“Turns out it was the pavilion master himself, my apologies, it seems I interrupted a good deal.”
Meng Qi’s words made the head of the Changxin Gang turn pale, nearly wishing to dig a hole and bury himself on the spot.
It wasn’t due to shame, but embarrassment and deep fear.
What was the head of the Changxin Gang doing at the inn? Naturally, he wanted to sell information to the Fengxing Pavilion.
—The former dynasty’s national teacher appeared, and the Fengwei Escort Agency turned out to be the Jinyiwei of the Qi Dynasty?!
If Elder Cai hadn’t recognized the person, he wouldn’t have known the origin of this star of calamity!
If he had run slower, the information would have lost its value.
Selling someone’s whereabouts for profit and getting caught red-handed by the victim…this already made one’s scalp tingle, and worse, Meng Qi was clearly not someone who would let it go.
Recalling the encounter from last night, the head of the Changxin Gang felt a chill down his neck.
Feeding mosquitoes with this trick was truly indescribable. Fortunately, he was covered in mud and had learned some breath-holding techniques in his early years, avoiding being targeted by the wild mosquitoes. When he saw the miserable state of the members of the Dragon Head Association at sunrise, he felt an urge to grin.
It looked itchy.
The head of the Changxin Gang, judging others by himself, thought Meng Qi would surely come after him.
Little did he know that Meng Qi had thought deeper, and what he wanted to pursue was not just this matter.
“Fengxing Pavilion’s name rings loud in the martial world, calling it well-known far and wide wouldn’t be an exaggeration.” Meng Qi looked at the scholar with a half-smile.
“Not at all, we are merely the dregs of the market, collecting and selling information needed by martial artists to make a living. How dare we boast in front of Master Meng?”
Fengxing Pavilion Master was humble, not at all like a prominent figure in the martial world.
In fact, Fengxing Pavilion had already touched the bottom line of many martial sects. Although there had always been organizations in the martial world selling information, those people were cautious, not daring to do business too extravagantly, usually just collecting information, organizing it, verifying its truth, and then selling it. Sometimes they even sold rumors, becoming places for the intentional spread of falsehoods by those with ulterior motives.
This was how major sects viewed martial world information brokers, and an unruly one like Fengxing Pavilion should have disappeared long ago.
But Fengxing Pavilion did not disappear. Instead, its business in various branch halls flourished, leaking the secrets of major sects without hesitation after taking money, even revealing the illegitimate children of many martial seniors’ youthful escapades, not to mention the shady deeds done by hypocritical figures.
Countless were those who came to cause trouble out of anger, wanted to silence them, or feared exposure of their unspeakable deeds…
Fengxing Pavilion’s unscathed existence proved it had many masters under its command, stationed in various branch halls. More importantly, its ability to investigate numerous secrets and obtain the first-hand information was another remarkable aspect.
It was because of the latter that Meng Qi paid attention to Fengxing Pavilion.
A person who once led armies across the land knew too well the importance of intelligence.
The encounter at Taijing’s Peony House piqued his interest in Fengxing Pavilion. While in Taijing, he even tracked these people for a while, eventually discovering they were genuine martial artists with no connection to the government. However, Meng Qi remained vigilant because Fengxing Pavilion also did business with merchants involved in transporting goods.
Being able to speak about the prices of grain, cloth, and salt in various places, where there was famine or abundance, and the integrity of officials…what a useful force this was! What was the purpose of those who cultivated this force?
Meng Qi was suspicious but also felt he might be overthinking because Fengxing Pavilion had no bad records and had exposed many people’s crimes (though they took money for it). Their accurate and effective commercial information benefited many merchant caravans and alleviated the high prices in some places, reducing the suffering of the people from hoarding and shortages.
Those local businesses trying to buy all goods to inflate prices would face merchant caravans eager to profit, coming one after another, ship by ship, day by day. Unless the government found an excuse to confiscate the goods, what business could control the market and continue hoarding?
In the eyes of government officials, Fengxing Pavilion was extremely dangerous and had unclear intentions.
But apart from this, it benefited the people more and vaguely restrained the sects in the martial world that thought they could do evil unseen (except for Ancestor Qingwu who was determined to rebel), so Meng Qi decided to let go of his suspicion.
This world was no longer the Chu Dynasty, many things were changing, as long as it didn’t harm the community, other matters needn’t be judged hastily.
People don’t ask their hearts, the path doesn’t seek truth.
Being too concerned with others’ intentions and purposes, there wouldn’t be much one could accomplish in the world.
On the way to Yuzhou by carriage, Meng Qi mentioned Fengxing Pavilion while chatting with Mo Li, curious about what the head of such an unusual martial world information broker would look like.
Perhaps it would be a fifty-year-old person who had roamed the martial world long enough to accumulate many connections and start making money for retirement, or maybe a young and ambitious person ready to accomplish something big. Unexpectedly, they happened to encounter the head of Fengxing Pavilion in this dilapidated inn.
Meng Qi glanced at the innkeeper stuck under the counter.
