Chapter Four:
“That Fool is Wanted.”
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A few weeks later, news and rumors spread like wildfire throughout the five nations. First, there was news that the emperor had secretly been hiding an empress all along, which explained his lack of urgency in selecting one of his concubines as Empress. However, the Empress had been kidnapped, leaving the emperor with no choice but to issue a decree and seek cooperation from the nations to find his beloved.
The second set of rumors centered around the second wife of Sect Leader Shen, a rather scandalous woman known for her questionable activities. Some rumors even suggested that she sought relations with young men twice her age and paid them for their services. After all, why else would they associate with someone like her? There were also allegations that she masterminded the Empress's kidnapping to secure her daughter's position in the emperor's harem. Solid evidence, including letters exchanged between her and her lover discussing the abduction plan, along with a cache of jewelry and the clothes and weapons used in the crime, was discovered by the emperor himself.
As a result, the entire Shen family was under arrest. For the time being, the man who had kidnapped the Empress was in the custody of Prime Minister Dong Haitao, who was determined to extract information about the Empress's whereabouts. Until he was proven innocent and the Shen family cleared of involvement in the crime, they would remain under arrest. Should they be found guilty, the entire sect would face punishment for seven generations, and Sect Leader Shen would be stripped of his position as Governor in the Imperial Court.
"Heavens! What did you expect? Concubine Mengtao is so full of herself that she forgets her true place!" one older woman exclaimed as she and other ladies gossiped by the river while doing laundry. Xiaoniao and Lixin happened to be resting nearby, and they couldn't help but overhear the conversation. They had been traveling non-stop for a week or two, with three more days to go before reaching their destination.
"If I recall correctly, didn't her mother work at the Flower Fragrance brothel?" another lady mentioned while rinsing her clothes. The rest of the women nodded in agreement.
"You're absolutely right! No wonder she can't resist throwing herself at every strapping young man she sees!" a third lady chimed in.
"It looks like the Shen clan's pristine reputation will be tarnished because of her greed. I feel sorry for the poor little Empress, torn away from her beloved by Concubine Mengtao just to push her daughter into the emperor's arms. Hmph! I don't want to be unkind, but that daughter of Concubine Mengtao doesn't seem as divine as they proclaim her to be!" the first lady stated.
"I couldn't agree more, Sister. The emperor doesn't seem interested in her at all, and His Majesty appears to have eyes only for his beloved. I heard from people in the capital that the emperor is planning to dismiss the harem, but his ministers won't agree," added the second lady.
"Not only that, my scholar brother, who works in the Imperial court, told me that His Majesty specifically recalled Marshall Wu from the South just to dispatch him in search of the Empress in every nation. Even the Prime Minister, who is wealthy, offered a hefty sum of gold as a reward for anyone who can locate the Empress, all to ease the emperor's worries. Ayah! Who would have thought that one person could create such chaos?" the third lady contributed.
Xiaoniao couldn't help but choke on his apple as he listened to their conversation. He frantically wiped the trail of apple juice from his mouth using his sleeve and stared awkwardly at them.
'They said Empress, are they referring to me? Nah, impossible. They said the Empress is a woman, so it's highly unlikely,' he thought.
"But, Sister, I heard that the little Empress is a male. Do you think it's true?" the second lady asked.
Xiaoniao remained silent, uncertain how to react to that.
"Ayah! That's just a rumor! Can't you see that our emperor has 33 beauties in his harem, and none of them is male! Sister, you're spouting nonsense!" the third lady scolded.
'Yeah, you're spouting nonsense, Madam! There's no way that bastard would happily hold me in his arms. He'd rather see my head rolling off my body instead!' Xiaoniao thought.
Unbeknownst to him, an infant-sized egg was hidden in the bushes nearby, gazing at him with longing.
***
While people reveled in their gossip about this issue, the entire Zephyr Citadel Sect was plunged into chaos.
Sect Leader Shen faced punishment from the elders for failing to properly educate his second wife.
These sanctions were decreed by the emperor himself, leading Shen into six days of seclusion within the inner part of Windsong Plateau for introspection.
