Chapter 99: Grow What You Ea
Fang Jie glared at Xiang Qingniu, and he said something that made Xiang Qingniu instantly give up the idea of drinking liquor.
“I’m not going to pay for the liquor.”
Hearing this, Xiang Qingniu instantly became dispirited. He had the courage to drink liquor, but there was no way that he would pay for it. The only reason he saved that much money was because he was cheap, and he was saving money for something that he had to do and would never regret doing.
“You wouldn’t come here for no reason.”
Fang Jie pushed the bowl of hot noodle soup that was just placed on the table to Xiang Qingniu, then he passed over a pair of chopsticks before saying, “Tell me what is going on that made you come here. If you are here to tell me how good the food at Pure Hollow Daoist Temple is, I will guarantee that I will beat your face into the shape of a butt.”
It looked like Xiang Qingniu was truly hungry; he started to eat even though the food was still steaming. After eating a few bites, he said, “In the last while, I have been wandering on the street when I had time, but I didn’t run into the man in white who sneak-attacked Da Quan. However, I thought for a few days carefully, and it feels like that person is probably from the Buddhist Sect.”
Fang Jie’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly hid it and said with a smile, “The Buddhist Sect? I have no connection to the Buddhist Sect; why would those monks want to cause trouble for me?”
“How would I know?” Xiang Qingniu said while eating, “You came from Fangu, and Fangu is next to the Mongo-Yuan Empire. Essentially, Mongo-Yuan is the Buddhist Sect’s territory. Who knows if you crossed the border at night and watched the saintesses and nuns take bath? After all, it is something shameless that you would do. Besides, it is heard that the female disciples of the Buddhist Sect are all beauties since they are there to serve the monks.”
“Really?” Fang Jie asked.
“If it’s true, I wouldn’t be a daoist and would have become a monk already.” Xiang Qingniu rolled his eyes.
Fang Jie laughed, “Others might do it, but not you. The fact that you are talking normally while sitting across from Sister Xiaoyao and Sister Qingshan is something surprising to me.”
Xiang Qingniu blushed and replied, “Hey, don’t cross the line!”
“Why are you here then!”
“I just want to warn you.” Xiang Qingniu started to stuff his mouth with the steamed buns. “I heard your description of that man, and I feel like he was using the Phaseless Technique of the Buddhist Sect. Since the name is Phaseless, its most basic ability is to hide people’s appearances. Once this technique is completely mastered, he could turn his appearance into anything in the world, such as a blade of grass, a flower, and a tree. Although this sounds crazy, it should be easy for him to alter his appearance. Be careful in the next while. If any stranger tries to get close to you, you have to be aware. If that person knows the Phaseless Technique, perhaps everyone on the street might be him in disguise. For example, he could be this man who is selling hot noodle soup. Of course, he could be the shop owner’s wife as well. Wait, it is tough. Her waist is too thick…”
“It would be great if I can learn it.” Fang Jie thought of something and smiled.
“What are you thinking about?” Xiang Qingniu asked.
“He is thinking about going to a women’s bathhouse,” Zhuo Buyi said as he walked close, and Fang Jie blushed. Then, he smiled awkwardly toward Zhuo Buyi and said, “Reading others’ minds when they aren’t aware is immoral.”
Zhuo Buyi smiled and walked to Mu Xiaoyao before asking, “When are you coming back to the Royal Guard? The Captain wants to see you.”
Mu Xiaoyao froze for a second before asking quietly, “What can I do if I go back?”
“You are a chiliarch of the Royal Guard, so you should return.” Zhuo Buyi sat down and asked for a bowl of hot noodle soup without hesitation. “Although I know that you don’t care much about materialist things, you should know that there are only seven chiliarch positions in the Royal Guard. I don’t want to say how tough it is to get this position; I only want you to be clear-minded and not waste this opportunity. I told you that there are many ways of helping Fang Jie. Wearing the flying-fish robe is one of the good options.”
“I… can’t go back now,” Mu Xiaoyao said quietly.
Zhuo Buyi nodded and replied, “I know, I will wait until Fang Jie finishes the entrance exam of the Martial Arts Academy. If he gets in, he will be able to live in the academy, and it would be impossible for those who want to kill him to sneak in. If Fang Jie is in the Martial Arts Academy for the next three years, you can stay in the Royal Guard and help him.”
