Chapter 0131: Standing Out Like a Crane Amongst Chickens

Chapter 0131: Standing Out Like a Crane Amongst Chickens

Being pressed down by Qu Yunmie, Xiao Rong felt a bit anxious.

Though he wasn't afraid of Qu Yunmie, that was when Qu Yunmie was sober. Who knew what the drunk version would do? Their physical disparity was evident; usually, it was Qu Yunmie who held back, otherwise, Xiao Rong would have been on the ground long ago if Qu Yunmie resorted to force.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Rong composed himself and tried to intimidate Qu Yunmie with a stern face: "Let me go."

Xiao Rong could be quite intimidating when he wanted to be, but Qu Yunmie merely looked at him, unmoved.

Xiao Rong: "…"

His temper flared up. He refused to answer Qu Yunmie's question, mainly because he couldn't remember what Qu Yunmie had rambled about earlier. The only thing he remembered were the last two syllables, which sounded like "Yunmie."

The drunk Qu Yunmie was unusually patient. He didn't realize Xiao Rong was just being stubborn; he thought Xiao Rong was thinking hard, so he waited quietly, not letting go.

Xiao Rong: "…"

Feeling foolish for arguing with a drunk, he turned his eyes back and looked up at the hand pressing him down.

He lifted his own hand and grabbed Qu Yunmie's wrist.

The burn scars had mostly healed, thanks to Qu Yunmie's robust physique. Only ugly, crisscrossing scars remained on his palm, making it look unappealing.

But Xiao Rong kept staring at it.

Qu Yunmie didn't understand what Xiao Rong was doing. Feeling the game was over, he grew a bit disappointed and tried to sit up.

However, he couldn't move because Xiao Rong's other hand had somehow grabbed his waistband, pulling him closer and forcing him to look at him.

Qu Yunmie was taken aback.

Lying there in the shadows, Xiao Rong narrowed his eyes, exuding an even stronger aura than Qu Yunmie: "Is this all you want to ask? You should have many questions for me."

Qu Yunmie looked at him, his voice tinged with a hint of grievance: "I want to know, but you won't tell me."

Xiao Rong took a deep breath, released Qu Yunmie's waistband, spread his fingers, and pushed against Qu Yunmie's dantian to make him get up. Since Qu Yunmie had been leaning over him, his body was tense, making Xiao Rong feel like he was pushing against a wall.

"…"

Xiao Rong retracted his fingers, puzzled. He had seen Qu Yunmie shirtless before, and he didn't seem this hard then.

Qu Yunmie sat up silently, unaware of Xiao Rong's thoughts. He simply lowered his head and pulled the blanket over himself.

Seeing this, Xiao Rong asked: "Did I hurt you?"

Why else would you cover yourself? You can wear light clothes even in winter.

Qu Yunmie: "…………"

He still didn't speak, but his face was slightly red.

Xiao Rong frowned, finding him strange. Suddenly, his mind cleared, and two disconnected thoughts connected. His own face flushed red.

No need to speak; they were both inexperienced. …

But experience does count. Xiao Rong quickly regained his composure, at least outwardly.

He moved back a bit and looked at Qu Yunmie suspiciously. Was he really drunk or not? Do drunks get shy?

Shouldn't they act on impulse?

If Qu Yunmie did anything, Xiao Rong would kick him away. His principle was always: "I can give it to you, but you can't take it." …

Out of nowhere, Xiao Rong asked Qu Yunmie: "Have you ever been drunk before?"

Qu Yunmie looked down, avoiding eye contact: "Yes, when I was a teenager, I loved drinking. No one held back, and they'd get me drunk easily."

Xiao Rong asked again: "What did you do when you were drunk?"

Qu Yunmie: "I don't remember."

Qu Yunmie kept his head down, and suddenly, Xiao Rong appeared below him, looking up at him: "Are you lying to me?"

Qu Yunmie showed that pained expression again and said to Xiao Rong: "Ah Rong, no matter what, I will never hurt you."

Xiao Rong: "…"

Some people rage when drunk, some become melancholic.

Xiao Rong straightened up, looking at Qu Yunmie's pitiful appearance. He twitched his lips but realized he might owe Qu Yunmie a lot. He had bullied and forced him, and Qu Yunmie never complained when sober. Now, everything was coming out.

