The Glory After Rebirth [ɇÇ”Ÿä¹‹Å°Šè£] Chapter 223- 225

Chapter 223: That Ling Zhang Guy Saved You?

They were just about to walk out of the wood when a riding instructor bringing some men with him arrived in haste. At first they were surprised at the sight of Ling Zhang and the others, and then as their eyes fell on Jiang Yu carried on a student’s back, their faces changed drastically and they all asked about what had happened.

A student gave them an account of the accident. Ling Zhang didn’t stay to listen but just directly left.

It was when that student got to the part about Ling Zhang that the others noticed his absence. All their faces grew somewhat unnatural.

The riding instructor said, “Go back right now. Someone has sent for a physician.”

The student carrying Jiang Yu on his back clenched his teeth and resumed walking forward. Fortunately, the riding instructor perceived that the student was running out of strength and carried Jiang Yu himself.

Jiang Yu on the riding instructor’s back saw Ling Zhang’s receding back in the distance, an inexplicable look on his face.

As Ling Zhang walked out, he found that most of those frenzied horses had been brought back under control, but a small number of them were lying on the ground – obviously they’d been directly killed.

Yuwen Jin and the others, on seeing him walk out, ran up and clustered around him all at once. Yuwen Jin asked, “Brother Zhang, just now it was so dangerous for you to rush in there. Are you hurt?”

Ling Zhang lightly swung his right arm. “I’m fine. Where’s that student?”

“He’s been transferred to a physician,” said Yuwen Jin.

“Brother Zhang, you killed a horse with a single palm strike back there. That’s so badass,” Yuwen Jin added.

“It’s nothing. I just have great strength.” However, right now his arm was aching dully. Having killed a frenzied galloping horse with a single palm strike twice in a row, he felt his right arm not only throbbing painfully but also trembling, but the tremble was not very noticeable, so Yuwen Jin and the others hadn’t observed it.

But not all of them were unobservant. As Zhao Jiusi’s eyes fell on Ling Zhang’s right arm, a knowing look appeared in his eyes. He urged, “Don’t just stand here. Go back straight away and see a physician.”

Yuwen Jin agreed, “Yeah, yeah. You should let the physician examine you, to be on the safe side.”

There were a lot of injured students, but most of them had merely suffered minor traumas. Only two had been rather seriously wounded: the one who had been dragged by a horse, and Jiang Yu.

It was impossible to keep news of Ling Zhang rescuing Jiang Yu from coming to more people’s knowledge, but most students, on hearing that Ling Zhang had killed a horse with a single palm strike, had a shocked and scared look on their faces. After all, even their riding instructors were not powerful enough to do such a thing.

Of course, there were also a few inharmonious voices…

“Jiang Yu’s horse was from the Western Regions (the area west of Yumenguan, including what is now Xinjiang and parts of Central Asia) and of a well-known breed. His grandfather specially bought it and gave it to him as a birthday present, but Ling Zhang struck it to death just like that? Isn’t he too cocky?”

The speaker was Zuo Yuanping, whose face was full of indignation, as if Ling Zhang had just killed one of his relatives.

Yuwen Jin and the others were not happy to hear this, the former rolling up his sleeves with the intention to beat him up.

As luck would have it, the riding instructor carrying Jiang Yu on his back returned, and everybody shifted their gaze to Jiang Yu and Ling Zhang.

Ling Zhang’s eyes darted to them, a chilly expression on his face. Jiang Yu, instead of looking at Ling Zhang, fixed Zuo Yuanping with a stare and said coldly, “Shut your mouth.”

Zuo Yuanping was stunned. Some words had sprung to his lips but he clenched his teeth and held them back as he saw the look in Jiang Yu’s eyes.

Soon Jiang Yu was also transferred and before long people of Jiang family arrived and took him home.

This was such a major incident that the principal had a terrible scowl on his face after being informed of it. When it came to his knowledge that it was Ling Zhang who had rescued two students, especially when he heard one of them was Jiang Yu, a flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he was still very grateful to Ling Zhang. Had anything worse had happened to these two students, particularly Jiang Yu, he would definitely be removed from principalship.

But he still hastened to Jiang family immediately.

Yuwen Jin made a remark heavy with sarcasm. “He acts like Jiang family were his natural parents.”

“Ling Zhang,” someone called.

“Eek? Professor Li? Why did he come here?” Yuwen Jin turned to look at the man.

Ling Zhang walked up to him. He couldn’t address him as ‘grandfather’ in the presence of outsiders, so he also called him Professor Li.

