Chapter 33: Killing Three Birds with One Stone
It was evening when Xie Huailing returned to the Golden Wind and Drizzle Pavilion. Twilight embraced the tall building, and dark clouds obscured the moon, leaving not a trace of its light. Xie Huailing was in a hurry to go upstairs and didn't linger.
She bumped right into Yang Wuxie on the stairs leading upstairs. He was in a hurry, his arms were overflowing with things; Xie Huailing would have fainted at first glance, and after a couple of glances, she would have been overwhelmed by the sight. She was truly intimidated by Yang Wuxie, so she didn't stop him or ask him any questions, and simply stepped aside to let him pass. But instead, he called out to her.
"Miss," Yang Wuxie handed her half of the document and said, "The Lord of the Pavilion is looking for you. Please go there immediately."
A look of awe flashed in Xie Huailing's eyes, then turned into a look of reluctance, as if he wanted to take away not the documents from her, but his hard work. The documents, which were half her hand tall, were eventually taken by Shaman, while Xie Huailing himself had to ask, "Hasn't the deal with the betting odds been resolved yet?"
She had a feeling things wouldn't go smoothly. The target's betting position was advantageous, and neither Liufenbantang nor Jinfeng Xiyulou wanted the other to profit. However, they couldn't afford to drag things out for too long, getting bogged down in a quagmire over such a small gain. If the cost exceeded the reward, even if they succeeded in the end, it would be difficult to recoup the losses quickly. But withdrawing too early would hand the opportunity to the other side. Weighing the two options, she had to carefully consider both advancing and retreating.
However, there must be other reasons for the absurd thickness of the documents. She has recently given Yang Wuxie a lot of work, starting with Hua Wucuo's matter, as well as making her identity, investigating "Bat Prince", investigating Yuan Dongyuan, investigating the rumors in Bianjing... Thinking of this, the non-existent guilt increased, but non-existent is non-existent. Xie Huailing was calm and composed, and had a clear conscience.
Upon hearing her question, Yang Wuxie, who was already busy with other matters and barely able to keep his feet on the ground, left with a single sentence: "It is indeed the matter. Please go and discuss it with the Master of the Pavilion as soon as possible."
His hurried figure disappeared outside the building. Xie Huailing craned his neck to catch a glimpse, but found that he could no longer see him. He couldn't help but click his tongue and say, "I wonder how much salary Steward Yang receives. How did the building owner manage to recruit Steward Yang back then? He's truly priceless."
After saying that, she went to ask Shaman, "If I want Shaman to..."
"I can't do it." Shaman had no interest in listening to her finish her nonsense. He refused with a cold, handsome face, and it certainly wasn't anything nice.
Xie Huailing had no regrets, so she told Shaman and the maid to put the document back in her bedroom first, and then let Shaman read it herself. She went to find Su Mengzhen first.
.
Why Su Mengzhen hasn't died suddenly is a mystery to Xie Huailing, just like how many more hours Yang Wuxie can work overtime.
He was very ill, so frail he was emaciated, his skin as pale as winter snow; he was incredibly proud, so even with a piercing cough, he still straightened his back like a pine tree; he was also incredibly stubborn, so despite being burdened by worldly affairs, he strived to do his best. All these factors combined to create the scene before me: the young man, draped in a cloak, coughing with his hand on the table. His cough was intermittent, the illness determined to torment him, the pain offering no relief, yet he stubbornly resisted, engrossed in flipping through maps.
Xie Huailing closed the door and said, "Master, Steward Yang said you were looking for me."
Su Mengzhen hummed in agreement, without looking up, and said, "Come here."
Xie Huailing walked over. There was a brazier of charcoal in front of him, and the closer she got, the warmer it became, making her feel cozy. When she got to his side, Xie Huailing yawned, feeling so sleepy that her eyelids felt like they were about to fall off. Fortunately, Su Mengzhen was surrounded by a chill, which startled her awake so she could look at the map.
Then she understood why Su Mengzhen had summoned her. She had seen the map before; it depicted the battleground between Jin Feng Xi Yu Lou and Liu Fen Ban Tang, highlighting the recent turmoil of the struggle. Su Mengzhen pointed to a street and asked her, "Tell me your thoughts."
They're treating her like a donkey in the production team. Xie Huailing brushed the dust off her clothes and looked at her: "There's no obligation to work overtime. Boss, extra pay is due for anything beyond your job duties."
