Chapter Thirty-Two: Return to Xingyang (Part Five)

February 2nd, the day the Dragon raises its head.

Zheng Yanqing set off on his journey this day, hoping to secure a stroke of good luck. Since arriving in this era, he had become increasingly accustomed to following the customs of the ancients. In later generations, this day was known as the Green Dragon Festival or the Spring Dragon Festival, but those were traditions that emerged after the Song Dynasty; at the very least, such terms did not exist yet. However, people enjoyed gathering wild vegetables, welcoming prosperity, and going on spring outings on this day.

Along the way, Yanqing saw many elegant scholars in fine robes, some accompanied by beautiful companions, others reciting poetry and singing with beauties along the banks of the Luo River.

Zheng Yanqing sat in his carriage, with Yutier following close behind. The three Dang brothers—Shijie, Shiying, and Shixiong—were all dressed in sturdy attire; one drove the carriage while the others rode horses. They were armed with bows, arrows, and swords, looking exceptionally spirited. Since leaving Luoyang, the trio had caught the admiring glances of many young maidens, yet no one dared to obstruct them. Though there was only one carriage, the quality of the warhorses and the draft horses pulling it made it clear that its occupant was no ordinary wealthy man, but someone of significant status.

As the carriage left Luoyang and traveled along the official road, Zheng Yanqing gently stroked the two young mastiffs crouching beside him. With his eyes closed, he pondered the various situations he would face upon arriving in Xingyang. Even though he had made arrangements, if Zhang Zhongjian could not handle the Southern Zheng clan, the situation would become dire. If the seven branches of the Southern Zheng were annexed, and the third branch added fuel to the fire, could Zheng Renji withstand their onslaught?

Although Changsun Sheng had instructed him to visit Cui Zhi’ren to gain the support of the Zhengzhou Cui clan, Yanqing knew well that while noble families might support one another, they usually adopted a stance of silence and neutrality when it came to internal family disputes. Even if Cui Zhi’ren agreed to intervene, it would likely only serve to deter Zheng Shanyuan from using underhanded tactics; it would provide little real help. Even if they had a falling out, once the dust settled, both sides would still attempt to mend the cracks. After all, the deeply intertwined relationships of the noble families were truly complex.

Zheng Yanqing sighed softly. It was a pity that Li Jiancheng had married a daughter of the third branch, which, to some extent, had emboldened Zheng Shanyuan. If Li Yuan, far away in Chang'an, could stand up and speak a word on this matter, the effect would be far greater than any other measure. But would Li Yuan step forward? Even if he felt concern for Zheng Yanqing, he would likely not risk the reputation of interfering in the internal affairs of the Zheng family for his sake.

At this thought, Yanqing couldn't help but shake his head. If Zheng Renji truly had to leave Anyuan Hall, he would have to prepare for a comeback. One must always consider the worst-case scenario and devise the best solution. This was a habit of Zheng Yanqing’s; sitting in the oil-covered carriage, he fell into deep thought as the vehicle jolted along.

Unbeknownst to him, the bright sun was obscured by dark clouds. By afternoon, the weather changed abruptly, and a drizzling rain began to fall. The rain was different from usual—dense and swift.

Dang Shijie had to interrupt his thoughts, "Young Master, this rain is quite persistent. Shall we find a place to take shelter?"

Zheng Yanqing nodded. With poor visibility, traveling in such a misty rain could easily lead to trouble. He knew, however, how precious this rain was to farmers preparing for the spring plowing. Sufficient rain would herald a bountiful harvest. He hoped this good rain would bring stability to Luoyang.

"I recall that four years ago, when I passed this way, there was a sparse forest near the bend ahead with a wooden hut inside. I don't know if it still stands after four years... Shiying, Shixiong, you two ride ahead and check. We will follow. If the hut is gone, we will have to make do in the forest. Let us hope the rain does not last too long."

The brothers agreed and galloped off. Zheng Yanqing chuckled, "This persistent rain certainly chose its moment. It was clear for the past two days, only to start just as we set out. Shijie, let's pick up the pace. If the rain doesn't stop, we might have to spend the night in the wilderness."

