Liang Shanbo: The Poor Scholar-Emperor

Chapter 104 The Sword Arrives, Dao Yun's Heart

Xie Daoyun happened to be at the Xie Family Manor in Shining.

She had just returned to her parents' home from the Wang family manor in Shanyin yesterday.

Wang Ningzhi was used to this and didn't ask any questions. He simply sent his maid, Aqi, to keep a close watch on him, as was the usual practice.

Unfortunately, Ah-Qi caught a cold today and is resting in the inn, so I cannot be by her side.

At this moment, inside Xie Xuan's study, the two siblings were intently playing chess, separated by a chessboard.

Playing chess was a daily pleasure for the siblings, but in recent years, Xie Daoyun had almost never beaten Xie Xuan.

Xie Daoyun's chess skills were not bad, but they were inferior to Xie Xuan's.

In today's game, Xie Daoyun's white pieces showed signs of defeat shortly after the first move.

Her brows furrowed, her beautiful eyes fixed on the chessboard, she remained silent for a long time, her slender fingers picking up a white piece, intending to place it several times but failing to do so.

She was unwilling to give up so easily and hoped to find a way to turn the tide. However, after repeated deliberations, all possibilities were ruled out, and there seemed to be no way out.

Xie Xuan asked with a smile, "Elder sister, it's been over a quarter of an hour. Have you found a way to break this deadlock?"

Xie Daoyun sighed and gently placed the white piece she was holding back into the chess box, her face showing regret: "No, alas, my chess skills are becoming increasingly inferior to yours."

Xie Xuan laughed and said, "My elder sister has always said that I have a talent for chess. Now, in front of my elder sister, please allow me to be bold and say something proud: if my elder sister wants to beat me now, I must let her win by one piece. How about we play another game, and I will let her win by one piece?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Daoyun leaned forward, reached out and gently patted Xie Xuan's head, saying reproachfully, "How many times have I told you, I don't need you to let me win. Back then, I was the one who taught you how to play chess. Now I'd rather lose to you every time than have you let me win even a single move."

After speaking, she lowered her head and stared intently at the unfinished game on the chessboard, murmuring, "Besides, I don't think we've really lost this game. There seems to be a way to break the deadlock, but I just can't find it right now—"

Just then, He Meng arrived at the door of the study and gently knocked on the door frame.

Xie Xuan looked up and called out, "Come in."

He Meng walked lightly and bowed as he entered.

He was very tactful, never glancing at Xie Daoyun the entire time, but walking straight to Xie Xuan, presenting a sword with both hands, and respectfully saying, "My lord, Liang Shanbo has graduated from Wansong Academy and has come to join me with the sword you gave me last year. He is currently waiting outside the manor gate."

Xie Xuan's expression shifted. He reached out and took the sword, examining it closely in his palm. He then slowly stroked the scabbard, as if he were meeting a long-lost friend.

Xie Xuan had personally worn this sword for a year. Last autumn, when he gifted it to Liang Shanbo, he personally named it "Waiting for the Time Sword" and instructed Liang Shanbo to bring the sword to see him after graduation.

Now, the sword has arrived!

After verifying that the sword was genuine, Xie Xuan smiled at Xie Daoyun and said, "This Liang Shanbo has arrived earlier than I expected."

Outside the gate of the Xie Family Manor.

Liang Shanbo, Zhu Yingtai, and Yin Xin were waiting, with several boxes and bags beside them.

Zhu Yingtai stood beside Liang Shanbo, looking somewhat nervous and uneasy.

Inside the manor gate lies an uncertain future.

Would Xie Xuan take them in? Would he agree to act as matchmaker for them?

She didn't know the answer, but she knew that whatever the answer was, she wouldn't be facing it alone; Liang would be there with her.

Liang Shanbo seemed to sense something, gently squeezed her hand, and whispered, "Don't be nervous."

Zhu Yingtai nodded, took a deep breath, and suppressed the surging emotions in her heart.

Suddenly, He Meng personally came out from inside the manor gate to greet them.

He bowed respectfully to Liang Shanbo, saying, "Young Master Liang, my master invites you."

Last year, he was defeated by Liang Shanbo in a duel and witnessed Liang Shanbo's superb archery skills. He had long admired Liang Shanbo, a young man who was not very strong but had amazing martial arts skills and was good at both literature and martial arts.

Therefore, I show extra respect to you today.

Inside Xie Xuan's study, a blue silk curtain had been set up, and Xie Daoyun sat behind the curtain, her figure vaguely visible.

Xie Daoyun already admired Liang Shanbo and was also very curious about him.

Her maid, Qingxiao, stood behind her. With Mu Aqi ill and absent, things were much easier for her.

Xie Xuan remained seated beside the low table, with the unfinished game of chess he had just played with Xie Daoyun still on the chessboard beside him. Black and white pieces were intertwined, and the outcome was still undecided.