Even the elders agreed that it might be time to bestow the title of Sect Leader upon Shen Yuze. For Concubine Mengtao, this foreboded grievance. If Yuze assumed leadership, she feared he would promptly expel her from the sect along with her daughters.
She lamented her fate, unable to provide a son like Young Master Peng and Madam Peiling. Instead, she had two seemingly useless daughters who couldn't even compete for the coveted title of Sect Leader.
The elderly woman, consumed by her frustrations, vented her anger on the objects strewn across her table. Objects that bore no fault were subjected to her fury.
"Mother, please calm yourself," Xing Mei spoke with a calm demeanor as she approached her mother. She retrieved a wooden box from the floor, dusted it off, and gently placed it back in its rightful spot.
Her mother glared at her, pointing mockingly. "You! You're such a worthless child! You can't even bring me honor!"
Xing Mei merely rolled her eyes, as if disregarding her mother's words. She seated herself casually in her mother's chair.
"Have you finished venting your anger now?" she inquired casually, proceeding to instruct her attendant, Yanjin, to prepare some tea. Her mother huffed and took a seat across from her, angrily striking the table.
"Just who on earth would have an interest in kidnapping that fool and using us as scapegoats? Oh, I'll make sure to tear whoever is responsible into pieces!" Concubine Mengtao vented her frustration.
"In truth, Mother, it wasn't that difficult to determine who's at fault," Xing Mei stated, causing her mother to furrow her brow.
"What do you mean?" Madam Mengtao asked.
"If a bird wishes to fly away, it must find a way to escape the golden cage," Xing Mei said cryptically. Yanjun returned with a tray bearing two cups and a teapot. She poured the tea into both cups and handed them to the two ladies.
Concubine Mengtao furrowed her brow further, unable to grasp the meaning of her daughter's words. Unlike Xing Mei, she had never had the opportunity to study and cultivate, as her mother had worked at a brothel. Thus, Concubine Mengtao's obsession with status and power made her miss the subtleties of her daughter's words.
"What do you mean?" the older woman pressed. Xing Mei gazed directly into her mother's eyes.
"That fool kidnapped himself," she declared. Concubine Mengtao stared at her daughter, bewildered.
It appeared that her daughter had cultivated to a degree that had elevated Qi to her head.
"Don't fret, Mother. I'll handle it myself. I believe it's best if you keep an eye on Yuze; I have a feeling he's involved in our recent streak of misfortune," Xing Mei said before leaving her mother's quarters. Yanjin followed closely behind, and they entered Xing Mei's quarters. She waved Yanjin closer.
"Inform our Master of the current turn of events. We need to be prepared. Something doesn't feel right," Xing Mei instructed as she sat at her table.
"My lady, should I also notify Lady Rouwei to dispatch some of our men to search for that fool?" Yanjin asked as she began grinding ink.
Xing Mei nodded and replied, "Yes, we must ensure that fool never has the chance to rise too high. It should be me who fulfills the destiny of the Phoenix."
Xing Mei nodded again and smiled. "Of course, my lady. You are the only one worthy of becoming the Phoenix soaring high in the sky. Rest assured, my lady, Rouwei and I will not let you down," Yanjin vowed.
Xing Mei smirked. "I was never mistaken in choosing both of you as my sworn sisters," she said with pride.
***
In the land of icy mountains, Frostgate Outpost stands as a testament to resilience. Nestled at the meeting point of the North and West Nations, it boasts the impenetrable Stonewrought Sanctum walls and the serene greenery of Verdant Enigma Grove.
Every morning, this lively outpost comes to life. People, bundled in thick furs, make their way to the bustling market square. Colorful stalls offer warm, steaming bowls of hearty soup, while traders passionately haggle over rare herbs collected from the northern slopes.
Houses here are hewn from robust stone, adorned with intricate carvings that tell stories of bravery and valor. Roaring fires within these homes ward off the winter chill, sending plumes of white smoke into the crisp, frigid air.
Children's laughter fills the air as they gleefully sled down snow-covered hills, and elders gather around the central hearth to share tales of bygone days. The clang of blacksmiths' hammers resonates throughout, crafting tools designed to withstand the harshest of winters.
Frostgate stands as a portal between two nations.
