A Step into the Past

Book 7 Chap 4 – Love and Hatred

With the strong will trained from the days in the Special Task Force, Xiang Shaolong forced himself up from bed and went to the hall to see Zhao Mu.

Zhao Mu’s attitude was warm as he said, “Come! Let’s have a good talk.”

Xiang Shaolong pretended to be dismayed, “Shouldn’t we be heading to Learned Lady Ji’s place immediately?”

Zhao Mu forced a smile, “This morning she sent to inform me that she’s feeling a little unwell so the appointment to see the horse will have to be postponed. Hai! A woman’s heart is most unfathomable, especially such a rare and haughty beauty.”

Xiang Shaolong was secretly laughing and thinking what could be so unfathomable? Ji Yanran was just following his instructions to cancel the appointment to avoid any embarrassment when they meet. It’s just that he did not expect Zhao Mu to come and inform him personally.

After asking the servants to leave, Xiang Shaolong sat down next to him and asked, “Did Marquis have a good sleep last night?”

Zhao Mu sighed, “I almost even didn’t close my eyes. Too many things happened during the feast and even when I told myself not to think about it, my brain refuses to obey.” He continued in a quiet voice, “This time Li Yuan has brought with him a huge group of people. Those that can be considered experts are already more than 30 and they are all famous Chu swordsmen that he recently recruited to be his family warriors. Usually he keeps a very low profile in Chu in order to avoid raising Father’s suspicions but he’s revealing his true self once he arrived here.”

Xiang Shaolong replied, “Marquis, do not worry. I am confident that he will not able to return to our Great Chu alive.”

Zhao Mu was visibly touched as he looked at him and said, “Father has indeed chosen the right person to come. What is your real identity? Why have I never heard anyone mention you before.”

Xiang Shaolong already has a script long prepared so he replied calmly, “My real name is Wang Zhuo, a hunter from the Xiutu Tribe. His Highness came to hunt near where I lived once and met with a pack of wolves and I saved him. Ever since then his Highness has specially groomed me and allowed my clan to enjoy wealth and riches. He is my benefactor. His Highness wants me to help you accomplish the plan of becoming the King of Zhao, therefore he has never taken me back to the residence. My trip to Handan this time is to work together with Marquis and to act when there’s a chance. Won’t the world belong to your Huang family sooner or later? My men are all from the Xiutu Tribe and absolutely trustworthy, so Marquis can put your mind at ease.”

Zhao Mu’s heart was fluttering on hearing this, thinking to himself that his Father really knows how to use people. This Wang Zhuo is not only intelligent but bold as well, not to mention his excellent swordsmanship. With this person’s help and with Le Cheng’s coordination, the position of Zhao Ruler will certainly belong to him. The biggest obstacles will be the two fellows Lian Po and Li Mu.

Zhao Mu said, “I’ve been thinking the whole night and finally thought of a workable plan, but now the time is not yet ripe. I will discuss with you again at a later date. As that muddleheaded King Xiaocheng has very high expectations of you, you’d better show some results as soon as possible.”

Xiang Shaolong was secretly laughing that the most important part was his last sentence. He stood up and said, “Thank you for the reminder. I will immediately bring my men to the new farm outside the city to discuss how we can set up the place.”

Zhao Mu’s original intention was to look for him to pay a perfunctory visit to Lord Longyang, who was interested in Xiang Shaolong, so as to avoid incurring the displeasure of this powerful man from Wei. On hearing this he had no choice but to stand up as well and said, “Don’t forget about Guo Zhong’s feast tonight, you must come back before dusk.”

Xiang Shaolong acknowledged a reply and sent him off before setting off with Wu Zhuo and the rest towards the outskirts of the city.

Wu Zhuo, Jing Jun and most of the others stayed at the Hidden Army Valley where the new farm will be, setting up tents, chopping down trees, repairing bridges and roads, pretending to be preparing for everything. Actually, they are just establishing a foothold, so that not everyone will be captured if anything happens and at the same time to prevent Jing Jun from losing patience and looking for Zhao Zhi on his own.

Before dusk, Xiang Shaolong, Teng Yi and 30 odd highly skilled men from the Elite team rushed back to Handan.