“Are you okay?” Ji Yin glanced at Ling Zhang and then his eyes moved to his right arm. “You hurt your arm?”

“I feel a little exhausted, but I’ll be fine after having some rest at home,” said Ling Zhang, but in fact he had a conjecture that his bone was slightly injured, for it had just begun to sting terribly.

Ji Yin seemed to have come to know what the problem was, but he couldn’t help heal Ling Zhang’s wounds under this identity, so he said, “Go back right away. Have a physician carefully check out your arm.”

Professor Gu also arrived in haste, accompanied by Feng Zhangshi. They made arrangements for most students to go back home as a measure of expediency, and the cause of these horses suddenly falling into frenzy must be ascertained.

Ling Zhang wanted to say something, but after a brief moment’s thinking, he refrained from doing so.

Firstly, his speculation would not necessarily turn out to be the truth; secondly, investigators would surely look into that place. It was inappropriate for him to talk about this, and he might end up arousing people’s suspicions.

After he got into the horse-drawn carriage heading home, Miao Shiba had Ling Zhang take a pill. “This is high-quality medicine prepared by a military surgeon. It helps ease pain and restore strength.”

Ling Zhang nodded. He did feel much better.

Having mobilized all his internal energy twice, he was now drained of not only physical strength but also internal energy.

Back there on the hill the situation had been dire. Had he used his powers with more deftness, he might have avoided causing such serious consequences, but at that time he hadn’t really had enough time to give it more thought and had adopted the most direct and most violent method.

Yuwen Jin was also in the carriage. He had also just come to know that Ling Zhang had hurt his arm. “Brother Zhang, why did you go to Jiang Yu’s help?”

“There’s nothing more important than human life.” Ling Zhang gave an answer in a soft voice.

“But previously he schemed against you trying to frame you,” said Yuwen Jin.

Ling Zhang kept silent for a few moments, a thoughtful look on his face. It was inconvenient for him to tell Yuwen Jin that Jiang family had already paid the price. Moreover, back then when he’d rushed to Jiang Yu’s rescue, these thoughts flitting across his mind had been rather vague. In the final analysis, he had acted following his heart.

“I don’t really regret having done that. If some day he messes with me again, I surely wouldn’t go easy on him,” said Ling Zhang.

He was not the kind of person who would requite ingratitude with kindness, but he did have his own principles and line in the sand.

…

They returned to the residential compound to find that the physician had been waiting. It was a court physician.

Ling Zhang’s bone had indeed sustained an injury, but the court physician told him that as he was young and of strong constitution, he’d fully recover after proper treatment and enough rest.

Yuwen Tong, face sullen, had someone see the court physician out, personally decocted the medicine, watched Ling Zhang drink it and then asked, “Why did those horses get out of control?”

He didn’t ask Ling Zhang why he’d rescued Jiang Yu. He knew Ling Zhang too well to ask such questions.

Ling Zhang told Yuwen Tong about Snowflake’s unwillingness to go to the brook for a stroll. “I suspect that those horses went mad after consuming something beside the brook, but this is just my speculation. I don’t really know it for sure.

This was probably not aimed at me. Snowflake was fine. Horses running wild were not in the majority, and their riders don’t seem to follow some particular patter either.”

Ling Zhang had specially observed the situation at that time.

Yuwen Tong inclined his head. He definitely would hold an inquiry into this incident and get to the bottom of it.

Seeing Ling Zhang lying in bed pale-faced, Yuwen Tong kept feeling something weighing his heart down, which was why his face was rather sulky.

Ling Zhang reached out his unharmed hand to hold Yuwen Tong’s. “The court physician said that I’d fully recover after some rest and proper treatment.”

Besides, currently what concerned Ling Zhang more was whether the horse race two days later would be held as scheduled. If their plan fell through because of this, their golden opportunity to get out of their passive position and take the initiative would be wasted.

Yuwen Tong, seeing he was still dwelling on the horse race, looked at his right arm and remarked, “You’re not in a fit state to ride anymore.”

Ling Zhang said, “I just hurt my arm, not my legs.”

Aware of what Yuwen Tong was worrying about, he assured him, “I won’t be using any strength of my right arm – I’ll just be pretending to. The purpose of our plan is to lure the enemies out anyway. If I’m not getting any prizes in it, so be it. Besides, given how smart Snowflake is, I won’t have to use much strength.”

Yuwen Tong had originally wanted to take a hard line on this, but his heart softened without him noticing as he saw that Ling Zhang was gazing at him, eyes gleaming with expectation tinged with cautiousness. “Let’s just wait and see whether the horse race would be held as scheduled.”

