Chapter Ninety-Two: The Beauty of Luodu

From north to south, the canal surged in a mighty current. The shores rang with the cries of apes and birds, layered peaks rose one upon another, and the scenery was like a painting. More important still, there was life along its banks: in riverside hamlets, cooking smoke curled lazily upward; fishermen cast their nets from small boats; young women, dressed in pale embroidered blouses and skirts with green kerchiefs wrapped around their hair, bent to gather lotus flowers. With the lotus leaves a vivid green and their pretty faces flushed red, it was a splendid scene of the waterways of the south.

Seven or eight immense cargo ships, each so large that their sterns nearly touched, stretched for hundreds of yards as they moved slowly along the canal. Great banners on their masts snapped fiercely in the wind, lending them a formidable air that startled countless onlookers. Upon the flags, a golden and silver emblem formed the character for Wu. Not even the river forts dared stop them. With cannon and crossbows arrayed all over the decks, it was plain at a glance that these were the imperial navy's elite vessels. Yet aboard them were not soldiers, but men and women of the martial world, the survivors of the journey to the First Emperor's tomb.

On the deck of the lead ship, Zhou Qian lay reclined in a chair. Beside him sat a small table with a jar of wine and three or four dishes of side food. He took a sip, then a bite, and let the gentle river breeze wash over his face. It was as comfortable as comfort could be. Thinking that he would soon return home and see Sister Zhao'er, his heart felt as joyful as could be.

Heavy footsteps came near. Zhou Qian did not even raise his eyelids and knew who it was. The newcomer was not polite either, seized the wine jar, and drank deeply. Only after a long while did he exhale in satisfaction, then flung the empty jar into the river, where it burst the water into sprays of foam.

"Third Brother, how easy you have it, hiding away here all by yourself while the inside is about to explode from the noise!" Wang Hu grumbled in his rough voice.

"What concern is it of mine? What concern is it of mine?" Zhou Qian sang lazily through narrowed eyes.

"Do you have any idea how much gold and silver was hauled out of the First Emperor's inner tomb? It's like a mountain of gold and a sea of silver! Tens of millions of catties of it, and who wouldn't want a bite? My master and the imperial officials who rushed here to tally it up were nearly ready to come to blows!" Wang Hu said dramatically.

"Then it matters even less to me," Zhou Qian said, lifting the leg wrapped thickly like a rice dumpling, and indicating the many sword wounds and injuries across his body. "Do I even look fit to fight?"

"The two of you contributed the most to all this, but our uncle has shut himself away and won't come out, and you are so lazily useless. My master hasn't much confidence in his authority!" Wang Hu said with a bitter smile.

"So it was Uncle who sent you?" Zhou Qian asked.

"Of course. I never even entered the First Emperor's tomb and have no merit at all. When it comes time to reward people, I won't be getting any of it, so I was kicked out to find you." Wang Hu betrayed his own master without the slightest hesitation.

"As for silver and gold, just having enough to use is fine. Too much only takes up space," Zhou Qian said, scratching his head with helplessness. "I truly don't understand why there is any need to fight over it."

"That is only your way of thinking," Wang Hu said. Seeing that he could not persuade Zhou Qian, he changed the subject. "Did you really find the method of cultivating immortality in the First Emperor's tomb?" His voice was low and full of excitement.

"It turned out to be a false joy," Zhou Qian sighed. "No one can make sense of that thing. What use is it? Our master has gone into seclusion to ponder it, but who knows what he'll be able to comprehend. What a pointless waste of effort!"

"Oh? Didn't they say that several immortal treasures were found?" Wang Hu asked, puzzled.

"The Fire-Scattering Pearl is still of some use. As for that phoenix-head hairpin and the Yin Wind Sword, we tried every method we could think of, and they did not react even a little. Tell me, is that not maddening?" Zhou Qian said helplessly. "Brother Hu, do you want them? I planned to leave the phoenix-head hairpin for Sister Zhao'er, and if you want the Yin Wind Sword, I can keep it for you to play with."

Wang Hu was instantly tempted, but after thinking it over, he ultimately shook his head. "I am merely a mortal. How could I deserve immortal treasures? Since you have been granted an immortal fate, you ought to cherish it. Who knows, perhaps someday you will discern its true use!"

