Chapter 54: Undercurrents (Part Two)

Painted pleasure boats shuttled back and forth endlessly upon the Luo River.

In such scorching heat, taking a boat ride on the water offered a refreshing touch of coolness. The gentle weeping willows along both banks swayed in the river breeze. Ripples danced across the water, accompanied from time to time by the sounds of stringed and wind instruments, singing, and dancing, exuding the refined and elegant atmosphere of a prosperous era.

A massive painted boat moved slowly forward.

A large black banner fluttered at its bow, bearing the characters "Yuwen," clearly displaying the origin of this pleasure boat.

Wherever the vessel went, other pleasure boats hastily yielded, looking immensely arrogant.

A small boat approached from the opposite direction, pulling up closely alongside the pleasure boat. A gangplank was extended, and a middle-aged man nimbly climbed aboard. The small boat then brushed past the pleasure boat and headed upstream, gradually disappearing among the clustered vessels on the river.

The middle-aged man stood nearly eight chi tall and possessed a lean build.

He wore a veil hat that obscured his face, dressed entirely in black robes with a pair of black short boots on his feet. A warrior from the Yuwen household stepped forward to meet him. After a brief whispered exchange, the guard respectfully made way, turning sideways to guide the man into the interior of the boat.

The pleasure boat consisted of two levels. The first level was a spacious hall, furnished with extreme luxury.

Countless singing and dancing girls blew flutes, plucked strings, and sang within the hall, creating a scene of utmost liveliness. Guided by the guard, the middle-aged man directly ascended to the second story of the boat. He stopped at the entrance of a cabin at the rear, from which faint sounds of men and women flirting drifted out.

"Third Young Master, Master Hu has arrived!"

The cabin instantly fell silent. A moment later, the door slid open, and an alluring woman, nearly half-naked, stepped out from within. Her ample breasts heaved, and beneath a thin layer of sheer gauze, the alluring sights of her spring scenery and the verdant expanse were faintly visible. A lingering trace of passion still remained on the woman's face, and she cast a somewhat dissatisfied glance at the two men outside the door before gracefully making her way down from the vessel.

"Please enter, Master Hu!"

The guard made a gesture, and the man in black slipped sideways into the cabin.

Inside, the cabin was remarkably cool. In the hollowed-out wooden walls on both sides, numerous massive blocks of ice had been placed. It was the chill emanating from these ice blocks that made the temperature inside the cabin quite comfortable. The air was permeated with the scent of women's cosmetics, carrying a hint of decadent indulgence. A man of about thirty, dressed in a loose white robe, sat within the cabin, pouring drinks for himself and sipping alone, looking thoroughly carefree and leisurely.

The man in black hurriedly stepped forward. "Hulidie pays his respects to the Third Young Master."

"Old Hu, we are old friends. There is no need for such elaborate courtesy. Hehe, you've arrived rather early, and you've gone and ruined my fun.

That little hussy just now was quite exquisite; her charm was simply bone-melting... If you hadn't come so early, I would have found a way to dally with her some more."

The Third Young Master possessed a dignified appearance, dashing and full of bearing.

Yet the words he spoke seemed somewhat vulgar. Removing his veil hat, the man in black could not help but chuckle.

He did not find it vulgar; instead, he felt that the Third Young Master speaking to him in this manner meant he considered him one of his own.

"In that case, it is indeed this humble subordinate's fault... However, the Third Young Master is right; that little hussy certainly possesses an alluring charm. Just now outside the door, a single glance from her left me utterly captivated. Such a beauty can only be tamed by you, Young Master."

The Third Young Master burst into loud laughter. "Old Hu, you certainly were born with a flattering tongue."

"Thank you for the praise, Young Master."

A man sought nothing more than face above all else.

Where did this face come from? First, power; second, women.

Hu's words scratched precisely at the Third Young Master's itch...

"Very well, let's dispense with idle chatter. How has the matter been handled?"

Hu wore a troubled expression. "It is not that this subordinate has not tried my best, but the affairs of the sect are almost entirely monopolized by that old hound Husky. Though this subordinate has the will, I lack the leverage to exert any force. Recently, for reasons unknown, Husky has been contemplating a withdrawal from Luoyang. This subordinate argued with him several times, but alas, his martial arts are formidable and his authority weighty, leaving this subordinate utterly helpless."

