Chapter 53: Undercurrents (Part I)

The scorching sun hung high in the sky, making the entire city of Luoyang feel like a massive, blazing furnace.

With the arrival of May, the weather had grown exceptionally hot. To compound matters, not a single drop of rain had fallen since the start of summer, sending temperatures soaring to astonishing heights. While it could not compare to the legendary furnace-like cities of later generations, by any calculation, this was the hottest year Zheng Yanqing had experienced in the decade since his rebirth. One could easily tell just by looking at the sparse and scattered crowds on the streets.

Wealthy families either retreated to the mountains to escape the heat or purchased blocks of ice to place in their homes to lower the temperature.

Common folk did not have access to such luxuries, but they still found ways to enjoy themselves despite the hardship—either sheltering beneath the shade of trees or strolling along the banks of the Luo River. Though it offered little true coolness, at the very least, a faint hint of a breeze could be felt, bringing a sense of comfort to the heart.

Zheng Yanqing rode on horseback under the blazing sun, his expression solemn.

The scorching weather seemed to have very little effect on him. Were it not for his bare torso, slick with sweat that shimmered under the sunlight, judging solely by his calm expression, no one would have guessed how hot he truly was.

A standard forty-pound military *mao* spear was held firmly in his grasp.

Yanqing gripped the shaft two feet from the butt end with one hand while holding the reins with the other. The spearhead drooped downward at an angle of roughly sixty degrees. The fine steel spearhead gleamed dazzlingly beneath the bright sun, its two-finger-wide blade radiating a biting chill.

Before him stood two rows of twenty wooden dummy statues, ten on each side.

Each dummy was placed approximately five meters apart, with heavy iron blocks bound to their legs to anchor and strengthen their bases.

This was the foundational training for mastering the spear.

There was a fundamental technique to using the *mao* spear: the thrust.

Zheng Yanqing had to charge across a distance of twenty meters, striking rapidly to the left and right, using the most basic thrusting motions to hit ten wooden dummies. Merely striking them was not enough; he had to pierce them hard enough to knock them over to be considered successful. By the end of a single run, he had to topple at least five dummies to pass, seven for a good rating, and all ten to achieve an excellence rating.

At the edge of the training grounds, Zhangsun Sheng stood beneath a canopy, his posture straight as he fixed his gaze on Zheng Yanqing in the arena.

"Big Brother, you can do it!"

Zhangsun Wugou waved her arms, cheering loudly to encourage Yanqing.

Nearby, Zhangsun Wuji looked equally sweaty. His round, chubby face was smeared with sweat, making him resemble a painted kitten. Hearing Wugou's enthusiastic cheers, he could not help but curl his lip and mutter softly under his breath, "Are you my sister or his? When I was practicing with the spear just now, I didn't hear you cheering half this hard."

Zhangsun Wugou turned her head and replied with utmost seriousness, "Of course I'm your sister, but you never tell me stories..."

Wuji's expression grew even more bitter!

"Begin!"

At Zhangsun Sheng's command, Zheng Yanqing dug his heels into his horse's flanks. With a piercing, resonant neigh, the jade-hoofed steed broke into a furious gallop. On horseback, Zheng Yanqing's body curved into a light, fluid arc. With a sudden vibration of his arm and a fierce roar, *thump*, he drove his spear straight through the first wooden dummy, sending it crashing to the ground. A flattened, circular hole about five centimeters deep was left punctured right in the center of the dummy's chest.

The spear struck the dummy and rebounded instantly upon contact.

Describing an arc in Zheng Yanqing's hands, the weapon whipped out in a sudden diagonal thrust, *crack*, striking another wooden dummy.

This time, however, the penetration was insufficient, failing to knock the dummy over. Zheng Yanqing ignored it entirely. The spear slid smoothly through his grip, its butt-cap smashing once more into the dummy, followed immediately by a backhanded thrust that sent a third dummy tumbling. The spear whistled through the air, carrying a sharp gale. Yanqing's movements grew increasingly fast and ferocious, producing a piercing tear in the wind.

The twenty-meter stretch quickly came to an end.

Zheng Yanqing had knocked over six wooden dummies, a fairly respectable result.

