The Glory After Rebirth [ɇÇ”Ÿä¹‹Å°Šè£] Chapter 352- 354

Chapter 352: Going Out of the Palace Hand in Hand

“Even if anybody found out, they would keep their mouth shut about it,” said Yuwen Tong, dressing Ling Zhang as though he were a child.

Ling Zhang was kneading his waist, his mind focused on something else, oblivious of what Yuwen Tong was doing to him. “You should go back to the hall immediately after lunch. We’re going out tonight, so you probably wouldn’t get any time to rest the whole afternoon.”

Yuwen Tong had lunch with Ling Zhang before going to the consultation hall, and didn’t return until dusk.

“I had a message delivered to my family this afternoon. My grandfather said that they’d wait for us to have dinner with them tonight.” Ling Zhang carried a tub of water over to let Yuwen Tong wet his towel to wipe his hands and face, and then got him a change of clothes and helped him change out of the ones he was wearing. “We’ll have dinner with my family first before going to the night market.”

Yuwen Tong changed and then said, “Are you hungry? Did you eat any before-dinner snack?”

Ling Zhang looked at him. “There are so many people around here watching over me. They would never let me feel hungry. It’s you I’m worried about. You only had a bowl of noodle soup this afternoon, and you didn’t even touch the pastries I had them deliver to you. Let’s not waste any time and just get out of here. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get something to eat.”

Yuwen Tong had just fastened his belt when Ling Zhang, bursting with impatience, drew him out of the palace, heading straight for the Ling Mansion.

In order not to be recognized at the night market, the two of them left the palace in a low-key fashion, bringing only a couple of secret bodyguards.

When they arrived at the Ling Mansion, people of the Ling family all started as they saw that the two of them came almost unaccompanied.

“Why did you two leave the palace with only one guard?” asked Ling Zhaowen, looking at them, horror written all over his face.

Ling Zhaowu’s eyes raked Yuwen Tong’s face before he inquired, “You have some others following you secretly?”

Ling Zhaowen looked at Ling Zhaowu, confusion in his eyes.

Ling Zhaowu had no internal energy, so he definitely couldn’t detect the existence of the secret bodyguards hidden in the shadows. Ji Yin, Ji Yanlai and some others present hadn’t said anything yet, but Ling Zhaowu had immediately guessed that some others were covertly protecting Ling Zhang and Yuwen Tong, which was something he couldn’t have done without extensive experience.

Yuwen Tong started pondering. Actually he had been having some questions about his father-in-law all along. Was it even possible that a man, who once had been so bigoted and crazy as to abandon his family to seek some preposterous resurrection skill, had changed so much as if he was a different person after waking from a coma that had lasted over ten years? Besides, if someone had been comatose for over a decade, there would inevitably be a huge blank in their knowledge and experience, but his father-in-law, after coming around, not only didn’t appear far removed from the present age, but also seemed to be very familiar with everything he was faced with. He had been composed all the time, and his experience didn’t at all seem to have stopped growing for over ten years. But how was this possible?

Yuwen Tong couldn’t help but recall the confusion he’d had back when he was in the Millennium Pavilion located in the Sanguan Mountains.

Mr. Mu had once mentioned that after Ling Zhaowu came to, apart from words about his family members, he had also deliriously said something about him failing his nephew. At that time, he and Ling Zhang had both been astonished, because it had been several years after Ling Zhaowu went missing and into a coma that Ling Maomao was born. How had Ling Zhaowu, who had never left the Sanguan Mountains before that, come to know that he had a nephew?

That, combined with Ling Zhaowu’s perplexing behavior after his recovery, made it very difficult for Yuwen Tong not to suspect his father-in-law.

Ling Zhaowu’s affection for Ling Zhang and other members of the Ling family was real, and he indeed cared about Ling Zhang very much, but Yuwen Tong felt that he must figure out what secrets Ling Zhaowu was keeping, because if he didn’t, he wouldn’t be able to find peace of mind knowing that Ling Zhang was so close to Ling Zhaowu.

Right now, a more obvious fact was that Ling Zhang knew something about the truth but was unwilling to confide it to him.

Yuwen Tong didn’t show any signs of any of his thoughts on his face. After hearing Ling Zhaowu’s question, he inclined his head in a very unperturbed way and answered, “Brother Zhang and I want to go out for a walk tonight. Had we brought too many guards with us, it would’ve caused a sensation and made it inconvenient for us to go out into the street.”

“Go out into the street? You two still want to go out into the street?” Ling Zhaowen felt dizzy from amazement. “Have you any idea who you are now?!”