They had just arrived at the city gates when the official on guard duty told him, “His Majesty has orders that Mister Dong enter the Palace immediately to see him.”

Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi exchanged looks, both feeling that something is not right for the King of Zhao would not summon him for no reason.

After they exchanged a few words, Xiang Shaolong went to the Palace to see King Xiaocheng under the escort of the Zhao soldiers.

Cheng Xu personally brought him to Wenying Hall, the place where King Xiaocheng usually work in and the person accompanying him turns out to be Guo Kai and not Zhao Mu.

Xiang Shaolong saw that Xiaocheng’s expression remained normal and put his mind at east. After paying his respects, he sat down at his lower left, facing Guo Kai.

Cheng Xu went to stand behind King Xiaocheng.

Guo Kai gave him a look, indicating that he is taking care of him.

After asking a few questions about the farm, King Xiaocheng sighed and said, “About the farm, it’s best that Mister Dong slow down the progress for the moment and try your best not to reveal anything.”

Xiang Shaolong was surprised and replied, “Your subordinate will certainly obey your orders, but I wonder what is the reason?”

King Xiaocheng smiled wryly, “It is a must to establish the farm, it’s just that there’s a sudden setback. Let Mister Guo relate this to you!”

Guo Kai gave a dry cough before speaking with his weird voice, “It’s all that Li Yuan’s fault. Who knows how he managed to find out that Mister Dong trip this time is to return to your home country. When he met his Majesty this morning, he said that although you are a Zhao, you’re still a subject of Chu and if we allow Mister to stay in Zhao, it will have negative impacts on both country’s relations.”

Xiang Shaolong is so angry his lungs are almost bursting. This Li Yuan is obviously jealous to see Ji Yanran seated on the same table as him last night and talking to him so closely, therefore he’s deliberately spoiling his plans. Without a doubt, he must have said other bad things about him as well. Luckily King Xiaocheng is really in need of him, otherwise he may very well bind him up immediately and send him back to Chu.

King Xiaocheng said seriously, “Of course I will not take his comments to heart, it’s just that the situation now is very delicate. His sister is the beloved concubine of the King of Chu and when the time comes for the powers to unite, if he says anything to the King of Chu and advises him not to send troops to deal with the Qins, then our ‘alliance’ this time will fail. That’s why at this point of time we have no choice but to condescend to him.”

Guo Kai added with a laugh, “Once Li Yanyan gives birth, there’ll be no use even if Li Yuan talks to the King of Chu.”

Xiang Shaolong laughed together with them.

Of course he knows that Guo Kai is inferring that the King of Chu is someone who will never make a woman give birth to a boy, so Li Yanyan will be no exception. But he knows that the real person who did it this time is Lord Chunshen and not the King of Chu, so there’s at least a 50 percent chance that it will be a boy. Guo Kai’s assumption may not be accurate. But of course he cannot be blamed, for who would have expected such a twist in this.

Xiang Shaolong had a thought and asked, “Should I keep away for a while?”

King Xiaocheng replied, “You must not, for it would mean that I would have to act according to Li Yuan’s likings. I told him at that time that Mister Dong has not decided whether to stay or leave, and managed to drag this matter for now. That’s why now I’m asking Mister to keep a low profile for the time being and only start on the foundations after Li Yuan has left.”

Xiang Shaolong was secretly overjoyed but pretended to be helpless as he replied, “In that case I’ll have to send someone out to stop the delivery of the horses which are now on their way here. But I’m afraid the earlier batch would have already arrived at the border.”

King Xiaocheng replied, “If it has arrived then so be it! We do need to increase our number of warhorses, as for the rest we’ll just do according to your plan.”

Xiang Shaolong was just worrying that he has no excuse to send people back to Qin to report, so he hurriedly agreed.

King Xiaocheng was silent for a moment before he asked with some hesitation, “Last night the Marquis of Julu asked Mister to stay behind after the feast, what did he say to you?”

Xiang Shaolong quietly shuddered as he secretly thought this exciting. He did not expect that King Xiaocheng would actually be suspicious of his ‘lover’, and of course that conniving devil Guo Kai must have been stirring things up so he pretended to be surprised and exclaimed, “Is there a problem with Marquis?”