He urged his horse back to the canopy, where Shen Guang and Ma Sanbao hurried forward—one taking hold of the reins, the other receiving the heavy spear.

Yanqing dismounted, bowed respectfully to Zhangsun Sheng, and said, "Master, I have finished my spear practice. Please offer your guidance."

Overall, Zhangsun Sheng was quite satisfied with the outcome.

"Yanqing, since you have read the manual on the *mao* spear, you should know that true power in spearmanship should never be unleashed all at once in a single, brute strike; a full burst of force will always dissipate instantly. Although you have grasped the mystery of generating raw force into explosive strength, you are not yet proficient. You must repeatedly ponder the subtleties of this kinetic energy. If you can master the nuances of this force with greater fluency, you could easily have knocked over at least two more wooden dummies in that single run."

The saying "true power should never be unleashed all at once, for a single strike will see it dissipate" meant essentially that one must not rely solely on crude, unrefined force when wielding a spear. A spearman must always hold back three-tenths of his strength to ensure the power remains fluid, continuous, and perfectly rounded. Zheng Yanqing understood this principle, but understanding it and putting it into practice were two entirely different things.

Zhangsun Sheng was a strict teacher with exceptionally high demands for Zheng Yanqing.

Otherwise, knocking over six wooden dummies would have been more than enough to pass. Yet Zhangsun Sheng still demanded that he continue practicing.

"Father, charging past ten targets on horseback while striking them is simply too difficult."

Zhangsun Wuji could not help protesting on Zheng Yanqing's behalf. "Your standards for Yanqing are far too strict. Knocking over all ten is practically impossible."

He had good reason to speak up for Yanqing.

Wuji had only managed to knock over three dummies himself, a failing grade. If Yanqing knocking down six still wasn't enough to pass, wouldn't that make his own performance even more disgraceful?

"Impossible?"

Zhangsun Sheng's face darkened as he motioned for a household guard to bring over his warhorse.

He leaped gracefully into the saddle, hoisted a *mao* spear, and charged on horseback toward the lane of wooden dummies that had just been set back upright. Wielding the spear with sweeping motions to the left and right, the dummies toppled one after another at his touch. Zhangsun Sheng's method of felling the targets differed slightly from Zheng Yanqing's. Whenever Yanqing struck a dummy, a loud crash invariably echoed, and wood chips flew from their chests as jagged cracks split the timber.

When Zhangsun Sheng struck the dummies down, however, not a single sound was made.

Furthermore, the depth of each wound was nearly identical, and the ingenious application of his strength was something Zheng Yanqing could not possibly compare to.

After dismounting, Zhangsun Sheng coughed softly a few times. Zheng Yanqing and Wuji hurried over to help the wooden dummies back up, staring at the precise wounds carved into them with undisguised admiration.

"Father is amazing!"

Zhangsun Wugou walked over with a damp towel to wipe away a nonexistent sweat from Zhangsun Sheng's brow. Zhangsun Sheng wore a gentle smile, appearing to thoroughly enjoy his daughter's filial affection. Seeing this, Zhangsun Wuji curled his lip and muttered under his breath, "Little flatterer."

"Brother, let me wipe your sweat."

Wugou trotted over with another towel. Wuji's face broke into a satisfied smile as he reached out to take it.

To his surprise, Wugou completely ignored him, skipped past his outstretched hand, and instead handed the towel to Zheng Yanqing, who was smiling broadly.

"Guanyinbi, what a good girl!"

Zheng Yanqing wiped away his sweat and gently ruffled Wugou's small head.

Wuji was so furious his face turned beet red. Amidst Zhangsun Sheng's hearty laughter, he retreated back under the canopy and snatched the towel thrust at him by a servant with a fierce yank.

"When it comes to the spear, a penetration of seventy percent into the body is required to be truly fatal. There are many masters of the spear in this world, each with their own unique self-defense techniques. For instance, Yuchi Luojia, the garrison commander of Western Zhou, possesses exquisite spearmanship and has even mastered an ancestral technique for evading spear thrusts. But if we speak of who wields the spear best, none in the present age surpass Prefect Yu. He can knock down all ten wooden dummies in a single pass, and every single strike penetrates to exactly seventy percent... If he pierces you, survival is virtually impossible."

