https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-10-The-Qin-Family-Father-and-Son-Exit-Collecting-Their-Unfortunate-Ends/12535914/
Chapter 11: A Win-Win is Me Winning Twice
Chapter 11: A Win-Win is Me Winning Twice
Outside the side gate of Xingyun Manor, the snow had been cleared away by the servants. The sky had a hint of grayish-white, but the sun still hadn't made an appearance. The noble officials were still slumbering, but in the distance, smoke was rising, and faint noises could be heard. The common folk of Baoding Prefecture had already begun their daily lives.
Li Xinhuan bade farewell to Tie Chuanjia here, and as he watched him abruptly turn back and rush into the lingering morning mist, his eyes couldn't help but moisten slightly.
Then he quickly composed himself, turned with a detached air, and looked towards the young swordsman leaning casually against the hitching post at the entrance, his sword in hand. "I didn't expect Young Master You to be up so early."
The visitor was indeed You Longsheng.
You Longsheng yawned and shook his head. "Li, you're mistaken. I didn't wake up particularly early; I didn't sleep at all last night."
Li Xinhuan's eyes flickered, and just as he was about to speak, he heard You Longsheng continue, "I never expected your companion to be the renowned Iron Armor King from years past. I was wondering how someone could have achieved such a level of mastery in horizontal training."
Li Xinhuan couldn't help but smile bitterly. "I never thought his reputation would be so widespread. After being out of the Jianghu for eighteen years, it's surprising that you could still recognize him at a glance, Young Master."
"There's no other way," You Longsheng said with a smile. "After all, your companion is quite unique. A body like an iron tower, eyes like a vajra, solely focused on offensive horizontal training with no regard for defense. There aren't many people in the Jianghu who fit this description, especially considering..."
You Longsheng smiled again. "My father told me about the incident eighteen years ago when I was younger, so it's not surprising that I recognized him. It was a case that involved the Hidden Sword Peak, after all."
Li Xinhuan was taken aback upon hearing this.
The secret of the incident eighteen years ago had been hidden in Tie Chuanjia's heart. Even when facing Li Xinhuan, he had never revealed a word of it. Li Xinhuan had always been curious, but he trusted and respected Tie Chuanjia, so he had never asked.
Unexpectedly, as soon as they arrived in the Central Plains, they encountered someone who knew the secret from those years.
Li Xinhuan opened his mouth as if to speak, hesitated, and then closed it again. For a moment, he didn't know if he should ask, and if he did, would it be disrespectful to Tie Chuanjia?
You Longsheng raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to hear about it?"
Li Xinhuan sighed and answered honestly, "Yes!"
"If you want to hear it, shouldn't we at least find a warmer room?" You Longsheng wrapped his furry scarf tighter around his neck and hunched his shoulders. "You don't expect me to tell you a story out here in the freezing cold and howling wind, do you?"
Li Xinhuan laughed. He suddenly realized that You Longsheng was quite an interesting person.
So he invited You Longsheng into his room.
However, he didn't rush to ask about Tie Chuanjia. Instead, he first asked about Lin Xian'er. "Brother You, you spent last night at Cold Fragrance Cottage, didn't you?"
He had smelled the fragrance on You Longsheng, the same fragrance he had smelled the night before.
The fragrance was faintly sweet and alluring, and it belonged to Lin Xian'er, not You Longsheng.
"Yes," You Longsheng nodded nonchalantly.
He had recalled the plot last night and realized that there seemed to be one more night left. This opportunity was truly rare, and after the long journey with Ah Fei, You Longsheng needed some rest.
But after a sleepless night, he felt even more exhausted.
He had entered the 'wise man's hour,' so he felt like chatting with Li Xinhuan.
Thinking about what Lin Xian'er had said to him, considering her character, and taking into account the relationship between You Longsheng and Lin Xian'er, Li Xinhuan wasn't sure how to advise them. So he decided to test the waters first. "Brother You, do you love her very much?"
"Love? Of course," You Longsheng nodded without hesitation. "How could anyone not love such a cute, soft, and adorable sweetheart who takes care of you and brings you heavenly pleasure?"
Li Xinhuan, "...”
Although You Longsheng claimed to love her, the explanation that followed didn't sound quite right. Li Xinhuan couldn't tell if You Longsheng's words were sincere or if he was being sarcastic.
