Chapter 98: The Humble Households of Shu (Part 2)
The elder scrutinized Zhang Chi and Daoxuan carefully, then glanced at Bai Xue. “Indeed, this is a mount from Emei,” he said.
Yet the elder said nothing further to Zhang Chi and Daoxuan. Instead, he instructed the masked woman to go under the ancient tree at the village center, saying he would soon gather everyone to discuss matters together.
Zhang Chi assumed the masked woman was only cold toward him, but it turned out she was like this with everyone. When the elder gave his orders, she simply responded with a cold “Yes,” her tone as expressionless as ice.
“Isn’t it uncomfortable to keep your face covered all the time?” Zhang Chi teased.
“I am an assassin. I will never let others remember my face. Anyone who has seen me has already been killed,” she replied.
It seemed this woman had sacrificed much to become an assassin. Beauty is a woman's nature, and judging by her age, she was no older than Zhang Chi himself. Yet she covered her face every day—such a waste of youthful years. Zhang Chi wondered if she ever looked in a mirror, his curiosity quietly stirring within.
The masked woman snorted coldly. “You’d better mind your own business. If you can’t clearly explain the origin of that horse later, don’t blame me if you don’t die whole.”
“Could this be ‘Hanmen’?” Zhang Chi asked, untroubled.
“This is Hanmen, but Hanmen is not this place,” she answered. “To be precise, this is a temporary branch of Hanmen.”
The village was small, with few people. On the way to the ancient tree, Zhang Chi heard villagers greeting the masked woman in several different accents.
At the old tree in the village center, a crowd soon gathered. They were orderly, standing silently around an open space before the tree.
One man stepped forward. With thick eyebrows and striking features, he radiated a rare kind of handsome vigor—especially in the Wei-Jin period when men favored powdered faces and oiled hair, such masculine charm was uncommon.
Seeing the masked woman standing beneath the tree, the man approached. “Senior Sister Dark Blade, was the assassination of that corrupt official a success this time?”
Only then did Dark Blade’s tone soften slightly, though still expressionless. She shook her head. “I failed.”
The man was named He Gulao. He was not truly Dark Blade’s junior apprentice; they had different masters. But as fellow Hanmen members stationed in the same branch, He Gulao always called her senior sister, and she never objected.
He Gulao was understanding. “Senior Sister Dark Blade failed? That official must have been wary and prepared. Don’t blame yourself. Such a corrupt official is bound to die sooner or later. Next time, I will go with you and ensure his head falls.”
Dark Blade’s clear eyes looked at him. Though her demeanor was icy, a hint of tenderness seemed to shine through the frost.
The difference in treatment between people was evident. Zhang Chi smiled wryly—why did they look at him as if he were a murderer, but at He Gulao with such affection? It seemed handsome men, regardless of era, always won favor.
Lost in thought, Zhang Chi noticed the elder approach. He Gulao quickly saluted respectfully. “Leader.”
This elder was the head of the Hanmen branch.
The leader nodded and stepped into the circle. In a loud voice, he announced, “A few days ago, I sent Dark Blade to assassinate the corrupt official Huo Guquan, but she failed. He is surely prepared now. I have gathered you all to discuss a plan to kill this official and rid the people of harm!”
Another man spoke from the crowd. “Leader, since the official is prepared, if we strike now, brothers will surely die. Perhaps we should wait for a better opportunity.”
“Nonsense!” He Gulao shouted loudly. “We are refugees from the Northern lands, our homes trampled by the barbarians. We fled to Shu, and now those barbarians threaten Shu as well. Can we allow them to abuse Han women and slaughter Han people again?”
Most of the refugees from the North bore deep grudges against the barbarians and shouted, “No!”
He Gulao continued passionately, “Our Han officials think nothing of their people and instead side with the barbarians, handing over vast northern lands and now even Shu! Should such a corrupt official live?”
“Should be killed! Should be killed!” the crowd roared.
“Exactly,” He Gulao turned back to the leader. “Such an official cannot remain. The barbarians have already attacked six northern Shu commanderies—Lueyang, Tianshui, Fufeng, Shiping, Wudu, and Yinping. These commanderies guard the northern gates of Shu. If the barbarians take them, the people of Shu will suffer.”
He Gulao’s words moved everyone deeply.
“We are willing to risk our lives to assassinate the official!” many cried. “Most of us Hanmen came from the North, scattered and separated by the barbarians. We will not let them reach Shu!”
The leader nodded approvingly at their willingness to sacrifice. “But the official is on guard. To succeed, someone must first lure away the guards, then another can strike. Whether success or failure, the one who distracts the guards will almost certainly not survive.”
“I will lure the guards away,” Dark Blade said coldly and resolutely.
“No!” He Gulao rushed to stop her.
He had long admired Dark Blade and was unwilling to see her risk herself. He wanted to volunteer himself, but thinking better of it, he said, “Brother, none of us Hanmen fear death; all want to sacrifice for righteousness. If one volunteers, all will want the most dangerous task. Better to draw lots so everyone has a chance and it seems fair.”
Though Zhang Chi had not been in this world long after his transmigration, he had experienced many intrigues and schemes. His mind had grown cunning. At first, he might have been deceived by He Gulao’s righteous words, but not now.
In truth, He Gulao wanted glory without the risk. He did not want to die himself or see his beloved die, dressing his selfishness in noble rhetoric. It was laughable.
Finding it amusing, Zhang Chi laughed aloud.
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