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

[r_aribawono]

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

Thanks Justin.

Hmmm... if XSL is very shock then it must be because he has never suspected the betrayal..
I think it could be:

1. Xiao Yue Tan: it would be very shocking.. but I still believe on this guy. He tried to remind XSL about preparing after 10 strokes from Cao Cuidao, etc.. so it's just doesn't make sense that he will betray XSL now..
2. All his old friends are there: that will surely shock him a lot because up until now, he kind of trust them back already.. and only by seeing all of them (or many of them) will make him very shock, and bring him back to reality that the war has not finished.
3. The girls from the dancing troupe: that will also make him very shock, because that probably means they have been eavesdropping the whole time.. it maybe Feng Fei, Dong Zhusen, or the others.. I won't be surprise if one of them or all of them eavesdrop XSL conversation all the time.. and possibly informed Cao Cuidao about the effort to steal the Sabre back.

I couldn't think anymore possibility other than those above that will make XSL very shock.. unless Shan Rou also there.. this will be the ultimate betrayal.. He probably will go on 'depress' mode..

[flawed]

Thanks Justin.

Hmmm... if XSL is very shock then it must be because he has never suspected the betrayal..
I think it could be:

1. Xiao Yue Tan: it would be very shocking.. but I still believe on this guy. He tried to remind XSL about preparing after 10 strokes from Cao Cuidao, etc.. so it's just doesn't make sense that he will betray XSL now..
2. All his old friends are there: that will surely shock him a lot because up until now, he kind of trust them back already.. and only by seeing all of them (or many of them) will make him very shock, and bring him back to reality that the war has not finished.
3. The girls from the dancing troupe: that will also make him very shock, because that probably means they have been eavesdropping the whole time.. it maybe Feng Fei, Dong Zhusen, or the others.. I won't be surprise if one of them or all of them eavesdrop XSL conversation all the time.. and possibly informed Cao Cuidao about the effort to steal the Sabre back.

I couldn't think anymore possibility other than those above that will make XSL very shock.. unless Shan Rou also there.. this will be the ultimate betrayal.. He probably will go on 'depress' mode..

covers everything in one comment.....

IMHO the XYT can do betrayal things to XSL.

[Anh Nam]

Thanks Justin

[Justin13]

It turned out to be Li Yuan’s Tingzhu Villa which is two streets away from Tingsong Villa.

While the carriage is driving into the compound, Xiang Shaolong has already familiarized himself with the place and entered by climbing over a side wall.

These ten odd courtyards are used specially to host foreign dignitaries and are similar in design. Since he has memorized the layout of Tingsong Villa, navigating Tingzhu Villa is child’s play to him.

Demonstrating his dexterities and forte as a Special Forces member, with a mixture of quick darts and slow steps, he made his way across the side garden while avoiding the occasional family warrior on patrol. Ascending the main block which overlooks the front and back courtyard, he landed on the roof about the same time Zongsun Xuanhua entered the building from below, clearly displaying his incredible climbing skills.

Within seconds, Zongsun Xuanhua exited from the other side of the main building and took the corridor leading towards the Eastern Chamber. Xiang Shaolong hurriedly slid down the building with the aid of a grappling hook. Using bushes and trees as cover, he scampered to the west window of the Eastern Chamber. Underneath the translucent window where the illumination of a lamp is barely visible, he squatted down and began eavesdropping in silence. As it is bright inside the chamber and dark on the outside, his shadow would not shine into the chamber. Li Yuan’s voice sounded: “Xuanhua, pray take a seat before speaking.”

What followed were sounds of tea pouring and someone sitting down.

Xiang Shaolong reprimanded himself for not being thorough in his contemplation. When he first met Li Yuan here, he was conducting a secret discussion with Zongsun Long, clearly illustrating their intimacy.

In addition, Lady Qingxiu did warn him on two occasions to take precautions against Li Yuan. However, Li Yuan managed to utterly deceive him with just a few sentences, gaining his full confidence again and again. It is also partly due to his habit of judging others with an overly positive perspective.

In fact, regardless of Li Yuan, Han Chuang or Lord Longyang, they are all true blue politicians who prioritize benefits and gains over relationships and emotions.

