Chapter 62: Passing Away

Xiong Dahai moved into the Zhengsu Ward on the second day after his release from prison.

It was evident, however, that he was somewhat nervous. Standing beneath the porch of the main hall, he twisted and turned rather constrainedly, until Zheng Yanqing appeared in a single tunic at the far end of the corridor, whereupon he seemed to relax a little.

Last night, Xiong Dach锤 had said to him, "Big Blacky, you are no longer a child. Although the family won't lack a bowl of rice for you, staying here will at most leave you with a worry-free livelihood in the future. You don't know how to manage business, nor do you understand how to socialize with others. Staying at home won't allow you to be of any help to your uncle. Therefore, your grand-uncle has thought for a long time and decided to let you go to the Zheng family.

"Qingwa will surely become an extraordinary person in the future, and he is also your elder brother. Following him, your grand-uncle can feel at ease."

Xiong Dahai had always harbored a sense of respect and gratitude toward Zheng Yanqing.

Therefore, he had no objections to being sent to follow Zheng Yanqing. However, Xiong Dachui had also told him many things about Zheng Yanqing. Although Xiong Dahai's mind was not particularly sharp, he was at most a bit slow-witted and had nothing to do with being foolish.

To his surprise, that older brother who was younger than him and shorter than him actually possessed such a great reputation.

Xiong Dahai could not help feeling a trace of nervousness.

He was afraid that if he did not do well or did something wrong, Zheng Yanqing would drive him back, and that would be a complete humiliation.

While Xiong Dachui and Zheng Shi'an were talking in the main hall, Xiong Dahai could not help feeling apprehensive.

However, when he saw Zheng Yanqing, his nervous mood seemed to diminish greatly. Over the past year, the number of times Zheng Yanqing had visited him was even more than that of his own family members. Every time he saw Yanqing, Xiong Dahai felt very at ease.

"Brother!"

He stepped forward to greet him clumsily, though his voice was still somewhat hoarse.

To think that this brother of his turned out to be an official, and an extraordinary big figure at that...

Zheng Yanqing looked at Xiong Dahai in puzzlement and asked, "Dahai, what are you standing here for? Did you come by yourself? Where is your grand-uncle?"

"Grand-uncle is inside the room talking with Grandpa Zheng."

"Oh!"

Zheng Yanqing naturally knew that Xiong Dahai would come to the Zheng residence to follow him.

This was something he had known for a long time. Patting Xiong Dahai on the buttocks, he strode into the main hall.

"Yanqing, you've come just in time. Your Grandpa Dachui has brought Dahai over."

"Oh, I see him!"

Zheng Yanqing first bowed to Zheng Shi'an and the two others, then retreated behind Zheng Shi'an and asked curiously, "Grandpa Xiong, what did you say to Big Blacky? I saw him looking quite nervous, wandering around outside. Haha, please don't frighten him."

"I told him to obey you, follow you closely, and protect your safety.

"If he causes trouble or gets driven back, I will no longer acknowledge him as my grand-nephew... Qingwa, you will have to work hard in the future to properly discipline this foolish boy. Beat him when he deserves to be beaten, scold him when he deserves to be scolded, and by all means, do not hold back."

Hearing this, Yanqing could not help but laugh silently.

"It's not that serious; Big Blacky is quite good.

"The things I taught him, he has also practiced very well... Grandpa Xiong, you scared him. Haha, I'll take him to settle into his quarters right now, and from now on, he can just follow me along with Shen Guang. Grandpa Xiong, rest assured, I will treat Big Blacky well."

With these words from Zheng Yanqing, Xiong Dachui also seemed to set his mind at ease.

Thereupon, Zheng Yanqing left the main hall and led Xiong Dahai to his quarters. Yanqing's quarters were an independent courtyard in the back residence. It had five main rooms, three wing rooms, and a stable. There were four or five horses in the stable, but Yutier was not here; instead, it roamed freely in the garden behind the house, where Shen Guang had built a horse shed.