"That old eunuch dog wants to withdraw from Luoyang?"

"Precisely!"

"Why?"

"Husky says the imperial court has already set its sights on us. If we remain in Luoyang any longer, the court will discover us sooner or later.

The best course of action now is to halt our proselytizing and swiftly evacuate Luoyang.

Alas, Third Young Master, I have no desire to leave Luoyang. Right now, the court's attention toward us is gradually slackening. Once this storm passes, it will be the moment for us to make our mark. Besides, we used countless riches traveling all the way from Xiangzhou just to gain a foothold here. To leave Luoyang at a time like this would mean letting all our painstaking efforts flow away to nothing."

The Third Young Master shook his head.

"Old Hu, you are mistaken."

"Ah, please enlighten me, Young Master."

"That old eunuch dog has served as an imperial advisor across three reigns, beginning with the Prince of Zhao. Up to now, the storms and accidents he has weathered are by no means few. What he says is correct; if you continue to stay in Luoyang now, I fear your identities will soon be exposed. As far as I know, although Fang Heizi has ostensibly relaxed his pursuit of you, in reality, he has been keeping a watchful eye in secret.

He has merely shifted his forces from the open to the shadows... At present, Luoyang is indeed not a suitable place for you to preach.

Hehe, if that old eunuch dog were not so set in his ways, he would actually be a usable man."

Hu's expression instantly turned awkward.

He had just finished speaking ill of Husky, only for the Third Young Master to sing Husky's praises. If Husky was a usable man, didn't that imply he, Hu, was unusable? Doubts immediately began to churn in his heart. He smiled, lowered his head, and remained silent.

"Old Hu, you haven't experienced as much as that old eunuch dog, which is why you fail to see through certain matters.

However, this is of no consequence. In the future, after you have undergone more trials, you will naturally surpass that eunuch dog. I brought you here today simply to ask you one question: Old Hu. Do you really wish to spend your entire life subservient to that old eunuch dog?"

"Uh..."

Hulidie fell silent.

"Hehe, in truth, the current situation is exceptionally clear. If you cannot establish a foothold in Luoyang, you have no choice but to return to Xiangyang. But the problem is, once you return to Xiangyang, Husky will still be calling the shots. Where would there be any room for you to speak? In the future, when Husky is gone, Yuwen Ya will naturally take over the sect's affairs, and you will still remain an insignificant, curtain-behind character who cannot make it to the grand stage. Have you thought of this?"

Hulidie's expression grew somewhat unsightly.

"As the saying goes, a true man cannot go a single day without power. Old Hu, I see you as a person of substance, which is why I wished to remind you.

Yuwen You has long since turned to dust, and Yuwen Ming died more a decade ago. This time, when the Emperor toured Zhangye, Empress Dowager Xuan unexpectedly passed away, and the glory of the past is difficult to restore. Old Hu, a person must look further ahead and not fixate solely on what is before his eyes. Those who ought to die are already dead. If you continue to harbor unrealistic fantasies just like Husky, you will sooner or later lose your head."

Hulidie was an elder of the Maitreya Sect and also a descendant of the retainers of Yuwen You, the Prince of Zhao.

The Third Young Master's words had been made crystal clear: stop thinking about avenging the Prince of Zhao, and stop thinking about reviving the Great Zhou Dynasty—that was already an impossibility!

***

Empress Dowager Xuan was none other than the eldest daughter of Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian; the empress of Emperor Xuan of Zhou, Yuwen Yun; and Princess Leping of the Great Sui Dynasty, Yang Lihua.

Yang Lihua was already dead. Aside from Yang Lihua's daughter, Yuwen Xi'e, the so-called bloodline of Northern Zhou no longer existed. Could it be that he intended to support a woman as emperor? Besides, Yuwen Xi'e lacked any such capability.

"Please instruct me, Third Young Master."

The Third Young Master smiled faintly, filled a goblet of grape wine for Hu, and then poured another cup for himself.

