Chapter Twenty-One: A Visit from the King of Qi

Naturally, Chen Keyan was quite remarkable as well. It was his timely arrival and the slaying of the leader that saved the princess and Yang Lian. However, in comparison, Chen Keyan’s courage and wit fell slightly short of Yang Lian’s.

Such a person, if brought under one’s command, would be invaluable. In that instant, Li Jingsui entertained such thoughts, and said, “What a pity in this vast sea of people; since he has already gone far away, we may never meet again in this lifetime.” He sighed deeply in his heart.

“Father, he’s come to Jinling. I just saw him,” Princess Huairou said, a hint of pride on her face.

“Oh?” Li Jingsui’s breath quickened. “Where is he?”

“I asked him to wait outside the gate,” Princess Huairou replied, and hurriedly ran out. “Father, I’ll bring him in right away.”

“No, for such a talent, I must greet him personally,” Li Jingsui declared, rising to his feet. He straightened his clothes and appearance, and with his daughter leading the way, hurried out the door. Yet at the entrance, only their own guards remained; Yang Lian was nowhere to be found.

“Where is he?” Princess Huairou was about to lose her temper.

“Reporting, Your Highness, the man has already left,” a guard replied.

“He left? Why didn’t you keep an eye on him? Didn’t I give clear instructions before I left?” Princess Huairou glared.

“Sigh, someone as extraordinary as he would hardly care for fame or fortune,” Li Jingsui lamented. The man had twice departed, evidently unconcerned with money—clearly a person of lofty character.

“Your Highness, Your Majesty, he seems to reside at the Laifu Inn by the Qinhuai River,” one guard ventured boldly.

“Are you sure?” Princess Huairou asked anxiously.

“Certain. The carriage just now belonged to Laifu Inn. I live nearby and see it every day; I cannot be mistaken,” the guard replied.

Li Jingsui laughed heartily. “Just when all seemed lost, a new path appears. Someone, ready the horses! We’re off to Laifu Inn!”

The guards quickly complied. Soon, a carriage was prepared; Li Jingsui and Princess Huairou entered the cabin, a coachman took the reins, and several guards mounted tall warhorses, following the lead guard toward Laifu Inn.

At Laifu Inn, Li Xiongxin was nearly beside himself with rage. Under the protection of Wang Hu and Zhao Peng, he lay upon a soft couch, groaning incessantly. Yang Lian’s kick had been merciless, breaking his ribs and causing excruciating pain.

Little Hei promptly went out to fetch a doctor. The physician examined him and left behind a prescription. No sooner had he departed than Yang Lian arrived. Li Xiongxin was so furious he nearly fainted.

“From today, this inn is mine. Old man, when will you move out?” At the rear of the inn, there was a small courtyard—enough for Yang Lian to reside.

“Move? I’ll move today,” Li Xiongxin realized he’d hit an iron wall—there was no point in resisting. A lifetime spent hunting, yet in old age, he’d been pecked in the eye by a goose, he thought bitterly. Regret was futile now.

“No need to rush,” Yang Lian waved a hand. “As long as you pay the rent on time, you may stay a while longer.”

Li Xiongxin’s lips twitched, nearly cursing aloud. What was this man’s game? After thinking it over, he sighed, “Today I must have been possessed by a demon to offend you, sir. May I ask where you are from?”

“Stop! Where I’m from is none of your concern. I only care about when you’re leaving—and where is the deed? Hand it over.” Seizing the moment, Yang Lian pressed relentlessly.

Li Xiongxin’s eyes shifted, finally steeling himself. “Sir, wait a moment.” He glanced sidelong at Wang Hu, hoping for help.

Zhao Peng, seeing clearly what was happening, knelt with a thud. “Master Wang, the gentleman has the Prince of Qi backing him—such things cannot be done.”

“You!” Li Xiongxin nearly spat blood in fury, coughing repeatedly, his chest aching terribly.

“Pathetic!” Yang Lian shook his head, casting a glance at Zhao Peng. “Should I say you’re cowardly, or astute?”

Zhao Peng grinned. “The old fool’s grown tired of life—I’ve no wish to die with him.”

“That’s true,” Yang Lian nodded, then turned back, his eyes glinting mischievously. “You still haven’t given up? You want to harm me again, aren’t you afraid the Prince of Qi will find out?” Yang Lian had often borrowed authority before, and now was no exception.

Li Xiongxin’s lips trembled. Why had he hired two useless men? Otherwise, he’d have killed Yang Lian and tossed him in the well—who would know?

Yang Lian smiled coolly, reading Li Xiongxin’s though