Chapter 101: The Return of the Former Ye Lang

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"Ye Chang has left Xiuwu?" Upon hearing this news, Yuan Zai couldn't help but exhale in relief. Lately, he had developed a deep-seated fear of Ye Chang. If possible, he never wanted to provoke that man again; anything related to him only brought trouble. Now that Ye Chang had left Xiuwu, reportedly to visit friends in Chang’an, Yuan Zai felt much more at ease. Even as he returned home from the office, he found himself humming a tune.

"You're in quite a good mood today. Has another wild woman come looking for you?" Wang Yunxiu, busy at the loom at home, shot him a sharp glare.

Yuan Zai immediately wilted. The incident during the first month of the lunar year, though suppressed in the end and the woman surnamed Hong sent back to Wuzhi with a hefty sum, had dealt a severe blow to Yuan Zai. Not only was he burdened with debt and unable to hold his head high before Magistrate Feng, but he had also developed a psychological shadow regarding Ye Chang. What pained him most was how the once harmonious family atmosphere had completely changed.

Wang Yunxiu still believed that there was no smoke without fire. That wild woman Hong’s bold entrance into Xiuwu County and her triumphant, carefree departure surely meant Yuan Zai was guilty of something. Although Yuan Zai repeatedly insisted it was all Ye Chang’s scheme, she remained skeptical. Women were often more suspicious in such matters; the stronger the woman, the more obstinate and less accepting of explanations she tended to be. Though Wang Yunxiu had been persuaded to come back, she and Yuan Zai now lived in separate rooms. Were it not for her pregnancy, the quarrels might have been even fiercer.

"My lady, you do not know—Ye Chang, the one who has caused me so much distress, has finally left Xiuwu and is heading to Chang’an... Do not mock me, but I truly fear him," Yuan Zai said.

"That Ye Chang who has humiliated you time and again?" Wang Yunxiu’s eyes flashed cold as she recalled their encounter in the market.

As a daughter of the Wu family, she was resolute. She put down her weaving and went to fetch pen and paper. After a moment, she wrote quickly: "Send someone to the capital. It’s difficult to deal with him in Xiuwu, so settle this in Chang’an!"

Yuan Zai shrank his neck in fright. Did she want to provoke Ye Chang again?

"My lady, better not. That man is cunning and quick-witted. If we let him escape and retaliate, I fear—"

"Hmph, only you would say such cowardly things!" Wang Yunxiu sneered. "If you won’t send someone, I will!"

"I will send someone, I will," Yuan Zai said helplessly.

Though his envoy set out a day later than Ye Chang’s, they rode hard and fast. By the time the messenger reached Chang’an two days later, Ye Chang had already arrived.

Chang’an remained as bustling as ever. Thanks to Wei Jian’s opening of the canal, boats could reach directly into the city, making it even livelier. Upon arrival, Ye Chang heard the city abuzz with talk about the ceremony outside the Wangchun Tower four days hence, the crowd eager as though it were a grand festival.

Ye Chang and his companions did not lodge within the city but stayed at an inn outside Chunming Gate to the east. Due to the city gates closing at fixed times, many merchants and travelers who failed to enter on time stayed there.

As night fell, the sounds of watchmen’s calls grew clearer, and from afar, the temple bells of Chang’an echoed. This was the main route into the city from the east, and even at night the sounds of people and horses along the road never ceased.

At dawn, Ye Chang, Jiao Sui, and Du Fu stood outside the inn, dressed and ready. The spring breeze embraced them, floral fragrances filled the air, and their spirits soared. Du Fu was about to recite a poem when a sudden commotion broke out, snuffing out his inspiration.

"Such a shame. I wonder what’s happened," Du Fu sighed.

Ye Chang pricked up his ears, his expression shifting: "That’s the voice of the barbarians—it’s them!"

Weiniang and her group were barbarians, customs quite different. Though traveling with Ye Chang, to avoid conflict they rested separately along the way.

"Let’s go see!" Jiao Sui, ever eager for excitement, said.

Walking just a few dozen steps they reached the scene. On the ground lay a dead body—a traveling merchant, judging by the appearance. Beside the corpse was a barbarian sword. About a dozen soldiers and clerks from the local inns were surrounding Weiniang’s group.