“Ok, once Fang Jie gets into the Martial Arts Academy, I will go back to the Royal Guard with you.”
Hearing this reply, Zhuo Buyi smiled and lowered his head to eat the hot noodle soup.
“Who are those two people trying to kill me the other day?” Fang Jie couldn’t help but ask Zhuo Buyi.
“One is a rank 6 official of the Ministry of War. His reason is simple; his little brother who accompanied Wu Peisheng to Fangu died there. He goes by the name Vulture, and he is a henchman of Yu Donglai, the Deputy of the Ministry of War. Because of this, His Majesty is still raging in Smooth Spring Garden. Yu Donglai was demoted from the Head of the Ministry of War to the Deputy, and now he probably would need to resign. The other person bit off his tongue and committed suicide.”
Fang Jie was surprised, and he asked, “You mean you don’t know what his background is?”
“I don’t know.” Zhuo Buyi nodded and didn’t voice the confusion in his mind. “You don’t need to think about these things now. You should better prepare for the entrance exam.”
After saying that, Zhuo Buyi paused a little before laughing, “You are a famous person in Chang’an. At least many people in the central government and the military know your name. Are you prepared to be a famous person?”
Fang Jie didn’t understand what Zhuo Buyi meant, but he suddenly saw a few men in border soldier’s uniforms walking over. Although there were only about seven of them, they moved in unison and appeared dignified. It looked like a military formation was marching forward. The thing that attracted Fang Jie’s attention was their cold presence.
Only those who killed many people could make others feel cold in the summer.
“Excuse me, do you know where Fang Jie lives?”
A soldier walked to this joint, glanced around, and cupped his hands while asking Fang Jie and others.
…
If it were before, Fang Jie would say that he didn’t know who Fang Jie was or he would point them in the wrong direction. However, he didn’t plan to do that today. He could tell that these soldiers weren’t the ones guarded Chang’an; they were border soldiers judging by their uniforms.
In the military of Great Sui, there were royal soldiers, battle soldiers, border soldiers, state soldiers, and other types of soldiers. Although they all wore dark-blue uniforms, the styles were different. The gate soldiers who were under the command of kings couldn’t wear dark-blue uniforms with black armor; they were private soldiers after all.
Most of the people in the world knew that the most elite soldiers of Great Sui were in the 16 Guards. However, Fang Jie was an insider and knew that the border soldiers were the most fierce and murderous. Although the pay and the equipment of border soldiers couldn’t be compared to those of battle soldiers, regardless of how well-trained battle soldiers were, their murderousness couldn’t be compared to the border soldiers who killed enemies every year.
Although Great Sui seemed calm on the surface, small battles were happening every year at remote places close to the borders.
Savages who weren’t willing to listen to Great Sui’s command, bandits who caused chaos in towns, and outlaws who lived in forests and jungles; these people were all targets of border soldiers.
Fang Jie stood up and cupped his hands back at the soldier who asked the question. He replied, “I’m Fang Jie. What do you need?”
That border soldier didn’t expect Fang Jie to be a young man who looked a little scholarly. After a moment of surprise, he quickly replied politely, “We are the border soldiers who are here to participate in the entrance exam of the Martial Arts Academy, and we are close peers. Mo Xidao from Phoenix Terrace is hosting a party at Guest-Prosper Dwell, trying to meet all the brothers who came from the borders. Brother Mo told me to come here and invite you.”
“Brother Mo is quite famous. Since he is inviting me, how can I say no?” Fang Jie asked, “What time is the party?”
“Tomorrow noon.” Seeing how straightforward Fang Jie was, this border soldier didn’t mind his young age and replied, “We are also familiar with your name, Brother Fang. You earned 21 counts of military merit; it isn’t something that ordinary soldiers could do. We heard that all the bandits within 100 kilometers of Fangu were wiped out under your lead. When we drink at Guest-Prosper Dwell tomorrow, you have to tell us about it!”
“There isn’t much to talk about; it is a part of my duty. Brothers, have you eaten? Do you want to eat with me right now?” Fang Jie asked.
“We won’t bother you any longer. See you tomorrow at noon at Guest-Prosper Dwell!” That border soldier cupped his hands and left decisively.