"Yuwen Ya and Yuwen Duo are an elder brother and younger sister unworthy of concern. Without Husky, who in your sect would ever listen to them?"

"The Third Young Master means..."

"Old Hu, you are a clever man.

I like dealing with clever people. Put it this way: if you were able to control the White-Clothed Maitreya, coupled with my mediation and backstage support, what kind of situation would that be? Don't tell me you haven't imagined it... Hehe, I can tell from your eyes. You dream of this day. Now, I am offering you this opportunity. Are you willing to cooperate?"

A fierce eagerness flashed in Hulidie's eyes.

The Third Young Master's words had deeply touched his heart.

Having spent many years hiding here and there with Husky, they had finally secured a family enterprise, only to have it handed over to a mere child in the future.

How could Hulidie ever be willing to accept that?

Within the sect, he was ostensibly the second-in-command, beneath one person yet above tens of thousands. But in reality, who truly cared about him?

While Husky was around, everyone obeyed Husky's commands!

If Husky left, he would prop up that little beast to be the master, and it would never be Hu Hulidie's turn to take center stage.

"However, that old eunuch dog possesses formidable martial arts. In the present age, few can match him.

Back then, Heluo Bi led the Eight Commandery Lieutenants of the Sui Palace, uniting with the experts of all the major powerful clans in Luoyang, yet still failed to take his life... If we miss our mark, I am afraid..."

"Ha, that fool Heluo Bi could naturally never kill Husky.

But what if we add Changsun Sheng, Yu Zhongwen, Tuwan Xu, and Mai Tiezi to the mix, along with my nephew, the Heavenly Treasure General? Would there be any path of survival left for him?"

Upon hearing this, Hulidie could not help feeling a shock in his heart.

The individuals mentioned by the Third Young Master were all renowned generals of the contemporary era!

"Wasn't Great General Mai and the Heavenly Treasure General guarding the Emperor in Chang'an?"

"Hehe, they have already secretly arrived in Luoyang. Twenty days from now, the Emperor will return to Luoyang, so you must make up your mind soon."

Hulidie gritted his teeth. "I am willing to follow the Young Master's commands."

"Old Hu, do not be afraid... Right now, Yuwen Ya is still a wet-nosed child, not worth fearing; as for Yuwen Duo, she's just a yellow-haired lass who doesn't count for much. As long as you can eliminate Husky, you can control the White-Clothed Maitreya. When the time comes, power and women will be yours for the taking. I will assist you in secret, helping the White-Clothed Maitreya grow and develop. Isn't that wonderful?"

"Then, how do we eliminate Husky?"

The Third Young Master waved his hand, signaling him. "Lean closer."

He whispered continuously into Hulidie's ear. Hulidie nodded repeatedly, occasionally letting out expressions of praise and amazement.

"Third Young Master, if Hu is able to wield control over the White-Clothed Maitreya, I shall definitely submit to your commands."

"Haha, there is no need to speak of such things. I simply cannot bear to see you unfulfilled, which is why I wish to lend you a hand. We are brothers, aren't we?"

"To be able to take the Third Young Master as an elder brother is truly Hulidie's fortune across three lifetimes."

The Third Young Master laughed heartily. "Very well, business is finished, and I should be leaving."

"Where is the Third Young Master headed?"

"Hehe, my nephew is returning today, and my father has set out a family banquet at the manor. I must hurry back to host the Heavenly Treasure General.

You should stay here and enjoy yourself thoroughly; the beauties on this boat are yours to use as you please... Old Hu, take it easy though; those little hussies are quite fierce, and you wouldn't want to be unable to get up tomorrow. I'm off. Once everything is arranged, I will naturally send someone to notify you."

With that, the Third Young Master rose and walked out of the cabin.

As the cabin door closed, Hu intended to stand up and stretch his limbs. However, he heard a few light sounds within the cabin, followed by the extinguishing of several oil lamps, plunging the interior into a sudden, deep gloom.

Startled, Hu whirled around and demanded in a low, stern voice, "Who's there?"

Before his voice faded, a hidden door in the cabin slid open, and the alluring woman he had encountered earlier at the cabin entrance stepped forward gracefully through the dim light, draped in a wisp of sheer gauze.