Su Mengzhen, who was also caught up in the situation, remained cold and ruthless: "You speak first, and then we'll add more."
Xie Huailing sighed dramatically, but didn't try to be clever again. She didn't need to look closely to get a sense of the situation. After thinking for a moment, she tapped her finger heavily on the edge of the map.
She asked Su Mengzhen, "Have you ever thought about betting even more aggressively? Everyone has a scale in their heart. If it doesn't weigh more than their own capital, they won't chase it aggressively. That's why they keep attacking and pulling back and forth, unable to determine who is better or worse, and they just waste their energy and feel like they have a fishbone stuck in their throat."
“But Jin Feng Xi Yu Lou has increased their bets and invested a lot of manpower. Liu Fen Ban Tang is chasing the game again, constantly raising the stakes and creating a stalemate. Even if they win again, it will be a loss in the short term. This place is not that important yet,” Su Mengzhen said.
"Why isn't it that important?" Xie Huailing countered, taking out another map of Bianjing hanging beside his desk. "The value of a trading platform sometimes doesn't lie in its inherent value. It has whatever value the owner assigns to it."
She circled a piece of land on the map of Bianjing.
The tacit understanding was there; Su Mengzhen instantly grasped Xie Huailing's meaning, and the phrase "drawing the firewood from under the cauldron" came to mind. He wasn't one to be bothered by methods, and upon further reflection, he found the plan extremely ingenious. If it were carried out, given that he hadn't even known about this move until tonight, how would the Six and a Half Hall react? The only drawback was manpower. To proceed, he would first need to continue stalling with the Six and a Half Hall. By then, who would be available in the building…?
Still needing to consider, Su Mengzhen didn't immediately draw a conclusion. He gazed at Xie Huailing and said, "This move is feasible, but we need to think it over carefully. Let's leave it at that for now. Do you have any news from the former East Garden?"
Xie Huailing first asked him, "Last time I talked about Yuan Suiyun's matter, did Steward Yang have any news? Let me guess, and my guess was right again."
She spoke in a statement of fact, but it was no exaggeration. Su Mengzhen said, "Several restaurants in Bianjing are showing signs of spreading news about Wuzheng Manor, and there are quite a few storytellers whose families have suddenly become wealthy."
Xie Huailing nodded, neither particularly happy nor unhappy about the news. After meeting Yuan Dongyuan, the matter was a done deal in her mind.
She took a few steps to the side; her knees were getting uncomfortable from standing for so long, so she started searching the entire study for a chair in front of Su Mengzhen. Luckily, she found one and dragged it to its usual spot in front of Su Mengzhen's desk. This time, she even added a back cushion, and sat down comfortably, leaning back against the chair. This was her stance for a long talk; Xie Huailing didn't like standing and talking for too long.
The charcoal in the stove was burning, and there was a faint crackling sound from below. She slowly said to Su Mengzhen, "There's a lot to say about the former East Garden, Master."
"'Unrivaled in strength, like the verdant mountains before us,' this was the Wuzheng Manor three hundred years ago; 'Suppressing bandits across a thousand miles, upholding righteousness,' this is the Wuzheng Manor three hundred years ago. Inheriting the aspirations of their ancestors, aiming for the pinnacle of the martial world, the Xu family's spirit is as pure as water, and their descendants as upright as bamboo, thus allowing them to stand proudly in the martial world for three hundred years. Subsequently, chivalrous heroes emerged one after another, and all martial arts masters admired them, so their reputation grew day by day, passed down from generation to generation. However, beneath the great reputation, the longer the reputation lasts, and the more talented the ancestors, the heavier the burden always becomes."
Xie Huailing continued, “The family ancestral hall is lined with green steles, leaving a lasting mark on the martial world. If it is lost in the hands of a certain generation of descendants, it is no different from the destruction of mountains and rocks in a single day. The past reputation will be lost and will have no way to be buried except through decline. Others may only feel sorry for it, but only they know how tormented, painful, and self-loathing they feel. Unfortunately, Yuan Dongyuan is that person.”
This is the root of his timidity: the mismatch between his talent and status, the incompatibility between his ability and responsibility. Even as he approaches sixty, he finds it difficult to let go of these feelings.
