Blade - Unbound

The new arrival was none other than Xiao Hongqi, the heir of the Prince of Chang'an.

He was tall and broad, dressed in a crimson robe embroidered with pythons. Though still young, he had a high forehead, a broad face, sloping shoulders, and a slight paunch, giving him an inexplicable hint of middle-aged greasiness. His thick lips only made matters worse, leaving him far from handsome.

Some officials had privately remarked that Xiao Hongqi, let alone possessing the bearing of a true dragon or phoenix, was below average even compared to the sons of ordinary noble families.

The decline of the Prince of Chang'an's lineage was only a matter of time.

Li Kongqing tensed up. The heir had barely studied lately, and seldom visited Renxiao Pavilion anymore, so why had he suddenly come? Could something have happened?

Seeing how stiff he looked, Xiao Hongqi chuckled and waved his hand. "What? You're not happy to see me?"

According to the Great Xuan's rites, a prince destined to inherit a title could refer to himself as "I" using the royal term, while a prince who would not inherit a princely title would instead refer to themselves as a Lesser Prince.

Cold sweat beaded on Li Kongqing's forehead as he replied, "You jest, Your Highness."

As they spoke, a clerk brought over tea. Xiao Hongqi waved the clerk away, had the doors closed, then stroked his chin as he looked at Li Kongqing. "Do you know why I came today?"

Li Kongqing shook his head. "This... Your subordinate does not know."

A smile crept onto Xiao Hongqi's lips as he said meaningfully, "I heard you've learned how to line your own pockets. Someone even secretly informed on you, so I came to see how a blockhead like you finally grew a brain."

Li Kongqing stood frozen. "Huh?!"

Hadn't his relationship with his colleagues improved? How had someone turned around and reported him so quickly? So this was what life was really like...

Xiao Hongqi burst into laughter at his expression. "Hahaha!"

He pulled a letter from his robes, cleared his throat, and began reading out loud. "The Prince's scholarly attendant Li Kongqing has secretly associated with wandering jianghu ritualists, embezzled the Prince's property for personal gain, failed to fulfill the duties of his office, regularly appropriated the Prince's pastries, wine, and delicacies for private use, and forsaken righteousness over petty profits..."

As he read, he laughed and cursed, "Utter nonsense. They couldn't even write an anonymous accusation properly, yet they think this will help them climb the ranks. Why is the Prince's Manor full of people like this?

"So tell me, how should this matter be handled?"

Li Kongqing's mind had already gone numb. Letting out a sigh, he bowed with clasped hands. "Everything written in the letter is true. This subordinate is willing to accept punishment."

"Punishment?" Xiao Hongqi smiled faintly. "What should I punish you for? There are plenty of people in the Prince's Manor lining their own pockets. If we seriously investigated them all, there'd be a line of people waiting to be caned.

"But I find myself puzzled. Since you've already decided to go with the flow, why didn't you at least take something worthwhile? You could've had someone find you a cheaper place to live, or brought home a bit of wine and food. Aren't you embarrassed? However, even beyond that, what I'm really curious about is how you suddenly changed your mind."

Li Kongqing hesitated before answering, "This subordinate met someone who said that Your Highness was the truly clever one, and that those beneath you shouldn't speak out of turn..."

"At least you're honest." The humor gradually faded from Xiao Hongqi's face as he nodded slightly. "What about this jianghu ritualist?"

"He isn't a jianghu ritualist, but rather my mother's disciple."

Afraid of implicating Li Yan, Li Kongqing hurriedly recounted everything from beginning to end, emphasizing that he had been the one who had made the request.

"Mm." Xiao Hongqi's expression softened somewhat. "In that case, it isn't a major issue. But remember this. If you're merely helping ordinary relatives gain a small benefit, that's fine. But if it involves people from the jianghu or the Daoist world, you must never make such decisions on your own."

Only then did Li Kongqing finally understand. A chill ran down his back before a wave of dejection washed over him. Bowing deeply with clasped hands, he said, "Your Highness, I respectfully request to resign from my position."