At this moment, He Meng led Liang Shanbo into the study.

Liang Shanbo stepped forward, straightened his clothes, bowed deeply to Xie Xuan, and said in a clear voice: "Last August, you did not abandon me because of my humble origins, but bestowed upon me a sword, asking me to wait for my time. Now that I have graduated from Wansong Academy, I bring this sword to pay my respects to you."

He straightened up, and as his gaze swept around, he caught sight of the unfinished game of chess beside Xie Xuan, as well as the indistinct figure behind the blue silk curtain, and secretly thought that it was most likely Xie Daoyun who was present.

Xie Xuan looked him over with a puzzled expression and asked, "I remember you entered Wansong Academy in the spring of the second year of Ningkang, which is less than three years ago. How come you have already graduated?"

Liang Shanbo calmly replied, "I dare not hide it from you, sir. The reason why I am in such a hurry to graduate is because I have my own unavoidable difficulties."

Immediately, he recounted the entire story of his relationship with Zhu Yingtai, from their sworn brotherhood at Caoqiao Bridge and their studies together, to their forced marriage by the Ma family and their vows to each other.

He spoke calmly, without embellishment or exaggeration, simply stating the facts. His tone was neither a complaint nor a plea; he was merely stating a pressing issue that needed to be addressed.

Finally, he bowed deeply again: "Mr. Meng is already fully aware of this matter. He has kindly granted Shanbo permission to graduate early and has also kindly granted Shanbo permission to come and seek refuge with you. I humbly request your permission."

Xie Xuan's expression changed drastically.

Behind the blue silk curtain, Xie Daoyun couldn't help but let out a soft "Eh," before falling silent again.

Even though the siblings came from a prominent family and were well-informed, they had never heard of such a strange thing before.

Last year, the two had secretly wondered why Liang Shanbo had gone to great lengths to ask Xie Xuan for a promise. What that promise was, they would have to ask him later.

The two never expected that they would ask Xie Xuan to act as matchmaker to marry a girl from the Zhu family of Shangyu, and that the girl was actually a woman disguised as a man to study at Wansong Academy.

He Meng was also stunned, but secretly he applauded, "Liang Shanbo is such a man of courage and boldness!"

He Meng, also from a humble background, had always prided himself on his extraordinary courage, but honestly, he had never considered marrying a woman from a prominent family, let alone asking Xie Xuan to act as matchmaker. Such a thing required not only courage, but also affection and a sense of responsibility.

Xie Daoyun was truly astonished. Moreover, since Aqi was not serving her today and there was no one to restrain her, she couldn't help but reach out and lift a corner of the blue silk curtain to peek outside. She saw that Liang Shanbo appeared more mature and heroic than when she last glanced at him at parting last year, and he seemed calm and composed now.

She glanced at it only once before putting down the curtain.

Xie Xuan remained silent for a long time before finally speaking, "I truly didn't expect that what you're asking for is this. You should wait outside first; I need to carefully consider this matter."

Before she could finish speaking, Xie Daoyun suddenly spoke from behind the blue silk curtain: "Liang Shanbo, since that young lady from the Zhu family has come with you, would you be willing to bring her in so I can meet her? And so can Youdu?"

Liang Shanbo replied, "That's only right."

He turned and went out, and He Meng followed him out.

A short while later, Liang Shanbo led Zhu Yingtai back into the study.

Zhu Yingtai bowed to Xie Xuan, and although dressed as a man, she spoke in a woman's voice, "Zhu Yingtai greets Mr. Xie."

Behind the blue silk curtain, Xie Daoyun's voice rang out again: "Liang Shanbo, you go and wait outside."

Liang Shanbo understood, glanced at Zhu Yingtai with a hint of encouragement in his eyes, and then turned and left the study.

At this moment, only Xie Daoyun, Xie Xuan, Qingxiao, and Zhu Yingtai remained in the study.

Xie Daoyun emerged from behind the blue silk curtain and sat down opposite Xie Xuan. Her beautiful eyes fell on Zhu Yingtai, scrutinizing her from head to toe. She secretly marveled, "What a handsome young man! If I hadn't already known he was a woman, I truly wouldn't have been able to tell at first glance. His bearing possesses both the dashing spirit of a man and the refined elegance of a woman—truly rare!"

Her voice was somewhat gentle: "Miss Zhu, I would like to hear you tell me the whole story from the beginning."

Zhu Yingtai responded and immediately explained in detail.

It tells how she longed for knowledge since childhood, how she was unwilling to be confined to her room, how she decided to disguise herself as a man to study at Wansong Academy, and how she persuaded her parents to agree.

It tells how she met and became sworn brothers with Liang Shanbo at the Grass Bridge Pavilion, how they studied together and spent more than two years together, and how they gradually developed feelings for each other but never made it public.

She recounted how the Ma family forced her into marriage, leaving her with no other choice, how she finally mustered the courage to reveal the truth to Brother Liang, and how she and Brother Liang pledged their lives to each other.

