Category: The Fierce Crown Prince

Chapter 10: Apology

After a fruitless morning in the West Market, Xu Buling arrived at the dismounting stone outside the Imperial Academy, the sun already high in the sky.

Old Xiao, who had been waiting there for a long time, greeted him with a cheerful smile:

“How did it go, Young Master? Did you capture the heart of that naive young lady?”

Xu Buling sighed:

“Zhu Manzhi is a bit too simple-minded. Can we find someone else?”

Old Xiao shook his head:

“The archives contain confidential documents about princes, nobles, and influential families. Trespassing is considered treason. A more cunning person wouldn’t take the risk.”

Xu Buling nodded, not saying anything further, and entered the Imperial Academy. According to the rules, skipping classes would result in a day of striking the bell as punishment. He didn’t want to spend time with the immature youths in Wenqu Courtyard, so he went to the Bell and Drum Tower voluntarily.

There was a room at the base of the tower specifically for students undergoing self-reflection. It was furnished only with a bed and a desk, spotlessly clean and tidy. Xu Buling sat down at the desk, picked up the brush and ink, and began copying the “Xue Ji.”

He had just finished writing a few lines when a graceful figure appeared outside the window, cautiously peering inside. Their footsteps were light, as if they were trying to avoid being noticed. Their hands were clasped in front of them, and they took a few steps forward, then hesitated, before continuing to approach.

Xu Buling frowned slightly, set down his brush, and pondered for a moment. He decided to ignore them.

Thump, thump, thump—

Footsteps ascended the stairs, then circled the upper level. A soft voice muttered, “I could have sworn I saw him here…” Then the footsteps descended the tower and stopped outside the window.

Xu Buling’s frown deepened. He stood up, grabbed a pole, and closed the window.

Song Yufu turned her head at the sound, her hair swirling around her. Her eyes lit up with surprise, but before she could speak, the window slammed shut with a loud bang.

She was stunned for a moment, then walked to the door and knocked gently.

Knock, knock—

“No one’s here.”

“Your Highness, may I… may I come in?”

“…”

“…I’m coming in then…”

The door creaked open.

Song Yufu entered the room, her demeanor graceful and polite. She walked towards the desk with a slightly embarrassed smile and curtsied:

“Prince Xu, about last time…”

“Close the door behind you.”

“Hmm?”

Song Yufu blinked, seeing that Xu Buling was focused on his copying and didn’t look up. She smiled softly, turned around, and closed the door.

But as she turned back, she suddenly found Xu Buling standing right behind her, his hand resting on the door, blocking her way.

He had trapped her against the door.

“Ah—”

Song Yufu was startled. She clutched her chest, her back pressed against the door as she looked up at Xu Buling, her voice trembling:

“Prince Xu, what are you doing?”

“I should be asking you that.”

Xu Buling looked down at her, his expression unreadable. A faint, sweet fragrance wafted from her. He leaned closer:

“A young lady, coming here alone to see a man. Do you want to be a princess?”

“I…”

Song Yufu pursed her lips, her eyes flashing with annoyance. She said softly:

“How can you say such things, Prince Xu… I… I’m here to apologize. I misunderstood you about the incident with Xiao Ting.”

Xu Buling’s eyebrows furrowed:

“Misunderstood what?”

Song Yufu’s expression was earnest:

“I thought you were quick-tempered and violent, but I realized you’re a true gentleman who doesn’t seek fame or recognition. You only punished Xiao Ting because of his disrespectful gaze. And the time you cracked the salt smuggling case…”

Xu Buling’s face darkened. If Aunt Lu heard this, she would surely lecture him again about his inability to “hide his abilities and feign incompetence.”

“That wasn’t the reason. I only hit Xiao Ting because I was drunk.”

Song Yufu refused to believe him:

“That’s not true. You’re clearly a gentleman. Why would you accept such false accusations? I’ll go and tell my father to clear your name. I’ll let the whole Imperial Academy know that you’re not ill-tempered, but simply mature beyond your years and unconcerned with explaining yourself…”

“…”

Xu Buling took a deep breath:

“Miss Song, you’re being delusional.”

Song Yufu’s expression was serious:

“I can’t stand by and watch as a good man is wrongly accused and a villain triumphs.”

Seeing that reasoning was futile, Xu Buling adopted a stern expression:

“If you’re here to apologize, show some sincerity. Copy three chapters of the ‘Xue Ji,’ and we’ll be even.”

Song Yufu’s eyebrows furrowed. She shook her head resolutely:

“I can’t copy for you anymore. I already did it last time. Besides, even if Xiao Ting was being disrespectful, you shouldn’t have resorted to violence. That would make you no better than a brute. So you were still wrong to hit him. But I still want to thank you…”

She continued rambling.

Xu Buling leaned closer, his hand still resting on the door, his expression arrogant:

“It’s no use talking. You’re not leaving this room until you copy it.”

Song Yufu leaned back slightly, intending to push him away, but she thought better of it and withdrew her hand. She said firmly:

“I won’t copy for you. I’d rather stay here.”

Xu Buling nodded, his gaze fixed on her coldly.

Song Yufu stood tall, her chin raised, unafraid. She seemed to be thinking, “You’re a gentleman, so you won’t hit me.”

The standoff continued.

Time passed, and soon afternoon turned into dusk.

Song Yufu, physically delicate, was starting to feel the strain of standing for hours. She shifted her weight subtly, but her gaze remained defiant.

Xu Buling wasn’t in a hurry.

Grumble—

A soft, almost inaudible sound came from her stomach.

Song Yufu’s face flushed crimson, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned and tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge.

Xu Buling snorted softly:

“Did you think I was joking?”

Song Yufu stamped her foot, her voice laced with anxiety:

“Prince Xu, I can’t copy for you.”

“Then you’re not leaving.”

“Fine. I won’t leave. I won’t die from missing one meal.”

Xu Buling snorted again, grabbed her by the back of her collar, opened the door, and led her towards the stairs of the Bell and Drum Tower.

It seemed he was going to play “bungee jumping” again.

Song Yufu’s face paled. She swayed precariously in the air, struggling briefly before realizing it was making her more uncomfortable. She said anxiously:

“Prince Xu, how can you do this? Put me down!”

“Will you copy it or not?”

Song Yufu pursed her lips and hesitated for a long moment:

“…One last time.”

“No way. From now on, you’ll be responsible for all my copying.”

Song Yufu’s eyes widened in protest:

“Why?”

Xu Buling brought her back inside and said calmly:

“Because you’ll be copying for me, and I’ll keep it a secret.”

Song Yufu bit her lip, then muttered after a long pause:

“You’re unreasonable.”

“Good to know. I’m not a gentleman.”

Xu Buling sat down on the bed, his posture upright, his gaze fixed on her.

Song Yufu sighed resignedly, walked to the desk, picked up the brush, and reluctantly continued copying the “Xue Ji”…

…

At the Investigation Bureau headquarters outside the Imperial Palace, Wolf Guards armed with sabers came and went in groups of three, dispatched to all corners of the Great Dynasty to investigate various cases.

As dusk approached, Zhu Manzhi returned to the headquarters, her spirits low.

The Investigation Bureau, as the Emperor’s eyes and ears, held immense power. Ten years ago, the court had swept across the land, striking fear into the hearts of martial artists. The era was known as the “Iron Eagle Hunts the Deer,” and the Investigation Bureau had risen to prominence during that time. Its authority reached the heavens and shook the earth. There was nothing it couldn’t handle. Even high-ranking officials gave it a wide berth. However, this privilege was limited to the Wolf Guards of the Heavenly Stem units.

The Earth Dog units were only slightly higher in rank than ordinary constables. And the “Earth Dog Battalion,” at the bottom of the seventy-two Earthly Branches, held little status within the Investigation Bureau. It was either filled with newcomers or those nearing retirement.

Inside the courtyard of the patrol office, mostly old men and greenhorns, Wang Dazhuang and Liu Hou’er had already returned. They were squatting in the courtyard, chatting with a few colleagues. Seeing Zhu Manzhi enter, Liu Hou’er greeted her with a smile:

“Manzhi, why the long face?”

“Patrolling the streets is boring. There’s nothing to do.”

Zhu Manzhi untied the black scarf covering her head, arranged her hair, and took a thorn hairpin from her clothes, using the rainwater-filled water tank as a mirror. She asked softly:

“Are there any major cases recently?”

Liu Hou’er thought for a moment:

“There are plenty of major cases, but they’re handled by the Arrest Division, not our Patrol Division… Hmm… Something happened in the East City a few days ago. Someone infiltrated Commander Zhang’s private residence. They were discovered by the guards and a fight broke out. Twelve Wolf Guards from the Heavenly Might Battalion were sent, but only eight returned. The intruder escaped. The commander ordered us to be on the lookout and fire signal flares if we have any leads.”

Zhu Manzhi was surprised. The Heavenly Might Battalion was ranked eighth among the Heavenly Stem units. Any one of its thirty Wolf Guards could dominate the martial world. Four teams of twelve could wipe out an entire martial arts sect. Yet only eight returned, and they failed to capture the intruder. How powerful was this person?

Zhu Manzhi blinked:

“If I capture them, can I join the Heavenly Stem units?”

Wang Dazhuang cracked a sunflower seed:

“You could, but the Heavenly Stem units are on high alert right now. You might lose your life trying. Just focus on finding a stable job and don’t get any wild ideas.”

Zhu Manzhi nodded slightly, then asked:

“Do you know who owns the White Horse Manor outside the city?”

Liu Hou’er thought for a moment:

“The White Horse Manor is a place for wealthy young men to gather and have fun. Ordinary people aren’t allowed inside. It’s probably connected to some high-ranking official. Why are you asking?”

Zhu Manzhi recalled Xu Buling’s threat, “I’ll sell you to a brothel…” Her frown deepened, and she sighed:

“Just curious…” She retied her scarf and left the courtyard, her spirits low…

Chapter 9: Carrying a Noob

Dong— Dong—

The morning bell resonated through Chang’an, and the familiar sound of students reciting lessons echoed from the study halls of the Imperial Academy.

Song Yufu, with slightly red-rimmed eyes, paced back and forth in the Wenqu Courtyard, clutching a book and reciting passages she had already memorized. The study hall was still sparsely populated, with most of the princes and noblemen dozing off. Only a handful of students were genuinely engaged in their studies.

Her father, Grand Tutor Song Baiqing, had long since given up on teaching these unmotivated youths. Even her gentle nature was wearing thin. She hadn’t slept well for the past few days, and whenever she felt a wave of drowsiness, she had to pinch herself to stay awake.

Recalling the events of the past few days, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger.

That night at the Bell and Drum Tower, she had intended to teach Prince Xu about scholarly decorum. Instead, he had dangled her from the tower, leaving her traumatized for days.

Being forced to copy the “Xue Ji” was one thing, but after she had diligently transcribed the entire text in the freezing cold tower, Prince Xu, who had been sitting beside her drinking, had simply said:

“The handwriting is wrong. Copy my style and rewrite it.”

Wasn’t this bullying?

She had thrown down the brush in frustration, only to be dangled from the tower again…

Song Yufu’s face flushed with shame.

Later, as the hour of the rat approached and her wrist ached, Prince Xu had finally allowed her to leave. She had planned to stay far away from him, leaving him to finish the copying himself. But then he had said:

“Be here on time tomorrow night, or the whole Imperial Academy will know that you’re copying for me.”

Sigh…

As the legitimate son of a prince, he could disregard his reputation. But she came from a scholarly family, her father and brothers renowned Confucian scholars. She couldn’t let such a scandal spread. So she had no choice but to arrive at the Bell and Drum Tower promptly at dusk, copying until late at night.

After seven days, she was exhausted, while Prince Xu had spent the entire time drinking. The thought of it filled her with resentment…

Lost in her thoughts, Song Yufu suddenly overheard the whispers of a few princes:

“Xiao Ting, why aren’t you staring at Miss Song’s back anymore? You were so engrossed last time…”

Song Yufu snapped back to reality and frowned slightly. As they were all sons of princes and nobles, she couldn’t reprimand them directly. She decided to leave discreetly. But as she took a step, she heard Xiao Ting’s voice:

“Don’t be ridiculous. A gentleman doesn’t deceive in secret.”

“Tsk~ You know about ‘a gentleman doesn’t deceive in secret’? You were practically drooling last time. If Xu Buling hadn’t beaten you up, who knows what you would have done…”

“I, Xiao Ting, am not that kind of vulgar person…”

“Come on, none of us here are saints. Who are you trying to fool? Xu Buling isn’t here today. If you want to stare, just do it openly…”

“What if that lunatic suddenly returns…”

“Oh~ So Young Master Xiao is afraid of that…”

“Pfft— Get lost…”

“Hahaha…”

Hearing their conversation, Song Yufu froze, clutching her book.

Prince Xu… had beaten up Xiao Ting because of his disrespectful gaze?

Suddenly, it all made sense! Prince Xu wasn’t arrogant and unruly. He was a true gentleman who didn’t care for fame or recognition!

She remembered how she had scolded him that night for assaulting Xiao Ting without provocation…

Song Yufu paced back and forth, a wave of shame washing over her…

…

The warm winter sun shone on Zhuque Avenue, the street bustling with activity. Temples and Taoist shrines lined the road, incense smoke filling the air. Noblewomen in carriages and palanquins passed by, along with merchants and travelers from afar, enjoying the sights of the prosperous city.

Xu Buling rode his horse through Zhuque Avenue and arrived outside Yongning District just as the bell and drum tower signaled the time.

The third quarter of the hour of the dragon(7:00 AM to 9:00 AM), precisely on time.

“Xu Gongzi!”

As he reined in his horse, Zhu Manzhi rushed over with a cheerful greeting. She held a small pouch in her hand and said with a smile:

“Those three scoundrels from yesterday were repeat offenders who had injured many of our comrades. The authorities rewarded us with thirty taels of silver. This merit belongs to you, Xu Gongzi. Take it all.”

Xu Buling dismounted, but he didn’t reach for the pouch. He led his horse towards the street and glanced at her:

“What cases have you taken on?”

Zhu Manzhi’s eyes lit up. She quickly retrieved a small notebook from her clothes, flipped through a few pages, and pointed at a few lines of text:

“Thanks to your help, Xu Gongzi, I specifically chose a few difficult cases that no one else in the Earth Dog Battalion was willing to take. The rewards are quite substantial…”

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Have you had breakfast, Xu Gongzi?”

“…”

A short while later, they sat at a table outside a food stall, two bowls of steaming mutton soup placed before them.