Ling Zhaowen was so anxious that he forgot about Yuwen Tong’s identity. “Everything’s going so well. Why do you suddenly want to go out into the street? Surely you know how dangerous it is to do something like that?”

Ling Zhang opened his mouth, but Yuwen Tong made a reply before he could say anything. “We’ll be wearing some simple disguise, and some of my secret bodyguards will be following in our wake. Also, I’ll protect Brother Zhang.”

Ling Zhaowen had a faint inclination to give Yuwen Tong a dirty look, but then he finally recollected Yuwen Tong’s current identity and said in a grave and sincere tone, “It’s not about whether or not you’re capable of keeping Zhang’er safe. Presently your safety is of even greater importance, which is a fact I believe you probably don’t need me to elaborate on.”

Yuwen Tong said, “I’ll protect myself. Recently I’ve been staying in the palace all the time. I’m right in the capital city but haven’t carved out enough time to see what it’s like. If things go on like this, I’d be out of touch with the people, so I decided to come out and observe ordinary folk’s condition.”

Ling Zhaowen, “…”

With an inexplicable expression on his face, he inwardly retorted, ‘It’s been only a few days since you moved into the palace. Have you not been dealing with enough important state affairs on a daily basis? You feel you’re getting out of reach with the people? Who would believe that?!’

However, Yuwen Tong appeared totally self-possessed, and Ling Zhaowen felt it inappropriate for him to put Yuwen Tong on the spot in the presence of so many people, so he had no choice but to look at Ling Zhang, hoping that Ling Zhang would change his mind.

But before he could drop a hint to Ling Zhang, Yuwen Tong drew Ling Zhang away. “We barely ate anything in the palace and are both hungry. How about we start eating dinner?”

For a moment, the others were exchanging glances in blank dismay. Eventually, Ling Xingzhong broke the awkward silence. “Well, it’s inconsiderate of us to have forgotten that. Let’s go and eat!”

Seeing this, Ling Zhaowen had no alternative but to take a seat with the others. He wanted to sit beside Ling Zhang so that he could whisper a hint in his ear, but Ji Yin anticipated him, quickly settling himself in the chair beside Ling Zhang.

Yuwen Tong was sitting in the host seat, Ling Zhang on his left-hand side. On his right-hand side were Ling Xingzhong, Ling Zhaowu, Ling Zhaowen and Ling Maomao. On Ling Zhang’s left-hand side were Ji Yin, Ji Yanlai, Ji Xiaocong and Mr. Mu.

Ling Zhang had originally wanted to sit elsewhere, but Ling Xingzhong and some others had insisted he sit there, as though they would fall out with Ling Zhang if he refused to obey. Thus, he was forced to adjust himself to the change of his identity before he officially married Yuwen Tong.

As regards Ji Yin and Ji Yanlai, they didn’t care about these ritualistic formalities, feeling that as long as the chairs were not uncomfortable, they could sit anywhere.

Everybody was seated around the table. The courses had been served in advance. Members of the Ling family, who had waited for quite some time, were now all hungry. Ling Zhang and Yuwen Tong, certainly, were hungry as well. Everybody was eating quietly and nobody talked. The wine was taken away, because nobody wanted any.

When they almost had their fill, Ji Yanlai said, “Since you two are going to the night market, take me and Cong with you.”

The night before, their stroll down the street had ended early. Although Ji Yanlai had said that there was no hurry, he was actually itching for another try. The moment he finished speaking, Cong’s eyes lit up and he looked at Ling Zhang. Ling Maomao also looked up at Ling Zhang, his eyes just as expectant as Cong’s.

“I think I’ll join you guys. The more, the merrier,” said Ji Yin.

“Well, there’s no harm in going along for the ride once in a while,” said Mr. Mu.

Ling Xingzhong and his two sons were all speechless.

Ling Zhaowu flicked a glance at Ling Xingzhong’s face and said, “I’ll go as well. I’ve stayed in this city for some days, and I think I’ve got enough knowledge of it to act as a half-decent guide for the Clan Leader.”

Ji Yanlai appeared nonchalant, not caring who would accompany him. Although he felt that he didn’t need anybody to keep him company, he believed that since he was now staying in the Ling Mansion, it was best if he followed some of the rules lest there be some needless misunderstandings.

Thus, the plan to go to the night market later was basically nailed down. Ling Xingzhong hadn’t raised any objections, and eventually Ling Zhaowen, who didn’t know what to say to object, had no choice but to raise his hand and say, “Fine. I’ll go as well. If I don’t go with you and keep an eye on you, I might end up suffering a heart attack from worry. Also, I’ll be able to watch over that brat of mine in passing.”