Sighing softly, Xiao Rong pulled the other half of the blanket over his legs: "What do you want to ask me? I'll give you three chances. Think carefully."

Qu Yunmie didn't need to think; he asked directly: "When can I say it?"

Xiao Rong was taken aback, and seeing his expression, Qu Yunmie thought he was angry. He hurriedly added: "I'm not rushing you, but… can I never say it? Even if I'm dying, can't I say it then?"

Whether to say it or not didn't matter much since they both knew what would be said.

So Qu Yunmie's question was about the consequences of saying it. He wanted to give Xiao Rong freedom but hoped Xiao Rong would choose him. He wanted a clear deadline, even if it was on his deathbed, better than keeping it buried forever.

Facing Qu Yunmie, Xiao Rong shifted to sit opposite him.

Xiao Rong: "Qu Yunmie, I have a secret to tell you."

Qu Yunmie stared at him.

Xiao Rong opened his mouth and whispered: "I am a spirit."

Qu Yunmie slightly widened his eyes.

Xiao Rong, seeing that he believed him, felt somewhat reassured. It seemed he had truly drunk away his wits.

"We spirits, after entering the human world, all have a superior overseeing us. That superior is unscrupulous and domineering, acting on his own without considering my wishes."

Qu Yunmie thought to himself: "Like me."

Xiao Rong's next words were suddenly stuck in his throat: "……"

He said angrily, "Don't interrupt."

Seeing Qu Yunmie obey, Xiao Rong continued, "He gave me many orders, which I must follow, but I don't want to. At the very least, I don't want someone controlling my life. So my primary task is to get rid of him. As for what happens after that…"

Xiao Rong paused, then suddenly looked up and said in a frightening tone, "Qu Yunmie, spirits and humans are different; spirits cannot be with humans. Spirits will eat your brain and drink your blood."

Still absorbed in the previous thought, Qu Yunmie reflexively replied, "It doesn't matter."

Xiao Rong asked him in surprise, "It doesn't matter?"

Qu Yunmie nodded, "Yes, haven't you always said I have no brains?"

Xiao Rong: "…………"

I only said it in my mind!

He stared at Qu Yunmie in astonishment, and after a few seconds, he couldn't hold back anymore and burst out laughing. Qu Yunmie looked at him puzzled, causing Xiao Rong to laugh even harder.

After finally calming down, Xiao Rong rested his hands on his waist for a moment, then, becoming serious, his first words to Qu Yunmie were, "I was right; you really have no brains!"

Qu Yunmie: "……"

He gritted his teeth inwardly but endured it.

Xiao Rong continued to scold him, "I told you it's dangerous to be with a spirit, yet you still say it doesn't matter. What else could this be if not having no brains?!"

But in the next instant, he slumped, no longer standing straight or holding his waist, his head drooping as he sighed heavily. He lifted his head again, his eyes much softer than usual, "If I were truly a spirit, I would have eaten you today, bones and all, leaving nothing behind. Then you would be mine, and I wouldn't face so many problems."

This vulnerable side of Xiao Rong was something Qu Yunmie rarely saw. He looked at him and suddenly reached out, supporting Xiao Rong's body and pulling him closer. The feeling of being controlled by someone else was uncomfortable, making one instinctively struggle to regain control.

But Xiao Rong didn't have time to struggle, as he soon realized he was safe again. Instinctively, he clung tightly to Qu Yunmie's neck, his long legs wrapping firmly around Qu Yunmie's waist as if trying to cut him in half. The strong smell of alcohol filled his nose, making him dizzy and disoriented. His face still showed traces of panic, and he instinctively looked at the person he was holding, who also raised his head to look at him.

Qu Yunmie said to him, "Even if I'm not a spirit, I can still be consumed. Every part of me—blood, flesh, bones, and skin—is yours. You just never wanted me."

Hearing this, Xiao Rong's heart tightened, and his body tensed even more. He clung to Qu Yunmie like a snake, causing him some discomfort, but the pain was nothing compared to the swelling in his heart. Qu Yunmie was the one who was drunk, while Xiao Rong remained sober, his gaze clear and unwavering.

