Chapter 19 : To Topple

"Stay away of Chen's royal house." Nangong Qiushui's words, heavy as stone, lingered in Li Yongyi's ears as he lay on his rough stone bed. The weight of "Chen's royal house" and her promise to reveal their past only beyond Chen's borders stirred dark conjectures in his mind.

Was the poison afflicting him the work of the royal house? Had his unseen parents and uncle fallen to their hands? Each thought, more ominous than the last, gnawed at him.

Chen, a colossus astride the Jiangnan, its systems vast and unyielding, posed grave peril to him and his auntie. They must flee, yet escape demanded a city registry, a sealed pass. In war's shadow, such passes required vermilion approval, or the border's iron cavalry would cut down trespassers. Beyond, martial prowess and gold were needed to thrive.

Sleepless, Li Yongyi's thoughts churned like bubbles in boiling water. Ten years of flight—from a toddler of three to a youth of thirteen—had brought them near Chen's border, yet obstacles loomed. Sitting up, he traced patterns on the thin bedsheet, arranging porcelain vials and a silver coin to map the world.

Jiangnan and parts of the Central Plains fell under Chen, its rivers and peaks fostering rich culture—a silver coin. Northward, Ying claimed the Central Plains and beyond, eyeing all lands—a great bowl. Beyond northern passes, Turkic khans ruled vast steppes with unmatched cavalry. West of Ying, Tuyuhun honed its forces. Between them, myriad tribes mingled, while Ying and the Turks clashed with Khitan and Rouran in the northeast.

In spring's starlit night, insect songs drifted. Li's dark eyes reflected his makeshift map—bowls, vials, coins—a chaotic world in miniature. Three centuries of turmoil had reduced the emperor to a figurehead. Tribes warred; Ying battled Turks, Tuyuhun, and Rouran, striking Chen when able. In buffer zones, petty warlords and bandits thrived, fueling rangers spirit.

Gazing at his "world map," Li's brows knotted. "What a wretched age!" Yet, recalling Yue Qingfeng's mountain-shattering might despite injury, he grasped why unity eluded this world.

His path was clear: hone his martial skills, amass three hundred silver taels, and escape Chen safely. Yawning, he stretched, gazing at the thatched ceiling, fists set to topple Chen, feet to trample Turks. Rolling over, he slept, as if kicking down the world.

Morning found him refreshed, his superior inner art sustaining his vigor. He bought cheap pastries to share with old neighbors, hired an oxcart, and moved to a new home. The tidy courtyard had a clean brick well, two bedrooms, a guest room, kitchen, and storeroom. A nearby cellar and lacquered wooden furniture added modest dignity, its street-side location convenient.

Coachman Zhao bing arrived in a Xue-decorated carriage, softening the neighbors' wary glances into warmth. Their first meal in the new home: steamed fish, stir-fried greens, white rice. After lunch, Li Yongyi donned his blue robe, leather belt, and jade amulet, striding toward the Xue estate.

In Guanwing City, news traveled swiftly—Li Yongyi's Xue employment and new home reached Rejuvenation Hall. Clerks regretted not befriending him, planning visits. The old shopkeeper studied medical texts, unmoved. Dr. Chen, sipping goji tea in the sun, chuckled, "The young master got thrashed all night by the owner—mere flesh wounds, no broken bones. The old man's skill is peerless!" He lamented the son's weakness.

Chen asked, "Li Yongyis rising. You helped him—won't you visit?" The shopkeeper replied, "No. Helping a struggling child is my code, not for gain." Chen laughed, "Stubborn old mule!" Later, at a tavern, the shopkeeper ordered cheap wine, but the fat owner brought fine liquor. "From Li Yongyi," he said, presenting a cask. "You wrote him a reference, paid him a month's wage, no strings. He gifts you aged wine, no fuss—the way of underworld ."

The shopkeeper drank, the liquor's fierce spirit lifting his lips.

On the street, Li saw a crowd around ornate-clad guards posting a scroll. "A fugitive from abroad! Silver for their trail!" His steps halted. Could Yue Qingfeng have returned?

**(End of Chapter)**