Chapter Seventy-Three: Clinging

A cold wind swept through as Kong Sheng and Mu Changfeng stood side by side. Kong Sheng wore a scholar’s azure robe, elegant and refined, while Mu Changfeng’s white garments fluttered in the breeze—both were extraordinary men, dragons among mortals, their unmatched bearing drawing curious glances from passersby. Among these onlookers were bold young women, their hearts awakened to romance, casting passionate, fiery gazes at the pair; some even paused beneath the inn, sending invisible flirtations upwards.

Kong Sheng gazed deeply at Mu Changfeng, a profound gleam flashing in his eyes. “The realm is in chaos, Jiangnan remains isolated and its news from Henan is mostly hearsay or exaggerated rumor. That you, Brother Mu, can grasp the true state of Suiyang genuinely surprises me.”

Mu Changfeng was taken aback. “Could it be that you have already learned of Suiyang’s situation?”

“Of course. Since Brother Mu is informed, I too have my sources,” Kong Sheng replied with a slight smile. “You’ve come to kindly advise me against journeying to Suiyang, and for that I am grateful.”

Seeing Mu Changfeng avoid further questioning, Kong Sheng did not press him. Everyone has their secrets, and he was no exception.

“The fate of the world is beyond human control. Moreover, with Yan’s army at Suiyang’s gates, the city is doomed to fall. If you go alone, it is no different from a moth flying into the flame, courting destruction,” Mu Changfeng said, folding his hands in a respectful gesture. “If I may offer counsel, it would be better to delay your departure. Should Suiyang fall, the court cannot blame you, and future appointments may well await.”

Though Mu Changfeng was a man of the martial world, his insight exceeded most.

Kong Sheng sighed softly. He knew well that delaying his post was a viable option, yet such hesitation would leave a stain upon his reputation, a flaw in his name that would prove detrimental in the long run. The situation was ever-changing; Tang forces might reverse the tide at any moment. If he waited too long, he could forever lose pace with the times.

“Thank you for your kindness, Brother Mu, but my mind is made up. Tomorrow I leave Jiangnan to take up my post—even if I know it’s a leap into the fire, I shall go without hesitation!” Kong Sheng’s voice rang with vigor and resolve, his spirit ablaze.

Mu Changfeng’s eyes shone with curiosity. “Why are you so stubborn, sir? Are you fearful for your reputation?”

He stared intently at Kong Sheng, whose expression remained calm, his gaze deep and clear.

“Kong Sheng has never been one for stubbornness. Brother Mu, you are a chivalrous hero of the martial world, you know that a true man acts with purpose. My ambition has always been to serve the people—not only through poetry, but through action. At this moment, when the court calls me to serve in time of national peril, how can I cling to life and fear death, letting the world mock me?”

“To die for one’s country is no more than what is right,” Kong Sheng laughed aloud. “Besides, chaos breeds heroes, and what lies ahead may not be an unbreakable deadlock. Even if death is inevitable, it would be a worthy end! Life is but a few decades—better to rise and fight in the present, for oneself, for the nation, for the common folk, striving for that slender chance at survival!”

Mu Changfeng was deeply moved. He drew a long breath, his eyes flashing with admiration.

After a moment, he stepped back two paces and bowed deeply to Kong Sheng. “Since it is so, I shall say no more. Though you are a scholar, your courage and resolve to save the nation and its people is worthy of the highest respect. We once agreed to a three-year pact—starting tomorrow, I will follow you, fulfilling my promise!”

“Farewell for now. We shall meet again tomorrow!” Mu Changfeng turned and left without hesitation.

Kong Sheng felt a flicker of joy in his heart. The road to Suiyang was long and fraught with war; having a figure like Mu Changfeng by his side, a man of unfathomable skill, would surely be a boon.

At the post station.

Cloaked and veiled, Zhou An and his son smiled broadly as they hurried out of the station, boarded an inconspicuous carriage, and quietly departed. The Zhou family believed their arrival was secret, but unbeknownst to them, their every move was closely watched by Yang Qi’s men.

Ever since Kong Sheng had unexpectedly been granted the title of “Disciple of the Emperor” and received his official post, Yang Qi had publicly shown favor toward him, while Yang Qi’s daughter, Yang Xue Ruo, exchanged affectionate glances and mutual feelings with Kong Sheng, their romance known throughout the city—much to Zhou Chang’s distress.

Had Kong Sheng merely surpassed him in poetry and reputation, Zhou Chang might have endured. But with Kong Sheng now in office, the difference was no longer one of literary talent, but the gulf between official and commoner—what was the point in competing further?

Not only Zhou Chang, but even local aristocrats like Liu Nian dared no longer move against Kong Sheng. To attack an imperial appointee, chosen by the emperor’s own hand and formally installed as county magistrate, was to openly defy the laws and authority of the Tang dynasty.

Thus, almost overnight, Liu Nian and the others received strict orders not to challenge Kong Sheng; several were even confined to their homes.

Zhou Chang’s confidence was utterly crushed. His father, Zhou An, was bitterly disappointed, vexed, and harbored resentment toward Yang Qi. The Zhou family had invested heavily in befriending the Yangs, nearly pledging themselves in service, yet the great cost yielded nothing in return—how could Zhou An explain this to the elders upon his return to Yixing?

Unwilling to accept defeat, Zhou An set his sights on Li Fuguo, the imperial eunuch dispatched from Lingwu to announce the court’s decree. Zhou An, ever skilled in maneuvering, believed that since Li Fuguo was chosen as imperial envoy, he was no ordinary eunuch. If he could befriend Li Fuguo and have him recommend Zhou Chang to the emperor, it might offer the Zhou family another opportunity.

Acting swiftly, Zhou An arranged for the family’s city business to raise a hundred thousand coins, secretly paying respects and presenting a lavish gift to Li Fuguo, even gifting a manor outside Jiangning.

As ever, wealth moves the heart, a universal key and passport. The Zhou family’s sincerity was met with Li Fuguo’s enthusiastic promises: he pledged to personally recommend Zhou Chang to the emperor upon his return, and, once the rebellion was quelled, vowed to help the Yixing Zhou business establish itself in the capital.

Zhou An and his son were elated. The Zhou family had long been confined to Jiangnan mainly because they lacked connections at court; few relatives held office, and they had little power. If they could attach themselves to someone like Li Fuguo, the prospects for future growth would be limitless.

In truth, Li Fuguo was merely making empty promises, painting a grand picture with no telling when it might be fulfilled. First, he had no desire to leave Jiangnan soon, and when he might return to the emperor was uncertain—his recommendation was but a distant hope. Second, he himself harbored little expectation that the court would soon quell the An Lushan rebellion.

Nonetheless, this time the Zhou family’s gamble proved correct. Li Fuguo would soon rise to unprecedented power, and the Zhou family, having grasped this mighty branch, reaped considerable benefit.