by Ning er
“Xiang Ye!” Inside the horse stable, Chu Fei Yang was feeding grass to his own horse, a guard quietly approached beside Chu Fei Yang, whispered a few words beside his ears. Chu Fei Yang’s hands which were caressing the horse head slightly paused, his expression became a bit serious, his voice sounded idly lazy “Got it, you may leave now”
And during the same time, Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi also received the same news, both of them were similar to Chu Fei Yang, all of them had calmly sent away the guards who came to report, after the three of them were done with their business, they met each other once again at the lobby of the inn.
Watching the domineering Qi Jing Yuan occupied all the rooms in the first level, even Hai Tian who was supposed to be his imperial wife was being driven out of his way as she stayed inside the room of the next level, the corner of Chu Fei Yang’s lips slightly pursed up, looking at Hai Chen Xi he smiled and said “Hai Jun Wang, do you need to go and comfort Princess He Shun?”
How could Hai Chen Xi not being able to hear Chu Fei Yang’s mocking voice, yet he did not get angry even in the slightest bit, but instead he smiled calmly “The person who lives inside the princess’ heart, I presume Xiang Ye knew who he was better than anybody else! If I were to go over there, it will only make the princess feel even more annoyed, it would be better for Xiang Ye to go over there, we might be able to see some positive results!”
Jiang Mu Chen watched the conversation between the two of them, afterwards he sneered as he lifted his feet and climbed up the stairs, planning to get back to his room to rest. But how could Chu Fei Yang just let him slip away. His lazy voice immediately echoed behind the back of Jiang Mu Chen “Speaking about the person who had most of his heart on the princess, it was actually Wang Ye! During that time the princess rarely visited Chen Wang Fu, but too bad a lot of things had become different, Tai Fei’s beautiful dream was already shattered!”
Jiang Mu Chen’s movement climbing up the stairs slightly paused, aftewards he moved his body sideways, looking at Chu Fei Yang below who laughed more evil, he coldly said “Chu Xiang and Hai Jun Wang, if you have no other things to do, might as well return to your room to rest, if you were not sleepy, then you may patrol outside!”
“Imperial Tutor Wen had passed away, I presume if His Majesty is compassionate towards the Wen family, he would allow the children of Wen family to join the court as officials!” This time, Hai Chen Xi plainly spoke.
Having heard what was said Chu Fei Yang just laughed without speaking, and Jiang Mu Chen’s facial expression became even more ice-cold.
Imperial Tutor Wen could be considered as the big Confucius of the literature, when he was still living his disciples were thousands, although during these few decades the Wen family was already out of the imperial court, but the majority of the current literary officials of the court were previously Imperial Tutor Wen’s disciples. Such kind of family, if they were being used properly, then all the scholars in the world might be owned by him. If one was to go against him, perhaps he will be drowned by the saliva produced by all the scholars in the whole world.
Yet unexpectedly Imperial Tutor Wen had actually passed away during this time, which was truly beyond all the people's expectations. Perhaps each and every official residence was waiting to see Emperor Yu Qian’s attitude.
Jiang Mu Chen’s eyes could not help but turn towards Hai Chen Xi who had mentioned this matter, his heart was wondering about Hai Chen Xi’s intention, aftewards he sneered and said “Hai Jun Wang if you have too much time, it will be better for you to show your care for Princess He Shun, don’t make the Crown Prince lose his affection for her even before becoming his wife, it will only cause the war to break out again between Xi Chu and Bei Qi, wouldn't it become Hai Wang Fu’s fault?”
Hai Chen Xi superficially shrugged her shoulders, before he could speak again, the expression of the three of them suddenly tensed up. One by one took out the long swords which were carried in their waists holding their breaths as they focused their attention to the surrounding area.
‘Boom……’ The wooden windows inside a guest room in the second level were being kicked open by someone……
“Ah……” The screaming sound of a palace maid suddenly echoed from within the room, but before she could finish screaming, her voice suddenly stopped just like the string of a kite being cut, without guessing everyone knew that she already got herself killed.
