Chapter 2: Axe Town - Meeting Point

 2. Axe Town - Meeting Point

    Axe Town was on the Southwest side of Kan Town, located in a remote area surrounded by mountains. To go to the town, one had to pass through a few canyons. The mountains surrounding the town were formed naturally, steep and neatly formed in the shape of an axe, and hence the town was called Axe Town.

　　

    Although the town was not big, it was extremely well-known; there were many tourists due to the exquisite scenery. To enter and leave the city one has to go through a narrow mountain pass. The mountainous town was not small but it sure had the smallest town gate in the Song dynasty. 

　　

    In the early morning on a narrow mountain road, a sharp and clear bell sound travelled from the foot of the mountain.

　　

    At the foot of the mountain, there was a scholar leading a donkey on his way up. 

     

    The scholar was in his twenties, his appearance was that of a piece of paper, although he looked thin, he was energetic. He was good looking, clean and neat, he had long hair and wore a blue robe, his hands were casually placed behind his back, holding the reins of the donkey, not too tight or too loose.

　　

    The small donkey was extremely cute, it was plump and short, it had big ears and big eyes, its coat grey and white and was also very clean looking. On its back sat an even more adorable child. The child was about four to five years old, he was short and from afar he looked like a peanut. He had big eyes and a small nose, a tiny mouth and was neatly dressed, it was obvious that he had a silver-spoon upbringing.

　　

The child was holding a medicine box, sitting on the donkey as he called for the scholar with a cute voice, “Daddy.”

 

That scholar looked like he was barely in his early twenties, did not look like he could have a child that big already, he answered in a pampering voice, “Aih.”

 

“Daddy.” The child moved closer, “We are walking really slow, are we blocking the way for the people behind us?”

 

The scholar turned his head around...he saw there was someone else on their way up.

　　

The mountain pass was long, narrow and steep, it was just wide enough for one person with a horse to pass through, if the person was fat, he might not be able to pass through. If someone else was coming up, then they truly would have blocked the path. 

 

The father and son both turned their heads around, and saw an old man walking neither too fast nor too slow with a thin looking pony pulling a cart filled with grass.

 

The child and the scholar looked at each other and smiled - it doesn’t look like there will be a problem.

　　

“Mister, you’re out so early.” The old man raised his head to look at the scholar and the child, and asked, “Are you a doctor?”

 

The scholar nodded his head, “I am.”

 

“I got it, you’re the one going to help the Yamen?”

 

The scholar was slightly stunned, shook his head, “No, I’m here to buy medicinal herbs, did something happen? Do they need doctors?”

 

The old man was slightly surprised, “Mister, you’re not from here? You don’t know such big news?”

　　

The scholar shook his head.

 

“The Axe town’s most well-known Duan Dao sect was completely wiped out a while ago, there are a lot of bodies!” The old man said with lingering fears, “There are a lot of bodies at Yamen, it was said that diseases from those bodies were infecting the bailiffs, so they’ve been looking for doctors.”

 

    The scholar frowned slightly, “Why are they not cremating the bodies? Although the weather is not considered hot, when the bodies are kept too long, they will cause diseases.”

 

“Who dares to cremate the bodies!” The old man kept shaking his head, “Duan Dao sect belongs to the Dao Alliance, it was said that the head of Dao Alliance Dao Xingfeng has declared that he will give the bodies a grand funeral once they have eliminated the culprit.”

 

The scholar sneered, “They died because of Jianghu fights, not because they sacrificed for their country in war, and they have the audacity to mention a grand funeral?”

　　

“Shush!” The old man quickly waved his hand, “Mister, don’t say that, be careful not to offend the people of the Dao Alliance, they will cause you trouble.”

 

The scholar shook his head and continued to walk; however, he saw the child on the donkey narrowing his eyes looking down at the foot of the mountain and rubbing his eyes occasionally.

　　

“Xiao Sizi.” The scholar rubbed the child’s face, “What are you looking at?”

 

The child called Xiao Si Zi suddenly pointed his finger down towards the foot of the mountain, “Cloud.”

 

The scholar didn’t quite understand, “Cloud?”

 

“Floating....” Xiao Sizi said as he raised his hand.

 

Following his hand movement, the scholar and the old man with the horse cart saw something white flash by, it seemed to have "swished" by the mountain wall and after passing them...it was gone without a trace.

　　

“Was that a cloud, daddy?” Xiao Sizi asked the scholar.

 

The scholar thought for a while and helplessly shook his head, “I didn’t see it clearly.”

　　……

　　

At this moment, from below came a few gong sounds to clear the way.

 

Xiao Sizi looked and quickly turned his head back and grabbed his father’s sleeve, “Daddy look quickly, there are so many people!”

