Chapter 14: Zhongli Wanxue

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Zhongli Xiu Xin was anxious beyond measure, but his daughter’s extraordinary strength made it impossible for him to break free. He could only whisper a warning.
“The matter of Liang Xiao, you must have heard recently! We must be wise and protect ourselves—no one should be offended!”
Zhongli Wanxue was unconvinced and whispered back, “He is the magistrate of Pei County; one must not be disrespectful!”
Recalling how enthusiastic he had been earlier, Zhongli Xiu Xin’s face flushed with embarrassment. With no other choice, he reluctantly followed his daughter to meet Liang Xiao.
Liang Xiao was somewhat surprised as he gazed at Zhongli Wanxue on the opposing pleasure boat.
He had spent day and night with Ning Yan and was accustomed to seeing beauties.
This young lady before him was equal in beauty to Ning Yan in different ways.
Her gentle, enchanting face bore a hint of heroic spirit between her brows, and her eyes sparkled like stars, concealing a trace of mischievous joy.
But what truly astonished him was her voice, which sounded strikingly familiar.
After he had beheaded the traitorous Left Virtuous King in the night and fought his way to evade the pursuing Xiongnu, he had reached the forest entrance. From behind, he faintly heard a woman calling out.
“General, please wait!”
At that time, needing urgent retreat and rest, he had no time to turn back and plunged into the forest.
“Could it be her?”
Suppressing his doubts, Liang Xiao smiled and observed Zhongli Xiu Xin and his daughter carefully.
After introducing himself, the talented men and women on the surrounding pleasure boats changed their expressions, eager to avoid him and retreat inside their cabins.
Only this Miss Zhongli suddenly held back her father, who also wanted to avoid him, and walked toward him. He saw it clearly.
“I am Zhongli Wanxue. I have returned to my family’s old home in Pei County with my father. I hope to board your vessel for a brief conversation. Will you grant me this favor, Lord Liang?”
Liang Xiao looked at the father and daughter with a smile. “Your father seems unwell; there’s no need to force it.”
Only then did Zhongli Xiu Xin look up at Liang Xiao and nod repeatedly, feeling a measure of gratitude. “This young man understands how to treat others…”
Thanks to the Sima family’s aggressive propaganda, Liang Xiao’s reputation was in ruins.
Under watchful eyes, every pleasure boat avoided him like the plague. If the head of the Zhongli household boarded his ship, future dealings with the Sima family would become difficult.
Zhongli Wanxue looked at Liang Xiao with some reluctance, pondered for a moment, and said, “Father, since you are unwell, please rest first. I have some matters to discuss with Lord Liang!”
“This…”
Zhongli Xiu Xin was trapped but knew his daughter’s move ensured the Zhongli family would not offend either side, so he had no choice but to agree.
“Wanxue, be sure to return soon!”
After his admonition, Zhongli Xiu Xin remained uneasy and assigned a guard to accompany Zhongli Wanxue onto Liang Xiao’s boat.
Zhongli Wanxue obediently agreed, her heart full of anticipation. Using the wooden plank bridging the two boats, she walked to the bow of Liang Xiao’s vessel.

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“Lord Liang, the wind outside is strong.”
Liang Xiao understood her meaning and led her inside the cabin.
Zhongli Wanxue followed behind, mesmerized by his figure.
The young man before her was at least eight feet and a half tall (one zhang in the story equals 2.33 meters, or 10 feet). His stature matched that of the general.
Could it really be him?
Knowing Liang Xiao also came from a military family, Zhongli Wanxue’s tension deepened.
If it truly was him, what should she do?
The rumors about Liang Xiao and Situ Luoyue had been rampant in the capital. As rice merchants, the Zhongli family was well-informed and had gathered much intelligence.
The stories varied, but none favored Liang Xiao.
For example...
Liang Xiao was cunning and deceitful, cheating the Situ family into huge debt to coerce Situ Luoyue into marriage?
Liang Xiao was not only greedy but lustful, frequently beating and abusing Situ Luoyue under the influence of seductive maids?
Zhongli Wanxue’s gaze fell on Ning Yan’s face nearby, and her heart trembled.
This maid was indeed breathtakingly beautiful and pitiable to behold!
Could those rumors be true?
Her initial hope turned to doubt. After seating herself with Liang Xiao, her eyes shifted behind him, and her breath caught.
The Silent Night Spear stood quietly in the corner, entirely silver with a sharp gleam at its tip.
“Isn’t that the silver spear the general wields?”
It truly was...
In moments, countless thoughts surged through Zhongli Wanxue’s mind, her emotions fluctuating like never before.
If he was the one who beheaded the Left Virtuous King, why did Sima Lingyun ultimately claim the credit?
Zhongli Wanxue began piecing together the events and seemed to reach some understanding.
“Miss Zhongli, what brings you aboard despite the rumors?”
Liang Xiao’s question brought her back to reality. She composed herself and replied, “Why would Lord Liang leave the comfort of the capital to come to Pei County?”
Liang Xiao said, “I heard Miss Zhongli is a prodigy, skilled in arts and business alike. You must have learned that my position as magistrate of Pei County was purchased with money.”
“But I remain curious. After all, eight magistrates here have died under mysterious circumstances. Lord Liang must know the dangers. Pei County is no wise choice. You...” Zhongli Wanxue nodded but stopped herself.
She understood she had been somewhat abrupt and rude.

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In public, she had always disguised herself well, a refined young lady with no strength to bind a chicken.
But this time, she could not restrain her wildly growing curiosity.
Liang Xiao countered, “Then what answer does Miss Zhongli hope to hear from me?”
Zhongli Wanxue was at a loss for words, looking at him as if waiting.
How she longed to hear his grand declarations—saving the world, punishing evil, fulfilling the legacy of his father and brothers...
Liang Xiao met her gaze with only a smile.
“A man’s principles, I have spoken them. But how many understand or believe them?”
“The situation in Pei County is grave. I am new and face many difficulties. I must prove everything through action. Before then, I doubt the Zhongli family would discuss cooperation with me over mere words aboard this boat.”
Zhongli Wanxue was momentarily taken aback, then smiled brightly.
“Lord Liang truly is a remarkable man!”
In a brief moment and with few words, Zhongli Wanxue had formed her own opinion of the young man before her.
The rumors in the capital were surely the slanders of the Sima and Situ families!
Great noble houses say fine words and do foul deeds; she was no stranger to such hypocrisy.
Liang Xiao was different. He clearly understood his situation and was in no rush to seek cooperation with the Zhongli family.
Indeed, the Zhongli family’s understanding of him was limited to capital rumors; they would not blindly ally or take sides.
Recalling the words that had amazed her father earlier, Zhongli Wanxue’s beautiful eyes shimmered with a new light.
He was truly unlike those noble families.
After a simple conversation, Zhongli Wanxue knew she should not stay long and rose to take her leave.
At the cabin door, she hesitated and could not help but glance back.
“Pardon my bold question, but Lord Liang, have you recently been to the northern border...”
The words slipped out, yet instead of relief, she felt more nervous—and a hint of anticipation.
After a few moments of silence, Liang Xiao finally nodded. “Yes.”
Zhongli Wanxue smiled charmingly, more radiant than a thousand blossoms in full bloom.