“It’s the room of the princess!” The guards on the second floor had already taken their quick actions, the three of them together with Chu Fei Yang had also planned to run up to the second floor, yet unexpectedly numerous warriors wearing black surrounded the entire area of the inn, these men were holding long swords in their hands, when they intruded inside the inn they initially killed three men, and during this time the imperial bodyguards who were patrolling outside the inn came rushing in after they heard the movement, both sides engaged in the midst of battle.
Regardless of the number of guards, the men in black were all highly trained in martial skills, for a moment both sides were equally matched.
“Wang Ye, Jun Wang, the princess will be your responsibility, I will soon follow!” Chu Fei Yang rushed to the stairway, blocking off the men in black’s path, at the same time he spoke to Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi.
But, having heard what was said their face turned serious, even though they were unwilling yet they needed to go, having no choice they turned around and rushed to the second floor, this time the imperial guards on the second floor were gradually being defeated, seeing the long sword in the hand of a man in black was about to pierce into Hai Tian’s chest, Ning Feng suddenly threw out the long sword, instantly stabbing the man in black on his chest, after which he dodged and positioned himself in front of Hai Tian to protect her, allowing no man in black to come near her.
Because Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi had joined the fight, the men in black retreated back to the place where they came from after a few rounds of fight.
“From now on all of you should stay awake to guard the area at night, the incident today should never ever happen again!” Chu Fei Yang lifted up his eyes to observe the third floor without any sound of movement, then he commanded the imperial guards who were cleaning up the site.
“Xiang Ye, those men in black!” This time, the deputy commander of the city defense troops who was assigned to protect Hai Tian asked.
“Don’t chase after the cornered enemy, wait and lure them out of their hiding place!” Chu Fei Yang left as he uttered this statement, then he turned around then proceeded to the third floor.
“The Crown Prince is truly bold and cautious!” In the midst of the huge commotion outside, Qi Jing Yuan who was inside the room was surprisingly meditating himself while reading a military book in his hands, causing Chu Fei Yang to laugh more brilliantly upon seeing this situation.
“What is your intention, Chu Xiang? I really don’t understand!” Slowly putting down the military book, Qi Jing Yuan lifted up his gloomy both eyes and glanced at Chu Fei Yang who directly intruded inside his own guest room, his eyes contained a strong murderous spirit.
“With your actions, Crown Prince, perhaps you were trying to figure out how many persons we had brought, and how good their skills are!” Chu Fei Yang’s face as clear as the spring breeze, not being in the slightest bit of being frightened by the ferocious expression of the person in front of him.
“Oh? Why did you make such kind of judgement, Chu Xiang?” Seeing Chu Fei Yang was able to make such kind of statement, Qi Jing Yuan’s eyes had shown a bit of interest, her both eyes closely glared at Chu Fei Yang, observing how he will explain.
Without consulting anyone Chu Fei Yang approached the table, then sat down in front of Qi Jing Yuan, speaking with foresight he said “I’m afraid that the presence of generals was just a pretense for Crown Prince to enter the capital openly! The one that truly controlling the Crown Prince, is probably another person!”
Having heard what wa
s said, Qi Jing Yuan just laughed, after laughing the murderous spirit in his eyes overwhelmingly rushed towards him, without hiding it charged directly towards Chu Fei Yang.
Chu Fei Yang just lifted up the teapot on the table, pouring a cup full of hot tea for himself, he slightly took a sip, then slowly spoke “It seems like my analysis is completely correct!”
Yun Qian Meng slept for a long time until late morning, when she opened her both eyes, the sky outside was already in its brightest.
“Mu Chun!” Feeling her throat a bit dry, Yun Qian Meng gently called out for Mu Chun, then the servant girl immediately carried in a teacup then sat down beside the bed, supporting Yun Qian Meng to sit up straight, when Yun Qian Meng was drinking the water she draped a long coat over her shoulders.
“Is the dress used for mourning already prepared? Why did I sleep that long?” Giving the teacup to Mu Chun, Yun Qian Meng immediately stepped down from the bed, washing herself in the copper basin in front of her.
“Xiaojie, you were very tired yesterday, that's why we didn't wake you up. My lady, do you want to immediately go to Wen Fu?” Putting down the teacup, Mu Chun laid down the dress used for mourning on the table, then she helped Yun Qian Meng wash up, assisted her to put on layer by layer of the mourning dress, her mouth continuously said “I heard the other servant girls talked about last night, there were a lot of people who had gone to the Wen Fu to send their condolences.”
