Chapter Twenty-One: Tang Xiaoqi's Good Man

Before the arrival of the Young Lord Cherishing Flowers in the capital, the most outstanding figure in terms of elegance and demeanor was none other than Lord Qin Ruochén. Master of poetry and song, adept in the arts of zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting—there was nothing he did not excel at. From childhood, he trained in the martial arts passed down through his family, receiving careful instruction from his father, earning him the title of foremost among the younger generation. After his entry into the Lizheng Academy, he claimed the top honors in both scholarly and martial competitions every year.

His mother, Lady Qin, was once famed as the most beautiful woman in the capital. His ancestors were founding heroes of the realm—the Duke of Winged State and the Left Guard General Qin Qiong. His father, Jun Nanfeng, is a learned scholar and lecturer at the Lizheng Academy in Chang’an, celebrated for his profound knowledge of the past and present, and rumored to possess the talents of a grand chancellor. His swordsmanship, it is said, rivals even the Sword Sage Pei Min. Alas, due to his status as a son-in-law married into the family, his official career was cut short.

Gu Ye recited all this, his expression tinged with unconcealed resentment.

Lu Liaoliao smiled and asked lightly, “And how do you compare?”

“I daresay I’d not lose to him,” the young Daoist replied with supreme confidence, convinced of his own genius within the Daoist sect.

Lu Liaoliao, naturally skeptical, pondered the matter inwardly. Lady Qin was indeed no ordinary woman; the Qin family possessed the kind of noble heritage that could inspire pride among the capital’s elite. Though generations had dulled their military influence and their power had waned, General Geshü, a Hu commander of considerable fame and authority, lacked only such heritage. If the two families were truly joined in marriage, Lord Ruochén’s future would be clear and unimpeded.

Casting a glance at the proud young Daoist, Lu Liaoliao couldn’t help but think his prospects dim and hope faint. Though the Daoist’s mother was a princess, his own status as an illegitimate child was an insurmountable barrier. Could that arrogant General Geshü ever consent to giving his daughter to such a one?

A sudden, nameless irritation welled up within. What was it about these Hu girls? His own father had once been enamored of a Hu courtesan, composing countless poems in her honor. Now the son seemed to have inherited this penchant, equally bewitched. And so the problem fell to him.

He coughed twice, adopting a tone of heartfelt admonition as he addressed Gu Ye. “You little philanderer! Have you considered Geshü Xiaoye’s status? I’d wager even that fat Cheng fellow or the young Marquis Yin have better chances than you.”

Gu Ye, not slow of wit, understood at once, his face flushing red. “I have no improper intentions! It’s enough for me just to be near her.”

“It may not matter now, but what if Geshü Xiaoye marries?” Lu Liaoliao retorted peevishly.

The young Daoist, at the age when dreams still burn bright, could not accept such cruel reality, and hung his head in silent sorrow.

Lu Liaoliao had no solution, and could only sigh, offering what comfort he could: “Find an opportunity when no one is about and present your token in secret. As long as she accepts, there’s hope. From what I see, Geshü Xiaoye, daughter of a military family—valiant and dashing—must favor a bold and heroic man. As you are now, you stand no chance.”

The Daoist was silent, bowing deeply to Lu Liaoliao before departing, his face clouded with gloom.

After the storm, the air was fresh and moist, and the sunlight dazzlingly bright, though the road was now more difficult to travel. Despite its broad and well-kept surface, the official highway to Chengdu was still pitted with mud and potholes, and Lu Liaoliao’s carriage slowed accordingly.

Geshü Xiaoye, spirited to her core, could not abide such a sluggish pace. With a squeeze of her knees, her tall, magnificent black steed galloped forward. The three young men, Gu Ye among them, hastened to follow, spurring their mounts to keep up and protect the lady, leaving Lu Liaoliao and Tang Xiaoqi behind in the carriage.

Inside, Lu Liaoliao kept his eyes studiously on a book, feigning absorption. Each jolt of the carriage made him sit stiffly, awkwardly twisting to avoid brushing against Tang Xiaoqi and thus offending her.

