The Deer and The Cauldron

[smurf120]

I love that Princess has genuine respect and love for her older brother - brings great nuance to the character. Usually she is one note and predictable - pretty, spoiled, and violent. KX is truly brilliant to deduce Prince Consort's motives. WXB is so lucky that he decided to cheat.

[crazee]

Thanks foxs....

Looks like action coming....XB's going to win the race... even with half a day the stable hands will definitely do their work, given the good treatment by their master for any success......and this time, they would have struck gold.

Hundreds of generals cannot compare to a street urchin eh ???

[Drak17]

Lol. I remember this one on the adaptation. Xiaobao drugged the horse so he could win, but ended up earning a merit instead. Haha.

[owlHoot]

Thks Foxs So funny, didn't expect that what WXB did actually helped Kangxi hahaha

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs
3 days in Saigon and I didn't miss a post

[ycb5959]

Wei Xiaobao was taken aback, “That would be great,” he said, “If he came to Beijing, Your Majesty wanted to roll him in your palm and make him round, he would not dare to be flat; Your Majesty wanted to knead him flat, no matter what he would not dare to be round.”

I love this version...
[at the same time, I can understand a westerner having difficulty appreciating the flavour, unless he/she is exposed to the chinese way of talking]

[ToastedRossi]

Thanks, Foxs. One really neat thing about this passage is that Kangxi outright admits that, at this point, he cannot beat Wu Sangui because of a lack of experience and skill. This is an extremely reasonable remark yet I can't recall a similar sentiment in any other work of fiction. Usually, if a protagonist/good guy admits to a weakness, it's always because their enemies are too numerous or have some sort of technological advantage.

Toasted, from dictionary.com: fiefdom: the estate or domain of a feudal lord. Perhaps 'border defense' is not the most correct translation, but the original was 'Fan' - a fence (for defense)/a border/vassal state/feudatory. If you remember from previous parts, they were talking about guarding the borders against the barbarian, etc. IMHO, Fiefdom will lose the 'border' aspect.

A vassal state and a fiefdom are almost the same thing. The main difference is that vassal states are more independent. But since Kangxi can strip the governor's power at any time, it's pretty clear the regions' rulers are technically under the Imperial Court's authority. The border defense aspect is just a polite fiction to mask the real reason for the regions' autonomy. There weren't enough Manchus to control all of China, so they gave a lot of power to the three regional Han governors in hopes of being better accepted by the populace.

I love that Princess has genuine respect and love for her older brother - brings great nuance to the character. Usually she is one note and predictable - pretty, spoiled, and violent. KX is truly brilliant to deduce Prince Consort's motives. WXB is so lucky that he decided to cheat.

The Princess only holds any special affection for three characters: Kangxi, the (fake) Empress Dowager and Wei Xiaobao. I find her quite pitiful because she can't have much regular contact with any of these people.

What I find particularly interesting is that when he made the bet with Xiaobao, Wu Yingxiong hadn't planned on running away yet. The reasons I can make out for the timing of the escape are:

1. Princess Jianning was visiting the Emperor, so it's easier to slip away unoticed.
2. The news that Guangdong and Fujian were going to submit to the Imperial Decree meant that Wu Sangui would have to rebel and rebel soon.

Lol. I remember this one on the adaptation. Xiaobao drugged the horse so he could win, but ended up earning a merit instead. Haha.

Can anyone imagine Wei Xiaobao as a police officer?

[crazee]

Can anyone imagine Wei Xiaobao as a police officer?

Depends....if in Singapore he'll end up in the slammers....however if he's in any of Singapore's neighbours esp north.........

[foxs]

Muliono, you are welcome. Efflix, I haven't seen you for a long time. How have you been? Smurf, Toasted, to think that she was actually a complete stranger, Kangxi also loved the Princess enough not to kill her. Crazee, Drak, Owl, he was always at the right place at the right time ... I wish real life is as simple as that. Anh, enjoy your time in Vietnam. Are you on vacation? Ycb, I agree, but I am trying to stay as close as possible, even if it sounds weird.

---

“I obey the order!” Wei Xiaobao replied; he received the imperial edict and dashed out the Palace.

The Princess was waiting at the Imperial Palace gate. Seeing Wei Xiaobao hurrying out in quick steps, she called out, “Xiao Guizi, what are you doing?”

“It’s desperately serious,” Wei Xiaobao called back, “Your husband ran away.” Unexpectedly he did not stop, but ran even faster instead.

“Dead eunuch,” the Princess cursed, “You have no manners; quickly halt for me.”

Wei Xiaobao called out, “I am going to catch the Princess’ husband, I will go through water and tread on fire, I will not decline under any circumstances, I will travel through night and day, my horse will not stop to rest …” While babbling nonsense, he was already gone far.

Outside the Palace, Wei Xiaobao mounted his horse and galloped back to his mansion. He saw Zhao Liangdong was accompanying Zhang Yong and the others, three men, drinking in the reception pavilion. Immediately he turned around, summoned several dozen of his personal guards, and shouted his order to arrest Zhang Yong and the others, three generals. The personal guards immediately tied the tree generals up.

With an imposing voice Zhang Yong said, “May I ask Dutong Daren, what crime did Xiaojiang and the others commit?”

Wei Xiaobao said, “I have the imperial edict here, I don’t have time to talk to you.” While saying that, he waved the imperial edict in his hand, and fired up several orders in succession, “Get one thousand Valiant Cavalry Brigade Sergeants and fifty Imperial Bodyguards here to this Mansion immediately to receive order. Prepare horses.” His personal guards complied and left.

Wei Xiaobao told Zhao Liangdong, “Zhao Zongbing, that fellow Wu Yingxiong ran away. Wu Sangui is about to revolt. We must go out of the city to pursue.”

“That fellow is too brazen,” Zhao Liangdong called out, “Lowly officer receives the order and ready to go.”

Zhang Yong, Wang Jinbao and Sun Sike, three people were greatly shocked; they looked at each other in dismay. Wei Xiaobao ordered his personal guards, “Guard these three men well. Zhao Zongbing, let’s go.”

