hand. So, what’s the other thing that you need Laofu’s help with?”

“This matter is a lot more complicated!” Kou Zhong replied, “I wonder what Yi Lao knows about Shi Zhixuan?”

Immediately Ouyang Xiyi’s eyebrows were deeply knitted. He nodded and said, “I heard he successfully extracted the primordial essence from the Xie Di Sheli, not only his power recovered fully, it even surpasses the previous level. Furthermore, Zhu Yuyan died tragically under his hands.”

Lowering his voice, Kou Zhong said, “This moment Shi Zhixuan is in Chang’an, carrying out his great undertaking of unifying the Two Sects Six Ways. Moreover, the chance of success is very high.”

Ouyang Xiyi’s countenance changed, he asked, “Have you guys fought against him?”

Kou Zhong replied, “I have not come across him, but Ziling was almost killed by him.”

Ouyang Xiyi spoke heavily, “This matter, I certainly cannot sit back. How can I help?”

Kou Zhong pushed down his voice a bit more, focused it into a line and transmitted it into Ouyang Xiyi’s ears, saying, “We know where he is hiding, but Shi Zhixuan is not aware that we already grasp his whereabouts.”

Emotionally moved, Ouyang Xiyi asked, “Where is he hiding?”

Kou Zhong replied, “Yi Lao, please forgive me for holding the climax of the story here, when the time comes, I will ask Yi Lao to notify Li Yuan, to put his hiding place in heavy siege, leaving only one way out, and Ziling and I will ambush him there.”

“Shall we invite Daoqi Xiong here?” Ouyang Xiyi asked.

“The night is long, the dreams many,” Kou Zhong replied, “This matter must be carried out within these few days. I wonder if Yi Lao can stay one or two more days?”

“That is not a problem,” Ouyang Xiyi replied, “When do you want me to talk to Hu Fo?”

“The faster the better,” Kou Zhong replied.

“Tonight then!” Ouyang Xiyi said, “It would be best if we do not involve Du Fuwei to get in touch with each other, so that we can be a bit more flexible. Moreover, I do not wish to get him involved.”

Kou Zhong knew that he was afraid that if Du Fuwei and Kou Zhong had a lot of contacts, Du Fuwei might rebel against the Tang to help him, Kou Zhong, instead. After discussing the method of exchanging information, Kou Zhong’s mood entirely free from worry, he bade his farewell and left.