The candle flickered, and Qu Yunmie heard Xiao Rong ask, "Are you really drunk?"

Qu Yunmie nodded.

Xiao Rong asked again, "Will you remember what you did tomorrow?"

Qu Yunmie seemed to realize something. His hand on Xiao Rong's waist was sweating, but he still gave a clear answer.

He shook his head at Xiao Rong. Xiao Rong pursed his lips.

There were many labels attached to him—greedy, bad-tempered, disrespectful—but there was one label that everyone had long forgotten.

That he was exceptionally brave.

He dared to face bandits alone and could travel to Jinling by himself. He feared death, but he wasn't afraid of danger; in fact, he enjoyed the moment when he controlled the danger.

Thus, he made up his mind, smiled slightly at Qu Yunmie, relaxed his body, and no longer clung to Qu Yunmie like a piece of driftwood. He let his body fall and sat snugly in Qu Yunmie's arms.

In an instant, it was Qu Yunmie who tensed up, but he didn't stay tense for long because Xiao Rong hooked his neck and pulled him closer.

Qu Yunmie's expression was initially blank, then his eyes widened suddenly, and just before he completely succumbed, he had only one thought left. Ah.

So this is how it could be done. ...

The next day, the victory banquet proceeded as usual. Xiao Rong, unusually, did not wake up early but sat in his room for nearly an hour. When he felt everyone else should have already left, he quietly came out.

Indeed, everyone had gone, but there was an unexpected guest who had just arrived.

Before Xiao Rong could walk far, Zhang Biezhi ran over cheerfully to greet him, "Mr. Xiao! Breakfast has already been set up outside. Why are you still here?"

Xiao Rong: "..."

They serve breakfast at the victory banquet?! He thought a continuous feast from afternoon to evening would suffice!

Hearing his question, Zhang Biezhi laughed, "Mr. Song said it's customary elsewhere, so why should the Northern Pacification Army only have a half-day feast? Of course, it should be a full-day affair."

Xiao Rong: "............"

Good one, Song Shuo. Since it's not your money, you don't care!

But the chefs had already started working, and stopping them now would be a downer. Besides, people's appetites are limited; no one would eat from morning till night, right?

If someone really did... then he would! —just bear with it.

He had boasted, so he would endure it even if he had to kneel.

Xiao Rong originally wanted to go see the feast, but now he didn't want to. He needed to handle official business to distract himself.

Xiao Rong walked out looking dejected. Seeing his poor complexion, Zhang Biezhi wondered if he was sick. Upon closer inspection, Zhang Biezhi suddenly exclaimed, "Mr. Xiao, who hit you?!"

Xiao Rong: "..."

His lips were thin, and a light bite would break the skin. Now, it wasn't just broken skin—it was bleeding!

It wasn't really bleeding, just a red mark. Because his skin was so thin, it looked like it was actively bleeding.

In any case, this wasn’t normal, as no one would bite themselves to this extent.

Xiao Rong quickly whispered, "Don't make such a fuss—"

Zhang Biezhi was even more shocked and spoke louder, "You got beaten, and I can't be alarmed? Who had the nerve to hit Lord Xiao?!"

Xiao Rong: "…………"

His head was buzzing, and his voice was nearly gone. "Can you at least keep your voice down?"

Zhang Biezhi: "Alright, alright, I'll keep it down."

"Wait, why should I keep it down?!" Zhang Biezhi paused, suddenly realizing, "You're the victim, and I'm your subordinate; I should speak up! Guards, come here! How could you let this happen? Lord Xiao is injured, and you didn't notice?!"

Hearing Zhang Biezhi's shouting, people quickly gathered around. Zhang Biezhi was pleased with his influence. He turned to Xiao Rong, about to take credit, but then he was scolded by Xiao Rong, "Are you bored? If you shout one more time, I'll send you to Xihai County! Since you’re so idle, go to Yiyang now to visit the garrison troops and return after the victory banquet!"

Xiao Rong then glanced at the guards who had all fallen silent. "Anyone have a problem with that? Anyone who does can join him!"

The guards: "…………"

They shook their heads vigorously.

Xiao Rong swept away, and the guards dispersed, leaving Zhang Biezhi standing there in confusion.