Guo Kai reminded him, “You have yet to reply to his Majesty’s question?”

Xiang Shaolong pretended to be frightened and after expressing his apology, replied, “The Marquis of Julu opened his heart to me and said he’ll take care of me so that I can work my full potential. He also said, hai…”

King Xiaocheng furrowed his brows, “Even if it involves bad things about me, Mister Dong please go ahead and repeat without fear.”

Xiang Shaolong replied, “It’s not really bad things, the Marquis only said that if he were to put in a few good words for me in front of your Majesty, I’ll definitely enjoy riches and wealth. Ai! I am just a boorish man and my only wish is to rear my horses in peace and to contribute some small effort to my beloved country! Not to mention riches and wealth, even life and death is of no consequence to me.”

When King Xiaocheng heard how Zhao Mu tried to bribe him, he gave a cold snort. But when Xiang Shaolong ‘bared his soul’ in the end, he looked touched and kept nodding his head, expressing his admiration.

Xiang Shaolong continued, “The Marquis even wanted to make me stay at his residence and help me find a courtesan to spend the night with, but I thought that business is more important and adamantly refused.”

Guo Kai said, “His Majesty is very impressed with Mister’s devotion to work, but for the next few days you’d better just go around enjoying yourself. We have a few famous official brothels in Handan, why don’t I bring you there to join in the liveliness tomorrow!”

After some idle talk, King Xiaocheng instructed him not to reveal the contents of their conversation to Zhao Mu before Guo Kai accompanied Xiang Shaolong out of Wenying Hall.

As he walked on the familiar corridors past the buildings, Xiang Shaolong’s feelings can’t help but well up as he thought of the tragic Lady Ni. He didn’t even concentrate on Guo Kai’s continuous babbling next to him.

Guo Kai saw that he looked distracted and thought that he was unhappy about Li Yuan so he consoled him, “Mister Dong, don’t be affected by people like Li Yuan. That’s right! Don’t you have to attend Guo Zhong’s feast tonight?”

Xiang Shaolong was startled awake, secretly reprimanding himself for having mood swings at this point in time as he exclaimed, “Aren’t you going as well?”

Guo Kai smiled, “I’ve already rejected the invitation. Ever since the arrival of the important officials from the eastern states, I’ve been so busy that I can’t breath. Just the writing of the proposal for his Majesty is enough to make me lose sleep for a few days.”

Xiang Shaolong was about to reply when a group of horsemen surrounding a horse carriage slow rode towards them from the road on the left.

A lewd look appeared on Guo Kai’s face as he said quietly, “Lady Ya is here!”

Xiang Shaolong had already recognized Zhao Da and his men and has already stopped to let the group past first.

Zhao Da and the rest all paid their respects to Guo Kai.

Just as the horse carriage was about to turn into the square, the curtains of the carriage was raised, revealing a pale and tired looking Zhao Ya who is obviously lacking sleep. When she saw Xiang Shaolong, she did not reveal any look of surprise, as if she already knows that he is in the Palace. She cried out daintily, “Stop the carriage!”

The carriage and her men stopped.

Zhao Ya’s pretty eyes, which were still alluring, first landed on Guo Kai’s face as she said with a smile, “How are you, Official Guo!”

Guo Kai was captivated as he replied, “How can I be good when I have not played the zither or chess with Lady for such a long time?”

Xiang Shaolong was livid on hearing it and wished that he could give Zhao Ya a tight slap for she is really not showing any self-respect at all.

Zhao Ya saw Guo Kai flirting so outrageously with her in front of this horse fanatic and replied with embarrassment, “Mister Guo must be joking.” Her eyes turned towards Xiang Shaolong’s face and asked gently, “Is Mister Dong going to the Guo residence. If you don’t mind, why don’t you go together with Zhao Ya!”

Xiang Shaolong replied icily, “Thank you Lady for your kind invitation, but I feel like walking alone so that I can think about some matters.”

Guo Kai thought that he was still troubled over Li Yuan’s matter so he didn’t feel anything out of norm. Zhao Ya guessed that he was taking revenge on her because she had rejected him so rudely last night. She was secretly cursing this person for being so stubborn, which is so much like Xiang Shaolong.