Ling Zhang and the others hadn’t said anything yet, but Ling Maomao’s face fell as he cast a somewhat unhappy look at his father. Since his father would be keeping an eye on him, he could foresee that he would be under all kinds of restrictions from start to finish and wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy himself.

Amused by the boy’s countenance, Ling Zhang gave it some thought and said, “Grandfather, how about you join us as well?”

Ling Xingzhong paused briefly and then answered, “I’m afraid I’m too old to go along for the ride.”

“Alas, you’re still going strong, in-law. You’ve got to give yourself more credit. Come with us. It does no harm to go with the flow. They’re all youngsters, and I could use the company of someone my age. I’m sure there’s a lot we could talk about,” said Ji Yin.

Ling Xingzhong looked at Ji Yin’s young face, having quite mixed feelings.

At last, the whole family decided to go out into the street together. Fu Caiwei, who was the only female member of the family, felt it inconvenient to go with a large group of men, so she stayed at home alone.

Ling Zhang, taking Ling Maomao with him, went to see Fu Caiwei. “Aunt, after we get to the night market, I’ll have someone deliver some delicious food and fun stuff to you. You may have the old handmaids accompany you to the garden to enjoy the night view. I’ve instructed the guards to tighten the security and nobody would go to the garden to disturb you.”

While saying this, Ling Zhang felt somewhat apologetic, for there were indeed not enough mistresses in this residence. His aunt was the only one, and the other females were all handmaids of different ages, but some subjects were definitely not suitable to be talked about with handmaids.

Fu Caiwei, who could tell what he was thinking about, smiled, “Just relax and go out there with them to have some fun. Maomao is quite naughty. Promise me you won’t connive at his misbehavior, okay? There’s no need for you to worry about me. We’ll figure out how to best entertain ourselves. Just a few moments ago we were talking about playing mahjong.”

“I see,” answered Ling Zhang. After confirming that all Fu Caiwei’s needs would be taken care of, he took Ling Maomao back to the ante-room and rendezvoused with Yuwen Tong and the others. Thanks to Yao Yi’s sleight of hand, all of them were now in simple disguise. Thus, the large group of people left the residence.

Halfway to the night market, Ling Maomao was drawn away by his father. Yuwen Tong, who was walking abreast of Ling Zhang, noticed the glimmer of gloom on his face and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ling Zhang told him about the matter of Fu Caiwei and then added, “I don’t know what to do.”

After all, he was not going to marry a woman; his uncle wouldn’t get any concubines; and his father had no inclination whatsoever to remarry. Currently, in the Ling family, female members were vastly outnumbered by male ones.

Yuwen Tong observed, “There’s no need to be anxious about it. Tao Feng will soon arrive, and he’s bringing his wife with him. Just have his wife come here more often to keep your aunt company. They’re old acquaintances. Apart from her, there are also my aunts. They are all easy to get along with. My granduncle and his family are all inclined to get more acquainted with your family. It’s just that we are not married yet, so they don’t dare make too many overtures for fear that people might gossip about it. But it wouldn’t be a problem if my aunts have dealings with your aunt.”

Ling Zhang’s eyes brightened. This was actually a pretty good idea.

Chapter 353: Putting Out Feelers

The group of people didn’t stick together after their arrival at the night market. They gradually split into huddles of twos and threes while progressing.

Ling Zhang and Yuwen Tong intentionally stayed with Ling Xingzhong and Ji Yin to keep them company, but the two old men, along with Mr. Mu, all said that the two of them were not very good company and dismissed them.

Eventually, Ling Zhang had only Yuwen Tong by his side, and all others were nowhere to be seen.

“Your paternal grandfather is accompanied by your maternal grandfather and Mr. Mu. Your uncle, your father and Maomao are with Ji Yanlai and his nephew, and there are also some guards secretly keeping an eye on them, so there’s no need to worry about them,” said Yuwen Tong.

Given Ji Yin’s and Ji Yanlai’s unparalleled kung fu skills, the two of them alone were more than enough to make sure no harm would come to any of the others.

“Let’s go. The point of this trip tonight is for me to have a walk with you.” Yuwen Tong took Ling Zhang’s hand and drew him towards the crowd. Yao Yi quietly followed in their wake in an inconspicuous manner. None of the pedestrians recognized any of them.

