章 2: Chapter 3 A new chess piece
After the short journey, the carriage pulled to a stop at Lan Yun Tea House. Jiang Wei observed from the high window in the restaurant's third floor private room, the most luxurious and highest room in the restaurant.
His guest was here, he said to himself, another gentle breeze meeting his face in smooth caress.
Spring was coming, but winter still clung to the land, bringing a beautiful scenery to the eye. Fluffy white clouds above and fluffy warm snow beneath, it made Jiang Wei want to write a poem.
A young man, his face covered by a white veil attached to a straw hat, got off the courage with poise and grace of a scholar.
Without much thought he entered the tea house, and Jiang Wei seemed to be relaxed more.
A few moments later, Jiang Wei shifted his stance upon hearing shuffling feet outside his room's door. "This way, Young Master."
"Thank you." The young man said as the doors opened in front of him. He entered and the server immediately closed the door behind him, giving the young men some privacy.
"Was the veil necessary, Official Bai?" Jiang Wei said with an eye roll as he settled himself at his seat.
Director Bai, otherwise Bai Yuan Qi, chuckled as he took off his veil, "Your clever cousins have already started taking action. I basically had to sneak here to meet you!"
Jiang Wei sighed, "That may be my fault, but don't worry I'll take care of it."
Bai Yuan Qi raised a brow in query, "Ooh, and why is it your fault? What happened?"
Jiang Wei went ahead to explain how he accidentally revealed that he knew Vermillion Bird General would save Ji province.
Bai Yuan Qi huffed, "Why did you reveal you knew such confidential information?"
He asked as he poured tea for them. "Don't lecture me, alright? Besides, it's engraved in me because it was part of my plan. I knew His Majesty cares a lot of matters of the Empress, so to have her hometown under the control of Duan would not likely stay for long. Since Vermillion Bird General had saved Lord of Ji, as I had arranged, I knew that he would task him with saving Ji province."
Jiang Wei said casually as he went ahead to drink his hot tea. Bai Yuan Qi smiled, "Alright, onto other matters. Your performance today was indeed incredible. While everyone thinks that I stole your moment, what they don't know is that you arranged it all. However, your cousins easily got suspicious for they have already began to investigate me. They don't like that you used yourself as bait so that I could do a more detailed investigation on Minister Hong. And you were right, Minister Jiang has been aiding Minister Hong all these years. That's the only reason why he stayed at court without being discovered for so long."
Jiang Wei nodded; his suspicions confirmed. Minister Jiang was setting foundation in order to put someone on the Imperial Throne. But who did he have in mind? Himself, or someone else?
"So far we have enough evidence to prove that Minister Jiang is preparing to dethrone the Emperor? I mean secret military conscription, buying the scholar officials, hording wealth. It is very obvious so why are we not doing anything about it?"
Jiang Wei smirked, "Who said we aren't?" While Bai Yuan Qi pretended he didn't know of Jiang Wei's ambitions, he once thought himself mistaken when Jiang Wei offered to combine forces secretly against the Jiang family.
However, his suspicions are slowly being regenerated. Jiang Wei spoke, "Don't worry. I know my cousins. After my slip-up they will definitely try to test me. We will not be able to communicate like before, but should anything arise I will find a way to communicate."
Bai Yuan Qi only nodded muttering, "You better."
"Also, I wrote to you to investigate on White Tiger General's death. Is it confirmed?"
Bai Yuan Qi shook his head, his face falling seriously, "No, it hasn't. Although the Imperial Court has declared him dead, I believe it is to hide something bigger. My sources are still investigating. What about Taishan Hall? Have they not found anything as well?"
Jiang Wei shook his head. Taishan Hall was an intelligence collecting organization that Jiang Wei had started with the help of his aides and closest companions who handled the collection of intelligence while Jiang Wei handled the recruiting of suicide soldiers and the political matters.
Only Jiang Wei's aides, Wu Xin (No Heart) and Ye Qi (Seven Leaves), knew truly of Jiang Wei's thoughts and never had to speculate because he told them openly.
"Taishan Hall is not as developed as Tianji Pavilion or Xue Yue (Snow Moon) Garden, so it is not easy to get information on such well-hidden matters."
"Mmh, it seems that we might be in for some trouble. The more hidden something is the more accurate it's likely to be. That means someone already knows we're looking into this matter."