As for someone like Xiaoniao, now considered a rogue cultivator, this place could be quite accommodating.
With a deep sigh, Xiaoniao settled onto a bamboo-made sofa and took a small sip of his freshly brewed tea. For the past three months, this had become his morning routine. Each day, he'd sit in the foyer of the modestly refurbished cabin he had acquired at a bargain price. Meanwhile, Lixin would be bustling in the kitchen, and Yanfang handled the laundry down by the river behind their home.
Thinking of Yanfang, Xiaoniao couldn't help but reminisce about how they had crossed paths once more.
While on their way to ascend the mountains, Xiaoniao and Lixin encountered a group of rogue cultivators. This group was peddling stolen magical artifacts, holy weapons, and even engaging in the illicit slave trade at exorbitant prices. It was all considered highly illegal.
Facing financial constraints, Xiaoniao had decided to barter the hairpin he had pilfered from Concubine Mengtao at a premium. With this newfound wealth, he had purchased a small house and a plot of land. The land would serve as the foundation for cultivating rice and vegetables, which he intended to sell later, thus establishing a sustainable source of income.
Drawing on his past life experiences, Xiaoniao had learned the value of resourcefulness. Despite his status as an empress in a previous life, he had never truly possessed anything. Thus, he had mastered the art of quietly engaging in business, with the help of Yanfang. Fortunately, the skills he had honed in his past life proved to be immensely beneficial now.
As Xiaoniao negotiated with the buyer, he couldn't help but notice a face that stirred a sense of familiarity among the dirt-covered and malnourished individuals huddled inside a cage wagon. Two large, plum-blossom-colored eyes locked onto him, radiating youthful and energetic enchantment. The young boy's blackish-brown hair sprawled wildly, concealed beneath layers of dirt. His once-expensive clothing was now in tatters, caked with mud.
The confusion etched across the boy's face was evident. His hands and feet were bound, surrounded by fellow captives who were either crying or trembling in fear. Amidst this despair, he sat there, looking bewildered.
There was no mistaking it.
It was him - Shao Yangfan!
Xiaoniao remembered this from his past life, before he ascended to the throne as an empress. Yangfan, the younger brother of the late Prime Minister Shao, had been kidnapped and sold to a wealthy young master. Eventually, he was rescued, but because his honor and chastity had been tarnish, Prime Minister Dong the current Prime minister. had sent him to Xiaoniao as a servant to protect the last vestiges of his humanity.
Now, with his reincarnation, it was clear that Yangfan hadn't yet been sold. There was still a chance for Xiaoniao to save him.
Once again, Xiaoniao faced the leader of the rogue cultivators and proposed a deal. He offered to sell the hairpin for half its original price in exchange for one of the slaves. Initially hesitant, the buyer eventually agreed after Xiaoniao's persistent persuasion.
As the day drew to a close, Xiaoniao, accompanied by the weary Yanfang and the contemplative Lixin, arrived at the sturdy Frostgate Outpost. Their first order of business upon arrival was to purchase an old, dilapidated cabin at a bargain price. Xiaoniao and Lixin dedicated themselves to fixing it up for the entire day, while Yanfang was sent to the town's healer to rest and recover.
The town healer shared concerning news with Xiaoniao regarding Yanfang's condition. Yangfan was suffering from deafness and could only speak a few words, a result of severe trauma and his exceedingly white and submissive Qi. The odds of his self-healing were alarmingly low.
Initially, Xiaoniao contemplated sending Yanfang back to prime minister Dong . However, upon reflecting on the possible sadistic nature of the prime minister, who was sworn brothers with the emperor, Xiaoniao reconsidered. He couldn't bear to expose Yangfan to the horrors of that environment. For his safety and well-being, Xiaoniao and Lixin made the decision to bring Yangfan to live with them.
Life in the small town proved to be harmonious and filled with kindness. The townsfolk grew fond of the trio, appreciating their willingness to lend a hand whenever needed.
After a month, Xiaoniao decided it was time to officially declare Lixin and Yangfan as his sworn brothers for eternity. In this world, such a declaration was no trivial matter; it was considered sacred and one of the oldest ceremonies created by the gods themselves.