Ling Zhang bobbed his head, secretly wishing the principal would be more insistent and wouldn’t back out.

…

In the residential compound of Jiang family.

Jiang Changfeng, seeing the bruises and lacerations on his grandson’s back, appeared extremely sepulchral. Jiang Yu was the apple of his eye, and he favored Jiang Yu more than any other grandson of his. Never once had Jiang Yu come to any harm under his watch, but now he had returned with wounds in every part of his body. Jiang Changfeng was nearly infuriated out of his mind.

The principal, who had been standing in the living room of Jiang family for quite some time without a single person coming to receive him, came to realize that this time he might have to suffer severe consequences.

In Jiang Yu’s bedroom, his mother sitting at his bedside was sobbing, “My poor son, it wrenches at my heart to see you like this. It was that damn crazy horse and that so-called horse race that did this to you. What am I supposed to live for had anything worse happened to you?”

“I’m fine, mother. These wounds will heal in a few days.” The crying of his mother was giving Jiang Yu a headache.

Jiang Yu’s father Jiang Shennian, who had been staying at home unemployed, was also wearing a terrible scowl. By some bad luck, he had been discharged from his position and been hiding at home, not daring to go outside or meet any visitors. He had thought that the situation couldn’t get any worse, but unexpectedly, after merely a couple of days, his son had been caught in this accident. Jiang Shennian was only too anxious to eat the principal alive.

“How did a healthy horse suddenly come to run wild? Did anybody tamper with your horse, by any chance?” said Jiang Shennian.

Jiang Yu thought for a few moments and then shook his head. “I don’t think so. Apart from mine, many others’ horses ran wild as well.”

Jiang Shennian’s face was sullen. “Maybe that was just a deceptive trick of the culprit.”

Jiang Changfeng was more composed than him. “Since there were so many horses involved, it would be much easier to ascertain the truth. Yu’er, tell us again how it happened.”

Jiang Yu, after thinking back for a few moments, gave them a full account of the incident for a second time.

Jiang Changfeng asked, “You mean it was that Ling Zhang guy who saved you?”

With a mixed expression on his face, Jiang Yu kept silent for quite a while and then replied, “Yes.”

“Tell me again how he saved you,” said Jiang Changfeng.

Jiang Yu didn’t refuse. He carefully replayed the incident in his mind and then told his family the whole story once again, but he skipped some details: his falling into Ling Zhang’s arms twice, for instance.

Jiang Shennian sniffed, “Does this Ling Zhang guy have to get involved in everything?”

Jiang Yu’s mother, unaware of the history between her son and Ling Zhang, merely observed, “Rumor has it that Ling Zhang is arrogant and domineering. It’s so surprising that he came to Yu’er’s rescue.”

Jiang Shennian made no remark on this, as if in his eyes what Ling Zhang had done was a matter of course.

Jiang Changfeng said, “Since he saved your life, we owe it to him to pay him a visit and express our gratitude.”

Jiang Yu looked at his grandfather, who looked back. After quite a long silence, Jiang Yu said, “I see.”

Chapter 224: A Gratitude Visit from Jiang Changfeng

On hearing that they were going to visit the Ling Mansion to express their gratitude, Jiang Shennian furrowed his brow. “He’s just a kid. There’s no need for you to personally pay him a gratitude visit. Having a couple of servants deliver some thank-you gifts there will suffice.”

But Jiang Changfeng said, “He might be a kid, but Yuwen Tong is not.”

Jiang Shennian sneered, “They haven’t got married yet, have they? Yu’er is of far nobler birth than he is. Surely he wouldn’t dare think we owe him a favor?”

Jiang Changfeng looked at his son, his face fairly displeased. “We definitely owe him a favor. End of discussion. Tomorrow I’ll personally visit him and thank him, and my decision is final.”

Jiang Shennian was shocked. “Father?!”

Jiang Changfeng had risen to his feet. “Let Yu’er have some rest if you don’t have any other business here. The principal of the Imperial College is still waiting in the living room. I’ll go and meet him. And it’s about time you left as well.”

Jiang Shennian still felt it unbelievable that Jiang Changfeng was going to personally pay Ling Zhang a visit to thank him. “Is father out of his mind?”

Jiang Yu’s mother, however, was quite confused. “He saved Yu’er’s life. What’s the problem with thanking him for that? Surely, we can afford some thank-you gifts, can’t we? If it weren’t for the fact that I’m a woman and it’s inappropriate for me to go, I would pay him a visit and express my gratitude as well. I don’t care whether or not he is arrogant and domineering. Nothing would stop me from being grateful to him for saving my son’s life.”