The two of them were hand in hand, but because of their fairly long sleeves and the dim lighting, people wouldn’t notice it unless they looked very carefully. In addition, as news of the engagement between Yuwen Tong and Ling Zhang had spread across the whole country, gay marriage had become less rare and recently several gay couples had been seen on the street. Gay relationship like theirs was no longer something of a rarity, and even if anybody observed that the two of them were hand in hand, it wouldn’t be a serious problem, and they wouldn’t immediately suspect the true identities of the two of them.

However, although the two of them were in disguise, owing to their extraordinary temperament, they still appeared quite obtrusive whenever they walked into a pool of bright light.

Yuwen Tong drew him towards the Eastern Avenue. After walking with him for a few moments, Ling Zhang suddenly had an inkling that something was not quite right. “Where are you taking me?” he asked.

“Do you still remember the ship-lanterns we went to see on that day?” said Yuwen Tong.

How could he not remember? At that time, shortly after he’d arrived in the capital city, Yuwen Tong, in order to let him enjoy the beauty of ship-lanterns, had specially made arrangements for a number of gaily-painted pleasure-ships and other boats decorated with ship-lanterns to berth by the riverbank, which confused all residents living nearby.

But now that Yuwen Tong was specially bringing this up again…

“You didn’t do the same thing again, did you?” Ling Zhang looked at him incredulously.

Yuwen Tong smiled, “This time around it’s not me who did it. A rich and influential family in this city held a wedding ceremony during the day, so they specially hired some people to stage a ship-lantern show tonight. We’re kind of basking in the reflected festivity of their wedding. Just take it as an act of adding to the gaiety of our own upcoming wedding ceremony.”

Ling Zhang’s face burned slightly. “Well, given that it’s a ship-lantern show held in honor of other people’s wedding, will we be able to get a good spot?”

Yuwen Tong said, “I sent someone there to book a room for us in advance this morning. If all else fails, we could always sit on a rooftop.”

Ling Zhang gave it some thought and felt that he had a point.

By the time when the two of them arrived at their destination, they had already felt the excitement and liveliness of the crowds ahead of them.

A wide variety of pleasure-ships and boats decorated with lanterns were berthed close to each other by the riverbank. Beautiful lanterns of every description were ablaze with light, brightening the whole riverbank.

The room that Yuwen Tong had had his subordinate book for him was a private room in the same teahouse that the two of them had once been to. This was quite an occasion, so the teahouse was packed to capacity. Bathed in the lantern light from the riverbank that seemed to be making the sky as bright as day, all customers in the teahouse were very happy, talking aloud, each voice higher than the last. Ling Zhang and Yuwen Tong were shocked by the uproarious scene as they entered the teahouse. “There are so many people.”

“I’m really sorry, my dear guests, but we don’t have any seats available at the moment,” said a sweaty waiter at the sight of them walking inside, jostling his way up to them, wiping sweat from his face.

“We booked a private room, the one on the second floor with windows facing the river,” Yao Yi said to the waiter, walking up to him, producing a reservation plate.

The waiter briefly paused and then hurriedly said in a more respectful tone, “Oh, this way please, my honored guests, this way please!”

When the two of them were walking upstairs, many of the customers sitting in the hall looked in their direction, for anybody who could book a private room in this teahouse at this point of time was no common person, and Ling Zhang’s and Yuwen Tong’s extraordinary temperament made the other customers even more convinced. They all started whispering to each other, guessing who these two strangers were.

The waiter led the two of them into the private room reserved for them. “This is your room, my honored guests. All the tea-things you required have been prepared. As for the snack, I’m ready to take your order, my honored guests.”

Ling Zhang glanced around this familiar private room and naturally recalled the events that had happened on that day, but at that time, they hadn’t declared in advance that a ship-lantern show was going to be held, so there hadn’t been as many people as there were on this occasion. Today the whole place was filled with hubbub of voices and seething with lookers-on.

Ling Zhang named two of the signature snacks of this teahouse and the waiter took the order and immediately left. Soon someone delivered the snacks to the room.

“It’s such an enchanting sight on such a fine day. Why don’t you drink some wine, Marshal, Childe Ling?” After dismissing the waiter, Yao Yi placed the two trays of snack onto the table.

Ling Zhang also looked at Yuwen Tong, feeling that it’d be nice to drink some wine on such a joyous occasion.

Yuwen Tong looked back at Ling Zhang and said, “Drinking will compromise the mission.”

Ling Zhang was confused. Compromise the mission? They had a mission to perform and couldn’t drink wine?

Yuwen Tong said to Yao Yi, “Get out of here and close the doors. You may decide for yourself whether to be on guard duty in the doorway or go downstairs to have some fun.”