Dang Shijie was a prudent man; he cracked his whip and shouted, and the carriage suddenly accelerated.

Soon they arrived at the forest, and the wooden hut was still there. Though it was dilapidated and in disrepair, it was sufficient to shield them from the wind and rain. By the time Yanqing and his group arrived, the Dang brothers had already lit a fire in the hearth. There was no shortage of firewood, likely left by kind-hearted travelers for the convenience of others. The roaring fire dispelled the chill of the spring rain.

After a simple dinner, the rain showed no signs of stopping. Dang Shijie remarked, "Young Master, it seems we shall have to stay here tonight."

"In that case, arrange the watches, and let us rest early. Once the rain stops tomorrow, I will switch to Yutier and hasten our journey. We won't stop in Yanshi tomorrow; we will head straight for Sishui Pass."

"Understood!"

Dang Shijie immediately began organizing the night watch with his brothers. Yanqing lay down on a soft, warm mat with Xiyao and Siyan, and soon drifted into a deep sleep.

Around midnight, Yanqing was suddenly startled awake. He sat up to find both mastiffs with their eyes open, their eerie green pupils fixed on the outdoors. Dang Shijie and Dang Shixiong were at the doorway, clutching their swords and wrapped in cotton cloaks. Dang Shiying sat by the hearth, nodding off.

"Second Dang!" Zheng Yanqing rose, grabbed his cross-sword, and shook Dang Shiying awake.

"Young Master, what is it?"

Dang Shijie and Dang Shixiong also woke up, drew their swords, and stepped out of the hut. The spring rain was icy, and the horses in the makeshift shed seemed quiet. Zheng Yanqing listened intently, and amidst the patter of the rain, he could faintly hear the sound of hoofbeats. Who would be traveling so late?

Zheng Yanqing felt suspicious and glanced at Dang Shijie, who understood immediately. He signaled for Shiying, and the two took their swords and bows, donned rain capes, and slipped out of the hut, hiding behind the trees. Dang Shixiong stayed with Zheng Yanqing inside, the two mastiffs watching the entrance vigilantly.

With bandits and refugees roaming the lands of Hebei and Henan, anyone traveling in this weather was likely a bandit, unless they were in dire straits. Therefore, they did not dare to be careless.

Several horses galloped into the forest. The riders were burly, jumping down from their saddles with mud splashing everywhere. "Those inside, come out immediately!"

The forest was dim, and the figures were indistinct. Zheng Yanqing waved for Dang Shixiong not to act rashly. He patted his mastiffs' heads, slowly drew his broadsword, and kept his short sword hidden behind his elbow.

"Come out now, or don't blame us for being impolite!" The leader, a hot-tempered man, shouted twice more. Seeing no response, he stepped onto the porch.

The moment he stepped forward, a sharp whistle pierced the air from inside. Two arrows whistled from the trees on either side. The riders were startled, dodging just in time. The two arrows enraged the leader. "Hiding and sneaking—either criminals or thieves! Get them!"

As the four riders prepared to charge, Zheng Yanqing nodded. Dang Shixiong whistled again. The Dang brothers fired their bows, and simultaneously, Dang Shixiong charged out of the hut with his sword drawn, engaging the leader. Two riders chased the Dang brothers, while the leader and another attacked Dang Shixiong.

Yanqing watched quietly from inside. Dang Shixiong was clearly no match for the two; within five exchanges, he was on the defensive. Yanqing put down his broadsword and picked up the heavy bow Changsun Sheng had given him. He drew it like a full moon and released the string with a sharp *twang*. The arrow whistled out, striking one of the riders.

Zheng Yanqing hadn't been apprenticed for long, but he had been learning archery for four years. Li Ji had built his solid foundation, and Changsun Sheng had taught him the essence of the craft. His skill was already quite advanced. The heavy bow’s strike was fierce and lightning-fast. The rider, caught off guard, tried to dodge but was struck in the thigh. He cried out and fell to the ground.