Zhu Manzhi held her chopsticks and said generously:

“It’s my treat. Double portions of mutton. We can order more if it’s not enough.”

Xu Buling chuckled, placed his sword on the table, and began eating with gusto.

Zhu Manzhi sipped her soup, her eyes constantly glancing at Xu Buling. She seemed nervous and fidgeted slightly, her gaze eventually settling on his sword. She tried to make conversation:

“Xu Gongzi, what’s the name of your sword?”

“Zhaodan.”

“Zhaodan… I feel like I’ve heard that name before… My father also used a sword and even taught me a little, but he wasn’t very skilled. I only know one technique…”

“Really…”

They chatted idly.

As the sun rose higher, the street became crowded.

Two empty bowls sat on the table. Zhu Manzhi stood up, patted her stomach, and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Seeing Xu Buling take a swig from his wine gourd, she chuckled:

“Xu Gongzi, drinking in the morning is bad for your health.”

“Not drinking will kill me.”

“Oh… So you’re a heavy drinker, Xu Gongzi. I also enjoy drinking. My favorite is the Jade Breaker from the Sun family’s shop in Daye District. It’s incredibly potent…”

Xu Buling led his horse through the crowded street and turned into an alley, a hint of exasperation in his voice:

“Miss Zhu, you talk a lot.”

“Really? I… I’ll be quiet then…”

“Let’s talk business.”

“Oh… There’s a man named Zheng Sandao in the West Market. He’s a local boss, and I heard he owns two gambling dens. But we don’t have any leads. He’s very cautious and always disappears whenever we send someone to investigate…”

…

“Candied hawthorns—”

“Coal for sale—”

“You bastard—”

The West Market of Chang’an was a bustling hub of activity, with shops, stalls, gambling dens, and theaters lining the streets.

Inside a courtyard, a clerk counted the money collected from the previous night’s gambling operations. Zheng Sandao sat at a table, wiping a worn blade with a white cloth. The blade bore the marks of time, having accompanied him throughout his years in the martial world.

The sounds of shouting and commotion came from the gambling den next door. Occasionally, a man who had lost everything, even his pants, would be thrown out, cursing and spitting as he left.

“You bunch of gambling addicts! If you could win, I’d be out of business!”

Zheng Sandao cursed, then paused in his cleaning. A servant rushed into the courtyard:

“Boss, there’s a Wolf Guard in the West Market, heading this way.”

“Just one?”

“There’s also a wealthy young man leading a very expensive horse. He doesn’t look like the type to cause trouble. Should we avoid them, Boss?”

“No need.”

As he spoke, a cold voice came from the courtyard entrance.

Zheng Sandao’s expression changed abruptly. He stood up, gripping the hilt of his blade, and looked towards the gate. A tall young man in white, carrying a long sword, strode into the courtyard.

A breathless female Wolf Guard followed behind him.

The thugs in the courtyard grabbed their clubs and surrounded them.

Zheng Sandao descended the steps, his eyes sharp as he assessed the situation. He reversed his grip on his blade and bowed:

“What brings you here, Young Master?”

Xu Buling continued walking, his right hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

“Be careful!”

The courtyard erupted in chaos as the thugs raised their clubs.

Zheng Sandao assumed a fighting stance, his robes billowing, his aura turning menacing:

“Brother, don’t force our hand…”

Before he could finish his sentence, a metallic shing rang out as a blade flashed through the air.

Clang!

Zheng Sandao hastily raised his blade to block, but it was sliced clean in two.

Terror filled his eyes as he stumbled backward, but he couldn’t avoid the sword thrust towards his throat.

In that moment of life or death, Zhu Manzhi leaped forward and grabbed Xu Buling’s arm:

“Spare him!”

Xu Buling froze, the tip of his sword inches from Zheng Sandao’s throat. He frowned slightly:

“Miss Zhu, what are you doing?”

Zhu Manzhi, panting heavily, clung to Xu Buling’s arm, her face filled with distress:

“Xu Gongzi, his crime doesn’t warrant death. Why would you kill him?”

“Exactly!”

Zheng Sandao, pale with fear, collapsed onto the ground and stammered:

“I only stole Merchant Wang’s concubine. Killing is against the law…”

“…?”

Xu Buling was speechless. He took a deep breath, sheathed his sword, and turned to leave.

Zhu Manzhi panicked. She dragged Zheng Sandao to his feet and chased after Xu Buling, pleading:

“Xu Gongzi, please don’t be angry. Merchant Wang offered a reward of two hundred taels of silver for his capture. It’s a lot of money…”

Xu Buling glanced at her:

“I asked you to take on some major cases, and you wasted my entire morning leading me on a wild goose chase to arrest a petty adulterer? Seriously?”

Zhu Manzhi’s face fell, filled with remorse:

“I… I’m new here. I couldn’t get any major cases…”

Xu Buling thought for a moment, then said sternly:

“If you want to join the Heavenly Stem units, arresting these small-time crooks won’t be enough. You need to capture dangerous martial artists.”

Zhu Manzhi’s expression turned sullen, her voice tinged with grievance:

“Dangerous martial artists… We can’t find them in Chang’an City. The easy targets have already been apprehended by others. Unless we investigate ourselves, where will we find any major cases…”

Zheng Sandao, trembling with fear, interjected:

“Officers, I know a secret. It’s definitely a major case. Just please spare me and don’t take me to the authorities…”

Xu Buling’s eyes turned cold:

“Speak.”

Zheng Sandao hesitated, realizing he had no bargaining power. He confessed:

“There have been many gamblers disappearing in the city recently. The authorities haven’t done anything about it. I heard it might be related to the White Horse Manor outside the city…”

Xu Buling frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, then glanced at Zheng Sandao:

“Get lost.”

“Thank you, Young Master!” Zheng Sandao’s face lit up with joy as he fled.

“Hey— Stop!”

Zhu Manzhi, who had finally caught a valuable target, panicked. She chased after him for a few steps, then glanced at Xu Buling, her voice weakening:

“That’s two hundred taels of silver… My salary for three years…”

Xu Buling whistled for his horse, mounted, and said:

“Investigate the White Horse Manor. And ask around at the Investigation Bureau if any notorious martial artists have entered the city recently… You have seven days. If you bring me another petty case next time, I’ll sell you to a brothel. I guarantee you’ll earn more money than you can imagine.”

Zhu Manzhi shuddered and replied weakly:

“Don’t be so mean. I’m a Wolf Guard. It’s against the law to sell me…”

“Killing isn’t against the law for me. What’s wrong with selling a person?”

“The Emperor is subject to the same laws as the common people…”

“I’m not the Emperor, and I’m not a commoner.”

“Oh… I understand.”

Zhu Manzhi lowered her head, watching as Xu Buling galloped away. She stuck out her tongue:

“He’s so arrogant…”

Chapter 8: The Same Trick Again

As dusk settled and lanterns illuminated the streets, Chang’an’s 108 districts bustled with crowds. Xu Buling, accompanied by Old Xiao, rode through Daye District in search of Zhu Manzhi.

The streets were teeming with wealthy merchants, elegant carriages, and bustling crowds. Though lacking the neon lights of the modern world, the prosperity and splendor of Chang’an rivaled, and even surpassed, any modern city.

In this area, armed martial artists were a rare sight, replaced by scholars fanning themselves or carrying swords as mere decorations.

Despite rarely venturing out since arriving in Chang’an, Xu Buling had visited Daye District on numerous occasions, attending banquets hosted by princes and nobles, but primarily to purchase alcohol.

The district wasn’t far from the Imperial Academy. To suppress the agonizing pain caused by the Dragon Locking Gu poison, he needed to consume alcohol regularly. The Sun family’s shop, a century-old establishment in the district, was renowned for its potent “Jade Breaker” liquor, which proved to be the most effective remedy. Having become accustomed to its taste, he occasionally made the trip himself.

They turned into a narrow bluestone alley, passing by occasional patrons carrying wine gourds or with flushed faces. Daye District was home to many wealthy families, and there were no drunken brawls or unruly behavior.

The Sun family’s shop was located deep within the alley, marked by a faded banner with the character “Sun” on it. The shop was small, with only three square tables inside, but it housed over a dozen large wine jars.

Due to its reputation, all three tables were occupied. At the table farthest inside sat a lone figure in black, wearing a bamboo hat and with a long sword resting on the table. Only their slender back was visible, suggesting a woman of considerable height.

Xu Buling glanced at the figure and noticed them turn their head slightly, as if sensing his gaze. He averted his eyes, took his wine gourd from his saddle, and said:

“A pot of wine, please.”

“Right away, Sancai, a pot of wine… Oh, it’s you, Young Master. What a rare sight to see you here. The usual?”

“Yes.”

“Heh… You truly have a remarkable capacity for alcohol. A jin of Jade Breaker every day, without fail. Half of the wine I’ve brewed this year has gone into your belly…”

Shopkeeper Sun, in his sixties with a head of white hair, had a kind demeanor. He had been brewing wine all his life. His son had pursued a career in government and rarely returned home, leaving him to run the shop alone. Due to his exceptional skills, many sought to learn from him, and he welcomed them all, eager to pass on his family’s legacy.

The apprentice, Sancai, was likely new, as Xu Buling hadn’t seen him before. He appeared honest and hardworking. He carefully filled a pot from a wine jar and handed it to Xu Buling respectfully.

Xu Buling smiled, retrieved a silver ingot from his sleeve, tossed it to Sancai, and left the shop with his horse. As he walked away, he heard voices from behind:

“Shopkeeper, you gave him too much.”

“That young master always overpays. Just keep it, Sancai. Save it wisely, and don’t gamble it away. Your wife left you because of your gambling habit. Be careful not to lose everything and end up paying with your life…”

“I know what I’m doing…”

Xu Buling frowned slightly, paused, and then continued walking out of the alley…

…

Inside the Sun family’s shop, Sancai held the silver ingot, his eyes wide with excitement. He bit it to test its authenticity, then carefully tucked it away inside his clothes.

Shopkeeper Sun placed plates of peanuts and cold dishes on the tables, chattering away and exchanging pleasantries with the patrons.

People from all walks of life frequented his shop. Rumor had it that even the Emperor had visited in disguise, though no one could confirm it. It was simply a charming anecdote.

The lone figure in black, with their back to the alley, finally lifted their bamboo hat slightly, revealing delicate lips and a sharp chin. Their skin was as white as snow, their lips as red as cinnabar. Even half their face hinted at an extraordinary beauty. They gracefully lifted their wine bowl and spoke in a clear, cool voice:

“Shopkeeper, who was that just now?”

Shopkeeper Sun, who had seen countless beauties in his lifetime, placed a plate of peanuts on their table and chuckled:

“I’m not sure. Must be a young master from a wealthy family. That fox fur cloak he’s wearing isn’t cheap. He’s either rich or noble, and incredibly handsome. In my opinion, he’s just as good-looking as you, Miss…”

The woman smiled faintly:

“He seems to have a weak constitution, probably from indulging in wine and women.”

Shopkeeper Sun was taken aback. He thought for a moment, then shook his head:

“That young master is far from weak. He’s not like those frivolous young men who waste their days on pleasure. He’s also a good person…”

“Heh…”

The woman didn’t respond, focusing on her meal…

…

Meanwhile, in a tavern on a nearby street, marked by a faded banner, the air was thick with noise and the clatter of dice. A group of rough-looking men gathered around a fire pit.

Constable Zhu Manzhi, holding a wine bowl larger than her face, frowned with worry.

After her parents disappeared, she had joined the local constabulary, working tirelessly for years before being transferred to Chang’an and becoming a Wolf Guard. She had hoped to access the archives and investigate her parents’ disappearance, but she quickly realized that she wasn’t qualified.

To be promoted, she needed to apprehend criminals and gain merits. She was eager to do so, but Chang’an was a peaceful city, with doors left unlocked at night. Even in the most chaotic district, Yongning, she rarely encountered any petty thieves, and she had to share the credit with her two teammates. The road ahead seemed long and daunting.

Beside her at the table sat a tall, muscular man with a towering physique. He had one leg propped up on a stool, his posture relaxed. He said reassuringly:

“Manzhi, don’t worry. It usually takes ten years of hard work to join the Heavenly Stem units. We know you’re eager to find your parents. Liu Hou’er and I will let you take most of the credit for our cases.”

The slender Liu Hou’er gulped down his wine and smacked his lips:

“Yeah, even though most of the credit for the salt smuggling case at the Fu Man Restaurant went to the Imperial Guard and our captain, you still received a major commendation. Two more, and you’ll be promoted to the Heavenly Stem units. What’s the rush?”

Zhu Manzhi took a small sip of her yellow wine and snorted:

“Where will we find such good luck again? If we hadn’t run into Prince Xu that day, we wouldn’t have been able to crack that case.”

“That’s true…”

As Liu Hou’er spoke, he glanced at the street and suddenly froze. He nudged the muscular man beside him:

“Wang Dazhuang, look, there’s a fool.”

Zhu Manzhi and Wang Dazhuang looked out the window and saw an old man with a cane, walking with difficulty, his eyes unfocused and his movements slow. He occasionally paused to rub his lower back.

Zhu Manzhi recognized the old man. He was a storyteller who often performed at the tea stall in the backstreet. Today, he was wearing a money pouch at his waist, bulging with silver. A quick glance suggested it contained at least a few dozen taels.

Zhu Manzhi was surprised:

“That old man, carrying so much money and flaunting his wealth. Isn’t he asking to be robbed…”

Her eyes scanned the street and spotted a few shady-looking individuals approaching the old man. To make matters worse, the old man turned into a nearby alley.

“Hey—”

Zhu Manzhi’s face flushed with urgency. She grabbed her goose-feather saber, leaped out the window, and landed gracefully on the ground. Her two companions followed closely behind.

They rushed into the alley and, after a short distance, witnessed a scene that filled them with anger.

Three thugs, their faces covered with masks, surrounded the old man, brandishing short daggers.

The old man was backed against a wall, his right hand gripping his cane as he tried to fend off the attackers. His left hand clutched his money pouch, tears streaming down his face:

“Help! Someone help!”

“You old fool! If we don’t teach you a lesson, you’ll think our knives are fake!”

“Stop!”

Zhu Manzhi roared, drawing her goose-feather saber. Her slender figure moved with the speed of a cheetah, covering two zhang in an instant and reaching the thugs. She swung her saber, aiming for one of their arms, but the thug was wearing a metal bracer, and the blade sparked harmlessly.

Clang!

