Chapter 9: Murderous Intent

The Chang'an official circles had gained another laughingstock.

"Fish is what I desire; bear's paw is also what I desire. When both cannot be obtained together, I would rather take the bear's paw than the fish. Life is what I desire; righteousness is also what I desire. When both cannot be obtained together, I would rather sacrifice life for righteousness..."

Perhaps recalling the children's recitation he heard that day at the Misty Study, Xue Chongxun took out the Mencius and read for a while.

The garden bloomed with carefully arranged splendor, spring's green leaves and red flowers competing in their display, creating a scene of opulent beauty. Dressed in hemp cloth and holding an antique thread-bound book, Xue Chongxun somewhat resembled a scholar. He asked the illiterate maid beside him, "Do you know why Mencius emerged during the Eastern Zhou period?"

The maid shook her head blankly.

Xue Chongxun explained, "Because the feudal lords fought each other without scruple, slaughtering entire cities and burning everything, completely losing their humanity. The world had become nothing but killing and strife. Then someone stood up to advocate benevolence and righteousness, promoting the goodness in human nature, bringing a glimmer of light and warmth to the world."

The maid, thinking he spoke of grand matters like royal principles and cosmic mysteries, stood in reverent awe despite understanding nothing.

Pacing a few solitary steps, Xue Chongxun continued as if talking to himself, "But Mencius failed to realize his ideals. The world remained unpeaceful, people still lacked virtue, and the wars continued - even intensified. Because if you show mercy, others won't. When they get the chance, they'll destroy you without hesitation."

After a moment's thought, he added, "Yet Mencius' legacy endures through millennia, showing people's hearts yearn for his teachings."

Though human hearts incline towards goodness, they aren't solely good. Since the Yellow Emperor battled Chi You, when humans first learned to use stones, they mastered war. As long as human nature exists, conflict persists.

How would Feng Yuanjun seek revenge? Xue Chongxun pondered. Though he couldn't guess specifics, he knew Feng wouldn't swallow this humiliation.

A narrow-minded, self-important man wronged would rage despite the opponent's status. Anger made one vulnerable. Like a silent wolf eyeing sheepfold prey, Xue Chongxun waited patiently.

Suddenly, commotion arose at the garden gate. "What's the disturbance?" Xue Chongxun called out. The voice of the cook, Bu Tuo Xishi, answered: "Young master, save my child..."

"Bring her here," Xue Chongxun ordered.

Admitted past the gatekeepers, Bu Tuo Xishi entered with groom Pang Er. Resembling her daughter Pei Niang like an elder sister, her delicate features now tear-streaked. She collapsed at Xue Chongxun's feet, clutching his robe hem. "Save Pei Niang, I beg you!"

"Calm yourself. Explain what happened."

Sobbing convulsively, Bu Tuo Xishi wailed, "I took Pei Niang to the West Market for new undergarments... Then men grabbed her..."

Pang Er summarized bluntly: "Pei Niang was taken by Feng Yuanjun's men."

"Feng Yuanjun seizing a maid..." Xue Chongxun initially surprised, then comprehended. Humiliated but unable to challenge Princess Taiping's heir, Feng sought petty revenge through Xue's chambermaid.

Xue Chongxun's contempt deepened. Such pettiness! Even Feng's powerful brother Gao Lishi would rage at this folly.

Bu Tuo Xishi lamented wildly about Pei Niang's purity and future. Crude but truthful words.

After contemplation, Xue Chongxun commanded, "I'll handle this. Pang Er, prepare horses. Summon Fang Yuzhong to the Misty Study."

Exiting the Duke Wei mansion, Xue Chongxun entered the Misty Study's side chamber where twenty retainers waited, including a ghostly woman in black veils - San Niang.

Fang Yuzhong presented Feng's estate layout: five entrances, 123 residents, twenty guards. Xue Chongxun approved the plan to storm the main gate, overwhelm guards, then force Feng to surrender Pei Niang.

"Weapons?" Xue Chongxun asked. "Clubs. Avoid fatalities. Prepare to depart." Dismissing others, he privately instructed San Niang: "Confirm Feng's identity, then strike lethally."

His eyes glinted deadly resolve. Ruthlessness defined true mastery.

San Niang, whose life he'd saved, requested escape funds if needed. Xue Chongxun offered gold and banking documents, adding coldly, "But remember - guilt is determined by power, not law. The choice is yours."

The stage was set. Xue Chongxun's quiet wolf finally bared its fangs.