A step into the past - 寻秦记 - by Huang Yi

[sunn]

Let me be the FIRST to say Thank You Justin ....

Ok ... now I can start reading the new post.

[Sunterjo]

Awesome...Thanks Justin..

[ycb5959]

Thanks again

[wuxiacrazy]

Thank you Justin

[rajmonarch]

Thanks justin..................

[balikpapan]

Waheyy.. THank you, Justin.

I think they are all in cahoot against XSL. All these 'contradict' information are created to confuse XSL and make him depend more on Xie Ziyuan; and make it easier for him to destroy XSL. I'm pretty sure Fei Fei is somehow get involved too.

And what's this nonsense about 'beauty trap'? I'd gladly step into it if there's one

[Tenku]

Thanks, Justin. Awesome translation. I'm one of your avid reader, but rarely made any comment.

Anyone realizes the overused plot here:
XSL is usually betrayed by his friends/allies/lover -> fortunately he always has an insider information (Tu Xian, ZY's servant, XYT, SR, etc) -> XSL always able to hear an important discussion of his main enemy and no one seems realized someone eavesdropping them (not even first class swordsman like GZX and HJ, but of course XSL able to sense danger thanks to his meditation) -> happy end for XSL

I guess XSL will just eavesdropping again at a convenient time. Then he/we finally know who's allies and enemies. I'm very sure XYT is an ally, since this is a repeated plot after all. Anyone else can be considered as either enemy or someone who support no side but will profit from any side.

[crydee]

Nice!!...Thanks Justin

[Anh Nam]

Thanks Justin

[Justin13]

Book 24 Chapter 04 Discovering a shocking conspiracy

That very night, Zongsun Xuanhua came to visit Xiang Shaolong. After opening the conversation with some unimportant topics, he quizzed: “Xuanhua is curious about one thing: When the Crown Prince was escorted back to Xianyang from Handan, there were rumours circulating that he was an illegitimate son of Lu Buwei. Even the royal family and court officials were aware of it. However, why did they continue to give him their full support?”

Xiang Shaolong was secretly horrified and troubled. It is not Zongsun Xuanhua’s question that he was worried about but the agenda behind the question.

In the past, he was only suspicious but right now, he is fully convinced that Lu Buwei has grasped the Achilles’ heel of him and Xiao Pan. Given Lu Buwei’s prowess, he could easily employ several hard or soft tactics and ‘invite’ the foster parents of the real Yingzheng back to Xianyang from Handan. By then, he could effortlessly use these witnesses to blackmail Xiao Pan.

Thinking about this point, Xiang Shaolong could not help but secretly detest Zhu Ji. However, it is possible that she does not care if Xiao Pan is her own son or not. As a result, for her to reveal this secret is no big deal, which is why it is not surprising for her to disclose this fact to Lao Ai after being sweet-talked by him.

This is indeed the only way Lu Buwei can salvage the entire situation.

If this scandal is exposed, Xiao Pan and him, Xiang Shaolong, would be labeled as conmen. Everyone who is related to or supportive of them would receive the heaviest mental blow and suffer a drastic change of lifestyle.

Within Qin, Lu Buwei is already deep-seated in power. By forcing Zhu Ji to join hands and publicly stripping Xiao Pan of the Crown Prince title, he can then support an incompetent royal family member to succeed the throne, wielding full power over the country indirectly. By then, he can easily dispose Lao Ai, leaving his authority unchallenged.

Although history will remain unaltered, Xiang Shaolong is currently mired in the centre of it all and cannot take things for granted. It is like fate; until an event has factually happened, who can know for sure that it is due to fate? Therefore, his heart is filled with anxiety.

Lu Buwei must have leaked certain clues regarding the matter to Zongsun Long father and son, instigating Zongsun Xuanhua to specially approach him and test Lu Buwei’s theories. Once tested, they can make up their minds to switch sides to Lu Buwei or continue to partner Xiang Shaolong.

On the surface, Xiang Shaolong naturally put on a leisurely appearance, concealing the horror within his heart. He replied with a tinge of surprise: “This matter has long been concluded. Years ago, to satisfy Lu Gong’s suspicions, a blood test was administered and it is proven that Crown Prince Zheng and Lu Buwei are not related in any way.”

Zongsun Xuanhua laughed mysteriously: “I heard the blood of Crown Prince was personally drawn by Great General!”

Xiang Shaolong pretended to be astonished: “Brother Xuanhua knows about this too?”