Su Mengzhen understood Xie Huailing's meaning at this point, and continued, "He was weak from childhood, and could only barely become a first-rate martial arts master. This was still considered outstanding in the martial arts world, but for the master of Wuzheng Manor, it was an unprecedented incompetence. The martial arts world judges everything by martial arts and power. He could not do what his ancestors had done, and he would expose Wuzheng Manor to others. Therefore, he chose to stay at home."
“That’s right.” Xie Huailing’s dark eyes flickered slightly as his gaze shifted away from what was in front of him. “He chose to run away. As the sole heir of Wuzheng Manor back then, he wanted to preserve his and Wuzheng Manor’s dignity to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, he never shouldered the responsibilities that belonged to him, whether in the chaotic world of martial arts twenty years ago or now.”
This cowardly fellow, faced with the grave crime committed by his son, chose to cover it up and conceal it. He lacked the courage to confront it, as if the Wuzheng Manor in his hands was a cracked mirror, yet he believed that as long as the red cloth covering it was never removed, the mirror would remain unbroken.
“But he never considered that dignity and respect are not obtained in this way,” Su Mengzhen said.
He was the exact opposite of Yuan Dongyuan, showing no mercy as he continued, "Three hundred years ago, people in the martial arts world admired Yuan Qingshan not only for his unparalleled martial arts skills, but also for his upright character; Wuzheng Manor has never declined in the past three hundred years, not only because of the abundance of talented people, but also because of the deeds and fame of the heroes of each generation. Now, Yuan Dongyuan has put the cart before the horse, which is what has led Wuzheng Manor to its doom."
Xie Huailing nodded, agreeing with Su Mengzhen's words. She then clasped her hands together and said, "He may not be unaware, but he is already sixty years old, half-buried. Can he completely overturn his past? He wouldn't dare."
The fire inside the furnace burned even brighter, flames licking the furnace walls, sometimes leaping and twisting in countless shapes. The flickering flames shone in the shadows of the table, a startling and profound red, much like Su Mengzhen's eyes.
That was enough groundwork. He then spoke frankly: "So the matter of Wuzheng Manor, the movements of Liufenbantang, and the cowardice of Yuandongyuan are all true. Now, tell me your plan."
Xie Huailing leaned back in her chair. As the strategist, she was naturally prepared, offering her advice with an air of nonchalance to the youngest leader of the martial arts world: "I have three strategies for this matter: superior, middle, and inferior. I wonder which one the host prefers?"
It was a very common phrase; it seemed that every strategist in the books Su Mengzhen had read since childhood had to say something like this. He said, "Explain in detail."
"One strategy is to bind Yuan Dongyuan to Yuan Suiyun. Using the evidence secretly collected by Jinfeng Xiyulou, we can coerce Yuan Dongyuan before Liufenbantang, forcing them to make concessions, and then take drastic measures. This strategy is risky, as Jinfeng Xiyulou and Wuzheng Mountain Villa will inevitably turn against each other, and it also requires a lot of effort. Therefore, it is the worst strategy."
"To fight against Wuzheng Manor under the watchful eyes of Liufenbantang would easily put us at a disadvantage; this strategy is not advisable."
"Another strategy is to shift the blame eastward. There are many experts in the building, so it wouldn't hurt to kill Yuan Suiyun. This would rid the people of a scourge and also frame the Six and a Half Hall, who are supposed to deliver the message. While they are unable to defend themselves, we can incite conflict between Wuzheng Manor and Six and a Half Hall. Once Wuzheng Manor is defeated, we can reap the benefits. This strategy is moderately risky, but it is quite picky about the timing and the gains are not much. It is a middle-ground strategy."
"Not much was gained?"
Listening to her picky remarks, her inclination was obvious. Su Mengzhen said, "In your heart, how much profit should Jin Feng Xi Yu Lou gain? You may as well tell us your best strategy."
Xie Huailing didn't mince words either, saying, "That's the best course of action..."
Her gaze returned, her eyes dark and unfathomable, impervious even to the firelight: "The best course of action is simply to lend a small hand to Six and a Half Hall. Whatever message they want to spread, we can help. Isn't Master Su known for her generosity?"
Xie Huailing stood up from her chair. She walked slowly, speaking as she approached, her hem fluttering like a cloud. Even Huo She dared not lash out at her skirt during this calculating moment: "If Six and a Half Hall wants to force Yuan Dongyuan, we can force Yuan Dongyuan too. It's all the same path. It's just that they want to force him to make concessions, while we'll derail things a bit and force him to save face."