"Yuchi Luojia, the garrison commander of Western Zhou?"

It was the first time Zheng Yanqing had heard such a name, and a wave of intense curiosity washed over him.

Zhangsun Sheng nodded. "This man is a descendant of Yuchi Shuo, the former Eastern Wei General Who Pacifies the East. His combat style is fierce and valorous, and his martial arts are formidable. It's just that his temperament... is less than stellar, and he is a rather slick character. At the start of the Kaihuang era, the late emperor didn't care much for him and dispatched him to serve under the command of Shi Wansui. However, I've heard rumors that his health is failing, and he likely doesn't have much time left."

"Alright, that is all for today."

Zhangsun Sheng rose to his feet and said, "When you return, ponder deeply upon the subtleties of kinetic energy once more... But do not slacken your study of military strategy, either. In a few days, I shall test your knowledge of military tactics. If you fail to pass then, do not blame me for my reprimands."

Zheng Yanqing cupped his fists. "This student will certainly not辜负 (disappoint) my teacher's high expectations."

As Zhangsun Sheng departed, Wugou immediately cheered with delight.

"Big Brother, hurry up and tell me a story!"

The little girl lingered here precisely so she could whisk Zheng Yanqing away the very moment training ended to listen to his tales. Yanqing could only offer a wry smile as he cast a glance at Zhangsun Wuji.

Wuji, meanwhile, wore a pleading expression.

*I beg you, please stop telling this little girl those bizarre and spooky things! Otherwise, she'll make my life a misery again.*

Yanqing chuckled softly, taking Wugou's small hand in his. "Come, today Big Brother will tell you the story of Nie Xiaoqian."

"Is it a good story?"

"It's bound to be good!"

"Is it scary?"

"Hmm, very scary... I wonder if Guanyinbi dares to listen."

Guanyinbi blinked her dark, sparkling eyes and nodded her head repeatedly, looking terrified yet filled with a lingering sense of eager anticipation.

Zhangsun Wuji slapped his forehead in despair: *It's over. May the gods help me and keep this girl from scaring me in the middle of the night!*

***

By the time Zheng Yanqing left the Thunderbolt Hall, dusk was rapidly approaching.

Amidst the stifling heat, a faint breeze had finally arisen. Yet it offered no real coolness, for the wind itself was hot.

Clad in a thin, light-green scholar's robe, Yanqing rode side by side with Shen Guang and Ma Sanbao.

Ma Sanbao had returned to Luoyang upon completing the task Yanqing had entrusted to him. By now, he had firmly established himself as one of Yanqing's most trusted aides. On one hand, he was genuinely clever and resourceful; coupled with the recommendation from Li Ji, he naturally commanded Zheng Yanqing's deep confidence.

The three of them rode at a leisurely pace. As they crossed the pontoon bridge at Tongyuan Market, a figure suddenly stepped out to block their path.

"Pardon me, might you be Young Master Zheng?"

Yanqing paused, failing to recognize the stranger. He nodded slightly, "I am Zheng Yanqing."

"My young mistress requests an audience with you."

"Who is your mistress? I'm sorry, I don't know her. Besides, it is already late, and I must hurry home. I truly apologize."

"My mistress said you must come."

With those words, the man extended his hand.

Shen Guang instinctively placed his hand on the hilt of his saber, eyeing the man with sharp vigilance.

Yanqing quickly waved a hand to signal Shen Guang to remain calm.

On the palm of the stranger's hand was written the character "Duo," while his other hand opened to reveal a jade pendant intricately carved with the shape of a lotus flower.

*It's Duoduo!*

A flicker of realization stirred within Zheng Yanqing's heart.

He remembered Duoduo telling him back in Yanshi that they would meet again.

Could it be that she had not yet left Luoyang? Why was this foolish girl still lingering here? Didn't she know how dangerous it was?

Ever since Fang Yanqian had shifted to a strategy of pacification against the White-Clad Maitreya sect, he had silently rooted out several hidden cult sanctuaries and captured over a dozen Maitreya disciples. Furthermore, with Zhangsun Sheng and Yuwen Shu continuously applying military pressure across the Heluo region, the living space for the White-Clad Maitreya was shrinking rapidly.