The two mastiffs rushed out like the wind, aiming for the rider’s throat.

"How dare you, beasts! You dare harm my retainer!" A sharp, woman's cry rang out, and a fiery red warhorse charged into the forest. The female warrior on its back drew her bow like a full moon and shot at Xiyao. It happened too quickly; Xiyao was too young to dodge. Just as the dog seemed doomed, another arrow flew from the hut, colliding with the woman's arrow in mid-air. Both fell to the ground.

"Xiyao, Siyan, come back!" Zheng Yanqing shouted, nocking another arrow.

Suddenly, Yutier let out a violent neigh. The female warrior's mount also raised its head and neighed, as if meeting a long-lost kin. The red horse pranced restlessly, causing the woman to lose her composure as she pulled the reins.

"Everyone stop!"

Zheng Yanqing recognized the mount—it was Pei Xingyan's beloved Red Charcoal Fire Dragon Steed. Realizing it was a misunderstanding, he quickly called out.

The Dang brothers retreated to the hut. The female warrior dismounted. A pure white stallion emerged from behind the hut; the red horse ran excitedly toward Yutier. After fifty days of fighting side-by-side, the two horses shared a deep bond. They neighed and rubbed necks affectionately.

Yanqing motioned for the Dang brothers to step aside and said in a deep voice, "Are you from the Hedong Pei clan? I am Zheng Yanqing, a good friend of Pei Xingyan."

"Oh?" The woman exclaimed in surprise, signaling her men to stop.

Just then, a dozen more riders arrived with torches, lighting up the forest.

"The Immortal of Wine, why are you here?" The woman recognized him immediately. "Immortal of Wine" was the moniker he had jokingly given himself when he composed the "Song of the Eight Immortals." It had spread and been adopted by countless others. From the "Young Master Goose" to "Half-Fate Gentleman," and now the "Immortal of Wine"... even Yanqing didn't know how many nicknames he had. However, the woman looked familiar, and riding Pei Xingyan's horse, she must be an important figure in the Pei family.

Zheng Yanqing stepped forward and handed his bow to Dang Shijie. He cupped his hands, "May I ask, my lady, how are you related to Pei Xingyan?"

The woman was startled, then burst into a giggling fit, her laughter full of charm. "Little fellow, what did you just call me?"

"Ah, 'older sister'?"

The woman laughed even harder, stepping forward. "Little one, Pei Xingyan has to call me Aunt. You call me sister? Isn't that messing up the generation? I am Pei Shuying. I once cheered for you at Yuanbi City."

"Ah..." Zheng Yanqing blushed, feeling extremely embarrassed.

"I heard you had two fine mastiffs. Seeing them today, it's true... tee-hee, they've learned to bite people already. Qing-ge'er, in such heavy rain, would you invite me in to escape the cold?"

Zheng Yanqing suddenly realized why she looked familiar. She had indeed cheered for him that day at Yuanbi City, though from a distance. Pei Xingyan had once mentioned that the woman who cheered the most passionately was Pei Shuju's only daughter, Pei Shuying.

"Aunt, please come in. I truly apologize... your retainers didn't identify themselves, and I thought they were bandits. My fault, my fault. Is that gentleman alright?"

The retainer he had shot was being helped up, the arrow already removed. He winced in pain and said, "Don't worry, Young Master Zheng. My skills were lacking; I cannot blame you."

Pei Shuying nodded and ordered the leader, "We camp here tonight. There is medicine for wounds in the saddlebag; apply it to Pei Yi. And you three, please stay outside."

She was straightforward. As the Pei family retainers set up tents around the hut, the Dang brothers were given one as well. Though not as warm as the hut, it was comfortable enough. The men who had been drawing swords against each other moments ago were now laughing and chatting as if they were family.

"Little young master, you don't stand on ceremony at all when traveling," Pei Shuying remarked, looking at the simple hut and shaking her head with a smile. "But this does have a certain heroic, wandering spirit!"