Jiang Wei agreed, "Exactly. Observing the current state of things, the Jiang army may leave the day after tomorrow. If we don't hear anything till then, it is likely that we have not been figured out. However, if we do hear anything it's likely a trap by my dear cousins."
Bai Yuan Qi frowned, "So, what are you suggesting?" Jiang Wei paused his tea cup in front of his face, "Use their own weapon against them," he answered before drinking his tea in a gentlemanly fashion.
Curious, yet reserved, Bai Yuan Qi thought over Jiang Wei's words as he lightly swirled the tea in his cup. A moment passed and a knock came to the door.
"Who is it?" Jiang Wei asked sternly. "Commandant, it's me. A secret report came from Taishan Hall agents in Ji province"
Jiang Wei and Bai Yuan Qi shared a look in silence. "Come in."
Jiang Wei's servant-soldier entered and knelt in salute before passing a small piece of paper to Jiang Wei.
"How did this information get here?" Bai Yuan Qi asked the soldier. The soldier did not even acknowledge Bai Yuan Qi and remained silent as though he did not hear anything.
"Answer him." Jiang Wei commanded while reading the letter.
"Yes, Commandant. Replying to Official Bai, the secret report arrived by horse a minute ago." Arrived by horse? Bai Yuan Qi was more uncertain of the legitimacy of the letter and Jiang Wei could sense it.
"You seem uncertain of the letter's legitimacy, Official Bai."
"What does it say? Does it speak of matters of White Tiger General's death" Official Bai asked calmly however his mind wasn't.
Jiang Wei casually passed the letter to Bai Yuan Qi saying, "It looks like another chess piece will soon join the game."
Suzhou was one of the provinces that surrounded the Imperial Capital and was closer to Bing province than Jing province where the Vermillion Bird General, Ling Wei Qian's uncle Ling Jing, commanded the Xiang Ling army.
In terms of safety Ling Wei Qian was surprised that her father didn't think of Jing, which was a six-day journey but safer and instead sent them to Suzhou which was only a two-day journey from Bing province. Suzhou's surrounding was mountainous with dense forests and rough clearings, making it easy to defend and hard to attack, clearing Ling Wei Qian's misunderstanding.
Although Ling Wei Qian didn't know why suddenly her father made her and their entire family move to their mansion in Suzhou almost overnight two days ago, she did now. Their father must have heard of Duan's victory in Ji province and made early arrangements to ensure his family was safe.
For tonight was their second night in Suzhou, Provincial Commandant Sang took it upon himself to host them for a dinner banquet as he was a good friend of Provincial Commandant Ling.
Sang Zhi had invited Ling Wei Qian and Ling Wei Xin to get ready with her for the banquet, while Ling Ding Wei joined Sang Xiao Yu for a study session.
Although Wei Qian was really interested in what the boys' lesson would be about, she couldn't disappoint Sang Zhi who had proven to be a good friend to her despite knowing each other for a short time.
Upon their arrival, Ling Ding Wei immediately noticed something was not right in the Sang Residence. He had only been here once before, but the change was too noticeable.
The front courtyard that was once simple and humbly kept was now decorated with lavish ornaments and statues, and more pomp and color were attributed to the various flower bouquets that were arranged along the mansion wall. The maids and male servants were going through great lengths to ensure the floors were polished and the pathways were spotless.
Surely, such extreme lengths for a humble dinner were out of proportion!
With the help of their maids who had gone before them with their gifts and new home items, the young ladies were helped down the carriage.
Without much being said even they noticed that something was amiss. "What's going on here? What's with all the expensive decorations?"
Despite their fathers being of the same status, the young Ling misses had never seen so much wealth displayed like this before. Their father was frugal and humble, leading them to lead such a life.
Ling Wei Xin's eyes lit up like a star in the distant night sky. The Sang family had such wealth! Oh, what luck it would be to marry into such a family.
The Sang family of Suzhou had only one son, Sang Xiao Yu, who Ling Wei Xin imagined as a weak boy scholar with no backbone. However, her views suddenly changed upon seeing the Sang family's wealth.
Sang Zhi's maid answered, "This maid doesn't know. I just heard that someone very important is coming and that the servants were to prepared greatly for their arrival."
Ling Wei Qian slightly knotted her brows in thought. "Who could it be? Is it a noble man, maybe even a prince?"
Ling Wei Qian shook her head as she mentally disagreed with her sister's fantastical words. In Great Jin there were only two princes, Crown Prince and his son Prince Xuan. It was more likely a noble passing through on their way to the Imperial Capital.
