Chapter 69: The Sea of Wealth

Li Chunfeng had clearly seen through Qian Xiaoyue’s identity from the very beginning, and had been grinning mischievously the whole time. After Lu Xin learned the truth, he was nearly in tears.

This playful, troublemaking girl was actually Qian Hai’s daughter. If she moved into the Qian residence, how could he ever get by in the days to come?

“Master, you—”

“Some things are destined by Heaven, so why resist them? This girl, I believe, has some spirit in her.”

“Spirit? Hmph, uncle, who are you anyway? I’m here to take a master, what business is it of yours?”

With one hand on her hip and the other touching her nose, Qian Xiaoyue seemed to see only Lu Xin, ignoring everyone else. Seeing this, Lu Xin’s eyes darted, and he quickly smiled, “He’s my master. His martial skills are far better than mine. If you could learn even a trick or two, you’d be able to roam the world.”

“Really? Why didn’t you say so earlier? Give me back my silver!”

Qian Xiaoyue snatched the silver and turned to shove it into Li Chunfeng’s hands, her eyes immediately shining as she stared fixedly at the uncle in question. Li Chunfeng instantly sensed trouble. He glanced at Lu Xin out of the corner of his eye, only to find his disciple whistling nonchalantly at the Vermilion Gate.

“You brat, dare to scheme against your master?”

“You said it yourself, Heaven’s will, and this girl has spirit. I don’t mind gaining another junior sister.”

...

By the time the master and disciple returned to the Qian residence, the hour was already late. The guards at the gate had changed shifts; seeing their young lady bring guests home, none dared to stop them. Inside, Qian Xiaoyue led the two to settle in the east wing. Perhaps because every inch of land was precious under the emperor’s feet, the Qian residence was not as large as expected; Lu Xin estimated it was barely a tenth the size of the Xu estate.

But this was reasonable. In the capital, if a commoner’s residence were larger than the palace, where would that leave the emperor’s dignity? Chang’an was no Yuezhou, where the mountains shielded from imperial scrutiny and people could do as they pleased. Even so, Qian Hai was obviously immensely wealthy, for the grounds were beautifully arranged: every five steps, a pond; every ten, a rockery; and four gardens for each season. Even the east wing, meant for guests, was furnished entirely with sandalwood, a show of opulence.

“Master, senior brother, stay here for now. If you want anything to eat, just tell me tomorrow.”

Qian Xiaoyue was so excited that she bounced away, but as she turned, two figures approached, startling her so much she covered her mouth.

“Master, see, the young lady is right here. You needn’t worry.”

“Hmph, how long was I gone? You couldn’t even keep an eye on a little girl, and you tell me not to worry? Steward Chen, you’re truly muddleheaded.”

“Master, please calm your anger. I know my mistake.”

“Hmph, I’ll let it go this time, but no more.”

The two approaching were the old steward Chen, whom they’d seen earlier, and a tall, middle-aged man who resembled Qian Xiaoyue. He wore a robe with distinctive Tang features, his face stern. Lu Xin didn’t need to guess; this was surely the master of the residence, Qian Hai.

“Father.”

“Enough. Steward Chen told me everything. With such trouble in the Western Market tonight, it’s lucky you are unharmed; otherwise, how would I answer to your late mother?”

Qian Hai rebuked coldly, then turned his gaze to Lu Xin and Li Chunfeng, cautious and dark.

“Who are these two?”

“Father, this is my new master, and senior brother. Their martial arts are superb.”

“Master?”

Qian Hai’s eyes narrowed, his expression growing darker. Steward Chen quickly jumped forward.

“Master, it’s them! These two tried to force their way into the residence and injured four guards. Shameless thieves! When that failed, they turned their attention to our young lady! Master, I’ll report to the authorities right away.”

“Hold.”

Though Steward Chen scolded fiercely, Qian Hai, despite his grim face, kept calm and did nothing rash.

“I wonder what connection you two have with my family? My daughter is young and mischievous; if she has offended you, I am willing to offer compensation.”

“Master, they are no nobles, they’re thieves! Don’t be soft-hearted!”

“Silence!”

Qian Hai turned and glared at Steward Chen, then bowed to Li Chunfeng. His words were courteous, but anyone listening closely would realize he was politely asking them to leave. Lu Xin, no stranger to such talk, easily caught the meaning. Li Chunfeng, however, remained expressionless.

“Master Qian, you are too polite. As for our connection, perhaps you recall this item.”