"This humble maid obeys the Third Young Master's command to serve milord!"

Her voice was sweet and tender, laden with voluptuous charm.

In an instant, Hu stood dumbfounded, allowing the alluring beauty to walk right up to him and murmur softly in his ear, "Master, why not undress and bathe so this humble maid can properly wait upon you?"

Hu's breathing instantly grew ragged...

***

Husky was a very talkative and cheerful man.

Beside him sat a youth of about Yanqing's age, who sat quietly and observed Zheng Yanqing with immense curiosity.

Duoduo sat beside Yanqing, listening quietly to the conversation between him and Husky.

It was evident that Husky did not look down on Yanqing in the least despite his young age. On the contrary, he valued Yanqing's opinions greatly, repeatedly asking what Zheng Yanqing thought of the Yellow Turban Rebellion at the end of the Han Dynasty.

If it were any other topic, Yanqing might not have known how to respond.

However, regarding the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he had done his homework thoroughly. He had perused *Book of the Later Han* and *Records of the Three Kingdoms* countless times, and had even carefully taken notes on historical texts such as *Annals of the Eastern Pavilion* compiled by Cai Yong and *Annals of the Two Hans*.

Therefore, when questioned about the birth, development, and resolution of the Way of Peace, Yanqing felt no fear.

"Master Hu, the current political situation differs from that at the end of the Han Dynasty.

Although the Emperor is undertaking grand construction projects and increasing corvée labor—actions that certainly burden the people and waste wealth—the riches accumulated since the Kaihuang era are sufficient to sustain these measures. Furthermore, ever since the Western Jin dynasty crossed south and the Five Hu ravaged the north, three hundred years of unbroken warfare have left the populace longing for peace. This differs from the end of the Han era... One transitioned from order to chaos, while the other transitions from chaos to order. With different times, the outcomes are bound to differ. Not to mention that Master's Maitreyas have not yet formed a climate; even if you were to achieve the same climate as the Way of Peace, I fear it still wouldn't compare to Sun En's rebellion.

Master invited me here today, so you must have already reached a decision.

Duoduo and I grew up together; I would never harm her... Therefore, for Master to emulate the Way of Peace is nothing more than a fool's dream."

Yanqing spoke bluntly, so much so that Duoduo secretly gave his sleeve a gentle tug in fright.

Yet Yanqing instead reached out and caught her soft hand.

In front of Husky and her younger brother, Duoduo's heart hammered wildly, her delicate cheeks flushing crimson like the setting sun.

He gently patted Duoduo's hand to signal her not to worry.

The very instant Zheng Yanqing released her delicate hand, Duoduo pinched him fiercely on the leg.

How could such a youthful little gesture escape Husky's notice? Far from anger, he smiled happily!

"Zheng Gongzi is perhaps exaggerating somewhat. If the populace longs for peace, how could so many people be willing to join our White-Clothed Maitreya?"

Yanqing said with a solemn expression, "The reason people join the White-Clothed Maitreya is precisely because they wish to seek a stable life. Master Hu says I am exaggerating, but I feel my words were rather understated. In truth, your control over the White-Clothed Maitreya is not as robust as you imagine.

The Two-Headed Snake Guo Xiaoke—for ten thousand strings of cash—dared to waylay and kill me?

I imagine that had you known of this matter, you would never have agreed... Furthermore, ever since the imperial court began suppressing the White-Clothed Maitreya, it has done so with virtually effortless ease, causing countless believers to withdraw. Master, if you truly initiate an uprising, aside from a few desperados and careerists, how many people will follow? People can still muddle through these days; no one wishes to do something that brings execution upon their entire clan.

Very well, let us discuss another possibility.

Your White-Clothed Maitreya truly initiates an uprising, and some people are willing to respond.

Yet can you achieve what the Way of Peace did—a single cry bringing responses from all eight directions? Despite such massive momentum, the Way of Peace still met with a tragic end of utter defeat in the end. Can you achieve that now? To put it another way, does Master have the certainty that, following an uprising, the realm can be pacified within a few years? If not, internal division will inevitably arise within your sect. In the end, it will merely be another chaotic war that plunges the common people into misery... I imagine this does not align with your original intention, Master."