Aside from Zheng Yanqing, Duoduo and Xiao Nian each had a room.

The remaining two rooms were combined into one to serve as Zheng Yanqing's study. Shen Guang occupied one wing room, and Zheng Yanqing arranged for Xiong Dahai to stay in the other wing room. Another room had been turned into the quarters for Xiyao and Siyan, located next to the moon gate.

Zheng Yanqing introduced Xiong Dahai to everyone.

Then he said, "Big Blacky, you will live here from now on. See what is missing and tell Xiao Nian. Going out and turning right is the back garden; going left leads to the martial arts training ground. I don't have many strict rules here, just don't be too noisy. If there is anything you don't understand, you can ask Big Brother Shen for guidance... Well, that's pretty much it. Did you remember?"

Xiong Dahai nodded. "I remember."

"Big Blacky, what do you usually like to do?"

"Um, not much. Back home before, I used to help my uncle with forging or deliver goods.

"Later in prison, there were even fewer things to do... Usually, it was just practicing boxing and the martial arts you taught me."

It would truly be a waste not to let such a fine piece of material practice martial arts.

Looking at Xiong Dahai's exposed, dark, thick, and bulging muscles, Duoduo said softly, "Little Scholar, why not let Big Blacky properly study martial arts? In my opinion, he is not scholarly material, so it's better to let him focus on mastering martial arts.

"Well, the Dragon-Subduing and Tiger-Taming Skill created by Grandpa Ha is quite suited for his physique. What do you think?"

"The Dragon-Subduing and Tiger-Taming Skill?"

Zheng Yanqing asked in surprise, "Is it related in any way to the Dragon-Subduing Skill you taught me before?"

Duoduo giggled and said, "The difference is huge... The Dragon-Subduing Skill is merely a foundation-building technique. The Dragon-Subduing and Tiger-Taming Skill is different; it is a technique uniquely created by Grandpa Ha over the past ten years. It is not too complicated to practice, and it was originally intended to be passed down to the guardian disciples. However, there had never been a suitable candidate later on, so it has been kept with me all along."

If it was a technique created by Husky, it certainly wouldn't be ordinary.

One must know that Zhangsun Sheng had praised Husky's martial arts more than once, calling him the undisputed number one martial artist in the world.

In a one-on-one fight, probably no one could compare to him.

This was also a major reason why Yang Guang secretly ordered Fang Yanqian and Zhangsun Sheng to eliminate Husky at all costs. Just imagine, if such a person were to stay alive, he would be like the Sword of Damocles hanging over Yang Guang's head, leaving him forever restless.

"Big Blacky, from now on, you will study with Sister Duoduo."

To everyone's surprise, Xiong Dahai was quite reluctant. "Such a delicate little lady, I could knock her down with a single finger."

"Bouncing words without shame!"

Hearing this, Duoduo immediately became displeased.

"Big Black guy, you look down on me, don't you?"

"I don't look down on you, you're just so small and so skinny..."

"Then do you dare to spar with me?"

"Well, what's there not to dare... But I'm afraid, since you're so tiny and delicate, what if I hurt you? Wouldn't my brother be unhappy?"

Zheng Yanqing and Shen Guang could not help bursting into laughter.

So much that Duoduo's fair face flushed red with embarrassment. "Fine, then I want to see who hurts whom."

Duoduo was taking this seriously!

Zheng Yanqing hurriedly stepped forward to stop them, but Duoduo insisted on sparring with Xiong Dahai no matter what. With no other choice, Yanqing had to agree.

However, Shen Guang said softly, "Young Master need not worry. In my opinion, Big Blacky is no match for the young lady."

"Oh?"

"The young lady's foundational skills are even more solid than mine, obviously guided by an expert. In terms of raw strength, she is certainly no match for Big Blacky, but if they actually fight, two Big Blackys might not be able to beat her. Don't forget whose disciple she is."