During the Anning reign era, merchants were exalted as nobles as Great Jin flourished in trade and commerce with the rest of the Zhong Yuan (Central Plains), hence nobility was more related to extremely wealthy merchants like the Wang family of Quling province, the Gu family of Yang province, and the Shang family of Xi province, but to name a few.
Both Provincial Commandant Sang and Ling had taken wives from the Shang family of Xi province in a bid to encourage more commercial than agricultural trade in their respective provinces.
Concubine Shang, Ling Wei Xin adoptive mother, was from this prominent family and being five years younger than her sister, married later.All these thoughts, despite having already thought them through, Ling Wei Qian dared not to express them.
"It is less likely to be a prince, and most likely to be a noble just passing through and happen to be acquainted with Commandant Sang. I hope this young miss will not be too heartbroken."
A young yet mature male voice broke through Wei Qian's trance as the voice's owner walked out of the gate of the Sang residence in elegant bamboo green dress with his hair half up and held by a neat silver hairpin.
A young master, seemingly of similar age but better dressed in midnight blue dress with all his hair tied at the top of his head and held with a luxurious but simple silver coronet, was accompanied by the young lad in green and another man dressed in guard-like light, black leather armor.
Ling Wei Xin immediately figured out that he was Sang Xiao Yu, however Ling Wei Qian was still hung up on the young lad in green as it was he who voiced out her own thoughts.
"Wang Yan ge-ge." Sang Zhi exclaimed sweetly as she made quickened steps to the one in green. Ling Wei Qian quickly felt disappointment and sadness wash through her as Sang Zhi's reaction told her of their close relationship. Although Sang Xiao Yu and Wang Yan were a year or two older than the girls, thus were still within the same age group hence a possible choice of a husband for the future.
Ling Wei Xin also took a few steps towards the young masters and greeted with a soft, innocent voice as she fell to a simple but formal curtsy, "Ling Wei Xin greets young masters."
Ling Ding Wei and Ling Wei Qian glanced at each other's direction, surprised and caught off guard with their sister's sudden pleasantness. Even Sang Zhi was a bit taken aback but dare not show it openly.
"Oh, so this is Second Young Lady Ling. I am Sang Xiao Yu, son of Provincial Commandant Sang and Sang Zhi's older brother (ge-ge), although she would rather acknowledge Brother Wang than me." Sang Xiao Yu added the last bit with a bit of joking indignation.
Sang Zhi caught on with this and quickly shifted to her brother's side, "Brother, I was wrong. Please don't be angry with your little sister, okay?"
Xiao Yu laughed, "Alright, your brother isn't angry anymore." Ling Wei Qian smiled at their interaction; however, her smile was not fully of heart. She found displeasure in the way Wang Yan was disregarded and not even respected by the Young Master Sang, who didn't even find it necessary to introduce Wang Yan to the guests at his doorstep.
However, this was all Ling Wei Qian's thoughtless worries and not worth speaking off. Wang Yan seemed used to such normality and did seem aggrieved by this, hence making Ling Wei Qian calm down.
She also took a step forward, but stayed silent as Ling Ding Wei spoke, "Older Brother Xiao Yu, Older Brother Wang Yi, you didn't need to receive us at the door. Why be so courteous with us?" Ding Wei was mostly hinting at the need for such protocol (the family's young master personally greeting guests at the doorstep) when their families were already acquainted, Ling Wei Qian figured.
"Ding Wei, there's no such courtesy between us, however this is your sisters' first time at our Sang Residence. I couldn't be rude."
Wang Yan smiled, shaking his head, and said, "Ding Wei, there's something you don't know. Our Young Master hadn't planned on receiving you today, until he heard of Third Young Lady Ling's coming that he was eager to meet you at the door. That's why he's here."
Ling Wei Qian's eyes widened in surprised, having everyone's attention upon Wang Yan's mentioning of this. While Sang Xiao Yu was a bit red with blush, embarrassed with Wang Yan revealing this, he did not refute making Ling Wei Xin burn with anger and envy.
Sang Xiao Yu looked at Wei Qian and asked with excitement, "Are you Third Lady Ling?"
Unable to say anything else, Ling Wei Qian introduced herself, "Ling Wei Qian greets Young Master Sang and Young Master Wang."
Xiao Yu smiled widely, "Don't fall to ceremony. I have long heard of your talents and abilities. The music piece of your creation "Spring Sky, Winter Moon" indeed moved my heart. To meet you today, I'm truly honored."
