Martial King's Retired Life

Book 16: Chapter 13

Luo Ming spoke with me prior to surrendering Luo Sword Manor as part of his plea. I could not tell if he shared some valuable information because he indulged in a lot of useless pleasantries, while I spouted a lot of utter nonsense. He stopped himself when he realised it was pointless to waste his breath given my scholastic merits. He only had one goal in mind when he visited me – entrusting his son to me.

Luo Ming knew better than anyone else how Luo Sword Manor would develop after his surrender.  He traded in their authorities and privileges for peace, offered to arm the imperial court’s military and paved the first steps to disable the White Princes, all of which earned his clan more support from the imperial court than any other clan thus far. As long as none of his descendants were stupid enough to attempt a revolt, their clan virtually had nothing to worry about. In saying that, Luo Ming’s visit told me that that was an oversimplification of the whole story.

Luo Clan was able to relax on the imperial court’s front. At the same time that they obtained peace, Luo Clan earned the ire of the martial world. Luo Ming had a lot of explaining to do for his deeds in the pugilistic world. Once his generation stepped down, the next generation would essentially be dropped from the martial world. Unless they were willing to erase themselves from the pugilistic world and wholeheartedly serve the imperial court, the rest of the world would call them the imperial court’s lapdog. Unless Luo Ming was ready to be the next Qilin Guard, Luo Siming would struggle to live in peace in the martial world.

While Luo Ming gave all of his clan’s forces to the imperial court, he saved a seed to save their place in the pugilistic world. It was hard to blame him for wanting to protect his last son when he had already lost the rest of them. Knowing he was ready to sacrifice his life, I could not find it in me to refuse. A worthy opponent was a treasure of life, after all.

Every time I closed my eyes, I recalled the marvellous broadswordplay he displayed at Luo Sword Manor. Anyhow, I accepted his request to make some time for his son every once in a blue moon.

I was not privy to what instructions Luo Ming gave Luo Siming. Nevertheless, Luo Siming was compliant, which was enough for me. In fact, he was very courteous towards me and excited whenever he saw me. That was why Luo Sword Manor made up a number of Shadow Guards.

“If it were not thanks to your support, we would not have been able to establish Shadow Guards in Jiangnan so swiftly, Young Master Siming.”

Although Luo Sword Manor was basically a curse phrase after the events in Huzhou, they had strong foundations in Jiangnan. The Shadow Guards scooped up a number of existing agents and spies in Jiangnan thanks to Luo Sword Manor’s connections, and they were trained rigorously while I was trapped in the underground palace. In recent months, they had successfully graduated into rank seven Shadow Guards.

It was true that the Shadow Guards Luo Clan trained would no longer serve them, but I did receive a big favour from them, so Luo Siming was technically a stakeholder.

“I am embarrassed with myself. You have been busy supplying weapons to the imperial court and still made time to pay me a visit,” I expressed.
“Many of our clansmen were implicated as a result of their involvement in Father’s plans; it would only have been a matter of time before they met their demise if they wandered the pugilistic world. Aiding you is a way for them to atone; we could not have asked for more. Also, you speak too humbly of yourself when you placed in the imperial exams. It is this one who should be ashamed for not congratulating you in a timely manner.”

We did not try to converse secretly in the room. All the information shared in the room was classified as secret information, but everything was also buried in layers of secrets. If someone wanted to, they had to do the digging themselves. It was training for the Shadow Guards, as well. They needed to learn how to deal with secrets if they were going to be handling secrets daily.

“How is the imperial court’s order coming along?”

Speaking under the assumption that I was interested in the matter, Luo Siming spared no details. In reality, I asked the question merely out of courtesy… His detailed report left me without anything to say for ages.

“The imperial court has been conspicuous in their acquisition of arms, but Valley of Yearning, Mount Lu Sword Sanctuary, Gold and Silver Sect, as well as Song Clan have not shown any reactions.”

“Did Song Clan not surrender to the imperial court already?”

“It is hard to say,” answered Luo Siming, shaking his head. “He said Patriarch Song has always maintained a low profile and acts as a mediator in the martial world; however, he is willing to bow his head and avoid any major issues wherever possible. While he may appear benevolent, he is unreadable. We must guard against people like him.”

“I concur. When gains are at stake, things get complicated. Song Chi’s thoughts are Song Chi’s thoughts, not the thoughts of Song Clan as a whole.” I had a think and then queried, “Why are you here when you’re so busy?”

I thought Luo Siming dropped by to visit his subordinates out of convenience. Based on the schedule he shared with me not long ago, however, he barely even had time for sleep, yet he dropped by.

“This one has dropped by three days in a row already; today is the last time. If he could not see you today, he would have had to leave you a letter and departed.”

“Ahaha…” I shot Wawa a glare to convey, “Why didn’t you notify me if you knew that?!”

Wawa glared back at me to say, “How should I have known he was looking for you?! The idiot never told me anything!”

Had I known Luo Siming was around, I would have had invited him to the banquets I had been holding recently.

I apologetically asked, “How can I help you?”

“This one is aware that the expansion of Shadow Guards has hit a snag. Though you have enough men for Jiangnan and the northern martial community, you do not have sufficient members to deploy in the centre.”

“Do you have a solution?”

“Not until Cold Mountain Temple fell from power.” Luo Siming wore on a smile of confidence. “There are a number of monks who refuse to support Mianhua and swear allegiance to the imperial court. They, instead, wish to find their place in the pugilistic world. A fair number of them are trustworthy. This presents us with an opportunity to recruit them.”

I never even thought of that.

“Really?”

“There is naturally a risk involved. With that said, if this one can lead the project, the odds of success exceed 80%.”

Wow… I’m speechless. These orthodox sects produce nothing but crooks! Listen to the devious words coming out of his mouth! I thought I was the only person willing to bend morals, but you’re willing to bend morals, too!

“Go for it! If you need anything, come see us! The group will back you up!”

But fight your own fights!

Luo Siming grabbed my hand and told me, “There is also the Hangzhou information you inquired about.”

As busy as he was, besides Wawa, Luo Siming had the most information on current affairs outside of the capital. Since Wawa had to keep tabs on the military in the north, too, Luo Siming was the only person left who could keep tabs on Hangzhou. Based on what he told me, there was no hiding the weirdness in Hangzhou anymore.

“There is something odd about it all.” Luo Siming added, “A womaniser has appeared in Hangzhou recently.”

No way!

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