The thugs reacted quickly. One of them threw a punch at Zhu Manzhi.

Caught off guard, she raised her arm to block, but the force of the blow sent her flying backward, crashing into the alley wall. The remaining thug, wielding a short blade, rushed towards her and lunged.

In a fight between martial artists, victory or defeat was often decided in the blink of an eye.

Wang Dazhuang and Liu Hou’er turned pale. They could only shout, “You villain!” but were powerless to intervene.

At that moment.

A gust of wind swept through the quiet alley. Three sharp cracks echoed, and a white figure descended from the sky, landing behind Zhu Manzhi. The figure held a sword in their right hand and placed their left hand on Zhu Manzhi’s back, stopping her momentum.

Zhu Manzhi groaned from the impact of the punches and stumbled back, her eyes wide with fear. She saw the three thugs swaying as if they had been struck on the head.

Clatter!

Their daggers fell to the ground, and the thugs collapsed one after another.

Zhu Manzhi stood frozen, her saber raised, staring at the unconscious thugs. It took her a moment to comprehend what had happened.

She turned around in astonishment and saw a young man in white standing beside her, a faint smile on his face. He said softly:

“Be careful, Miss.”

His voice was magnetic, his appearance incredibly handsome. His peach blossom eyes held an irresistible charm.

Zhu Manzhi stared at him, speechless. A blush crept onto her cheeks…

…

Snowflakes fell softly on the quiet alley as the two Wolf Guards tied up the unconscious thugs.

At the entrance of the alley, Zhu Manzhi comforted the trembling Old Xiao, instructed him to hide his money, and sent him on his way. She then returned to the alley with her saber. She saw Xu Buling, dressed in white, standing there motionless, holding his wine gourd.

She knew how dangerous the situation had been. If Xu Buling hadn’t intervened, she would have been either killed or seriously injured.

Zhu Manzhi hesitated for a moment, then approached him, intending to thank him. However, Xu Buling spoke first:

“It was nothing. Just call me Xu Gongzi when we’re out and about.”

Zhu Manzhi glanced at the two Wolf Guards and decided not to reveal Xu Buling’s true identity. She walked alongside him towards the entrance of the alley:

“Thank you, Xu Gongzi.”

Xu Buling took a sip of his wine and glanced at her:

“You’re so young, yet instead of staying at home embroidering and doing needlework, you’re out here trying to be a man and fight. This is the second time I’ve seen you being beaten. Be careful in the future.”

Zhu Manzhi chuckled awkwardly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, stealing glances at him:

“Thank you for your concern, Xu Gongzi… What brings you here?”

Xu Buling smiled faintly:

“There’s a chess match at the Dragon’s Roar Pavilion. I was on my way there and happened to pass by… What’s your name? You seem quite young. Why are you a constable in the capital?”

“My name is Zhu Manzhi. It means ‘branches laden with osmanthus blossoms.’”

Zhu Manzhi walked slowly beside him, a hint of sadness in her eyes:

“My father gave me that name. We had many osmanthus trees in our yard when I was a child. My mother loved them…

…Two years ago, on my fourteenth birthday, my parents suddenly disappeared. We reported it to the authorities, but they couldn’t find them. So I joined the local constabulary and started searching everywhere…

…Then I heard that the Investigation Bureau in the capital knows everything, so I came here. But I discovered that only Wolf Guards from the Heavenly Stem units can access the archives…”

“You became a constable to find your parents?”

“Yes.” Zhu Manzhi held her saber behind her back, kicking a small pebble on the ground. “My father was probably a martial artist. He left me some money, so he must have abandoned me intentionally. The Investigation Bureau knows everything. They must have information about him.”

Xu Buling was silent for a moment, then chuckled:

“You want to join the Heavenly Stem units?”

Zhu Manzhi nodded eagerly, then sighed:

“I need to capture a hundred petty thieves to be promoted. I don’t have enough merits. It’ll take me ten years.”

“I can help you.”

Zhu Manzhi stopped walking and looked at Xu Buling curiously:

“Why?”

Xu Buling smiled:

“I have nothing better to do, and you seem pitiful. Forget it if you don’t want my help.” He continued walking towards the district gate.

“Wait—”

Zhu Manzhi hurried after him:

“Xu Gongzi, you’re so powerful. You can definitely help me. You just need to say the word.”

Xu Buling shook his head:

“The Investigation Bureau monitors all the princes and nobles. I can’t pull any strings. But I can help you in other ways. Since I have nothing else to do, you can go to the Investigation Bureau tomorrow and take on a few cases. Meet me at the district gate at the third quarter of the hour of the dragon. Don’t be late.”

“No problem.”

Zhu Manzhi’s eyes lit up with excitement. She watched as Xu Buling left, waving happily…

Chapter 7: A Prince’s Daily Life

Seven days later.

Xu Buling stepped out of the Imperial Academy and whistled. A tall, black horse with snow-white hooves trotted out from the stables and stopped in front of the dismounting stone on the bluestone street.

The horse was a “Windchaser Snowhoof,” a breed native to the northern deserts. The cavalry of Prince Su’s Western Liang army, numbering 100,000 strong, relied entirely on horses from the north. Out of every hundred fine steeds, one would be a Snowhoof, and out of every hundred Snowhoofs, one would be a Windchaser. Their price was equivalent to their weight in gold, and they were extremely rare. There were only two in Chang’an, the other being the Emperor’s mount.

Xu Buling mounted his horse and galloped towards the Prince of Su’s residence on Kui Shou Street in Changle District. The area surrounding the Imperial Palace was home to princes, nobles, and high-ranking officials, with heavily guarded mansions and relatively few pedestrians.

After about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, he passed through the three octagonal archways of Kui Shou Street and saw a small palanquin parked outside the Prince of Su’s residence. A graceful maid stood at the entrance, holding an umbrella and waiting respectfully.

It was Madam Lu’s personal maid.

Xu Buling felt a headache coming on. He reined in his horse, preparing to turn back and spend the night at the Imperial Academy, but a clear voice called out from behind:

“Young Master!”

Xu Buling sighed and urged his horse forward, trotting through the snow-covered street towards the maid. He feigned ignorance:

“Yuenü, what brings you here?”

Yuenü curtsied gracefully, her voice soft and gentle:

“Your Highness, Madam has been waiting for you at home for three days. She hasn’t seen you and was worried that something might have happened, so she sent me to check on you.”

Xu Buling nodded slightly and turned his horse towards Madam Lu’s residence.

Kui Shou Street was exclusively inhabited by princes, nobles, and high-ranking officials. The three octagonal archways at the entrance of the street were bestowed upon the Xiao, Lu, and Xu families.

The Xiao family of Huainan was one of the most prestigious families in the Great Dynasty. They had survived three dynastic changes and had held high positions in the government for generations. The Lu family of Jinling was another prominent family, their mansion in the capital located directly across from the Xiao residence. The Xu family had only been granted their princely title sixty years ago, so there was a significant difference in their respective histories and influence.

Madam Lu had been married to a talented young man from the Xiao family, but he had passed away shortly after their wedding, leaving her a widow.

Aristocratic families placed great emphasis on tradition and propriety. As a descendant of the Lu family, Madam Lu naturally adhered to these values and wouldn’t remarry. She had maintained an impeccable reputation over the years. Having grown accustomed to life in the capital, she was reluctant to return to Huainan and continued to reside at Jinghua Courtyard, near the Xiao residence.

Xu Buling dismounted his horse outside Jinghua Courtyard, instructed his guards to wait, adjusted his clothes, and entered the garden with familiarity. He made his way to the lakeside villa.

The winter wind rustled through the garden, where the exotic flowers and trees had long since withered, covered now in a light dusting of snow.

The elegant courtyard wasn’t large. Built beside the lake, it was originally intended as a summer retreat. Madam Lu, who enjoyed peace and quiet, had chosen to reside there permanently, accompanied only by a few maidservants.

The white walls topped with green tiles were dusted with snow, and red lanterns hung outside the courtyard entrance, swaying gently in the breeze.

Xu Buling walked slowly towards the villa. The gate was open, and maids were bustling about, carrying basins of water that steamed in the cold winter air.

Splash, splash—

The faint sound of water reached his ears.

Xu Buling hesitated for a moment, then turned and walked towards the stone pavilion outside the villa. However, a maid had already spotted him and hurried over, bowing respectfully:

“Young Master, Madam is bathing. Please wait a moment.”

“Alright.”

Xu Buling tightened his snow-white fox fur cloak and waited patiently outside the courtyard.

However, shortly after the maid went inside to announce his arrival, a slightly irritated voice called out from the villa:

“Buling, come in.”

“…?”

Xu Buling folded his arms, gazing at the snow-covered garden as if he hadn’t heard anything.

Tap, tap—

The maid hurried back, her expression slightly awkward. She glanced at the handsome prince and whispered:

“Young Master, Madam is calling you inside~”

“(⊙_⊙)!”

Xu Buling frowned slightly. He felt that Madam Lu was being inappropriate. Although he was physically in his late teens, his mind was mature, and besides, seventeen or eighteen wasn’t exactly young.

“Come in quickly! Are you going to disobey me now?”

Madam Lu’s voice was laced with annoyance, and there was a splashing sound as if she had slapped the water.

Xu Buling entered the villa reluctantly. A dim yellow light shone from the west wing, casting the silhouette of a woman’s figure on the paper window. The outline was graceful and curvaceous, and maids were moving about inside.

Xu Buling averted his gaze, stopped outside the window, and chuckled:

“Aunt Lu, I’ll wait outside. You go ahead and finish.”

“You’ll just run away later. I called you here, and you pretend not to hear me. Do you find me annoying?”

Splash, splash—

Xu Buling rubbed his forehead, facing away from the window, and thought for a moment:

“You’re overthinking it, Aunt Lu. Um… I have some personal matters…”

The splashing sound continued inside. After a brief silence, a sigh escaped from the room, carrying a hint of resentment:

“Forget it. I won’t pry. Just be careful. You beat up Xiao Ting a few days ago…”

“I know I was wrong.”

“I didn’t say you were wrong. Good job. Xiao Ting is a bully, all talk and no action. He’s not a real man. If he weren’t my brother-in-law, I would have dealt with him myself.”

“Um… Alright, I’ll try harder next time.”

“Xiao Ting went to the palace to complain, and the Empress Dowager even asked me to discipline you. Hmph~ How could I bear to discipline you? I adore you. I practically want to keep you in my pocket…

…Sigh~ It’s a shame you’ve grown up and don’t like being controlled. I guess I’m just being a nag…”

Her voice trailed off, laced with a hint of melancholy.

Xu Buling took a deep breath, maintaining his composure. He spoke gently, like a respectful nephew:

“Of course not. I love you the most, Aunt Lu. No one else cares about me.”

“…You’re just saying that…”

Her tone softened slightly. There was a splashing sound as if she had stepped out of the bath. Clothes rustled, and she continued:

“I didn’t call you here to scold you. There’s an assassin in the capital, highly skilled. Even Zhang Xiang, the head of the Investigation Bureau, was almost assassinated. Ten years ago, the Investigation Bureau cracked down on the martial world, and there are still many remnants seeking revenge. Your father also suppressed martial artists, so they might target you as well. Be careful these days.”

Xu Buling nodded slightly:

“I understand.”

“And what about the salt smuggling case?”

Xu Buling knew this was coming. He said helplessly:

“I just happened to be passing by and helped out.”

“You ‘helped out’ and ended up being hailed as a righteous judge. Do you think your reputation isn’t good enough already?”

Xu Buling was filled with guilt and remained silent.

“…Forget it. What’s done is done. I’ve already instructed the Imperial Guard to suppress the matter. Be more careful in the future… And remember, killing creates karma. You’re still so young, yet you already have over a hundred lives on your hands. It will shorten your lifespan. Don’t kill anyone else.”

“Heh, I know.”

“Don’t just ‘know.’ You need to act accordingly. Do outrageous things, not good deeds.”

The door to the west wing opened, and Madam Lu stepped out, dressed in a thin robe and a shawl. Her hair was wet and draped over her back, her cheeks flushed, exuding a captivating charm like a vibrant peony blooming amidst the snow.

The winter air was cold, and Madam Lu shivered slightly as she stepped out of the warm room.

Seeing this, Xu Buling removed his fox fur cloak and draped it over her shoulders. He was half a head taller than her, and the cloak was large enough to envelop her completely.

Madam Lu tightened the cloak around her, the warmth dispelling the chill. Her expression softened, and she glanced at Xu Buling, who was now only wearing his white robe:

“Don’t catch a cold. Come inside.” She turned and walked towards her bedroom.

Xu Buling sighed helplessly and followed her inside.

The bedroom wasn’t large, furnished with a zither stand, a painting desk, a soft couch, and a tea table. Behind a beaded curtain was an embroidered bed, small and exquisite, warmed by a brazier.

The door closed, and Xu Buling glanced around before sitting down beside the tea table. With practiced movements, he began brewing a pot of “Dragon Well Snow Tips” tea, a variety from Southern Yue.

Madam Lu removed her cloak and sat down on the soft couch, dressed only in a thin green robe. A bronze mirror, a comb, and jewelry were arranged beside her. As she reached for the comb, she suddenly frowned slightly, picked up the fox fur cloak, and sniffed it closely. Her expression gradually turned serious.

Xu Buling, busy with the tea set, looked up curiously:

“What’s wrong, Aunt Lu?”

Madam Lu held the cloak to her nose and sniffed it carefully:

“Moon Palace Cassia from Xianzhi Shop. A young woman’s fragrance…”

“…”

Xu Buling froze. He had been lifting and tossing Song Yufu out of the Bell and Drum Tower for the past few days, but he had only touched her with his hands. How could she detect that?

Madam Lu pursed her lips, her almond-shaped eyes fixed on Xu Buling:

“Moon Palace Cassia has a very faint scent and is quite expensive. Only young ladies from scholarly families use it… Who is this girl?”

Xu Buling continued pouring the tea, a hint of helplessness in his voice:

“Aunt Lu, don’t you trust me? I just accidentally brushed against a female student from Wenqu Courtyard. I haven’t been doing anything improper.”

“What are you talking about?”

Madam Lu’s expression was serious, clearly displeased. She sat up straight:

“As the son of a prince, why would I stop you from seeking female companionship? If you need a woman, just tell me. I can find any type of woman you desire…” She then turned her head and called out:

“Yuenü.”

“Here, Madam.”

Yuenü, who had returned, entered the room respectfully and bowed her head.

“Escort His Highness to his chambers. You will attend to him tonight and accompany him from now on.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Yuenü curtsied and walked towards Xu Buling, extending her hand to assist him.

