by Jin Yong
Song Qingshu was still unwilling to comply, he said, "I join our Clan without asking Tai Shifu and my father’s permission first. When they find out in the future, they will certainly hold me accountable; I don’t know what the best way to explain this to them would be. However, our Clan has always taken the path of chivalry, no different than Wudang Pai’s objective, thus this is not considered a capital crime. But if I am asked to do this unfilial thing, defying my elders, I do not dare to accept.”
"Xiongdi,” Chen Youliang said, "You have not given this a careful thought. In order to accomplish a great undertaking, we should not be bothered by trivial matters. The people of old sacrificed their
loved ones for the sake of great justice, it happened many times in history; let alone our objective is to deal with the Devil Cult. Capturing the various Wudang heroes is nothing more than a way to gain control over that pervert little thief Zhang Wuji. When the Six Major Sects besieged the Devil Cult, didn’t Wudang Pai also come in full force?”
"If I do this,” Song Qingshu said, "First, my conscience is uneasy. Second, tens of thousands Jianghu people will spit in contempt over me; how can I still have a face to stand on the earth?”
"Do you know why I asked the eight-pouch elders to withdraw from the hall just now?” Chen Youliang asked, "Why did we carefully search from top to bottom, from front to rear? It is exactly because I am afraid somebody might leak the secret. Song Xiongdi, after administering the drug, you also fake losing your consciousness. We will also tie you up along with your Tai Shifu, your honorable father, and your various martial uncles, nobody will suspect you. Other than the seven of us here, who else in this world knows? We will admire you as a hero and a real man who is capable of undertaking an important matter, who would laugh at you?”
Song Qingshu was silent for half a day before haltingly said, "Bangzhu and Chen Dage’s [big brother Chen] order, Xiaodi [little brother] really does not dare to disobey. Furthermore, Xiaodi is a new member of our Clan, supposedly must seize every opportunity to obtain a merit; even go through fire or water, I should do it with all my might. Only, a man’s life in this world must be based on being filial and righteous; so asking Xiaodi to scheme against my own father, I can’t follow this order no matter what.”
[Note: previously, Song Qingshu referred to himself as ‘Xiongdi’ - brother in general term, in this last sentence, he used the term ‘Xiaodi’ - little/younger brother; denoting a definite change of attitude.]
For the Beggar Clan people the word ‘filial’ was extremely revered; as the group of beggars heard his last words, they felt it was inappropriate to force him further. But suddenly Chen Youliang laughed coldly and said, "A junior to defy his senior is the big taboo of the Wulin world, I know it, Song Xiongdi does not need to remind me. But I wonder how does Song Xiongdi address Mo Qixia [Seventh Hero Mo]? Is he your senior, or are you his senior?”
Song Qingshu did not answer, after a long while he finally said, "Very well, since Bangzhu and gentlemen give me the order, Xiaodi will comply. But all of you must promise not to endanger my father not even half a part of him, also not to disgrace him in any way. Otherwise, Xiaodi would rather lose my reputation and fall into disgrace than committing this non filial shady business.”
Shi Huolong, Chen Youliang and the others were exulted. Chen Youliang said, "That’s a great answer. Song Xiongdi can work with us brothers very well. Song Daxia is everybody’s respected senior. Even if Song Xiongdi did not mention it, as his nephews we are going to show him our utmost respect.”
Zhang Wuji felt strange, "Song Shige was always unwilling to comply, but as soon as Chen Youliang mentioned Mo Qishu [seventh (younger) uncle Mo], Song Shige suddenly did not dare to refuse? There must be something fishy here. It seems like, to find out the details, I will have to ask Mo Qishu personally.”
He heard Zhi Fa Zhanglao and Chen Youliang discuss in a whisper about how the Beggar Clan group of warriors was going to go up the mountain after Zhang Sanfeng, Song Yuanqiao and the others were drugged. Each time Chen Youliang proposed something, Shi Huolong would always say, "Very good, wonderful!”
Zhang Bo Longtou said, "Today is still the middle of the winter, the five-poison bugs are still dormant under the surface of the earth, Xiaodi [little brother, referring to himself] must go to the foot of Changbai Mountain [a volcanic mountain in Jilin province] to do some digging. At most in a month, at least twenty days, I will be able to concoct the ‘wu du shi xin san’. The toxicity of the five-poison bugs dug from underneath the ice and snow is not too conspicuous; when it is mixed in the food, it won’t be easily detected. It is the best drug to be used against first-class martial art masters.”
