Chapter 87 - 85: Two Years
The only thing he felt somewhat regretful about was that there were still many moves he considered ingenious, which, due to differences or clashes in style, philosophy, attributes, and compatibility, could not be integrated into his current martial arts, and thus had to be entirely abandoned.
Even if there is another opportunity for "Potential Activation," these excellent feeling move materials will inevitably be difficult to recover as time passes.
But everything is like this; it’s rare to have a perfect outcome. A bit of regret and pity is the norm.
"Now it’s the body refining cultivation lagging behind again..." Song Changming muttered to himself, somewhat helplessly, after reviewing his results.
Becoming the Soul-breaking Saber with high-level blade skills was still manageable, but the enhanced Flying Swallow Technique and Light Body Skill required much higher physical strength.
With his current Fourth Realm of Bone Forging body refining cultivation, it’s very difficult to maximize the power of these top-level martial arts.
He had no other way around it, as even Potential Activation could not instantly strengthen the physical body.
Body refining can only be achieved through years of accumulation and polishing, with no shortcuts.
Meanwhile, while Song Changming was practicing hard at home, the County City remained in a state of chaos, with many people scared by the overwhelming momentum of the Bandit Army.
The Governor’s Mansion finally stopped holding back and formally passed the resolution.
Immediately dispatch troops to Tengya Mountain to besiege this Bandit Army! Capture the Dongcang Three Dragons!
This time, in addition to the nominal ten thousand County Soldiers, the Governor’s large number of private soldiers were also brought out openly, their numbers unknown.
Merely looking at the dark mass of formations made up of private soldiers was even bigger than that of the ten thousand County Soldiers.
It was a counterattack from the Governor’s side, a direct and heavy blow, intending not to give the Bandit Army any means of survival.
Outside the city, warhorses galloped in disorder.
The infantry and supply carts followed closely behind.
Although Tengya Mountain is not far away, it’s impossible to level it in one day, so provisions must be prepared and adequately ensured, as they are an important source of military morale.
Dispatching troops to eliminate the bandits had little to do with Song Changming.
After resting for two days, he returned to the Public Security Bureau, leading a team to assist the local districts in quelling some local disturbances and searching for spies within the city that might have been left behind by the Bandit Army.
This was what the General Patrol Guard had been busy with these days.
Song Changming initially thought that this bandit suppression campaign wouldn’t last long, given that the front wasn’t extended, the two locations were not far apart, and the Governor had dispatched considerable forces. A direct confrontation might easily rout the Bandit Army.
Yet.
The Governor’s tens of thousands of troops engaged for a whole month and still never completely eradicated the Bandit Army.
The Bandit Army fled into the mountains, more cunning than expected. Even with a numerical advantage, the County Soldiers only smashed a few mountain fortresses, capturing hundreds of bandit members, with victory hard to expand.
They wanted a direct battle with the other side, but the opponents kept evading, creating a troublesome situation.
The County Soldiers could only scour the mountains, braving the thick fog and thorns to search for the enemy.
It wasn’t until three months later that the Governor’s army finally returned to the city.
During this period, they exterminated over three thousand bandits, with the rest dispersing and leaving Donglai Prefecture along with the Dongcang Three Dragons.
Although this outcome didn’t quite satisfy the Governor, it was barely acceptable.
At least the threat from the Bandit Army was gone.
In the future, should the Bandit Army attempt a comeback, having confirmed their backing from other factions, the Governor surely wouldn’t spare them again.
Afterward, an Imperial Decree arrived, stating that the former Second Grade Official, Li Zhe, falsely accused by treacherous people with conclusive evidence, was specially reinstated to his official position, returning to the Capital City immediately.
"These days have been a disturbance, and I’ve caused some trouble for Governor Xiao." Outside the Governor’s Mansion, beside the prepared carriage, Li Zhe bowed to Xiao Jingchuan.
A gleaming smile adorned his face, as being reinstated was worth celebrating.
It signified that his days of hiding from disaster here were completely over.
"Lord Li, saying such words seems too courteous. Whether or not someone specifically entrusted this Governor, this Governor would not stand by and watch loyal honest people suffer injustice without helping!" Xiao Jingchuan righteously said.
"It’s just a pity that upon this farewell, we don’t know when we’ll drink and feast together again." Li Zhe sighed.
"Once the grand objective is achieved, there will be plenty of opportunities." Xiao Jingchuan hinted with a smile.
"Indeed, very true." Li Zhe smiled along.
"Farewell."
"Farewell."
The convoy left the city, heading towards the Capital City where the court was located.
Thereafter, not long after, the Governor’s eldest son, Xiao Hongyang, also received an imperial decree, returning to the Capital City to take office.
Along with him, the Xiao family’s third son also finally started his official career, becoming an official in the Capital City, a high starting point indeed.