Yao Yi, who had cocked an ear at Yuwen Tong waiting to hear his explanation, fell speechless.

He quietly turned around and left. After closing the doors tight, he went downstairs, bought some pot-stewed meat and wine, returned, sat down outside the doors in the corridor and started drinking alone. When he had taken a sip of the wine, he furrowed his brows and complained, “No wonder the Marshal is not drinking. A teahouse is a teahouse after all. The wine here is obviously not as good as what I can get in a tavern. Did they adulterate it with tea?”

Yuwen Tong in the room pretended not to have heard Yao Yi’s mumble and said to Ling Zhang, “If we drink wine, you won’t be able to stay sober enough to watch this lantern show for long. Just last night you were…”

At first Ling Zhang was confused as to what he meant. When Yuwen Tong paused, he wondered for a few moments before comprehension dawned on his face, which soon registered embarrassment and annoyance. “What are you thinking?!”

Why couldn’t this guy think about something positive and healthy?

The night before Yuwen Tong had had him make out with him almost the whole night, and it had been at noon that they woke up on this day. It was so shameful, yet this guy had the nerve to bring it up!

Yuwen Tong said, “Well, I’ve been too busy lately, and we haven’t fully enjoyed ourselves for quite some time. Last night was a good start. I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to control myself tonight.”

After all, the pleasant feeling after enjoying himself to the full was still lingering in his every fibre. Having repressed his desire for so many years, he was now obsessed with that kind of pleasure and thus was faced with a severe test of his self-control. If he drank wine, he would lose some of his self-control. Unlike the consultation hall which was only a few moments’ walk from the Infinite Fortune Palace, this place was quite far away from the imperial palace.

Hearing him getting more and more explicit, Ling Zhang was both irritated and embarrassed. “Cut the shit and drink your tea.”

Yuwen Tong lifted his eyebrows. “See? I’m just talking about it and you’re already getting angry. If I actually do it, you would defi–”

“I said shut up!” Ling Zhang hissed.

Yuwen Tong looked at him aggrievedly. “We’re like an old married couple. What’s wrong with talking about it?”

Ling Zhang spat, “We’re in a teahouse!”

This place was teeming with customers; Yao Yi was on guard duty in the doorway; and there were also some secret bodyguards hidden in the shadows. This was not the Infinite Fortune Palace, and Ling Zhang felt as awkward as though they were talking about that topic in the presence of a large crowd, color suffusing his face.

Yuwen Tong said, “My men wouldn’t listen to what they are not supposed to hear. Besides, people out there have to yell to make themselves heard. Nobody would overhear a single word of our conversation.”

But that didn’t make talking about that topic any less disgraceful. Ling Zhang shot him an admonitory glance, warning him not to bring it up again.

Yuwen Tong said “Okay” repeatedly and then added, “I’ll say no more about it. Okay? Stop being mad.”

The sight of Ling Zhang flushing with anger struck him as so tantalizing that he felt he would lose control of himself if his eyes lingered on Ling Zhang for a few more moments, though he hadn’t drunk any wine.

At this time a cheer burst forth from the crowd downstairs. His curiosity piqued, Ling Zhang rose to his feet and stepped to the window to look downstairs. Yuwen Tong let out a sigh of relief and then stood up and walked over as well. Onto the deck of a pleasure-ship berthed by the riverbank down below had emerged an acrobat. There was night wind blowing, which was not strong but rippling the surface of the water, rocking the small pleasure-ship and those standing on it from side to side gently. The acrobat was juggling with lighted torches. It would take only a momentary lapse of concentration to break his horse stance, causing him to lose his balance and fail to catch the torches.

But that man had a quite high level of proficiency in horse stance. Planted firmly on the deck, he was throwing and catching torches with rapt attention, bright flames whirring up and down in circles to the cheers of the audience on the riverbank.

After watching for a while, Ling Zhang remarked, “They are the same street-performers we met on the street yesterday.”

Yuwen Tong cast an appraising look at the acrobat and commented, “He has some elementary kung fu, but no more than that.”

Ling Zhang said, “It was a ball-shaped bundle of coloured silk ribbons this man performed with that fascinated Ji Yanlai’s nephew and Maomao last night. I wonder if the two of them would get wind of this show and come here to check it out.”

On hearing this, Yuwen Tong stepped behind him and put his arms around his waist. “If they do come, I’ll just have some men keep an eye on them.”

Ling Zhang detected a subtle undertone contained in his words and twisted his head aside to look at him. “What do you mean?”