Zhi Fa Zhanglao said, "In that case, Chen Xiongdi and Song Xiongdi better accompany Zhang Bo Longtou to Mount Changbai to get the drug, while the rest of us proceed southward. Within one month, we are going to reconvene in Laohekou [city in Hubei]. Today is the eighth of the twelveth month, let’s set our meeting date to be the eighth of the first month next year.” He also said, "Having Han Lin’er in our hands is really useful. I am asking Zhang Bang Longtou to guard him well, don’t let the Devil Cult take him back. We’d better leave separately to avoid the enemy’s detection.”
Thereupon, one after another, everybody bid their farewell to the Clan Leader. Zhang Bo Longtou, was the first to leave, heading north along with Chen Youliang and Song Qingshu. A moment later the rest of the beggars left the Mi Le Temple, going their separate ways.
End of Chapter 31.
Chapter 32 - Ignorant Grievance, Vain Anxiety, Conceited Desire
(Translated by Foxs, Edited by Eliza Bennet)
Suddenly Zhang Wuji’s leg swept horizontally, scattering the snow on the ground toward the Four Heroes. It was one of ancient Persian martial art stances recorded on the Sheng Huo Ling. The Four Heroes of Wudang suddenly felt snow flying into their faces, rendering them blind for an instant, they leaped back immediately.
Zhang Wuji waited until the crowd of beggars had gone far and not the least bit of noise was to be heard in the temple before he leaped out of the big drum. Zhao Min followed behind him, brushing her clothes while looking at him with an expression that is a mixture of happiness and anger on her face.
"Humph,” Zhang Wuji angrily said, "You still have a face to see me?”
"What?” Zhao Min’s countenance dropped, "When did I offend Zhang Jiaozhu?”
It was as if Zhang Wuji’s face was covered with frost as he shouted angrily, "You wanted to steal that Yitian Sword and Tulong Saber, I won’t blame you! You abandoned me on that desolate island, I still won’t blame you! But Miss Yin was seriously injured, why did you still treat her ruthlessly? A vicious woman like you is truly rare in the world.” Speaking to this point he was unable to restrain his grief and indignation; moving one step forward, he slapped Zhao Min four times left and right.
Being enshrouded by his overwhelming power, how could Zhao Min evade? ‘Slap, slap, slap, slap,’ both of her cheeks were immediately swollen. Zhao Min was hurt and angered, beads of tears rolled down her cheeks. With a choking voice she said, "You said I stole the Yitian Sword and Tulong Saber, who has seen it? Who said I treated Miss Yin ruthlessly? Tell her to come and confront me directly.”
Zhang Wuji was even angrier, "All right!” he shouted, "I’ll send you to the netherworld to confront her directly.” His left hand circled and his right hand hooked across the back of her neck, while he exerted all his strength.
Zhao Min could not breathe, she stretched out her finger to pierce his chest, but her finger felt like a cotton wool, her strength vanished without a trace. In an instant her face turned purple and she passed out.
Remembering Yin Li’s enmity, Zhang Wuji was about to strangle her to death, but looking at her face like that, his heart suddenly softened and he relaxed his grip. Zhao Min fell backward. ‘Boom!’ the back of her head struck the dark green flagstone of the temple’s hall.
It was quite some time later that Zhao M
in finally regained her consciousness. She saw Zhang Wuji was staring at her with an anxious look on his face. Seeing her opening her eyes, he let out a relieved breath. Zhao Min asked, "Did you say Miss Yin has passed away?”
Zhang Wuji’s anger flared again, he snapped, "After you slashed her seventeen, eighteen times, she . how could she stay alive?”
With a trembling voice Zhao Min said, "Who ... who said I slash her seventeen, eighteen times? It was Miss Zhou, wasn’t it?”
"Miss Zhou will not say anything bad about anybody behind their backs,” Zhang Wuji said, "She is not her relative, she won’t bring a false charge against you.”
"Was it Miss Yin, then?” Zhao Min asked.