Without emotion, Lu Xin produced a jade ring. As soon as his hand extended, Qian Hai’s expression changed; he snatched the ring, his eyes bright and hands trembling.

“This ring, who gave it to you?”

“Xu Sanjin of Yuezhou.”

“Good, good, good. I thought I’d never see it again in this lifetime. So Brother Xu kept it safe all along. I apologize for my earlier offense.”

Qian Hai gripped the ring and bowed again; this time, his whole upper body bent low, and his tone was deeply sincere—not compensation, but apology. Lu Xin did not know the connection between Xu Sanjin and Qian Hai, but as a junior, he dared not accept such a gesture.

“Master Qian, please, you mustn’t. Please rise, please rise.”

“Yes, master, even if they brought a token, they don’t deserve your great courtesy. Allow me to help you up.”

Steward Chen stepped forward, but Qian Hai pushed him back with an elbow, remaining bowed.

“Old Chen, you truly are muddleheaded. I nearly became a man devoid of righteousness. You’ve wasted these decades.”

“Master!”

Steward Chen’s eyes reddened, and he knelt with a thud. At the same time, Li Chunfeng lifted his right hand, and with a surge of magical force, raised Qian Hai from his bow.

This scene made Qian Hai’s expression change once more.

“You are the host, and we are guests; we cannot accept such a courtesy. The night is deep, Master Qian, you should rest early. If our sudden arrival has caused any disturbance, we beg your forgiveness.”

“Immortal master, you are too kind. I shall take my leave. Tomorrow, I will have servants bring food to the east wing. Xiaoyue, come with me.”

“Hee hee hee… Father, you’re not throwing out my master?”

“Hmph, hurry and pay your respects to your master and senior brother.”

Qian Xiaoyue turned and stuck out her tongue, elated as if she might fly. Qian Hai was clearly startled, not daring to look at Li Chunfeng again, and soon left the courtyard with his people. After the master and disciple closed the door and sat down, neither could sleep. The first night in Chang’an was uneasy; too many strange events had occurred, leaving them unsettled.

“Master, who do you think used the Five Elements Shifting Technique to extinguish the fire? Even if Chang’an is full of hidden talents, few could have such skill.”

“That technique is a branch of the Five Elements Dao Arts; below the Divine Realm, almost no one can perform it. Those who reach that realm are few: the heads of the great sects, perhaps. At the time, the caster stood atop the palace walls. If I am not mistaken, it was Tan Zongxiao, the Minister of the Yin-Yang Temple.”

“The Minister of the Yin-Yang Temple? The Tang court truly is filled with masters.”

Lu Xin was shaken; a Divine Realm expert was among the strongest in the world, capable of founding sects and ruling regions. Why would such a person serve the court? Among the court’s experts he knew, there were already two at the Guiwei Realm: one was Wei Tunyun of the Divine Temple—though he had never met him, he’d often heard of the temple’s formidable chief. The other was Yuchi Baolin, whom he had seen in Xuanzhou, the head of the Demon Suppression Institute, powerful indeed.

“The Li father and son seized the Sui dynasty’s imperial fate, so countless experts aided them. The court actually has many Yin-Yang masters—not just the Divine Temple and Demon Suppression Institute; the Taizong Emperor himself is surrounded by skilled ones. But these people usually remain hidden. Otherwise, the troubled realm would have fractured long ago.”

“Ah, being emperor is not easy. A single misstep leads to ruin, and the world’s scorn.”

“Hahaha... The throne of the supreme emperor is not so easily held. Throughout history, how many have sat firmly upon the dragon seat? How many have healed this battered world? The emperor is no immortal; without help, he is but a mortal. Otherwise, why would I come to this bustling capital?”

Li Chunfeng spoke, drained his teacup, then rose to open the door. Moonlight poured from the night sky, pure as frost.

“In ten days, the imperial examination begins, and there will be chaos in Chang’an before it opens. Just in case, I must seclude myself to refine my arts for several days. In the meantime, practice diligently and do not neglect your lessons.”

“I understand, Master.”

Li Chunfeng departed swiftly, vanishing into the Qian residence, his destination unknown. Lu Xin lay bored on the bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

He had dreamed of coming to Chang’an, but now that he was here, troubles abounded. He didn’t even know what he was worried about, only that something ominous seemed imminent. This feeling had grown stronger since meeting the monk Xuanzang outside the city.

“Well, in this world, no one escapes hardship. With my master to protect me, what have I to fear? A man without dreams, without seeing this vast world, is no different from a salted fish. Tomorrow, I’ll ask around for Brother Tingfang’s whereabouts.”