With an unnatural body language, Zongsun Xuanhua replied: “This information was lifted off Tian Dan, provoking my curiosity about another question. It is rumoured that even Qin’s Empress (Zhu) Ji is uncertain whether Crown Prince Zheng is the son of Lu Buwei or the late King; why would Great General have the guts to administer the blood test? If it turns out that Lu Buwei is the real father, what would Great General do?”

Xiang Shaolong is already prepared for this question from him; in fact, it could be due to Lu Buwei egging him to make this inquiry on his behalf. If Xiang Shaolong displayed any signs of hesitation, Zongsun Xuanhua would know that Lu Buwei is telling the truth. It also meant that Lu Buwei could use this fact to topple Xiao Pan. Hence, they should cross over to Lu Buwei’s side of the fence and plot against Xiang Shaolong.

From Zongsun Long’s point of view, it would be ideal if Qin is plagued with infighting and subsequently declined from strong to weak, allowing Qi to have an opportunity to be the next dominant State.

Additionally, if Cao Cuidao happened to kill Xiang Shaolong, Xiao Pan would have lost a powerful ally and may consequently be defeated by Lu Buwei.

Utilizing all his acting skills to put up a nonchalant front, Xiang Shaolong casually remarked: “It is simply a smokescreen created by Empress. During that period, Lu Buwei has a monopoly on power and fearing for the safety of her son, Empress deliberately created a confusing scenario. Without a doubt, Crown Prince is the son of the late King.”

Zongsun Xuanhua was contemplating for some time before suppressing his voice and asking: “There is something that Xuanhua wants to say but does not know if it is inappropriate. If I cause any offence, I hope Great General will not hold it against me.”

Xiang Shaolong could already guess what he wanted to say next and even deduced that it was Lu Buwei who instructed him to do so. On one hand, he could test his own reaction and on the other hand, he could distract him mentally, causing him to perish under Cao Cuidao’s sword because of emotional baggage. Xiang Shaolong pretended to laugh: “There is nothing to hide. Brother Xuanhua can speak your mind without any reservations.”

Zongsun Xuanhua tried to say something but the words never left his lips. After some time, he finally uttered: “We have a spy within Tian Dan’s residence. According to him, Lu Buwei told Tian Dan he has already gathered sufficient evidence: There is a couple who lives in Handan’s public housing and they can provide additional information on Crown Prince’s identity.”

Xiang Shaolong is even more convinced than before that this is Lu Buwei’s ultimate scheme. As his heart sank all the way down, his external expression was that of surprise, followed by loud laugher: “Lu Buwei is getting more and more muddle-headed. He must be referring to the foster parents who raised Crown Prince. A long time ago, Crown Prince has already arranged for them to move to Xianyang. However, this is a highly confidential issue and only a handful of people are aware of it. Has Lu Buwei gone mad?”

These words are simply brilliant. It is as good as telling Zongsun Xuanhua that even if there is a problem, the problem has already been solved even before it arises.

It is now Zongsun Xuanhua’s turn to be greatly surprised. After a short daze, he laughed along: “My sentiments exactly. If I were Crown Prince, I would naturally fetch my foster parents back to Xianyang and allow them to retire happily in return for raising me for so many years.”

Xiang Shaolong secretly sighed, accepting the fact that he is not heartless enough to be a good politician. If it was someone else, he would have murdered that couple before leaving Handan, preventing a similar calamity from occurring today.

At that point in time, he did not even consider this aspect and even when he recalled this affair later, he simply brushed it off. This is also because only three individuals, him, Zhu Ji and Xiao Pan knows about the couple’s name and address. Unexpectedly, Zhu Ji leaked this information.

Losing the interest to speak further, Zongsun Xuanhua mentioned some unrelated topics before bidding farewell.

Xiang Shaolong is certain that he is going to rendezvous with Lu Buwei. Hit by a brainwave, he checked: “Will Brother Xuanhua see Official Xie tomorrow?”

Zongsun Xuanhua nodded: “Do you need Xuanhua to pass a message to him?”

Xiang Shaolong made up a story: “I have something for him and have to trouble Brother Xuanhua to pass it to him on my behalf. Brother Xuanhua, please wait for a while.”

Finishing his sentences, Xiang Shaolong swiftly returned to his room and changed into dark coloured clothes and fitted his climbing apparatus. Concealing his new outfit with a coat, he went back to Zongsun Xuanhua and apologized: “I forgot that I have already sent the item to Official Xie’s residence. There is no need to bother Brother Xuanhua anymore.” Zongsun Xuanhua did not suspect anything and left after assuring Xiang Shaolong repeatedly that it is no trouble at all.

