Chapter Nineteen: Misunderstandings

The Han man had a rather literary name—Li Zhihe—which did not quite match his burly appearance. He used to be a chivalrous hero in the martial world, unaffiliated with any sect, and had taken many lives. Yet there was one thing about him: he only ever killed those who deserved it, such as corrupt officials who treated lives like dirt, local bullies who oppressed the people, and martial artists who abused their power.

Five years ago, during the time when Master Yinshan still served as an official in Chang’an, Li’s father was running a business there—a thriving tavern. Though the establishment seemed unremarkable, it was situated in a prime location in bustling Chang’an and brought in a fortune every day. There is a saying in the martial world: “Scholars are poor, warriors are rich.” Without his family’s generous support, Li Zhihe would never have achieved his current level of martial prowess.

But the Li family’s roots in Chang’an were shallow, and the tavern’s success attracted envy. They had always known this, but never imagined someone would actually covet their business enough to frame them. His father was sent to prison, accused of a crime he did not commit. At the time, Li Zhihe was only a first-rate martial artist, while his opponent was the son of Minister Yan Song—a man with immense power and influence. Li was powerless to fight back. The authorities had already been bribed, cutting off any hope of overturning the verdict.

Li Zhihe fell into utter despair. But then he heard that Lord Wei Liang was an upright and incorruptible official, so he decided to try his luck and sought him out. He was prepared to offer his lifelong service in exchange for help, if only Wei Liang would agree.

In his eyes, all officials were corrupt—he’d never met a truly honest one, only hypocrites who feigned virtue. But Wei Liang was different. After hearing his story, not only did Wei Liang not demand anything in return, but he also risked offending the Minister by helping to reopen the case. Though his father was eventually freed, Minister Yan Song was not to be trifled with; he merely produced a scapegoat, and the matter was swept away.

Li Zhihe was bitter but helpless. After all, Wei Liang’s abilities had their limits, and rescuing his father was already a godsend. Because of this, Li Zhihe decided to remain by Wei Liang’s side, protecting him as repayment for saving his father.

…

At that moment, an elderly man stepped out from within. Though the years had left their marks upon his face, the dignity in his bearing was unmistakable.

In a deep voice, the old man said, “Let Zhihe go. The feud is between you and me—do not drag him into it. If you wish to kill or punish someone, let it be me.”

“Sir, please leave me and go! If you stay any longer, neither of us will make it out!” Li Zhihe pleaded anxiously.

The old man was, in fact, Master Yinshan—his real name was Wei Liang, Yinshan being his courtesy name.

Yi’an was momentarily taken aback. Though he did not understand the circumstances, he realized he might have made a mistake—a complete misunderstanding.

He forced a laugh and said, “Uh… what fine weather we’re having today! My friend, your clothes are all in disarray—come, let me help you straighten them.”

“Don’t touch me.” Though Li Zhihe had regained his freedom, he remained wary, eyeing Yi’an with suspicion.

Even Wei Liang was puzzled, struggling to make sense of Yi’an’s sudden change in demeanor. One moment he was fierce and aggressive, ready to fight; the next, he seemed the picture of a refined gentleman. If he had not witnessed it himself, Wei Liang would scarcely have believed a person’s expression could change so quickly.

“Young hero, may I ask what business brings you to see me?” Wei Liang, noting that Yi’an did not look like a villain, guessed there must be more to the story and cupped his hands in greeting.

In other words, had Yi’an come with ill intentions, he would not have stopped just now, nor bothered with so many words.

“It’s not convenient to talk out here. Why don’t we go inside?” suggested Yi’an.

“I don’t think that’s necessary. We can discuss things right here,” Li Zhihe replied, still on guard. Until he knew Yi’an’s identity, he would not lower his defenses.

“Zhihe, mind your manners. Young hero, please come inside,” Wei Liang said, ushering Yi’an into the house. Leaving a guest outside was not his way. Besides, with a clear conscience, he had nothing to fear.

“Young hero, now that we’re inside, what is it you wish to say?” Wei Liang got straight to the point. Aside from Li Zhihe, he knew no martial artists and had no dealings with them. He could not guess why the young man had come.

“Do you recognize this jade pendant, Master Yinshan?” Yi’an removed the pendant Lin Shiyin had given him from his belt and handed it to Wei Liang.

“Was this pendant given to you by that person?” Wei Liang was startled. He carefully examined the jade, confirmed its authenticity, then returned it to Yi’an.

“Is the person you mean a young lady named Lin Shiyin?” Yi’an asked, puzzled.

“Did she not tell you who the pendant came from?” Wei Liang paused, then realized what had happened. Most likely, the person in question wished to keep their identity hidden for now and had entrusted the pendant to Yi’an through a young woman. But those details did not matter. His only duty was to teach the young man well.

“What are you talking about? Who is this person?” Li Zhihe scratched his head, utterly confused. Still, anyone his teacher respected must be extraordinary.

“She only told me to come here and study the classics with you, then participate in the next imperial examination,” Yi’an replied, equally bewildered. From Wei Liang’s words, it seemed there was someone else behind Lin Shiyin, orchestrating things.

“That’s correct. I promised someone that I would teach you the classics. Rest assured, I will teach you everything I know,” Wei Liang said with a smile.

“Thank you, sir. But there’s something I don’t understand—who exactly is the person you keep mentioning?” Yi’an didn’t think much of the imperial exams, but since he had promised someone, he had to fulfill his obligation. Besides, after what he’d learned from Xi Bojun about the Heavenly Court, he had a feeling the court might hold some useful clues.

“If that person wishes to remain unknown, it means the time isn’t right. When the day comes, you will know,” Wei Liang replied.

Yi’an was left speechless.

“Then, may I ask why you and Zhihe had a conflict earlier?” Wei Liang changed the topic, seeing that Yi’an had nothing more to say. As for being addressed as “sir,” Wei Liang gladly accepted it. Though he had not officially taken Yi’an as his disciple, he was still responsible for guiding and instructing him.

Yi’an gave an awkward laugh and explained the earlier misunderstanding.