“Wei Dutong,” Zhang Yong called out, “We are Western Liang men, and we are Great Qing’s officers, we have never been Ping Xi Wang’s direct subordinates. Formerly the three of us were serving as military officers in Gansu, afterwards we were transferred to Yunnan on a mission, all along Wu Sangui has always pushed us out. He transferred us elsewhere, he wanted us, three people to leave Yunnan, because he knew perfectly well that the three of us are unwilling to associate ourselves to traitors; he was afraid we might spoil his plan.”

“How do I know that you are telling the truth and not lying to me?” Wei Xiaobao asked.

Sun Sike replied, “Last year Wu Sangui was about to kill me, it was only because Zhang Tidu’s protection that lowly officer was able to preserve my head. In my heart I hate that old b@stard to the bones.”

Zhang Yong said, “If lowly officers, three people are Wu Yingxiong’s accomplices, why didn’t we run away with him?”

Wei Xiaobao thought that he was right; he hesitantly said, “Alright, whether you are in cahoots with Wu Sangui or not, I will examine when I come back. Zhao Zongbing, pursuing people is more important, let’s go.”

“Dutong Daren,” Zhang Yong said, “Wang Fujiang is very good at tracking horses’ footprints, he can tell Yunnan horses’ hoof print as soon as he sees it.”

Wei Xiaobao nodded, “That skill is definitely very useful,” he said, “But if I bring you along, and on the way you pound the egg, laozi may fall into your great trap.”

In a loud and clear voice Sun Sike said, “Dutong Daren, you can tie Xiaojiang in here, take Zhang Tidu and Wang Fujiang along in pursuit. If the two of them have a change of heart, when you come back, you may kill Xiaojiang with a chop.”

“Good,” Wei Xiaobao said, “You actually have yi qi. I am still rather undecided in this matter. Come, come, come, Zhang Tidu, let you and I throw the dice three times. If you win, I will listen to you, if I win, I have no choice but to borrow the three gentlemen’s heads.” Without waiting for Zhang Yong to respond, he called loudly, “Guards, get some dice!”

Wang Jinbao said, “Xiaojiang has dice with me, loosen my bondage, let Xiaojiang gamble with you.”

Wei Xiaobao was greatly surprised; he ordered his personal guard to loosen the rope binding him. Wang Jinbao groped into his pocket and sure enough, he had three dice. ‘Clink, clink, clink’ he threw the dice onto the table, his technique was very good. “Why do you carry dice in your pocket?” Wei Xiaobao asked.

Wang Jinbao replied, “In my whole life Xiaojiang loves gambling the most, hence I always carry dice in my pocket. If I have nobody to gamble with, my left hand will gamble against my right hand.”

Wei Xiaobao was even more interested. “Your own left hand gamble against your right hand?” he asked, “How do you decide win or lose?”

Wang Jinbao replied, “If my left hand loses, my right hand will punch my left arm; if my right hand loses, my left hand will punch my right arm.”

Wei Xiaobao roared in laughter. “Interesting, interesting,” he repeatedly said. “Laoxiong,” he added, “You and I are like-minded, you must be a good man. Come, I’ll release these two generals as well. Wang Fujiang and I will throw three times, no matter who win or lose, the three of you will come with me to pursue Wu Yingxiong. If I win, just consider my offense to the three of you just now is settled. If you win, I will kowtow to the three of you to apologize.”

Zhang Yong and the others, three men roared in laughter; they all said, “We do not dare.”

Wei Xiaobao took the dice. He was about to throw when his personal guard came in to report that the Valiant Cavalry Brigade Sergeants and Imperial Bodyguards have assembled outside the Mansion awaiting orders. Wei Xiaobao collected the dice and said, “There’s no time to lose, pursuing people is more important. Four generals, let’s go!” Taking Zhang Yong, Zhao Liangdong, and the others, four people, and leading the Valiant Cavalry Brigade Sergeants and Imperial Bodyguards, he went out of the city heading south to pursue.

Wang Jinbao led the way in front. After pursuing for several li, he dismounted to look at the hoof print on the road. “Dutong Daren,” he said, “This is really strange; when the party reached this place, they turned eastwards.”

“It is indeed strange,” Wei Xiaobao replied, “He is running away to Yunnan, he should be going south. Alright, everybody, let’s go east.”

Suspicion arose in Zhao Liangdong’s heart, “Running away to the east? It does not make sense. Could it be that this fellow Wang Jinbao is deliberately leading us on the wrong road, so that Wu Yingxiong can escape?” He said, “Dutong Daren, is it possible for Xiaojiang to lead a team of men and horses continue pursuing southwards?”

Wei Xiaobao cast a glance toward Wang Jinbao. Noticing the angry look on his face, he said, “No need, we will all follow Wang Fujiang’s lead. Yunnan horses were raised by him, he will not recognize it incorrectly.” He ordered his personal guards to bring some weapons and let Zhang Yong and the others, three people to choose.

Zhang Yong selected a broadsword on staff; he said, “Dutong Daren is young, yet you are amazingly broad-minded and open. We are military officers from Yunnan, Wu Sangui is about to rebel, unexpectedly Dutong Daren gives us your bare heart and let us keep it without the slightest doubt.”

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “You don’t need to praise me. I am gambling here, I put all my valuables, all my money on the table. If I win, I will win big: capturing Wu Yingxiong and gain three good friends. If I lose, I will also lose big: I will have my head chopped by you, laoxiong.”

Zhang Yong was greatly delighted; he said, “We are real men of Western Liang, we love to make friends with heroes and warriors the most. I am indebted that Wei Dutong holds me in such a high esteem, the one surnamed Zhang will throw my life for you forever.” While saying that, he tossed his broadsword to the ground and did obeisance toward Wei Xiaobao.

Wang Jinbao and Sun Sike also fell on their knees. Wei Xiaobao jumped down from his horse and kneeled down on the road to return the salute. The four of them kowtowed to each other, then they stood up and laughed heartily. Wei Xiaobao said, “Zhao Zongbing, please also come, let’s salute each other. From now on we will be like brothers, blessing we will enjoy together, difficulty we will face together.”