Her heart softened as she said lightly, “In that case I will not force Mister.”

The horse carriage slowly rode towards the gates of the Palace.

Xiang Shaolong rejected Guo Kai’s suggestion of taking the same carriage, saying “I love riding horses, and can only feel safe and satisfied on a horse’s back. Mister, please ask your guards not to follow me, let me stroll around on my own and at the same time think about some matters.”

Guo Kai asked with doubt, “It’s the first time you’ve been to Handan, how would you know how to go to the Guo residence?”

Xiang Shaolong was secretly startled, for he knows that it’s easiest to let the cat out of the bag with inconsequential details such as this so he replied offhandedly, “Please do not worry, I have already asked for directions.”

He jumped up his hose and left, waving his hand.

Once he left the Palace gates, Xiang Shaolong allowed his horse to stretch its legs and in a short moment, he has already caught up with Zhao Ya’s carriage.

Lady Ya heard the sounds of the horse’s hooves and saw him riding majestically towards her. Her pretty eyes can’t help but light up, but a cloud quickly came over them again.

Ever since Xiang Shaolong left Zhao, she has felt pain that was never felt before with guilt and regret biting her heart and soul like poisonous snakes. In order to forget this man who has taken her heart, her actions became even more brazen than before but Xiang Shaolong has always been in a deep corner of her heart, a position that cannot be replaced. During this time she got close with Han Chuang, thinking that she can successfully forget about Xiang Shaolong but the appearance of this Dong Kuang has ignited a wondrous excitement and memory, making her lose interest in Han Chuang.

Xiang Shaolong deliberately refused to look at her and in an instant has left her far behind.

The houses in Handan are all lighted up by now and as it’s right after dinnertime, there’s not much people and carriages on the streets. Everywhere was quiet and peaceful.

Xiang Shaolong thought of his beloved wives and maids in faraway Qin and felt warmth in his heart. He wished that he could capture Zhao Mu alive immediately, kill Le Cheng and return home.

While traveling up the hilly road leading to Guo Zhong’s residence, he heard the sound of hooves behind him and on turning back for a look, it turned out to be Zhao Zhi coming after him.

Once Xiang Shaolong saw that it’s her, he remembered Jing Jing as well as Teng Yi and Wu Zhuo’s suggestion and immediately felt a headache coming on as he slowed down.

Zhao Zhi was next to him in an instant and rode together with him, looking at him deep in the eyes and said, “Mister Dong seems to be very familiar with the streets of Handan!”

Once she said that, Xiang Shaolong immediately know that she has been following him for a distance, only choosing to catch up with him now. He was secretly lamenting as he replied, “Before I came, someone has already pointed the way here to me. Is Miss Zhi going to the Guo Residence for the feast as well?”

Zhao Zhi did not answer him but just stared at him and said, “I’m afraid Mister is deliberately lowering your voice and making it sound hoarse!”

Xiang Shaolong was secretly lamenting. If she is sure that he is Xiang Shaolong, a mere fake mask won’t be enough to trick her. This time he has no choice but to use love to get what he wants. He sighed and executed his special move, pressing his hand on the horse’s back, jumped up into the air and just as Zhao Zhi was gasping in surprise, he landed neatly behind her. His hands went forward, tightly hugging her tiny waist that has not an ounce of extra fat, pressed his face against hers and said, “Miss Zhi’s words are really strange. Why would I deliberately make my voice sound like that?”

Zhao Zhi was greatly embarrassed and she struggled hard for a while but under such a situation this would only serve to increase the contact between them. She exclaimed in surprised anger, “What are you doing?”

Xiang Shaolong chortled as his hand reached out and grabbed her chin to turn her pretty face, giving a fierce kiss on her dainty and wet lips.

Zhao Zhi moaned, as if lost in his manliness and flirtation, but was suddenly conscious as she elbowed him hard on his vulnerable armpit.

Xiang Shaolong groaned as he flipped over the horse’s butt. Although it was indeed painful, it was not as bad as he exaggerated, for he just wanted to giver her an opportunity sooth her ego.

Zhao Zhi was so frightened that she turned her horse around and rode back to where Xiang Shaolong was lying. She jumped down the horse, knelt next to him and cried out, “Dong Kuang! Are you alright!”

