Chapter Three: Murong Hanchan
In the courtyard of the Murong Mansion in Dongyue Shenzhou, Murong Mingde, a man in his fifties, was seen holding a book in his right hand and gesturing with his left as if he were wielding a sword, sometimes shaking his head, sometimes nodding. Suddenly, he muttered to himself, "That's it! That's how this move should be!"
Just then, his eldest disciple, Yin Xiaosheng, hurriedly walked towards him. Yin Xiaosheng was a young man of about twenty-five or twenty-six, dressed in a scholar's attire, with blue silk brocade, a golden crown on his head, and a silk belt around his waist. He carried a sword and walked in the courtyard, exuding an elegant demeanor.
"Disciple greets Master!" Yin Xiaosheng bowed and paid his respects to Murong Mingde.
Murong Mingde said calmly, "Is there something you need?"
Yin Xiaosheng said, "Master, recently there has been a widespread rumor in the martial arts world that a divine object has appeared in Longyang City, Nanyang Shenzhou, which can bring people back to life!"
Murong Mingde continued demonstrating his moves, saying calmly, "How can you believe all the rumors in the martial arts world?!"
Yin Xiaosheng: "Master, I believe this matter is not unbelievable. The Xiantian Sect learned of the news a few days ago and has already sent people there. It is said that it was the sect leader, Shangguan Yanxin, who went there in person!"
After thinking for a moment, Murong Mingde said, "Then you should go! You might have some unexpected gains, but remember, your own life is the most important thing."
Yin Xiaosheng: "Disciple understands! Then disciple will set off immediately!"
Murong Mingde nodded and said, "Go!"
Yin Xiaosheng walked out of the courtyard and arrived at the gate of the Murong Mansion, where he was surprised to see his junior sister Murong Hanchan already waiting outside.
This Murong Hanchan, don't let her appearance fool you. She's just a beautiful young girl. At such a young age, she's not only skilled in music, chess, and calligraphy, but also has a high aptitude for martial arts, extensive knowledge, and extraordinary talent. At seventeen, she created the Hanchan Seven Styles; at eighteen, she mastered the Murong Three Absolutes; and at nineteen, she studied the martial arts of a hundred schools. In the same year, she earned the martial arts title: Murong Hanchan, the Seven Absolutes of the Three Absolutes!
There is even a poem that says:
"The Eastern Peak's Mu Mansion harbors celestial beings."
Unparalleled talent and peerless beauty
With hands behind his back, he broke through the Nine Provinces with a startling glimpse.
"Mu Hanchan, the master of three unique skills and seven extraordinary techniques!"
Her martial arts skills and reputation have surpassed her father's, but she has an eccentric personality. Sometimes she gives people the impression of being clever, lively and cute; but at other times, she appears aloof, elegant, quiet and dignified. Therefore, even her father does not know her very well.
Yin Xiaosheng looked over and saw that Murong Hanchan had already prepared two fine horses, waiting for him!
He deliberately asked, "Junior sister! Where are you going?"
Murong Hanchan smiled and said, "Where are you going! What do you think! Humph! Don't think I don't know you're going to Longyang City in Nanyang!"
Yin Xiaosheng pretended to be serious and said, "I was able to go because I asked Master for permission. Could it be that Master also allows you to go, Junior Sister?"
Murong Hanchan rolled her eyes at him and said boldly, "If you're so capable, then don't get on your horse!" After saying that, she spurred her horse and rode away.
Yin Xiaosheng called out anxiously, "Hey! Junior Sister, wait for me!" He quickly mounted his horse and chased after her.
In Longyang City, Yin Qianqiu and a dozen female disciples were resting under a teahouse. One of them, Mei Hong, said, "Young Master, we've been searching for days, but we haven't found any trace of those strange things. This is Yi Yunke's territory, aren't you planning to return to Baiyun City?"
Yin Qianqiu looked at her coldly and said, "Are you saying that my martial arts are inferior to Yi Yunke's, and that I should avoid him?!"
Mei Hong was alarmed that she had said the wrong thing and angered the young master. She quickly knelt down and explained, "Mei Hong knows she was wrong. It was Mei Hong who was too talkative. Please punish me, young master."
Yin Qianqiu waved his fan and said calmly, "Alright, I know you didn't mean it. Get up!" He then added, "That thing couldn't have disappeared into thin air; it should reappear. I not only need to stay for a few days, but I also need to personally go into the city to find Yi Yunke!" With that, he got up and left.
The female disciples, though puzzled by their master's meaning, dared not question his intentions. They could only follow along.