Zhao Liangdong said, “I only don’t trust this Wang Fujiang. I want to wait until he catches Wu Yingxiong, and then I will become sworn brothers with him.”

Wang Jinbao angrily said, “Although my official rank is low, I am a real man; why would I covet becoming sworn brothers with you?” While saying that, he jumped onto his horse and galloped ahead, following the trail.

Speeding along eastwards for ten or so li, Wang Jinbao jumped down the horse to look at the hoof print on the road and some manure. He knitted his brows and said, “Odd, odd.”

“What is it?” Zhang Yong hurriedly asked.

Wang Jinbao said, “The horse dung is pulpy, I don’t know the reason. This does not look like our Yunnan horses’ manure.”

As soon as Wei Xiaobao heard this, he was greatly delighted; he laughed aloud and said, “That’s it, this is genuine goods at fair prices, treating both the young and the old honestly. This is indeed Wu Yingxiong’s caravan.”

Wang Jinbao muttered to himself, “The hoof print is correct, but the manure is too strange.”

Wei Xiaobao said, “Not strange, not strange! Yunnan horses got to Beijing, they are not accustomed to the climate, their excrement will definitely become mushy; must wait seven or eight days before they get better. As long as the horse dung is pulpy, this is definitely Yunnan horse.”

Wang Jinbao looked at him; seeing Wei Xiaobao’s strange expression, like a smile yet not a smile, he could not help but half believing and half doubting.

They continued following the trail. After galloping for a while, they saw the hoof print turned southeast. Zhang Yong said, “Dutong Daren, Wu Yingxiong is running toward Tianjin, he wants to go out to sea from Tanggu. He must have prepared a boat on the shore, going to Guangxi by boat, and then continued on to Yunnan, in order to avoid government army cutting him off along the way.”

Wei Xiaobao nodded. “True!” he said, “From Beijing to Kunming, a great distance of a hundred and eight li, he could be stopped by government army any time. Going on sea route is much safer.”

“We must pursue him even faster,” Zhang Yong said.

“Why?” Wei Xiaobao asked.

Zhang Yong replied, “From the Capital to the seaside is only several hundred li. He does not need to empathize with the horses, he will definitely run desperately fast.”

“Yes, yes,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Zhang Dage can prophecy with supernatural accuracy; indeed you have the talent of a great general.” Hearing Wei Xiaobao calling him ‘big brother’, Zhang Yong was even more delighted.

Wei Xiaobao turned around and ordered a team of Valiant Cavalry Brigade to urgently run toward Tanggu harbor to transmit order to the naval commander there, to seal off the seaport and not allowing any ship to go out to sea. A zuoling [company commander] received the order and led his troops galloping away.

Before long, they saw two horses fell dead on the roadside, the horses were indeed Yunnan horses. Zhang Yong happily said, “Dutong Daren, the path Wang Fujiang picked to pursue is indeed not bad.” Yet Wang Jinbao was frowning and worried, his countenance looked very distressed.

“Wang San’ge [third brother],” Wei Xiaobao said, “Why aren’t you happy?”

Wang Jinbao thought, “I am not number three, why do you call me ‘San Ge’?” He said, “Xiaojiang raised these Yunnan horses, each one is a good colt, one in a thousand, how could they produce pulpy excrement and fall dead on the road? Even if Wu Yingxiong urged them desperately, those horses cannot be this useless! Ay, what a pity, what a pity!”

Wei Xiaobao knew he loved horses, hence he did not dare to mention about they sneakily feed the horses with crotons; he said, “That fellow Wu Yingxiong is solely engrossed in escaping, hence he worked these horse to their deaths, he wasted Wang San’ge’s heart and blood. Damn it, this fellow was not raised by humans.”

Wang Jinbao said, “How can Dutong Daren call Xiaojiang ‘Wang San’ge’? I really do not dare to accept.”

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “Zhang Dage, Zhao Er’ge, Wang San’ge, Sun Sige [first, second, third, and fourth brother, respectively]; I only looked at which one has more grizzled beard, I considered him a bit older.”

“So that’s how it is,” Wang Jinbao said, “Wu Sangui’s entire family does not have even one good person. If those who serve in the army do not love horses, they won’t have a good fate.” While saying that, he heaved a deep sigh.

Not even several li later, they saw three more horses fell dead on the roadside. The farther they went, the more they saw dead horses. Zhang Yong suddenly said, “Dutong Daren, Wu Yingxiong’s horses get sick because they ate bad food, they cannot be forced to run. But we must guard against him dismounting and running into the countryside to hide.”

Wei Xiaobao said, “Zhang Dage can indeed foresee everything, Xiongdi is full of admiration.” At once he transmitted his order to the Valiant Cavalry Brigade to spread out and outflank the area ahead of them.

Sure enough, several li later a team of Valiant Cavalry Brigade on the north side cried out joyfully, “We get Wu Yingxiong!”

Wei Xiaobao and the others were greatly delighted; following their voice, they rushed ahead and saw in the distant several hundred Valiant Cavalry Brigade sergeants forming a circle in the wheat field by the main road. This area had just had rain the previous day, the wheat field was muddy. Wei Xiaobao and the others urged their horses to run toward them. The sergeants were surrounding several men who were covered all over in mud and looked very dirty. The one in front was indeed Wu Yingxiong, only he was wearing marketplace small merchant attire, the graceful and luxurious ‘golden horse jade hall’ appearance was completely gone.

Wei Xiaobao jumped down from his horse, paid his respect and said, “Prince Consort, are you dressing up to play the opera? His Majesty suddenly carried away by a whim to watch an opera, he instructed Xiaode [little/lowly one, referring to self] to summon you. If you perform in front of His Majesty, I think it is very fitting. Ha ha … You dress as a beggar, isn’t it Mo Ji from the story ‘Precious [orig. gold and jade] Slave Stick Beating Unkind Boyfriend’?”

Wu Yingxiong was already scared that his entire body trembling; hearing Wei Xiaobao’s ridicule, he did not respond a single word. Wei Xiaobao was very happy and excited; with Wu Yingxiong in his custody he returned to the Capital. By the time they arrived at the Palace, it was already around noon the next day. Kangxi had already received the report brought by the Imperial Bodyguards riding fast horses. He immediately summoned Wei Xiaobao for an audience.