Yuwen Tong answered, “They would once again be upsetting our plan to spend some time alone if they come here, so I’ll have them go somewhere else to play.”

Ling Zhang caught on to it. Yuwen Tong didn’t want anybody to disturb them.

“My father and my uncle are with them. If the boys come here, they will come as well,” said Ling Zhang quietly.

Yuwen Tong, “…”

This was a vexed issue. If Ling Zhaowu and Ling Zhaowen did come as well, it would be inappropriate for him to send someone to dismiss them, because one of them was his father-in-law, and the other Ling Zhang’s respected uncle, both of whom were his elders he couldn’t trifle with. He and Ling Zhang hadn’t officially got married yet, and if they found out that he was being offhand with them…

Yuwen Tong held Ling Zhang tight. “Then I guess I’ll have to play it by ear.”

After saying this, he asked in a seemingly casual tone, “How’s your father’s physical condition these days? Did Mr. Mu say anything about it?”

Ling Zhang replied, “Mr. Mu said that my father’s been making a quick recovery, quicker than he’d expected, that he’d be as good as new in a month or so.”

Yuwen Tong said, “It’s a good thing that he’s making a speedy recovery, but I wonder what’s the reason for that? Is there anything special with your father’s constitution?”

Ling Zhang, who didn’t suspect Yuwen Tong’s motives in asking this question, responded, “It seems to have something to do with a set of fist techniques that my father has been practicing, which was taught to him by my grandfather. My grandfather said that my father learned it so rapidly as though previously…”

As he finished the word “previously”, Ling Zhang came to realize that he was on the verge of spilling the beans and hastened to stop.

“Previously what?” asked Yuwen Tong in a natural tone of voice, a faint flicker crossing his eyes.

Ling Zhang slightly shook his head. “He just felt that my father had amazing comprehension and was a very quick learner. Previously he had never seen anybody who could master that set of fist techniques as fast as my father did.”

Chapter 354: Extraordinarily Sharp Senses

Ling Zhaowu was long past his prime, and both his physical strength and his comprehension should be slightly inferior to a young person’s, yet with these disadvantages, he had still mastered the set of fist techniques in such a short time and quickly nursed himself back to health with it?

Yuwen Tong didn’t believe this matter was as simple as it seemed, his suspicions about Ling Zhaowu deepening.

The show was over, and Ji Yanlai and the others had never shown up. It was when Ling Zhang saw the crowd downstairs thinning and the pleasure-ships and boats decorated with lanterns driving off shore one after another that he came to realize he and Yuwen Tong had stayed in this place for quite some time. Taken aback, he exclaimed, “Crap. We’ve been here for so long and forgotten about my grandfather and all the others!”

“Yao Yi,” Yuwen Tong called aloud.

Yao Yi walked inside immediately. “Marshal, Childe Ling.”

Yuwen Tong asked, “Where are Old Master Ling and the others? Have they gone back?”

Yao Yi answered, “Yes, they have, all of them. I’ve had someone deliver a message to them, telling them that you and Childe Ling would directly return to the imperial palace.”

Ling Zhang heaved a sigh of relief. “Were my grandfather and the others in good spirits?”

Yao Yi replied, “The one I sent there told me that your grandfather looked in high spirits, that he and Mr. Ji had a good time at the night market. I think they have gone to sleep by now.”

Ling Zhang inclined his head and looked at Yuwen Tong. “We should get back as well.”

Yuwen Tong glanced at the pleasure-ships and boats decorated with lanterns which were slowly driving away, and then left the teahouse with Ling Zhang hand in hand, walking along the street on the riverbank. Some of the gaily-painted pleasure-ships and boats with lanterns were going in the same direction, progressing at a gentle pace, as though keeping the two of them company.

Ling Zhang cast a look at the ships and suggested, “Next time let’s take a boat trip on a lake.”

Stroking the back of Ling Zhang’s hand, Yuwen Tong replied, “Okay.”

…

After returning to the palace, the two of them bathed and turned in. What with the tiring last night and the long walk he’d just had, Ling Zhang fell asleep almost immediately after lying down on the bed.

Yuwen Tong tied Ling Zhang’s hair up for him, pulled the quilt over his abdomen and then got out of bed, stepped out of the inner room of the imperial bedchamber, looked at Yao Yi waiting outside and asked, “Where’s Qi San?”

“He’s waiting in the side hall,” answered Yao Yi.