Ling Wei Qian excelled in all Four Arts; however, she was renowned in Bing Province and the rest of Great Jin for her music pieces, one of them being "Spring Sky, Winter Moon" which she played during the Lantern Festival celebration in Bingzhou, Bing province two weeks ago.
For her piece to be appreciated in Suzhou was indeed a surprise to her as she was humble about her talents. "Not at all, Young Master Sang. To hear that you appreciate my art is indeed a greater honor."
Ling Wei Qian expressed sincerely, pleasing the young master. "As expected of a great musical genius, so humble and kind. See Wang Yan, I was not wrong. Third Young Lady Ling is indeed a great person."
Wang Yan nodded with a smile, "Young Master was indeed right. Third Young Lady Ling, if you don't mind we would like to hear you play tonight after dinner? Can you…"
"Wang Yan, not tonight." Xiao Yu suddenly criticized.
Sang Zhi asked, "Why not tonight, Brother? Who is the guest coming tonight such that Sister Qian cannot play for us?"
Xiao Yu, realizing his audience, apologized, "Third Young Lady Ling, it is not that I don't want to hear you play. However, the guest who is to arrive is of high status and we have been advised to follow protocol for nobles. Please, Third Young Lady Ling, forgive me."
Ling Wei Qian responded assertively, "It is not you or anyone's fault, Young Master Sang. I am still here. Tomorrow I'll play for everyone, if you'll all let me."
Xiao Yu beamed in excitement, "That's a promise."
A servant came towards the group, "Young Masters, Old Master Sang called for all of you to the White Fountain Hall."
Ling Wei Qian's face folded in confusion as she was not yet conversant with the Sang residence. "Alright, I got it. You may leave."
The servant left without a word, only a salute of respect. "Let's go and not keep my father waiting. Our guests, this way." Xiao Yu gestured to the door before leading the group to among the first and grand halls in the compound.
Outside one of halls was a fountain built with white stone, hence the name "White Fountain Hall".
Inside was arranged in such a way that there were two seats separated with a small table at the head of the room, with Provincial Commandant Sang his only wife Madam Shang occupying them.
In front of them were two sets of chairs each side, with two tables placed between the two sets. First Madam Gao and Concubine Shang occupied two of those seats and shared a table.
At Madam Shang's side was a maid, otherwise known as Nanny Mu, while at First Madam Gao's side was Nanny Lan, who aided in raising all of First Madam Gao's children; including Ling Wei Qian and Ling Ding Wei. Concubine Shang's maid, Nanny Qi was looking after the younger kids.
All the young masters entered the room and paid respects to their elders. "Kids, you are all here. That's good."
Unlike Provincial Commandant Ling who was serious and stern, Provincial Commandant Sang was jovial and a bit more agreeable, Ling Wei Qian noticed this and smiled as Young Master Sang Xiao Yu and Sang Zhi went to stand beside their father.
"Father, is the reason behind summoning us here about the noble guest we are preparing to receive?"
Old Master Sang grinned, "My son is so smart. Yes, it is. He left Bingzhou a bit late so he will arrive early evening. Suzhou is in a bit of chaos after news of war nearing Bing Province spread all over so we will have to host him secretly. Although First Madam Gao will aid me in hosting our guest and Ling Ding Wei will stay with Xiao Yu as well, the rest of you will have to eat your dinner in your rooms and only come out upon being summoned by Nanny Mu or Nanny Lan. Understood?" Old Master Sang said seriously and his tone allowed no argument.
"We understand. Commandant Sang need not worry." Ling Ding Wei answered on his siblings' behalf as the three of them bowed humbly.
"Father, we understand everything except for one thing. You said the guest comes from Bing province. Who is this person exactly?"
Madam Shang admonished Sang Zhi instead, "You'll know when the time comes for you to know, why being so nosy and anxious?"
Sang Zhi frowned and mumbled, "I apologize, Mother."
Ling Wei Qian's curiosity was piqued, however as they old adage goes, Curiosity killed the cat.
Whoever this noble was, Ling Wei Qian knew better than to try and find out. So instead, she sought to do something slightly less drastic. Listen in to the young masters' lesson that was scheduled for later that afternoon.
"Father, for how long will our guest stay?" Xiao Yu asked, his eyes twinkling in mischief.
