Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 101 : Treasure

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Shen Zechuan had, at Zhao Zui Temple, received Qi Huilian’s entire lifetime of knowledge. Six years ago, when he kneeled at Qi Huilian’s feet, he already knew which path he was going to take. It was in pain and anxiety that he tempered his body and spirit. He once naively thought that he could throw off the noble clans’ restraints by relying on power checks and balances alone. 

But he failed. 

Shen Zechuan looked ahead. The murmuring waters of the river flowed, like life that had plunged into darkness, unable to turn back, and twinkling only because of the starry sky reflected in it. He slowly nudged the little bamboo fan open, then slowly closed it up again. He said, “I left Qudu, but I’m still in a cage. This is a punishment to me for taking my chances. I have to find a new way out soonest possible. Teacher entrusted his entire lifetime of convictions to me. I once promised him to walk to the end of this battle for him. We endured it all in the past because Qudu did not seem to have reached the stage of no return yet. But now, I’ve come to the understanding that it has long been on the decline, like the sun setting beyond the western hills.” 

Qi Huilian shouted about the decaying empire in the heavy downpour, yet his raised arms still seemed to be trying in vain to hold up the mansion that was collapsing. He had taken an entirely different path from Hai Liangyi, but yet they had both lit up the same torch. In the last moment of his life that had always blazed for the Li clan, he cast aside the crown prince whom he could never let go of in the past and chose Shen Zechuan, who was of humble origins.  

Both of Qi Huilian’s students were what the common folks called worlds apart, like clouds and mud. The Crown Prince was the direct descendant of the Li clan, and he seemed to be born just to be a wise sovereign. Qi Huilian thought that they could create a new world, because they were the undisputed legitimate descendants of direct lineage in this world. But then he failed. Subsequently, he found Shen Zechuan in the mire. A Shen Zechuan whose birth mother was of lowly birth and whose father was defeated in battle. A Shen Zechuan who was not a direct descendant. Qi Huilian chose such a Shen Zechuan. This was a change of his lifelong conviction. It was a declaration that he no longer bow to what lineage had in store for them. He wanted such a Shen Zechuan to pierce through this wretched, decaying empire. 

“I have given up enduring it all.” Shen Zechuan rested his fan on his knee and turned slightly sideways to gaze at Xiao Chiye. “I’m going to choose another way to fight. I want to remain in Zhongbo. You once said to Tantai Hu, ‘the humiliation of our nation has yet to be redressed, and the feuds of our families have yet to be avenged’. That’s right, Ce’an, the humiliation Zhongbo has suffered should be redressed in Zhongbo itself. This is what I want to do. One day, we will gallop under the skies of Libei, and that will be when I am strong and powerful enough. Two million isn’t enough to marry the wolf pup of the Prince of Libei. Such a betrothal gift is not worthy of my Xiao Ce’an. If I’m in Zhongbo, however, I will one day go on to be your indestructible shield.”

The water bag hurriedly fell to the ground, splashing water all over the ground and onto the corner of Xiao Chiye’s robe, wetting it. Under the soft veil of moonlight, Xiao Chiye suddenly grasped hold of Shen Zechuan’s hand and hugged him. 

After a long time, Xiao Chiye’s hoarse voice rang out beside Shen Zechuan’s ear, clinging close to it, “I’ll leave my back to you, and you’ll leave your chest to me. We cannot do without the other. I’ll choose the best horse for you in Libei. We’ll build a house on the Zhongbo-Libei demarcation line and meet there every month—it’s a must. To marry me, two million isn’t enough; I want Lanzhou’s priceless smile that even a thousand gold cannot buy.”