"Sigh. Let's hope so," Zhou Qian said, though he held out little hope.

"Brother Hu, get me a pair of fishing rods, will you? I hear the canal fish are tender and delicious. I'll make you the spicy fish you love most." Zhou Qian laughed.

Wang Hu could not help swallowing and patted Zhou Qian on the shoulder. "Good idea!"

Wang Hu went to borrow the rods. Zhou Qian, bored out of his mind, looked around idly. Suddenly, a streak of azure light and a streak of golden light flashed across the sky and vanished in an instant. Zhou Qian's eyes narrowed, and his heart tightened. That azure light seemed terribly familiar.

When Wang Hu returned and saw Zhou Qian standing upright, staring into the distance, he asked in confusion, "Third Brother, what are you looking at?"

"Nothing. Maybe I just imagined it," Zhou Qian replied after a pause.

The two of them fished from the ship, though neither had the patience for it. Their conversation flowed endlessly, and they were in high spirits.

"Third Brother, what are you going to do when you get back?"

"How should I know? I suppose I'll heal my wounds first. What about you, Brother Hu?"

"Me? Master said I am to take charge of the general headquarters of the Beggars' Sect in Yangzhou. I should be getting off the ship in a few days."

"Then won't my brother and I have to part again?" Zhou Qian widened his eyes.

"Haha, there is no banquet that does not end. Wasn't Second Brother gone for three or four years as well?"

"I really hope the three of us brothers can sit together again and drink and laugh as before!"

"That will certainly happen," Wang Hu said with a nod. Then he teased, "Still, you brat, when do you plan to marry?"

"Marry?!" Zhou Qian's eyes widened more than a bull's.

"Of course! I remember that Zhao'er is four or five years older than you. By present custom, she's already considered an old maid. You can't keep making her wait forever, can you? A woman would hardly dare say such a thing herself, don't you think?" Wang Hu joked.

"I, I--" Zhou Qian was left speechless. This ought to have had nothing to do with him at all. How had it suddenly become so urgent?

"Uncle is absorbed in the martial path and probably won't care about this matter, but a brother is like a father. Once I settle things in Yangzhou, I will personally go and propose marriage for you, how about that? Men and women of the martial world do not value rank or status; as long as they love one another, that is enough! What do you say? Why are you making that face?!" Wang Hu snapped.

By then Zhou Qian had retreated to the railing, his expression panicked as though he had seen a monster. He clutched the ship's side as if, should Wang Hu say one more word, he would leap straight into the canal.

"Ahem, Brother Hu, this matter... should be considered slowly. We need to think it over carefully!" Zhou Qian said gravely.

"What, you don't want to marry her?" Wang Hu glanced at him sidelong.

"No, that's not it," Zhou Qian sighed. "It just feels terribly frightening. I really do need to think about it."

"Then think carefully. Lu Capital and Yangzhou are not far apart anyway. Even taking the courier stations, it is only three or four days' travel. Write to me when you've made up your mind. If we are to arrange the marriage, there will be a great many tedious matters to handle: the matchmaker, the auspicious announcement, the betrothal cards, the birth-date matching, the wedding arrangements, the gifts... Once everything is ready, we still have to invite all our close martial friends, court officials, relatives, and old acquaintances. No one can be neglected. Zhao'er may be a maidservant, but since she has truly given her heart to you, the wedding should be handled grandly. If you were not my brother, do you think I would bother myself with this?" Wang Hu said, half exasperated, half frustrated.

"Enough! Enough!" Zhou Qian's head swelled so much that he was almost tempted to draw his sword and hack someone apart. "I need to think about this. We'll talk about it later. Later!"

"Let me rest for a bit first," Zhou Qian said, flopping back into his chair and letting out a long breath.

"There's been peace in the martial world for quite some time now. In the end, we don't need to live in constant fear every day anymore." Wang Hu had also grown tired from talking. He took a jug of wine and tipped his head back to drink.

"Still, there have been quite a few strange things lately. Yesterday, when we docked at Chang County ferry, I actually heard people talking about an immortal descending to earth and slaying a demon serpent, as if they had seen it with their own eyes. They spoke as though it were all very real." Wang Hu sneered.

"It isn't just Chang County. In several places where we've stopped lately to replenish supplies, rumors of gods, ghosts, and demons have been spreading everywhere."

