Chapter 13: Must Ride the Long Wind to Break Through the Boundless Waves!
From now on, will there be a distinction between lord and subject?
Xiao Liang understood the implication and sighed, “Though that may be so, I still hope that in private, we can continue to address each other by our given names.”
Zhuo Zifang readily agreed.
Xiao Liang continued, “Actually, I have something else to say… You know well that the world is in turmoil. Even if we hold authority over Pei County, hardships and dangers will remain ever-present. Even if our original intentions remain unchanged, to achieve great feats, we will inevitably have to make difficult choices and sacrifices along the way.”
Zhuo Zifang caught the deeper meaning behind his words and nodded repeatedly.
“Plans rest with man, but success depends on you. Since you have chosen a path different from that of our forebears, these are challenges you must face. Whatever choices you make going forward, I will steadfastly follow you. However…”
His voice faltered slightly, and Zhuo Zifang could not hide his sorrow as he sighed, “For countless generations, the people of this land have suffered greatly. If you can do so without jeopardizing the greater cause… please be kind to the common folk as much as possible.”
“That goes without saying. To win the hearts of the people is to win the realm!” Xiao Liang replied solemnly, a look of relief washing over his face. “Therefore, on this journey, I will need you to remind me constantly not to forget our original purpose.”
The two exchanged a smile.
The road ahead was fraught with peril. Zhuo Zifang had only outlined a preliminary grand strategy for dominance over Central Plains; the details would need to be adjusted according to circumstances.
The moon hung bright against a sparse scattering of stars.
The season's only southern breeze blew gently toward the northern shore.
The once-raging river waves, stirred up by the northern winds, had calmed somewhat.
At dawn the next day, the docks opened early, and with the calmer waters, the caravans that had been delayed the day before set out once more.
Within a single day, hundreds of boats surged forth.
On the river, the prows of the large fleets proudly displayed their family banners.
The Zhongli family, the Wu family, the Sima family, the Duanmu family…
Xiao Liang’s fleet was a government detachment, flying only the “Wu” character flag.
Nearby, the fleets of various families were drawn to the official banner and approached eagerly, seeking to seize the advantage.
Government fleets often brought news and opportunities.
By dusk, the wind and waves rose again.
Each fleet tightened formation, watching the wind carefully to guard against mishaps.
Amid these fleets, the owners of the grand riverboats enjoyed song and dance within their cabins, at ease and content.
Meanwhile, Xiao Liang and Zhuo Zifang stood at the bow of their ship, drinking and observing the atmospheric conditions.
Around them were also many talented scholars and beautiful ladies, sighing as they gazed upon the river.
Scholars on neighboring boats exchanged greetings, composing poems and couplets in friendly competition.
Though the cold wind pierced the bone, everyone’s poetic inspiration soared, each hoping to stand out and attract a worthy mate, thus gaining priority in choosing a partner.
The two scholars, Chen and Lin, sent by Wang Teng and hired by Xiao Liang, enjoyed elevated status as learned men.
They stood at the bow, leaning on the railing, gazing northward with deep emotion.
“Brother Lin, our ancestral homes are both in the Central Plains,” Chen said, his eyes filled with longing.
“Indeed! In days past, our dynasty expanded its borders, and nations came to pay tribute! Yet only a hundred years later, we are relegated to the southern banks,” Lin lamented, unable to hide his disappointment.
Around them, other scholars at the bows voiced their own melancholy reflections.
Zhuo Zifang pondered briefly before offering comfort: “Gentlemen, there will surely come a day of revival for our dynasty!”
A nearby scholar sighed, “Though you say so, seeing the state of our nation, how can we remain unmoved?”
Zhuo Zifang glanced around the neighboring riverboats, considering how to forge alliances, when behind him Xiao Liang spoke with fervor.
“Rise and fall through the ages are but like winds in empty sleeves; a century's ebb and flow told in a single evening’s tale. The tides of history have their reasons—no need for sorrow.”
As soon as Xiao Liang finished, cheers erupted from the nearby boats.
“Such splendid words: ‘Rise and fall through the ages are but like winds in empty sleeves; a century’s ebb and flow told in a single evening’s tale!’”
Chen and Lin turned in admiration, bowing respectfully to Xiao Liang.
The previously wistful scholar who had spoken clapped his hands, and merchants nearby laughed heartily.
“Master Zhongli Xiu of the Zhongli family, accompanied by his beloved daughter Zhongli Wanxue, requests permission to board later to pay their respects. We hope the shipmaster will grant convenience!”
No sooner had Zhongli Xiu’s words fallen than the scholars aboard nearby boats exclaimed excitedly, their eyes shining.
“The foremost talented lady of Xuzhou is also on board!”
Zhongli Xiu’s guards hurried to Xiao Liang’s riverboat to relay the request verbatim.
“Zhongli family?” Zhuo Zifang’s eyes lit up.
According to intelligence, the Zhongli family was one of Pei County’s great clans, and also the largest rice merchant.
Xiao Liang accepted without hesitation.
After the guards reported back, Zhongli Xiu’s face brightened with anticipation as he turned toward his luxurious cabin.
“Xue’er!”
