Chapter 150 – A Gathering of Outcasts

Wan’er had not yet arrived, but those whom Fan Xian had scattered out while he was in Suzhou began to return one by one, sprinkling the seeds of Fan Xian’s insidiousness throughout Jiangnan and bringing back the good news that Fan Xian needed.

The first to return was Xia Qufei.

Fan Xian did not meet him in the Garden of China, and because of the collapse of half of the Moon Embracing Building, there was no way to go to the Moon Embracing Building for a meeting, but in the end he chose to come to Xia Ming’s mansion in the south of the city in the middle of the night, which was also bought with Fan Xian’s money, and he only accompanied the oldest three to come here once, and then never came back again.

Xia Qufei, who had a dusty look on his face, looked at Fan Xian, who had stepped on the steps under the arches of the tiger guards, and was startled; he had been prepared to go to the Hua Yuan in the afternoon, but he was informed to wait in the mansion, and he did not expect the Lord of the Tishek to come over in person.

Respectfully welcoming Fan Xian into the middle of his study, these two bastards did not exchange too many pleasantries, and Fan Xian, impatient to show the warmth of his superiors, went straight to the topic.

Through Xia Qifei’s report, Fan Xian’s heart, which had been somewhat suspended, finally relaxed. Since Xia Qifei took over the inner treasury that after a few big standard, will start in the supervision courtyard hair help, start Jiangnan water village hair jianghu brother, began to the right line above turn, just after all are some jianghu characters, Fan Xian always worry that this Ming old seven can’t deal with the matter hair properly.

Tonight is really assured down, it seems that Xia Qufei really have Ming old master’s a few genetic, into the goods, bill of lading, open the way, buy officials these businessmen necessary skills, have not fallen.

The most reassuring thing for Fan Xian is that after Xia Ming’s caravan traveled through the northern part of Jiangbei, it got on line with the people of Northern Qi in a small town south of Cangzhou.

On the Northern Qi side, that little emperor had arranged for Wei Hua, the son of the Marquis of Changning, to be the head of the Brocade Guards, and of course there wouldn’t be any safety issues with a shipment of goods, but Fan Xian was curious as to who had personally traveled deeper into the Southern Qing territory and risked his life to pick up this first shipment of goods.

“It’s the Commander himself.” Xia Qufei himself seemed somewhat shocked at the rendezvous.

Fan Xian was also shocked, and in his heart, he could not help but have another first class judgment about that Wei Hua, who was in a high position, but actually entered the middle of the Southern Qing border so boldly, and could not help but feel great disdain for the defense force around Cangzhou.

Beiqi brocade guards are only responsible for the security of the line all the way north, back then it was the Beiqi empress dowager and the eldest princess to make a deal, do so many years has been doing a familiar hand, and now changed to is the little emperor and Fan Xian to make a deal, this first time to buy and sell, of course, to be cautious some.

“Where are our people in the north?” He suddenly frowned and said.

Xia Qufei carefully glanced at him and took out a letter from his pocket, “This is a letter that a Lord Wang entrusted his subordinate to bring back, and there is another gift that he brought with him towards the south.”

Fan Xian took the letter and saw that it was really Wang Qinian’s unique handwriting, and did not take the long box that Xia Qifei handed over, gesturing for him to put it aside and shaking his head, he asked, “Wang Qinian, this kid is even more afraid of death than I am, so of course he won’t be stupid enough to go south …… just that we always have to have someone to follow, and the north side of the country is where the merchant bank is taking over?”

In fact, he is certainly clear in his heart, the north side of the Cui family line has all been swallowed by their own private, while the South Qing court has always thought that it is the small emperor of North Qi is in control of …… Fan Lao Er’s private northern smuggling line of the matter, only a few people in the Fan House, the Yan family, and Fan Xian a few beloved know, His Majesty the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty just know that Fan Lao Er in the north, but could not imagine that Fan Xian would have the guts to let his young brother preside over such a big thing.

Fan Xian did not intend to inform Xia Qufei of this, so he just casually asked, wanting to ask through his mouth, from the side, how his younger brother was doing in the north.