Jiang Shennian was displeased with her wife’s words but knew better than to quarrel with her in the presence of his son, so eventually he gave a flick of his sleeves and left.

Because of Jiang Changfeng’s words, Jiang Yu’s mother also didn’t stay long. After a short while, she also walked out of the room.

Jiang Yu, lying in bed with an inscrutable countenance, pondered over something. Eventually, he smacked a fist down onto the bed and closed his eyes to rest, unreconciled to this situation, but no sooner had he closed his eyes than the scenes of Ling Zhang killing the horse and himself embarrassedly falling into Ling Zhang’s arms twice uncontrollably started replaying themselves in his mind, which made Jiang Yu feel exceptionally awkward and ashamed. But back there in the wood, he’d already lapsed into despair; when his clothes had been caught on branches and his horse had still been dragging him forward, in particular, he had believed that his death was certain. When Ling Zhang had shown up and killed the horse, he had really heaved a great sigh of relief, feeling as if he had been reincarnated. But every time he recalled himself twice falling into…

All in all, Jiang Yu was having very mixed feelings. One moment, he felt embarrassed and ashamed, and the next, he wished he would never have to feel again for the rest of his life what he’d felt when he’d been rescued. The sense of relief and gratitude that had surged inside him at Ling Zhang’s appearance was still vivid… These two contradictory and confused thoughts caused Jiang Yu’s mood to fluctuate violently, which along with the painful wounds conspired to make him seem somewhat fidgety.

In the living room, Jiang Changfeng met the principal of the Imperial College but said only two or three sentences from start to finish before dismissing the principal, who wiped the sweat from his forehead while leaving.

Jiang Changfeng was sitting in a chair contemplating. Sure enough he didn’t want to say ‘thank you’ to a youngster his grandson’s age, but Ling Zhang was more than Ling Zhang – it was his backer Yuwen Tong that concerned Jiang Changfeng.

A few days ago, Jiang Yu exploiting his name had pressurized Professor Du into cooperating with him, scheming to have Ling Zhang expelled from the Imperial College, but Ling Zhang had counter-attacked and got Professor Du fired instead. At that time he had merely felt this Ling Zhang guy was not bad but hadn’t given it much thought, for that had been a matter between his grandson and his classmate after all, but immediately after that, the incident of the Xiang City had incriminated Jiang family and resulted in his son’s removal from office. He was positive that the riot of the Xiang City had been well hushed up. How had it come to be suddenly brought to light? Jiang Changfeng had wondered whether his son’s dismissal from his post had really been a coincidence. He had suspected Yuwen Tong. Others might not know much about it, but he was fully aware of how formidable Yuwen Tong was. Someone who had not only recovered the lost territory against overwhelming odds but also reduced the Wan Kingdom to how it was today definitely had finesse and subterfuge beyond common people’s imagination. Jiang Changfeng also knew very well how suspicious and wary of Yuwen Tong the emperor was.

As a result, Jiang Changfeng couldn’t help but lay suspicions on Yuwen Tong, though he had no proof.

And of course he loathed Ling Zhang, who was possibly the cause of all this.

But he couldn’t help but give more thought to what had happened earlier this day. It had come as a great surprise to him that Ling Zhang had saved his grandson’s life.

So no matter what, he must pay a visit to the Ling Mansion to express his gratitude. Also, it was high time he had a meeting with Yuwen Tong.

…

When Jiang Changfeng arrived at the front doors of the Ling Mansion, Ling Zhang was lying in a deck chair, and Xie Shi changing his dressing said, “Had His Majesty not sent a court physician here, the treatment for your injury would have been a lot simpler, Childe Ling.”

Ling Zhang said, “Wasn’t it a good thing that he saved you some trouble?”

Xie Shi had been very busy recently, instructing Yang Liuzi and some others in martial formations and inducting a select few security guards into detoxification skills.

Xie Shi gave a snort, clearly displeased with the court physician who had stepped on his toes.

At this time, someone came from the outside reporting Jiang Changfeng’s arrival to Ling Zhang, who was astonished and looked at Yuwen Tong.

Yuwen Tong stood up. “Stay here and have your dressing changed. I’ll go and see.”

Ling Zhang was amazed to learn that Jiang Changfeng had personally come here to thank him. Seeing Yuwen Tong walk out, he believed Jiang Changfeng would leave after having a talk with Yuwen Tong, but unexpectedly, Jiang Changfeng came over with Yuwen Tong.

