Chapter Fifty: Pawns

Kong Sheng cradled the sharp longsword delivered by Yang Xueruo in his arms, riding atop his fine steed, Windchaser. He gazed intently as the carriage of his beloved passed through the city gates, gradually disappearing from sight, until a gentle warmth and tender affection welled up within his heart.

A beauty forges a sword—deep is the sentiment!
A beauty forges a sword—profound the meaning!
A beauty forges a sword—unyielding through mountains and rivers!

This was Yang Xueruo’s token of deepest feeling, as well as her hope for Kong Sheng’s future. In all of Jiangning Commandery, perhaps only Yang Xueruo could truly understand the magnitude of Kong Sheng’s ambitions and his vision that spanned the empire.

To gain such a confidante, one so gifted and broad-minded, was a great fortune in life. Kong Sheng’s lips curled in a faint smile, his eyes alight with spirited brilliance.

Returning with the sword to the Shunsheng Inn within the city, Kong Sheng unexpectedly crossed paths with Yang Kuan, the chief steward of the Yang household. Compared to the past, Yang Kuan’s attitude now was exceedingly eager and obsequious.

“Congratulations, young master Kong!” Yang Kuan folded his hands and bowed deeply.

Dismounting, Kong Sheng returned the courtesy with calm reserve. “Chief Steward, I do not understand your congratulations. What joy is mine to deserve them?”

“My lord has already submitted a memorial today, recommending you for official appointment to the court. It is said the post is magistrate of Danyang County. Once the court’s reply arrives, you will be a dignified local governor—a true imperial official! Such a joyous occasion, how could I not extend my congratulations?” Yang Kuan laughed heartily.

Kong Sheng was unsurprised by this news. Ever since their last meeting, he had perceived Yang Qi’s great ambition, as well as his intent to recruit Kong Sheng for the Yang family’s service. To this end, Yang Qi would naturally recommend him for promotion, nurturing him in secret for future use.

Whether Yang Qi harbored ambitions or would take advantage of chaos to carve out his own domain, Kong Sheng had not concerned himself—because even if Yang Qi entertained such thoughts, he would need to weigh the greater situation and could not openly break with the Tang court, at least not yet. Before long, Kong Sheng would leave Jiangnan for a broader stage; what did the fate of Yang Qi or the Yang family matter to him?

But now, he had made a pact with Yang Xueruo. Because of her deep and earnest affection, he could no longer stand aside from the Yang family’s affairs. If Yang Qi failed to recognize the times and sought to divide Jiangnan, the outcome would be predictable and grim.

Although the Tang dynasty was declining, the An Lushan Rebellion would eventually be quelled, unity restored, and though regional governors grew powerful, none dared openly rebel. Should Yang Qi become the first to do so, ruin and destruction would swiftly follow. If the Yang family were to be utterly destroyed, how could Yang Xueruo survive?

At this thought, Kong Sheng’s brow furrowed. He began to ponder how best to eliminate Yang Qi’s nascent ambitions before they could take root.

Seeing his silence and shifting expression, Yang Kuan became somewhat displeased. He had come to announce Yang Qi’s kindness and favor, yet this young man showed neither gratitude nor the simplest courtesy—how ungrateful!

With a dry cough, Yang Kuan handed over an invitation. “Enough, young master Kong. Tomorrow morning, my lord will host a gathering of scholars at Misty Rain Pavilion and invites you as a guest. Here is your invitation; do not forget the hour.”

Composing himself, Kong Sheng bowed deeply and accepted the invitation with both hands. “Please relay to the lord my heartfelt thanks for his generous support and cultivation. I shall attend on time and will not dare to forget his profound kindness.”

These words pleased Yang Kuan, and the gloom on his face gave way to a rare smile. “You are too polite, young master Kong. Then I shall take my leave.”

Once Yang Kuan departed, the respectful smile faded from Kong Sheng’s face, his brows drawing together once more. At such a tumultuous juncture, what was Yang Qi’s true intention in suddenly hosting a gathering of scholars? Could he truly disregard the immense benefits of Zhou’s allegiance, and openly betroth Yang Xueruo to Kong Sheng before all?

Kong Sheng quietly shook his head, dismissing the notion. While he was confident in himself, he was not blind to his own limitations—for Yang Qi, he was not yet an indispensable asset.

So, what was Yang Qi planning?

Despite much deliberation, Kong Sheng found no answer and decided to set it aside. In his view, one need only meet each challenge calmly: however shrewd Yang Qi’s schemes, Kong Sheng had his own unyielding principles. Whatever the situation, he would remain cool and composed.

Removing the sandbags tightly bound to his waist and legs, Kong Sheng felt light as a swallow and indescribably refreshed. He ordered a basin of water from a servant for a simple wash, and was about to go downstairs for dinner when, opening the door, he found Mu Changfeng in white robes, sleeves billowing, standing before him.

“Oh? Brother Mu, were you looking for me?” Kong Sheng smiled slightly, cupping his hands in greeting. In truth, he had never expected this wandering swordsman to remain as his guard—the earlier “coercion” had been but a passing whim.

Mu Changfeng nodded silently, lowering his voice. “Rose Pavilion’s songstress Liu Xinru is staying downstairs. What is your relationship with her?”

Kong Sheng raised an eyebrow. “No particular connection. Does Brother Mu really believe those groundless street rumors?”

“Rumors spread like wildfire. Everywhere in town they say you redeemed Liu Xinru and will soon marry her. It’s not a matter of my believing it or not—rather, I urge you to be wary. Some may use the Liu girl to ensnare you in a trap,” Mu Changfeng replied coolly.

Kong Sheng gazed at him. “Thank you for your concern, Brother Mu. For such petty tricks, I can only ignore them. I can hardly go about explaining and clarifying to everyone, after all. The innocent need not fear. I have a clear conscience.”

Mu Changfeng’s eyes flickered as he looked back at Kong Sheng, hesitating as if wanting to say more, but finally turned and left.

Watching Mu Changfeng’s tall, graceful figure descend the stairs, Kong Sheng’s lips pressed into a thoughtful line. Mu Changfeng’s visit was clearly a warning—something had been discovered. Judging by Kong Sheng’s understanding of Mu Changfeng, it likely involved Liu Nian.

The second son of Magistrate Liu, restless and unwilling to admit defeat, was probably conspiring once again with the Zhou family—something Mu Changfeng had uncovered. Though Mu Changfeng despised such base intrigues, he owed Liu Nian a debt, and so, a secret warning was the most he could offer.

Last time, Liu Nian and Zhou Chang had tried the crude trick of drugging him; this time, no doubt Liu Xinru would be used as a pawn.

Kong Sheng laughed coldly, shaking his sleeves as he left—it was not worth troubling his heart. In his eyes, Liu Nian and Zhou Chang were not even worthy opponents, just two petty clowns.

Meanwhile, in another room of the same inn, Liu Xinru sat huddled on her bed, wrapped in a quilt, her face bare and her expression bleak.

Earlier that afternoon, Scholar Zhou Chang and Liu Nian—the second son of Magistrate Liu—had come to visit, subjecting her to threats and coercion, driving her to the edge of despair. If she did not do as they instructed, what awaited her would be even worse than falling again into the lowest brothel, suffering the abuse of common brutes—she might not even survive.