Outside the gates of Tongzhou City, a group of Jing'an Guards periodically glanced down the road, repeatedly wiping sweat from their faces under the scorching summer sun. They had clearly been waiting for a long time.
Their leader was a burly, middle-aged man with sallow, dark skin and a small mustache. He was none other than Zheng Xuancheng, Hundred Households Commander of the Tongzhou Jing'an Guard.
Standard-Bearer Chen Zhongyi asked, "Sir, what's the story with this new Junior Standard-Bearer? Why would you put aside your official duties to personally lead us out of the city to welcome him?"
"Indeed, Sir. It's not like some golden phoenix is going to land in a backwater place like this, is it?" another Standard-Bearer, Xu Zhiyong, added, his ears perked.
Zheng Xuancheng glanced back. Seeing that his other subordinates were a good distance away, he licked his dry lips and said, "This young man is the son of Marquis Weiyuan. Tell me, do you think he's worth me coming out to greet?"
"Hiss..." The two Standard-Bearers exchanged a look and sucked in a sharp breath. Who didn't know that for generations, the Marquis Wei Yuan's Mansion had guarded the nation's borders, preventing the North Rong from daring to invade the south? The current Marquis Weiyuan was a master of the Transformation Realm and wielded immense power.
There were five realms in Martial Arts: Body Refining, Qi Condensation, Wandering Dragon, Transformation, and Profound. Experts of the Profound Realm were exceedingly rare, and one in the Transformation Realm could already be honored as a Grandmaster. And that wasn't even mentioning that Marquis Weiyuan was a Marquis. Wouldn't his son be put on a pedestal wherever he went?
"Sir, something isn't right," Chen Zhongyi said with a delayed frown. "It's not surprising for someone of his standing to join the Jing'an Guard, but why would he come to a godforsaken place like this to be a mere Junior Standard-Bearer?"
"There's a story behind that," Zheng Xuancheng replied nonchalantly. "This young master killed Noble Consort Wan's nephew in full public view and was kicked out by his family."
Chen Zhongyi and Xu Zhiyong both sensed there was more to the story. They exchanged a look, and Xu Zhiyong said tentatively, "You are remarkably well-informed, Sir."
"Noble Consort Wan sent someone to tell me," Zheng Xuancheng said grimly, taking in their reactions.
The color drained from Chen Zhongyi's and Xu Zhiyong's faces.
Zheng Xuancheng revealed his true intentions. "Gentlemen, the Consort has decreed that if you help her settle this score, you'll enjoy endless glory, riches, and high office. Are you really content to be stuck here your entire lives, achieving nothing?"
"But Sir, he's the son of Marquis Weiyuan!" Chen Zhongyi said in a hushed voice.
Zheng Xuancheng corrected him, "He's a son who has been banished to Tongzhou by Marquis Weiyuan to fend for himself! Besides, as long as we're careful, who could possibly trace it back to us? And more importantly, do you really think you're in a position to refuse the Consort?"
Small-time figures like them were born without the right to choose, only to have their fates chosen for them.
Chen Zhongyi's and Xu Zhiyong's expressions were uncertain.
"Relax, you two." Zheng Xuancheng patiently continued his persuasion. "I've heard that Pei Shaoqing was a terror in the Capital City, bullying people and causing all sorts of trouble. He not only offended many powerful figures, but he also fell out of favor with Marquis Weiyuan long ago. If the Marquis truly cared for his son, would he have banished him to Tongzhou as a mere Junior Standard-Bearer? Noble Consort Wan's son is deeply favored by His Majesty and will very likely be named Crown Prince to inherit the throne. You used to complain that this miserable place gave you no opportunities. Now, a golden chance to soar has arrived. Why are you still hesitating?"
"We are willing to follow you, Sir, and relieve the Consort of her worries!" After exchanging a look, they finally gritted their teeth and agreed.
'Compared to their direct superior and Noble Consort Wan, dealing with Pei Shaoqing—a wastrel from the Marquis's Mansion banished here to fend for himself after a major screw-up—seemed like the easier option.'