Unfortunately, Xia Qufei’s attention was focused on the very bold Jinyiwei Commander, but he didn’t pay much attention to the merchants in the north, but he did vaguely hear something, and heard that the big businessman who was responsible for dealing with the inner treasury’s private goods in the north was mysterious and ruthless, and the general public didn’t even know whether the big boss was a man or a woman.

Fan Xian smiled, a hint of relief in his eyes, Si Zhe this guy, it seems that finally learned to keep a low profile and stoicism, just Haitang is now in Jiangnan, he and Wang Qinian in the north of the mix, the monitoring institute around the spy system is not convenient for him to deal with too many things, the small Emperor of Northern Qi in their own face, of course, will not make things difficult for him, but …… A young man, to maneuver in that kind of dangerous situation, really suffering him.

However, Fan Xian did not intend to send someone over to help him, because his own rebirth experience clearly told him, but wherever the cold blade, must come out from the sharpening, Si Zhe has the talent of business, if not through such difficult and complicated polishing, really is some pity.

Chat with Xia Qufei a few sentences, Fan Xian more and more appreciate in front of this Jiangnan water fortress leader, now his subordinates, it seems that when in the sand in the state to accept this person, for their own Jiangnan plan, really very good.

“Everything will be done according to the established guidelines.”

Fan Xian said seriously, “Su Wenmao is in the inner treasury, I will leave Deng Ziyue in Suzhou, the problem of transferring goods from the inner treasury will be handled by the deputy ambassador, Ma Kai, and the problem of the accounts, if you can’t sort it out, listen to the opinions of the old officials.”

Those old officials are from the Ministry of households out of the good hand, is the Ministry of households, Fan Jian to his son to send a big gift, do some empty accounts, play some tricks is really simple ruthless.

Xia Qufei answered, hesitantly said, “This is the first time, the route of traveling north is considered to be opened …… just always can not hide for too long.”

Fan Xian thought about it, a cold smile spread between his eyebrows, “What are you afraid of? Xinyang smuggles year after year, who in the world doesn’t know about it? As long as we don’t catch the handle, who can take you and me how?”

Xia Qufei’s heart was in awe, realizing that Lord Titus was really bold and full of energy, only that his heart was always thinking of another thing, and his face couldn’t help but show a few hints of strange emotions.

Fan Xian watched and couldn’t help but smile, quietly looking at him and saying, “Is it that you’re not happy about the Ming family?”

Xia Qufei thought for a moment, the bits and pieces of the past half a year let him know that it was best not to have the slightest concealment in front of this young adult, gritting his teeth and summoning up his courage, he said, “Qingcheng is not willing to do so.”

Fan Xian looked at him with a wry smile, “Elder Taijun Ming is dead.”

Xia Qufei silently, Ming garden chaos, he is leading orders to the north delivery, so did not participate in this matter, but on the way to receive the news, but also had seen the last people of Jiangnan mourning that scene, can not help but smile miserably, said: “Although it is dead, but still die of the scenery.”

Fan Xian said softly, “Do you know how Ming Lao Taijun died?”

Xia Qufei lifted his head in shock and looked at Fan Xian, thinking, “Did you not help me force her to die? Suddenly his mind moved, thinking of the slight chaos and calmness of the people in Jiangnan, and the abnormal quietness of Ming Garden after the funeral, he couldn’t help but think of a pile of terrible possibilities.

“Ming Qingda?” He asked incredulously.

Fan Xian nodded indifferently, “I won’t hide this from you, it’s a small matter for his majesty to collect the Ming family, but it’s extremely difficult to collect the Ming family in a smooth manner, and this situation today is something that this official has managed to plan with great difficulty, so don’t destroy it.”

Xia Qufei immediately figured out all the things, the original mention of adults and Ming Qingda secretly have an agreement, the heart can not help but feel a hundred mixed feelings, and some hidden fear, their …… will not become useless abandoned pawns?

Fan Xian’s next words, but again let him a shock.