That's right, although Duoduo was not Husky's disciple, Zheng Yanqing would never believe it if someone said Husky had never guided her. Moreover, given Duoduo's diligence in practicing martial arts, no matter how poor her standard might be, it wouldn't be too bad.

Therefore, Zheng Yanqing led Duoduo and Xiong Dahai to the martial arts training ground.

"Big Brother Shen, what kind of weapon do you think is best for someone of Big Blacky's size?"

"With his build, in my opinion, using swords, sabers, spears, or staves is not quite suitable. It's best to use heavy, blunt weapons relying on raw force.

"As the saying goes, one strength overcomes ten techniques.

"This fellow has great strength, and once he's on the battlefield, he doesn't need any fancy techniques. As long as he dares to fight and kill, he will definitely be a fierce general."

"Hmm!"

Just as Zheng Yanqing was about to speak, he heard a thump in the training area. Turning his head to look, he saw Xiong Dahai sitting on the ground, staring at Duoduo in astonishment. He abruptly stood up and roared, "This is impossible... You cheated, let's fight again."

As he spoke, he made a fierce tiger-like leap toward Duoduo.

Duoduo was not flustered in the least. She shifted her steps aside in place, placed her slender hand on Xiong Dahai's arm, swept her foot to trip him, and exerted a sudden surge of force from her petite body as she leaned upward. Xiong Dahai stumbled heavily, stumblingly losing his footing, and took a direct face-plant onto the ground.

"Yield or not?"

"I don't yield!"

"Then come again..."

Yanqing could see it clearly: Duoduo's martial arts skills were definitely superior to Xiong Dahai's.

She was using internal martial arts techniques similar to leveraging a thousand catties with four liang. They looked gentle, yet every move harbored hidden lethal intent. Although Xiong Dahai roughly understood how to use his strength, compared to Duoduo, who had already refined her force into internal kinetic energy, he was clearly not in the same league.

He wore a black half-sleeve tunic with a wide belt tied around his waist.

Zheng Yanqing suddenly asked, "Big Brother Shen, what do you think of having him learn axes?"

"Long halberds?" Shen Guang said, "That thing is extremely difficult to master. It looks imposing, but practicing it is very hard."

"Not long halberds, but double axes."

For some unknown reason, Zheng Yanqing's mind conjured up the image of Li Kui, the Black Whirlwind from the Water Margin among the 108 heroes. Looking again at Xiong Dahai before him, apart from lacking those needle-like whiskers, in terms of build and strength, he was even stronger than Li Kui.

"Double axes are somewhat simpler and easier to practice."

Shen Guang gently nodded. "However, in that case, Big Blacky can only become a foot soldier. Practicing double axes, he won't be able to serve well as a mounted cavalry general."

"Being a foot soldier is fine... Look at his age; if he learns horsemanship now, I'm afraid it would be difficult to master it to perfection. He might as well be a foot soldier. Haha, once this fellow goes onto the battlefield, even as a foot soldier, he will still possess the valor to match ten thousand men.

"Well, let's go with double axes. I've even thought of his nickname: The Black Whirlwind."

"Ah, this name is quite fitting, even more resounding than my nickname 'Flying Immortal of Flesh'. Young Master is truly brilliant; a casual remark far surpasses others."

Shen Guang nodded repeatedly, expressing his appreciation for this nickname while smoothly offering Yanqing a flattering compliment.

Zheng Yanqing laughed and scolded him lightly, then looked up to see Xiong Dahai being thrown flying by Duoduo once again. In just this short while, Xiong Dahai had been thrown over a dozen somersaults by Duoduo. Fortunately, his skin was thick and flesh tough; if it were anyone else, after a dozen such tumbles, even if their bones weren't broken, standing back up wouldn't be easy.

"I yield, I yield, I yield!"

Xiong Dahai lay flat on the ground, shouting repeatedly.

Mao Xiaonian giggled from the side, "Big Blacky, do you still agree to follow Sister Duoduo to learn now?"

"Sister, I am willing."

Xiong Dahai answered loudly.