As he caught sight of Jiang Changfeng, Ling Zhang, though unaware of what was going on, still attempted to rise from his chair.

On entry, Jiang Changfeng saw Ling Zhang having his dressing changed and realized that Yuwen Tong had been telling the truth when he’d told him about Ling Zhang’s injury in the ante-room. He stopped Ling Zhang from standing up by saying, “You may continue to have your dressing changed, Childe Ling. There’s no need for such formalities. Besides, you saved my grandson’s life, so I should bow to you, not the other way around. Thank you for your great kindness, Childe Ling.”

“I don’t really deserve such compliment. Childe Jiang is my school friend. I but did what a school friend should do, nothing more,” said Ling Zhang.

Ling Zhang appeared very composed at Jiang Changfeng’s sudden appearance and words from start to finish, and his attitude was quite usual as well.

Leaving aside the brief meeting he had with Ling Zhang in the stands of the hunting ground on that day, this was the first time that Jiang Changfeng had talked with Ling Zhang in person. He found that though Ling Zhang was rather different from his public image as a cocky and domineering youth, his calm and unhurried bearing was quite consistent with the Ling Zhang who had dared to directly snap back at the Ninth Princess at the city gate, insulted Zuo Yi and some others without scruple, and also stood up to Yuwen Zhi at that palace banquet by shooting down his excuses. Jiang Changfeng, with a thoughtful look on his face, flicked a glance at Yuwen Tong who had no respect for him at all, and came to realize what the source of Ling Zhang’s confidence was.

Jiang Changfeng didn’t stay long. He left after only a short while. Before taking his leave, he said that Jiang family wouldn’t forget this favor Ling Zhang had done them, and also gave Ling Zhang a thank-you gift.

After Yuwen Tong returned from seeing Jiang Changfeng out, Ling Zhang asked him, “Why did Jiang Changfeng personally come here to thank me?”

Yuwen Tong sneered, “This wily old fox definitely has guessed that I interfered in the matter of the Xiang City. Currently he doesn’t dare make an enemy of me, and you saved Jiang Yu’s life, so he conveniently paid you a visit to clarify his position.”

“He’s already known but has no intention of taking revenge for his son’s dismissal?” Ling Zhang was puzzled.

“He’s fully aware of the truth about your being picked on in the Imperial College on that day. Today, by expressing his gratitude to you in my presence, he was also stating his stand on that matter,” explained Yuwen Tong.

Ling Zhang’s lip curled. In other words, Jiang Changfeng, who had an intimate knowledge of the history between them, had taken advantage of this opportunity and made an attempt to put an end to it.

Each of these people was more calculating than the last. Now that even Jiang Changfeng had paid him a personal visit to thank him, it would be inappropriate if they refused to let it go. Besides, he had saved Jiang Yu’s life, which seemed to have indicated that he had no intention to take further retaliatory action.

After closing the topic about Jiang Changfeng, Yuwen Tong brought up the horse race. “The emperor seems to have no intention of canceling the horse race. I think it’s going to be held as scheduled.”

Ling Zhang felt a sense of relief. “Then the racecourse…”

“Everything’s in readiness,” said Yuwen Tong.

Ling Zhang was surprised. “Already?”

Yuwen Tong nodded. “The emperor won’t be present, and neither will those courtiers, so there will only be students. The General Zhongwu (AKA. the General of Loyalty and Valor) seems to have no interest in the event as well, which makes it quite convenient for me to make arrangements.”

Ling Zhang inclined his head. “News of it must have spread through the whole city during the past two days. Were there any unusual occurrences in the courier hostel and other places?”

Yuwen Tong said, “Counting today, we still have two days. There’s no hurry. I’m sure they won’t let such a good opportunity slip away.”

As long as those people really wanted to kill Ling Zhang.

Naturally, Yuwen Tong was in a foul mood as he thought of this. He gave Ling Zhang a general idea of the arrangements.

Ling Zhang, who was unable to find any flaws in Yuwen Tong’s watertight arrangements, eagerly anticipated the day when the horse race would be held.

…

In the afternoon, Yuwen Feng paid the Ling Mansion a visit, saying that he came to see Ling Zhang who had been injured.

Ling Zhang, who happened to be having a walk around the drill ground, went to meet him. Yuwen Feng, like the last time they’d met, didn’t mention anything about his family members, which was quite sensible of him. He gave Ling Zhang some high-quality medicinal herbs and then took his leave.