“You are not willing, in fact, this official is also not willing.” Fan Xian smiled and said, “The Ming family six houses, now you and I can only hold two of them, Ming Qingda after this, finally became the real master of the Ming family …… but I can no longer do it openly …… that old fox shaded me. You think I won’t let him return?”

Xia Qufei slightly open mouth, eyes flashed eager hope: “When to do it?”

“Don’t let fervor overtake you at the mention of revenge.” Fan Xian seemed to be lecturing him, or as if he was stating some very great, very distant, cause of his own.

“The letter of blood from the ten thousand people in Jiangnan has long since been sent to Kyoto, and His Majesty’s decree reprimanding me should be arriving in a couple days.”

Fan Xian continued, “At this time, I will naturally not make another move against Ming Qingda.”

“My humble servant is not sure,” Xia Qufei thought of something and said doubtfully, “What good would Ming Qingda do to him by doing this? Could it be that he would be so naïve as to believe that by lowering his head, Your Excellency would give him a way out?”

Fan Xian gave him an appreciative glance and said, “It’s merely stalling for time.”

“Stalling for time?”

“Not bad,” Fan Xian sighed, “Using one of his old mother’s lives in exchange for a year’s time. I once said that day, this big brother of yours, he does things even more desperately than I do.”

“A year’s time?” Xia Qufei said doubtfully, “What can it do?”

Fan Xian naturally wouldn’t tell him about the seemingly stable but exceptionally dangerous situation in Kyoto, and only said with a sneer, “Your elder brother is groveling and enduring, swaying on both sides, not to see clearly what will happen in the dynasty a year from now. As for you and I, we’ll just be watching for a year.”

After a year, that side should not be able to resist making a move, right? After a year, one could kill some people oneself.

“Don’t be in a hurry,” Fan Xian convinced Xia Qufei, and also convinced himself, “Your elder brother is a smart man, and as a result, he’s falling on both sides, trying to offend neither, so in the end, he’ll also die from being smart.”

“Because in the end, he has no power.”

When Fan Xian said these words, he suddenly thought of the three words Ye Liuyun had said to himself before his sword cut down the half-floor, and he couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart;could it be that that great master was looking a bit farther ahead than he was, and had already seen certain dangers that he hadn’t noticed?

After the assassination of the imperial envoy at the Moon Embracing Building, the Governor of Jiangnan Road, Xue Qing, was enraged and immediately reacted extremely forcefully, all of Ming Yuan’s private soldiers were disarmed, and because of the death of Elder Taijun Ming, the enmity of the people of Jiangnan towards Fan Xian was also eliminated a little bit because of Fan Xian’s injuries – the hearts of the people were supposed to be such a strange thing.

All in all, Ming Yuan’s power was once again weakened, and had become a piece of dough in Fan Xian’s hands, to be kneaded however he wished, it was just that today’s situation in Kyoto, and the holy decree that was coming soon, made it necessary for him to push the date of the cooking of the buns back a bit.

“Even if Ming Qingda completely defects to me, I will not accept it.” The corners of Fan Xian’s lips curled slightly as he said something that made Xia Qufei unusually happy.

Fan Xian calmly said, “I’m a very vindictive person, you may not care about those water fortress brothers who were killed in front of the Jiangnan Residence, but I’m keeping in mind that several of the six places of swordsmen I sent to protect you died.”

Xia Qufei’s sadness appeared slightly.

Fan Xian continued, “Ming Qingda is a smart man, as I said earlier, so he thought that, in front of huge interests, the deaths of these seemingly ordinary people, I should be able to take them with a smile …… However, he was wrong.”

He said softly, “The Ming family invited people to kill my people, I have to kill their people, although this is his mother’s doing, but the mother’s debt is paid by the son …… isn’t it fair?”

Xia Qufei couldn’t help but smile and respectfully saluted, “What your lordship said is extremely fair.”