Only, his age was a bit older than Duoduo's, yet he called Duoduo "Sister," which made Duoduo feel rather awkward.

Zheng Yanqing smiled and stood up. "Big Blacky, from today onwards, you will study martial arts with Duoduo and obey her instructions.

"I will go find Grandpa Dachui and have him forge a weapon that suits your hands.

"Alright, go wash up now... You're all covered in dust and dirt. If Grandpa Xiong sees you later, he'll think I've been bullying you."

Xiong Dahai scratched his head and smiled honestly.

————————————————————

就这样，雄大海在郑家，算是安顿下来。

With this, Xiong Dahai was considered settled in the Zheng family.

The weather gradually turned cooler. Shortly after the third day of the tenth month, after a light snow fell in Luoyang, the temperature plummeted sharply, becoming exceptionally cold.

In previous years, braziers were not used until the middle of the tenth month.

Yet this year, just past the beginning of winter, braziers and fire pits began to be used one after another, which also caused the price of charcoal in the markets of Luoyang to climb rapidly. So many people were using charcoal that the charcoal sellers' business became very thriving.

Zhangsun Sheng's illness also suddenly worsened after the beginning of winter.

During the crisp autumn weather, Zhangsun Sheng's condition had improved. For a period of time, he could even personally guide Yanqing in archery.

Riding horses and wielding lances was clearly beyond his physical capacity, and even when teaching archery, it was mostly done through verbal instruction.

However, looking at his condition at the time, it had indeed improved a lot.

Even when Chao Yuanfang visited, he believed there would be no major problem. Afterwards, Chao Yuanfang was ordered to travel to Chang'an to compile the *Treatise on the Pathogenic Origins of Various Diseases*, leaving Luoyang. At that time, everyone thought Zhangsun Sheng was getting well and would soon be able to regain power.

However, an unexpected light snow caused Zhangsun Sheng to suddenly fall ill, and the illness struck with extreme suddenness.

So much so that everyone, including Madam Gao, was caught off guard. Yang Guang personally visited the residence to check on him and issued an imperial edict ordering Chao Yuanfang to be brought back from Chang'an. But it was too late... According to Chao Yuanfang's diagnosis: The Great General's old illness had relapsed this time. Previously, when suppressing Husky, his internal organs had already been injured. Now, the sharp drop in temperature allowed the cold to penetrate his bones, further aggravating the old illness. Coupled with the Great General's overexertion, the illness had penetrated deep into the marrow and was incurable.

The underlying meaning was: He was doomed to die!

"Madam, where are the children?"

When Zhangsun Sheng woke up from his coma, it was already the middle of the night.

Three braziers were placed in the room, the charcoal fire burning fiercely, making the temperature inside stuffy and warm.

Madam Gao said softly, "Hengan and Xingcao have been working hard for days, so I told them to return to their rooms to rest... Wuji is over at Gao Jian's side, and Guanyinbi has accompanied you all afternoon, refusing to rest no matter what. Yanqing just coaxed her into going to sleep."

"Hasn't Yanqing left yet?"

Madam Gao's eyes were red as she replied softly, "Yanqing hasn't left. During the two days you were in a coma, he stayed right here in the residence.

"If it weren't for him taking care of Guanyinbi and Wuji, I truly wouldn't know what kind of chaos it would have turned into.

"Jisheng, you have taken in a fine disciple. Even Lord Pei said you have great fortune... He has truly worked hard these past two days."

"The imperial court side..."

"Let's not talk about official business anymore. His Majesty once entrusted the Empress to come and tell you to recuperate properly. The Empress said that His Majesty has temporarily relieved you of your post as Great General of the Right Xiaowei, while simultaneously dispatching Wei Yunqi to take over your duties. Once your health has greatly improved, important responsibilities will be entrusted to you again... The Empress also said that His Majesty has summoned famous doctors from all over to come to Luoyang to treat you."

It was evident that Yang Guang truly cared a great deal about Zhangsun Sheng.

