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Chapter 9 Part 2 Testing Loyalties
Fu Nian asked, "Master uncle, how should we respond?"
Xunzi looked at him. "Fu Nian, you are the head; all follow you. We entrusted the school to you because we trust you. Whatever your decision, we support it. But remember: only with rectitude can you stand upright."
He turned to Zhang Liang. "Zi Fang, did you hear?"
"I will remember your teaching and assist senior brother well," Zhang Liang answered.
After Xunzi left, Fu Nian apologized. "Zi Fang, I spoke harshly; don't take it to heart. I do not seek to serve Qin. A little stability is better. Even if you topple Ying Zheng, chaos may return. Ying Zheng is cruel, but Fusu is somewhat benevolent favorable to us. When he succeeds, perhaps we'll reshape the realm and ease the people's suffering."
Zhang Liang bowed. "Senior brother, bringing Zi Ming and Zi Yu was only to present them to you no other intent. Meeting Wei Zhuang was to greet an old acquaintance. I never intended to hide it."
They exchanged smiles, clearing the air.
When Fusu arrived in Sanghai, the Mohists seized the moment and also learned Butcher's whereabouts, seeing another imperial snare.
"Last time we stole the Thousand Mechanisms Disk in full view; this time, where they hold Butcher will be even tighter no second chances," Gao Jianli said.
"Could they keep him in the army camp? We can't storm that," Da Tiechui said.
"Bah an army camp is like my home; if they put him there, I'll bring him back tonight," Daozhi boasted.
"Maybe they took him aboard the Mirage," Xue Nu suggested.
"Unlikely," Xiaoyaozi replied. "The Yinyang School won't guard prisoners for the Empire; and if they want to fish us, they'll offer hope."
"Listening to you reminds me of a place that fits perfectly," Ge Nie said. All eyes turned to him.
"Have you heard of Fangtooth Prison?" Blank stares Ge Nie continued. "You all know Jiang Ziya, surely?"
"Eight centuries ago, the sage who aided King Wu, called Taigong Jiang," Xiao Gao added.
"His fief was here in Sanghai. In secret imperial records, I read he established a prison for dangerous savants and criminals called Fangtooth Prison. After Qin took Qi, the Empire took it over; they could be using it now."
"What's special about it? Not just guards, I assume."
"No there are nearly no guards; those who enter cannot leave. Even guards can only move on fixed routes at fixed times."
"The prison was designed by Taigong with Eight Trigrams, mechanisms, arrays, and military arts one of the Empire's four wondrous prisons."
"So hard aren't they afraid we'll be scared away?" Daozhi joked to ease the tension.
"Mr. Ge Nie, do you know where it is?" Gao Jianli asked.
"You'd best ask the Confucians."
"No need," an icy voice cut in. "I know where it is."
They stepped outside to find Wei Zhuang with Bai Feng. "Wei Zhuang, your courage is boundless."
"What is this a dragon's den? Even if it is, I come and go as I please."
Their hands tightened on their weapons at his contempt.
"Xiaozhuang, you'll tell us where the prison is?"
"No," Wei Zhuang's lips curved. "I'll help you rescue him."
"What trick is this? You think we'll believe you?" Da Tiechui snapped; the Mohists' faces were grim.
"I believe him," Ge Nie said, ignoring their looks. "Xiaozhuang, speak; whatever your reason."
"You still know me best, senior brother." Wei Zhuang's eyes were cold. "Fangtooth is rooted in the Trigrams, blended with mechanisms, paired with arrays and backed by arms. Each hour its formations shift; unfathomable. Combined with military doctrine, it can resist 100,000 troops."
"If it's that powerful, how will you rescue him can you muster 100,000?" Xiao Gao challenged.
"It has two fatal flaws," Wei Zhuang said. "First, it shifts once per hour; if we know the route, an hour is plenty for people like us to go in and out. Second, it's still a prison short on supply. Surround it and starve them."
"Senior brother, care to break Fangtooth with me?"
"Mr. Ge Nie, you can't obviously a trap; Wei Zhuang means to trap you inside," the Mohists cried, fearful he'd accept.
"Ridiculous," Bai Feng scoffed. "If we wanted to trap you, imperial troops would already surround you."
Only then did they realize they'd been led by Wei Zhuang; Daozhi raced off and returned. "No ambush for miles."
Bai Feng snorted.
"Xiaozhuang, we two won't suffice to rescue Butcher; what's your plan?" Ge Nie asked.
"You're sharp, senior brother. I still need one Mohist to scout and mark the path."
"Ha, there's the tail you still mean to throw us into the pit," the Mohists grumbled. Daozhi stroked his chin and grinned. "You mean me, don't you?"
"Only the King of Thieves can do it."
"What about your Dark Qilin didn't he break Mechanism City?" the Mohists retorted.
"He can infiltrate, but I can't guarantee he'll find Butcher besides, he's your man to rescue."
"How do I send messages out of a place no one exits?"
"Fangtooth stops people, not animals. Rub this on Chi Lian will contact you."
Daozhi fell silent; the Mohists could tell his mind was set. For a brother, he'd risk his life; they sighed softly.
"So it's settled."
"Wait," Xue Nu's cool voice halted Wei Zhuang. "Even if you help, we will not owe you. Name your price; consider this a hiring."
"I want the Azure Dragon will you give it?" Wei Zhuang's smile held ice.
"You know we won't why ask?" Xue Nu snapped.
"Then trade me a copy of the Black Dragon scroll after you decode it."
While Wei Zhuang negotiated with the Mohists, Chi Lian sought out Shaoyu. She had dazed a Confucian disciple with Fire Charm and had him lead Shaoyu to her.
Seeing Chi Lian, Shaoyu immediately took a defensive stance. Called by her, there was nothing good ahead; cornered, he kept calm. Her seductive body stirred heat in his chest, memories of entanglements flashing through his mind.
"Chi Lian, call out your people; no need to hide them."
She chuckled. "I alone can handle you but I'm not here to fight. Quicksand wishes to cooperate with the Xiang clan."
"Two-faced Quicksand who dares?"
"You wrong us. We never betray allies; when have we ever broken an oath?"
"…We've allied with the Mohists; you are their enemies. We have nothing to discuss. If you've nothing else, I'm leaving."
"No need to rush. We share goals one day we'll stand together. For now, another matter: Lord Wei Zhuang wants you to take the Mohist Juzi onto the Mirage."
"…Ridiculous."
"Lord Wei Zhuang's suggestions are hard to refuse. Remember the name Dragonche?"
"What have you done to him?" Shaoyu flared, charging Chi Lian.
"Hmph." She matched him barehanded. Shaoyu had natural strength, Chi Lian was agile stalemate.
Shaoyu feinted a flaw; Chi Lian struck his chest, but he'd prepared, unloading the force and catching her arm in turn. He yanked her close; they collided, Shaoyu's face pressing to her chest. She couldn't slip free for a moment; smelling her familiar scent, he bit her nipple through her clothes.
Chi Lian stiffened. "Let go," she ground out.
"Mmm hit me again and I'll bite it off," Shaoyu mumbled around the fabric.
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