In this way, the Xiao Family was not only reigning in Donglai Prefecture but also had its members within the court.
Thus, the power of the Xiao Family grew heavier and more illustrious.
...
Time flashed by, and another two years passed.
In these two years, Donglai County enjoyed favorable weather, everything went smoothly, and there were no major natural or man-made disasters.
The reputation of the Xiao Family and Governor Xiao Jingchuan reached its peak.
Guests at the Xiao Family were endlessly coming and going, a sign of prosperity.
The Changhe is a tributary of the Luolong River stretching outside the city, almost running through the entire Donglai County City, hence its name, Long River.
That night, the Changhe River Lantern Festival on the painted boats was held as scheduled.
The brightly lit flotilla of boats slowly paraded down the river, stopping briefly at each docking point for people to enter and exit.
Some revelers would place carefully made water lanterns and flower lanterns on the river, allowing them to float downstream, resembling glowing lotus flowers, which were especially delightful.
"Miss, why are you dressed like this again for going out? If the master finds out when we return, he will have something to say..." Min’Er watched her lady, dressed like a nobleman, walking ahead and couldn’t help but mumble.
By now, Xiao Shuyun had turned twenty, and due to recent years of building reputation with good effect, many stories and rumors about the Xiao Family’s Fourth Lady circulated in the city.
Her governor father also acknowledged her abilities, allowing her to occasionally go out, conduct some legitimate business, and see the world, without having to sneak out like when she was a child.
"Dressed as a lady, I’d be stuck in a sedan chair or horse carriage, how could I feel this free?" Xiao Shuyun smiled and turned her head to look at the person beside her.
"Right, Guard Captain Song."
Song Changming smiled slightly, "Fourth Lady is in such high spirits, just be mindful of safety."
Today, he was wearing a fitted long robe, his hair arranged in a bun atop his head, with a jade crown pin.
Now at twenty-four, he looked more striking, shedding youthful vigor for a bit more maturity and composure.
Though a martial artist, he rarely had a fierce demeanor typical of a warrior, appearing more gentle as jade, elegant rather than coarse.
Walking down the street, he drew quite a bit of attention.
"With Captain Song by my side, I’m quite at ease," Xiao Shuyun teased.
Though dressed as a nobleman, she couldn’t quite hide the delicate femininity on her face, and if one approached closely, she was easily recognized as a woman.
Xiao Shuyun walked with a swagger, shaking a folded fan by the Long River, enjoying the beautiful river view and the bustling street, visibly delighted.
The painted boat fleet came from afar, along with musical notes of zither and flute, melodious and beautiful, spreading along the riverbank.
"Come, let’s visit this painted boat tonight." Xiao Shuyun suddenly pointed at the approaching fleet, and said.
"Ah, Miss, that’s not possible, inside this painted boat..." Min’Er hesitantly tried to block.
"Min’Er, call me Lord, I am Lord now, what’s there to miss?" Xiao Shuyun laughed.
She was determined to satisfy her curiosity and see what it’s like inside the painted boat.
Min’Er immediately looked toward Song Changming for help, but Song Changming was, of course, helpless.
As long as no danger was involved, he usually wouldn’t interfere with the decisions of the Xiao Family’s Fourth Lady.
Moreover, Xiu’Er, who usually didn’t speak much, was similar to Song Changming, only responsible for the lady’s safety, following the Fourth Lady’s lead on everything else.
Thus, the group, three women and one man, boldly boarded the largest and most extravagant of the painted boats.
In mere moments, the Fourth Lady fled in embarrassment, her face flushed, carrying traces of rouge and cosmetic perfume.
She expected the painted boat to be thrilling but hadn’t anticipated such a level of excitement, quite overwhelming for a young maiden.
"Well, um, quite interesting..." The Fourth Lady awkwardly patted away some of the scented powder that had settled on her, glanced at Min’Er who was snickering, and carried on walking ahead, unabashedly.
The full moon hung high, stars illuminated the sky, in fact, the night view along the Long River was exceptionally beautiful tonight, thus attracting many attendees to the lantern festival.
Frequently, groups of scholars and noblemen could be seen on the riverbank, composing poetry, partying with drinks.
Nearby listeners intermittently shouted applause.
The Fourth Lady wasn’t much interested in poetry, there were too many of these in her home, even after years, she wouldn’t turn all the pages in the poetry collections.
She was more intrigued by things not found at home.
Suddenly, Song Changming stepped forward quickly, blocking Xiao Shuyun.
"Guard Captain Song?"
Before Xiao Shuyun could question, two groups of people suddenly clashed not far away, directly engaging in combat.
Swords clashed, murderous intent pervasive.
Clearly, this wasn’t a simple conflict but an already premeditated assassination within the Jianghu.
Nearby passersby saw this and fled in panic, not daring to linger, fearing collateral damage.