Fan Xian patted Xia Qufei’s shoulder, “Don’t talk about those uninteresting things first. This half year you still learn to take care of the line traveling north, at the same time and Lingnan Xiong family, Quanzhou Sun family these people to get the relationship right, as for Yang Jimei, you can also socialize and socialize …… In the future, you want to manage the Ming family such a huge family property, and the relationship with these giants must be dealt with well.”

Xia Qufei heard the meaning in the words of the Lord of the Tisch, could not help but be slightly shocked, and then said, “Many thanks to the Lord for accomplishing this.”

“It’s still early.” Fan Xian calmly said, “However, I have already instructed Ming Qingda that you must show up for the 7th year festival of the Qingli calendar.”

After Xia Qufei was shocked, a touch of complex joy surged to his heart, this …… is to recognize his ancestor? He has been displaced in the jianghu for so many years, and can finally return to Mingyuan!

Leaving Xia Qufei’s mansion, Fan Xian was a bit unimpressed by Xia Qufei’s last joy and tears in his eyes, is it really that important to recognize one’s ancestors? After all, he is a person with two lifetimes of experience, although he knows that today’s world, for the lineage, for this matter is how important, but he is still not very understanding, and even some contempt.

The person who gave birth to me is also my parents, the person who raised me is also my parents, treat me like a son, I will treat you like a parent, treat me like an enemy, I will treat you like an enemy, this is the reason also.

The second returned to Suzhou Hua Yuan people, let Fan Xian some surprise, because at that time, Fan Xian is in the study worry, to go to Hangzhou to pick up Wan Er, is not to the hall of the box of silver with, and the box of silver …… is also too heavy a little bit.

While he was thinking hard, a shadow just appeared in front of his table, bluffing him.

“Next time you enter, please knock.” Fan Xian glanced at the shadow and lowered his head to read the courtyard newspaper again.

The shadow suddenly inclined his head, inside his all-black clothes, through that miserable white face, seemingly interested in Fan Xian as a person, after all, even the dean of the academy treated himself like a son or nephew, but Fan Xian was a bit different.

“Yun Zhilan has returned to Dong Yi City.”

Fan Xian raised his head, knowing that this indicated that the guerrilla war between the Sixth Division of the Supervisory Academy and the expert assassins of Dongyi City had finally drawn to a close after lasting four months.

While Fan Xian was fighting with the enemy in the three major workshops of the Inner Treasury, in the Bidding Club, in Suzhou City, and in the Ming Garden, those silent killings on the other hidden front were in fact an important part of the battle that was entirely sufficient to turn the situation around, and the war on that front must have been even bloodier and more horrifying.

He was silent for a moment and said gruffly, “How many brothers have been sacrificed in the courtyard?”

“Seventeen.” Shadow spoke still without any noticeable emotional fluctuations.

“How many people died over in Dongyi City?” This was a topic that Fan Xian was very interested in.

“Seventeen.”

“Oh, one for one, it seems like we didn’t suffer.” Although he said that he hadn’t suffered any losses, Fan Xian’s eyes still flashed with evil fire, gently tapping his fingers on the surface of the case as he slowly said, “Keep this account in mind, and we’ll go and get it back after some time.”

Shadow said, “You or me?”

Fan Xian gave him a funny look and said, “Can you beat your idiot brother?”

The shadow was not angered, “I can’t, but you can’t either.”

Fan Xian remembered the power of Ye Liuyun’s sword and acknowledged this fact, saying, “Just because you can’t beat him doesn’t mean you can’t kill him.”

Shadow looked at him, wondering where exactly this young man’s confidence came from, actually daring to say that he could kill a Grand Master.

Silence fell in the study.

Fan Xian continued his official duties, not even glancing at the shadow in front of him.

After all, it was the shadow himself who broke the silence.

“I heard that …… Ye Liuyun came here?”

Fan Xian glanced at him and said curiously, “How did you know it was Ye Liuyun?”

“Because the Four Gu Swords are still in Dong Yi City.”

Fan Xian sighed and shook his head, thinking to himself that such simple logic could be judged clearly even by a guy like Shadow who only kills people, what on earth was this old man Ye Liuyun thinking?

“Wouldn’t the Four Gu Swords sneak out of Dong Yi City?” Although Fan Xian thought that way in his mind, he still couldn’t stop his habit of planting evidence towards Dong Yi City, rather than having such a big rift within the country of Qing.

After a moment of silence, the shadow said, “He …… has not been out of the sword lodge for six years.”

Fan Xian was shocked, he knew the identity of the shadow, of course he believed in the other party’s judgment and sources, if this was really the case, this matter was also too strange, no wonder the people of Qing had planted countless times of stolen goods towards the Four Gu Swords, but Dongyi City had not been able to have any direct reaction.

Fan Xian suddenly thought of a wonderful possibility.

“You said ……,” he asked with his chin propped up in spirit, “Is it possible that that idiot brother of yours has already hiccupped?”

“No.”

Shadow’s words had to be replaced with a sigh from Fan Xian.

“But just don’t go out.” Fan Xian whirled around and thought of another beautiful thing, smiling, “As long as the Four Guards Sword doesn’t go out, I’m not afraid that someone will kill me.”

The shadow thought for a moment, acquiescing to this fact, and then asked, “I heard that Ye Liuyun came by.”

This was the second time the shadow had said this, and Fan Xian obviously didn’t want to discuss it, but he didn’t expect the other party to be so persistent, and couldn’t help but say with great anger, “I also heard that love came back……. Whether it’s Ye Liuyun or not, and whether he actually came or not, is that important?”

“Very important.” The shadow said with a rare seriousness, “My idol is the Big Five, and the person I want to defeat the most is the Four Gu Swords, but if I can fight with Lord Ye Liuyun, it would also be enough to fasten my life, so …… Lord, I am jealous of you.”

Defeated, Fan Xian said sincerely, “There’s no need to be jealous of me, next time there’s such a good thing, I’ll definitely leave it to you. As for Ye Liuyun, I can assure you that if you make a move with him, the one who dies …… will definitely be you, and it will be a very thorough death.”

The shadow was silent, then turned away and disappeared into the darkness.

Fan Xian suddenly thought of something, and whispered into the empty darkness, “I’m going to Hangzhou the day after tomorrow, you follow me.”

Going to Hangzhou to pick up Wan’er, he didn’t know if Haitang would follow, so for safety’s sake, it was much more reassuring to bring the shadow with him.

After that night, Fan Xian and Haitang resumed to get along with each other again, only occasionally when they moved their thoughts, when their eyes touched each other, there would be something more unknown and unclear. To put it very strange is, Haitang as always, laziness, clear the moon, on the contrary, Fan Xian is a little twisted up.

Haitang’s gaze would occasionally reveal a smiling look, making Fan Xian so annoyed.

However, this fact also made Fan Xian clear, such a maverick woman, even if he used that underhanded method to spread the wind, he might not be able to tie her to his side for the rest of her life.

Fan Xian had once encouraged Ruo Ruo to walk around, let alone someone like Duo Duo.

But Fan Xian as he has always admitted that selfish …… young men in this world who dare to marry and can marry Haitang Tang Duo Duo is originally less, by himself to make such a big scandal to go, who still dare to marry?

Lifelong unmarried also become, as long as do not marry someone else.

His eyes flashed with a bad smile, tore open the letter sent back by Wang Qinian, hurriedly swept through, couldn’t help but laugh again, the old king seems to be in Beiqi over a very uncomfortable ah, the burden on the body is too heavy, indeed not with their own side of the comfort of the letter is to ask the return date.

Fan Xian understands his emotions, in a foreign country, there is indeed a sense of loneliness, and once things are not in agreement, whether it is the Supervisory Yuan or the court, may be abandoned him, this feeling of abandonment, is really not good to bear.

He thought of thinking, suddenly sighed, tonight first see Xia Qufei, after seeing the shadow, including far north of Wang Qinian, which are their own subordinates of the competent generals, and the first two brothers, their own body with a sea of hatred, are the smallest of the large family, displaced in the end of the world, have a home not to return.

In fact, his own life, how is not the same.

The outcasts party, will eventually hi split up.