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs
We are on vacation and working. For the next 3 weeks it is mostly vacation.

[smurf120]

Not bad for a day's work - big merit and four more brothers. He even moved toward making friends out of Zhao and Zhang.

[Ace High]

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “You don’t need to praise me. I am gambling here, I put all my valuables, all my money on the table. If I win, I will win big: capturing Wu Yingxiong and gain three good friends. If I lose, I will also lose big: I will have my head chopped by you, laoxiong.”

I thought it’s the other way around, WXB will chop those three’s heads if they failed to capture WYX. WXB has nothing to lose either way, since KX didn’t actually expect WXB to succeed therefore will not punish WXB.

Not bad for a day's work - big merit and four more brothers. He even moved toward making friends out of Zhao and Zhang.

Actually, WXB only gained another more three brothers. WXB already considered Zhao as his brother beforehand, and Zhao is loyal to him.

Although WXB gave them their brotherhood ranking on a whim, even if WXB put Sun as the big brother and Zhang as the fourth brother, I doubt any of them will even think of complaining the ranking.

[ycb5959]

Soon, all the ching court will be his sworn brothers!

[foxs]

Anh, enjoy your vacation. Smurf, Ycb, can you keep track of the 'sworn brothers' that he had? Ace, the context was in relation to those three men, if he failed, that would be because those three betrayed him, hence he would lose his life.

I could not access spcnet last night. Was it just me, or did anybody else have the same problem?

---

Wei Xiaobao deliberately did not wipe the mud and dust from his face. When Kangxi saw him, naturally he thought that this man handled this matter loyally, that he had worked hard and rendered extremely great merit. Kangxi reached out and patted Wei Xiaobao’s shoulder, as he laughed and said, “Damn it, Xiao Guizi, what kind of skill do you have? Unexpectedly you succeeded in catching Wu Yingxiong.”

Wei Xiaobao no longer concealed anything, he told Kangxi about his scheme of poisoning the horses. He laughed and said, “Actually, your servant was only hoping to win his ten thousand taels of silver, teaching him a lesson that he won’t boast, while at the same time your servant will have extra money to be spent, so that after working for Your Majesty, I won’t have to embezzle any money. Who would have thought that Your Majesty’s flood of good fortune fills the heavens; your servant fooled around a little bit, unexpectedly I obstructed Wu Sangui’s sinister plot from prevailing. It is obvious that that old fellow’s rebellion is doomed to failure.”

Kangxi laughed aloud. He also felt that in the heart of this matter there seemed to be a divine intervention, that his own good fortune was indeed not small. He laughed and said, “I am a blessed Son of Heaven, you are a lucky general. You may go and take a rest.”

Wei Xiaobao said, “That fellow Wu Yingxiong has been handed over to the Imperial Bodyguards; we are waiting for the Holy Sage’s decision on how to discipline him.”

Kangxi hesitated. “For the time being, we must not say a word or make any movement,” he said, “Put him back in the Prince Consort Mansion. See if Wu Sangui is making any movement. It would be best if he knew that his son has been captured back and I did not kill him, perhaps he would be grateful for this and no longer want to revolt.”

“Yes, yes,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Your Majesty is magnanimous, raw bird fish soup [see previous note].”

Kangxi said, “Send a team of Valiant Cavalry Brigade to guard all the doors of the Prince Consort Mansion. Interrogate in details everybody going in and out of the Mansion. Take all horses and mules in his mansion out, don’t let even one animal remains.” For each order he spoke, Wei Xiaobao said ‘yes’ once.

Kangxi said, “All personnel who render merit this time, make a list and submit it to me, give them reward and promotion as appropriate. Even the head stable hand who fed crotons to the horses, promote him to be a petty official. Ha ha …”

Wei Xiaobao kneeled down to express his gratitude; he mentioned Zhang Yong, Zhao Liangdong, Wang Jinbao and Sun Sike, four people’s names, and also said, “Zhang Yong and the others, three generals, were Yunnan’s high-ranking military officers, but it is clear that they vow loyalty and devotion to Your Majesty, they exerted themselves in the capture of Wu Yingxiong. It can clearly be seen that if Wu Sangui wants to revolt, the generals under his command are bound to surrender one after another.”

Kangxi said, “Zhang Yong and those two Fujiang do not wish to be associated with traitors, that is very good. Zhang Yong was originally Gansu’s Tidu, most likely the other two Fujiang are not Wu Sangui’s former subordinates.”

“Your Majesty is an enlightened sage,” Wei Xiaobao said.

Leaving the Palace, Wei Xiaobao personally escorted Wu Yingxiong back to the Prince Consort Mansion. “Fuma Ye [emperor’s son-in-law], only after I spoke not a few words of praise on your behalf in front of His Majesty that you can preserve your head. Next time you run away again, I cannot guarantee even my own head.”

Wu Yingxiong repeatedly expressed his thanks, but in his heart he did not stop cursing. On how dozens of good horses fell dead one after another on the road, to such an extent as to fail within sight of success, he could never figure it out.

Several days later, an imperial decree was issued, commending Wei Xiaobao, Zhang Yong, and the others for their effort, and promoting all of them one level up. Kangxi did not wish to make this matter widely known, to avoid inciting Wu Sangui to rise in rebellion. For this reason, the citation in the imperial edict was obscure, it only said that these people had worked efficiently.

Because of Wu Yingxiong’s attempted escape, Kangxi deduced that Wu Sangui’s rebellion was imminent. But because Wu Yingxiong was captured back, he hoped it would instill fear in Wu Sangui’s heart, perhaps it would slow down the rebellion plan somewhat. These days Kangxi was ‘moving the army and sending the general’, he manufactured cannon and purchased horses; he was very busy. It’s just that the treasury coffer was rather limited. Supposing the three border defense rose up in rebellion together, plus Taiwan, Mongolia and Tibet, three places, so that he had to deal with six armies at the same time, the military expenditure would be spent like running water. Managing the money was indeed not easy; if he could delay for one day, he would have one more day to raise soldier’s pay and prepare the provisions.

