Chapter Thirty-Six: When Matters Are Settled, One Leaves Without a Trace

Though Imperial Inspector Liu Zhao, who had been ordered to inspect the locust plague in various regions, departed in disgrace, Gongsun the Great Lady’s performance still had one day remaining. The commotion of the previous appearances was already enough; thus, over the following two days, the mere display of the sword dance skills she had mastered during her travels sufficed to draw waves of thunderous applause and cheers. Faced with such a spectacle, Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan naturally retreated with honor, content to remain on the second floor of the tavern that Cui Weizhi and Liu Zhao had previously reserved, and there, they enjoyed two uninterrupted days of spectacular sword performances. However, the words “becoming her apprentice” that Cui Jianxuan so often uttered were now never mentioned again.

For, upstairs in the tavern, they were not alone. Their eldest senior brother, Lu Wangzhi, and third senior brother, Pei Ning, who had rushed over from the Lu Family’s Cottage upon hearing Hou Xiao’s news, were also present. Carefree by nature, Lu Wangzhi watched with unblinking fascination, occasionally exchanging a few words of admiration with Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan. Pei Ning, on the other hand, radiated such an aura of cold severity through his expression and gaze that, even in the height of summer, it felt like winter’s chill—leaving Cui Jianxuan almost too intimidated to speak.

Now, as Gongsun the Great Lady concluded her performance, bowed, and announced she would depart for another place the next day, Pei Ning—who had remained silent since seeing Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan—finally let out a long sigh of relief and said coolly, “At last, she is leaving.”

Cui Jianxuan could no longer hold back. “Third Brother, what do you mean by that? Gongsun’s sword dance is so stirring—everyone wishes she could stay in Dengfeng a few more days!”

“The more beautiful a thing is, the less one should indulge in it. Otherwise, one may lose sight of greater matters and suffer for trifles. These three days of sword dancing were all under the banner of celebrating Dengfeng’s triumph over the locusts. But if the people become so absorbed in her performance that they neglect their duties, it gives Liu Zhao the perfect opportunity!” Pei Ning said this without expression. Seeing Cui Jianxuan silenced, he added with indifference, “Moreover, you and our junior brother have already neglected your studies for several days. Let this be a reminder: the monthly examination is the day after tomorrow.”

At these words, Cui Jianxuan’s face turned as white as paper, and even Du Shiyi looked a little embarrassed.

Lu Wangzhi, however, chuckled and said, “Compared to these inspiring three days of sword dance, the monthly exams are a small matter. As the saying goes, ‘Alternating work and rest is the proper path for both civil and martial pursuits.’ Forcing things only backfires. It’s just like catching locusts—an official order is easy to issue, but if the people secretly resist, a good thing may turn ill. Now, our junior brother has set an example by eating locusts in public and traveling through the villages, the government’s proclamations have boosted the cause, and Gongsun’s victorious sword dance has lifted both morale and spirit. The results will be twice as effective with half the effort! If Master Lu were here to see this, he would surely clap in delight. After all, this is akin to the principle of ‘cultivating virtue and warding off locusts’.”

Seeing Cui Jianxuan’s pleased expression, Pei Ning could not help but feel exasperated and coldly reminded, “Eldest...Senior...Brother!”

“Ah, of course, studies are still most important!” Lu Wangzhi changed his tone immediately, then solemnly continued, “You’re granted only this half-day off. Tomorrow, you must return to the cottage. Third Brother, let’s hurry back and report to Master Lu about what happened here.”

As Pei Ning, whose icy glare could chill the soul, was dragged downstairs by Lu Wangzhi without argument, Cui Jianxuan was overjoyed, putting his palms together and chanting “Amitabha” several times in gratitude. Suddenly realizing this matter had nothing to do with Buddhist monks but that Songyang Monastery had actually helped quite a bit, he quickly amended his blessing to “Boundless Heavenly Venerable.” Du Shiyi, unwilling to pay him further mind, rose and moved to the window. He saw the gauzy curtain across the street being raised, revealing the familiar face of Sun Taichong, who nodded in greeting.

“Zifang?”

“It’s probably Du Nineteenth and Cui Eleventh over there. Yesterday, Prefect Cui reserved this place to host Inspector Liu; today, it’s only right that he let Cui Eleventh have it.”

Sun Taichong signaled the young attendant to lower the curtain again before returning to his seat. Glancing at Liu Ximing, whose discomfort was plain, he smiled and addressed Song Fuzhen, “This time, Dengfeng County has truly gained a great stroke of luck. The only one displeased is likely that Inspector Liu, who can’t voice his grievances.”

“Though an Inspector is but an eighth-rank official, he is still a regular court attendant and a close confidant of Chancellor Yao. If he wishes, it won’t be difficult for him to find fault with Magistrate Cui, let alone with Du Nineteenth, who is a mere commoner!” Unable to restrain himself, Liu Ximing spat these words out through gritted teeth. Noticing Song Fuzhen’s disapproving look, he reluctantly bowed his head.

“Liu Zhao may be Yao’s trusted aide, but didn’t you yourself say, Third Master Liu, that Chancellor Yao is not as unassailable as he once was?” When Liu Ximing fell silent, Sun Taichong shook his feather fan with a faint smile. “Besides, this time Dengfeng truly had the right time, place, and people. Even if Prefect Cui’s position remains unchanged for now, he will surely be promoted after the new year. The emperor is wise and perceptive—Liu Zhao alone cannot silence everyone. As for Du Nineteenth, his every word and deed is above reproach, he has contributed to the locust campaign, and he is now Lu Haoran’s disciple. On what grounds could Liu Zhao fault him?”