Xu Buling felt a shiver run down his spine. If Madam Lu planted another spy by his side, he wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything. He raised his hand:

“Enough, enough. I’m not blaming you, Aunt Lu. It was just an accident. I don’t have any special feelings for that girl.”

Madam Lu observed him carefully for a long moment. Seeing that he was being truthful, she sighed softly:

“Buling, I’m not trying to stop you from finding a woman. But you’re still young, incredibly handsome, and hold a high position. There’s no woman in the world who wouldn’t be attracted to you… As the saying goes, ‘A woman’s heart is the most venomous.’ They’ll do anything to seduce you. You’re still inexperienced and could easily be deceived. It’s not just yourself you’re putting at risk. Haven’t you heard the stories of ‘The Beacon Fire that Lured the Princes’ and ‘King Zhou of Shang’?”

“I know. I’ll be careful.”

Xu Buling chuckled softly, poured a cup of tea, and offered it to Madam Lu:

“Aunt Lu, have some tea and calm down.”

Madam Lu pursed her lips, took the teacup, blew on it gently, and took a small sip. She sat sideways, her head turned slightly away, still harboring a hint of resentment.

Xu Buling thought for a moment, then bowed:

“Um… There’s a chess match at the Dragon’s Roar Pavilion in Daye District today. I’m going to place a bet. I won’t disturb you any longer.”

Madam Lu set down the teacup, picked up the fox fur cloak, and draped it over his back. She then walked around him and fastened the ties at the front:

“It’s natural for young people to seek attention, but your position is too high. Asking you to hide your abilities and feign incompetence isn’t meant to harm you. Prince Su holds too much military power, and there are rumors in the streets about ‘a prince plotting to usurp the throne.’ The Emperor must be suspicious…

…Now, there are whispers among the officials about ‘the Emperor wanting to weaken the princes.’ Whether it’s true or not, you need to be cautious and avoid attracting unwanted attention.”

Xu Buling smiled slightly:

“I understand.”

Madam Lu patted his chest:

“It’s not difficult to ruin your reputation. Those old scholars at the literary gatherings are obsessed with originality. Buying poems, copying poems, any form of plagiarism is considered disgraceful…

…Go and buy a good poem, one that you wouldn’t be able to write with your current level of knowledge. A few days later, at the Dragon’s Roar Poetry Gathering, present it as your own. Those pedantic scholars will surely attack you relentlessly. Then, you insist that you wrote it yourself. Your reputation will be tarnished naturally…”

Xu Buling’s eyes lit up. This was a brilliant idea.

As a transmigrator, he couldn’t write poetry, but copying a good poem that he couldn’t possibly have written and getting scolded for it was a piece of cake.

At the age of eighteen, reciting a line like “An old man indulging in youthful folly, a yellow hound on my left, a goshawk on my right” would make it obvious that it was plagiarized.

Xu Buling nodded and chuckled:

“Don’t worry, Aunt Lu. This time, I’ll make sure they curse me to oblivion.”

Madam Lu snorted:

“Don’t mess it up this time. If you excel in both literary and martial arts, everyone will be wary of you.” She adjusted his cloak, examined him carefully, and nodded in satisfaction:

“Go… And don’t indulge in any frivolous activities.”

Xu Buling, brimming with confidence, turned and left the villa…

Chapter 6: Hibiscus Jade

Dong, dong—

The thunderous drumbeats reverberated through Chang’an, as the setting sun dipped below the mountains, signaling the city’s myriad lamps to ignite.

Xu Buling finished striking the last beat of the evening drum and sat on the floor beside the desk in the Bell and Drum Tower. He rested his left hand on the hem of his sleeve and slowly ground the ink stick.

A sheet of Xuan paper lay flat on the small desk, the Qingtian jade paperweight reflecting the shimmering lights of Chang’an. A green lamp flickered softly beside it.

Tap, tap—

Soft footsteps echoed from within the Bell and Drum Tower.

Xu Buling’s ears twitched. He set down the ink stick and turned his head slightly:

“Who’s there?”

“…Your Highness, it’s me…”

The lanterns hanging from the eaves swayed gently in the wind. Song Yufu, dressed in a ao qun(Hanfu), stepped cautiously into the tower, her hand still clutching the ruler. She tried to maintain a serious expression, but the hint of panic in her eyes betrayed her nervousness.

Xu Buling resumed grinding the ink:

“I’m busy.”

Song Yufu’s eyes flashed with annoyance. She pursed her lips, walked towards the desk, and said sternly:

“…How can you speak to me like that… I… I’m your teacher…”

Xu Buling narrowed his eyes and glanced at her.

Song Yufu flinched, holding the ruler in front of her chest. She said nervously:

“My father is the Grand Tutor of the Imperial Academy. If you dare lay a hand on me… you won’t be able to leave this place…”

Xu Buling’s eyes narrowed further:

“Are you threatening me?”

Song Yufu shook her head, her hair ornaments trembling slightly:

“No, I’m just here to teach you the rules…” She took a few small steps towards the desk, assuming the posture of a teacher lecturing a student.

Xu Buling shook his head gently and continued grinding the ink, his voice calm:

“No one has been born yet who can teach me the rules.”

“Rules aren’t taught by people. They already exist… The Great Dynasty has stood for two hundred years. Sixty years ago, we conquered Baiyue and Daqi, and established the Imperial Academy in Chang’an, along with its rules…”

Xu Buling’s eyebrows furrowed slightly:

“Do you know how Daqi became Northern Qi and Baiyue became Southern Yue?”

Song Yufu, well-versed in history and literature, naturally knew the answer:

“Emperor Wenzong valued the military and promoted talented commoner generals. He established the military examinations, which greatly strengthened the nation. During the reign of Emperor Xiaozong, General Xu Lie rose through the ranks from a mere scout, achieving numerous victories. At the age of forty, he was appointed Grand General, leading an army of 1.2 million to conquer Baiyue in the south and defeat Daqi in the north, unifying the Central Plains…”

“Who is Xu Lie?”

“Your grandfather.”

“Then what rules are you trying to teach me?”

Xu Buling raised his gaze and looked at Song Yufu.

Song Yufu hesitated for a moment, then said softly:

“It is precisely because Prince Su’s ancestors achieved great feats, conquering vast territories for the Great Dynasty, that you, as his heir, must abide by the rules they established. You cannot rely on your power and act recklessly…

…This ‘Bell of Remembrance’ was cast by General Xu when he captured Chang’an. It serves as a reminder to the people and officials of the Great Dynasty of the hardships our ancestors endured for a hundred years. Punishing you by making you strike the bell carries the same meaning.”

Xu Buling took a deep breath, too exasperated to respond.

Seeing his silence, Song Yufu pressed on, holding the ruler firmly:

“The morning reading session starts at the hour of the dragon and lasts for half an hour. This rule applies to everyone, whether you are a prince or a commoner student. You were late, and then you resorted to violence.

This is a place of learning. Even General Xu dismounted and removed his sword before entering, showing respect. You… You are disrespectful, unruly, and rebellious…”

She continued her reprimand, listing a series of negative adjectives.

Xu Buling was quite satisfied with this assessment. Aunt Lu would be pleased if she heard this.

He looked coldly at the earnest young instructor:

“Do I need a reason to hit someone?”

“Of course you do… No, you shouldn’t hit anyone at all.”

Song Yufu tapped her palm with the ruler and paced back and forth in front of the desk:

“As the saying goes, ‘A gentleman uses words, not fists.’ If you had a grievance with Young Master Xiao, you could have reasoned with him and persuaded him. Resorting to violence is something a barbaric thug would do. Besides, Young Master Xiao is no weakling. He didn’t retaliate because he respected your status and the rules. You were clearly in the wrong…”

Xu Buling valued peace and quiet. Unable to concentrate on his copying due to the constant nagging, he set down his brush and looked up:

“Miss Song, are you bored?”

Song Yufu pursed her lips and stood upright in front of the desk:

“As the saying goes, ‘A teacher for a day is a father for life.’ Since I’m helping my father oversee your morning reading session, I can be considered your teacher. In the ‘Xue Ji’ that you’re copying, there’s a line that says, ‘A strict teacher is difficult to find, but only with a strict teacher can knowledge be respected, and only with respected knowledge can people learn with reverence.’ This means that we should respect our teachers and value knowledge…”

Xu Buling nodded and stood up:

“You’ve memorized it well. Perfect.” He walked towards Song Yufu.

Song Yufu was bewildered. She held the ruler in front of her chest and retreated until she was backed against the wall of the Bell and Drum Tower. She said nervously:

“You can’t hit me, or… or you’ll be confined for another seven days. That’s half a month in total…”

“Why would I hit you?”

Xu Buling stopped in front of her and tilted his head slightly:

“Copy the ‘Xue Ji’ ten times, or I’ll throw you down.”

Song Yufu glanced down. The Bell and Drum Tower was over ten meters high. The thought of falling made her shudder. She considered for a moment, then shook her head firmly:

“No. You were assigned to copy the ‘Xue Ji’ as punishment, so you can learn from your mistakes. I can’t do it for you.”

Xu Buling nodded and raised his right hand.

Song Yufu pursed her lips, displaying a surprising amount of courage. She closed her eyes and turned her head away, as if to say, “Go ahead, hit me! I’d rather die!” However, she soon felt herself being lifted off the ground. She opened her eyes and saw that Xu Buling was holding her by the back of her collar, carrying her towards the desk.

“Ah—”

Song Yufu was a head shorter than Xu Buling. Her embroidered shoes dangled in the air, her skirt swirling around her. The collar of her dress was tight against her neck, making her uncomfortable. She raised the ruler in her hand:

“Your Highness, how can you do this? I… I’m going to hit you…”

Xu Buling placed her beside the desk, his expression cold:

“Last chance. Will you copy it or not?”

Seeing that reasoning was futile, Song Yufu lowered her head and muttered:

“I won’t stoop to your level, you brute…” She tried to leave, but Xu Buling lifted her again and tossed her out of the Bell and Drum Tower. Her skirt billowed in the air, snowflakes swirling around her.

“Ah—!!”

A scream pierced the air.

Song Yufu’s face turned pale as she flailed her arms and legs, watching helplessly as she plummeted towards the ground.

The Bell and Drum Tower was about three stories high. The ground below was paved with bluestone slabs. The consequences of such a fall were unimaginable.

Song Yufu’s mind went blank. She closed her eyes tightly, waiting for the impact.

However, the pain never came. She cautiously opened her eyes a crack and saw that she was suspended in mid-air, high above the ground. She quickly closed her eyes again and said in a trembling voice:

“Let me go…”

Xu Buling released his grip.

“Ah— No, pull me back up… Waaah…”

She burst into tears.

Xu Buling pulled her back up and placed her beside the desk once more:

“Will you copy it or not?”

Song Yufu’s face was pale, tear stains streaking her cheeks. Her hand still trembled as she held the ruler. After a long moment, she finally caught her breath. She pursed her lips, about to speak, but when she saw Xu Buling raise his hand, she quickly grabbed the brush and started copying the ‘Xue Ji’ with a mixture of resentment and fear. She muttered under her breath:

“You’re so mean. You’re not a gentleman at all…”

“I’m not a gentleman. I’m a good-for-nothing wastrel.”

“A spoiled prince…”

“Heh, good to know…”

…

While it was still early, the palace was already illuminated by countless lanterns. Xiao Ting hurried through the corridors and entered a grand hall, where eunuchs and palace maids bowed respectfully.

A brazier warmed the hall, filling the air with a fragrant aroma. A beautiful woman in a palace attire reclined on a soft couch, resting. She wore a warm yellow palace dress with a sleeveless jacket and a phoenix crown. Her figure was plump but not overly so. Her eyes were almond-shaped, and her expression held a hint of authority, befitting her position of power.

Xiao Ting rushed into the hall and threw himself at the foot of the couch, wailing and pointing at his bruised and swollen face:

“Aunt, look! I’ve been beaten!”

The beautiful woman, startled awake, frowned slightly in displeasure:

“Xiao Ting, you’ll be reaching adulthood in two years. A man shouldn’t cry so easily. What kind of behavior is this?”

Xiao Ting sobbed, his tears and snot mixing together:

“If Xu Buling can hit me, why can’t I cry? You won’t let me retaliate…”

The Empress Dowager opened her eyes, dismissed the palace maids with a wave of her hand, and sat up slightly:

“Xu Buling hit you? Why would you provoke him?”

“Ah?”

Xiao Ting’s crying ceased abruptly, replaced by an expression of utter grievance:

“Aunt, how can you say that? I was diligently reciting poetry in the Imperial Academy, completely engrossed in my studies, when Xu Buling suddenly appeared and attacked me without warning…”

As a daughter of the prestigious Xiao family of Huainan and a woman who had held power for many years, the Empress Dowager could sense something amiss from Xiao Ting’s expression. However, he was still her nephew, so she didn’t press him further. She said gently:

“Xu Buling was poisoned by assassins at the Wei River last year. His martial arts skills have been severely diminished, and he can only rely on alcohol to suppress the agonizing pain. After such a traumatic experience, it’s understandable that he’s become irritable. He only hit you a few times. He didn’t kill you. Besides, you’re technically his elder. Why would you hold a grudge against him?”

Xiao Ting was puzzled:

“Aunt, I heard that the Dragon Locking Gu poison can cripple even the most skilled martial artist. But Xu Buling killed an Imperial Guard a few days ago, and his skills were said to be extraordinary…”

The Empress Dowager snorted softly:

“The Great Dynasty should be filled with heroes and talents. Xu Buling’s exceptional martial arts skills have long been established. He once boasted that he could ‘ascend to the heavens and slay the moon, descend to the seas and capture dragons.’ Fighting a few commoners is beneath him. Did you expect him to be defeated by a few insignificant thugs?”

Xiao Ting frowned:

“If he’s this powerful even with his skills diminished, what will happen once the poison is cured? Who will be able to restrain him?”

The Empress Dowager’s eyes held a hint of disappointment:

“What good is a warrior’s rage if it only results in bloodshed? Throughout history, have any great achievements been accomplished solely through brute force? Without strategy, one can’t even lead an army. Even if he can fight a thousand men alone, he’s still just a powerful soldier.”

Xiao Ting nodded:

“That’s true. Xu Buling is impulsive and reckless. He never reads, and he knows nothing about poetry or literature. His martial arts skills alone won’t lead him to greatness.”

“Good. I’ll speak with Lu Hongluan and ask her to discipline Xu Buling. You may leave now.”