"It wasn’t us!" Weiniang shouted in vain. Seeing Ye Chang approaching, her eyes brightened. "Young Master Ye, please tell them we didn’t kill him!"

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Ye Chang had yet to understand what had happened when the soldiers immediately surrounded him. Their leader shouted, "Are you in cahoots with these barbarians?"

"Indeed, Young Master Ye is traveling with us..." Weiniang, still unclear about the situation and deeply anxious, spoke up. Being embroiled in such trouble outside the Tang capital left her at a loss.

"If you’re all together, then come with us!" the leader said coldly. "Resist, and you’ll be shot on sight!"

"Wait..." Ye Chang raised his arms in surprise. "We were just over there and don’t know what happened. Officer, why must you take us away?"

"They found this corpse at the barbarians’ lodgings and a bloody sword," the officer sneered. "The barbarians don’t understand the strict laws of the Great Tang. They’re courting death!"

Ye Chang was about to explain when the officer grew impatient. "The emperor is about to witness the ceremony. You reckless thieves are causing trouble. Come on, let’s go. If you want to argue, do so at the court!"

As the soldiers raised their cudgels to strike Ye Chang, Shi Shan straightened, uttering "Amitabha," and stepped forward to shield him. The burly monk had lived in Wolong Valley for half a year, spending his days toughening his body or teaching the children of Wu Zebi to stand and practice boxing. He was now restless from inactivity.

"Planning to resist arrest?" the leader sneered. "You don’t know your place. Ready yourselves!"

At that signal, a group of soldiers suddenly charged out, many archers among them.

Though the monk was strong, he could do little against a dozen archers. Surrounded, Ye Chang had no choice but to comply with the guards.

This area fell under the jurisdiction of Wannian County, so these guards were likely from there. They had not gone far when a dignified official appeared with a group.

"Kneel! Kneel!" the guards shouted, brandishing sticks.

Ye Chang refused to kneel and instead greeted the official: "Ye Chang of Xiuwu pays his respects."

The official recognized the name "Ye Chang" but was preoccupied and didn’t dwell on it, glaring harshly: "How dare you not kneel!"

Ye Chang’s reputation was limited to Xiuwu; though somewhat known in Chang’an, it did not carry the same weight. As he hesitated, Jiao Sui pulled Du Fu forward.

"The former Deputy Director of the Imperial Kitchen, Academician of the Xiuwen Pavilion, Du Gong, named Shenyan’s grandson, Du Fu, styled Zimei, pays respects to Captain Huo of Huoxian."

"Du Shenyan..." The official frowned, unfamiliar with the name. The titles were not high rank, and mentioning them now seemed absurd.

Du Fu felt terribly awkward. His grandfather had passed more than thirty years ago. Though proud, he knew invoking a deceased ancestor was useless here.

At that moment, Huo Xianqi’s expression changed: "Grandson of Du Shenyan... nephew of Du Bing?"

"Exactly!"

Huo Xianqi’s gaze shifted toward Du Fu with newfound respect.

Chang’an was rife with chivalric spirit; tales of heroic figures passed by word of mouth were not confined to history books. In recent times, many such figures had emerged.

For example, Du Fu’s uncle, Du Bing, had been wronged by the Inspector Guo Ruone and the Sima Zhou Jizhong. At just fourteen years old (sixteen by East Asian reckoning), Du Bing concealed a blade in his sleeve and assassinated Zhou Jizhong at a banquet, dying at the hands of bystanders.

Before dying, Zhou lamented, "Shenyan has a filial son; I did not know. Ruone wronged me."

This incident was notorious, serving as a cautionary tale for officials decades later. Though Jiao Sui was a commoner, he had spent long enough in Chang’an to know Huo Xianqi well, hence mentioning Du Shenyan.

Sure enough, upon recalling this, Huo Xianqi’s demeanor changed: "The nephew of such a loyal and filial martyr must not be treated rudely... Du Fu, stand aside!"

Ye Chang scratched his head, unaware of these historical details or why Huo Xianqi treated Du Fu differently. But at least he wouldn’t have to kneel beside Du Fu.

"Bring those barbarians over!" Huo Xianqi ordered.