Tang Xiaoqi shrank away, staring blankly at her own delicate hands, unsure where to place them. Only two days ago, everything had felt natural; now, a strange, sweet awkwardness pervaded the air.

As though unable to bear the heavy atmosphere inside, Tang Xiaoqi leaned out the window to gaze at the scenery. Her youthful, beautiful face, bathed in sunlight, shone with a crystalline radiance, exquisitely alluring.

Lu Liaoliao stole a glance out of the corner of his eye, his heart pounding with pride and delight.

Suddenly, the rapid clatter of hooves approached—two riders flashed past the carriage. A startled exclamation sounded, but Lu Liaoliao, lost in his reverie, paid it no mind.

Unexpectedly, the two riders ahead stopped abruptly. One, a young maiden dressed in golden-yellow and white, turned her horse and trotted back to the carriage window.

She extended a delicate, jade-like hand, lifting Tang Xiaoqi’s chin with playful boldness. “What a lovely little lady! Such a face could topple kingdoms. Even I can’t help but feel my heart flutter—I’m tempted to steal you away myself!”

Had the one flirting with Tang Xiaoqi been a man, Lu Liaoliao would have severed his hand with a single stroke. But this was just a girl of fifteen or sixteen, breathtakingly beautiful, with bright, lively black eyes and a pert, exquisite nose that gave her a mischievous air.

Lu Liaoliao had never encountered such a spirited, impish maiden before. He was first stunned, then found it rather amusing. Seeing Tang Xiaoqi shrink back like a startled rabbit, pressing close to him in fright, he protectively put his arm around her and replied with a smile, “It seems, miss, our tastes are very much alike. But I was a bit quicker to act—this peerless beauty is already mine.”

The maiden pouted, wrinkling her nose adorably, though her words were sharp as knives: “And what makes you worthy of such a little beauty?”

Lu Liaoliao was taken aback, but could hardly quarrel with such a charming girl. He smiled, “Luck, pure luck! Luck is a skill in itself, don’t you think?”

The young lady’s nose twitched, her brows furrowing in sudden understanding. “So that’s it! No wonder such good fortune has befallen you. Although you look the part of a bookish scholar, you do seem amusing enough. Still, you’d best keep a close watch on your little beauty—someone might steal her away.”

Lu Liaoliao chuckled, casting a sly glance at the white-clad gentleman not far off. “Thank you for the warning, valiant maiden. But you’d best keep an eye on that one as well.”

“None of your business!” The girl came and went like a whirlwind, tossing out her words as she spurred her horse back toward the white-robed youth.

Suddenly, Lu Liaoliao felt Tang Xiaoqi pinch his waist fiercely. Straightening in pain, he turned to see her glowering at him with a dark, accusing gaze.

“It was that witch—she set her fox to bite me, which is why I ended up all smelly. Yet you—you were actually flirting and joking with her!”

Unjustly accused, Lu Liaoliao found himself at a loss for words. But thinking it over, only a girl so mischievous would punish Tang Xiaoqi in such a way. His mind turned swiftly and he put on a look of sudden realization. “I understand now! That little demoness was simply jealous that you’re more beautiful than she is—that’s why she treated you so.”

Tang Xiaoqi was unconvinced. “But I was in rags, my face filthy and ugly. She’s hardly lacking in looks herself—why would she be jealous of me?”

“Tang Xiaoqi, you really underestimate yourself. Even if you try to hide it, do you think you can conceal your unrivaled beauty?” Lu Liaoliao’s face was earnest, as if she’d made a most grievous mistake.

“Really?” Tang Xiaoqi’s face lit up like a blossoming flower.

“Would I, Lu Liaoliao, ever lie to you?” he declared, full of righteous indignation.

As if under some strange compulsion, Tang Xiaoqi began massaging his shoulders again, her heart as sweet as honey.

Lu Liaoliao closed his eyes, enjoying it with a clear conscience, pride swelling within him. “So you think you can best me, little Tang Xiaoqi? Did you think my Ghost Valley arts were learned for nothing?”

The carriage filled with sweetness, and time seemed to fly by. When they reached the teahouse by the Min River crossing, Gu Ye greeted them with a beaming smile, as though something wonderful had happened to him.