Xiao Ting rubbed his bruised face. Although he was still resentful, he couldn’t disobey the Empress Dowager. He left reluctantly…

Chapter 5: Shocking! His Highness the Prince Actually…

Shocking! Xu Buling, the Prince of Su, single-handedly cracks down on a massive salt smuggling operation!

Men are silent, women weep! What has become of Chang’an City? Cases that should be handled by the Ministry of Justice now require the intervention of a prince!

Screams heard from brothels in the dead of night! It turns out Prince Xu was eradicating evil!

…

The next morning, overwhelming praise echoed from the theaters and taverns of Daye District.

News of the previous night’s murder had spread like wildfire. With the subtle guidance of certain individuals, the focus had shifted to the corrupt Imperial Guard captain and Prince Xu’s righteous intervention, effectively downplaying the significance of the salt smuggling operation. It was a masterstroke of public relations.

Xu Buling woke up to the guards’ report, his face filled with bewilderment.

Yesterday, he was still an obscure figure, contemplating how to act arrogantly when questioned by the instructors at the Imperial Academy.

Now, he had woken up to find himself hailed as a righteous judge, a modern-day Bao Zheng, known for his impartiality and unwavering pursuit of justice.

As the son of a prince whose father’s achievements threatened the Emperor’s authority, he had come to the capital to uphold justice. Was this implying that the Emperor was blind and needed Prince Su to handle matters under his very nose?

Even if he were to intervene, he should do so openly. What was the meaning of secretly instructing the Wolf Guards to investigate? Was he afraid that his direct involvement would arouse the Emperor’s suspicion, so he deliberately chose to operate behind the scenes, seeking no fame or recognition, only to restore order and justice to the people of Chang’an?

To possess such wisdom and foresight at the tender age of eighteen, it was truly…

Truly a recipe for disaster!

Xu Buling felt a surge of anger. He strode out of his residence and bumped into Old Xiao, who had just returned. He questioned him sternly:

“Old Xiao, were you bribed or seduced by a beautiful woman? What kind of nonsense is this?”

Old Xiao, with his servant’s cap tilted at a jaunty angle, leaned on his cane and replied helplessly:

“Young Master, this is truly not my fault. I sent people out last night to spread the news, but before the storytellers could even finalize their scripts, the rumors had already started circulating in the theaters and taverns. Such swift action can only mean that the authorities are behind this. There’s no way to stop it.”

Xu Buling rubbed his forehead and pondered for a moment:

“Forget it. Let’s ignore it. As long as I don’t acknowledge it, they can’t solidify my reputation as a righteous hero. Who is behind this flattery?”

Old Xiao thought for a moment, then said with a sigh:

“It’s probably the Gongsun father and son. To repay kindness with virtue, despite the previous conflict, their gesture is truly touching.”

Xu Buling was stunned, then gritted his teeth:

“I’m truly touched!”

Public opinion had already been formed. He couldn’t go around explaining that he wasn’t upholding justice, but rather abusing his power. Even a fool wouldn’t do that. He could only ignore the situation for now and head to the Imperial Academy.

Old Xiao followed behind and said:

“By the way, Madam Lu has heard the news and wants to see you.”

Madam Lu summoning him could only mean one thing: she wanted to know why his attempt at acting like a spoiled rich youth had resulted in him being hailed as a righteous judge.

The information about the smuggled salt had indeed been leaked by Old Xiao to bribe Zhu Manzhi. Madam Lu had forbidden Xu Buling from acting on his own, so this visit would undoubtedly result in a lengthy lecture.

Xu Buling thought for a moment, then said:

“Explain to Aunt Lu that I was truly drunk last night and didn’t know what I was doing. The monthly exams are approaching, and my studies are demanding. I’ll visit her in a few days.”

Old Xiao acknowledged the order and left.

…

Dong—

Dong—

The deep resonating sound of the bell spread as the morning sun illuminated the eastern sky. The majestic city of Chang’an, with its towering buildings and bustling streets, unfolded like a painting in the cold winter air.

Xu Buling dismounted his horse in front of the Imperial Academy’s dismounting stone and walked towards the main gate.

He passed through corridors and courtyards, the air filled with the rhythmic chanting of students reciting their lessons.

The Imperial Academy was where the children of the royal family, princes, noble families, and high-ranking officials received their education. Their backgrounds were intertwined and complex, and Xu Buling preferred to keep his distance, maintaining a solitary existence.

The students at the Imperial Academy had naturally heard about the incident in Daye District. As Xu Buling approached, many of them looked at him with admiration and greeted him politely:

“Prince Xu is truly a worthy son of a military family. He taught those arrogant Imperial Guards a lesson…”

“Upright and just, upholding the law. He is a role model for us all…”

“Indeed, indeed…”

There were six princes studying at the Imperial Academy, and the rest all had the surname Song. Addressing Xu Buling as “Prince Xu” instead of “Your Highness” highlighted his unique status as the only son of Prince Su.

Xu Buling wanted to offer an explanation, but he felt it would be unbecoming of his status. He simply ignored them and entered the Wenqu Courtyard, a designated study area.

Although the students at the Imperial Academy were considered equals, Xu Buling wouldn’t be studying alongside those from humble backgrounds. The Wenqu Courtyard was reserved for princes and the children of noble families. It wasn’t crowded, but it occupied a surprisingly large area.

According to the schedule, it was time for morning readings.

Inside the spacious and well-lit study hall, bamboo curtains hung on all sides. Twenty small desks were arranged neatly, occupied by a dozen or so elegantly dressed young men and women of noble birth. Most of them were dozing off, and only a few young ladies were diligently reading their books.

The instructor wasn’t a seasoned scholar, but rather Song Yufu, the daughter of the Grand Tutor.

Grand Tutor Song Baiqing was a rigid and traditional scholar, advanced in age. He disliked Xu Buling and his ilk, rarely teaching in person and often sending his daughter as a substitute. No one paid attention anyway.

As Xu Buling entered the study hall, he noticed a young nobleman sitting upright, holding a book of Confucian classics, but his eyes were sneakily ogling Song Yufu’s figure with a lascivious gaze.

Song Yufu was around sixteen or seventeen years old, with a graceful demeanor and long flowing hair. She was considered a beauty.

Normally, the young men present wouldn’t dare to stare so openly, but in the boredom of the study hall, the only thing worth looking at was the beautiful instructor diligently reciting poetry and prose. It was a classic case of mischievous students ogling their female teacher.

Xu Buling, still agitated by the morning’s events, narrowed his eyes upon witnessing this scene.

As the saying goes, “It’s never too late to mend the fold.”

If he didn’t seize this opportunity to cause some trouble, he wouldn’t be able to face Madam Lu when she inevitably arrived.

After a moment of contemplation, Xu Buling walked towards the front of the study hall and punched the leering young man without warning…

…

“Ah—”

In the early winter of the tenth year of the Zhaohong era, a scream echoed through the study halls of the Imperial Academy.

Inside the Wenqu Courtyard, Song Yufu held a ruler, hopping anxiously as she tried to stop Xu Buling’s violence:

“Stop it! Stop hitting him!”

In the center of the study hall, Xiao Ting, the nephew of the Empress Dowager and the legitimate son of the prestigious Xiao family of Huainan, lay on the ground, clutching his head and wailing in pain and confusion:

“Ah— Xu Buling, why are you hitting me?! What did I do to you?! Ah—…”

His cries continued.

Xu Buling crouched down, pulled Xiao Ting’s arm away, and rained punches on his face with a ferocious expression.

Song Yufu was furious, her body trembling as she held the ruler but dared not strike. She tried to pull Xu Buling away, but a young lady stopped her, whispering:

“Don’t go near him. Prince Xu might be drunk. He might hit you too.”

Song Yufu hesitated, her eyes filled with anxiety. She ran out of the study hall to call for help.

Xiao Ting’s face was bruised and swollen from the beating, his eyes filled with indignation:

“I am the legitimate son of the Xiao family! Ah—

The nephew of the Empress Dowager! Ah—…”

He received a punch for every word, the rhythm perfectly maintained.

The commotion attracted attention, and footsteps approached from outside the study hall. Song Yufu rushed in, her face flushed with anxiety, and said in a hushed tone:

“Your Highness, Prince Xu is drunk and beating someone! Please stop him before he seriously injures Young Master Xiao…”

Behind Song Yufu stood a scholar in a Confucian robe, appearing to be in his late thirties, with a gentle and refined demeanor. He followed at a leisurely pace.

The young men and women of noble birth in the study hall straightened their clothes and adopted a respectful posture:

“We greet Your Highness, Prince Yan.”

Xu Buling’s expression softened slightly, and he returned the scholarly greeting.

Prince Yan, Song Yu, was the Emperor’s younger brother. He had been teaching at the Imperial Academy and refraining from political affairs, earning him a reputation as a virtuous and righteous man. He was often praised as a “true gentleman of our time.” As he entered the study hall, he saw Xiao Ting sitting on the ground with a bruised and swollen face, a look of helplessness in his eyes.

Xiao Ting was the nephew of the Empress Dowager, who was considered Prince Yan’s stepmother. In terms of kinship, Xiao Ting even addressed the current Emperor as “cousin.”

“Buling, Xiao Ting, why are you fighting in the study hall?”

Hearing Prince Yan’s question, Xiao Ting scrambled to his feet and pointed at his face:

“Your Highness, it wasn’t a fight. He attacked me! I refrained from retaliating out of respect for him as a junior.”

Prince Yan frowned slightly and turned to Xu Buling:

“Buling, why did you hit Xiao Ting?”

Xu Buling wanted to say, “A gentleman doesn’t deceive in secret,” but remembering Aunt Lu’s teachings, he changed his answer:

“I was drunk. Who is he anyway?”

His expression was arrogant and defiant, his tone haughty, perfectly embodying the demeanor of a spoiled prince. However, his refined appearance and lack of genuine malice made him appear more aloof and handsome, attracting the attention of several young ladies of noble birth.

Xiao Ting was furious, rubbing his bruised face:

“I am Xiao Ting, the nephew of the Empress Dowager, the brother-in-law of Madam Lu, your uncle!”

Xu Buling raised an eyebrow and looked him up and down:

“Oh, really?” He took a swig from his wine gourd.

“…”

Xiao Ting was speechless, pointing at Xu Buling but unable to utter a word.

Prince Yan shook his head gently and looked at Xu Buling, adopting a paternal tone:

“Buling, do you know the meaning of the character ‘Buling’ in your name?”

Xu Buling replied softly:

“To act with righteousness, even without orders,” Xu Buling replied promptly, reciting the well-worn phrase. “And to defy unjust orders, even at the cost of one’s own position.”

Prince Yan nodded. “Indeed. I will not inquire about the reason for your… outburst. As long as your conscience is clear… And I must say, I was impressed by your actions last night. You intervened to right a wrong, upholding justice without hesitation. You embodied the very meaning of your name. Continue to act with such integrity, Buling.”

Xu Buling frowned:

“I was drunk last night. I have no idea how those rumors started.”

Prince Yan’s eyes were filled with admiration:

“To be so humble and unassuming at such a young age, this is the mark of a true gentleman. Excellent.”

Xu Buling was speechless, spreading his hands in frustration.

Prince Yan was known for his fairness and impartiality. He didn’t continue praising Xu Buling excessively and instead said:

“Your character is commendable, but your actions still warrant punishment. Fighting in the Imperial Academy is a violation of the rules. You will be confined to the Bell and Drum Tower for seven days and copy the ‘Xue Ji’* ten times.”

Xu Buling sighed in relief. Spending seven days confined within the Imperial Academy was preferable to being subjected to Madam Lu’s relentless nagging. He left the study hall without hesitation.

Xiao Ting, who had been beaten for no apparent reason, was furious, his face contorted with anger. Seeing the other young men and women in the study hall snickering, he snorted:

“Just you wait…” He then flung his sleeves and stormed out of the Imperial Academy…

****

‘Xue Ji’*: Part of a Confucian text, Liji 禮記 (Book of Rites)

***

Song Yufu:

 

Chapter 4: The Failed Attempt at Arrogance

In the backstreet of Daye District, Gongsun Ming, the Capital Garrison Commander, rushed to the Fu Man Restaurant with dozens of Imperial Guards. Seeing his son being slapped repeatedly, he was filled with rage.

However, as he began to speak, he noticed that the young man in white standing in the street looked familiar.

Such a handsome man would be hard to forget.

As the Capital Garrison Commander, Gongsun Ming had seen Xu Buling from afar when the latter had entered the capital after being ambushed the previous year. After a brief observation, he recognized him.

Gongsun Ming knew that this young prince kept a low profile and rarely ventured out, making him a relatively unknown figure in the capital.

However, his low profile didn’t mean he could be easily offended.

What was the status of Prince Su, Xu You, who governed the western regions? He was the only heteronymous prince with real power in the Great [Dynasty], responsible for defending the border. During his time studying in the capital, he had even been on brotherly terms with the current Emperor. As the legitimate son of Prince Su, Xu Buling might not dare to commit any acts of treason, but killing a couple of commoners in the capital wouldn’t have any significant repercussions. Did the saying “the Emperor is subject to the same laws as the common people” actually apply in practice?

Seeing his son being beaten, Gongsun Ming sensed trouble. He hurried forward and bowed deeply:

“Your subordinate, Gongsun Ming, greets Your Highness!”

Due to the murder, most of the onlookers in the backstreet had dispersed, leaving only a group of Imperial Guards and Wolf Guards.

Hearing Gongsun Ming’s words, the Imperial Guards immediately reacted, sheathing their swords and bowing in unison.

Although they didn’t know which prince it was, only the legitimate eldest sons of princes could be addressed as “Your Highness.” There were only seven in the Great [Dynasty], six with the surname Song and one with the surname Xu. In any case, it wasn’t someone they could afford to offend.

The resentment in Gongsun Lu’s eyes vanished as he swallowed his grievances and the blood in his mouth. He scrambled to his feet and bowed:

“This lowly one has failed to recognize Your Highness…”

Slap!

Gongsun Ming slapped his son, sending him sprawling to the ground. He snatched a saber from an Imperial Guard and roared:

“You unfilial son! How dare you offend Prince Xu! Today, I shall discipline you myself…”

Xu Buling watched coldly, making no attempt to intervene.

Gongsun Ming held the saber aloft, but he naturally wouldn’t actually strike his own son. Seeing that Xu Buling didn’t even bother with a polite remark, he felt a pang of awkwardness.