Zhangsun Sheng nodded. "If Lord Wei takes charge of the Right Xiaowei, I can rest easy!"

Lord Wei was the nickname of Wei Yunqi, the Investigating Censor of Governance. He originated from the aristocratic Wei family of Jingzhao and was a descendant of Wei Xiaoguan, a famous general of the Northern Zhou dynasty, long known for his brilliant strategies. In the first year of Daye, which was 605 AD, without deploying a single soldier of the Sui Dynasty, he captured over forty thousand Khitans, thereby subduing the Khitans and making them submit without any rebellious intent.

When the Emperor of Sui learned of this, he personally recommended him for the position of Investigating Censor of Governance.

Whether from the perspective of troop management or tactical thinking, Wei Yunqi was Zhangsun Sheng's most capable successor.

Zhangsun Sheng let out a breath, and the heavy stone pressing on his heart was lifted by a large margin.

He knew his own body best.

Zhangsun Sheng understood clearly in his heart that he might not make it...

In fact, as early as two or three months ago, in order to suppress Husky, he disregarded his relapsing old illness and forcibly executed the Thirteen Consecutive Piercing Arrows technique, which had already severely damaged his foundation. Later, through treatment, the injury was suppressed. However, the sudden change in weather caught him off guard, causing the injury to flare up and the cold to invade his bones; I'm afraid even if an immortal descended, he couldn't save his life.

Having lived fifty-eight years and established illustrious military achievements.

He even had a prized disciple compose the poem *Crossing the Frontier* for him: *With the Flying General of Dragon City here today, how dare the Hu cavalry cross the mountain pass...*

In this lifetime, he had no regrets left!

The only two things he could not let go of were: first, who would succeed him in his post; and second, the future of his wife and children.

"Madam, if I meet with an untimely end, please firmly remember two things from me."

Hearing this, Madam Gao's expression changed in shock. "My lord, why utter such inauspicious words?"

"Madam, I know my own affairs best... I have fought countless battles in my life and killed countless people. To be able to die on a warm bed at home is already fortunate enough. However, there are still a few matters that worry me. Hengan is self-willed, and Xude is selfish; these two cannot be relied upon.

"Gao Jian is well-read in poetry and books, yet he calculates too much, seeking only merit and utility in all things; I'm afraid he is also difficult to depend on.

"Therefore, after my death, you can discuss matters more often with Yanqing when encountering issues. Although that child is young, his thoughts and shrewdness are no less than an adult's. In my opinion, although His Majesty currently shows disdain for him on many occasions, it may well be an intention to temper him. His future achievements will be limitless... Therefore, I wish to entrust Guanyinbi to him, so that she will have someone to look after her together with Wuji in the future."

Madam Gao was startled, then nodded and said, "My lord, rest assured, your concubine will definitely not forget today's words from my lord."

"Please trouble Madam to summon Yanqing here."

"Right now?" Madam Gao said softly. "It is already very late, and you have just woken up. If there is anything to say, why not wait until dawn?"

"Go call him over; I have important matters to discuss with him."

Madam Gao nodded. "Then I will go fetch him right away."

Ever since Zhangsun Sheng fell ill, Yanqing had stayed continuously at the Thunderbolt Hall without returning home.

He had a gut feeling that with this illness, Zhangsun Sheng would likely not survive this winter. He was afraid of missing his last meeting with Zhangsun Sheng, so he had stayed here for two days straight.

It was not merely because Zhangsun Sheng was his revered master.

In fact, once you understood the achievements Zhangsun Sheng had established, you would inevitably develop a deep sense of respect for him.

His achievements far surpassed those of General Li Guang of the Han Dynasty.

It was solely due to his lineage that his name was far less resounding in later generations compared to Li Guang. Most people did not even know the name Zhangsun Sheng, and among those who did, more than half knew him because of his daughter and son.

Very few people even knew that the idiom "killing two eagles with one arrow" originated from Zhangsun Sheng.