And then Tao Yi showed up, who said on entry, “I heard that you killed a horse with a single palm strike, which was so badass. Was it true?”

Ling Zhang, “…”

He specially raised his right arm to remind Tao Yi that he shouldn’t stray from the matter of importance, that he should have asked about his injury first and shown some concern for him.

However, Tao Yi just stared at Ling Zhang’s right arm, gave a tap on it and, after “confirming” that it was nothing serious, continued, “How did you do that? Killing a horse with a single palm strike – that’s something even many famous generals might not necessarily be able to do. Your kung fu is so good, and you’ve been keeping it secret all this time.”

Ling Zhang felt that he might have to put an end to his friendship with Tao Yi, for this guy was so insensible and had no concern for him whatsoever.

But he believed that maybe he was not incurable, so he raised his arm again signaling Tao Yi to put his attention on the important point.

Tao Yi, probably having sensed Ling Zhang’s displeasure, finally manifested some concern for his injured arm. “How’s your arm? This doesn’t even seem to be as serious as the fracture I once had when I was young. I think it’s nothing, isn’t it?”

Ling Zhang finally huffed, “You may leave now.”

Tao Yi stared at him for a brief moment and then burst into laugh. He fished out a casket from behind, handed it to Ling Zhang and said, “This medicinal herb helps heal bone injuries. I got it from my teacher after begging him for quite a while. Take it.”

Ling Zhang gave a snort, took the casket and motioned a servant on the side to open it. He flicked a glance at the herb inside and then hurriedly had the casket closed. It was good stuff.

It was after seeing the gift that a smile appeared on his face. “You’re not incurably heartless. I’ll give you that.”

Tao Yi grinned, “I wouldn’t have come here to see you if I was, so stop making little digs at me. Seriously though, how exactly did you manage to kill a horse with a single palm strike?” Tao Yi persisted with his questioning.

Chapter 225: A Second Draw

Ling Zhang replied, “I’ve been cultivating internal energy.”

Tao Yi widened his eyes which were full of incredulity. “The internal energy people talk about?”

Ling Zhang inclined his head.

Tao Yi was very excited. “This kind of thing really exists? What’s internal energy like? Tell me more about it.”

Tao Yi asked Ling Zhang a lot of questions pestering him for details. Eventually Ling Zhang ran out of patience and stopped talking, fixed him with a calm stare.

It was not until this moment that Tao Yi came to realize that he had asked too many questions. He scratched his head in embarrassment. “You’re still recovering and need more rest, so I’ll stop disturbing you. When you’re better, I’ll pay you another visit. By the way, it seems that the horse race will be held as scheduled. You won’t be participating, I suppose?”

Ling Zhang said, “I will.”

Tao Yi wore a worried look on his face. “But wouldn’t your injured arm be a problem?”

Ling Zhang replied, “Not if I don’t use it. Snowflake is very intelligent. I’m sure I’ll survive one lap.”

Tao Yi was still somewhat disapproving, but seeing Ling Zhang was insistent, he realized that if Ling Zhang was really not in a fit state to take part in the competition, Yuwen Tong would be even less likely to let him. As a result, he said no more.

…

The day before the competition, the cause of those horses running wild was identified – the grass beside that brook.

The grass there was the kind that horses liked, so theoretically it shouldn’t have been a problem, but for some unknown reason, all the grass beside the brook had been contaminated with some kind of poison which would cause horses to go mad if ingested. It seemed that the brook had washed the poison ashore. Therefore, investigators had specially walked upstream to look into it.

So far the search had been fruitless.

Strangely enough, people in the courier hostel had been quiet all along as well. Ling Zhang was beginning to suspect that it was not those people from the Wan Kingdom who wanted him dead, that he and Yuwen Tong had wronged them.

Ling Zhang was not in a good mood. Originally he had wanted to lure his enemies out, but what if the enemies refused to take action? Wouldn’t all his efforts be in vain?

But Yuwen Tong was much more composed than him. “People in the courier hostel hasn’t made any move, but it doesn’t mean that the assassins haven’t either.”

Ling Zhang felt that Yuwen Tong had got a point. Even if they’d really had a wrong guess and those people from the Wan Kingdom were not responsible for the attempted assassination, those who wanted him dead would no doubt still take action, and all he needed to do was wait to see who would betray himself.

On the day of the horse race, Ling Zhang arrived at the racecourse in the eastern suburbs promptly, which astonished a lot of people. His arm injury was known to many, and they wondered why Ling Zhang was still participating in this event. Even the principal was sent into a brief trance of surprise by his appearance.