A satisfied smile spread across Zheng Xuancheng's face. "Having worked with you both for so long, I knew you would make the wise choice. You truly haven't disappointed me."
'He had waited until now to tell them precisely to deny them the time and space to think things over.'
"It is all thanks to your guidance, Sir," the two men said, fawning.
Suddenly, one of the men exclaimed, "They're here!"
Zheng Xuancheng and the others looked up. Sure enough, they saw nine horsemen escorting a carriage approaching from the distance.
Five of the horses were each carrying a corpse.
"Let's go. Quickly now, follow me to welcome him." Zheng Xuancheng's brow furrowed for a moment before smoothing out as he spoke with a smile.
Pei Shaoqing lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and watched Zheng Xuancheng lead his men over. Their excessive eagerness put him on guard. He muttered to himself, "This doesn't bode well."
'The Jing'an Guard holds a high rank and great power. Even though I'm a Marquis's son, that leader is my superior officer. Logically, he shouldn't be acting so deferential toward me in public.'
'How would he command respect and lead his troops in the future otherwise?'
'Something is definitely fishy.'
"You're the one who's arriving," Xie Qingwu huffed.
Pei Shaoqing ignored her, calling for the carriage to stop. He lifted the curtain to disembark. Since he was currently playing the part of a profligate young master, his body wasted by wine and women and ignorant of martial arts, he made a show of needing someone to help him down.
Zheng Xuancheng, for his part, was taken aback when he saw Pei Shaoqing's tall and imposing figure. 'This doesn't fit the image of a wastrel,' he thought. 'As expected of a son from a noble house. He's certainly handsome enough.'
After a brief pause, his smile returned, and he hurried forward. "I am Zheng Xuancheng, Hundred Households Commander of the Tongzhou Jing'an Guard. Young Master Pei, you must be weary from your long journey."
"Yes. Greetings, Hundred Households Commander Zheng." Pei Shaoqing acted as if it were only right and proper for them to come out and welcome him.
This disdainful attitude made Zheng Xuancheng's expression stiffen. Forcing down his irritation, he gestured to the five corpses to change the subject. "Young Master Pei, what is this...?"
"I ran into bandits while passing through Phoenix Mountain. I fought them off and killed five," Pei Shaoqing said nonchalantly.
Zheng Xuancheng sneered inwardly. 'You claim to know no martial arts, yet you fought off bandits and killed five men? You've got some nerve taking the credit. It was all your guards, wasn't it?'
"How valiant of you, Young Master! I'm truly impressed!" he complimented with a look of admiration. A plan began to form, and a cunning glint flashed in his small eyes. He continued with a smile, "The bandits on Phoenix Mountain have been a scourge for a long time, constantly attacking traveling merchants and wealthy local families. Their crimes are monstrous. The County Government Office has tried to send troops to wipe them out on several occasions, but that detestable leader, Xu Yuanqing, known as 'the Executioner,' is treacherous and sly. He's not only escaped every time but has also killed and wounded many constables."
"The County Government Office was at its wit's end and just requested our Hundred Households for help. Who would have thought that you, Young Master Pei, would deal a heavy blow to the bandits on your way here! It must be fate! In my opinion, how about we entrust this matter to you?"
"An excellent idea, Hundred Households Commander! With Young Master Pei on the case, that bandit Xu won't escape even if he sprouts wings," Xu Zhiyong hurriedly agreed.
Alarm bells instantly went off in Pei Shaoqing's mind.
'Zheng Xuancheng is debasing himself to flatter me, yet at the same time, he's deliberately building me up, trying to incite me—a newcomer who knows nothing about the local situation—to go exterminate the Phoenix Mountain bandits.'
'Considering what Xie Qingwu said about me killing Noble Consort Wan's nephew, everything points to one bold conclusion: Zheng Xuancheng is acting on Noble Consort Wan's orders and plans to use the bandits to kill me.'
'And even if he isn't acting on Noble Consort Wan's orders, this is clearly a plot to get me killed.'
'However... trying to use my own knife to kill me?'
'Heh. In that case, I'll play your little game.'