At this moment, Yi Yunke returned to the city and saw a crowd gathered in front of the city gate, with several people inside weeping incessantly. He rode forward to investigate and discovered that two men were dead—his own subordinates, Zhang Qingshan and Tian Zhen! His attendant, Xiao He, was shocked! He hurriedly rode forward and said to Yi Yunke, “City Lord! I think this is bad! These two were both hall masters; how could they have died together in front of the city gate? Could it be that someone took advantage of your absence these past few days to rebel and seize power?”
Yi Yunke waved his hand and said, "Treason?! What a joke! I'd give them ten times the courage!" His domineering aura was palpable.
Xiao He said anxiously, "City Lord, it's better to be safe than sorry! To ensure a smooth start, you should stay outside the city and let me go in to investigate!"
Yi Yunke burst into laughter upon hearing this: "Hahaha! Hahaha! Xiao He, if someone really betrays me, wouldn't you, a scholar in your forties, be doomed to die if you entered the city? Perhaps you see that the tide has turned against me and are changing your allegiance to the wind? Huh?!" He then looked at Xiao He with amusement.
Upon hearing this, Xiao He immediately dismounted and knelt down, replying generously, "I am just a humble scholar from Shanggu Village. I am honored by the city lord's appreciation and invitation to come to the city to advise you and share your burdens. The people of Longyang City are able to live and work in peace and contentment entirely thanks to the city lord's virtuous rule. Now that someone has rebelled against you, I am not afraid to die, but I beg the city lord to consider the people of the city and your own safety, and to act prudently."
Upon hearing this, Yi Yunke was deeply moved: "Alright, Xiao He! Get up quickly! Don't I know your character?! Take my token and go get the gatekeeper. Let me ask him what happened." With that, he handed Xiao He a token from his waist.
Xiao He took the token and smiled, "That works too! I'll go right now!"
Xiao He walked over and showed the token to the gatekeeper, who immediately bowed and paid his respects. After exchanging a few words, the man followed him. Upon seeing Yi Yunke, the man quickly knelt on one knee: "This humble servant greets the City Lord! I await your orders!"
Yi Yunke pointed to the corpses on the ground and asked, "I'm asking you, how did these two hall masters die here?"
The gatekeeper said, "Reporting to the City Lord, this morning, Hall Master Zhang and Hall Master Tian, along with more than a dozen of the City Lord's disciples, attempted to leave the city. However, they did not have your exit token, so we stopped them. Hall Master Tian then threatened to kill us! Upon hearing this, we dared not obstruct the two hall masters any further and let them pass. But as soon as they stepped out, Hall Master Gao of the Enforcement Hall and Hall Master Xiong of the Martial Arts Hall chased after them. The four hall masters clashed and fought. The two hall masters were no match for him and were executed by Hall Master Gao according to the law. The people weeping here are the families of the two hall masters." He then looked tremblingly at Yi Yunke.
Yi Yunke sighed and said, "Alright, you can go back now!" Yi Yunke then spurred his horse and rode into the city.
Yi Yunke entered the city and arrived at the city lord's courtyard. At this moment, two middle-aged men, Gao Hu and Xiong Ba, entered the hall. Gao Hu said, "City Lord! You've finally returned. These past few days, rumors have been circulating in the city that a divine object has appeared in Yuyang Village, capable of bringing people back to life. It's caused quite a stir in the city. Even Zhang Qingshan and Tian Zhen secretly led men out of the city without your orders! My brother Xiong Ba and I, according to the city's regulations, also executed the two of them at the city gate! The remaining dozen or so underlings are also bound and imprisoned in the cell, awaiting your judgment."
Yi Yunke: "I am already aware of this matter. Release the imprisoned subordinates! Also, go to the Finance Hall and take one string of cash from each of them to send to the families of the two hall masters!"
At this moment, Zhao Fengtian, the head of the Qinmin Hall, rushed in from outside: "Lord! Lord! You're finally back! Something terrible has happened!" A man in his fifties or sixties shouted as he ran.
Seeing this, Yi Yunke quickly stepped forward to help him up, saying, "Oh dear! Old Master, what's the matter that makes you so anxious!"
Zhao Fengtian, panting, said, "Xia...Xiaba Village...Xiaba Village, there was a flood the day before yesterday. The village chief, Old Mu Li, came to the hall to tell me the night before last. When I got there, my heart sank. Dozens of houses were destroyed, crops were completely destroyed, and five elderly people drowned. The deceased have been taken care of, but the villagers are rebuilding their homes, neglecting their crops. I'm worried that if this continues, their lives will become even more difficult!" He finished speaking with a worried expression.