This person, strict with himself yet lenient toward others, could be called a paragon. The longer Zheng Yanqing was in contact with Zhangsun Sheng and the deeper he understood him, the more profound his respect for him became. Feeling quite fatigued, he had been dozing off in the side room. Hearing that Zhangsun Sheng wanted to see him, Zheng Yanqing did not hesitate and followed Madam Gao. Before entering the room, he stopped in his tracks.

Solemnly straightening his robes and cap, he wiped snow across his face to wash away the exhaustion.

Just these two actions greatly increased Madam Gao's favorable impression of him. Smiling, she stood by the doorway, watching Yanqing tidy himself up before saying softly, "Yanqing, your master is waiting inside. Go in by yourself."

Zheng Yanqing pulled the door open, slipped into the bedroom, and closed the door behind him.

"Yanqing, you've come!"

Zheng Yanqing sat down beside Zhangsun Sheng. "Master, how are you feeling?"

"Haha, quite good... I heard you haven't returned home all these days, busy entertaining guests while also taking care of Guanyinbi. You've worked hard."

"A teacher for a day is a father for life; this is what a disciple ought to do. How dare I speak of hard work?"

The smile on Zhangsun Sheng's face deepened.

He asked about Zheng Yanqing's studies, and seeing that he had not fallen behind, his eyes shone with even greater appreciation.

"Yanqing, do you remember what I told you last time?"

Hearing this, Zheng Yanqing showed a puzzled look on his face and shook his head gently. "Please forgive me, Master, but this disciple has somewhat forgotten."

"When I was ill last time, I entrusted you with taking good care of Guanyinbi.

"Now, I wish to ask you once more: if I truly fail to pull through this time, would you be willing to take my place and look after Guanyinbi for the rest of her life?"

Zheng Yanqing shuddered slightly, hurriedly knelt down, and kowtowed: "Why is Master speaking such inauspicious words?"

"Never mind all that, I only ask you: are you willing or not?"

Zheng Yanqing understood that Zhangsun Sheng hoped he would take Zhangsun Wugou as his wife in the future.

His mouth opened, and under the gaze of Zhangsun Sheng—which was full of anticipation and even a hint of eagerness—he simply could not find any excuse to refuse. Perhaps he didn't want to find one, nor could he bear to...

"This disciple is willing!"

Zhangsun Sheng let out a long breath, as if a great burden had been lifted.

"Guanyinbi has a gentle and weak disposition, and in the future, I'm afraid she will rely on you a great deal. However, she is a good child...

"I know about the matter between you and the young lady of the Pei family.

"By rights, intermarriage among aristocratic clans is entirely normal. There is one point, however: although Pei Shiju appreciates your talent, he may not be willing to risk the Emperor's suspicion and give his nod of consent. The Pei family is currently at the height of its power; Pei Ju and Pei Yun both hail from Hedong, utterly unmatched in prestige and momentum. And you, in the future, will certainly be heavily favored and employed by His Majesty. If the Pei and Zheng families unite, the resulting influence will not only be something His Majesty is unwilling to see, but even other families may not agree to it.

"Should that happen, it would spell disaster not only for the Pei family, but you as well, bringing execution upon your heads."

Zheng Yanqing nodded. "This disciple understands."

Zhangsun Sheng was stating a fact.

The Way of monarchs valued the word "balance" above all else. In fact, it wasn't just monarchs; even between families and within families, one had to strive for this principle.

Although aristocratic clans were intricately intertwined, no single clan wanted to see another dominate alone.

If the currently most powerful Pei family and the potentially most powerful Zheng family in the future were to unite, what kind of outcome would that bring?

No one could say for sure...

However, letting Yanqing just back away like this was something he couldn't quite agree to.

As for Pei Cuiyun, he couldn't call it romantic love, but he did hold a strong fondness for her. Among the women he knew, aside from Pei Shuying, Pei Cuiyun was probably the only one he could converse with comfortably. In this regard, even Duoduo fell short.