However, it certainly wasn't the kind of "love" that Li Xinhuan understood.
You Longsheng's evaluation of Lin Xian'er sounded more like a regular customer praising the top courtesan of a brothel.
"Moreover..." You Longsheng smiled faintly, "I am the young master of the Hidden Sword Peak. I possess vast lands, immense wealth, and have given precious swords to many. I enjoy a renowned reputation in the martial arts world. Yet, Lin Xian'er only holds the title of the most beautiful woman in the martial arts world. What does she have to offer in return for marrying me?
Everyone knows that a woman's beauty fades after a decade, and for a woman who possesses only beauty and nothing else, it is wiser to have a short-term fling than a long-term commitment. A large investment in a short period may seem significant, but it is far less than sharing everything you have."
"When marrying, choose a wise and virtuous wife. When taking a concubine, choose one with beauty and charm."
You Longsheng turned the tables and lectured Li Xinhuan, "Brother Li, you once had the reputation of being a romantic hero. Surely you understand this principle better than I do."
Li Xinhuan could only smile bitterly. He never expected that at such a young age, when one should be pure and innocent, You Longsheng's views on women were akin to those of a seasoned playboy who had spent decades in the boudoirs.
Seeing that You Longsheng hadn't lost his wits to Lin Xian'er's allure, Li Xinhuan breathed a sigh of relief. However, after some thought, he finally asked, "But you gave her the Fish Intestine Sword."
A flash of cunning passed through You Longsheng's eyes as he teased, "It seems like she wants to climb into your bed too?"
Li Xinhuan couldn't help but feel helpless at You Longsheng's perceptiveness. As he smiled bitterly, he also recalled Lin Xian'er's enchanting body from the other day at the small shop. Indeed, she was alluring.
"Yes, I gave her the Fish Intestine Sword," admitted You Longsheng. "For me, it's a win-win situation."
"Win-win?" Li Xinhuan asked, puzzled, as he had only seen Lin Xian'er gain the sword without any apparent loss on You Longsheng's part.
"Yes, win-win," You Longsheng affirmed. "I win twice."
Li Xinhuan was left bewildered.
Without saying a word, Li Xinhuan gazed at You Longsheng with curious eyes, knowing that he would explain.
"As you know, that Fish Intestine Sword is not some ancient divine weapon or a precious relic from the Warring States period," You Longsheng clarified.
Li Xinhuan nodded. "Back then, people were still using bronze tools."
"So, that Fish Intestine Sword is merely a top-notch sword forged from the best steel we accidentally created at the Hidden Sword Peak. We then pretended it was an ancient famous sword to boost our reputation," You Longsheng explained. "However, there aren't many cultured people like Brother Li in the martial arts world.
Most are illiterate and, beneath their boisterous exteriors, extremely greedy. When they hear about a treasure that has been passed down for thousands of years and can cut through iron like mud, they naturally covet it. The most greedy among them might even take action to obtain it."
"I've heard that the Hidden Sword Peak has had to fight bloodily on multiple occasions because of that sword," Li Xinhuan said, already guessing You Longsheng's intention.
"Thus, while this sword has brought fame to the Hidden Sword Peak, it has also brought disaster. It's a hot potato," You Longsheng continued. "But the Peak cannot simply discard the sword.
Li Xinhuan nodded in understanding. "The prestige of the Hidden Sword Peak must be maintained."
"The fact that I gave the Fish Intestine Sword to Lin Xian'er is not a secret. By now, the news has spread throughout Xingyun Manor, and I believe it will soon reach the entire martial arts world," You Longsheng said. "After all, Lin Xian'er still holds the title of the most beautiful woman in the martial arts world. By giving her the sword, I achieve two things. First, I create an image of myself as a passionate and generous lover, and second, I get rid of the sword without damaging the Peak's reputation. It's a double win.
Don't you think that's a win-win for me?"
Li Xinhuan stared at You Longsheng, dumbfounded, as he held his cup of wine. Are all young people so cunning these days?
Ah Fei, Lin Xian'er, You Longsheng...
One by one, they're all soaring to new heights!
After being away from the Central Plains for over a decade, can I still adapt to the power levels and intrigue of the martial arts world here?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