“Brother Zhang, here!” Yuwen Jin yelled, his arms lifted above his head.

Ling Zhang, followed by Miao Shiba and some others, walked up to him, spotting Ji Yin standing behind the principal on the way.

“You really did come here, Brother Zhang. It surprises me that my cousin agreed to let you do this,” said Yuwen Jin.

Ling Zhang said, “I’m only going one round, and I won’t be using my right arm. Snowflake will carry me to the finish line, so there’s nothing to be worried about.”

Ling Zhang was appraising this racecourse and its surroundings all along while saying this.

Previously he had read the map of Yuwen Tong’s and roughly come to know that at one side of this racecourse was a hill, which in fact was just a mound covered with trees. It was slightly higher than the hillock behind the Imperial College. At another side of it was a row of stables close to the hill, which people could look through and see what was behind, and which was not really the perfect place for hiding. The other two sides of the racecourse were completely unobstructed, with large areas of meadows outside, the grass on which was fairly lush, and which didn’t seem barren. Therefore, if anybody was going to make underhand arrangements in this place, they would surely choose to hide somewhere near the small wood. The side of that small hill facing this racecourse was rather steep and difficult to climb, with plenty of rocks and barely any footholds, looking as if it had been hewed by people a long time ago. However, climbing-unfriendly for common people as it was, people with some kung fu skills and masters of lightness skills could get up and down the hill along this side quite easily.

Most of Ling Zhang’s attention was on that grove. Sure enough he wasn’t staring straight in that direction but was observing it out of the corner of his eye.

Yuwen Tong had told him that he had made adequate arrangements in this racecourse, details of which Ling Zhang was unaware of. It seemed that apart from students of the Imperial College, the only ones present were students of the Oriental Rite Academy, the headmasters of these two schools, some riding instructors and some security guards; there was nobody of any other particular identity in sight.

“Brother Zhang?” Yuwen Jin called, noticing Ling Zhang’s mind was wandering.

Ling Zhang wrenched his attention back, looking at him.

“Brother Tao and the others are coming,” Yuwen Jin informed him, pointing in the direction of students of the Oriental Rite Academy.

Tao Yi, accompanied by the couple of schoolmates of his, walked over. Ling Zhang’s injury had come to the knowledge of them all, so they first politely asked Ling Zhang about it.

And then a schoolmate of Tao Yi’s said, “We have to count Ling Zhang out because he’s wounded. Does the bet still stand for the rest of us?”

“Of course it does. A bet is a bet. There’s got to be a winner today,” said Ji Feng.

“Good. That’s the spirit!” Students of the Oriental Rite Academy were very pleased. After reconfirming the number of participants, they took their leave.

“They thought we’d be afraid to lose and back out of it. How’s that even possible?” Ji Feng rolled up his sleeves in a combative mood, eager to make his riding skills known.

But Ling Zhang was thinking that if assassins did show up later during the horse race, this private competition of theirs would once again be interrupted. He felt a trifle guilty, but it was inconvenient for him to disclose these things to any of them, so he had no choice but to keep silent.

Just now his eyes had searched the whole racecourse, but Yuwen Tong’s men were nowhere to be seen, and he hadn’t even spotted Yuwen Tong.

“These guys are so good at hiding,” he mumbled under his breath and then looked at Miao Shiba and a couple of others behind him. After a moment’s thought, he still said to Yuwen Jin and the others, “There’s something I need to consult Professor Li about. I’ll be back in just a little while.”

Yuwen Jin and his other schoolmates didn’t suspect anything. Ling Zhang, accompanied by Miao Shiba and a couple of bodyguards, walked away.

Originally Ling Zhang had wanted to bring only Miao Shiba as he usually did, but eventually he’d still decided to have Xie Shi and a couple of others go with him. Firstly, the situation might get very dangerous in a while, and secondly, as Yuwen Tong had reminded him previously, the assassins were fully aware that he knew they were going to make another attempt on him, which meant that he would arouse their suspicions if he went alone without bringing any guards with him, so he might as well have more men accompany him.

This was why on this occasion Ling Zhang had a group of bodyguards in his wake wherever he went. All students of the Imperial College were somewhat familiar with a scene like this, and they recalled someone else who had done such a thing before Ling Zhang – Jiang Yu of Jiang family. Currently Jiang Yu, because of his injuries, was staying at home confined to bed, and Ling Zhang had taken his place doing the same thing. Moreover, all the bodyguards behind Ling Zhang seemed to be even tougher than those of Jiang family. Because of this, students of the Imperial College were sneaking appraising glances at Ling Zhang, their countenance somewhat subtle.