Kangxi thought that luckily Wei Xiaobao managed to break the Divine Dragon Island, and win the Luocha Country over. Divine Dragon Island was inconsequential, but Luocha Country was a real threat. This person was without learning or skills, yet he had tremendous luck; thereupon Kangxi issued an imperial edict, sending him to Yangzhou to build the Martyr Shrine, with a secret mission to detour south to Henan, to destroy the Mount Wangwu’s Situ Bolei’s gang of bandits, hence eliminating any ‘calamity within their bosom’. Wei Xiaobao presented a memorial, requesting Zhang Yong and the others, four generals to be allocated under his command. Kangxi promptly granted his request.

One day Wei Xiaobao, accompanied by Zhang Yong and the others, four generals, was ready to leave. Suddenly Shi Lang, Huang Fu, as well as Tian Di Hui’s Xu Tianchuan, Feng Jizhong, and the others arrived. As they see each other, they all were very happy. Turned out when Wei Xiaobao fell into Cult Leader Hong’s ‘beautiful woman trap’ and was captured, it was not that Shi Lang and the others did not dare to come back, rather, every day they sailed the battleships to look for him in every island, with the hope that they were able to save him. Xu Tianchuan and the others even separated themselves to look for him in Liaodong, Zhili, and Shandong, three provinces’ coastal area. It was not until they received Wei Xiaobao’s news, which he sent from the Capital that they finally returned to the Capital to see him.

Naturally Wei Xiaobao did not want to talk about the shameful way he was captured; he simply babbling nonsense a little bit to conceal his fault. Shi Lang and the others did not believe him, but nobody dared to ask too much question. Wei Xiaobao went back to present another memorial to the Emperor, reporting Shi Lang and the others’ merit; hence everybody was duly rewarded. Xu Tianchuan and the other Tian Di Hui brothers did not receive Qing Court’s officer’s salary, hence Wei Xiaobao did not even mention their names. They all had a big feast in Beijing for a day, the next day they all left together.

One day they arrived at the foot of Mount Wangwu. Wei Xiaobao quietly informed the Tian Di Hui brothers about his mission to exterminate Situ Bolei. Everybody was shocked. Li Lishi said, “Wei Xiangzhu, we must not do that. Situ Bolei’s aspiration is to restore the Ming, he is one great hero and a warrior. If we destroy Mount Wangwu, that means we are working for the Tatars.”

“So that’s how it is,” Wei Xiaobao said, “When I saw Ol’ Situ’s disciples, I noticed that they have the lofty quality of a hero. But I receive the imperial decree to destroy Mount Wangwu; this is a difficult thing to do.”

Priest Xuanzhen said, “Wei Xiangzhu’s official position in the imperial court is getting higher and higher, I am afraid it is a bit inappropriate. In my opinion, we join hands with Situ Bolei, and rise in rebellion.”

Qi Qingbiao shook his head and said, “Our first step is to borrow the Tatars’ hand to deal with that big traitor Wu Sangui. If Wei Xiangzhu rebel at this time, there is a possibility the Tatar Emperor would ally himself with Wu Sanhui instead, and then we will ruin the enterprise for the sake of one basketful.”

Wei Xiaobao did not want to rebel against Kangxi to begin with, as soon as he heard this, he hastily said, “Right, right! We must get rid of Wu Sangui first before we do anything else; this is the number one important matter. Situ Bolei only has several hundred people on Mount Wangwu, this is a trivial matter, we must not save a little only to lose a lot.”

“The matter at hand,” Xu Tianchuan said, “Is how to dodge the Tatar Emperor’s order and explain to him. Besides, the Tatar Emperor has a heart to build Martyr Shrine for Shi Gebu in Yangzhou; in this matter, we must not spoil his plan.”

Shi Kefa’s utter devotion, his death for the country, none of the heroes and warriors of the world did not respect greatly. Hearing Xu Tianchuan, the Tian Di Hui warriors nodded their agreement. As for how to explain to the Emperor, nobody had better skill than Wei Xiaobao, thereupon everybody turned their eyes to him, waiting for him to come up with an idea.

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “Since we must not strike Wangwu Mountain, we can send a letter to Situ Laoxiong, asking the old brother to keep away.”

They all deliberated for half a day, yet in the end they all thought that this stratagem was the most feasible. Wei Xiaobao recalled when he threw the dice betting on their lives that day, Wangwu Pai had a melon seed faced little Miss Zeng Rou, with big round eyes, and was very graceful and lovely. He thought, “I do not have any friendship with the Ol’ Situ; if I want to do a favor, I might as well do it for Miss Zeng.”

Right this moment, Zhang Yong and Zhao Liangdong separately sent their people to report: they had Wangwu Mountain surrounded, all access to and fro the mountain had been blocked. Turned out as soon as Wei Xiaobao entered Henan province’s border, he quietly informed Zhang Yong, Zhao Liangdong, and the others, four generals, about the imperial edict to encircle and annihilate Mount Wangwu. Without a word or movement, the four generals separately let their troops to guard all access and strategic locations at the foot of Mount Wangwu; they were only waiting for the order to attack the mountain.

After the four generals followed Wei Xiaobao, only by capturing Wu Yingxiong, such an easy assignment, they all enjoyed promotion; hence they were very grateful, they hoped that this time they could strive to render meritorious service. They dug pitfalls around the access roads everywhere, covered with horse-tripping ropes. Archers, hooks, scythes and spears guarded four sides and eight directions. The plan was to capture everybody from the mountain alive, not letting even one person escape. All four generals thought, “More than five thousand officers and soldiers attacking about a thousand bandits on the mountain, if we win, what’s so special about it? Only if we manage not to let even one person escape from the net will we be considered as rendering a tiny merit.”

Wei Xiaobao thought, “Capturing Situ Bolei and those bunch of old heads cannot be considered great merit; Tian Di Hui Xiongdi also greatly disapprove. The heroes of Jianghu attach most importance to yi qi, I simply must not offend my friends.”