If this girl stayed in Luoyang, there was every likelihood she would be discovered.

Yanqing furrowed his brow slightly and said softly, "Very well, I shall go with you."

He turned to Ma Sanbao and instructed, "Sanbao, return to the manor and inform the Grandfather that I have matters to attend to tonight and will not be dining at home."

Ma Sanbao acknowledged the order and spurred his horse away.

"Brother Shen, accompany me."

By comparison, Zheng Yanqing still preferred to place his trust in Shen Guang. It was not merely due to Shen Guang's formidable martial arts, but also because they shared the bond of having fought side by side in battle. Furthermore, his understanding of Shen Guang ran far deeper than his understanding of Ma Sanbao.

Shen Guang was no blabbermouth!

On that score, Zheng Yanqing felt completely at ease.

The two followed the messenger straight into Fengdu Market. After weaving through several twisting alleys, they soon arrived at a quiet back street within the market. The three stopped before a small sundry shop, and two men emerged from the shadows to block Shen Guang's path.

"Young Master Zheng, we are truly sorry. Our young mistress wishes to see only the young master alone."

Zheng Yanqing furrowed his brow, a wave of displeasure rising in his chest. "This is my personal retainer."

"We know, but the eldest miss gave strict orders that only the young master may enter."

"In that case..." Zheng Yanqing glanced at Shen Guang, then dismounted and handed his reins over.

"Brother Shen, I must trouble you to wait here for a moment."

Shen Guang nodded, speaking in a low voice, "Be careful, Young Master. These people do not look like ordinary folk."

"I know!"

With that, Yanqing followed the three servants into the sundry shop. Passing through the rear hall, the four of them emerged into a small courtyard.

"Reporting to the Holy Maiden, Young Master Zheng has arrived!"

"Hurry and invite him in."

The voice was all too familiar to Yanqing—it belonged to none other than Duoduo.

"Young Master Zheng, please!"

Taking a deep breath, Yanqing stepped forward and pushed open the chamber door. Inside, the room was brightly lit, and a table laden with wine and food had been prepared.

Duoduo stood gracefully in the center of the room, a charming smile playing across her delicate face as she quietly watched him.

"Little Scholar, you really came."

Zheng Yanqing smiled faintly. "When Sister Duoduo summons me, how could the Little Scholar dare not come?"

Back when they were at the Zheng estate, Duoduo had always forced Zheng Yanqing to call her "elder sister." At the time, he had felt quite a bit of lingering apprehension toward her. After all, dealing with a young girl who drew her blade at the drop of a hat naturally gave him pause.

When had the dynamic between them begun to change?

Zheng Yanqing could no longer recall! But he did know that on that night of bloodshed, he had begun to genuinely care for this girl and was willing to place his trust in her.

"Duoduo, why did you ask me here? Didn't I tell you not to linger in Luoyang? It's too dangerous... Though the authorities appear to have eased their suppression of you on the surface, in reality, they have never let down their guard. If you continue to stay here, you are courting grave danger."

Seeing the grave expression on Yanqing's face, warmth bloomed in Duoduo's heart.

Recently, she had heard numerous gossip stories concerning Yanqing, including malicious slanders linking him to the Pei family's aunts and nieces... Well, malicious slanders indeed! At least in Duoduo's eyes, Zheng Yanqing was by no means that kind of fickle-hearted man.

"Little Scholar, truth be told, it wasn't I who wanted to see you today; someone else wishes to meet you."

Sitting side by side with Yanqing, Duoduo hesitated for a moment before speaking softly, "I passed along everything you said to Eunuch Ha. Eunuch Ha said he wished to see you and speak with you face-to-face. That is why I had someone invite you over."

"Eunuch Ha? You mean Husky?"

Zheng Yanqing felt a jolt of shock, but quickly steadied himself.

Since Duoduo was here as well, it stood to reason that Eunuch Ha harbored no malicious intent.

Yet, what could he possibly wish to discuss with him? As Zheng Yanqing pondered this question in confusion, footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the door, and the door was pulled open...