"Nothing but hearsay. Sword immortals and ghosts and monsters are things we mortals might go our entire lives without seeing once, yet these gossiping commoners make it sound as though they encounter them every day. Isn't that ridiculous?" Wang Hu said with a grin.

"Perhaps this is the prelude to sword immortals entering the mortal world?" Zhou Qian said, half joking and half serious.

The great ship drifted downstream. Now and then, people from the martial world disembarked to take their leave. There was no true sorrow, only a little wistful sighing. Four days later, Zhou Qian and Wang Hu parted in farewell. On the fifth day, the one-armed man smiled freely and bowed before heading home to hold his granddaughter. On the seventh day, the iron-blade fighter cupped his hands and returned home to dote on his granddaughter. On the eighth day...

On the thirteenth day, Zhou Xun and his disciple also arrived at Qiantang County. They disembarked, mounted horses, and after two more days of travel finally reached the gates of Lu Capital. It was as bustling as ever, crowded with traffic and shoulder to shoulder with people.

The two of them made no display of themselves. They queued to enter the inner city, passed through Prosperity Gate, and walked from the south of the city to the north. After an hour, they finally reached the gate of the Hu residence. They looked at one another, both filled with indescribable emotion.

Outside the vermilion-and-lacquered beast-ornamented gate, Old Sun had long been waiting. Knowing that neither master nor disciple liked extravagance, he had brought only himself and two servants.

"Master, Third Young Master, you're finally home!" Old Sun said excitedly, joy shining in his eyes.

"Old Sun."

"Hello, Uncle Sun!"

Zhou Xun only nodded, while Zhou Qian greeted him with a cheerful grin.

Old Sun smiled and bowed. In a low voice, he said, "Third Young Master, someone's waiting for you outside the Green Youth Tower."

Zhou Qian's face reddened. Zhou Xun, who had already walked ahead, paused and said, "Old Sun, have someone clean the quiet chamber. I am going into seclusion."

Old Sun was stunned, then hurriedly said, "This old man has already prepared a banquet. Perhaps you should eat first?"

"No need. I have suddenly thought of something. Let Qian'er dine with you," Zhou Xun said without looking back as he strode away. "Also, this seclusion will last four or five days. Do not disturb me unless there is something important!"

Zhou Qian clicked his tongue. His master truly was the kind of person who would not rest until he had driven himself to the edge. No wonder he possessed such skill; it had been forged from blood and sweat.

"And what about you, Third Young Master?"

"Heh, heh," Zhou Qian grinned foolishly. "Uncle Sun, just have the food sent to my room. I still have something to do, so I'll be going now."

Watching the backs of the two men, Old Sun sighed helplessly. "This master and disciple..."

Passing over arched bridges and corridors, through phoenix pavilions and hall towers, Zhou Qian quickened his pace and soon reached his own courtyard. Since Wang Hu and Li Sanshan had moved out one after another, the place had become somewhat quiet, yet Zhou Qian's heart was blazing hot.

At the entrance to the courtyard, a tall woman in a short-sleeved skirt stood leaning against the doorway, gazing outward. The moment she saw Zhou Qian, the corners of her eyes, lips, and brows all lifted together, her joy and excitement plain to see.

Before she could even speak, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist and lifted her up. She gave a light cry, and then he spun her several times off the ground.

"Sister Zhao'er, I'm home!" Zhou Qian laughed heartily.

"You foolish boy, put me down already!" she said, pretending to scold him with a sidelong glance that was at once playful and angry, full of endless charm.

Zhou Qian reluctantly set Sister Zhao'er down, only to hear a slightly seductive, mature voice say,

"Let me have a good look at you. Has your appearance changed after being away these past months?"

"I should be the one looking at you carefully," Zhou Qian teased. "To see whether you've become even more beautiful."

"You little rascal!"

Zhou Qian really did lean into Ying Zhao'er's ample embrace and sniff around haphazardly, making Ying Zhao'er laugh until she trembled with delight. After a long while, he tightened his arms around her tender body.

In a low voice, he said, "It really is Sister Zhao'er's scent!"

"What scent do I even have?" Ying Zhao'er said, her voice carrying a sob.

"The scent of something unique in all the world!"