Fortunately, the Wolf Guards and Imperial Guards weren’t blind. They quickly stepped forward and restrained Gongsun Ming:

“Calm yourself, Commander Gongsun! This is all a misunderstanding…”

Gongsun Ming allowed them to “disarm” him, glaring at Gongsun Lu with a look of disappointment. He said in a sorrowful tone:

“My son has failed to recognize Your Highness. I implore you to forgive his transgression…” He then glanced at the two corpses lying nearby:

“I heard that Your Highness was poisoned and your martial arts skills were severely diminished. This…”

Hearing this, everyone remembered the incident.

Xu Buling had been poisoned with the Dragon Locking Gu during the ambush at the Wei River last year. Normally, this poison would cause the victim’s Qi and blood to stagnate, leaving them weak and feeble, unable to exert even a tenth of their strength. Even walking would be difficult, rendering them practically disabled.

However, Xu Buling had just displayed no signs of weakness while killing those men.

Faced with everyone’s questioning gazes, Xu Buling frowned:

“I used to be able to fight a thousand men alone. Now I can only fight a hundred. What’s the problem?”

“…?”

Silence fell over the crowd.

There was no problem with his explanation. While it was true that “a skinny camel is bigger than a horse,” this particular camel was simply too large!

Gongsun Ming was skeptical, but he couldn’t examine Xu Buling’s body to confirm his condition. He could only change the subject:

“Um… May I ask how the conflict with the Imperial Guard arose, Your Highness? Killing an Imperial Guard in broad daylight at the foot of the Emperor might be difficult to explain to His Majesty…”

Xu Buling spread his arms and raised his eyebrows: “If you find it difficult, Commander Gongsun, you can arrest me and execute me in the autumn according to the law.”

Gongsun Ming’s face stiffened. He wouldn’t dare! Without the Emperor’s explicit order, if he detained the only son of Prince Su, what if the border troops revolted? What if Prince Su used this as an excuse to rebel?

Gongsun Ming glanced around, stepped forward, and bowed:

“Your Highness, please don’t make things difficult for your subordinate. Just give me an explanation for killing the Imperial Guard, and I can report it to my superiors.”

Xu Buling finally lowered his arms and said calmly:

“I was out for a stroll after having a few drinks. I saw this Imperial Guard bullying a young woman, so I killed him.”

The two Imperial Guards who had accompanied the deceased captain stepped forward and corroborated Xu Buling’s account. It was indeed the captain who had assaulted the Wolf Guard in public, and Xu Buling had intervened, leading to the conflict.

After hearing the whole story, Gongsun Ming’s expression darkened. He thought for a moment:

“Your Highness, if you had just revealed your identity, that young captain wouldn’t have dared to draw his weapon and offend you…”

Xu Buling frowned: “Are you saying that if I weren’t the son of Prince Su, he would have been justified in killing me?”

Gongsun Ming’s face stiffened. The Great [Dynasty] had strict laws, and “using martial arts to disrupt the established order” was a serious crime. Many people had been killed by the Imperial Guard for causing trouble. Based on the situation, if Xu Buling had been an ordinary wandering swordsman obstructing law enforcement, he would have likely been killed.

However, even if the Imperial Guard was at fault, it didn’t justify Xu Buling using his status to kill someone!

Of course, Gongsun Ming wasn’t foolish enough to argue with the son of a prince. He nodded:

“Your Highness is right. I will report this matter truthfully, and His Majesty will surely investigate thoroughly and make a just decision.”

Xu Buling nodded and turned to leave the backstreet, adding:

“I saw a warehouse full of smuggled salt behind this restaurant. Consider it a reward for your efforts.”

What could Gongsun Ming say? The Wolf Guards from the Investigation Bureau were present, and there was no way to cover up the evidence. He could only raise his hand in farewell:

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

The Fu Man Restaurant was in ruins, debris scattered everywhere.

Constable Zhu Manzhi watched everything unfold with disbelief.

She had just arrived in the capital and had been keeping watch outside the Fu Man Restaurant for the past few days, listening to the bawdy stories of the storyteller and learning about the infamous “Xu Buling.”

She had heard tales of him “bullying men and women,” “forcing women into marriage,” and “having affairs with married women.”

In her mind, Xu Buling was a lecherous and wicked scoundrel.

She never expected to encounter him so soon, and in such a manner.

Although he was arrogant and ruthless, in her eyes, he had killed those men with justification.

He possessed exceptional martial arts skills, a captivating appearance, a strong sense of justice, and a taciturn demeanor…

Standing at the entrance of the Fu Man Restaurant, sixteen-year-old Zhu Manzhi gazed at the receding figure with the wine gourd in hand. This encounter would likely be etched in her memory forever…

…

“Young Master, that young lady will definitely remember you. After your confinement is over, I’ll arrange a chance encounter. Just say a few sweet words, and you’ll be halfway there…”

Old Xiao walked beside Xu Buling on the main street, discussing their next steps.

Xu Buling had exerted himself earlier, and the cold poison in his body was acting up. He kept drinking to suppress the agonizing pain, but it was a small price to pay compared to the results.

He had killed people in broad daylight, and by tomorrow morning, a flurry of impeachment memorials would be on the Emperor’s desk.

The Emperor wouldn’t punish him severely for such a minor offense, but a verbal reprimand and another half-month of confinement were inevitable.

Thinking about the peace and quiet he would enjoy for a while, Xu Buling sighed in relief and took a swig from his wine gourd:

“Let’s take things slow with Zhu Manzhi. We’ve caused enough trouble for today. We need to keep a low profile for a while, or Aunt Lu will urge me to go out and cause more mischief… Hmm… Let’s hire a bunch of storytellers to spread the news of my actions today, twisting the facts and exaggerating the details. For example:

Shocking! The Prince of Su commits a heinous act in broad daylight…

Men are silent, women weep. What has become of Chang’an City…

Screams heard from brothels in the dead of night. The truth about His Highness is revealed…”

The purpose of hiding his abilities and feigning incompetence was to ruin his reputation, to present himself as a shallow and frivolous individual. This wasn’t difficult. The real challenge was to make people believe it, especially the Emperor.

Old Xiao listened to Xu Buling’s elaborate explanation, nodding repeatedly and giving him a thumbs-up:

“Your Highness is truly meticulous. Once these fabricated stories spread, they will surely incite public outrage, and Madam Lu will be pleased.”

“Naturally…”

Master and servant continued their journey, their figures gradually disappearing into the distance.

Meanwhile, in a room at a medical clinic in Daye District, Gongsun Lu lay on a bed, his face swollen like a pig’s head. He spoke with difficulty:

“Father, what should we do about today’s incident?”

Gongsun Ming paced back and forth with a grim expression:

“The Fu Man Restaurant belongs to Zhu Manlong of Tiger Terrace Street. He has always been respectful towards me and offered me gifts. I should have protected him. However, two of his disciples were killed today, and his establishment was raided. It was just bad luck that he ran into Prince Xu. It’s not our fault.”

Gongsun Lu nodded slightly:

“The matter of the smuggled salt is a serious one. The Wolf Guards from the Investigation Bureau were present today. If we try to suppress it, we’ll be bitten by those mad dogs. How should we explain this?”

“We’ll have to sacrifice a pawn to save the king.”

Gongsun Ming stopped pacing and sighed softly:

“Send a message to Zhu Manlong, telling him to offer up a few scapegoats. We’ll arrest them tomorrow, and the matter will be settled.”

Gongsun Lu nodded, then snorted:

“If we hadn’t run into Xu Buling, we would have been able to suppress it… A prince, blatantly disregarding the law and killing people in broad daylight, especially an Imperial Guard acting in accordance with the law. If you don’t take this opportunity to impeach him, Father, I won’t be able to quell my hatred…”

Gongsun Ming frowned:

“What good is your hatred? Can it harm Xu Buling? As officials in the capital, we’ve all been subjected to the whims of those pampered princes. If we all acted on our hatred, we’d be killed in the streets sooner or later.”

Hearing this, Gongsun Lu realized that he had suffered those slaps in vain. He felt frustrated:

“Xu Buling happened to encounter the Wolf Guards during their investigation. It’s understandable that he intervened, but he also concealed his identity and used the opportunity to kill someone. Reporting this truthfully would be enough to get him in trouble. Are we really going to cover for him?”

Gongsun Ming paced back and forth, pondering for a moment:

“As officials, we can’t be preoccupied with immediate gains and losses. If I report this truthfully, it will only result in Xu Buling being confined for a few days, but it will also create animosity between us… Xu Buling is the only son of Prince Su and will inherit the title in the future. Having a shred of goodwill with him might prove useful someday…”

“What do you mean, Father?”

“Hmm… Let’s say that Prince Xu stumbled upon the Fu Man Restaurant’s smuggling operation while strolling and provided the information to the Investigation Bureau. He didn’t intend to intervene, but the Wolf Guards were being obstructed, so he had no choice but to step in and help them…”

“What?! This… This way, all the credit for cracking the smuggling case will go to Xu Buling. What if he doesn’t admit it…”

Gongsun Ming frowned, his expression filled with disappointment:

“Of course he won’t admit it. It’s called modesty. He’ll remember my favor in his heart…

… As officials in the capital, we need to be discerning…”

And so…

Chapter 3: Reasoning with Force

After dispatching two minor thugs, Xu Buling entered the back courtyard of the Fu Man Restaurant. Several laborers were huddled in the corner, trembling with fear.

The courtyard housed a storage room, filled with sacks piled high, white powder scattered across the floor.

Constable Zhu Manzhi was too distraught to pay attention to her surroundings, pacing anxiously beside Xu Buling, muttering incoherently.

Clank, clank, clank…

The sound of approaching footsteps and the rustling of armor grew louder, quickly surrounding the restaurant. The flickering light of torches appeared in the alley outside the walls, casting dancing shadows as figures moved back and forth.

The authorities, alerted by the signal flares, had arrived.

Zhu Manzhi was filled with anxiety. Throwing caution to the wind, she rushed to Xu Buling’s side and pleaded:

“Sir, I know you possess exceptional martial arts skills, but this matter is too grave. Please, don’t resist. The Wolf Guards are highly skilled and will be equipped with crossbows and nets. If you engage them rashly, you’ll be killed…”

Xu Buling didn’t respond. He walked towards the storage room with his sword and poked a hole in one of the sacks. White salt spilled out like sand, covering the floor.

Since ancient times, salt administration had been a vital lifeline of the state, strictly controlled. The amount of salt stored in this room was enough to warrant ten executions.

This was all part of Old Xiao’s plan, a carefully orchestrated opportunity for Zhu Manzhi to gain recognition.

Zhu Manzhi knew this was a major case, but she was too preoccupied with the current situation to think about career advancement. She urged Xu Buling:

“Sir, let’s not worry about this now. If your family can handle the consequences of killing an official, we can surrender and let the authorities deal with this place.

If not, we need to escape now. I have a Wolf Guard badge that can get us out of the city. The owner of this establishment is undoubtedly a powerful figure, someone we can’t afford to provoke.”

Xu Buling glanced at her: “If you give me your badge, you’ll become an accomplice to a criminal. Are you sure about this?”

Zhu Manzhi hesitated, then gritted her teeth, feeling a surge of both anxiety and gratitude. She patted Xu Buling’s shoulder:

“My father always said, ‘A drop of water received in kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring.’ You’ve gotten yourself into this mess because of me, and I can’t stand by and watch. Please, don’t delay any longer. We won’t be able to escape if we wait any longer.”

Xu Buling chuckled and grabbed a sack of smuggled salt, heading towards the restaurant entrance. He said calmly:

“Wait here. Leave the rest to me.”

…

With two lives lost, all the theaters and gambling dens in the backstreet had closed their doors. Over a dozen Imperial Guards arrived first, followed by two squads of Wolf Guards, one of which wore wolf head copper badges – the Heavenly Stem unit.

Among the Imperial Guards, a young nobleman dressed in fine attire rushed over from the Dragon’s Roar Pavilion. He was handsome and dignified, the Vice-Captain of the Capital Garrison, Gongsun Lu.

His father, Gongsun Ming, held the prestigious position of Capital Garrison Commander, responsible for maintaining law and order in the capital. He was undoubtedly a powerful figure.

Gongsun Lu’s face was dark with anger as he strode through the alley. A captain hurried towards him and reported:

“Sir, the culprit is inside the Fu Man Restaurant. Should we storm the building?”

Gongsun Lu narrowed his eyes, hesitating for a moment before saying:

“This restaurant belongs to a powerful figure. If we barge in, we’ll cause a mess. Surround the building and wait for them to come out.”

“Yes, sir!”

They arrived outside the Fu Man Restaurant.

Two bodies lay sprawled on the ground outside. The Imperial Guard captain had been dragged under the eaves. Three Wolf Guards from the Heavenly Stem unit surrounded him, examining his wounds and muttering:

“The White Snake Strikes technique of the Wudang Sect. No other injuries, just a single sword wound on the neck, a clean kill. This level of skill requires at least ten years of training.”

The thug’s body lay nearby. Another Wolf Guard tore open his shirt, examining the bruises on his chest. He then looked at the shattered door and the cracks on the steps:

“The opening stance of Bajiquan, but using a knee strike. It seems to be the Tiger Climbs the Mountain technique of the Tantui School. The neck was broken with the Capturing Crane Hand of the Yingzhao Sect. A mixture of various martial arts styles. It doesn’t seem to be the same assassin as last time, but the skill level is comparable…”

Hearing this conversation, the anger on Gongsun Lu’s face turned into caution.

The Wolf Guards of the Heavenly Stem unit were all elite warriors, carefully selected for their exceptional abilities. If they held such high regard for the culprit’s skills, then the person inside the restaurant was likely beyond his capabilities.

With this in mind, Gongsun Lu slowed his pace, positioning himself behind the Heavenly Stem Wolf Guards. He shouted:

“Audacious villain! Surrender immediately…”

The Imperial Guards and Wolf Guards knew their limitations. No one dared to charge in directly. Instead, they stood guard outside, weapons drawn, waiting for the archers to arrive.

Thud, thud…

Footsteps echoed from inside the restaurant. The soldiers outside fell silent, the only sound being the occasional crackle of the torches.

The restaurant was dark. Only when the figure reached the entrance could they see the culprit’s appearance:

Dressed in a blood-splattered white robe, a wine gourd hanging from his waist, a long sword in his left hand. He possessed an exceptionally handsome face, resembling a celestial being descended from the heavens.

Such a strikingly handsome man would be unforgettable if they had met before.

