From the Qin Dynasty onwards, he eked out a living among the heavens.

Chapter Five: Hidden Edge of the Orchid

Specks of golden sunlight filtered through the window, casting soft rays that bathed the rosewood table, illuminating the patterns on the celadon vase with a warm, translucent glow. The room was filled with the fragrance of orchids, a delicate and elegant atmosphere enveloped in the languid afternoon sunlight. While the space appeared calm and serene, the thoughts of the three parties involved were subtly shifting, each harboring their own hidden agendas.

Zi Nu sat regally in the main seat, her purple robes trailing on the ground, her figure graceful yet exuding an air of dignified elegance.

She appeared focused on warming the wine, but her insightful eyes were constantly glancing at the two people beside her. Han Fei's embarrassment did not escape her notice.

This ninth prince of Korea, exceptionally talented and possessing great strategic acumen, returned to his country with a heart set on restoring order to the court and rectifying its long-standing corruption. However, he was all ambition and no real power, no money, and no connections. Seemingly carefree and elegant, he actually faced constant hardship, and being penniless was a regular occurrence. Xu Huang's seemingly casual remark about listening to music and appreciating wine was actually a succinct and strategic maneuver, instantly trapping the prideful and etiquette-conscious Han Fei.

Zi Nu understood perfectly, but remained silent. Having spent years navigating the treacherous waters of the royal city, her greatest skill lay in discreetly observing without revealing her intentions, mastering the art of navigating social dynamics and power struggles with exquisite precision. The aroma of the wine fully unfolded, its pure fragrance overpowering the subtle orchid scent. Zi Nu raised her hand and slowly poured wine for the two of them; the celadon cups clattered onto the table, their delicate sound breaking the silence of the room.

"The orchid wine needs to be aged for a while to achieve its best flavor." She looked up at the two of them, her voice soft and clear, like jade striking stone. "Let's sip a few cups first, to make the most of this gentle breeze and warm sunshine." Han Fei picked up his wine cup, his fingertips touching the cool porcelain. His earlier embarrassment had vanished, replaced by a gentle and elegant smile. He took a sip of the fine wine, his gaze seemingly casual as he looked out at the street, but his mind was racing. From the moment he stepped into this room, he had never let his guard down.

Zi Nu's insight far exceeded his expectations. He had been back in the country for many days, deliberately concealing his brilliance and keeping a low profile, deliberately avoiding all the turmoil in the court. Even the old ministers in the court found it difficult to see through his true thoughts. However, Zi Nu's words just now revealed his state of hiding and avoiding trouble, which showed that Zi Lan Xuan's intelligence network had already penetrated the fabric of the Korean court and the country, and was so meticulous that it was frightening.

This kind of hidden force, rooted in Xinzheng for several years, neither relying on powerful ministers nor attaching itself to royalty, has remained steadfast and independent, far beyond the control of ordinary brothel owners. Han Fei's eyes flickered slightly as he turned to look at Xu Huang, whose expression remained indifferent.

Compared to the shrewd and discerning Zi Nu, this stranger from an unknown place remains the biggest variable.

Throughout, Xu Huang sat upright and relaxed, without the slightest hint of awkwardness or probing. He lowered his eyes to look at the clear wine in his glass, his expression calm and serene, as if he were truly just a passerby, indulging in leisurely travels and a taste for the finer things in life. But Han Fei knew that those who could remain unmoved and detached from worldly affairs in a chaotic world were either ordinary mortals or supreme masters who looked down upon the changing winds of time.

The former could never be Xu Huang. "Miss Zi has keen insight and can see through the turmoil in the city. Han Fei admires her." Han Fei put down his wine cup, his smile gentle. His words seemed to be flattery, but in fact they contained a hidden probing. "Zilan Pavilion is hidden in the bustling city, yet it can quietly observe the various aspects of the court. This mere pavilion is comparable to the eyes and ears of the royal city. It is truly amazing."

Zi Nu smiled faintly upon hearing this, the curve of her lips perfectly balanced, showing neither smugness nor humility: "Ninth Young Master is too kind. My Zi Lan Pavilion is merely an ordinary courtyard for entertaining guests and appreciating romance. People come and go here, gossiping and chatting, unable to conceal the trivial matters of the court and the countryside. I have only heard and seen a lot, and know a little bit about it." With a few words, she lightly touched upon the immense power, neither flaunting her strength nor revealing her timidity, leaving no room for doubt and perfectly avoiding all tests.

Xu Huang, standing to the side, slowly raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping across the bustling streets outside the window, gazing at the majestic palace walls of the royal city in the distance. He spoke softly, his voice low and calm: "The world of pleasure is the most filthy place, but also the most accepting of the human heart. People think it's all decadent music and frivolous vanity, but little do they know that the truest human heart, the most intricate schemes, and the darkest murderous intent often lie hidden in the land of gentle pleasures." His words revealed the true essence of pleasure. Zi Nu's eyes suddenly lit up, a fleeting hint of surprise passing through them.