"Oh?" Xiao Hongqi raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Li Kongqing smiled bitterly. "This subordinate is too stupid. I'm neither skilled at dealing with people, nor good at schemes and calculations. Remaining by Your Highness's side makes me little more than dead weight. Sooner or later, I'll be ruined by someone. I would be better off returning to become a village teacher."

"Mm. At least you know your limits." Xiao Hongqi took a sip of tea before calmly asking, "Do you know why the realm’s royalty have a custom of filling this position of scholarly attendant with the sons of noble families ?"

Li Kongqing froze. "This subordinate does not."

Xiao Hongqi stated, "Because you know your place. In chaotic times, it's those who refuse to stay in their place who often rise above the rest. If they're a bit clever and blessed with some luck, they can ride the winds to greatness.

"But now that the Great Xuan stands at the height of its prosperity, knowing one's place is far more important. There were several other scholarly attendants, all sons of noble families, before you. Some were nothing but jackals and hounds who delighted in bullying others through borrowed authority.

"Others were consumed by ambition, constantly urging me to compete for power while secretly seeking benefits for themselves. I drove every one of them out.

“But during the selection that day, everyone else was busy networking and currying favor with one another. Only you ran over to the bookshelves to read those long-lost rare manuscripts. That's how this position ended up falling into your lap."

So that's why...

Li Kongqing finally understood.

Xiao Hongqi continued calmly, "In Great Xuan, knowing one's place is what matters most. Every problem arises because someone fails to stay within their place. Officials have the duties of officials. Commoners have the duties of commoners. Those of the jianghu also have duties befitting those of the jianghu.

"The same applies to me. I can neither behave recklessly and disgrace the imperial family, nor shine too brightly and do things I ought not to. Do you understand?"

Li Kongqing forced a bitter smile. "This subordinate knows his mistake."

"I don't think you do." Xiao Hongqi shook his head. "You're a scholarly attendant. The duty of a scholarly attendant is to convince others through learning, surpass others through character, and urge me to study and cultivate virtue. You don't need to throw yourself into the same muddy waters as everyone else.

"How I conduct myself is my own affair. But if you abandon your own duty, then that's your mistake."

Li Kongqing felt as though a fog had suddenly lifted from his mind. He hurriedly bowed. "Thank you for Your Highness's guidance. This subordinate will faithfully fulfill his proper duty."

The teasing smile returned to Xiao Hongqi's face. "Hahaha! So you're not completely hopeless after all. Remember, I'm surrounded by enough flatterers and petty schemers already. That isn't your role. Otherwise, whenever I run into something I don't wish to do, I won't even have someone to give me an excuse to refuse. Wouldn't that be rather pitiful?"

At last, Li Kongqing truly understood what his responsibilities were. "This subordinate understands."

"Good." Xiao Hongqi nodded before his expression grew serious. "A group of people has gathered around Father recently. They're urging the Prince's Manor to finance overseas trading fleets and even establish a Shanzhou Merchant Guild.

"Over the past two years, several Prince Manors have secretly begun trade overseas, earning enormous profits. Some have even colluded with local magnates to train armed escorts for their fleets. Father has already begun to waver.

"What do you think about this?"

Li Kongqing immediately straightened. He thought for a moment before replying, "This subordinate doesn't know much, but he does know that merchants occupy a lowly profession. For the Prince's Manor to compete with the people for profit is already improper, let alone forming a private army, which violates the laws of the Great Xuan."

"Mm." Xiao Hongqi grunted with satisfaction. Rising to his feet, he shook his head slightly. "Some things lose their meaning once they're spoken too plainly. But with your thick skull, if I didn't explain them outright, you'd really wander down the wrong path.

"Remember your proper duty, and I'll ensure you live out your life in peace."

With that, he strode away.

Standing behind him, Li Kongqing realized his clothes had already been soaked through with sweat...

After leaving Renxiao Pavilion, Xiao Hongqi made his way toward another palace building, deep in thought. Eventually, he turned to the side and asked, "So they've come again?"

A guard hurried over and replied quietly. "Yes, Your Highness. The Prince of Chang'an is hosting a Treasure Appreciation Banquet. Several merchant guilds have sent representatives, each presenting rare treasures from overseas."