After hearing this, Yi Yunke went into the inner hall and sat on a rattan chair, followed by his four subordinates. Yi Yunke looked at them and asked, "What are your thoughts on this matter?"
At this moment, Xiao He said, "I think Old Zhao's concerns are not without merit. It is only natural for residents to be eager to build houses and solve their basic need for shelter. However, if the crops on the land are missed, the harvest will be less. This is evident from the above."
Yi Yunke looked at Xiao He and said, "Continue!"
Xiao He: "In my opinion, both of these are crucial. Forcibly delaying the villagers from building houses will only make them hate the city lord even more!"
Xiong Ba suddenly stood up, pointed at Xiao He, and angrily cursed, "How dare you, Xiao He! Who dares to hate the city lord? I'll make him bring his head to me!"
Yi Yunke was somewhat speechless and said softly, "Hall Master Xiong! Sit down! Let Elder Xiao finish speaking. Now, we need to discuss how to resolve this immediate matter!" After hearing this, Xiong Ba glared angrily at Xiao He and sat down. Yi Yunke then gestured for Xiao He to continue.
Xiao He: "If we allow the residents to continue building and leave the crops unattended, their lives will become even more strained. If the city lord rashly orders assistance, it may backfire."
Yi Yunke: "What do you mean by that?"
Xiao He continued, "Most of the gang members in the city are bandits and thugs. They only know how to wield guns, sticks, and knives. They don't know anything about building houses or cultivating land."
Hearing this, Xiong Ba could no longer bear it. He stood up, took a big step, reached out his left hand, grabbed Xiao He's collar, and cursed, "You old man Xiao, you say we're all bandits and thugs who only know how to wield guns and sticks? I'll kill you with one palm right now!" With that, he raised his right palm and struck Xiao He.
Just as Gao Hu and Zhao Fengtian were about to stop him, Yi Yunke struck Xiong Ba with a palm strike from a distance, knocking him to the ground. Xiong Ba glared angrily at Yi Yunke.
Yi Yunke roared, "Xiong Ba, do you know what you're doing? Bullying a colleague who doesn't know martial arts right in front of me, is that the style of your Martial Arts Hall? You should rein in your arrogant temper!"
Xiong Ba stood up and sat down, looking resentful.
Upon hearing that the city lord had returned to the city, the other hall masters also rushed over.
They sensed something was amiss in the atmosphere, so they sat down quietly without saying a word.
Seeing this, Yi Yunke paid no attention and stood up, saying, "Now that Xiaba Village is in trouble and the villagers are displaced, we should discuss countermeasures to help them solve their current difficulties." Yi Yunke looked at Xiong Ba and continued, "Brother Xiong Ba, I know that you were once the leader of the Jinsha Gang, dominating the land, enjoying endless wealth and beautiful women, living a very carefree life. I also know that many of our gang members were like you, oppressing the people, occupying the villages, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of evil!"
The hall was silent. In the darkness, people looked at each other, wondering who the city lord had taken a dislike to this time!
Yi Yunke continued angrily, “But we are all flesh-and-blood men, upright men who act with a clear conscience. You may be bandits, you may oppress the villagers to make a living, but we also have wives, children, and parents. Do you intend for your descendants to become mountain bandits? Let me tell you, justice prevails in this world. Those who act recklessly and commit all kinds of evil will one day die without a burial place! The reason I, Yi Yunke, have gathered you all here is because you have reformed and are willing to live a peaceful life with me. Of course, those who are unrepentant and have committed heinous crimes have all died by my hand. If any of you here ever surpass me in martial arts, then I will obey fate and kill or torture you without batting an eye. But at this moment, I am the city lord, and I ask that you all obey my orders and act kindly.”
After Yi Yunke finished speaking, all the martial arts practitioners in the hall stood up, cupped their hands, and said, "We are willing to obey the city lord's orders! We are dedicated to serving the people! We would gladly die for our cause!"
Yi Yunke flicked his cloak and laughed, "Good! Since you are all willing to work together with me, I am very happy! Please sit down!"
At this moment, Xiong Ba suddenly knelt down and said, "Your subordinate was rude just now, please punish me, City Lord!"
Yi Yunke laughed and said, "Brother Xiong Ba, why don't you ask Mr. Xiao how he intends to punish you?"
At this moment, Xiao He quickly stood up and said, "Master Xiong Wei, it was the old scholar who spoke disrespectfully, how could he be guilty!"