Weiniang and her group were dragged forward. Without interrogation, Huo Xianqi said, "The evidence is clear. No need for many words, just get their confessions."

Though these barbarians were fierce in their homeland, here in Tang territory and surrounded by Tang soldiers, they dared not act arrogantly.

Weiniang, however, remained calm. Kneeling, her eyes scanned the crowd until she found Ye Chang. He returned her glance calmly and gave a subtle signal.

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If Ye Chang were considered an accomplice to Weiniang, he would likely face prison alongside her. And judging by Huo Xianqi’s urgency, this case was serious.

But Weiniang misunderstood Ye Chang’s glance as mockery, thinking him careless about her fate. This bred resentment.

Her distrust of the Tang was absolute. Even though she hoped Ye Chang’s talents might aid her tribe, deep down she did not trust him.

Not just her: the other barbarians traveling with her also distrusted Ye Chang. To them, their predicament was largely the Tang’s fault, even the main cause. It was the Tang’s betrayal that allowed Nanzhao to rise and swallow the Yuexi and Zhaos.

Thus, though they appeared respectful to Ye Chang, they were actually insolent. This was why they stayed apart at night to avoid conflict.

"You Han dog Ye Chang, truly treacherous and untrustworthy!" one barbarian shouted.

Ye Chang frowned. These barbarians were truly foolish, unable to read the current situation.

Before he could reply, the barbarian pointed at him: "We came with you! Don’t think you’re safe just because we’re in trouble!"

Hearing this, Huo Xianqi turned sharply to Ye Chang.

Originally, questioning the barbarians was tricky and could spark diplomatic incidents. Since Ye Chang was with them, they would question him.

"Ye Chang, who are you? Why are you traveling with barbarians? What have you seen? Tell me everything!"

In truth, Huo Xianqi had recalled who Ye Chang was. Last year, Ye Chang had made quite a stir in Chang’an.

But he was unclear about Ye Chang’s relationship with Princess Yuzhen and others, so he spoke bluntly.

Ye Chang smiled wryly: unreliable comrades are among the most frightening people in the world.

"I came to Chang’an—"

Before he finished, Huo Xianqi snapped, "Who are you? This is an official investigation. How dare you not kneel!"

Seeing the fierce glare, Ye Chang said, "I am a commoner, but the emperor granted me gold to return home. I dare not kneel to anyone casually!"

He was elevating his own status. Huo Xianqi recognized him but disliked how, as a commoner without official ancestors, Ye Chang refused to kneel. It was disrespectful.

"Oh? Don’t dare to kneel? The emperor is far from this county, but since you won’t kneel and invoke Li Longji, so be it: take him away. No kneeling, but ten slaps to the face for disrespect!"

Ye Chang was pushed outside. Du Fu rushed forward to plead, but Huo Xianqi ignored him.

At that moment, Ye Chang spotted a familiar figure and shouted, "I have ties with Duke Han of Jingzhao. Don’t be rude!"

This place fell under Wannian County, which was governed by Jingzhao. Invoking Han Chaozong’s name was helpful. The chief guard hesitated, retracting his raised palm.

The figure Ye Chang saw looked over and said, "Young Master Ye!"

This was Bian Kan, a staff member of Han Chaozong, courtesy name Junhe. He broke free from the guards and bowed, "Brother Junhe is here; this is excellent!"

"This is Ye Shi Yi Lang, founder of the football game. Don’t be rude to him!"

Seeing Ye Chang still surrounded, Bian Kan hurried over to escort him. The guards recognized Bian Kan and glanced at Huo Xianqi. Bian Kan saluted him with a haughty air.

"Captain Huo, if Young Master Ye has offended you, please show leniency to me."

Huo Xianqi could afford to ignore Du Fu’s pleas but dared not offend this favored aide of Han Chaozong. He said lightly, "Since Master Bian intercedes, the slaps stand."

Ye Chang gestured toward Du Fu and the others: "They are my companions. Please trouble Brother Junhe."

Bian Kan looked over them, then at Ye Chang, gritting his teeth. "Very well. If there are issues, I will take responsibility. Captain Huo, if these people pose no serious problem, please let them pass."

Huo Xianqi was furious inside. Bian Kan held no official post but, favored by Han Chaozong, dared to give him orders so brazenly!