The innkeeper and the staff didn’t seem like people from Fengxing Pavilion, so how did the head of the Changxin Gang, eager to sell information, accurately find this inn?
Could it be—
This slippery Ge Changxin had already met the pavilion master of Fengxing Pavilion beforehand, knowing that this person, who was well-versed in many secrets of the martial world, was here, willing to pay a good price, and interested in the rumors about the former dynasty’s national teacher.
“The pavilion master coming here must not be because he foresaw some excitement to watch.”
Meng Qi referred to the four gangs and twelve assemblies still fighting outside the inn.
The scholar laughed, “What’s there to see? How can it compare to a business deal worth six hundred taels of gold?”
He was unexpectedly straightforward, surprising not just Meng Qi but even Mo Li.
What was Fengxing Pavilion doing? Showing goodwill?
However, Meng Qi was not willing to buy it, and he teased, “The most expensive information from Fengxing Pavilion is worth a thousand gold, which category does Piaoping Pavilion fall into?”
Qiu Jing calmly replied, “Most of Fengxing Pavilion’s information is clearly priced, and it’s a willing transaction. But sometimes, information varies from person to person. For example, if I don’t mention it, Master Meng can also find out the origins of the six hundred taels of gold. Buying the information would just be to verify thoughts and save time, so this information wouldn’t be worth much to Master Meng. Since it’s not worthwhile, I’ll simply use it as a greeting gift.”
These words were well-rounded and extremely elegant.
They were pleasant to hear and did not disgrace Fengxing Pavilion.
Mo Li couldn’t help but glance at the scholar again.
Meng Qi immediately noticed.
This wasn’t jealousy; Meng Qi wouldn’t fuss over such a trivial matter.
What? Is the national teacher that kind of person?
No, no, perceiving subtleties is clearly a strength.
Meng Qi paid attention because when the pavilion master of Fengxing Pavilion introduced himself, Mo Li’s reaction seemed delayed, his gaze suspiciously scrutinizing Qiu Jing.
That wasn’t a reaction of surprise but more like seeing something puzzling and hesitating to confirm it.
When Meng Qi wanted to ask, Mo Li had already returned to his usual demeanor.
With this unintentional reminder from the doctor, Meng Qi paid close attention and indeed noticed some clues.
Qiu Jing was young but extremely composed, followed closely by a group of skilled martial artists, each displaying respectful and deferential attitudes, making Qiu Jing immediately appear more distinguished.
Qiu Jing’s martial arts were not high.
Not as good as his subordinates.
He was unremarkable in appearance, looking very ordinary, and others would only think that Qiu Jing deliberately concealed his aura, making it hard to see through his real strength, thus becoming even more cautious.
However, what Dr. Mo noticed immediately upon meeting was something else.
Qiu Jing’s slightly changing expressions in front of the two of them, and the glances sweeping across his earlobes and neck, made his posture stiffen.
The head of Fengxing Pavilion felt somewhat incredulous in his heart, but his face maintained a smile, and he straightforwardly offered several pieces of information from Piaoping Pavilion, showing full sincerity.
As the saying goes, one doesn’t hit a smiling face.
If this smiling person is capable and powerful, and can speak flawlessly, others will always show respect.
Meng Qi accepted this gesture of goodwill and left the inn with Mo Li.
As soon as they left, the head of the Changxin Gang immediately approached with a pained expression, pleading for mercy, swearing that he didn’t lure them there to trap Qiu Jing, and that it was truly an accidental encounter.
Qiu Jing knew this was true, but it didn’t stop him from using the situation to intimidate and extort the head of the Changxin Gang, making him so scared that he dared not make a sound before leaving awkwardly.
“Master…”
Qiu Jing was brought back to reality by a subordinate’s call.
He touched his neck and actually took off his “Adam’s apple.”
It was a fake Adam’s apple made of dough, appropriately hard and soft, coated with a layer of oil and rubbed with a layer of bean powder, matching the skin color perfectly, making it indistinguishable from the real thing.
“It didn’t fall off, so how did they discover it?” Qiu Jing asked puzzledly.
“Master means—”
The attendant was shocked.
Their master was actually in her thirties. To disguise her slightly higher-pitched voice, she pretended to be young, as if her voice hadn’t fully changed.
“Although the master doesn’t often appear in public, no one has ever discovered your identity.”
Women disguised as men have existed since ancient times, but it’s hard to do convincingly.
One problem is posture; accustomed to the constraints of etiquette, men and women walk, speak, and interact differently, making any disguise feel awkward and unnatural.
Another is speech; women rarely get to see much of the outside world or freely express their opinions, often seeming hesitant and overly cautious about being touched.
Qiu Jing had none of these issues.
She didn’t even have pierced ears.
The only disguise was the fake Adam’s apple.
A young, handsome boy might be suspected of being a disguised woman.
But a plain, dark-skinned poor scholar wouldn’t arouse such suspicions.
Qiu Jing had been born this way.
No need for painted eyebrows, cherry lips, or peony powder.