Su Mengzhen noticed her choice of words: "'Decent'?"
“It’s about dignity,” Xie Huailing said. “Yuan Dongyuan is a man who never dares to face reality. He’s incredibly fragile, afraid to confront his dereliction of duty to Wuzheng Manor, and also afraid to confront his dereliction of duty as a father. Everything he’s doing now is an attempt to trample on human ethics and laws to gain both his son’s and Wuzheng Manor’s reputation. In reality, he’s utterly unwilling to face the cruel choice between the two. So Jin Feng Xi Yu Lou can help him, and also help the poor souls harmed by Yuan Suiyun—how can someone who has committed so many shameful acts possibly live a good life?”
"At that time, even cowards like Yuan Dongyuan will have to make a choice, even if they don't want to. But people can't be cowards forever."
"As for what choice he made, whether it was the most dignified one, and whether it could preserve the reputation of Wuzheng Manor to the greatest extent possible... if he wants to be dignified, then he can be dignified; if not..."
Xie Huailing paused, then looked at Su Mengzhen.
Su Mengzhen finished speaking the second half of the sentence: "Let the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion bring dignity to the Wuzheng Manor."
All was quiet, with only the sound of the fire and the breathing of the two people in the room. They looked at each other, and a thousand words were left unsaid.
"What about Yuan Suiyun? How did Yuan Suiyun resolve this?" he asked.
Xie Huailing didn't care about this person; he was worthless: "Of course, this is the best ending for him. He doesn't deserve to be put on the stage; being a pawn is good enough. Jin Feng Xi Yu Lou promised Chu Liuxiang, so it will be done according to Chu Liuxiang's wishes. Yuan Suiyun despises human ethics and laws, so naturally he will also be disgraced and die because of human ethics and laws."
Yes, she didn't care about Yuan Suiyun at all. The world was vast, and Bianjing was turbulent. What was he? Whatever he trampled on, he would rightfully be trampled on in return.
Su Mengzhen pondered for a moment, then said, "It's feasible. However, we need to be careful with the Six and a Half Hall; this move is extremely risky..."
“Extremely dangerous?” Xie Huailing interrupted him.
She didn't seem to think so at all. She narrowed her eyes slightly: "Master, where is the danger? From beginning to end, from the day Chu Liuxiang arrived in Bianjing, did Liufenbantang or Wuzheng Manor ever know that Jinfeng Xiyulou knew about Wuzheng Manor? Never, never."
Xie Huailing was well-prepared. Being naturally suspicious, she wouldn't give anyone a chance to doubt her: "They all know about the connection between Chu Liuxiang and me, but it's Yuan Suiyun who knows Chu Liuxiang is investigating this matter, and it's Liufenbantang who knows my deep scheming nature and cannot be ignored. Yuan Dongyuan wishes he could cut off all contact with Liufenbantang after this trip; these two have never exchanged information!"
"Besides, I met Yuan Dongyuan through Piaoling Ji, and it was Di Feijing who recommended Piaoling Ji to me; I was the one who wanted to visit Wuzheng Manor again, but it was Yuan Dongyuan who even brought up the aunt of the Pavilion Master to curry favor with me. Pavilion Master, you, me, and even the entire Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion have never surfaced in the Wuzheng Manor incident. And when Yuan Suiyun's true colors were exposed, the information that Six and a Half Hall could grasp spiraled out of control, and the people of Bianjing were outraged, who could investigate all the things behind this? Even if the truth were to be uncovered, so what?"
Jin Feng Xi Yu Lou did nothing wrong.
She faced Su Mengzhen, and there was no need to say anything more—she must have already devised a more detailed plan. Thus, the reputation and everything that Wuzheng Manor had preserved with the death of Yuan Suiyun would belong to Jinfeng Xiyu Tower and Su Mengzhen.
Things are different now. Xie Huailing is in the shadows. Jin Feng Xi Yu Lou will gain the greatest benefits and the best reputation with minimal effort. Liu Fen Ban Tang will only be a stepping stone for Jin Feng Xi Yu Lou. This is a plan to kill three birds with one stone.
Su Mengzhen was overwhelmed with emotion, unable to contain herself. In her unfathomable eyes, she once again saw the boiling fire in her own heart.
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