Though murderous intent seethed within him, his face showed nothing but the puffed-up pride of a man swayed by flattery. "Haha, say no more! A paltry band of third-rate bandits? I could wipe them out with one hand tied behind my back."
"Such spirit, Young Master!" Zheng Xuancheng clapped his hands in praise, then gestured the way. "You must be tired from your travels. We've already arranged lodging for you. Please, go and get some rest. We will hold a proper welcome feast for you this evening."
"Mm." Pei Shaoqing gave a slight nod and walked ahead, head high and chest out. Upon reaching the city gate, he stopped to look at the wanted posters on the wall. He pointed to one depicting a man with a thick beard. "So this is the Phoenix Mountain bandit leader, Xu Yuanqing? This is what he looks like?"
'Funny, I didn't know I looked like that.'
"To be perfectly honest," Zheng Xuancheng replied, shaking his head, "that bandit Xu is extremely cautious and never leaves survivors. He covers his face with a black scarf, so no one knows what he really looks like. This portrait is just based on street rumors. Some tales even say he has a green face, long fangs, and stands ten feet tall."
"I see," Pei Shaoqing said with an understanding nod, then let out a laugh. "But it won't be long before I rip that scarf from his face and let everyone see what he really looks like."
"Naturally. Allow me to congratulate you in advance on your certain success, Young Master Pei," Zheng Xuancheng said with a smile.
"Haha! After you, Hundred Households Commander Zheng!"
"Please, Young Master, after you."
Though not large, Tongzhou City was bustling with activity.
"Candied~ hawthorns~ Get your candied hawthorns!"
"Young Master, come in and play for a while! Come on, now~"
The streets thronged with people. Vendors cried out their wares, children chased each other in play, and the sounds of arguments, laughter, and crowing chickens all vied for attention.
The group swaggered through the streets like a pack of tigers, pedestrians scrambling to get out of their way. They finally stopped before a rather respectable-looking residence. Zheng Xuancheng said to Pei Shaoqing in a fawning tone, "Young Master, this estate is my own. It has been vacant for a few years, so please use it as your temporary home. I've already arranged for servants. I hope it is to your liking."
"Then I thank you, Hundred Households Commander Zheng," Pei Shaoqing said, accepting the offer without a second thought. He then added matter-of-factly, "You and your men have had a long day, too. You may go back and rest."
'This bastard is unbearably arrogant! I gift him a mansion, and he doesn't even invite me in for a sip of water before shooing me away. No wonder his own father can't stand the sight of him and banished him to this godforsaken place.'
'If I didn't have to keep up this fawning act to trick him, I wouldn't waste my time serving him.'
"Of course. Please rest well, Young Master. We will drink to our hearts' content tonight. Farewell." On the surface, Zheng Xuancheng's expression was impassive. With that, he turned and led his men away.
Once they were a good distance away, Chen Zhongyi, who had been stewing in anger, finally vented, "Sir, that Pei is far too arrogant! It's bad enough he didn't even deign to look at us, but he clearly has no respect for you either!"
"It's better this way," Zheng Xuancheng replied calmly, stroking his mustache with a confident air. "The more respectful we act, the more he'll let his guard down. Then, when something unfortunate happens to him, no one will ever suspect us."
Xu Zhiyong asked tentatively, "Sir, asking him to help the County Government Office eliminate the bandits... you have another plan, don't you?"
"We conceal Pei Shaoqing's identity, have a 'word' with Xu Yuanqing, and arrange for him to die at the bandits' hands. Then, we kill the bandits to avenge him," Zheng Xuancheng said, his face grim and his tone chilling.
"Brilliant, Sir!" Chen Zhongyi praised, before voicing a concern. "Pei Shaoqing's guards are all experts. Other than Xu Yuanqing, the rest of the Phoenix Mountain bandits are just a bunch of thugs. I'm afraid they won't be able to kill him."
Zheng Xuancheng didn't answer the question directly. Instead, he remarked casually, "I seem to recall that Standard-Bearer Xu here broke through to the peak of the Body Refining Realm just the other day?"
Xu Zhiyong understood immediately. "This subordinate understands."