Lord Longyang is probably not as unscrupulous as the rest. But with regards to Li Yuan, it is obvious that he is able to cast aside his hatred towards Xiang Shaolong for snatching Ji Yanran away and work hand in hand with him in Shouchun. This clearly proves that he values power and status. Anything else is secondary.

If he had succumbed to his laziness and did not stalk Zongsun Xuanhua, he would probably die without knowing the truth behind his death.

Li Yuan is truly intelligent to reveal Han Chuang’s betrayal, misleading Xiang Shaolong that he values his past contributions.

As the sound of footsteps of the dismissed servants faded away, it was replaced by sounds of sipping tea and wine.

From the noises generated, it seems like there is more than just Li Yuan and Zongsun Xuanhua in the room. As anticipated, Zongsun Long’s voice sounded: “What explanation did Xiang Shaolong offer?”

Zongsun Xuanhua sighed with a breath of air: “The circumstances may be different from what the cunning old fox Lu Buwei has described. Not only did Xiang Shaolong didn’t show any signs of shock, he even mentioned that Yingzheng had fetched that couple back to Xianyang. Aye!”

Another man countered: “Didn’t Lu Buwei say that he has custody of the couple?”

Xiang Shaolong can sense his entire body shuddering. Besides being alarmed at these words, he was also shaken upon recognizing the speaker. It is none other than Han Chuang who had been cursing himself and crying his eyes out to him earlier today.

In an unhurried tone, another gentle and familiar voice sounded: “Xuanhua, why don’t you reiterate the full chronicles before we draw any conclusions and decide if Xiang Shaolong is lying or Lu Buwei is spouting nonsense.”

His heart sank all the way to the bottom for he could identify this speaker to be his nemesis Guo Kai.

Presently, he can confirm Lady Qingxiu’s implicit meaning and unspoken warning: Li Yuan, Guo Kai and Han Chuang are working together against him. However, he did not expect Zongsun Long to be involved too.

After delving on it, he is certain that Zongsun Long father and son joined their gang at a later stage, explaining their earlier sincere behavior. They probably entered this collaboration after Lu Buwei’s visit.

As his thoughts trained till this point, Zongsun Xuanhua had articulated the chain of events and he added: “Throughout the exchange, not only did Xiang Shaolong fail to exhibit any signs of agitation, inversely, he found the whole affair pretty hilarious. If I were in his shoes, I would definitely freak out.”

Disappointed sighs echoed from the hall.

Guo Kai lamented: “If this is true, we would have lost a golden opportunity to topple Yingzheng. This kid is smart and formidable; his methods are deadly and devastating. With his overwhelming ambitions, we can forget about getting a good night’s sleep if he officially becomes the King of Qin.”

Li Yuan wondered: “Xiang Shaolong is a talent when it comes to faking reactions and he is blessed with quick reflexes. Could he be actually reeling in shock but was able to conceal it?”

Zongsun Long mourned: “If he hadn’t chased away the men that I have bribed, we would be able to find out what is his after-reaction.”

Han Chuang analyzed: “Judging from Lu Buwei’s tone when he spoke to Master Long, he probably got the couple’s Handan address from Lao Ai just as he was departing from Xianyang. Otherwise, Xianyang would have degenerated into chaos and he definitely cannot spare the time to come to Lin Zi. Therefore, I am certain that he cannot guarantee actual custody of the witnesses.” Zongsun Long grieved: “In this case, Xiang Shaolong is not lying.”

Guo Kai viciously declared: “No matter what, we must never let Xiang Shaolong return to Xianyang alive. Without him, Yingzheng is merely a toothless tiger and may perish under the hands of Lu Buwei and Lao Ai. From then on, Qin would be riddled with internal strife and subsequently lack the means to invade eastwards.”

Zongsun Long quickly interrupted: “We need to discuss this further. Lu Buwei only wishes to blind him, letting him stay alive to answer treason charges when he returns to Xianyang.”

Petrified and infuriated, Xiang Shaolong can only listen on helplessly outside the window.

Han Chuang faintly sighed: “I rather he loses his life under the sword of Grandmaster Cao than to see him becoming a blind man.”