"Has anyone from the Li Chamber of Commerce come?"

"They only sent treasures. No one came in person."

"Who organized this?"

"Master Yue."

"Hmph!" Xiao Hongqi's face immediately darkened, though it soon returned to normal. "Come. Let's go have a look."

Accompanied by his guards, Xiao Hongqi strode briskly forward. Before long, they arrived at a small pavilion overlooking the lake. Hearing the laughter inside, a faint smile appeared on his face as he stepped into the building.

"The Young Prince has arrived!"

As the guard announced his presence, every gaze inside immediately turned toward him.

The Snow-Viewing Pavilion served as the Prince's private banquet hall. It wasn't particularly large, nor was its atmosphere as solemn as the manor's main audience hall. Rows of wooden display racks filled the room, covered with all manner of exotic objects. Quite a few guests had already left their seats and were accompanying a fat middle-aged man as he admired the exhibits.

This man was none other than Xiao Qingyuan, the Prince of Chang'an. Though stout, his well-groomed long beard and dignified features gave him an unmistakable air of authority.

Smiling, Xiao Hongqi bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Father."

"So you've come." The Prince of Chang'an was clearly pleased to see his eldest son. Pointing toward the table, he said, "Come, have a look. Do you recognize this item?"

Xiao Hongqi stepped forward. Resting upon the table was a piece of decayed black driftwood. It was riddled with holes, within which countless long golden worms writhed. The sight made his stomach churn.

Suppressing his disgust, he shook his head. "I don't recognize these worms, but they certainly don't look like treasure."

"Hahaha! You're mistaken, my son." The Prince turned to one side with a smile. "Lord Zhou, since you presented this treasure, explain it to the young prince."

"Yes, Your Highness." An elegantly dressed elderly man bowed respectfully and started his story. "Your Highness, this creature is called the shipworm. It bores through wood and even stone. Docks and seafaring vessels fear it above all else, and countless ships are ruined by them every year."

Xiao Hongqi raised an eyebrow and asked, "Then that's strange. If it's so harmful, why present it as a treasure?"

The old man respectfully clasped his hands. "Your Highness is unaware. Although shipworms are destructive, they feed upon wood and stone. This particular log is a sunken tree from the sea that happened to be infested by shipworms while resting within a spiritual node beneath the ocean.

"We acquired it in the Sulu Kingdom of the southern seas in exchange for silk and porcelain. These unusual shipworms have transformed into heavenly treasures, and are revered by the local shamans as divine gifts.

"After being tested by renowned physicians, they've proven remarkably effective at clearing the meridians and dispelling dampness. Once dried and ground into powder, they work wonders against rheumatism. They are truly a precious medicine."

Xiao Hongqi's expression softened as he gasped, "Oh? In that case, it truly can be called a treasure."

Though Xingqing Palace was pleasant, it sometimes accumulated water during the summer, leaving the halls damp and gloomy. Those who lived there for extended periods occasionally developed rheumatism. His own mother suffered from it. Whenever it rained, the pain throughout her body became almost unbearable. If this medicine truly worked, then it had to be purchased no matter the cost.

With that explanation, he became genuinely interested.

He pointed toward a strange golden mask, asking, "And what is this?"

Another elderly man stepped forward. He was tall, dark-skinned, and carried a distinctly jianghu air about him. He quickly introduced, "Your Highness, I obtained this after capturing pirates. According to them, it came from a continent deep within the furthest seas, a land known as the Kingdom of Gold."

Xiao Hongqi then pointed at a box made entirely of gold. "And this?"

A portly middle-aged man hurried forward and opened the box. "Please have a look, Your Highness."

Inside stood a tiny dancing figure. As he twisted a knob on the side, a crisp melody immediately rang out, and the little figure slowly began to spin.

The man smiled proudly. "This came from a nation called Frante. I traded only a hundred jin of broken tea leaves for it."

Xiao Hongqi nodded slightly before sighing, "It is rather exquisite. And how powerful is this kingdom? Did you call it Frante?"

"The nation is fairly strong, but it is currently plagued by endless wars. It is said that a State Preceptor from the Li Clan serves as its prime minister, assisting the king in suppressing the various feudal lords."