The entire town celebrated their bond and offered to help organize the ceremony as a token of their gratitude for the assistance they had received.
And so, the three comrades - the Fool, the blind, the deaf, and the little bird named Zhuque - lived contentedly for two more months in blissful silence.
As Xiaoniao reminisced about the events of the past three months, a genuine and contented smile graced his face. His current life had unfolded just as he had hoped, free from the annoyances of an emperor, the troubles of a troublesome mother-in-law, and the demands of a greedy family.
Speaking of his family, Xiaoniao had received fewer updates about them recently. He relied solely on the letters sent by his older brother once a week. The latest news he had heard was that his older brother would assume the role of sect leader within their clan and temporarily hold a government position in place of their father, who was in seclusion.
When Xiaoniao had initially shared his escape plan with his older brother, there had been opposition. His brother had hesitated to part with his beloved younger sibling. However, after careful consideration, he had not only agreed to the plan but also played an instrumental role in its execution.
In the meantime, Xiaoniao's value in the eyes of the emperor seemed to be escalating. Desperation had driven the emperor to offer increasingly substantial rewards for information leading to Xiaoniao's capture. This had attracted the attention of large groups of hunters, eager to apprehend him and claim their rewards. There had even been individuals attempting to impersonate him, mostly young and attractive women, but their efforts to deceive the emperor had invariably failed.
Little did they know that the "mysterious Empress" was, in fact, a young man. As a result, they usually ended up battered and defeated.
Xiaoniao, however, remained rather indifferent to these developments. After all, the emperor was no longer a part of his life, and he had found a measure of peace and freedom that he had longed for.
As Xiaoniao leisurely hummed a song, sitting in a contented state while engrossed in some embroidery, a young boy, around the age of 4 or 5, came sprinting toward him. The little boy's face was smudged with dirt from playing outdoors, a trail of snot glistened on his cheek, and his front teeth were conspicuously absent. Seeing the child's disheveled appearance, Xiaoniao couldn't help but furrow his brow. He reached for a handkerchief and gently wiped the child's face.
It was evident that Xiaoniao possessed a knack for dealing with children, and this likely explained why the elders entrusted him with keeping an eye on the little ones.
"Big brother! Big brother, you've got to come and see this! We found an enormous, enormous egg in my grandma's garden!" the child exclaimed, emphasizing his words with animated arm gestures. Xiaoniao chuckled warmly in response.
"Really? Well then, this big brother would love to take a look," Xiaoniao replied, to which the child beamed and eagerly took his hand, leading him toward the garden.
***
As Xiaoniao arrived at the scene, the first thing that caught his attention was a massive gathering of people surrounding an object of intrigue. His curiosity piqued, he decided to merge into the crowd, determined to uncover the source of the commotion.
Pushing his way forward, Xiaoniao's gaze fell upon a colossal, oval-shaped object, shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight with an ethereal halo. The townsfolk were abuzz with excitement.
"Brother Xiao, do you know what that is?" one of the locals asked, seeking his insight.
Xiaoniao crouched down, his chin resting on his hand as he examined the shiny object. At first glance, he mistook it for a giant jade stone, but upon closer inspection, he realized it was, in fact, an enormous egg.
However, his next thought puzzled him, 'What kind of egg could be this big?' he wondered. 'Perhaps it's a chicken egg?' he mused, considering the possibility that it was laid by an unusually large chicken. 'Maybe the chicken that laid this egg is abnormal, which would explain its size' he thought
"Ayah! It's just a big chicken egg no need to fussed perhaps it's mother forget it don't worry I'll take care of if no need to be afraid brothers and sisters" he reasoned Brushing off the initial surprise, Xiaoniao patted the egg gently, and it vibrated slightly under his touch. Perplexed, he stared at it with a hint of suspicion. 'Maybe it's just my imagination?' he pondered.
The people around him were clearly impressed by his nonchalant demeanor. "Brother Xiao is truly responsible! We'll leave it in your capable hands then!" they exclaimed with confidence.
***
Up next: the egg hatch?!
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*Note* this is raw unedited chapter.
[I did not expect this but thank you for the 1k+ reads!💕]