Li Yuan calmly reasoned: “The interests of the State comes first and personal relationships do not account for anything. Xiang Shaolong can only blame himself for becoming another Bai Qi of Qin. If he happened to die at the hands of Grandmaster Cao, so be it. Otherwise, we must step into destroy him. Because of his affairs, I haven’t slept well in days. Whenever I visualize tens of thousands of common folks and children of the Eastern States being trampled by the aggressive army of Qin, I cannot help but discard all my feelings of gratitude and friendship.”

Guo Kai warned in a scheming tone: “We must take precautions against Lord Longyang. Unlike Chancellor Li and Marquis Chuang, I don’t think he sees the big picture.”

Zongsun Xuanhua cautioned: “We must execute our plans carefully. If Yingzheng eventually became King and Xiang Shaolong happened to die in Lin Zi, Qi would be in hot soup.”

Guo Kai laughed: “We can simply frame Lu Buwei for it and let Yingzheng focus all his hatred onto Lu Buwei. While they are at each other’s throats, we can raise our wine cups in celebration.”

Li Yuan reminded Zongsun Long father and son: “Second Prince and Xie Ziyuan must not know about this; otherwise, there may be unforeseen developments. I have already gotten Lady Ning to hint Second Prince that his King father is unhappy with First Prince mainly because of his close ties with Tian Dan. Thus, Second Prince should know what to do and Xiang Shaolong is no longer of any use. Moreover, I did make it clear to Second Prince, telling him that as long as Tian Dan stays in power, Qi and Chu will never be allies. In fact, the outcome has been established. The King of Qi just relayed a new order, commanding First Prince to leave Lin Zi before the birthday banquet. I am sure it is as clear as day what the end result will be.” Zongsun Long father and son hastily responded and professed their thanks.

Li Yuan additionally instructed: “The two of you must do your best to deceive Xiang Shaolong and gain his full trust, misleading him into thinking that Lu Buwei and Tian Dan are scheming against him. Try to arrange for his getaway after his duel with Grandmaster Cao and have someone ambush him along the way. It would be ideal if you can sacrifice some men during the ambush and give him the impression that it is Lu Buwei trying to blind him. That would result in mayhem within the Court of Qin.”

Guo Kai supplemented: “Try to communicate to Xiang Shaolong that Lu Buwei wants to keep him alive in order to face criminal charges back in Xianyang. That would surely complicate matters between them.”

Pausing, he added: “We must keep this secret from Lord Longyang. If Xiang Shaolong learns about this, based on his unfathomable skills, he may clandestinely slip away first. With him alive, Master Long can forget about laying his hands on Feng Fei.”

It is now Xiang Shaolong’s turn to coldly snigger to himself. He has given up all hope on Han Chuang and Li Yuan while doubting that they can inflict any harm on him.

At this juncture, he knows that it is unwise for him to loiter around and he swiftly departed.

His biggest burden now is how to safely escort Feng Fei away. As he does not wish to implicate Lord Longyang, Shan Rou or Xie Ziyuan, the only confidante that remains is Xiao Yuetan.

[balikpapan]

First!!

Ahahahahhaaaa...

[balikpapan]

Thank you, Justin. Never feels so good to say that I came first. Hubba..hubba...

[crydee]

Hmmmm...that's make my weekend great!

Hopefully no other betrayal for XSL

[Anh Nam]

Thanks Justin

[aliderhamy]

the only confidante that remains is Xiao Yuetan.

if this is not a hint of future twists i dont know what is

[wuxiacrazy]

Thanks Justin, for the hardwork even on Sunday. No rest...leh!

[ycb5959]

Thanks!!!!!!

[ChronoReverse]

It's interesting how I'm happy that Lord Longyang isn't one of the conspirators.

[tweety365]

Well, seeing Li Yuan and Han Chuang certainly wasn't very shocking. Just that their evil plots against XSL is so infuriating. Such ingrates, especially that Han Chuang.

It's interesting how I'm happy that Lord Longyang isn't one of the conspirators.

Me too! I'm glad Lord Longyang stuck to his principles and did not participate in this plot against XSL.

