Chapter 29: Chang’an Part 3

The Chang’an Prefect was named Liu Xinzhong, a former protégé of Cai Jing, holding the rank of Zheng Liu Pin. Xiao Kun, as Exorcism Division Chief Envoy, did not attend court but held Zheng Si Pin rank; Deputy Emissary Xiang Xian was Cong Si Pin. Two full grades above Liu Xinzhong, who dared not neglect them. “Lord Wang’s case has been unsolved for days now. The whole city is gripped by panic.”

On the day of their arrival, Liu Xinzhong arranged a lavish welcome as he would for Lord Guo, summoning the local constables, Chief Clerk, jail warden, and several notables from prominent families. He set a banquet to receive the capital’s dignitaries.

“No need for the fuss,” Xiao Kun said. “It’s late—let’s rest.”

From entering the city to reaching Liu’s residence, everywhere was dark as pitch; even the few lanterns gave no clear view. Only upon entering the mansion, ablaze with lights, did Xiang Xian remember the crucial matter.

The hall was filled with waiting officials, a table of fine dishes untouched, all holding out for the guests of honor. As they entered, the officials rose to greet them.

“These two are Lord Xiao and Lord Xiang from the Bianjing Demon Exorcism Office,” Liu Xinzhong introduced, turning his head.

Liu Xinzhong: “…”

Xiang Xian thought to himself, We’re done for tonight.

Xiao Kun nodded and explained, “We received the report from Chang’an half a month ago but were tied up with urgent matters, so we arrived late.”

Chaosheng stared at Xiao Kun’s face—smeared black from the black circles he and Xiang Xian had drawn around his eyes, the flower on his right eye, the upward-curving mustaches, and the exaggerated, massive blazing red lips. He did not know whether to point it out or not.

Everyone in the hall trembled, struggling to control their expressions.

Liu Xinzhong hurriedly bowed his head, shaking all over as he pinched his thigh hard. “We’ve long heard of Grand Demon-Exorcist Lord Guo’s fame here and truly wished to pay respects… I imagine the two lords are tired from the road. Why not let them retire first?”

“Fine, since we’re here, let’s sit,” said Xiao Kun, his black face and blazing red lips vivid. He had slept well in the carriage and was full of energy.

The group yielded the four main seats. Everyone kept their heads down, afraid to look at Xiao Kun lest they lose control. Xiao Kun continued, “I was in Chang’an four years ago, but as a Liao person then.”

Xiao Kun figured they would speculate about the background of the new Exorcism Division Chief Envoy, so he candidly revealed his origins first. He sat, calmly accepted a hot towel to wipe his hands, and Xiang Xian whispered, “Wipe your face.”

Xiao Kun nodded and wiped casually, smearing the ink all over.

Moments later:

Xiang Xian bolted like lightning deep into Liu’s mansion, with Xiao Kun in hot pursuit.

“I was wrong! Big Brother!” Xiang Xian begged nonstop. “Chaosheng was in on it too!”

Xiao Kun nearly drew his saber right there. Xiang Xian flipped into a room, eliciting a woman’s shriek from inside. “Sorry about that!” he shouted, vaulting out the back window. Xiao Kun whooshed through like a gust of wind, leaping over the bedroom. Xiang Xian fled to a side hall, cornered at last, and yelled, “A Huang! Save me—!”

A Huang perched on the windowsill, surrounded by chattering birds, and said impassively, “Hit him good.”

Xiao Kun finally caught Xiang Xian and pinned him to the couch.

“You… you… bastard!” Xiao Kun could hardly bear recalling his powdered-and-lipsticked appearance before all those officials. He just wanted to beat Xiang Xian senseless. Xiang Xian, held at the chest rib acupoint, flushed red and tried to kick him off.

Xiao Kun channeled True Qi, and Xiang Xian began yelling wildly. The two competed with their full cultivation bases. Normally, Xiang Xian’s cultivation would not let him lose so quickly and utterly, but as they struggled, seeing his own handiwork all over Xiao Kun’s handsome face made him burst into laughter again. His energy scattered, and Xiao Kun pinned him down completely.

Xiang Xian scrambled up several times, only for Xiao Kun to drag him back and press him beneath him, grinding his teeth. Suddenly, an inexplicable feeling surged in Xiao Kun’s heart. He subconsciously loosened his grip.

They locked eyes. In the midst of the tussle, faint different emotions stirred between them.

Xiang Xian raised both hands in surrender, his knee pressing against Xiao Kun. Xiao Kun straightened his martial robe and left silently to wash his face. In that instant, he had wanted to punish Xiang Xian harshly but lacked a suitable method. The thought that flashed through his mind was to kiss him fiercely and tease him in various ways.

Xiang Xian’s prank had awakened Xiao Kun’s Khitan wolf nature, stirring his desire for control amid their tussling. But a splash of cold water on his face sobered him quickly.

“Chaosheng was in on it too!” Xiang Xian, disheveled and panting, followed him out.

Xiao Kun ignored him and returned to the hall, where the officials rose again.

Wu Yingzong gestured to Xiao Kun’s collar. Xiao Kun quickly adjusted his attire, sat back down, and Xiang Xian smilingly poured him wine personally, acting as if nothing had happened as he began to eat.

During dinner, the Chang’an Prefect spoke not of the case but of local matters and probing court winds. Imperial envoys had neglected Chang’an for some time. Daojun Emperor spent his days in the palace indulging in wine, women, painting, and appreciating stones, favoring only Jiangnan for its tribute treasures.