Gongsun Lu narrowed his eyes, searching his memories of the noblemen and dignitaries in the capital, but he couldn’t recall ever seeing this man. His face darkened:

“Who are you? Why did you kill my Imperial Guard captain in broad daylight?”

Xu Buling tossed the sack in his hand, scattering the smuggled salt across the bluestone pavement like a layer of snow.

The six Wolf Guards narrowed their eyes. One of them knelt down, picking up a pinch of the white powder and examining it:

“It’s salt. Don’t panic.”

Gongsun Lu’s expression shifted subtly. He clasped his hands behind his back and glanced around:

“Seize him!”

“Yes, sir!”

Two skilled Imperial Guards immediately charged forward with their swords drawn, while others surrounded Xu Buling with lassos and nets.

Xu Buling frowned slightly, planted his sword on the ground, rested his hands on the hilt, and looked at Gongsun Lu, who was standing behind the crowd:

“Aren’t you going to ask where this salt came from before resorting to violence?”

“What’s so strange about a sack of salt in a restaurant? Seize him! If he resists, kill him without mercy!”

Gongsun Lu waved his hand, and the Imperial Guards closed in.

Xu Buling nodded, leaned his sword against a pillar, and walked down the steps empty-handed.

The Imperial Guards sighed in relief, preparing to apprehend him. However, the Wolf Guards from the Heavenly Stem unit suddenly changed their expressions:

“Be careful—”

Before they could finish their warning.

Xu Buling’s white robe billowed as he moved like a cheetah, lunging towards the two Imperial Guards in a single stride. He slammed his elbows into their scale armor with explosive force.

Bang!

The armor plates shattered.

Before the two Imperial Guards could react, they were sent flying backward, crashing into their comrades behind them.

The three Heavenly Stem Wolf Guards reacted swiftly, drawing their weapons and replacing the ineffective Imperial Guards.

They surrounded Xu Buling, wielding a shield and saber, a hooked spear, and a goose-feather saber, coordinating their attacks seamlessly.

Xu Buling didn’t stop after repelling the first two attackers. He bent his knees slightly, stomped on the ground, and propelled himself forward.

Bang!

His knee slammed into the center of the round shield.

Before the Wolf Guard with the shield and saber could strike, he was knocked back by the force of the impact, groaning as he stumbled backward. He managed to regain his footing by planting his saber on the ground.

The Wolf Guard with the hooked spear seized the opportunity, thrusting his weapon towards Xu Buling’s chest. However, Xu Buling caught the spear shaft with one hand, preventing it from advancing any further.

The spear-wielding Wolf Guard tried to retract his weapon, but a powerful force pulled him forward. Xu Buling then executed a lightning-fast shoulder strike against his chest.

The “Shoulder Strike,” a deadly technique of Bajiquan, was known for its devastating power, capable of crippling or killing its target.

Caught off guard, the spear-wielding Wolf Guard was sent flying like a ragdoll, crashing through the window of a nearby brothel, eliciting screams from within.

Xu Buling grabbed the hooked spear, deflecting the goose-feather saber, and pointed the spearhead at the throat of the last remaining Wolf Guard.

The spear stopped abruptly.

The Wolf Guard with the goose-feather saber turned pale, his body stiffening as he held his weapon.

They had anticipated the culprit’s exceptional martial arts skills, but they hadn’t expected him to be this formidable.

The Wolf Guards of the Heavenly Stem unit were all elite warriors, capable of capturing most martial artists.

This young man in white had fought them barehanded. If he had been wielding a weapon, they would have been killed instantly.

His martial arts skills were simply unbelievable!

The Wolf Guard glanced at the spearhead pointed at his throat, carefully taking a step back. He lowered his weapon and moved aside:

“Impressive skills.”

The Heavenly Stem Wolf Guards were defeated in the blink of an eye. The remaining soldiers naturally retreated cautiously.

Gongsun Lu was on high alert.

Xu Buling planted the hooked spear on the ground, his expression calm. He pointed at the ground with his head:

“There’s a warehouse full of smuggled salt behind you. Take your men and seal it off.”

Gongsun Lu’s face hardened. He stared at Xu Buling, his grip on his saber tightening and loosening repeatedly.

The three Heavenly Stem Wolf Guards frowned upon hearing this. Smuggling salt was a serious crime, and a whole warehouse full of it…

They exchanged glances, and one of them headed towards the restaurant.

Gongsun Lu’s eyes narrowed, and he shouted:

“He’s trying to escape! Don’t fall for his trick…”

Slap!

Before he could finish his sentence, a resounding slap landed on his face.

Gongsun Lu reacted by raising his hand to draw his saber, but Xu Buling kicked the hilt, sending the weapon flying into the courtyard wall behind him.

The slap sent Gongsun Lu stumbling backward, his jade hairpin flying off, his long hair cascading down.

The Imperial Guards were stunned, holding their weapons but hesitant to intervene.

A bright red handprint marred Gongsun Lu’s face. His eyes blazed with fury as he threw a punch, but Xu Buling caught his wrist and slapped him across the face again.

Gongsun Lu spat out a mouthful of blood, his face livid. He glared at the man before him:

“How dare you strike me! Do you know who my father is? My father is…”

Xu Buling slapped him again:

“Do you know who my father is?”

After three slaps, Gongsun Lu’s cheeks were swollen, his eyes bloodshot. He breathed heavily, staring at Xu Buling, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He swallowed it down forcefully, not daring to speak another word.

The Wolf Guards and Imperial Guards surrounded them, caught in a dilemma. Their superior officer had been captured, and they couldn’t afford to make any threats. They could only stand there and watch.

The standoff continued for a moment.

Footsteps approached from the alley. Gongsun Lu turned his head and saw his father, Capital Garrison Commander Gongsun Ming, arriving with a large contingent of Imperial Guards armed with crossbows.

Gongsun Lu breathed a sigh of relief, a hint of arrogance returning to his eyes. He sneered:

“You have incredible audacity…”

Slap!

Before he could finish his sentence, another slap landed on his face.

Gongsun Lu fell to the ground, groaning, his eyes filled with resentment. He dared not speak another word.

Meanwhile, Gongsun Ming, who had just arrived, roared from afar:

“Audacious villain! How dare you… dare… Thank you, Your Highness, for disciplining my son…”

Chapter 2: A Tall Tree Catches the Wind

In the early hours of the morning, Xu Buling sat in a small boat on Qujiang Lake, fishing rod in hand, while eight soldiers stood guard outside the waterside pavilion.

As a transmigrator, Xu Buling wasn’t fishing in the countryside for leisure or to put on a scholarly facade.

Based on the timeline, the Great [Dynasty] should fall somewhere between the Tang and Song dynasties. However, the history of this world had become convoluted after the Spring and Autumn period, leaving Xu Buling completely clueless about the future.

Furthermore, Xu Buling was the legitimate son of Prince Su. As a child, he had gained considerable fame, lauded for his exceptional physique and strength, drawing comparisons to legendary figures like Lü Bu and Xiang Yu. Growing up, he was expected to become a formidable warrior.

Not only was he famous from a young age, but his father, Prince Su, was a powerful hereditary prince who ruled over the twelve western prefectures of Liang, commanding an army of 200,000 soldiers.

He held significant military power and influence, which could potentially threaten the Emperor.

If such a powerful figure were to have an equally capable and undefeated heir, who could potentially conquer the northern barbarians, what reward could the Emperor possibly bestow?

The only rank higher than a Prince was the Emperor himself!

Perhaps due to this concern, the original Xu Buling, following his family’s tradition, embarked on a three-year journey to the capital for education. However, he was assassinated along the way.

On the verge of death, the current Xu Buling transmigrated into his body and was escorted to Chang’an City by his remaining loyal servant, still suffering from the poison inflicted upon him.

Having lived for decades in his previous life, Xu Buling could easily deduce that there was more to this assassination attempt than met the eye.

Upon arriving in Chang’an, he naturally chose to keep a low profile, avoiding unnecessary interactions and aiming to survive until he could leave the capital after three years.

However, given his identity, it wasn’t easy for Xu Buling to live a secluded life.

He wasn’t a newborn abandoned at an orphanage. Prince Su, believing his son to be young and naive, had arranged for a guardian to oversee him.

Speaking of his guardian, Madam Lu, Xu Buling found it difficult to describe their relationship.

Madam Lu, whose name was Lu Hongluan, was a woman of high status, a daughter of a prestigious aristocratic family. She was even related to the current Empress Dowager as a niece.

More importantly, Madam Lu and Princess Su, Xu Buling’s mother, were sworn sisters who shared a deep bond.

As a widow with no children, Madam Lu had ample time on her hands and devoted herself to Xu Buling’s well-being. She kept track of every detail of his life, from his waking hour to his meals and whereabouts, treating him as if he were a character in a nurturing game.

Although Xu Buling possessed the body of a young man in his late teens, his mind was that of a mature adult. Being constantly monitored by a widow was unbearable, forcing him to seek refuge by fishing outside the city.

Unfortunately, a woman’s unwavering attention, fueled by a possessiveness akin to catching a cheating spouse, was difficult to evade.

As Xu Buling pondered his predicament while fishing, footsteps approached from the banks of Qujiang Lake.

A beautiful woman in a palace attire, adorned with a fiery fox fur shawl, walked towards him. She exuded elegance and grace, carrying a vermilion food box adorned with auspicious beasts.

The eight guards bowed slightly:

“Madam Lu!”

“You may all take a break.”

“Yes, Madam!”

Xu Buling felt a headache coming on, but he managed a bright smile:

“Aunt Lu.”

Madam Lu stepped onto the boat and opened the food box, revealing a plate of longan fruit:

“Buling, when you arrived in the capital last year, you were poisoned by assassins. However, you mustn’t give up on yourself. Longan fruit can dispel cold toxins and is more effective than alcohol. It was originally intended for the Emperor, but I specifically requested it from the Empress Dowager for you. Try it.”

Upon his arrival, Xu Buling had been poisoned, his martial arts skills severely diminished. He could only suppress the cold toxins by consuming alcohol. Although the court had been investigating the matter, they had yet to find any leads.

Faced with Madam Lu’s concern, Xu Buling smiled and accepted the longan fruit:

“I haven’t given up. After the ambush at the Wei River, my martial arts skills are a mere shadow of their former glory. Since we haven’t identified the culprits, you told me to hide my abilities. I need to find something to occupy myself, don’t I?”

Madam Lu continued peeling the longan fruit: “When I told you to hide your abilities, I didn’t mean for you to hide yourself away. Have you ever seen a young man in his late teens spending his days fishing by the lake like a hermit?”

Xu Buling picked up a longan fruit, peeled it, and offered it to Madam Lu:

“Alright, Aunt Lu, I’ll return to the Imperial Academy tomorrow and spend my evenings harassing respectable women with my lackeys.”

Madam Lu feigned anger: “Nonsense! You’re not some foolish son of a nouveau riche. Why would you harass respectable women? Hiding your abilities and feigning incompetence is a delicate art. Even acting like a spoiled rich youth requires a certain level of finesse… For instance, you could buy a fine horse and eat meat, purchase exquisite paintings and calligraphy only to burn them for warmth, engage in activities that are considered wasteful and absurd. Commit minor offenses without crossing the line, infuriating others while remaining untouchable…”

She continued her lengthy lecture.

Xu Buling nodded obediently: “Alright, alright, I understand.”

Madam Lu was finally satisfied and continued in a softer tone: “Remember, don’t act on your own accord. Behave like a frivolous prince. With your status, you can get away with almost anything, but incurring the Emperor’s suspicion would lead to disastrous consequences.”

Xu Buling nodded slightly, a smile gracing his lips.

In Chang’an City, Madam Lu was probably the only person who genuinely cared for him.

Although he had been avoiding her, he could still sense her warmth and concern.

However, her insistence on him hiding his abilities and acting like an incompetent and arrogant wastrel was a difficult task.

He had experienced being forced to strive for excellence countless times, but being forced to play the role of a good-for-nothing was a novel experience.

The poison in his body remained a pressing issue, threatening his life at any moment. However, defying Madam Lu’s wishes would be equally detrimental.

After seeing Madam Lu off, Xu Buling lost interest in fishing and returned to the Prince of Su’s residence.

Compared to the brightly lit mansions on Kui Shou Street, the Prince of Su’s residence appeared rather desolate.

It was a residence bestowed upon the Xu family by the Imperial Court. Since the family resided primarily in the western regions, the residence remained mostly empty, occupied only by eight guards, Xu Buling, and an old servant – a total of ten people.

As for beautiful maidservants, Madam Lu had strictly forbidden them, fearing that Xu Buling might be taken advantage of by unscrupulous women. Even the cooks were all men.

In a way, Xu Buling’s life as a prince was rather pitiful.

As snowflakes danced in the winter air, Xu Buling made his way through the corridors and arrived at the study. He looked up and saw an old servant sitting on the steps outside the door.

The servant, known as Old Xiao, was one of Xu Buling’s guards. During the ambush at the Wei River last year, it was Old Xiao who had risked his life to protect Xu Buling and ensure his escape.

Old Xiao rested his cane on his knees, his servant’s cap tilted at a jaunty angle. He licked his finger and flipped through a picture book, the title “Spring Palace Jade Tree Illustrations” faintly visible under the moonlight.

“Ahem—”

“Oh! Young Master is back! What a rare sight!”

Old Xiao quickly hid the picture book in his sleeve, rose to his feet with the aid of his cane, and approached Xu Buling with a flattering smile:

“I told you, Young Master, you can’t escape Madam Lu’s watchful eye. She has nothing to do at home but keep track of your every move. If she doesn’t see you for three days, she’ll send the Imperial Guards to search the entire city. You might as well stay at the Imperial Academy and study.”

“Let’s get down to business.”

Xu Buling took a swig from his wine gourd. Having such a “capable” aunt made him feel a pang of bitterness in his heart.

Old Xiao followed beside him, leaning on his cane, and chuckled:

“Young Master, the ‘Dragon Locking Gu’ poison you’ve been afflicted with is a venomous蛊 from the Miao region. It has been banned by the Imperial Court for many years, and its origins are unknown. However, a few days ago, I overheard some wandering physicians mentioning that the Investigation Bureau encountered the ‘Dragon Locking Gu’ ten years ago when they were suppressing the martial arts families. They might have some information…”

Due to the Great [Dynasty]’s emphasis on martial prowess, practitioners of martial arts were abundant. As the saying goes, “With martial arts, heroes can disrupt the established order.” With so many unruly individuals in the martial world, it naturally posed a threat to the ruling class.