 

The scholar looked and was surprised. 

He wasn’t surprised because of the amount of people, but because he clearly saw the ‘fair and justice’ sign.

　　

“He really came!” The old man looked as well.

 

“Who came?” The scholar was inquisitive.

 

“Mister, you really don’t know anything, such a big case happened at Axe town, Kaifeng magistrate Lord Bao is here to investigate!”

　　

　　……

　　

At the base of the mountain.

 

Pang Taishi raised his head, gazed at the narrow and long mountain pass, and thought that he needed to measure his waist to check if he could squeeze through. Lord Bao was also concerned, with all those soldiers, if they formed a line to move upwards, there was no knowing how long it would take for everyone to pass, maybe a part of the troops should be stationed at the foot of the mountain. 

　　

Zhan Zhao stood at the entrance of the mountain pass and looked at the top of the mountain...from a distance he could see there were people walking on the path, they were walking slowly too. He had good vision and spotted the chubby child sitting on the donkey’s back, looking very cute, so he waved at the child.

　　

Xiao Sizi, to his surprise, saw someone wearing red waving at him from afar so he also waved. 

 

The scholar pinched his face, “Who are you waving at?”

 

“There is a gege.” Xiao Sizi reached out his hand and pointed at Zhan Zhao at the foot of the mountain.

Gege: big brother

Zhan Zhao had to tease a child even though they were separated by half a mountain, Bao Zheng was speechless, Zhan Zhao had two large interests - eat delicious food and play with small animals, including children. 

 

“My Lord, let’s rest here for a while before we go up, there is an elderly and child, I reckon they will walk slowly.” Zhan Zhao turned his head to speak to Bao Zheng. 

 

Lord Bao nodded, expressing to do as he said, but not forgetting to point towards Pang Ji behind him, “Let him stay at the back, if by any chance the carriage slips, it won’t fall apart with him as a cushion; if we let him stay at the front and by chance he rolls down, it will be as if we triggered a trap.” 

 

Zhan Zhao sealed his lips to stop himself from laughing, from behind Pang Ji perked his ears up and asked, “Bao Zheng, are you talking bad about me?”

 

Pang Ji’s roar was filled with anger and it travelled far, the scholar could hear halfway through the mountain pass. He looked down in surprise and saw an extremely tanned man with extraordinary temperament standing next to the man wearing red - his heart jumped slightly, this is the legendary Bao Qingtian? As expected, so dark!

　　

As he was still in thought, a troop of soldiers and horses suddenly came from the top of the mountain.

 

The scholar turned his head and frowned. He saw a few bailiffs with an official behind them. Judging by his official garment, he was the local district magistrate.

　　

"Aiya!” The district magistrate looked like he was in a hurry to go to the foot of the mountain to welcome Bao Zheng, however he didn’t expect his way to be blocked halfway down.

 

“Move out of the way, move!” A few bailiffs shouted.

 

The little donkey brayed as it was pushed to one side.

 

The scholar quickly reached out his hand to resist, seeing Xiao Sizi did not fall or was harmed, he sighed in relief, knitted his eyebrows and looked at the district magistrate, “My Lord, how could you push a child?”

 

The district magistrate frowned, “Where did you come from, hurry and clear the way, your Lord needs to descend the mountain.”

　　

The scholar sneered, “My Lord, who is at the base of the mountain, you know better than me, if this child cried at this moment, who do you think he will help?”

　　

The magistrate was taken aback for a moment, he looked up and down the scholar, he saw that his appearance was outstanding, he didn’t look like an ordinary person.

 

“Do you understand why Lord Bao isn’t ascending the mountain and is waiting at the base?” The scholar smiled with a sense of unusual intelligence and craftiness. “Think about it, you’re afraid of the people of Jianghu and did not deal with the corpses that caused a corpse plague; you haven’t solved the case due to your incompetence for so long, be careful…” He said as he gently rubbed his neck, “Can you see how dazzling those three guillotines behind are? If someone died because of the plague, my Lord, I’m not scaring you, at any time you may need to pay for it with your own life.”

　　

After those few sentences, the magistrate broke out in cold sweat.

 

After all this time as a magistrate, he had at least the ability to make discerning judgments, he turned his eyes to the scholar and curtsied, “Mister, how can I call you?”

 

“Surname name, Gongsun, name, Ce.” The scholar also greeted the magistrate.

 

“Mister Gongsun, what would you suggest?”

 

Gongsun smiled slightly, “If my Lord wants to turn this disaster into something good, it’s not difficult.”

 

“Please enlighten me Mister! I will reward you handsomely...”