"How do you know we cannot pacify the realm?"

The young boy suddenly spoke up, his tone carrying a hint of lingering defiance.

"Yaya, do not misbehave."

The young boy seemed rather afraid of Duoduo; he pouted his lips and said no more.

"He is my younger brother, Yuwen Ya."

Zheng Yanqing smiled. "Yaya, perhaps we can, perhaps we cannot—this is an inherently uncertain matter. To stake one's life and property on an uncertain possibility? A clever person would not do it, and I imagine you wouldn't wish to either."

If you agree with my words, you are a clever person; if you disagree...

Joking, Yanqing laid a trap that left Yuwen Ya speechless.

And Husky smiled even more broadly.

He was a clever man; in truth, the moment Duoduo relayed Yanqing's words to him, he had already begun to waver. It was simply that after putting in such bitter toil to build this foundation, giving it up all at once left Husky feeling rather unwilling. Meeting Zheng Yanqing today was partly to observe him closely, and partly in the hope that Yanqing could persuade him.

"Little Princess, please withdraw with the young master for a moment. I have some words to speak privately with Zheng Gongzi."

In eunuch parlance: "Eunuch Hu, you..."

"Rest assured, I will not do anything detrimental to Zheng Gongzi."

Husky glanced intentionally or unintentionally at Duoduo, a faint, teasing smile flashing in his eyes.

Blushing deeply, Duoduo took Yuwen Ya's small hand and stepped out of the room.

"Zheng Gongzi, this is our second meeting!" Husky said softly. "The last time at the Luo River Academy, the impression you gave me was still that of an overgrown child, so I didn't pay much attention. I heard the Little Princess mention you, but in my heart, I truly didn't agree... Zheng Gongzi, I will ask you only one thing: if one day... are you willing to treat this old man well and take good care of the Little Princess and the Young Master?"

Zheng Yanqing did not hesitate. "Of course I am."

"With that, this old man can rest easy!"

As he spoke, Husky withdrew a calfskin scroll from his bosom and tossed it toward Zheng Yanqing.

"I once heard that Gan Luo became prime minister at age twelve, but I did not believe it.

I have served the Prince of Zhao across three reigns and am now nearing the age of seventy. I have seen many youthful talents, but it was only upon conversing with you just now that I finally believed in the existence of child prodigies. The Little Princess wandered in her youth and is guarded against people, rarely granting anyone a pleasant expression.

Yet she holds you in absolute and supreme regard!

This old man hopes you will not disappoint her... This is the blueprint of the underground palace beneath the rockery in the courtyard of the Dating Restaurant. I originally planned it as an escape route should any emergency arise. This tunnel leads straight to the banks of the Yi River outside the city; aside from myself, no one else knows of it. Within the underground palace, there are three hundred sets of iron armor and weapons, which I also prepared just in case.

I have resolved to evacuate Luoyang.

Naturally, this tunnel is no longer needed, so I bestow it upon the Young Master for any unexpected needs.

In addition, there are some believers of my sect listed on here. They are all my trusted aides, and perhaps they can be of help to the Young Master at some point. As long as the Young Master holds this arrow ring, whether I am present or not, they will obey the Young Master's commands."

Zheng Yanqing unfurled the calfskin scroll, glanced over it briefly, and immediately tucked it into his bosom.

"Please rest assured, Head Eunuch Hu; Yanqing will certainly take meticulous care of Duoduo."

"With that, I can truly rest easy... Hehe, ten days from now, I will evacuate Luoyang. By then, I will no longer cross paths with the Young Master. Should you have any needs in the future, you may send someone to Xiangyang, and I will certainly do my utmost."

Husky stood up and extended his hand.

Zheng Yanqing also rose and slapped palms with Husky three times as a pledge of oath.

After clapping hands, the two men left the room. Husky departed with Yuwen Duo and Yuwen Ya, while Zheng Yanqing felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. He rendezvoused with Shen Guang and returned home.

"Young Master, who were those people? So mysterious?"

Yanqing smiled faintly and said softly, "They are friends, and perhaps family in the future!"