Is caring wrong?

Ugh—since Xiao Rong came back, he’s been even worse to me! I want to cry to my sister, but Xiao Rong ordered me to leave immediately.

Wiping his eyes, Zhang Biezhi sniffled hard, deciding to save his complaints for when he returned to talk to his sister.*

After Zhang Biezhi’s commotion, Xiao Rong turned and went straight back to his room, refusing to come out.

He was angry at Zhang Biezhi, but he was even angrier at the culprit. Sitting in his room, he covered his mouth with one hand, pretending to read while supporting his head. Then he asked Ah Shu, "Where did Qu Yunmie go?"

Ah Shu had actually seen it last night, but being young and not exposed to the outside world, he couldn’t imagine anything sinister. He thought Xiao Rong and Qu Yunmie had fought, and Xiao Rong was hiding it because he didn’t want him to know.

After all, their Master was a proud person, so Ah Rong tactfully didn’t mention it, deciding instead to complain to Gao Xunzhi tonight.

With embellishments.……

At this moment, master and servant were in perfect harmony. Ah Shu also disliked Qu Yunmie, so he answered unhappily, "The King went to the camp early this morning."

Hearing this, Xiao Rong gripped his writing brush until it creaked.

This was an escape from guilt.

Or did he forget?

Xiao Rong couldn’t tell, but it didn’t matter. Once Qu Yunmie appeared before him, he’d know. It wouldn’t take more than tonight; whether guilty or not, he would come.

He dismissed Ah Shu and prepared to spend the day indoors, waiting until evening to become a ghost hunter.

But before the ghost arrived, someone else did.

A guard reported that Zhao Dianshi was seeking an audience. Xiao Rong didn’t know who Zhao Dianshi was. After everyone left, Song Shuo had appointed several minor officials, and this person must be one of them. Xiao Rong, fearing familiar faces but not strangers, instructed the guard to bring him in.

As for going out to a reception hall... forget it, better to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Even so, when Zhao Dianshi entered, Xiao Rong couldn’t avoid him.

Zhao Xingzong was about to bow but was startled upon seeing Xiao Rong’s face. "Lord Xiao, did bandits attack the palace last night?!"

Xiao Rong: "…………"

He gave a tired smile and pointed to a chair nearby. "Yaozu, sit down."

Zhao Xingzong: "…Alright."

He had already given up on explaining.

If Zhao Xingzong hadn’t come today, Xiao Rong might have forgotten about him. From distant yet recent memories, he recalled assigning him to work under Song Shuo. Xiao Rong asked, "Why haven’t I seen you since we returned? Did you leave the city?"

Zhao Xingzong nodded. "Orderly Song sent me to Nanyang, Runan, and Weixing prefectures to discuss joint operations, asking how many troops they could send if Chenliu faced difficulties. In reality, he wanted to gauge the sincerity of these three prefectural governors, considering their proximity to Chenliu and Southern Yong, and to decide on their future positions."

Song Shuo had mentioned this to Xiao Rong but hadn’t said he sent Zhao Xingzong. Entrusting such an important task showed that Song Shuo trusted him, no longer viewing him with suspicion.

Xiao Rong smiled. "You’ve worked hard. What were your observations?"

Zhao Xingzong also smiled. "Initially, the results were disappointing, but after news of the King’s victory spread, they sent envoys to intercept me, offering wine and beauties, begging me to speak well of them. I think they won’t dare switch sides now."

After a breath, Xiao Rong said, "Unfortunately, some fence-sitters can be retained, but others cannot. The governors of Runan and Nanyang should be replaced. Weixing, north of Bashan, can be spared for now."

Zhao Xingzong bowed to Xiao Rong. "Lord, your wisdom is commendable."

Xiao Rong: "……"

He felt uncomfortable, as few people praised him directly, even after serving as Lord for so long. Zhao Xingzong, unfamiliar with him and working under Song Shuo, was a true bureaucrat, making Xiao Rong seem unorthodox in comparison.

More such people would come, so Xiao Rong remained silent, trying to get used to it. After a pause, he suddenly looked at Zhao Xingzong. "Did you come just to report this?"