            

“That won’t be necessary.” Gongsun pointed behind, “Lord Bao probably won’t be flattered with this grand welcome, you don’t need to pick him up, rush back to your residence, build several congees stands and provide more rations to your citizens. If Lord Bao asks why you haven’t dealt with the bodies, you can say you’re worried those unreasonable people of Jianghu might harm the citizens.”

　　

The magistrate gave it a thought, thinking it was reasonable and logical, thanked Gongsun hastily and led his men up the mountain.

　　

At the base of the mountain, Zhan Zhao turned his head sideways as if he was listening to something, slightly curled the corner of his mouth, he appeared to be in a good mood.

 

“Guard Zhan, what are you listening to?” Pang Taishi also turned his head sideways, “Is the mountain wind pleasant to hear?”

 

“Pleasant to hear!” Zhan Zhao nodded, “It has a sound of profoundness”

 

Taishi was confused, how can you hear profoundness? 

　　

After Gongsun had sent away the magistrate, he continued to lead his donkey upwards. As he walked, he looked down the path. He had originally wanted to glance at Bao Zheng, that honest and upright official had an outstanding reputation, and he was interested how he would solve the case. 

 

But this time, Gongsun only saw the red clothed young man giving him a thumbs up.

 

Gongsun was taken aback, lightly touched his chin, Lord Bao sure had capable men.

　　

……

 

After Gongsun’s group entered the town, Zhan Zhao waved at the soldiers who had already lined up behind him, “Ascend the mountain.”

 

And so, the inspection troop began to ascend the mountain majestically.

 

Halfway through, Pang Taishi could no longer walk, all the men painstakingly looked at Zhan Zhao, meaning - don’t carry him, he’s at least 100kg.

 

Finally, without choice, Zhan Zhao asked Pang Ji, “Taishi, are you afraid of dizziness?”

 

“What dizziness.” Taishi breathed desperately, “I’m about to pass out.”

 

“Alright then.” Zhan Zhao reached out his hand and grabbed Pang Taishi’s belt, he leaped...

 

The crowd saw him jump up like a swallow and when he landed, he steadily landed in front of the town gate at the peak of the mountain.

 

Pang Taishi sat on his buttocks, giddy with his head spinning.

By the time Taishi had cleared his head, Bao Zheng had also arrived, and the group entered the town together. 

 

Bao Zheng entered through the town gates only to discover there were no men welcoming him. The street was clean, the local businesses were lively, and there were even congee stands and medicine stations helping the poor. The corners of his mouth curled slightly, of course...only those with good vision could tell.

　　

Pang Ji was not pleased, “What kind of county official is he; he doesn’t know to come and welcome us.” 

 

Bao Zheng rolled his eyes and led everyone to the magistrate’s residence.

            　　

Zhan Zhao looked around and saw there was a waiter pulling a cute donkey to the back from the entrance of an inn not too far away. 

 

“My Lord.” Zhan Zhao said to Bao Zheng, “I want to look around.”

 

Bao Zheng nodded, he really admired Zhan Zhao. Never underestimate his young age, his harmlessness and his adorable smile, his stomach was full of ideas, he was never at a disadvantage and was especially good at handling affairs, ever since he joined, Bao Zheng had only nodded to him and never shook his head.

 

He left the majestic troops and entered the inn.

 

Pang Ji gathered close and asked Bao Zheng, “Is guard Zhan hungry?”

 

Bao Zheng stroked his beard, “He naturally has his reasons.”

 

Pang Ji was silent for a while, and asked in a low voice, "Now, old Bao, confess."

            

Bao Zheng looked at him in puzzlement, “Confess what?”

 

“You treat Zhan Zhao especially well!” Pang Ji smiled mischievously, “I’m asking, is he your son?”

 

Bao Zheng stared at him for a while then agape, then fiercely said: “I spit!”

 

Taishi gloomily wiped the spit off his face, not certain if his “darkness” could spread...

　　

Zhan Zhao wandered into the inn, scanned the lower floor and didn’t find what he was looking for, so he went to the second floor, as expected, he saw Gongsun and Xiao Sizi sitting at the table ordering food.

 

Xiao Sizi saw him, Zhan Zhao met his gaze for a moment and smiled.

 

Children were somewhat sensitive, they could sense kindness and malice, Zhan Zhao’s smile caused him to smile.

 

After Gongsun finished ordering, he lowered his head and saw Xiao Sizi smiling towards the stairs therefore, he raised his head to look...

　　

Gongsun saw Zhan Zhao and felt his eyes brighten, what an energetic young man, his aura of gentleness was truly particular, almost like a fine jade but without covering it’s rough edges. 

 

Zhan Zhao also felt awakened, this scholar was really special; a gentleman but with a touch of Jianghu, but he could see that it was because of his personality and not because of his martial art, and with a child, they were pleasing to the eyes!