“The entrance exam is happening the day after tomorrow, yet they are only here to communicate with you today.” Zhuo Buyi smiled and said, “You guys from the military aren’t as well connected as those from big families. I heard that those from big families are already setting up a bet, trying to see who could stomp you, an insignificant young man who was praised by several grand scholars. They said that they will gather a large sum of money and get an exclusive date with Ms. Xi of Beckon of the Red Sleeve for the person who stomps you the most.”
By Ms. Xi, Zhuo Buyi meant Xi Zhuxin.
Fang Jie instantly got angry.
“Are there many people betting in this?” he asked.
“Wang Ding of Yangtze-South Wang Family and Lu Fan of Chen-State Lu Family are all popular in the bet. As for the famous Pei Chuxing and Xie Fuyao, I don’t think they are a part of the bet. Right now, Wang Ding is the hottest. In Drunken-Immortal Pavilion the day before yesterday, he said he will stomp you so hard that you will go back to Fangu and be the little border soldier you are.”
“A stinky pond loach wants to swim in the ocean, huh? He doesn’t know his place!” Zhuo Buyi said with a smile, “These were his exact words.”
Hearing this, Mu Xiaoyao’s expression darkened, and Chen Qingshan’s eyes squinted.
As if he sensed the slight murderous spirit, Xiang Qingniu instantly moved his chair further away.
Fang Jie looked at Mu Xiaoyao and Chen Qingshan before smiling and saying, “Sister Xiaoyao, you should go back to the Royal Guard with Mr. Zhuo. You wouldn’t need to think about liquor all the time. With Mr. Zhuo watching over you, you wouldn’t be able to drink even if you want to.”
Then, Fang Jie turned toward Chen Qingshan and said with a smile, “Look at how thin you are. Your clothes even seem loose on you. Owner, get a place of cooked duck breast for my big sister!”
He was about to say that grow what you eat, but he didn’t dare to say it after seeing Chen Qingshan’s expression. Mu Xiaoyao pouted slightly, and Chen Qingshan squinted her eyes again.
“I wish all the best to you.” Xiang Qingniu moved his chair away a bit more.
Fang Jie sat down and eat the noodles with his head lowered.
Zhuo Buyi smiled proudly upon seeing that he had angered Fang Jie enough.
“I’m not going to pay for the liquor.”
Hearing this, Xiang Qingniu instantly became dispirited. He had the courage to drink liquor, but there was no way that he would pay for it. The only reason he saved that much money was because he was cheap, and he was saving money for something that he had to do and would never regret doing.
“You wouldn’t come here for no reason.”
Fang Jie pushed the bowl of hot noodle soup that was just placed on the table to Xiang Qingniu, then he passed over a pair of chopsticks before saying, “Tell me what is going on that made you come here. If you are here to tell me how good the food at Pure Hollow Daoist Temple is, I will guarantee that I will beat your face into the shape of a butt.”
It looked like Xiang Qingniu was truly hungry; he started to eat even though the food was still steaming. After eating a few bites, he said, “In the last while, I have been wandering on the street when I had time, but I didn’t run into the man in white who sneak-attacked Da Quan. However, I thought for a few days carefully, and it feels like that person is probably from the Buddhist Sect.”
Fang Jie’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly hid it and said with a smile, “The Buddhist Sect? I have no connection to the Buddhist Sect; why would those monks want to cause trouble for me?”
“How would I know?” Xiang Qingniu said while eating, “You came from Fangu, and Fangu is next to the Mongo-Yuan Empire. Essentially, Mongo-Yuan is the Buddhist Sect’s territory. Who knows if you crossed the border at night and watched the saintesses and nuns take bath? After all, it is something shameless that you would do. Besides, it is heard that the female disciples of the Buddhist Sect are all beauties since they are there to serve the monks.”
“Really?” Fang Jie asked.
“If it’s true, I wouldn’t be a daoist and would have become a monk already.” Xiang Qingniu rolled his eyes.
Fang Jie laughed, “Others might do it, but not you. The fact that you are talking normally while sitting across from Sister Xiaoyao and Sister Qingshan is something surprising to me.”
Xiang Qingniu blushed and replied, “Hey, don’t cross the line!”
“Why are you here then!”