Zhangsun Sheng said softly, "However, if the young lady of the Pei family could sever ties with the Pei family, it would not matter."

As he said this, he winked at Yanqing.

Yanqing was startled, then instantly understood the hidden meaning in Zhangsun Sheng's words. He knew that Zheng Yanqing might not be able to let go of Pei Cuiyun, so there was still hope between him and Pei Cuiyun. It all depended on Zheng Yanqing's methods as to whether it could be accomplished.

In this era, having three wives and four concubines was the most ordinary thing in the world.

Zhangsun Sheng also knew that in the future, Yanqing might not have Wugou as his only wife.

Wugou's innocent and carefree nature, coupled with her young age, might not be enough to capture Yanqing's heart completely. Therefore, to ensure Wugou had support, Zhangsun Sheng did not mind Zheng Yanqing and Pei Cuiyun. But the premise was that Pei Cuiyun must break away from the Pei family.

Pei Cuiyun deeply cherished Wugou and was a kind-hearted woman.

Yet if she severed ties with the Pei family, she was destined to never become Zheng Yanqing's principal wife.

Zhangsun Sheng's scheming was deep, but whether it would succeed depended entirely on Zheng Yanqing's methods. Right now, he was striving to secure a proper status for his daughter.

Although Zheng Yanqing also possessed shrewdness, he had not expected Zhangsun Sheng to be scheming like this at such a moment.

Feeling rather awkward, he wanted to offer an explanation to Zhangsun Sheng. Yet the words reached his lips, and he didn't know how to explain.

"Yanqing, go bring that scroll on the desk."

Zheng Yanqing hastily stood up, walked over to the study desk, and picked up the scroll lying upon it.

Unrolling it, it turned out to be the poem *Crossing the Frontier* that he had presented to Zhangsun Sheng when he first became his disciple. Zhangsun Sheng had someone mount and frame it, kept it close by his side at all times, and treasured it immensely.

Zheng Yanqing handed the scroll into Zhangsun Sheng's hands.

Zhangsun Sheng unrolled it, silently read through it once, and a gratified smile appeared on his face.

He pressed the scroll against his chest, closing his eyes as if reliving the memory. A moment later, he suddenly asked, "Yanqing, do you remember the *Immortal at the River* you composed when writing *The Romance of the Three Kingdoms*? Haha... I wonder if you could sing a tune of it for me?"

Yanqing nodded and glanced at the zither placed in the corner of the room.

During the five years in the Bamboo Garden, the four arts of zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting were indispensable forms of recreation. But for Yanqing, his deepest mastery lay in calligraphy, painting came second, chess ranking third, while his proficiency in musical rhythm was the weakest, placing dead last. Though the weakest, he was still capable of playing the zither and singing. Compared to true masters, of course he fell short. But for self-amusement, it was more than enough.

He arranged the zither properly, sat behind it, and adjusted the strings.

Gathering his focus and calming his mind, his fingers brushed across the strings, producing clear and elegant notes: "The rolling Yangtze River flows eastward, waves wash away all heroes..."

Yanqing raised his head and sang, his voice still youthful yet possessing a distinctive charm.

"Right and wrong, success and failure, turn to empty void in a flash; the green mountains remain as they are, how many times has the sunset been red?"

Zhangsun Sheng closed his eyes, instinctively hugging *Crossing the Frontier* tighter. Two turbid old tears rolled down the corners of his eyes, yet his face bore a trace of contentment.

"White-haired fishermen and woodcutters upon the river islets, accustomed to the autumn moon and spring breeze."

Outside the room, Madam Gao listened quietly, gently biting her lower lip with a face full of sorrow.

"A jug of turbid wine joyfully meeting again; how many affairs of ancient and modern times are all entrusted to laughing chats and jests..."

*Crossing the Frontier* slipped from Zhangsun Sheng's embrace and rolled onto the floor. A piercing pain wrung Zheng Yanqing's heart, and in an instant, he too could no longer hold back as two lines of clear tears burst forth from his eyes.