Hearing these words Yun Qian Meng did not say anything further. A person like him would naturally earn a lot of people's respect, this was not really something rare!
Wearing the mourning dress, Mu Chun fixed Yun Qian Meng’s in simple bun, picked up a few simple silver hairpins then inserted them in the hair bun, putting on a pair of beaded dangling earrings, the dress up was completed.
“My lady, you must have your breakfast before you go over there! Now that there might be a lot of people, once you've gone there you will not be certain as to when you will be able to get back, don’t allow yourself to get hungry again!” Seeing Yun Qian Meng’s face still slightly looked pale, Ying Xia brought a few light food inside the inner room, then assisted Yun Qian Meng to sit down.
“Is there any activity at Wang Fu?” Lifting up the porcelain bowl in front of her, Yun Qian Meng ate a mouthful of hot porridge, then slowly asked, she was thinking if she needed to go to Wang Fu for a while prior to anything else, then go together with Madam Xie. Although Chu Fei Yang had already separated from them, but in the eyes of the outsiders, they were still as one family!
“Early in the morning Guard Jiao had already came here to inform Guard Xi that Wang Ye will allow xiaojie to go to Wen Fu on behalf of Xiang Ye, there’s no need to go to Wang Fu anymore!” Mu Chun beated her own head, if her lady master did not ask about it, she might have already forgotten all about this matter!
Yun Qian Meng finished the breakfast meal in front of her, retouched her make-up once again, then sat inside the horse carriage of Xiang Fu, proceeding towards the direction of Wen Fu.
With still half a road distance before they reached Wen Fu, they were able to hear faint sorrowful music playing and some crying sounds, and driving again for a longer period of time, she heard Xi Lin reminded her in a low voice “Madame, there are a lot of scholars kneeling down in front of the gates of Wen Fu, our horse carriage will not be able to pass through it!”
Chapter 138: Part 1The Funeral at Wen Fu, Handling Ruo Xue | Chu Wang Fei
Having heard what was said, Yun Qian Meng gently lifted up the curtains and looked at gates of Wen Fu. This time there were a few hundred scholars kneeling down beside the gates of Wen Fu. Everyone was wearing hemp mourning garments and shedding painful tears facing Wen Fu, and this situation appearing in the doorway of Wen Fu seemed to be an extremely normal thing, as it did not attract too much attention from the guests who came by to send their condolences.
“Let’s park the carriage here! Let’s walk over there!” But judging by this kind of situation, Imperial Tutor Wen’s expert in literary skills were truly genuine, not to mention all those scholars who voluntarily came to bow down before him, even those high officials in the imperial court, as well as their furen and xiaojie also did not dare to put on their usual arrogant appearance in front of Wen Fu. All of them quietly came down from their carriages in a distant place. Afterwards they quietly stepped inside Wen Fu to light up the incenses, showing their ultimate respect to Imperial Tutor Wen.
“Yes!” Xi Lin responded in a low voice, afterwards he found a place with fewer people, settled down the horse carriage, then lifted up the curtains allowing Yun Qian Meng to come down from the carriage.
“You can just wait here. Yuan Dong and Mu Chun will be sufficient enough to accompany me.” Xi Lin being the personal bodyguard of Chu Fei Yang, it was inevitable for him to bring sword with him. His body also contained the murderous spirit which had been cultivated during his expeditions in the battlefields. Perhaps it will be disrespectful towards the deceased person. Yun Qian Meng allowed him to stay behind, in which he could also protect Ying Xia and Ying Qiu inside the horse carriage.
“Yes, furen!” As for Yun Qian Meng’s commands, Xi Lin usually followed them. Then he held the long sword in his arms then stood beside the horse carriage, not allowing anybody to have the chance to get near the horse carriage.
And Yun Qian Meng led Yuan Dong and Mu Chun as they turned around and proceeded to Wen Fu.