While he was busy thinking about how to send letter to Zeng Rou and set Wangwu Pai master and disciples free, suddenly he heard sound of drums from the east side, and numerous sergeants shouting and yelling, followed by a sentry came in to report that some people were rushing and killing down the mountain. Wei Xiaobao thought, “In all three armed forces, I must not issue the order to let anybody go; we can only capture them alive and talk later, then I can slowly think of a way to set them free.” He ordered, “Capture all of them alive, not a single one can be killed or injured.” His personal guards went out to transmit the order. Wei Xiaobao added, “Especially the women, they must not be harmed even more.” With a glance he saw Xu Tianchuan, Qian Laoben and the others’ expression, and could not help but blushing a little. He said in his heart, “Don’t worry, this time it won’t be like Shen Long Island, where I fell into ‘beautiful woman trap’ and was captured.”

Leading the Tian Di Hui warriors, he went toward the mountain road on the eastern end to observe the battle, he saw halfway up the mountain a hundred or so men rushing down. The officers and men had received their commander-in-chief’s order, they did not dare to release any arrow, they only rushed upward to stop. They heard the shouts repeated continuously as the people rushing down fell into the trap one by one, and were captured by the soldiers wielding hooks, scythes and spears. Wei Xiaobao wanted to see if Zeng Rou had been captured, but the distant was too far, he could not see clearly.

Suddenly they saw someone leaping as if he was flying from one tree to the other, going down the mountain. The officers and men rushed forward to block, the man was extremely vigorous and nimble, unexpectedly nobody could stop him. Priest Xuanzhen sighed in admiration, “Good skill!”

The man gradually came near, in just several dozen more zhang he would have reached the foot of the mountain. Qian Laoben said, “This man’s martial art skill is this superb, could he be Situ Bolei?”

Xu Tianchuan said, “Other than Old Hero Situ, I am afraid other people would not have this kind of …” Before he could finish, Sun Sike suddenly called out, “That man looks like Wu Sangui’s guard.” While they were speaking, the man had dashed several zhang nearer. “Capture him first, talk later!” Wei Xiaobao shouted.

The Tian Di Hui warriors rushed to encircle the man. The man brandished a steel saber; with each wave of his saber, he hacked down a sergeant. Sun Sike stuck out his long spear to meet him; after he saw clearly the man’s face, he called out, “Ba Langxing, what are you doing in here?”

This man was precisely Wu Sangui’s trusted aide, Ba Langxing. He replied in loud voice, “I am under Ping Xi Wang’s order to remove evil from the imperial court, to kill this rebel thief Situ Bolei. Why are you hindering me?”

When Xu Tianchuan and the others heard this, they were greatly shocked; they saw hanging on his waist was a bloody, badly mutilated head, but they were not sure if it belonged to Situ Bolei or not. They swarmed around to surround him. Sun Sike said, “Wei Dutong is here, lay down your weapon and go up to pay your respect, let’s hear what Dutong Daren has to say in dealing with the offender.”

“Alright!” Ba Langxing said. Putting the saber back into the scabbard, he strode toward Wei Xiaobao and said in a loud voice, “I pay my respect to Dutong Daren.”

Wei Xiaobao said, “You are here …” Ba Langxing suddenly leaped with two outstretched claws toward Wei Xiaobao’s face and pit of his stomach.

“Aiyo! Mother!” Wei Xiaobao cried out, turned around and ran away.

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs
The site was down for awhile.
And thanks for finishing translating The Legend of the White Haired Demoness
I just finished it.

[aliderhamy]

“Aiyo! Mother!”

I might also say this...

[crazee]

“Aiyo! Mother!”

I might also say this...

Aiyo pa aiyo ma.....that's the Malaysian style

Thanks Foxs....a bit busy so cut short......

Very good going on...looks like XB's friends are very loyal and still looking for him when he was enjoying his
time with a beautiful princess.....

[foxs]

Anh, you are welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. FaerieQuenee did such a good job with the notes, made my life easier. Crazee, are you saying that Ali is a Malaysian in disguise?

---

Ba Langxing’s martial art skill was highly perfected and strong; he sneered and reached out to grab the clothes on Wei Xiaobao’s back with his left hand, while with right hand he grabbed the top of Wei Xiaobao’s head. Suddenly he felt a kick aimed at his right flank, a powerful and extremely fast kick. Ba Langxing leaned sideways to evade, the attacker followed up by a head-on palm strike; it was Feng Jizhong.

Ba Langxing raised his palm to parry, his body swayed, suddenly he felt his lower back tightened, Xu Tianchuan grasped him. Qian Laoben stretched out his finger to jab the pit of his stomach, Ba Langxing grunted. Feng Jizhong’s left leg swept across, Ba Langxing could not stand his ground, he fell down to the ground. Qian Laoben pressed him firmly down, Wei Xiaobao’s personal guards came over to tie him up and pushed him in front of Wei Xiaobao.

Ba Langxing loudly said, “Ping Xi Wang’s great army will arrive any day, at that time all of you will die without burial site, quickly surrender now.”

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “Ping Xi Wang has dispatched his troops into battle? I did not know that. Is he, Senior, well?”

Seeing his genial manner, momentarily Ba Langxing was unclear of Wei Xiaobao’s intention. “Imperial Envoy Minister,” he said, “You have been to Kunming, Ping Xi Wang also have a very high regard of you. You are an intelligent person, why do you want to be Tatars’ servant? It would be better for you to pledge allegiance to Ping Xi Wang as soon as you can.”

Xu Tianchuan kicked his buttocks and shouted, “That big traitor Wu Sangui is mean and shameless, and you become his servant, you are even more shameless.” Ba Langxing was very angry, he turned his head around and spat toward Xu Tianchuan. Xu Tianchuan sidestepped, the spittle hit a personal guard’s face.

Wei Xiaobao said, “Ba Laoxiong, you want to say something, say it nicely, no need to get angry. You want me to pledge my allegiance to Ping Xi Wang, that is not a bad advice. You came to Mount Wangwu, for what purpose?”

Ba Langxing said, “It’s not a big deal to let you know; in any case I have already killed Situ Bolei.” While saying that, he cast a glance toward the severed head hanging on his waist.