Song Shuo was Zhao Xingzong’s superior, and reporting directly to him felt strange.

Zhao Xingzong knew he was misunderstood but didn’t explain. Once he finished speaking, Xiao Rong would understand.

He stood up and pulled out a brittle scroll from his sleeve.

He presented it with both hands. Xiao Rong, puzzled, still accepted it.

Unfolding it, he found it was the wanted poster that Gao Xunzhi had posted, the one with Han Qing's mugshot.

Xiao Rong: "…"

He was stunned for a moment, then suddenly remembered how he had once fainted to get rid of Zhao Xingzong. Xiao Rong’s gaze toward Zhao Xingzong changed: "What do you mean by this?"

Zhao Xingzong quickly lowered his head: "Please don't blame me, Lord Xiao. I wasn’t in Chenliu when the wanted poster was first put up. Later, when they were posted all over Nanyang Prefecture, I realized the person in the portrait looked familiar. However, the name written beside it was Han Qing, so I assumed it wasn’t the person I knew."

Xiao Rong: "Go on."

Bowing, Zhao Xingzong was sweating profusely but didn’t dare wipe it away: "After much thought, I still couldn’t shake off my unease. If this person really joined the Breeze Sect and changed his name, it would be possible. I’m not sure if it’s him, but just in case, I came to inform Lord Xiao. The person I know is from New Peace, his full name is Han Zhongxuan. He wandered outside for years before returning home for a year and becoming a Taoist priest. His Taoist name is Jisheng. Our families lived in the same alley, so I often saw him and his family in the secular world. Then, I left home to study and returned three years later, only to hear that he had left with other priests."

Xiao Rong: "…………"

He was stunned: "Wife and children?"

Zhao Xingzong nodded: "Han Zhongxuan has a wife and children. After returning home for the first time, he married and, while his wife was pregnant, he became a priest."

At the time, his family looked down on Han Zhongxuan’s actions, but Zhao Xingzong admired him, believing he truly had an affinity with Daoism. A forced melon isn’t sweet; if his wife understood, she should have let him go. …Of course, now that I’m mature, I wouldn’t say such things anymore.

Xiao Rong was taken aback, roughly understanding the situation, "The Han Zhongxuan you mentioned must have returned about nine or ten years ago."

Zhao Xingzong thought for a moment: "In the autumn of the first year of Kaiyun, around that time."

That was nine years ago, just before the Xianbei invasion. He fled, did who knows what outside, took a year to return home, married, had a child, and then waved goodbye to become a priest again.

Indeed, reasonable, considering he was once a novice monk and needed two years to grow his hair back.

Xiao Rong felt a bit disoriented. This man truly didn’t care about his identity or name, changing them without any hesitation! He probably changed his name again, what is it now?

Zhao Xingzong was terrified because Han Qing, oh no, Han Zhongxuan caused significant trouble. He was the chief protector of the Breeze Sect and insulted the entire Northern Pacification Army. Zhao Xingzong feared that merely knowing him could lead to imprisonment, so he rushed to confess upon returning.

But despite the critical information he provided, for someone who could change their name at will, Xiao Rong found it hard to imagine he valued his hometown.

As for his wife and children, they were likely moved long ago. Even if they were, Xiao Rong didn’t want to use others’ families to force compliance.

Everything made sense now. The child would be seven or eight years old, perfect for inheriting the throne twenty years later, neither too young nor too old.

When the wanted poster was first posted, someone in Chenliu provided a clue, saying they had seen and even drank with this person. But they knew nothing more about his background or intentions. Now, Zhao Xingzong added some details, allowing Xiao Rong to conclude one thing.

This Han didn’t know face-changing techniques.

If he did, he would have changed his face already. Haha, this is great.

Zhao Xingzong waited for Xiao Rong’s reaction. Looking up, he saw Xiao Rong’s face filled with joy, leaving Zhao Xingzong speechless.

Han Zhongxuan has a wife and children, why are you happy?

Xiao Rong didn’t bother explaining, smiling and waving him off. He assured Zhao Xingzong that he wouldn’t hold this against him and would still entrust him with future missions.

Zhao Xingzong: "…" Thank you.