Almost shouting Zhang Wuji said, "Miss Yin had already been unable to talk early on. There were only five of us on that desolate island; are you saying that Yifu did it? Or I did it? Or perhaps Miss Yin did it to herself? Humph, I know what’s in your heart, you were afraid I might marry my cousin hence you committed this violent treachery. Let me tell you: I don’t care whether she is dead or
alive, I have already considered her my wife.”
Zhao Min hung her head without saying anything. After being silent for half an afternoon, she asked, "How did you return to the Central Plains?”
With a cold laugh Zhang Wuji said, "It was due to your generosity. You sent your navy to pick us up. Fortunately, my Yifu is not gullible and worthless like me; we have seen through your devious scheme. You dispatched some artillery ships to wait for us on the sea to sink our ship. Your plan has failed.”
Zhao Min was gently stroking her red, swollen cheek; she looked at him with a shock, but after a moment her eyes gradually showed pity and affection toward him, and she heaved a long sigh.
Zhang Wuji was afraid his own heart would succumb to her beautiful face and her tempting tender affection; he turned his head around to avoid her eyes, stomped his foot and said, "I have made an oath to avenge Biaomei [female younger cousin]. Just consider me weak and worthless that I am not able to do that today. You committed all kinds of evil and there will come a day you will fall into my hand.” As he said that, he walked toward the temple gate in big strides.
He had walked away for about a dozen ‘zhang’s when Zhao Min pursued and called out, "Zhang Wuji, where are you going?”
"What does it have to do with you?” Zhang Wuji replied.
"I want to speak to Xie Daxia [great hero Xie] and Miss Zhou,” Zhao Min said, "Please take me to see them.”
"My Yifu will act without mercy, aren’t you going to deliver your life away?” Zhang Wuji asked.
Zhao Min sneered and said, "Your Yifu may be cruel and merciless, but he is not muddle-headed like you. Besides, if Xie Daxia killed me, your Biaomei’s enmity would be avenged, wouldn’t your wish come true?”
"What do you mean I am muddle-headed?” Zhang Wuji asked, "I only don’t want you to see Yifu.”
Zhao Min smiled and said, "Zhang Wuji, you are muddle-headed. In your heart, you really do not want to lose me; you don’t want Xie Daxia to kill me. Am I right, or am I right?”
As his heart’s deepest secret was revealed, Zhang Wuji could not help but blush. "Don’t talk rubbish!” he snapped, "I let you get away with so many unrighteousness without killing you. It would be best if you stay far away from me, or else I would lose control over myself and kill you personally.”
Zhao Min slowly walked near and said, "I must clear something up with Xie Daxia and Miss Zhou; I do not dare to say anything bad behind anybody’s back, I need to talk clearly with them face to face.”
Zhang Wuji was curious, "About what do you want to talk to them?” he asked.
"Naturally you’ll know it when I see them,” Zhao Min said, "I am not afraid to take my chances; are you afraid?”
Zhang Wuji said rather doubtfully, "It is you who wanted to go, I will not save you if my Yifu do not
show mercy on you.”
"You don’t have to worry for me,” Zhao Min said.
"Worry for you?” Zhang Wuji was angry, "Humph! I am looking forward to the day you die.”
Zhao Min laughed and said, "Kill me, then.”
"Pei,” Zhang Wuji spat, ignoring her remark. He quickly walked toward the town. Zhao Min followed him behind.
As they arrived in town, Zhang Wuji halted his steps, turned around and said, "Miss Zhao, I have given you my promise that I will do three things for you. The first was to find the Tulong Saber for you. We can consider this task accomplished. I still owe you two things. If you see my Yifu, you will certainly die. Please leave. Let me handle those two things for you. It won’t be too late to see my Yifu afterwards.
Zhao Min smiled sweetly and said, "I know the real reason you do not want to kill me is because you can’t bear to lose me.”
Zhang Wuji angrily said, "Granted, I don’t have a heart to kill you, so what?”
"I am very happy,” Zhao Min replied, "I’ve always wondered if you love me, but now I know.”
Zhang Wuji sighed and said, "Miss Zhao, I beseech you, please leave now.”
Zhao Min shook her head and said, "I definitely must see Xie Daxia.”
Since she was adamant, Zhang Wuji had no choice but entered the inn and went to Xie Xun’s room. He knocked twice on the door and called out, "Yifu!” while he positioned himself in front of Zhao Min.