Xiang Shaolong opened his eyes, his arms reached out and hugged her close to his body again before turning around, pressing her down on the grass at the side of the road.

Zhao Zhi’s body went weak with his hug yet she is unwilling to be taken advantaged of by him. Most importantly she is still not sure if he is Xiang Shaolong, so if she allows herself to be kissed again, then won’t she be betraying the man she secretly loves. Hot tears ran down her eyes as she cried out, “If you molest me again, I’ll kill myself!”

Xiang Shaolong did not expect her to be so protective of her chastity and formed a newfound respect for her. However he knows that if he were to leave her now, the situation would be even more embarrassing and before knowing if she ahs found out the truth, he cannot reveal his real identity. Therefore he can only press her down hard and asked gently, “Do Miss Zhi hate me?”

Zhao Zhi feels as if her body has no intention of rejecting him at all and was feeling both angry and troubled. She closed her pretty eyes, allowing the tears to flow freely as she said weakly, “Let me go quickly, if someone passes by and sees us, I’ll be finished.”

Xiang Shaolong lowered his head, kissing away one of her teardrops before hugging her into a standing position and said, “Miss is too alluring, please forgive me for being unable to control myself.”

Zhao Zhi seems shattered as her tears flowed like the river, shaking her head piteously and saying, “You’re just making fun of me. Why do you still want to lie to me, I know that you are him.”

Xiang Shaolong secretly sighed and still continued talking gently in his hoarse voice, “I’ll come to your house tonight to look for you, all right?”

Zhao Zhi snapped her dark eyes opened in joy and nodded her head vigorously.

Xiang Shaolong used his sleeve to wipe away her remaining tears and felt a little guilty as he said, “Come! We’ll be late if we don’t start moving.”

Zhao Zhi struggled out of his embrace and said quietly with her head lowered, “Zhao Zhi will wait for you at home tonight.”

Xiang Shaolong was stunned, “Aren’t you going?”

Zhao Zhi smiled and pouted, “You’ve made me look like a mess, how can I go and face others.”

She jumped up her horse’s back and rode out a few steps, her head turned around and hands waving, a sweet smile on her lips. The look of love on a young girl’s face made Xiang Shaolong’s heart skip a few beat faster.

Until she disappeared from sight, Xiang Shaolong recollected his thoughts and went towards the Guo residence to attend the feast.

Guo Fu’s feast tonight has a lot less guests. Besides Zhao Mu, Le Cheng, Han Chuang and Zhao Ba, there’s Li Yuan whom Xiang Shaolong does not wish to see at all and adding him and Zhao Ya, there’s only 7 people. Guo Zhong’s 2 sons did not attend, for maybe they are working elsewhere.

Guo Zhong is not as warm to him as last night, instead focusing his attentions especially on Li Yuan, as if he is the main guest.

Xiang Shaolong is already used to seeing how capricious people can be and knows that Guo Zhong is deliberately treating him coldly so that he could get into the good books of Li Yuan, who can possibly become Chu’s most powerful man.

Li Yuan maintained his politeness towards this love rival but Xiang Shaolong can clearly feel the hatred from him.

That’s understandable, for he witnessed last night during the dance performance how Ji Yanran was talking closely with him. With his intelligence and understanding of Ji Yanran, it’s not difficult for him to see that this rare beauty has an interest in him.

After some idle talk, Zhao Mu made an excuse and pulled him aside, asking in a low voice, “Why did his Majesty summon you?”

Xiang Shaolong was waiting for this question and replied, “They asked me what have you told me last night. Of course I won’t reveal the truth so I only said that we were discussing about matters concerning the setting up of the farm. Marquis! It’s not I who is overly worried, but that muddleheaded ruler King Xiaocheng seems to be suspicious of you, I think Guo Kai must have secretly betrayed you!”

A frightening icy glare shot past Zhao Mu’s eyes as he said with a cold snort, “I will show them my prowess at a later time!”

Xiang Shaolong knows that he has already forced Zhao Mu up the path of rebellion. Right at this time Zhai Ba walked over and they hurriedly changed the topic to more idle talk.

Zhao Mu said with a smile, “Your pretty disciple is not accompanying you to tonight’s feast?”