Upon hearing this, Xiong Ba said gratefully, "I was truly rude just now. Please accept my bow, sir!"
After saying this, he knelt on one knee and begged Xiao He for forgiveness.
Yi Yunke said, "Xiao He, continue with the matter of Xiaba Village. How should I handle it?"
Xiao He bowed and said, “The city lord’s subordinates are all martial artists, and they don’t know anything about construction or farming. The best way is to have some of the members help the villagers cut down trees and carry soil to build houses. Each household should leave one person to supervise the construction, and the rest should go to the fields to cultivate the land and save the crops. At the same time, they should also lead people to repair the destroyed farmland, land, and dikes. But I’m afraid some brothers in the gang will not obey orders. In the meantime, I hope the city lord can have your disciples personally supervise the work.”
At this moment, Zhao Fengtian said, "Lord of the city, I agree with Mr. Xiao's idea. Housing is a problem that the villagers must solve as soon as possible."
Gao Hu stood up and said, "City Lord, let me lead the brothers there! With me here, let's see who dares to disobey!"
Yi Yunke smiled and said, "Alright! Hall Master Zhu and Hall Master Chen, you two have the most men, so let Hall Master Gao lead the way!"
The two hall masters stood up and said, "We will obey the city lord's orders!"
Yi Yunke: "Besides the matter of Xiaba Village, is there anything else important to attend to? If not, then everyone should go back to your homes!"
A few days later, in the streets and alleys of Longyang City, Murong Hanchan and Yin Xiaosheng were leading their horses along the streets.
Yin Xiaosheng: "I didn't expect Longyang City to be so lively, with so many people!"
Murong Hanchan: "It's quite lively! Even better than our Changfang Street!"
"Hey, junior sister, look at this! It's so pretty! And this one! It's so unique! Let's buy one, junior sister! Don't you girls really like these things?" Yin Xiaosheng said, pointing to the decorations as they walked.
Murong Hanchan glanced at him: "Second Senior Brother! Can't you be quiet for a second? We haven't even gotten to the important business yet! And you're already thinking about playing. The people from the Innate Sect arrived earlier than us, so they should have been here long ago, but we haven't seen them along the way. Don't you find that strange?"
Yin Xiaosheng: "What's so strange about that! Shangguan Yanxin came in person, so he must have brought fewer people with him. It's normal that we can't see him!"
Murong Hanchan: "Perhaps!"
We've reached the end of the street; the Longyang City Gate is just ahead.
Yin Xiaosheng: "Junior sister, there's a noodle shop over there. Let's have a bowl of noodles before heading into town! I'm starving. I've been eating dry rations for two days straight. Finally, I can have a decent meal!"
Murong Hanchan pouted and said, "All you ever do is eat!"
The two tied up their horses, went into the noodle shop, and sat down. The waiter came up to them and said, "Oh! This young lady is really beautiful! What would you like to order?"
Murong Hanchan happily said, "A bowl of plain noodles, please!"
Waiter: "Alright! One bowl of plain noodles!" the waiter called out.
The waiter then looked at Yin Xiaosheng: "What would you like to eat?"
Yin Xiaosheng: "One bowl of beef noodles!! And two ounces of liquor!" As soon as Yin Xiaosheng finished speaking, everyone in the noodle shop stared at him.
The waiter immediately said, "Sir! You must be from out of town! We have mutton, donkey meat, and pork, but we don't sell beef!" As he spoke, he draped a tablecloth over his shoulder.
Yin Xiaosheng looked puzzled and raised his head to ask, "Why?"
Shop assistant: "This ox is a good tool for plowing the fields, but our city lord forbids the slaughter of oxen!"
Yin Xiaosheng: "You city officials are really something! Then I'll have a bowl of mutton noodles!"
At that moment, Yin Qianqiu passed by the noodle shop. He glanced at it unintentionally and was immediately stunned. What he saw was a beautiful girl of eighteen or nineteen years old. The girl was dressed in a simple blue dress, her face as beautiful as a peach blossom, fair and flawless. She sat on a stool, her curvaceous figure slightly mature, and her long, black hair reached her slender waist.
He had seen countless beauties, and Mei Hong and Mei Qing beside him were among the most beautiful women in Baiyun City. However, compared to the celestial maiden before him, they were like rough stones compared to red jade, or sand compared to pearls. Yin Qianqiu was so engrossed in looking at her that he lingered for a moment.
Mei Qing, standing nearby, called out, "Young Master! Young Master!"
Yin Qianqiu snapped out of his reverie and said, "I'll rest here for a bit! You all wait outside!" He then walked into the noodle shop.