Because there were quite a huge number of scholars kneeling down before the doorway of Wen Fu, some of them had already reached the long road. Forget about horse carriages being able to pass through. Even if the people wanted to walk towards Wen Fu, they could only walk through the sides and edges of the long road, and the number of scholars were still continuously increasing, more scholars continuously came running from a distant place, joining the queues of people bowing and kneeling down.
Being her very first time to witness such scene, Yun Qian Meng could not help but admit that ideology had a lot of influence on others. The Wen family did not have any of their clan sitting in the imperial court, nor any of their woman in the imperial harem, yet they could stand in a lofty position for so many years without collapsing. Perhaps Emperor Yu Qian also very well aware of the lofty status and great respect that Imperial Tutor Wen had earned from all the scholars in the world. If he was being unfavorable to the Wen family, perhaps it will only cause all the scholars in the world to go against him and attack him.
Before approaching the Wen Fu, a middle aged man wearing hemp mourning clothes came rushing out from inside Wen Fu, his facial complexion was slightly sallow, both eyes flushed, eyes swollen, two thick brows were tightly knitted together, giving the observer a calm and sophisticated feeling upon looking at him.
And behind him the two manservant followed, although they were still young, but their faces appeared to be so tired, perhaps since the moment Imperial Tutor Wen passed away, no one inside Wen Fu was able to take a good rest.
That middle aged man stepped out of the threshold Wen Fu’s main gate. Facing those scholars who were kneeling down before the door while he cupped his hands and said “Everyone, I am the steward of Wen Fu. We are unfortunate these days, with Imperial Tutor’s passing away, I represent all the masters inside this house, to thank all of you for coming here to send off Imperial Tutor! But, my masters had said, now that it is too cold outside, the ground had been covered by a thick layer of snow, it is the most freezing moment, everyone please return to your homes after lighting the incenses for Imperial Tutor, please do not kneel down for too long, so as to avoid hurting your both knees!”
“Imperial Tutor……” When the steward of Wen Fu stopped, all the students cried and called out for Imperial Tutor Wen, one after another they sounded too tragic, making other people to shed their tears while hearing them.
“Mu Chun!” During this time, Yun Qian Meng had already arrived in front of Wen Fu’s gate, within the crying sound, Yun Qian Meng called out for Mu Chun in a lo
wered voice. Mu Chun immediately took the hints, she fetched out an envelope and handed it over to the steward of Wen Fu who was guarding by the doorstep.
After receiving the post the steward opened the envelope and looked, suddenly an expression of respect flashed through his face. Facing Yun Qian Meng he bent his waist and bowed, afterwards facing the doorkeeper he yelled “The Chu Xiang’s Furen has arrived!”
When the doorkeeper heard the voice, he immediately took out a writing brush, writing down Yun Qian Meng’s identity on a thick book of registry.
“Chu Furen, please come in!” Chu Fei Yang’s position was greatly recognized in Western Chu, of course the steward of Wen Fu will have to personally entertain Yun Qian Meng.
This time the entire Wen Fu was immersed in a huge sorrow. Although Imperial Tutor Wen had passed away last night, but the entire Wen Fu was already being covered by a layer of white cloth, it proved that their work was carried out quite efficiently. The garden in the lobby was already packed with people who came to console them, yet it didn't seem messy, every servant girl and manservant were handling their tasks orderly, it may be assumed that the masters Wen Fu were quite strict in disciplining their servants.
“Chu Furen, our old master’s mourning hall is in the main house of the lobby” The backyard was the dwelling place of the masters, naturally it would not allow anybody to easily go in and out of it, so as to avoid some unnecessary misunderstandings. In addition to that the Wen family had already known about Imperial Tutor Wen’s status, which was why they moved his mourning hall to the spacious lobby, so as to avoid being overly crowded.
Looking at the mourning hall before her eyes, Yun Qian Meng nodded her head at Yuan Dong and Mu Chun, hinting the two of them to wait outside of the door. She herself followed behind the steward of Wen family as they walked inside. Taking the incense sticks given to her by a servant girl she bowed down before Imperial Tutor Wen then personally inserted them inside the incense burner, afterwards she approached the furen who was crying beside the coffin, consoling her in a low voice “Furen, the deceased has been gone, please don’t be sorrowful.”