Now, Huang Yi is just setting XSL up for more setbacks. His only ally is Xiao Yuetan, but his actions have been bugging me. For instant, the issue with the horrible disguise he gave XSL. Xiao Yuetan is a master of disguise, he should know if his works will be successful or not. He even boasted that nobody would recognize XSL, but just the opposite happened. One look and people know his identity. And poor XSL was walking around believing he would be able to fool people. A real friend would have said something along the line of, "Hey buddy, your disguise pretty much suck and anyone familiar with you will recognize you. So be careful."

And not to mention something is not right with the 10 strokes deal he promised with Sword Saint. With 7 more chapters to go till the big duel, more shocking events will bound to unfold. I'm taking the stand that nobody can be trusted and XSL should do the same.

Thanks for no cliffhangers in this update, Justin.

[ycb5959]

I think the author may be leading towards the point where XSL no longer cares for his 'friends' - and sparing XSL the agony of seeing the obliteration of these countries.

The only one I feel for is the Empress of Chu...

[asitp fan]

Greetings translators and fellow readers !

I am a great fan of this translation since 2007. I used to participate in comments in the early translations. And after being a silent reader for so long, I forgot the user ID and I no longer use my old email address. So I created a new one instead.

As the story is getting more exciting, the itch to give comments is unbearable for me.

I have a question to my fellow readers:

Why or when did Lu Buwei became the imperial uncle of Qin?
Since he came to Lin Zhi, everybody called him imperial uncle. But I cannot recall the story when he became imperial uncle. The only imperial uncle that I know in this story is Li Yuan.

Regarding Xiao Yuetan, I think he is up to no good. Even if he has shared a life and death situation with XSL before, he is now in different situation. Now he has a good life serving a lord in Han. He knew that once Yingzheng comes to power, Qin will attack Han and destroy the good life of his lord and his as well.

He insisted that XSL must fight Cao Quidao. I suspected that it was him who told the sword saint about XSL intention to steal the sword. And he might had altered the letter that he sent to Cao Quidao. Instead of asking for the ten stroke agreement, the letter might contain insults of other things that can make Cao Quidao kill XSL in the fight.

[tkhan02]

I think the author may be leading towards the point where XSL no longer cares for his 'friends' - and sparing XSL the agony of seeing the obliteration of these countries.

The only one I feel for is the Empress of Chu...

I was thinking the same thing. It is tough knowing what history has in store for the other states.

Also my thoughts for XYT:
I think he will be a true friend to XSL. He might we acting that way because he doesn't want to shatter XSL's confident. I think the letter that he drafted didn't work as plan since XSL already withstand 10 stoke from Cao Cuidao. That might be why he asking XSL to prepare for a long fight.

[ycb5959]

Greetings translators and fellow readers !
...
Why or when did Lu Buwei became the imperial uncle of Qin?
Since he came to Lin Zhi, everybody called him imperial uncle. But I cannot recall the story when he became imperial uncle. The only imperial uncle that I know in this story is Li Yuan.
...

IIRC:
LBW wanted a title (that sounds like he is a mentor or father-like figure to the crown prince). XSL changed it slightly (based on the movie he had seen in his future timeline)
This title was intended to create unhappiness with Qin politicians, and, because of the black dragon event, carries little weight in court.

[asitp fan]

IIRC:
LBW wanted a title (that sounds like he is a mentor or father-like figure to the crown prince). XSL changed it slightly (based on the movie he had seen in his future timeline)
This title was intended to create unhappiness with Qin politicians, and, because of the black dragon event, carries little weight in court.

Thanks for the insight. But the title for LBW was "Premier mentor". "Imperial uncle" did not appear until LBW is in Lin Zhi.
I'm still confused.

[balikpapan]

I won't be able to sleep and eat, until someone can answer asitp fan question. Because the answer to that could change the whole story, and determine whether the rest of the story is worth reading or not.

So, was LBW a "premier mentor" or "Imperial uncle"?

[tweety365]

I won't be able to sleep and eat, until someone can answer asitp fan question. Because the answer to that could change the whole story, and determine whether the rest of the story is worth reading or not.

So, was LBW a "premier mentor" or "Imperial uncle"?

Haha, you're just loitering around to be 1st to post after Justin's updates.