Pulling up his hood, Xiang Shaolong slipped out into the streets via a side door. He brisk-walked in the direction of Zongsun Xuanhua’s carriage.

Not only does Xiao Pan’s identity predicament affect his and Xiao Pan’s reputation, it encompasses the life and death of many other families. For the first time, he could understand the dilemma that Lord Longyang, Han Chuang and the others are facing. In the 21st century, only the criminal alone is being punished.

If he got into trouble during this era, not only will his wives and son receive the same punishment but the entire Wu Family Clan and even Teng Yi and Jing Jun’s clans would be exterminated.

In conclusion, the more information he possess regarding this issue, the better can he handle this huge disaster.

Since the beginning of history, gathering intelligence is always the first priority for any army. Since there are no tapping devices for him to employ in this era, he could only personally venture out and hear for himself what are the schemes Lu Buwei is cooking up with Zongsun Xuanhua.

Fortunately, he has been through Special Forces training, making him a professional at sneaking into urban areas. Compared to the skyscrapers of the 21st century, the properties of this era are defenceless playgrounds in his eyes. As long as he can avoid detection by family warriors and guard dogs, he can trespass any residence at will.

Today, Zongsun Xuanhua is only engaging a small convoy, comprising of a single carriage and a handful of followers. As the roads are occupied by numerous carriages driving up and down, their convoy is hobbling along at a snail’s pace. By increasing his pace, Xiang Shaolong easily overtook his carriage and is waiting for him at the front.

According to his estimates, Lu Buwei would not be meeting Zongsun Xuanhua at the Chancellor Residence where he is currently lodging.

At the end of the day, Tian Dan and Zongsun Long father and son are at loggerheads with each other. Despite Lu Buwei’s overbearing character, there is no way the meeting can be held right in front of Tian Dan’s eyes.

Although it is not snowing tonight, the weather is still freezing. Compared to the earlier nights with snow flying all around, the temperature is definitely much more hospitable. Furthermore, the bone chilling winter wind has stopped blowing.

Due to the thriving economy, more and more politically savvy tycoons like Zongsun Long are emerging. His own Wu Family, Lu Buwei and even Qin Qing are shining examples.

In the midst of his thoughts, Zongsun Xuanhua’s horse carriage made an unanticipated stop. Scrutinizing the courtyard in question, the entire length of Xiang Shaolong’s spine turned cold.

[Tenku]

first? thanks, Justin.

[kohchun]

FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Justin

[bsarwono]

With this new twist I realy like to shout ... Arrgghh .... another problem rise again ... whose foe(s) .. and whose friend(s) .... it was really getting to my nerve ... Thanks alot Justin ...

[wuxiacrazy]

Thanks Justin especially for the "cliff-hanger". Spine-chilling indeed.

[wuxiacrazy]

FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Justin

LOL. Hi kohchun, too many exclamation marks there. Precious split seconds were wasted. Split seconds will result in SECOND!!!

[ycb5959]

Thanks. Long one

[flawed]

First post ever.... Hi all

[ycb5959]

First post ever.... Hi all

Hi. Glad you like this Thread.
Justin is translating at super speed to finish this long story within the next few months.

[tweety365]

CHEERS! and 8 more chapters till the showdown... anyway.... more twists and turns coming up!

No kidding! 8 chapters?! Gosh, Huang Yi sure knows how to build up suspense, just like XSL's duel with Guan Zhongxie. That was a good duel. Since XSL’s skills have greatly improved, he can beat GZX with ease now. I hope he gets to beat the crap out of that arrogant GZX when he returns to Xianyang.

Well, I guess XSL needs to clear up all his problems before the grand finale. I don’t have a very fond impression of Sword Saint, Cao Qiudao. Aside from having awesome sword skills, his character leaves much to be desired. Killing or maiming his opponents in duels and accepting students who are far from honorable show that he is already inferior to XSL.

Xiang Shaolong had a big shock: “Are you sure? He was crying his eyes out and his nose was running. It was a genuine display of emotions!”

XSL sounds so very naïve with this sentence. He should know by now that nobody can be trusted and should always be on guard. He needs to stalk and eavesdrop on his "friends" and enemies more often.

Justin, the cliffhanger is not cool, man. What or who did XSL see that was so shocking?!

[bsarwono]

Justin, the cliffhanger is not cool, man. What or who did XSL see that was so shocking?!

Wel .... could it be Xiao Yuetan ... that's why XSL was very shock ??