　　

Zhan Zhao was quick to familiarise himself with others. He walked towards the table, “I am Zhan Zhao, let’s sit together?”

 

Gongsun smiled, as it turned out it’s the famous hero from the South.

 

After a short self-introduction, Gongsun asked the waiter to add another set of bowls and chopsticks, Zhan Zhao ordered a few more dishes, and he generously offered to pay for the meal.

　　

Inside the restaurant was lively, the outside also wasn’t deserted. 

 

Bao Zheng and Pang Ji led their troops into the local official’s residence and another troop of men and horses also entered the town.

The crowds tensed up as they saw the people of Jianghu wearing mourning clothes arriving in town with weapons.

 

Customers upstairs at the restaurant crowded together to watch, Zhan Zhao also extended his head out to look and saw Dao Xingfeng leading the troop with a serious expression.

 

Zhan Zhao frowned slightly - Dao Xingfeng made his name thirty years ago from a nobody to the head of the Dao Alliance, he was definitely not going to be easy to deal with. Apart from the already wiped out Duan Dao sect, there were thirteen similar big and small sects, forming alliances with them; their prowess was huge. His sword techniques should also not be underestimated, although Zhan Zhao had never fought with him, but he had heard he was prone to use fast sword techniques, and hence he was true to his name, dao xing ru feng*.

 

*Dao xing ru feng: sword like the wind, the same Xing and Feng as Dao Xingfeng’s name

 

Dao Xingfeng strutted looking as if he was heading towards Yamen.

 

Zhan Zhao pondered, stroked Xiao Sizi’s head and said to Gongsun, “Mister…”

 

Gongsun smiled, “Brother Zhan, make haste back to Yamen to help, we will be staying at an inn, if fate allows let’s meet again.”

 

Zhan Zhao smiled and nodded, “Certainly.” He did not leave through the stairs after he finished speaking, he went to the rooftop to race back to the government office.

　　

Gongsun and Xiao Sizi finished their meal and went downstairs.

 

Gongsun let Xiao Sizi wait outside the door as he went to the back to get his donkey.

 

Xiao Sizi waited obediently, then saw a young girl not far away, sitting and crying.

 

Xiao Sizi saw the girl looked familiar.... she looked like the singing girl from the restaurant, the one Zhan Zhao gave a silver coin to, she was quite joyful, why was she crying now?

　　

“Sister.” Xiao Sizi walked over to her and asked, “Why are you crying?”

 

The maiden raised her head to look at Xiao Sizi, she wiped her tears and mud off her face, a little surprised.

 

Xiao Sizi took out a handkerchief and helped to clean her face, “Why are you crying? Did you trip?”

 

The little girl sobbed and sniffled, “I was going to buy medicine for my grandpa using the silver coin the young master gave me, but it was snatched by the local bullies.”

 

“They are so bad!” Xiao Sizi seemed resentful, but he didn’t have any money on him. I will ask daddy for some money to give to the young girl when he comes. 

 

Just as he thought so, a hand stretched over. Xiao Sizi saw a white sleeve, the fabric was of good quality, and also a white, beautiful hand.

 

The man's hand was not thick or thin, and the joints were distinct, clean and well-proportioned. While Xiao Sizi admired the hand's beauty, a silver coin was placed in the girl's hand.

　　

The maiden raised her head, but she couldn’t see anyone there.

 

Xiao Sizi hurriedly turned his head; he rubbed his eyes - was that his imagination? Just as he was turning his body, he seemed to have seen the same cloud he saw on the mountain pass!

　　

When Gongsun came back, he was puzzled when he saw Xiao Sizi and the maiden staring at each other.

 

At this moment, two local ruffians ran over from not far and knelt in front of the girl with a thud.

The little maiden was surprised, and quickly put away her money, fearing that she would be robbed again, but when she took a closer look, the two bullies seemed to have changed after not seeing them for a short while?

 

“My la...my lady, here’s your silver coin.” The ruffian obediently returned the silver coin he had just robbed from the little girl.

 

The little girl took the silver coin and was in a daze.

 

The two ruffians pleaded, “My lady, will you allow us to take care of your grandpa for a month? Please!”

　　

Gongsun stared for a while and tilted his head - Aiya! The citizens of Axe Town were so honest! Even the local ruffians were warm-hearted.

　　

On the second floor of a restaurant not far away.

 

A noble young master wearing purple garment stood by the window, shaking his head, “Why is he going through such an effort to assist an unknown girl.” 

　　

Just then not far behind him, a man dressed in white opened the door and came in. Unknown if he had heard it or not. The man walked to the table and took something, then turned and left again.

 

The man dressed in purples sighed helplessly and shook his head, "He's so cold, he's not even acknowledging me. When you smile, will there be red rain?"