He called out twice without receiving any answer from inside the room. Zhang Wuji tried to push the door open, but it was actually locked. He felt strange; his Yifu possessed a very keen pair of ears, as soon as he arrived at the door, his Yifu would most certainly be awakened. If he was somewhere else, why was the door bolted from the inside? He pushed the door exerting a little bit more force and ‘crack!’ the latch broke. The door swung wide open but Xie Xun was not inside. He saw that one of the window panes was half open; he thought his Yifu must have left from the window.
He went to Zhou Zhiruo’s room and called out, "Zhiruo!” two times without receiving any answer. Pushing the door open, he also did not see Zhou Zhiruo inside, but her clothes were folded neatly on the ‘kang’ [heatable brick bed of northern China].
Zhang Wuji was alarmed, "Could it be that they met some enemies?” he mused. He called the innkeeper to inquire, but the innkeeper said he did not see those two people go out, he also did not hear any noise which would suggest there was some dispute or even fighting.
Zhang Wuji was somewhat relieved; he thought, "Most likely they heard some suspicious noise and went out to track down the enemy.” He also thought that although Xie Xun’s eyes were blind, his martial art skill was strong; it was a rarity to find someone who could be his match in the present age. Besides, he had the cautious and prudent Zhou Zhiruo as his company, so it was unlikely for them to meet any mishap. Leaping out from Xie Xun’s window, he looked to all
directions without seeing anything unusual, thereupon he returned to the room.
Zhao Min said, "Why do you look relieved to see that Xie Daxia is not here?”
"Still talking nonsense,” Zhang Wuji said, "When did I look relieved?”
Zhao Min smiled, "Can’t I see it on your face?” she said, "As you open the door, you were tense, but now the skin on your face is relaxed.”
Ignoring her, Zhang Wuji leaned against the ‘kang’. With a chuckle Zhao Min sat on a chair and said, "I know you were afraid Xie Daxia might kill me, luckily he is not here so you are saved from a difficult situation. I know you really cannot bear to lose me.”
"What if I really cannot bear to lose you?” Zhang Wuji angrily said.
"I am very happy,” Zhao Min replied.
Zhang Wuji bitterly said, "Then why are you repeatedly trying to harm me? Can you bear to lose me?”
Suddenly Zhao Min blushed, "You are right,” she said quietly, "Previously I was determined to kill you, but after the Green Willow Manor incident, if I ever have the intention to harm you, let the Heaven punish and the Earth destroy me, Minmin Timur. After I die, let me perish forever in the eigh
teenth level of hell, never to be reincarnated for tens of thousands of years.”
Listening to her speaking very seriously, Zhang Wuji interrupted, "Then why did you abandon me on that deserted island for the sake of a sword and a saber?”
"Since you said so, I can’t dispute it even if I have a hundred mouths,” Zhao Min said, "Let us wait for Xie Daxia and Miss Zhou to come back, so that the four of us can sort things out clearly.”
Zhang Wuji said, "Your mouth is full of sweet but insincere words. You have deceived me one person, must you also deceive my Yifu and Miss Zhou?”
Zhao Min laughed and said, "Why are you resigned on being deceived by me? Because in your heart you like me, do you not?”
"What if I do?” Zhang Wuji vehemently said.
"I am very happy,” Zhao Min replied. Zhang Wuji saw her talking and laughing as sweet as a flower, moving the hearts of those who watch her. Noticing that her cheeks were still red and swollen from his four heavy slaps earlier, he could not restrain from feeling regret and pity; therefore, he turned his head around to avoid looking at her.
Zhao Min said, "We were delayed in the temple for half a day, I am starving.” She called for the innkeeper. Producing a small ingot of gold, she told him to quickly prepare a set of the highest quality dish and wine. The innkeeper repeatedly obeyed, and in an instant he had some fruits and light appetizers delivered to their room, followed by the wine and the main course.
Zhang Wuji said, "Let’s wait for Yifu to come back, then we’ll eat together.”
"My life might be gone as soon as Xia Daxia is back,” Zhao Min said, "I’d rather be a ghost with a full stomach.” Zhang Wuji noticed that although she said such a thing, her manner and her face showed confidence. Zhao Min continued, "I still have plenty of gold here, we can always tell the innkeeper to prepare another set of banquet.”