“Why did Ping Xi Wang want to kill him?” Wei Xiaobao asked.

Ba Langxing replied, “You can go see Ping Xi Wang with me, the Senior will definitely tell you.”

Xu Tianchuan and the others were greatly angry; they raised their fists to beat him. Wei Xiaobao signaled them with his eyes to stop, he ordered his personal guards to drag Ba Langxing into his tent to be interrogated. Who would have thought that this man was extremely obstinate, and was very loyal to Wu Sangui; he merely urged Wei Xiaobao to surrender, but unwilling to reveal anything else even for half a word. When he was searched, they found a document stamped with vermillion seal. Wei Xiaobao ordered his men to read it for him. Turned out it was a fake imperial order written by Wu Sangui, bestowing Situ Bolei the title ‘Kai Guo Jiang Jun’ [general who found a state]. When asked about the origin of this document, Ba Langxing only glowered at him without saying anything.

Realizing he would not find anything from Ba Langxing, Wei Xiaobao ordered his men to detain him. He had the other people who were captured flogged and interrogated. Some could not endure the torture and spilled everything. Turned out these days Wu Sangui was about to deploy his troops in rebellion, he sent his trusted aide Ba Langxing, leading a small team of soldiers, to go see his former subordinate Situ Bolei, wanting him to respond to the uprising. Wu Sangui told Ba Langxing that if Situ Bolei accepted the order, nothing can’t be better, but if he did not, he was to be killed to guard against him leaking the conspiracy.

When Situ Bolei heard about the uprising to ‘fight the Qing’, he was greatly delighted, and immediately promised to join the righteous uprising; however, when he asked about the particulars, he learned that Wu Sangui did not have ‘restoring the Ming’ in mind; rather, he wanted to be the Emperor. Hence the title ‘Kai Guo Jiang Jun’ could not be clearer. Situ Bolei was unwilling to accept the fake imperial order, he told Ba Langxing to return and inform Wu Sangui that if he pledge his allegiance to Ming Emperor’s later generations, Situ Bolei would definitely march at the front and would not balk at then thousand deaths. But Wu Sangui murdered King Gui in the past, and now he wanted to be the Emperor, the world’s loyal-to-the-Ming-Dynasty patriots would never submit to him.

Ba Langxing persuaded him several times, Situ Bolei slapped the table and rained curses on him, telling him that Wu Sangui forfeited Han people’s rivers and mountains, he committed ten thousand evils and was beyond any pardon. If he was willing to reform and start afresh, he might still be able to atone his crimes by meritorious acts, otherwise Situ Bolei was ready to feed on his flesh and sleep in his skin.

Ba Langxing did not say anything else, that evening he caught Situ Bolei off-guard and killed him, cut his head, and led his troops escape down the mountain. Because Wangwu Pai disciples were unaware, it was too late for them to pursue. As luck had it, the officers and men happened to surround the mountain right that moment, hence Wu Sangui’s troops fell into the trap and were captured. Ba Langxing’s sudden attack to Wei Xiaobao was with the intention of capturing the commander and used him as a hostage so that they could escape.

After finding all the details, Wei Xiaobao convened Tian Di Hui warriors in private discussion. Li Lishi said, “Wei Xiangzhu, Old Hero Situ was a person of loyalty and righteousness [orig. ‘loyal liver righteous guts’], it was unfortunate that he lost his life in a crafty scoundrel’s hand. It’s only right for us to give him a proper burial.”

Wei Xiaobao said, “I have an idea.” And then he explained what he had in mind. Everybody clapped and praised his idea was good. Thereupon they went their separate way to make preparation.

That day not all of the officers and men attacked the mountain. As for Wangwu Pai people, because their leader was killed, they were thrown into confusion, they only guarded the mouth to their mountain strictly.

Early in the morning the next day, Wei Xiaobao led the Tian Di Hui warriors plus a team of Valiant Cavalry Brigade officers and men, bringing everything they had prepared, halfway up the mountain, where he ordered the officers and men to stay and guard, waiting for his order. He himself and Xu Tianchuan and the others, along with several of his personal guards, continued up the mountain. After walking for several li, they saw a dozen or so Wangwu Pai disciples with weapons in their hands blocking their way.

Xu Tianchuan stepped forward, alone, holding a white visiting card with both hands. The visiting cards had these words written on it: ‘Junior [orig. later generation] Wei Xiaobao, accompanied by Li Lishi, Qi Qingbiao, Priest Xuanzhen, Feng Jizhong, Fan Gang, Qian Laoben, Gao Yanchao and the others, solemnly come to deliver Old Hero Situ’s coffin and offer sacrifice.’

The Wangwu Pai disciples saw that the incoming people did not seem to carry any animosity, behind them there were some people carrying a coffin, and they also brought incense stick and candles, ritual paper money and other things; the disciples were greatly baffled. “Gentlemen, please wait, Zaixia [lowly/humble one, referring to self] will go up to report,” they said. Immediately one of them dashed up the mountain; while the rest of them still guarded the mountain road strictly. Wei Xiaobao and the others withdrew several dozen steps and sat on mountain rocks to rest.

Not too long afterwards, from up the mountain several dozen people walked down; the leader was Situ He, whom they had met in the past. He was Situ Bolei’s son; as the leader of the mountain passed away, he was to be in charge of Wangwu Pai’s affairs. Wei Xiaobao’s eyes, however, were looking at the people behind him; he saw a young, slender woman, wearing white flower on her head, which was precisely Zheng Rou. He could not help but was delighted.

In a loud and clear voice Situ He said, “Gentlemen have come to our humble place, I wonder for what purpose?” While saying that, he had his hand pressed on the hilt of the sword hanging on his waist.

Qian Laoben stepped forward with cupped fist and said, “Our superior Lord Wei learned that Old Hero Situ was unfortunate and was harmed by crafty scoundrel; he is deeply grieved, hence he leads Zaixia and the others to deliver the Old Hero’s coffin and offer sacrifice.”