The waiter greeted him with a smile, "Sir! What would you like to order?"
Since entering the noodle shop, Yin Qianqiu's eyes had never left Murong Hanchan. Without even looking at the waiter, he took out a large pearl and said indifferently, "I don't need anything, just a bowl of water will do! Also, I've already paid for these two's noodles! The rest is fine." As he spoke, he gently swayed his Tai Chi fan.
The shop assistant asked excitedly, "Young master, are you sure you don't need to lower the price?"
Yin Qianqiu ignored him and, looking at Murong Hanchan, began to recite a poem:
"To plot a hegemony, one must study the Spring and Autumn Annals."
A man with lofty ambitions
Who knew what his face would look like now?
How can one speak of a lost soul in the pursuit of hegemony?
He immediately bowed to Murong Hanchan and respectfully said, "I am Yin Qianqiu, the city lord of Baiyun City! May I ask how you should address me, young lady?!"
From the moment Yin Qianqiu entered the noodle shop, Murong Hanchan knew he had been staring at her. He was handsome, impeccably dressed, and even smelled of perfume. What was unsettling was the tattered fan he carried, his affected air of elegance and suave charm. Even more disgusting was the dozen or so women accompanying him. She had already felt annoyed when he offered her a discount, and now he was asking her name! He was truly a womanizer! If she hadn't heard the name "Yin Qianqiu," she would have turned and left immediately.
Murong Hanchan smiled and said, "You are Yin Qianqiu! What a coincidence!"
Hearing this, Yin Xiaosheng wasn't surprised at all. He knew his junior sister better than anyone. In Dongyue, countless men were infatuated with her, including himself. There were plenty of wealthy young men. Once, someone even came to the Murong mansion to propose marriage, filling the entire mansion with gold, silver, jewels, and jewelry, and claiming to own thousands of acres of fertile land. In the end, his junior sister crippled him.
Yin Qianqiu was overjoyed to find that Murong Hanchan not only spoke to him but also smiled at him. He thought to himself, "I am dashing and handsome, admired by countless women. It seems this woman is nothing special!" Feigning nonchalance, he smiled and said, "Indeed, I am the one known in the martial world as 'Flying Clouds'! Yin Qianqiu!"
Murong Hanchan thought to herself, "What an arrogant fellow!"
Murong Hanchan smiled and said, "There are rumors in the martial arts world that you died at the hands of Zui Mochou, but were later saved by a divine object and brought back to life. Is that true?" After speaking, she gave Yin Qianqiu a charming smile.
Yin Qianqiu felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this, but dared not lie, since too many people knew about it. So he turned away and replied, "It is true!"
Murong Hanchan suddenly stood up and asked excitedly, "What does that divine object look like? Where does it appear? How many are there?"
Mei Hong, Mei Qing, and a dozen other women outside the noodle shop were already getting impatient. Mei Qing asked Mei Hong, "Young Master, what are you going in to do? Do they know each other?"
Mei Hong said coldly, "What do you mean 'know him'! Don't you know him? He's a womanizer when he sees a pretty girl! I think this woman won't escape his clutches either!" Mei Qing listened and looked at the two people in the noodle shop without saying a word.
Yin Qianqiu recounted his experience at Yuyang Village that day to Murong Hanchan in detail. At this moment, Yin Xiaosheng, who had been engrossed in eating noodles and drinking, spoke up.
Yin Xiaosheng said, "So, there are still five whose whereabouts are unknown?"
Yin Qianqiu looked at Yin Xiaosheng and asked, "And who is this?"
Yin Xiaosheng was drinking when Murong Hanchan interrupted, "He is my husband!!" Upon hearing this, Yin Xiaosheng immediately spat out a mouthful of wine.
Upon hearing this, Yin Qianqiu's expression darkened slightly, and she said with a wry smile, "Husband? So the young lady is already married."
Yin Xiaosheng suppressed a laugh and turned to Murong Hanchan, asking, "Madam! Should we go into the city to find Yi Yunke next, or go to Yuyang Village?!"
She glared at Yin Xiaosheng: "Go to Yuyang Village first. Yi Yunke can be found anytime!" Then she turned and left.
Yin Xiaosheng stood up, picked up his wine cup, and said to Yin Qianqiu with a smile, "Brother Qianqiu, we'll meet again!" After finishing his wine, he turned and left.
Yin Qianqiu watched the elegant figure disappear into the distance, the fan in his hand already shattered, and a fierce and unquenchable rage burned deep within his heart.
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