Yuwen Tong draped a coat across his shoulders and went to the side hall, where a man in a black skintight outfit was waiting for him. The man appeared about the same age as Yao Yi and the other bodyguards, and was so nondescript that if he stood among a crowd, people who knew him would have difficulty identifying him. He was none other than Qi San, the commander of the Shadow Battalion under Yuwen Tong’s command.

“I’m honored to bow before you, Marshal,” said Qi San, making a bow with hands folded in front.

Yuwen Tong settled himself in a chair. “You may rise. You were responsible for protecting Ling Zhaowu and some others earlier tonight. Did you find anything?”

Qi San answered, “Yes, I did. Ling Zhaowu’s five senses are extremely sharp. This time around there were six brothers performing the task with me, and Ling Zhaowu located at least four of them with his senses. Two of the secret bodyguards were in a packed spot, but he still accurately perceived their whereabouts.”

“Are you sure?” Yuwen Tong’s brow furrowed slightly.

Qi San gave a nod. “I’m sure. Ling Zhaowu had indeed located several of our brothers, but what baffles me is that Ling Zhaowu has no internal energy and was in a busy market, but he somehow perceived the existence of secret bodyguards with his sense of hearing that should be no more acute than that of a common person, which… which strikes me as a little anomalous.”

Indeed, Ling Zhaowu was just an ordinary person, and he hadn’t even fully recovered from his illness yet, his body in a rather weak state. Currently, what he possessed was just some fist techniques at the most, and he wasn’t anywhere close to a kung fu expert with powerful internal energy and a sense of hearing sharp enough to allow him to differentiate between the breathing patterns of people in a bustling market. The only plausible explanation was that Ling Zhaowu had extraordinary intuition.

Yuwen Tong lapsed into silence, his face expressionless. It was not that he believed Ling Zhaowu meant anybody any harm, but that Ling Zhaowu’s abnormality was affecting Ling Zhang. Yuwen Tong worried that this man had some other secrets that might affect Ling Zhang even further. This was something he couldn’t tolerate.

“Do you think inborn keen intuition alone is enough for Ling Zhaowu to manage something like that?” Yuwen Tong inquired of Qi San.

Qi San was a secret bodyguard, who had been learning these since childhood and was an expert in this kind of stuff, so Yuwen Tong was inclined to trust Qi San’s judgement when it came to this kind of things.

After doing some careful thinking, Qi San responded, “I don’t think that’s possible, Marshal. There are indeed some common people who possess acute intuition, but without receiving specialized training, they could merely sense imminent danger at the most – they have an inkling that something’s wrong, and they flee. But usually this kind of intuition is relatively vague and faint. Ling Zhaowu, however, very accurately found out the whereabouts of the couple of brothers. His instinct was very definite. Only someone with specialized training could have located them that quick.

On top of that, common people’s intuition is mostly a kind of ability to sense upcoming danger in advance, but we were harmless to Ling Zhaowu. We followed him to protect him, and I’m absolutely sure that none of us ever meant him any harm. We didn’t emanate a shred of menacing or murderous air, but Ling Zhaowu still located several of us. Even I find this kind of acute intuition quite admirable,” observed Qi San.

Yuwen Tong, however, showed no admiration. Instead, he became even more suspicious.

Fully aware of Ling Zhaowu’s past, he was positive that Ling Zhaowu didn’t use to possess such keen intuition, that he used to be no more than an ordinary person who had some kung fu but was by no means a master of it. Moreover, the years when he’d been comatose in the Millennium Pavilion had taken a heavy toll on his sanity. After ingesting the miracle drug, he had regained his sanity, but he still needed more time to nurse it back to the original level…

All these facts were indicating that the secrets Ling Zhaowu had been keeping were undoubtedly of great importance, that some kind of intuition of this man’s was formidably acute.

“Stay away from Ling Zhaowu unless such circumstance arises again,” instructed Yuwen Tong.

Qi San, who would never raise any objections to Yuwen Tong’s words and always followed Yuwen Tong’s orders, answered, “Yes, Marshal.”

After Qi San took his leave, Yuwen Tong sat there for a while. These contradictory facts about Ling Zhaowu confounded him. He had no clue why this was happening. These changes seemed to have taken place for no reason whatsoever, but how was that possible?

Eventually, unable to figure it out, Yuwen Tong had no alternative but to bury this question fathoms deep in his mind and return to the inner room of the imperial bedchamber to sleep with Ling Zhang.

…

The next day, Fang shi and Liu shi, the two daughter-in-laws of Yuwen You’s, had a calling card delivered to Fu Caiwei, telling her that they were going to pay her a visit.

Fu Caiwei was somewhat surprised and hastened to confer with Ling Zhaowen. “Why did they suddenly decide to visit me?”