Once Zhao Xingzong left, Xiao Rong immediately sent someone to investigate in New Peace. Although he believed the Han family was long gone, he still wanted to check. Perhaps there might be some clues, and he needed to issue new wanted posters, detailing Han Qing’s story along with his mugshot. With more followers, they could gather more information than ordinary people.

Unfolding the paper, Xiao Rong prepared to write, but paused with the brush in hand. New Peace.

This was where he first appeared and met Xiao Yi. New Peace was one of the largest cities in Southern Yong, with a third of the scholars concentrated there, and countless temples and Taoist observatories. So it wasn’t surprising that Han Qing’s hometown was there.

It was just a coincidence, how coincidental that he was also from New Peace.

Shaking his head, Xiao Rong stopped thinking about it and quickly began writing, determined to expose everything about Han Qing.

By nightfall, the article Xiao Rong wrote had been sent for engraving. He sat on the bed, planning to read a bit before sleeping.

Dressed neatly, he didn’t look like he was going to sleep, rather as if he was waiting for someone.

Not long after, commotion outside caught his attention. Without looking up, several people burst into Xiao Rong’s room.

Dong Fangjin supported the drunk Qu Yunmie, bringing him here with another guard. Wiping his sweat, he said, "Master Xiao, the King refused to return to his room, so I brought him here."

Xiao Rong closed his book, smiling faintly: "No problem."

You traitorous thing.

Dong Fangjin: "…"

He sensed Xiao Rong’s rebuke, feeling guilty for a moment, and hurriedly led the guards out.

Once the door closed, Xiao Rong looked at the person on the bed. Tonight’s alcohol stench was stronger than last night’s, as if Qu Yunmie had fallen into a wine vat.

Sighing softly, he set aside the book and approached Qu Yunmie.

As Qu Yunmie’s heart pounded, Xiao Rong raised his leg high, almost touching his ear, like a drawn bow. Bang! — A merciless kick sent Qu Yunmie tumbling to the ground. After a while, he groggily got up.

Seeing Xiao Rong’s cold expression, Qu Yunmie silently turned and left, gently closing the door behind him.

Xiao Rong sneered, picking up the book again, though not gently, causing it to rustle loudly.

Outside, Dong Fangjin hadn’t gone far. Seeing Qu Yunmie emerge, he was startled: "King?"

Qu Yunmie shook his head, signaling him not to ask. Passing Dong Fangjin, he muttered, "A trick can only work once. This is the most cunning enemy I’ve ever seen."

Dong Fangjin: "…………"

The wind blew, clearing Qu Yunmie’s mind. Deciding to go back and sleep, he planned to come back and apologize tomorrow.

But tonight’s bad luck wasn’t over. Just as Qu Yunmie left Xiao Rong’s courtyard, he encountered a roadblock on the stone path.

Gao Xunzhi stood there, furious. Seeing Gao Prime Minister actually catch Qu Yunmie, Ah Shu, hiding nearby, sneered and slipped away.

Ah Shu is now only two or three inches shorter than Qu Yunmie. With his height, he couldn't hide even if he wanted to, especially since everyone standing outside in the cold wind was an elite of the Northern Pacification Army. They had all heard the commotion over there but simply couldn't be bothered with it.

The personal guard followed them out and saw Gao Xunzhi, wanting to greet him. Dong Fang Jin extended his arm to block his path and then grabbed the personal guard, stepping back several paces.

Personal guard: "…"

He then realized that General Dong was right.

To survive in the Northern Pacification Army, one must listen to General Dong.

Because in the next second, Chancellor Gao stormed up to The King, slapped him, and said in an even angrier voice, "You—You're becoming more and more outrageous! Come! Let's talk at my place!"

If they had stood closer and witnessed this directly, they might have been exiled to the Great Xianbei Mountains the next day. Feeling like he had narrowly escaped, the personal guard looked at Dong Fang Jin with starry eyes, admiringly asking, "General Dong, how do you know so much?"

Dong Fang Jin looked at the personal guard: "Do you know what 'a crane among chickens' means?"

The personal guard nodded: "Yes, a crane standing among a flock of chickens."

Dong Fang Jin patted his shoulder: "Good, now go back to your chicken coop."

Personal guard: "…………"

Author's note: