Chapter 215 — Slaughter Beneath the Lanterns
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 3 of 5
" The Crown Prince of Jingping's face darkened slightly. "This treasure shall be given to the fated.
" Shen Mu said gravely, "Whoever believes himself able to overcome this humble one may come and try. I shall remain here three days. If in three days none can overcome me, then I shall return beyond the frontier!
" "Three days?
" Sun Nantuo looked all around, but still did not see the Dao-protector of the Loulan Golden Palace hiding in the shadows. He thought, "Three days' time — I will surely find where he hides. " The monks of the Nantuo Annex no longer came forward to challenge him. Shen Mu simply sat down in quiet meditation and waited. The onlookers round about gradually dispersed; the noble houses and great ministers of the capital each sent servants to linger there.
The Duke of Wei brought Wei Yong to the mansion of the Imperial Preceptor of Jingping and knocked on the gate. Old Fu came out and said with a smile, "What business has the Duke?
" "Where is the Imperial Preceptor of Jingping?
" asked the Duke of Wei.
"The master has gone to wander the mountains and rivers with his lady. " The Duke of Wei was startled and stammered, "His lady? What lady?
" "The Duke does not know.
The emperor bestowed a hundred palace maids on the master. The master was greatly pleased, and the very next day he took a liking to one of the women. That night they bowed in the hall and were wed, and drank the nuptial cup of wine.
When he rose, the master went out with his lady.
He is not in the capital. " The Duke of Wei's whole body shook, and his face turned strange. He stammered, "The Imperial Preceptor of Jingping is married. .
.
married, of all things.
.
. That fellow — I thought he would never have a feeling in his life, and to think he would take a wife. . .
And the wretch did not even send me word! " Old Fu smiled apologetically. "The master said all was to be kept simple, and so he did not even inform the emperor. " The Duke of Wei let out a turbid breath.
"Very well.
You lot are poor as church mice, and likely could not put on a feast in any case. I will have a servant wrap a red packet and carry over a few boxes. Did the Imperial Preceptor say when he would return?
" Old Fu shook his head.
The Duke of Wei let out a breath and muttered to himself, "There is something wrong with this barbarian, but since he is to remain here three days, there is no great hurry. Better to wait until the Imperial Preceptor of Jingping returns. " Night welled up; lanterns were lit throughout the capital, the night market opened its stalls, and the streets gradually grew lively.
The Duke of Wei sent Wei Yong to make inquiries. Wei Yong returned and said, "The New Year is near — less than a month away — and so the shops of the capital are all selling New Year goods. " "So that is it. Let us two stroll a while.
" The old man and the youth wandered here and there through the night market.
They saw that the well-bred daughters of the capital had come out from their chambers, dressed most brightly, bearing palace fans, admiring the lanterns along the way; when they glimpsed a young man looking their way they would hide their cheeks behind their fans, yet steal glances at those young men from behind the fans. Wei Yong was a man from the Duke of Wei's old home, and had not originally had much connection with the Duke; it was only by distinguishing himself at the Imperial Academy that he had come to the Duke's notice. As the two strolled, the Duke of Wei instructed him in the principles of cultivation. Just as they were speaking, they passed the Nantuo Annex.