Ling Zhang, who was aware that many students were staring at him, was not disgruntled, for he had anticipated this situation.

The principal, however, seeing him walking in his direction, mistakenly believed that Ling Zhang was coming to talk to him, but Ling Zhang merely bowed to him in salutation and then turned his head around to look at Professor Li beside him.

“May I have a few moments of your time, professor? There’s something I’d like to consult you about,” Ling Zhang said to Ji Yin.

Ji Yin, who guessed that the matter Ling Zhang wanted to talk with him about was probably supposed to be kept in confidence, rose to his feet and led Ling Zhang a couple of steps away.

The principal suspiciously looked at them. There had been several occasions when Ling Zhang and Yuwen Tong went to meet Professor Li in private, and the principal had some time ago suspected that the relations between them were not common. Now he was even more certain of this. But he was perplexed as to what kind of relations Ling Zhang had with this new professor exactly.

“Grandfather, there might be some trouble in a while. You need to be careful, and you should remind the principal to evacuate students when it happens,” Ling Zhang said to Ji Yin.

Ji Yin, who seemed to have some time ago guessed something, inclined his head. “I’ll give him a prompt reminder. Is the trouble coming for you?”

Ling Zhang gave him an honest answer. “Yeah. Someone wants to kill me.”

Ji Yin knitted his eyebrows. Soon something occurred to him and he asked, “In the hunting ground of the western suburbs, the assassin’s target was not Marshal Yuwen but you?”

Ling Zhang nodded. “I have no idea who it is that wants me dead, but I think they’ll make another attempt today, given how good an opportunity this is.”

A piercing and disgruntled look flitted across Ji Yin’s eyes. Clearly news of someone intending to kill Ling Zhang displeased him. “There’s nobody you suspect?”

Ling Zhang hesitated for a brief moment. “There is someone, but neither I nor Yuwen Tong knows why he wants to kill me.”

Ji Yin said, “I see. I’ll keep a close watch on these students, and I think it’s needless for me to remind you that you should be careful not to get more injuries – you’ve already hurt your arm.”

“I’ll be cautious,” replied Ling Zhang in the knowledge that his grandfather was saying this out of concern for him.

Ji Yin’s eyes moved to the bodyguards behind him. He sized up all of them one by one and then withdrew his gaze.

Miao Shiba, Xie Shi and the others, who were appraised, noticed a formidably piercing look suddenly appear in the eyes of this nondescript-looking old man who seemed to be seeing straight into their souls. This made all of them jumpy, a mixture of dismay and wariness involuntarily rising inside them.

But Childe Ling called this old man grandfather…

The old man withdrew his gaze after sizing them up, the air about him mild and restrained. He didn’t strike them as hostile.

Miao Shiba, Xie Shi and the others still had instinctive trust in Ling Zhang, so although astonished by the awe-inspiring martial-arts attainments that this old man had briefly displayed, they managed to maintain their usual demeanor.

“These bodyguards are pretty good. You probably have your own plans. Remember that safety always comes first, whatever the circumstances,” said Ji Yin.

Ling Zhang smiled, “I will.”

Since it was inconvenient for the two of them to have a long talk, Ling Zhang soon parted from Ji Yin and returned to the side of Yuwen Jin and his schoolmates.

“Brother Zhang, the horse race will soon start, and there will be a second draw,” said Yuwen Jin.

Ling Zhang gave a bob of his head and walked up to the draw-pot with Yuwen Jin and the others, ready to draw lots for a second time. However, he was just about to reach into the draw-pot when Xie Shi stopped him and said, “Allow me do it for you, Childe Ling.”

Ling Zhang was briefly surprised and then withdrew his hand. “All right.”

The teacher standing behind the draw-pot, who was also fleetingly astonished, furrowed his brow and wanted to say something, but Xie Shi had already fished a piece of bamboo out of the pot and show him the number on it.

The teacher had no choice but to hold back the words that had sprung to his lips, pretending he hadn’t noticed.

Some of the other students were not very happy about this, but none of them said anything, for Ling Zhang was now a celebrity in the Imperial College, and they all knew what Ling Zhang was capable of and didn’t dare offend him for no good reason. Besides, Ling Zhang had a group of bodyguards at his back, who they could tell at a glance were no common people. A lot of students were muttering in their heads, ‘Marshal Yuwen is spoiling Ling Zhang. He’s actually sent his bodyguards here. Is it really necessary? And Ling Zhang seems to be getting better at putting on a show.’