Before they’d even entered, they spotted the white-robed youth and the golden-clad maiden from the road. After the customary greetings and introductions, they learned that the dashing youth was none other than Lord Ruochén himself, calling himself Jun Ruochén, far from the ignorant sort. Upon hearing the name of Lu Liaoliao’s master, Dong Yanzi, his face filled with surprise as he asked, “Is your master Dong Yanzi, by any chance the renowned Zhao Rui—Zhao Zhengjun, known as Master Taibin of Shu?”

Lu Liaoliao nodded in assent.

Jun Ruochén studied him quietly, envy written on his face. “The Twin Talents of Shu—Zhao Rui for divination, Li Bai for poetry. Brother Lu, you are truly fortunate to have been accepted by both great men. Now that you descend the mountain accomplished in your arts, surely the world will be astonished.”

Lu Liaoliao responded with modest calm.

Jun Ruochén cast a glance at Tang Xiaoqi, speaking placidly, “From Brother Gu Ye’s account, it seems the minor misunderstanding with Miss Tang was just that—a misunderstanding. Let’s put it behind us.”

The maiden by his side, Qianqian, could not contain herself and pointed at Tang Xiaoqi indignantly, “Senior brother, how can you let that little demoness off so lightly? That stone she threw was fierce and aimed right at you! If it had only caused injury, that would be one thing, but had it struck while you were cultivating, it could have led to grave consequences.”

All eyes turned to Tang Xiaoqi, their gaze equal parts astonished and doubtful. Jun Ruochén simply shook his head and said no more.

Tang Xiaoqi, feeling awkward from the moment she saw them, kept her head bowed during the introductions. Nor did she seize the chance to apologize when Jun Ruochén suggested letting matters rest. But under the weight of so many gazes, she panicked.

“I—I didn’t mean to, it was an accident.”

Lu Liaoliao stepped forward, shielding the trembling Tang Xiaoqi behind him, and smiled apologetically. “Since Lord Jun is unharmed and Miss Qianqian has already given Miss Xiaoqi a taste of her own medicine, and as Brother Ruochén bears no grudge, let us call the matter settled.”

Qianqian still seemed angry, glaring at Lu Liaoliao. “So you’re the one who cured her of the poison?”

Lu Liaoliao rubbed his nose awkwardly. “Miss Qianqian’s skills are far beyond mine; I was unable to fully dispel the lingering effects.”

Qianqian rolled her eyes at him. “I expected so much more from you. My methods are not so easily undone. Hmph! Lecher!”

Lu Liaoliao flushed in embarrassment, but Qianqian turned her wrath on Tang Xiaoqi. “Only men like this lecher believe your lies, you little fox spirit!”

Tang Xiaoqi could bear it no longer and retorted from behind Lu Liaoliao, “You’re the fox spirit, ordering your white fox to bite people!”

Lu Liaoliao quickly pulled her back, grinning. “I think the two of you, being of similar age and both bright as flowers, would make the best of sisters—what nonsense about fox spirits.”

Qianqian tossed her head proudly. “Hmph! Who would want to be sisters with her?”

Jun Ruochén gave a wry smile. “It’s said the masters of rhetoric can wound with their words unseen. Brother Lu, isn’t it a little much to use such skills on these innocent girls?”

Lu Liaoliao blushed, at a loss for words.

Qianqian looked confused, and only after Jun Ruochén whispered in her ear did she realize what was meant. She lunged at Lu Liaoliao, shouting, “You lecher, Lu Liaoliao! How dare you call me a fox spirit!”

Lu Liaoliao hastened to protest, “I was praising you, not insulting you! Think about it—who but the most beautiful women deserve the name ‘fox spirit’?”

The company could not help but burst into laughter, and the awkwardness dissolved into ease. Only Tang Xiaoqi stood there in blissful daze, inwardly recalling her mother’s words: A good man is not he who wields power over the world, nor the most refined of gentlemen, but the one who stands before you, shields you, and speaks for you. At that moment, she dearly wished to tell her mother that she had found her own good man.