“I just want to warn you.” Xiang Qingniu started to stuff his mouth with the steamed buns. “I heard your description of that man, and I feel like he was using the Phaseless Technique of the Buddhist Sect. Since the name is Phaseless, its most basic ability is to hide people’s appearances. Once this technique is completely mastered, he could turn his appearance into anything in the world, such as a blade of grass, a flower, and a tree. Although this sounds crazy, it should be easy for him to alter his appearance. Be careful in the next while. If any stranger tries to get close to you, you have to be aware. If that person knows the Phaseless Technique, perhaps everyone on the street might be him in disguise. For example, he could be this man who is selling hot noodle soup. Of course, he could be the shop owner’s wife as well. Wait, it is tough. Her waist is too thick…”
“It would be great if I can learn it.” Fang Jie thought of something and smiled.
“What are you thinking about?” Xiang Qingniu asked.
“He is thinking about going to a women’s bathhouse,” Zhuo Buyi said as he walked close, and Fang Jie blushed. Then, he smiled awkwardly toward Zhuo Buyi and said, “Reading others’ minds when they aren’t aware is immoral.”
Zhuo Buyi smiled and walked to Mu Xiaoyao before asking, “When are you coming back to the Royal Guard? The Captain wants to see you.”
Mu Xiaoyao froze for a second before asking quietly, “What can I do if I go back?”
“You are a chiliarch of the Royal Guard, so you should return.” Zhuo Buyi sat down and asked for a bowl of hot noodle soup without hesitation. “Although I know that you don’t care much about materialist things, you should know that there are only seven chiliarch positions in the Royal Guard. I don’t want to say how tough it is to get this position; I only want you to be clear-minded and not waste this opportunity. I told you that there are many ways of helping Fang Jie. Wearing the flying-fish robe is one of the good options.”
“I… can’t go back now,” Mu Xiaoyao said quietly.
Zhuo Buyi nodded and replied, “I know, I will wait until Fang Jie finishes the entrance exam of the Martial Arts Academy. If he gets in, he will be able to live in the academy, and it would be impossible for those who want to kill him to sneak in. If Fang Jie is in the Martial Arts Academy for the next three years, you can stay in the Royal Guard and help him.”
“Ok, once Fang Jie gets into the Martial Arts Academy, I will go back to the Royal Guard with you.”
Hearing this reply, Zhuo Buyi smiled and lowered his head to eat the hot noodle soup.
“Who are those two people trying to kill me the other day?” Fang Jie couldn’t help but ask Zhuo Buyi.
“One is a rank 6 official of the Ministry of War. His reason is simple; his little brother who accompanied Wu Peisheng to Fangu died there. He goes by the name Vulture, and he is a henchman of Yu Donglai, the Deputy of the Ministry of War. Because of this, His Majesty is still raging in Smooth Spring Garden. Yu Donglai was demoted from the Head of the Ministry of War to the Deputy, and now he probably would need to resign. The other person bit off his tongue and committed suicide.”
Fang Jie was surprised, and he asked, “You mean you don’t know what his background is?”
“I don’t know.” Zhuo Buyi nodded and didn’t voice the confusion in his mind. “You don’t need to think about these things now. You should better prepare for the entrance exam.”
After saying that, Zhuo Buyi paused a little before laughing, “You are a famous person in Chang’an. At least many people in the central government and the military know your name. Are you prepared to be a famous person?”
Fang Jie didn’t understand what Zhuo Buyi meant, but he suddenly saw a few men in border soldier’s uniforms walking over. Although there were only about seven of them, they moved in unison and appeared dignified. It looked like a military formation was marching forward. The thing that attracted Fang Jie’s attention was their cold presence.
Only those who killed many people could make others feel cold in the summer.
“Excuse me, do you know where Fang Jie lives?”
A soldier walked to this joint, glanced around, and cupped his hands while asking Fang Jie and others.
…
If it were before, Fang Jie would say that he didn’t know who Fang Jie was or he would point them in the wrong direction. However, he didn’t plan to do that today. He could tell that these soldiers weren’t the ones guarded Chang’an; they were border soldiers judging by their uniforms.
In the military of Great Sui, there were royal soldiers, battle soldiers, border soldiers, state soldiers, and other types of soldiers. Although they all wore dark-blue uniforms, the styles were different. The gate soldiers who were under the command of kings couldn’t wear dark-blue uniforms with black armor; they were private soldiers after all.