The cabin was lavishly decorated, fragrant with subtle aromas.
A young maiden in blue robes, her skin fairer than snow, hands delicate as orchid petals, her brows arched like a moth’s wings, eyes bright and enchanting—her beauty was utterly captivating.
She was the first talented lady and beauty of Xuzhou.
A once-in-a-millennium wonder: Zhongli Wanxue.
Seeing his daughter, Zhongli Xiu’s expression tightened, and he scolded softly, “Hasn’t your mother already put these away? You’re a girl—should be focusing on refined arts, not playing with swords and knives every day! What kind of conduct is this?”
Zhongli Wanxue, quick and sharp-eyed, swiftly returned the blades to the drawer, wearing an innocent, knowing expression as she changed the subject.
“Father, have you taken a fancy to some scholar again?”
Zhongli Xiu’s mood brightened, and he gave a thumbs up, deeply moved.
“A great talent! Surely one from a noble family! You have reached a suitable marriage age, and as your father, I must find you a worthy husband!”
“‘Rise and fall through the ages are but like winds in empty sleeves; a century’s ebb and flow told in a single evening’s tale!’ Though I am but a merchant, I understand the meaning—one who has seen the rise and fall of history remains calm and composed. This person must have great ambition and will surely achieve greatness!”
“My ideal match must be a hero who saves the world and the people. Those noble clans? Forget them,” Zhongli Wanxue said plaintively. “Besides, aren’t those aristocrats always indulging in empty talk and deceitful words, unworthy of a glance?”
Zhongli Xiu whispered, “But noble families also have heroes skilled in both literature and war, defenders of home and country. When I tried to introduce you to the Northern General, you refused, and in the end, the advantage went to the Situ family!”
“Sima Lingyun? Nothing but a fraud!” Zhongli Wanxue’s flawless face grew cold at the mention.
“Father, how many times must I tell you? I saw it with my own eyes—the general who beheaded Left Minister Wang was the one on the white horse with the silver spear and the red-handled treasured sword, not Sima Lingyun with his black horse, black-tipped spear, and black-handled sword!”
“Then why haven’t you found the real man?” Zhongli Xiu shot back impatiently. “Perhaps he’s already gravely wounded or dead!”
“I’m certain he’s still alive! At worst, he’s hiding to recover or forced into seclusion due to the Sima family’s power,” Zhongli Wanxue insisted.
Zhongli Xiu’s face flushed with anger. “Regardless of truth or falsehood, you must keep this quiet. The Sima family is not one we can afford to provoke! Remember, the credit for that monumental feat has been officially attributed to Sima Lingyun!”
Zhongli Wanxue felt discouraged but forced herself to rise and followed her father toward the cabin.
At that moment, Xiao Liang’s official guards, scholars, and boatmen aboard his ship were full of praise, viewing him with newfound respect.
Liang Pin expressed concern, “The journey ahead is perilous. It’s good that the master is full of spirit, but we must not be careless…”
Xiao Liang knew the time to rally his people had come. He nodded and said, “Everyone, do not worry. On this voyage, we shall ride the long winds and break through ten thousand miles of waves!”
No sooner had he spoken than cheers erupted once more.
Just as Zhongli Xiu stepped out of his cabin, his heart bloomed with joy.
“Xue’er, did you hear that? Ride the long winds and break through ten thousand miles of waves! Such boundless heroism! He is truly extraordinary!”
Zhongli Wanxue looked reluctant, murmuring, “Scholars of our dynasty say all the right things but do all the wrong deeds. I still don’t want to go…”
“You brat! We’ve come all this way—how can you spoil the mood?” Zhongli Xiu, exasperated, grabbed her sleeve and headed straight for the bow, loudly calling out to Xiao Liang.
“I am Zhongli Xiu. May I know your name, sir?”
Zhongli Wanxue, inwardly resentful, lifted her delicate head and caught sight of Xiao Liang’s tall figure. Her movement paused, and her eyes sparkled.
That night would be unforgettable.
The hero on the white horse with the silver spear who had broken through the Xiongnu camp, shot down pursuing enemies, then vanished into the forest, never responding to her calls until disappearing entirely.
The image of that blood-streaked, imposing figure haunted her dreams… How could he be so alike this man?
Hearing Zhongli Xiu’s call, Xiao Liang turned, saw his respectful salute, and returned it.
“I am Xiao Liang, newly appointed magistrate of Pei County, about to take office.”
Zhongli Wanxue’s gaze followed Xiao Liang’s turn, settling on the Cangsheng Sword at his waist.
A red-handled treasured sword…
“Xiao Liang?!”
Gasps and murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd.
“That’s the same Xiao Liang who recently oppressed the family of the Peach Blossom Lady General in the capital…”
“Yes! I heard he just purchased the magistrate position of Pei County. It must be him!”
Zhongli Xiu’s expression changed drastically. Hastily, he smiled and bowed, “So it is Lord Xiao! My apologies, my apologies! I shall pay my respects soon! If you will excuse me…”
With that, Zhongli Xiu tried to pull Zhongli Wanxue back to the cabin, but she grabbed his wrist firmly, using her strength to stop him.
“Father~ We’ve come all this way, how can you spoil the mood~”