Zhao Ba replied, “She should be coming, I’ve just sent someone to look for her.”

The sounds of accessories clanging were heard as Zhao Ya floated over.

Guo Zhong expressed his apology to Li Yuan, Le Cheng and Han Chuang before going to receive her.

Zhao Ya’s eyes first landed on Xiang Shaolong before moving to where Han Chuang and Li Yuan stood. She hesitated for a moment before walking towards Xiang Shaolong.

Xiang Shaolong deliberately refused to look at her, his eyes turned to look at other places.

The layout this time was the same as the one Ji Yanran used during her feast in Daliang, with a big round table in the middle of the hall with 10 seats.

Xiang Shaolong was secretly counting in his heart, even if they included Zhao Zhi, there’s still an extra seat, so he wonders which esteemed guest has yet to arrive.

A fragrance wafted close and after Zhao Ya greeted the various people, she commented to Xiang Shaolong just as he turned his head back, “Mister Dong’s horse is really fast, you arrived so much earlier than me.”

Xiang Shaolong smiled suavely, as a form of reply.

Just at this time, someone arrived.

Under the accompaniment of 2 maids, a pretty young girl who has taken much care to dress up walked in gracefully. Zhao Mu and the rest all looked surprised, obviously no one knows who she is.

Guo Zhong personally unveiled this mystery. The merchant chuckled and said, “Xier’er! Come and greet our important guests.” He then told everyone, “This is my youngest daughter Xiu’er!”

Zhao Mu exclaimed in surprise, “So it’s Master Guo’s treasured daughter. Why have you kept her away for so long, only giving us the pleasure of seeing her today.”

Xiang Shaolong had a thought, and guessed that Guo Zhong has the intention of marrying his daughter to Li Yuan so that if Zhao falls into trouble in future, they can hide in Chu, who would not be at the forefront of Qin’s attack and continue with his trade.

A great merchant like Guo Zhong whose trade is in making steel and weapons will be welcome in any country but with the protection of a powerful official like Li Yuan, things will run a lot smoother for him.

With the situation now, besides the 3 states, Chu is the furthest away from the invading Qins. Qi is near 3 states, so they face the danger of close proximity, and as for Yan, after the defeat by Tian Dan, have become weak. Only the state of Chu, which is at the far north, is still strong and still safe for the time being. As long as the 3 states are still around, the Chus need not worry that the Qins would risk engaging in war with another state.

The Wu family has successfully migrated to Qin, so Guo Zhong, as an astute businessman, would naturally have to plan for himself.

At this time Guo Xiu’er daintily walked to where everyone was and paid her respects.

This young lady who is not older than 16 is slim and attractive with an egg-shaped face with delicate features. Her pretty eyes look as if they could talk and as clear as autumn’s water, which added to her allure. The corners of her mouth curved up slightly in a shy smile, her face radiant. Her beauty is almost comparable to Wu Tingfang. Everyone was attracted, including Li Yuan.

Guo Zhong saw what was happening and was extremely pleased so he waved and said, “Xiu’er, come quickly and greet Mister Li.”

Guo Xiu’er’s pretty eyes saw Li Yuan and they immediately lighted up but her head lowered shyly as she moved towards them.

Everyone immediately had the feeling that they have been disregarded while Zhao Ya’s expression looked unnatural.

Zhao Mu gave a sideways look towards Li Yuan, a flash of murderous intent flashing past which he quickly covered up but it did not escape Xiang Shaolong’s sharp eyes.

Zhao Ya can feel her heart inclining towards this Dong Kuang whose crudity and gentleness cannot be deciphered. She moved nearer to him and said, “Would Mister be free to come to my place to take a look at the horses I keep, so that Zhao Ya can seek your advice on rearing horses.”

Zhao Mu thought that she has finally decided to obey him and get close to this ‘Wang Zhuo’ so he said with a smile, “It’s rare that Lady has given her invitation, so let me accept on his behalf.”

There’s no way Xiang Shaolong can make Zhao Mu lose face in public so he had no choice but to nod his head.

Zhao Ya saw how hesitant he was in agreeing so she rolled her eyes at him but did not talk about the date or time.

The gong sounded and it’s time to be seated for the feast.