Chapter 62: Xiao Yanli
Brocade Street, Xiao Mansion.
"Third Young Master, that night traveler has been captured." An old household servant bowed and reported to the person in front of him.
"Who caught him?" Xiao Yanli shook his landscape folded fan, looking at the scenery of the back garden, without turning around, he asked indifferently.
"It was a Patrol Captain from the Houli Street Patrol Armor Bureau." The old household servant replied promptly.
"How could a mere Patrol Captain of a district capture that night traveler?" Xiao Yanli turned slightly to look at the old household servant, puzzled.
"I have already investigated the matter, and it’s true—a Patrol Captain who is only twenty years old accomplished it." The old household servant continued.
"A twenty-year-old Patrol Captain?" Xiao Yanli’s face showed a hint of curiosity.
The feat of a twenty-year-old Patrol Captain, along with capturing a night traveler, indeed piqued his interest.
"Yes, the person’s surname is Song, first name Changming, he used to live in the Baiyi District, initially working as a Fire Patrolman at the Houli Street Patrol Armor Bureau for a year.
Afterward, he publicly slaughtered the bandit head, Chen Beihu, from Tengya Mountain, which led to his promotion to Patrol Guard, then continued to achieve merits, and coincided with the arrival of a new Director, with whom he had close relations, thereby receiving an exceptional promotion to Patrol Captain..."
The old household servant had long investigated Song Changming’s past records at the Patrol Armor Bureau and now recited them to his young master.
"A notable personal skill, coupled with the ability to seize opportunities that fall from the sky—so young, indeed, a promising talent. Gu, make arrangements for me to meet him." Satisfied, Xiao Yanli snapped his fan shut, smiling gently as his eyes returned to the garden.
"Yes, I will make arrangements." The old household servant agreed and turned to leave.
The next day, the news of capturing the notorious night traveler did not spread widely across the city.
The common people were jubilant over the downfall of the Nine Bends Association, as they had often been oppressed by it; this matter was closely related to them.
But with nothing else to entertain them, they did not pay much attention to a thief they had never seen, even though his infamous crimes were heinous.
Only some people from the Jianghu and government officials took note of the matter, bringing Song Changming into the view of this small group of people.
Outside the Patrol Guard Bureau, a carriage halted.
Liang Chuan Mountain, wearing neat black official uniform and hat, hurriedly got down from the carriage and walked into the Patrol Armor Bureau.
In the small courtyard, Song Changming, as usual, practiced his light body skill alongside his saber technique, tackling both tasks.
"Song Captain, the Director is looking for you." A Patrol Guard suddenly approached, speaking to Song Changming.
"Understood." Song Changming stopped practicing, nodded and replied.
It was without question that Liang Chuan Mountain was searching for him, most likely concerning the matter of the night traveler, Sun Meng, caught yesterday.
Now, the night traveler was already transported to prison, destined for execution without a second thought due to his irrecoverable crimes.
In the main hall, Liang Chuan Mountain stood with hands behind his back, gazing out the window, seemingly waiting for Song Changming.
Until Song Changming pushed the door open to enter, only then did he say, "Who would have thought, the night traveler that stumped so many would end up in our Patrol Armor Bureau’s prison!"
"How did you capture him?"
"It was rather coincidental, on that day..." Song Changming briefly recounted the situation.
"No matter how, this is undoubtedly a great merit, which led to the Third Young Master of the Xiao Family wanting to meet you." Liang Chuan Mountain explained.
"Why does the Third Young Master want to meet me?" Song Changming asked, puzzled.
"I heard this night traveler audaciously robbed things from the Third Young Master. By apprehending him, you aided the Third Young Master." Liang Chuan Mountain explained further before leading Song Changming outside.
The carriage had already been waiting outside the Patrol Armor Bureau for a while.
Following Liang Chuan Mountain onto the carriage, Song Changming noticed an elderly man in wide-sleeved robes seated inside.
"This must be Captain Song, right?" The elderly man greeted with a warm smile and cupped hands towards Song Changming.
"Greetings, Elder Gu." Song Changming returned the gesture respectfully.
On the way, Liang Chuan Mountain had briefed him on this person’s status.
Though holding no official post, he was one of the stewards of the Xiao Family, having served Xiao Yanli for many years.
Even the Director, Liang Chuan Mountain, would have to treat this old household servant with courtesy.
"Truly young and promising, a remarkable talent." With continued warmth in his smile, Xiao Gu acknowledged this.
"You’re too kind." Song Changming replied modestly.
On the carriage, the household servant didn’t speak much, only exchanging some pleasantries with Song Changming and Liang Chuan Mountain.
The route was unimpeded, reaching the front of Xiao Mansion on Brocade Street swiftly.
The grand Xiao Mansion, surrounded on all sides by high walls, with vermilion gates and a golden plaque, and four stone lions standing majestically.
In terms of scale, the Xiao Mansion might well dwarf the entire Patrol Armor Bureau.
Following Xiao Gu off the carriage, Song Changming made his way into the mansion, while Liang Chuan Mountain stayed in the carriage waiting.
Passing numerous pavilions, waterside stages, strange rocks, flowers, flowing streams, all vibrant green.
As if stone, brick, and tile were used to construct pavilions and towers within a grand garden.
The mansion’s scenery was truly splendid.
Entering the Xiao Mansion, Song Changming felt firsthand what a true noble family residence looked like, opening his eyes.
Such a vast mansion could maintain thousands without seeming overcrowded.
It wasn’t until entering several gardens did Song Changming finally reach his destination.
A large platform encircled by water, with four pavilions upon it, in the center stood an open space filled with weapon racks.
"This is where the Third Young Master practices martial arts daily, he would be here at this hour." Xiao Gu led Song Changming to the side, speaking softly.
From afar, Song Changming could see, at the center of the platform, the Third Young Master Xiao Yanli he had met briefly during a scholarly exchange.
Holding a longsword, he dueled two household generals.
Even in the face of two opponents, he appeared at ease.
A row of household generals stood observing on the side; evidently, they all served as sparring partners for the Third Young Master today.
The two awaited patiently, refraining from disturbing.
Until the Third Young Master finished his sword practice, at which point a servant went forward to inform him.
The Third Young Master wiped sweat from his face, turned slightly to glance at the waiting Xiao Gu and Song Changming from afar.
"Let him come over."
Upon receiving permission, Xiao Gu gestured for Song Changming to approach.
"Sorry for keeping Captain Song waiting."
"Of course." Song Changming replied calmly, approaching the platform to meet Xiao Family’s Third Young Master, cupping his hands in greeting.
"I have reviewed your past records; although you have not been a Patrol Guard for long, the numerous merits achieved in various cities’ Patrol Captains have been outstanding.
Especially capturing the night traveler yesterday, which relieved me of some anger; I believe not just myself, but also other nobles in this city have taken notice of you."
Saying so, Xiao Yanli commended the young Patrol Captain, who was younger than him, with high praise.
His identity and perspective rarely afforded such praise.
"I have a bold request." After the praises, Xiao Yanli suddenly shifted his tone.
"Please speak." Song Changming replied solemnly.
"I’ve heard of your impressive saber technique, and coincidentally, there are a few good saber practitioners here. If possible, could we spar?" Xiao Yanli proposed.
It was evident he wanted to see Song Changming’s skills and strength firsthand.
A mix of curiosity and need for verification.