Old Master Sang gave thought to this question, "Probably two nights at most. Guzhou sent word that our guest needs to arrive at the Imperial before the Dragon Boat Festival."
Ling Wei Qian's brows furrowed. "But that's three days away, To reach the capital needs at least five days!" Ling Wei Xin exclaimed, losing composure upon hearing what she considered ridiculous and absolutely impossible.
Madam Shang showed her disapproval by sharing a look at her little sister, Concubine Shang, however before Concubine Shang could say anything First Madam Gao intervened, "Wei Xin, behave yourself! Do not be rude to our hosts."
Ling Wei Xin frowned and became docile as she apologized, "My apologizes."
Old Master Sang who was also sending disapproving glances at Ling Wei Xin and Concubine Shang, courteously dismissed the matter, "It's fine. Despite her behavior Second Young Lady Ling is right. When the guest arrives, I'll have a word with him on the same."
"In any case, children; do not leave your rooms tonight unless called for. No mischief allowed; did you hear me?" First Madam Gao insisted in a firm yet motherly voice.
"Yes, Mother."
"Yes, Madam Gao." Answered the young masters obediently.
"Alright, that's all. Dismissed. Also, Xiao Yu, do not forget Teacher Lu is coming for your lesson today. The young Ling masters may join you as your study partners for as long as they are here."
Other than Ding Wei, there were three young masters from the Ling family. Fifth Young Master Ling Ding Wu, Sixth Young Master Ling Ding Mu and Seventh Young Master Ling Ding An. However, only Ding Wu and Ding Mu could join Xiao Yu and Ding Wei as they were in their young teenage years of fourteen and thirteen respectively.
The second and third young masters as well as First Young Lady Ling Wei Niang stayed with their mother, Li Mei Niang, and father, Ling Guzhou, adorned armor and fought by their parents' side.
Matters of the first young master of Ling, Guzhou and First Madam Gao's first born, were rarely spoken about.
"Xiao Yu thanks Father for this favor." Xiao Yu said in gratitude with a beaming smile on his face.
Liu Cheng Feng and "his" male servant cautiously traveled by carriage through the dense forest at the border of Suzhou district and Anyang district.
It was a one-horse carriage, with only Liu Cheng Feng inside and the male servant took charge of the horse. The air was seemingly dense and mysterious, and although it was early afternoon Liu Cheng Feng felt a chill ran down his spine and cold sweat form under his arms.
He was scared. What was he scared about, even he didn't know.
The news of war had been spread thanks to him who, under the order of a mysterious benefactor, paid several street mongers to spread the word "Suzhou is doomed, Duan is here" throughout the district. It was then said though a pigeon carrier message that he should come personally to Anyang-Suzhou border to receive a new order.
"Sir, where are we really going?" Liu Cheng Feng asked the male servant.
"Sect Master gave the order that I should take you to Su Yang Motel between Anyang and Suzhou, and located in Su'An Forest."
Although Liu Cheng Feng had already heard this, his mind was muddled with fear and he kept forgetting. His mind kept taunting him of being so stupid that he dared to come here without informing anyone or even bringing anyone just because he owed this master for paying his gambling debts and helping him hide some of his crimes.
The carriage came to a sudden stop, alerting Liu Cheng Feng out of his trance. "Have we arrived?" Liu Cheng Feng did not dare peep through the carriage windows, so he could only sit still and wait for orders.
"Young Master Liu, please stay inside. I will be back shortly."
Liu Cheng Feng got worried and asked, "Is something wrong? What happened?" instead of "What happened? Is something wrong?".
Liu Cheng Feng was so muddled even his words came out in the wrong order.
"Who are you? Why do you block my Young Master's path?" The male servant asked aloud, pretending to belong to Provincial Governor Liu's mansion.
The man standing on the road turn out to be the mysterious masked man from Mu So Restaurant.
He laughed a bit, revealing his young yet mature voice. "You don't remember me? That's good. This time, I won't let you or your Sect Master ruin any more lives!"
The mysterious young lad exclaimed fervently before unsheathing his sword and charging forward with his sword pointed at the male servant.
Surprisingly, the male servant has high martial arts skill and quickly dodges the attack by holding the blade between his palms.
The sword blade's tip lightly grazes between his eyebrows, revealing how close to death he really was.
Recognizing this lad's move as the first part of the "Six Moves Attack" from their San Cai Sword Sect, the middle-aged servant was even more confused.
Until it dawned on him, a memory from one year ago.
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