If she had been born with a delicate, lily-white face and affectionate eyes, she would have been worried sick.
It would be highly inconvenient.
“How did he see through me at first glance?” Qiu Jing referred to Mo Li, utterly perplexed.
“Is there truly a divine doctor in this world who can see through skin and bones, discerning gender with a single glance?”
***
Elder Cai returned with a sullen face.
The four gangs and twelve assemblies who had been fighting fiercely fell silent instantly.
Those gang leaders, full of schemes and interests, were stunned to see the members of the Dragon Head Association with swollen, red faces, constantly scratching themselves. Counting heads, it seemed none were missing, even the accountant kidnapped from the Dragon Head Association was carried back.
Elder Cai’s face was covered with a line of red bumps.
Bites from poisonous mosquitoes not only itch intensely but also swell into round or elongated lumps.
Now, with several lumps joined together, it looked like someone had punched him.
That was the better part; Elder Cai, being old, had wrinkles that made it hard for mosquitoes to bite. The younger gang members, especially the plump, sweaty ones, had a swollen nose, two swollen cheeks, and their necks and chins looked absolutely miserable.
Elder Cai could still endure without scratching, but the others lacked such willpower.
The more they scratched, the itchier it got, leaving their swollen skin with red and white streaks. Some even scratched themselves until they bled, looking like they had fought wild cats all night.
Out of respect for Elder Cai, everyone stifled their laughter.
But soon, they couldn’t laugh anymore.
The reason was naturally the Fengwei Escort Agency.
Elder Cai had internal injuries and was tormented by mosquitoes all night. When his acupoints finally released him, his movements were slow, so he couldn’t catch Head Escort Du, who was desperate to escape after his identity was exposed.
The head of the Changxin Gang ran just as fast, and in the blink of an eye, Elder Cai was left with only the members of the Dragon Head Association.
Coincidentally, those left in the city by the Fengwei Escort Agency, having been robbed, learned of the appearance of the former dynasty’s national teacher and fled in panic. As a result, when Elder Cai returned, he couldn’t find a single person from the Fengwei Escort Agency.
To avoid further complications, Elder Cai told the other fourteen leaders of the four gangs and twelve assemblies about Head Escort Du’s identity.
Everyone was shocked and furious.
Martial artists were very resistant to the government, even calling those who served the Six Doors as lapdogs, let alone the Jinyiwei.
Since the Chen Dynasty, the Jinyiwei had been notorious among the people. They were always involved in the schemes of corrupt officials and treacherous ministers, bullying the weak and oppressing the innocent. Wherever there was injustice, the Jinyiwei were there. The Qi Dynasty was no better.
Hearing that the most prestigious escort agency in Yuzhou was actually a spy for the Jinyiwei, the more hot-tempered martial artists immediately drew their swords, shouting that they would kill these scoundrels to rid the people of this scourge.
It was quite ironic for these local bullies, who frightened the townsfolk into staying indoors and avoiding business, to claim they would rid the people of harm.
Those involved saw no irony.
Even those who secretly regretted losing a chance to connect with the authorities had to outwardly express their righteous indignation and compete to kill the so-called traitorous dogs.
Elder Cai had to say a few words to calm everyone down, reminding them to think of their brothers in the gang and their families. To make a living in one place, they couldn’t offend the government too harshly.
Everyone ranted a bit more and then, following Elder Cai’s advice, withdrew with their men.
In the martial world, as long as one loudly proclaimed their righteousness, they could convince themselves they were beyond reproach. Who would take it seriously? That would just make things difficult for themselves.
Thus, the county town suddenly became peaceful.
The yamen constables breathed a sigh of relief, proudly returning to claim credit, even though they had done nothing. It didn’t stop them from taking credit for driving away troublemakers and protecting the shops and homes of the county.
Hearing that things outside seemed to have returned to normal, the shops on the street finally opened their doors.
Meng Qi didn’t plan to leave immediately. Without a carriage, he intended to buy some items in town.
Previously, with the shops closed, going out was pointless, so he stayed at the inn, unexpectedly gaining some insights.
“Who would have thought that the head of Fengxing Pavilion was a woman? How did you figure it out, doctor?”
“…I’m a doctor.”
Mo Li sighed, adding, “And a dragon vein doctor.”
A dragon vein doctor wouldn’t be deceived by appearances and could see the essence.
“How did you figure it out, Brother Meng?”
“If the doctor had doubts, then it must be right. A few more glances would reveal it.”
Meng Qi saw this as a good opportunity to praise Mo Li, oh no, Qin Lu’s medical skills.
Mo Li, who had received the true teachings of Elder Qin, was definitely a divine doctor.
Author’s Note:
Fat Mouse still needs to be indirect when praising his sweetheart.
—
Qiu Jing: No, impossible! I’ve never been seen through before!
Mo Li: Fish can, and so can my teacher.
—
The author is also curious why in novels, women disguised as men are always stunning beauties. Perhaps because it’s funnier when it’s obviously revealed.
Ordinary-looking Qiu Jing: Hidden among the crowd, feeling wonderful.