Most of the people in the world knew that the most elite soldiers of Great Sui were in the 16 Guards. However, Fang Jie was an insider and knew that the border soldiers were the most fierce and murderous. Although the pay and the equipment of border soldiers couldn’t be compared to those of battle soldiers, regardless of how well-trained battle soldiers were, their murderousness couldn’t be compared to the border soldiers who killed enemies every year.
Although Great Sui seemed calm on the surface, small battles were happening every year at remote places close to the borders.
Savages who weren’t willing to listen to Great Sui’s command, bandits who caused chaos in towns, and outlaws who lived in forests and jungles; these people were all targets of border soldiers.
Fang Jie stood up and cupped his hands back at the soldier who asked the question. He replied, “I’m Fang Jie. What do you need?”
That border soldier didn’t expect Fang Jie to be a young man who looked a little scholarly. After a moment of surprise, he quickly replied politely, “We are the border soldiers who are here to participate in the entrance exam of the Martial Arts Academy, and we are close peers. Mo Xidao from Phoenix Terrace is hosting a party at Guest-Prosper Dwell, trying to meet all the brothers who came from the borders. Brother Mo told me to come here and invite you.”
“Brother Mo is quite famous. Since he is inviting me, how can I say no?” Fang Jie asked, “What time is the party?”
“Tomorrow noon.” Seeing how straightforward Fang Jie was, this border soldier didn’t mind his young age and replied, “We are also familiar with your name, Brother Fang. You earned 21 counts of military merit; it isn’t something that ordinary soldiers could do. We heard that all the bandits within 100 kilometers of Fangu were wiped out under your lead. When we drink at Guest-Prosper Dwell tomorrow, you have to tell us about it!”
“There isn’t much to talk about; it is a part of my duty. Brothers, have you eaten? Do you want to eat with me right now?” Fang Jie asked.
“We won’t bother you any longer. See you tomorrow at noon at Guest-Prosper Dwell!” That border soldier cupped his hands and left decisively.
“The entrance exam is happening the day after tomorrow, yet they are only here to communicate with you today.” Zhuo Buyi smiled and said, “You guys from the military aren’t as well connected as those from big families. I heard that those from big families are already setting up a bet, trying to see who could stomp you, an insignificant young man who was praised by several grand scholars. They said that they will gather a large sum of money and get an exclusive date with Ms. Xi of Beckon of the Red Sleeve for the person who stomps you the most.”
By Ms. Xi, Zhuo Buyi meant Xi Zhuxin.
Fang Jie instantly got angry.
“Are there many people betting in this?” he asked.
“Wang Ding of Yangtze-South Wang Family and Lu Fan of Chen-State Lu Family are all popular in the bet. As for the famous Pei Chuxing and Xie Fuyao, I don’t think they are a part of the bet. Right now, Wang Ding is the hottest. In Drunken-Immortal Pavilion the day before yesterday, he said he will stomp you so hard that you will go back to Fangu and be the little border soldier you are.”
“A stinky pond loach wants to swim in the ocean, huh? He doesn’t know his place!” Zhuo Buyi said with a smile, “These were his exact words.”
Hearing this, Mu Xiaoyao’s expression darkened, and Chen Qingshan’s eyes squinted.
As if he sensed the slight murderous spirit, Xiang Qingniu instantly moved his chair further away.
Fang Jie looked at Mu Xiaoyao and Chen Qingshan before smiling and saying, “Sister Xiaoyao, you should go back to the Royal Guard with Mr. Zhuo. You wouldn’t need to think about liquor all the time. With Mr. Zhuo watching over you, you wouldn’t be able to drink even if you want to.”
Then, Fang Jie turned toward Chen Qingshan and said with a smile, “Look at how thin you are. Your clothes even seem loose on you. Owner, get a place of cooked duck breast for my big sister!”
He was about to say that grow what you eat, but he didn’t dare to say it after seeing Chen Qingshan’s expression. Mu Xiaoyao pouted slightly, and Chen Qingshan squinted her eyes again.
“I wish all the best to you.” Xiang Qingniu moved his chair away a bit more.
Fang Jie sat down and eat the noodles with his head lowered.
Zhuo Buyi smiled proudly upon seeing that he had angered Fang Jie enough.
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