What Zhu Yingtai said was not much different from what Liang Shanbo had just told her, but the way she spoke it added a touch of feminine delicacy and deep affection, making it all the more moving.

After listening, Xie Daoyun remained silent for a moment, then asked, "Although Liang Shanbo is skilled in both literature and martial arts and possesses remarkable talent, he is, after all, from a poor family. Is it worth it for you, a young lady from a prominent family in Shangyu, to do this and entrust your life to someone with an uncertain future?"

Zhu Yingtai, with her clear and bright eyes, resolutely said: "Madam, you are wise. I believe that although Brother Liang comes from a poor family, he is of noble character, exceptionally talented, and has a magnanimous spirit that is far beyond that of ordinary playboys."

He knew I was a girl for over two years, yet he never mentioned it, solely to protect me and ensure my continued education. How many people in this world possess such understanding and responsibility?

When he asked for Mr. Xie's promise, his mind wasn't on his own future career, but on the hope that one day he could marry me. How many people in this world possess such foresight and such deep affection?

In my life, to have met such a person is something I would gladly give everything for. Let alone coming to Shiling to seek Mr. Xie's help, I would follow him to the ends of the earth, through fire and water. This is not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but a deeply considered and heartfelt choice. I hope you, Madam, will understand.

Xie Daoyun was moved and nodded: "Alright, I understand. You can go and wait outside too."

Zhu Yingtai bowed and withdrew as instructed.

After Zhu Yingtai left, Xie Daoyun looked at Xie Xuan and asked, "Jie, what do you think?"

Xie Xuan sighed, "Liang Shanbo is truly a rare talent. His fate and affection with Zhu Yingtai, as well as their fearless courage, are truly moving."

He changed the subject, his brows furrowing slightly: "However, Liang Shanbo is, after all, from a poor family, while the Zhu family of Shangyu is a prominent local clan."

This matter also involves the Ma family, the most powerful family in Shangyu, and the Ma family is backed by the Wang family of Langya. These layers of connections are truly putting me in a difficult position.

When I made that promise to him last year, I made it clear that if I felt it was within my power, I would help him; if I felt it was difficult, I would not. However, if I truly do not help this time, I fear I will find it hard to feel at ease. Firstly, I would be seen as breaking my promise; secondly, if Liang Shanbo harbors resentment because of this, I will have lost a rare talent. This is truly a dilemma.”

Xie Daoyun pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "What you are worried about is indeed true, but we might as well analyze it in detail."

Firstly, although there was an old custom in this dynasty that "scholars and commoners should not marry," Liang Shanbo's ancestors were originally from the Guanzhong region, not true commoners. His family's decline occurred after they migrated south, and the root cause was that his great-grandfather refused Wang Dun's offer of service and was killed, leading to the family's downfall. This was not a lowly family, but a family with integrity.

Secondly, the Ma family of Shangyu has not yet made a marriage agreement with the Zhu family. Zhu Guang and his wife, as well as Zhu Yingtai herself, are all unwilling to enter into this marriage. Since it is not a settled matter, why should they worry about it?

Thirdly, if my Xie family of Chenjun were to act as matchmaker and arrange the marriage between Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, would the Wang family of Langya really bother arguing with my Xie family of Chenjun over the sake of the Ma family of Shangyu?

She stopped there.

There was something else she didn't say.

Her husband, Wang Ningzhi, was a direct descendant of the Langya Wang clan. If there were any trouble within the Langya Wang clan, she believed she could still mediate.

Xie Xuan stared at Xie Daoyun, his eyes filled with a hint of inquiry: "Elder sister, you seem to really want me to help arrange this marriage between Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai?"

Xie Daoyun made no attempt to hide her feelings and nodded frankly, saying, "That's right. Firstly, Liang Shanbo is a man of great talent, and you shouldn't let him slip away so easily; secondly, I personally admire Zhu Yingtai very much. She is the daughter of a prominent family in Shangyu, yet she dared to disguise herself as a man and study at Wansong Academy for more than two years. She also fell in love with Liang Shanbo, a poor boy, and even dared to come here to seek your help."

She lowered her eyes slightly, a hint of melancholy in her expression: "Such courage is something I've never possessed in my life. If I had been as brave and resolute as her back then, perhaps I wouldn't have married into the Langya Wang clan, and I wouldn't be in this predicament today."

Xie Xuan was well aware of his elder sister's unhappy marriage. Hearing her say this, he felt a pang of sadness and understood her feelings.

In fact, Xie Daoyun had something else on her mind that she couldn't say out loud.

This time, in addition to seeing the courage she lacked in Zhu Yingtai, she also saw in Liang Shanbo the kind of lover she had fantasized about in her youth: handsome, skilled in both literature and martial arts, with amazing talent, and so courageous, affectionate, and responsible for the woman he loved.

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