“Ziguang, you shouldn’t have left the Lu Family’s Cottage today,” Song Fuzhen sighed softly, then continued, “I’ll have a fast horse prepared. Leave at once. As long as you make it back before Lu Wangzhi and Pei Third Brother, you’ll avoid criticism.”

Confronted with his uncle’s unprecedented stern gaze, Liu Ximing could only bow in agreement, though a trace of resentment lingered on his face.

As for who else might be on the second floor across the street besides Sun Taichong, Du Shiyi cared not to guess. Songyang Monastery had provided vital aid by sheltering Gongsun the Great Lady at the crucial moment, and for that, he was grateful. That morning, Gongsun and Yue Wuniang, along with two zither players and three singers, had left the monastery after packing their belongings, and the group had already gone to thank Song Fuzhen in person. There was no further need to meet again. Thus, as the performance ended, Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan promptly invited Gongsun into the tavern, where they celebrated with wine. After draining his cup in one go, Cui Jianxuan slammed it on the table.

“Gongsun, must you leave at once? That Liu Zhao claims he’s going to Bianzhou, but if he tries any more tricks, won’t you be walking into the lion’s den?”

“I am always prepared. I know a few tricks for escaping danger.” Gongsun smiled gently, then rose to her feet. Together with Yue Wuniang, the two zither players, and three singers, she bowed deeply. Startled, Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan hurriedly stood as well. Only after resuming her seat did she speak. “Escaping unscathed this time is thanks to the assistance of you two gentlemen.”

After Gongsun sat, Cui Jianxuan, still disappointed, poured himself another drink and finally asked, “When you were in the Eastern Capital, my grandmother and mother both asked you to stay. Why insist on wandering the world? The most treacherous thing under heaven is the human heart—scoundrels like Liu Zhao are hardly rare!”

Gongsun replied without hesitation, “The essence of the sword dance is freedom, grandeur, and heroic spirit. If I settled in one place to enjoy wealth and honor, I’d never progress another step. My master traveled for twenty years, drawing upon both the sword arts of the army and the traditions of the dance; only then did the sword dance reach perfection. But by then, he was already weary and soon passed away. At his funeral, I swore to travel all the famous mountains and rivers, to let the magnificence of nature infuse my sword, seeking not fame but freedom. Thus, I must decline the gracious offers of the Dowager of Qi, the Lady of Zhao, and, alas, your own kindness.”

Despite his dejection, Cui Jianxuan nodded in agreement, clearly moved by her words. Du Shiyi could not help but have a wild thought—if not for his chance success at gaining admission to the Lu Family’s Cottage, would Cui Eleventh have also set out to roam the world carefreely? With this, he raised his cup.

“To live without freedom is not worth living—a realm most of us can only admire from afar. Let me toast to you, Gongsun the Great Lady, and wish that your journey brings you fulfillment and your sword dance reaches perfection.”

Moved by these first six words, Gongsun’s eyes shone brightly as she drained her cup. After a short conversation, she excused herself, sending the others out of the room. Then, she spoke, word by word, “Cui Langjun, you mentioned wanting to learn swordsmanship. Let me be honest: my sword dance is suited only for women. For men, it is not quite appropriate. While it can repel adversaries, some moves are no longer from the Yue Maiden’s martial traditions and are even less like the military sword arts. If you truly wish to study the sword, go to Shaolin Temple on Five Breast Peaks. There you will find a guest—a friend my late master much admired. His surname is Gongye, and his given name is Jue.”

With that, she took a smooth bronze token from her waist. Seeing Du Shiyi snatch it from the air before Cui Jianxuan could react—driving the latter nearly to jump in frustration—she smiled. “But he is eccentric and strict; you two gentlemen must be prepared.”

“Thank you, Gongsun the Great Lady!” Du Shiyi quickly expressed his gratitude. After a moment’s thought, he took a sheet of paper from his sleeve and handed it over. “These are several heroic verses composed for your sword dance. You might find them useful with the Feng sisters in the future. But use them as you wish and claim them as the work of an anonymous poet.”

“Oh?” Gongsun unfolded the sheet, seeing neat, small characters densely packed across the rough hemp paper. At just a glance, she grasped their value. Seeing Du Shiyi’s sincerity, she stored the paper in her brocade pouch with due formality. “Very well, I shall accept your kindness.”

“Ahem, ahem!” Seeing Du Shiyi had received the token and gifted her something precious in return, Cui Jianxuan felt a surge of annoyance. Yet, when Gongsun turned her gaze on him, any trace of resentment vanished. After a moment’s hesitation, he said, “Gongsun, if you ever encounter trouble during your travels in the north, you may always return to Yongfeng Lane in the Eastern Capital.”

“Thank you, Cui Langjun!”

Standing by the upstairs window, watching the carriages and horses recede into the distance, Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan, who had honored Gongsun’s wish not to be seen off, fell silent. After a long while, Du Shiyi softly murmured to himself, “Red lips and jeweled sleeves, both lonely, yet in time a disciple will pass on your legacy…”

The second half of that poem, he hoped, would never be known to the world.

End of Volume One: In Those Days of Youth, When Robes Were Thin