Ling Zhaowen thought about it for a brief moment and then replied, “Don’t worry. Just have someone deliver a reply to them first, and then arrange for the servants to get the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion ready and make preparations to entertain the guests. Given that there are quite some people staying in this residence, the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion is the only place convenient for entertaining them, because they won’t have to walk across this area. There’s no need to concern yourself. Zhang’er said that Yuwen You’s family are on good terms with Yuwen Tong, that this granduncle of Yuwen Tong’s is always pretty good to him, and his family members are easy to get long with, too. The reason why they’re coming at this point in time is probably because they want to make your acquaintance and strengthen the bonding between the two families.”

After hearing this, Fu Caiwei had a general idea of what was going on. “I’ll start to make preparations right away.”

Ling Zhaowen said, “I’ll go with you.”

…

The next morning, Fang shi and Liu shi arrived at the Ling Mansion. Fu Caiwei welcomed them and led them into the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion.

There was incense burning in the Lingering Fragrance Pavilion. It was tidy and comfortable, a perfect place for women to sit and have a chat.

“This place is pretty nice. We were worried that it’d be presumptuous to visit you like this, that we’d disturb you, but your arrangements are so thoughtful that we feel that we’re undeserving of it,” smiled Fang shi.

Fang shi and Liu shi, who were both good-tempered, had gentle smile on their faces. At the sight of them, Fu Caiwei felt the friendly air about them and naturally took an instant liking to them.

“It’s very kind of you to say so, but I prepared this in haste, and I’m glad that it doesn’t strike you as unpresentable, Elder Sisters,” said Fu Caiwei.

Fang shi and Liu shi had come here to keep Fu Caiwei company because of Yuwen Tong’s request. Before they came, they had been a little uncertain about what kind of person Fu Caiwei was, but now, seeing the genial beam on Fu Caiwei’s face, hearing her soft voice, the two of them became well disposed towards Fu Caiwei.

“You’re so modest, Mrs. Ling. Since you call us ‘Elder Sister’ and we’ll soon be in-laws, I think there’s no need for us to be so polite to each other. It’s best if we dispense with the formalities and act casually,” said Fang shi.

The three of them took their seats. Handmaids, young and old, stayed in the doorway, waiting upon their mistresses. First Liu shi explained to Fu Caiwei, “Originally we worried that we shouldn’t visit you in such a presumptuous manner, but considering we’re going to be in-laws, there’s no need to take heed of those unnecessary and overelaborate formalities, so we came here in a hurry today. Actually, we heard that you’ve been in the capital city for some days, and we thought you’re probably not very familiar with this city and might be feeling bored. The two of us happened to be bored as well, so we came here to chat with you. I hope we don’t strike you as too thick-skinned.”

Fu Caiwei was quite observant and could deduce from these words of Liu shi’s that the purpose of this visit of theirs was to divert her from boredom. Fang shi and Liu shi had never met her before, and they barely knew anything about each other. By no means would they have suddenly visited her for no reason. The only explanation was that someone had requested them to specially come here. Presently, members of the Yuwen family were the only ones whose words carried weight with Yuwen You’s family. Yuwen Tong was unlikely to be so considerate as to do something like that, which meant Zhang’er who’d been with him all the time had asked him to do it…

Having figured out what this was about, Fu Caiwei was happy, her smile growing more heartfelt. “Thank you for coming here to help me solve this pressing matter, Elder Sisters. This city is indeed quite unfamiliar to me. I barely know anybody living outside this compound and I’ll probably get lost if I go out into the street alone. Now that you are here, I no longer have to worry about this matter.”

Fang shi and Liu shi were quite approachable, and Fu Caiwei was even more so. Soon the three of them were engaged in conversation. After they found that their personalities were all pretty good, their acquaintance developed even quicker.

“… I’ll write a pamphlet and have it delivered to you another day, and you may memorize the names of those people and the forces at their back first. And then we’ll throw a tea party to introduce you to them and let you find out who’s who. You’ll find them your acquaintances after a couple of meetings with them. Don’t worry. It won’t be difficult,” said Fang shi.

“Thank you so much. I’m sorry for the trouble you’ll have to go to for me,” said Fu Caiwei.

“It’s no trouble. We’ll be family, and under no circumstances will we let anybody take advantage of you,” said Fang shi.

“That’s right. After the enthronement, women like us who stay in the rear yard will be even busier. You should familiarize yourself with these things in advance so that you won’t be flustered when something comes up,” said Liu shi.