"Heh." Xiao Hongqi smiled with amusement. "A State Preceptor... Sounds like someone from the Daoist world. I never imagined such a person could also serve as prime minister. Master Yue, all of you still have much to strive for."

The Prince of Chang'an frowned. "Why are you speaking in such a sarcastic manner? Did you come here specifically to anger me?"

Though his words sounded harsh, his eyes were filled with affection. No one knew his son better than he did. If he were ever gone, only his heir would be capable of protecting their branch of the family.

It was just that the prince was fiercely opposed to organizing overseas merchant fleets.

"I wouldn't dare."

Xiao Hongqi immediately lowered his head, though the determination in his eyes remained unwavering.

An awkward silence settled over the hall.

Soon, a middle-aged Daoist stepped out from the crowd. He was dressed in white Daoist robes, possessed refined features, and had a long black beard that reached his chest. His bearing was truly extraordinary.

Letting out a sigh, he flicked his horsetail whisk and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, please don't be angry. This poor Daoist acted only out of good intentions. If anything was inappropriate, I ask for your forgiveness."

The speaker was none other than Yue Fachong, one of the Prince Manor's resident advisors.

"Enough, enough." The Prince of Chang'an shook his head slightly and muttered, "Everyone is acting for the good of the Prince's Manor. There's no need to argue and spoil my mood. Everyone, please take your seats."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Everyone returned to their places. Before long, girls and musicians entered to provide entertainment, and amid the clinking of cups, no one mentioned organizing merchant fleets again.

Once the banquet concluded, the guests gradually dispersed.

Watching the Prince of Chang'an and the prince leave together, Yue Fachong stood expressionlessly beside the lake for a long while before turning and returning to his own courtyard.

Luo Faqing had been waiting in the courtyard. Upon seeing him, he immediately clasped his hands in greeting. "Greetings, Senior Brother."

"Mm." Yue Fachong nodded, his expression easing somewhat.

Seeing that something seemed amiss, Luo Faqing quickly asked, "Senior Brother, I heard the Prince lost his temper at the Treasure Appreciation Banquet?"

"Sigh..." Yue Fachong shook his head. "The prince is extremely wary of me. If he continues to oppose this matter, it'll likely come to nothing.

"The Prince's health isn't good. Once the young prince inherits the title, it'll be difficult for me to remain at the Prince's Manor. Fortunately, His Highness thinks highly of you. Whatever happens, don't become his enemy."

Luo Faqing hesitated before speaking. "Senior Brother, forgive my bluntness, but the Young Prince's concerns are nothing more than fearing the imperial court's suspicion. Besides, this really isn't something our Daoist lineage should involve itself in."

Yue Fachong replied calmly. "I know that. The various Daoist lineages each occupy their own territory. Although our Shang Mountain lineage has grown increasingly prosperous within Shanzhou, ranking second only to the Taixuan Orthodox Sect, once we leave Shanzhou, we're nothing.

"I've sent many disciples abroad, but they're suppressed and marginalized wherever they go. They simply have no opportunity to rise. If we ever hope to join the ranks of the orthodox Daoist sects, our current strength will never be enough. Only by gaining support from every side will we stand a chance.

"Using overseas trade as a pretext... Perhaps that is the key to breaking this deadlock. But what a pity..."

Luo Faqing hesitated before speaking again. "Senior Brother, I also don't think going overseas is the right choice. Perhaps we should follow the example of the orthodox Daoist sects, and devote more effort to conducting disaster-relief rituals and blessing ceremonies."

Yue Fachong's eyes turned cold. "Have you been listening to someone's idle gossip? If you’re bringing this up now, have you forgotten how Master died?

"There are some things that demand endless effort and sacrifice. At first, those ignorant commoners will be grateful to you. Soon enough, they'll begin taking it all for granted. In the end, if you don't sacrifice your own life to save them, you'll be cursed by ten thousand people. Even when they're the ones in the wrong, they still won't say a single kind word. At most, they'll hypocritically build you a shrine after you're dead!

"I won't walk Master's path again. Also, it isn't your place to make the decisions around here!"