Ten years ago, when the new Emperor ascended the throne, he dispatched troops to suppress those who defied the Imperial Court. The Investigation Bureau was established during that time, specifically tasked with handling such matters, as well as monitoring the various princes and noble families. They were ruthless and efficient, earning them the nickname “Wolf Guards.”

Upon hearing that the Investigation Bureau might have information about the ‘Dragon Locking Gu,’ Xu Buling frowned:

“The Investigation Bureau has been in Chang’an for a year and hasn’t found any clues. If they’re deliberately withholding information, asking them wouldn’t be of any use. Is there a way to infiltrate the Investigation Bureau and investigate?”

Old Xiao shook his head: “The Investigation Bureau holds immense power. They constantly monitor the various princes and noble families, including our Prince Su. It would be difficult to infiltrate them.”

Xu Buling furrowed his brow: “What about planting a spy?”

Old Xiao stroked the handle of his cane: “That’s certainly possible… There are a few new Wolf Guards in the Earth Dog Battalion of the Investigation Bureau. One of them is a young girl, only sixteen years old. I’ve been observing her for a few days, and she seems quite naive…”

“… A few days ago, I planted some information for her, leading her to investigate the Fu Lai Restaurant in Daye District. The Fu Lai Restaurant has some powerful backing and is not to be trifled with. The girl is bound to run into trouble, and we can simply wait for the opportunity to intervene.”

“How powerful is the backing of the Fu Lai Restaurant?”

“I don’t know, but it’s definitely not as powerful as you, Young Master.”

Xu Buling nodded, retrieved his sword, and headed out.

Although he hadn’t ventured outside the city during his year in this world, he had a good understanding of Chang’an.

Each of the 108 districts had a designated official, and in addition to the regular Imperial Guards, each district had three Wolf Guards stationed there. There was no curfew at night, and it was common to see bustling markets and lively entertainment in the prosperous districts.

Daye District, located near the Imperial Palace, was a renowned entertainment hub, filled with brothels, tea houses, cloth shops, jewelry stores, and other such establishments. The Dragon’s Roar Pavilion on Zhuangyuan Street was even said to be a place where “one enters as a son of wealth and exits with empty pockets.”

Xu Buling rode his horse through the crowded streets of Daye District, arriving at the backstreet. He looked up and saw a female constable sitting at a tea stall outside a restaurant.

She wore the standard black uniform, a badge hanging from her waist, and a goose-feather saber resting on the table – the typical attire of a Wolf Guard. Her large eyes sparkled with intelligence, her head covered with a scarf. She appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, with a well-developed figure and a charming appearance.

“Young Master, that’s the girl.”

Old Xiao leaned on his cane, observing the female Wolf Guard in the distance and muttering:

“I’ve done some investigating these past few days. Her name is Zhu Manzhi, from the Fen River region. She comes from humble origins. After her parents disappeared, she became a constable and was transferred to the capital last month.”

Xu Buling observed her for a moment, then frowned slightly:

“A greenhorn. How long will it take to groom her to the point where she can access the archives and examine the records?”

Old Xiao pondered for a moment:

“The archives are a restricted area, and even members of the Investigation Bureau can’t access them freely. There are three thousand Wolf Guards, divided into 108 units under the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Only the Wolf Guards belonging to the Heavenly Stem units* can access the archives…”

“… The job of a constable is ultimately to apprehend criminals. With significant achievements and exceptional skills, she could be promoted to the Heavenly Stem units quickly.”

“How significant do these achievements need to be?”

“She would need to capture at least a few of the notorious figures on the Investigation Bureau’s wanted list, those with bounties of a thousand taels of silver or more. Then, with a little bribery of the supervising officer, it should be enough.”

Xu Buling nodded and waited patiently near the tea stall with his sword, while Old Xiao pretended to be a storyteller, weaving tales to pass the time.

What followed was the classic scenario of a damsel in distress being rescued by a heroic prince, with a touch of arrogance thrown in to fulfill Madam Lu’s instructions…

****

Heavenly Stem units: The “Heavenly Stem” units refer to a system of counting and categorization used in Chinese astrology and numerology. The Heavenly Stems are a set of 10 symbols

Source : Scribd

***

Illustrations:

Lu Hongluan:

 

Anime Chibi version:

Zhu Manzhi:

Anime Chibi version:

 

 

Volume 1: The Hidden Dragon’s Shadow

Chapter 1: Acting Without Orders

“Today, I’ll tell you about Xu Buling, the Prince of Su, and his deeds of bullying men and women, forcing women into marriage…”

On the winter solstice of the tenth year of the Zhaohong era of the Great Dynasty, a light snow fell upon Chang’an City. Near the corner tower of the marketplace, theaters and gambling dens lined the streets, and idlers gathered around tea stalls, warming themselves with braziers at their feet.

A storyteller, with eloquent words, recounted a rare event that took place at the border:

“Last time, we spoke of Xu Buling, the eldest son of the Prince of Su, who ventured alone into the northern desert with a single horse and spear, slaying hundreds of enemies without injury, earning him the title of ‘Little Yama’ amongst the border troops. Guess how old Prince Xu was that year?”

“How would we commoners know about the Prince’s affairs…”

“Tell us, tell us…”

The eager audience urged him on, clearly anticipating the scandalous details of “bullying men and women.”

The storyteller paused for dramatic effect, then continued with gusto:

“On the day Prince Xu returned, carrying the severed head of the enemy general on his spear, he had just turned sixteen!”

“Sixteen years old?”

“Impossible!”

The crowd erupted in disbelief.

The storyteller, despite the winter chill, fanned himself leisurely and said:

“This matter shook the court at the time, even reaching the ears of the Emperor. All the officials praised Prince Xu as a tiger cub from a military family, surpassing his father. Given time, his achievements would surely rival those of Prince Su, Xu Lie…”

“General Xu is already a Prince of a different surname. If Prince Xu is even more capable than him, what title should he be given?”

“One rank higher than a Prince, naturally that would be…”

The storyteller’s face stiffened, and he quickly raised his hand to silence the clamor: “Don’t speak nonsense! Do you want to die?… As the saying goes, ‘A tree that stands out in the forest will be felled by the wind’…”

The storyteller continued his captivating tale, and the tea drinkers listened with rapt attention. Such scenes were commonplace in the streets of Chang’an City.

Just as the audience was becoming engrossed, a commotion suddenly erupted from the street:

“You refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit…”

“Get her!”

The tea drinkers turned to see a female constable, armed with a goose-feather saber, being chased and beaten by a dozen ruffians wielding clubs.

Although Chang’an City was a melting pot of various characters, assaulting an officer was uncommon, attracting the attention of many onlookers.

Soon, three Imperial Guards arrived, led by a young captain, who announced from afar:

“Fighting is strictly prohibited in the capital! Who dares to cause such a disturbance?”

The disheveled constable cried out: “Sir, they dared to assault an officer in broad daylight! There must be something amiss in this restaurant…”

Instead of questioning the thugs, the captain looked coldly at the constable: “This is none of your concern. If you continue to cause trouble, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

It was a clear case of taking sides. The onlookers shook their heads, knowing that the gambling dens and theaters in Daye district were all backed by powerful figures. This young constable was obviously new to the area.

The constable was stunned: “You turn a blind eye to the assault of an officer, and despite knowing there’s something suspicious about the restaurant, you won’t even investigate? Could it be that you have connections with the owner?”

The captain’s face darkened: “Seize her! Let her superiors come and collect her.”

“Yes, sir!”

After just a brief exchange, the Imperial Guards advanced with shackles to apprehend the constable.

The constable’s face turned livid with anger: “How dare you! I’m from the Investigation Bureau! What right do you have to arrest me?”

She drew her saber and stood her ground, ready to fight.

The onlookers sensed trouble. As the saying goes, a higher official holds all the power. This constable was clearly a greenhorn, and it was foolish to draw a weapon on someone else’s territory.

As expected, the captain, seeing her defiance, roared: “You have incredible audacity! Not only do you disobey orders, but you also dare to point your weapon at a superior officer! Seize her!”

Two Imperial Guards surrounded her, striking the back of her knees with the blunt side of their blades, forcing her to kneel. Another guard threw a lasso around her and pulled her back with force.

The constable’s face flushed red, her eyes bloodshot, as she cursed: “You corrupt official! Colluding with merchants, perverting justice! I will report this to the Investigation Bureau…”

“Shut your damn mouth!”

The captain’s eyes turned cold, and he strode forward, raising his hand to slap the constable across the face. The blow was forceful; if it landed, it would surely knock out a few teeth.

The onlookers frowned, but they dared not interfere with official business.

However, the slap never connected.

They turned to see a young man in white, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, standing in front of the constable. He carried a wine gourd instead of a jade pendant on his waist, his right hand gripping a long sword, his left hand firmly grasping the captain’s wrist.

The young man had sword-like eyebrows and captivating peach blossom eyes that naturally exuded nobility, yet held a hint of allure. He looked like he had stepped out of a painting, resembling a wandering swordsman who meddled in the affairs of others.

The captain’s face darkened as he saw someone interfering, and he barked:

“Official business! Bystanders, step aside!”

The young man’s expression remained calm: “We all serve the Imperial Court. Why resort to violence against a fellow officer?”

The captain tried to free his hand but failed, so he shouted:

“Audacious villain! You dare to brandish a weapon in public and assault an officer…”

He drew his saber with his left hand and swung it at the young man.

The two Imperial Guards released the rope and closed in.

The onlookers gasped. When commoners clashed with officials, even death was considered deserved. This young man in white was too impulsive; carrying a weapon only gave them an excuse to act.

The constable was filled with anxiety, about to tell the audacious young man to mind his own business, when a flash of cold light suddenly appeared before her eyes.

The captain swung his saber, a chill running down his spine. He tried to raise his blade to block, but it was too late.

Shing!

The young man’s sword moved with lightning speed, flashing before the captain and returning to its scabbard in a clean, swift motion.

In that fleeting moment, four characters could be seen engraved on the blade:

‘Bù lìng ér xíng’ – ‘Acting Without Orders’

The ‘Bù lìng’ of Xu Buling.

Blood splattered, drawing a curtain of crimson beads in the air.

The two Imperial Guards were caught off guard, realizing the danger too late.

The captain’s body tensed, his saber clattering to the ground. He clutched his throat, blood gushing between his fingers, his eyes bulging from their sockets. He stared in disbelief at the young man, staggering back a few steps before collapsing, blood seeping into the cracks of the bluestone pavement.

Killed with a single strike.

Silence descended upon the backstreet.

The ruffians watching from afar turned pale with fear, frozen in place.

In the underworld of Chang’an City, gang fights and deaths were not uncommon, but on the surface, law and order were still maintained. No one dared to kill in broad daylight, especially not an official. This was the foot of the Emperor!

Blood splattered on the constable’s face. She stared at the lifeless body of the Imperial Guard captain, her face pale, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

How had the young man drawn his sword so quickly? A dignified Imperial Guard captain was dead just like that?

The young man sheathed his sword and looked at the two stunned Imperial Guards.

The guards were terrified, backing away slowly with their weapons drawn: “Y-You… You have incredible audacity… To kill an Imperial Guard captain in broad daylight, at the foot of the Emperor…”

Their voices trembled as they fled into a nearby alley. Moments later, several signal flares shot into the sky.

“Ah—”

A scream pierced the air, coming from one of the theaters.

Chaos erupted in the backstreet, the thugs outside the restaurant at a loss.

The constable stared at the corpse for a long time, until the young man extended his hand to help her up. She snapped back to reality, jumping up in a panic:

“You… How could you kill him? Killing an official is tantamount to rebellion! You…”

The young man glanced at the body: “Colluding with merchants, shielding criminals, assaulting a fellow officer… Any one of these offenses is enough to warrant his death, let alone drawing his weapon on me.”

The constable was frantic, looking at the unfamiliar young man in white, anxiously saying:

“No matter how grave the crime, he should have been tried and sentenced by the three judicial courts before being executed! You… You acted so rashly, how can this be resolved?”

The young man didn’t answer, instead walking towards the restaurant with his sword in hand.

The thugs outside the restaurant were on high alert. The young man had killed an official, making him a criminal. If they acted now, they would be assisting the authorities in apprehending a fugitive.

The leader of the thugs narrowed his eyes, two short daggers sliding out of his sleeves. He lunged at the young man’s chest from both sides.

Before the constable could shout a warning, she heard a loud crack as the young man stepped onto the stairs.

Cracks appeared on the stone slab. The young man pounced like a tiger, slamming into the thug leader in the blink of an eye, his knees driving into the man’s chest.

Thud!

Bones cracked, and the chest caved in.

Before the leader could react, two deep dents appeared on his chest, the sturdy fabric of his shirt ripping apart from behind.

Splinters of wood flew in all directions.

The thug leader was sent flying, crashing through the door behind him and smashing through a table inside the restaurant before finally coming to a stop.

The young man’s knees remained pressed against the leader’s chest, his left hand gripping the man’s neck like a vise. Before the thug could make a sound, the young man tightened his grip, and a sharp crack echoed through the air.

Blood oozed from the thug’s mouth. He gurgled twice, then his hands, which had been grasping the young man’s arm, fell limply to the ground.

The constable watched in horror!

Such skill could only be achieved through decades of arduous training.

This young man in white was barely twenty years old. Was he even human?

“M-Murder!—”

Screams finally erupted from the street.

The thugs watching from the sidelines were petrified, scattering in all directions.

The constable was completely bewildered, standing there helplessly with her goose-feather saber. She hurried into the restaurant:

“You… Are you insane? How could you be so reckless? You’ve killed two people! Even if you’re the son of Heaven, there’s no way to escape the consequences…”

Hearing this, the young man’s eyes flashed with arrogance:

“Even the son of Heaven would have to listen to me.”

His words were arrogant, but true.

Because this audacious young man in white was none other than the ‘Little Yama’ Xu Buling, the only legitimate son of a heteronymous prince, a transmigrator who had started with a “two kings and four twos” hand in life.*

However, to understand how this murder case came to be, we need to rewind to the morning…

****

• “Heteronymous prince” : Means having a different name or title. In this context, it likely means that Xu Buling’s father is a prince with a different name or title than the usual royal family name. This could imply that Xu Buling’s father is a prince from a different branch of the royal family, or that he has a unique or unconventional title.

• “Two kings and four twos” is a reference to a hand in a card game, specifically a hand with two kings and four twos. This is a very strong hand, implying that Xu Buling was born with a strong foundation or a privileged position in life.

***

Xu Buling