Situ He looked at Wei Xiaobao from the distance and said, “He is a Tatar Imperial Court official, he leads imperial officers and men to surround the mountain, he is definitely harboring malicious intentions. You are planning evil schemes, we are not going to fall into your trick.”

Qian Laoben said, “May I ask, who is the assassin murdering Old Hero Situ?”

Gnashing his teeth, Situ He said, “He is Wu Sangui’s warrior, Ba Langxing, plus his subordinates, a bunch of evil thieves.”

Qian Laoben nodded and said, “Situ Shaoxia [young hero] does not believe our superior’s good intention, this is not surprising at all. Let us present the sacrificial offering first.” Turning his head around, he called out, “Bring it up!”

Two personal guards dragged a man slowly up the mountain. This man’s hands and feet were shackled, his head was covered in black cloth. Wangwu Pai disciples were greatly baffled; they wondered what kind of trick the other side was playing. When the man reached Qian Laoben, the personal guard held back the iron chain to stop him from walking further.

Qian Laoben said, “Situ Shaoxia, please look!” Reaching out, he pulled the black cloth covering the man’s head; they saw the man had furrowed brows and blazing eyes, he was none other than Ba Langxing.

As soon as Wangwu Pai disciples saw him, they shouted angrily, “That’s the treacherous bandit! Quickly kill him!” A series of ringing sound was heard as every one drew their weapons out, ready to chop Ba Langxing into pieces.

Situ He raised his hands to block in front of everybody. “Wait a moment!” he said. Cupping his fist toward Qian Laoben he asked, “Sire has caught the crafty scoundrel, I wonder how you are going to handle him.”

Qian Laoben said, “My superior highly esteemed Old Hero Situ; that day he also had predestined affinity to meet Situ Shaoxia. Today we apprehended this crafty scoundrel who committed the violent crime, along with the numerous evil thieves that he brought, we want to have everything hacked to pieces in front of Old Hero Situ’s coffin, to console the Old Hero’s spirit in Heaven.”

Situ He was surprised, thinking that how could there be such good deed in the world? He turned to look at Ba Langxing, in his heart he was half believing, half doubting, thinking, “Tatars are crafty; there must be an evil scheme behind this.”

Ba Langxing suddenly opened his mouth in curses, “F*ck your granny, you look at laozi’s bird, that old fellow of yours was killed by laozi …”

Qian Laoben’s right palm slapped on his back, his left foot flew and kicked his buttocks. Ba Langxing’s hands and feet were shackled, he could not dodge, his body tumbled forward, he was thrown toward Situ He, and was unable to crawl back up.

Qian Laoben said, “This is my superior’s small gift; Sire may handle this crafty scoundrel any way you wish.” Turning his head around, he called out, “Bring them all up.”

A team of personal guards dragged a hundred or more prisoners who had their hands and feet shackled, and their heads covered in black cloth. When the black cloths were removed, their faces were exposed; they were precisely Ba Langxing’s men. Qian Laoben said, “Situ Shaoxia may take them all away.”

Things had come this far, Situ He’s suspicion vanished. Turning toward Wei Xiaobao, he bowed from a distant and said, “Honored Sir’s great kindness, my humble Sect’s gratitude is inexplicable.” In his heart he mused, “He extended this kind of great friendship to us, I wonder what he wants from us. Could it be that he wants us to surrender to the Tatars? That is absolutely impossible.”

Wei Xiaobao quickly stepped forward to return the propriety; he said, “That day I threw the dice with Situ Xiong, Miss Zeng; I have always remembered that. I only hoped that some day we could play again.” Pointing to the coffin behind him, he said, “Old Hero Situ’s remains is in that coffin, please take it up the mountain, put it together with his body and give him a proper burial.”

Situ Bolei was decapitated, his severed head was brought down the mountain by Ba Langxing, none of Wangwu Pai numerous disciples was not extremely grieved. Situ He was still afraid they were being tricked; he walked over to the coffin, and saw the coffin lid had not been nailed down. When he uncovered it, he indeed saw his father’s severed head inside; he could not help but was overcome with grief, he kneeled down on the ground and cried loudly. When the rest of the disciples saw him like that, they also kneeled down and wept in sorrow.

Situ He stood up, he ordered four of his martial brothers to take the coffin up the mountain. He said to Wei Xiaobao, “Would Honored Sir visit my deceased father’s spirit tablet to burn an incense stick?”

Wei Xiaobao replied, “We ought to kowtow in front of the Old Hero’s spirit tablet.” He ordered his personal guards to wait at the mouth of the mountain, and only brought Shuang’er and Tian Di Hui brothers to follow Situ He going up the mountain.

Wei Xiaobao walked over to Zeng Rou and said in a low voice, “Miss Zeng, how are you?”

The tears on Zeng Rou’s face had not dried yet, she cried so much that her eyes were red; she looked even more adorable and pitiful. She lifted up her head and with sobs and sniffles she said, “You … you are General … Huacha … Huacha?”

Wei Xiaobao was greatly delighted. “You remember my name?” he said.

“Um,” Zeng Rou mumbled while lowering her head; her face blushed slightly.

Seeing her blushing, w’s heart was shaken, “Why is she blushing when she saw me? When a man is all smiles, it’s not a good thing; when a woman’s face is blushing, she is thinking about a husband. Could it be that she is thinking me as her husband? I wonder if the dice I gave her is still here.” In a low voice he asked, “Miss Zeng, last time I gave you something, do you still have it?”

Zeng Rou blushed again and looked the other way. “What thing?” she asked, “I forget.”

Wei Xiaobao was quite disappointed; he sighed. Zeng Rou turned her head back and smiled gently; she said in a low voice, “Departing Ten!” [See Chapter 22]

Wei Xiaobao was greatly delighted; he could not stop the itch in his heart, which was difficult to scratch. He said in a low voice, “Mine was a Departing Ten, yours was Supreme!”

Zeng Rou no longer paid him any attention; she quickened her steps and walked by Situ He’s side.

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs

[ycb5959]

Foxes- thanks a million for the regular updates, feeding our addiction. If not for your hard work I would have thought the forum is 'dead' with many of the other threads not being updated. Not blaming the translators as I understand that this is hard work, with no pay.