Ordinary martial artists only know how to kill and fight; ordinary royal scholars only know how to navigate the power struggles of the court. No one can see through the complexities of romance and intrigue, of human nature and the chaos of the world, as clearly and thoroughly as Xu Huang. His vision and perspective far surpass those of the powerful and wandering knights of Xinzheng. "What you say, esteemed guest, is indeed insightful," Zi Nu nodded slightly, her expression showing genuine approval. "Having lived amidst the world's affairs and witnessed the vanity of human hearts, this is the foundation upon which Zi Lan Xuan has stood in the capital for so many years."

She paused slightly, then shifted her tone, her gaze gently falling on Xu Huang. Finally, she took the initiative to probe, "Judging from your bearing and appearance, you are neither a wandering swordsman nor a noble scion. You are free from any trace of evil, calm and insightful. I am curious, having traveled extensively and witnessed the turmoil of the Seven Kingdoms, in this chaotic world, who do you see most often, and what do you fear most?"

This question, though gentle and tactful, concealed a sharp edge. It was Zi Nu's first in-depth probing of Xu Huang's true background.

Han Fei instantly focused his attention, subtly glancing sideways, awaiting Xu Huang's reply. He too wanted to know what this unfathomable passerby's vision of the chaotic world truly held.

Xu Huang met their probing gazes, his expression remaining calm and composed. He raised his hand to lightly brush away the fine mist from the rim of his cup, his gaze drifting into the distance as he looked out the window at the leisurely drifting clouds.

"In chaotic times, no one is perfect, and nothing is absolutely terrifying."

He spoke slowly and deliberately, each word clearly resonating in the room: "The seven kingdoms were embroiled in conflict, rulers and ministers clashed, warriors fought each other, and the powerful and wealthy manipulated their influence. People struggled and frantically pursued fame, fortune, power, and influence, living in constant fear. What people feared was nothing more than gain and loss, success and failure, life and death, and the ups and downs of life."

"For me, traversing mountains and rivers, witnessing their devastation and the displacement of the people, is the norm in times of chaos. Seeing power struggles, brothers turning against each other, and rulers and ministers becoming estranged is the norm for kings and nobles."

Xu Huang slowly withdrew his gaze, looking directly at the two people before him. His tone was calm and resolute: "I have no fear, only a deep concern for the common people; I have no ambition, only a commitment to my principles. In this chaotic world, we are all but passersby. Rather than scheming and being constantly on guard, it is better to follow my heart, observe the wind and moon, listen to the clear sounds, and remain steadfast amidst the ebb and flow of the storms." His words were insightful, unrestrained, and transcendent. The room fell silent instantly.

The fragrance of orchids wafted gently, and the breeze whispered softly, yet it couldn't suppress the grand vision hidden within those words. Han Fei was deeply shaken, and the inquiry in his eyes completely transformed into solemnity.

He spent his life studying power struggles, calculating every step and planning every move, yet he was trapped by his royal status, the heavy responsibilities of his family and country, and the chaotic game of the world, each step beyond his control. But Xu Huang before him could step outside the game, observing the turbulent times from the perspective of an outsider. This state of mind, this vision, is far beyond the reach of ordinary hermits and masters.

This person is truly unfathomable. Zi Nu's eyes deepened with meaning, and she remained silent for a long time. She had seen countless ambitious people, countless people vying for fame and fortune, but she had never seen anyone so completely detached from the chaos of the world, yet so insightful into all its darkness. Seemingly carefree and unassuming, he possessed a heart as vast as the mountains and as resilient as the winds of change.

After a moment of silence, Zi Nu slowly revealed a radiant smile, her beauty unparalleled, her eyes clear and captivating: "Hearing your words, young master, is worse than witnessing ten years of romance. All the scheming in the world is ultimately no match for a clear and honest heart. Since our esteemed guest is so eager to hear music, my Zi Lan Pavilion will naturally offer you the finest melodies." With that, she raised her eyes to look towards the door of the private room, and gently parted her lips, her voice clear and resonant: "Nong Yu." A soft call, gentle and steady.

A moment later, light and delicate footsteps came from outside the door, each step as soft as a falling flower, without disturbing the tranquility of the place.

A slender, graceful figure slowly walked into the room; it was none other than Nongyu, the most renowned musician in Xinzheng, from Zilan Pavilion.

She had a slender yet well-proportioned figure, standing over six feet tall, with narrow shoulders and a slim waist, her curves were soft and smooth, and her tiny waist made her figure appear even more light and graceful.

Her long, flowing, wine-red hair was parted in a 4:6 ratio, with wispy bangs gently framing her face.

Her face was a classic, delicate oval shape, with a complexion as smooth as jade. She wore light makeup, with slender, soft eyebrows and a pair of clear, bright eyes. When she looked down quietly, a faint sorrow was hidden in her eyes, and when she looked up, her eyes were full of tender light. Her lips were not adorned with heavy rouge, but only with a touch of light vermilion. Her features were perfectly proportioned, graceful and elegant, and immaculate. Although she was in a brothel, she possessed an ethereal quality that was untouched by the dust of the mountains and forests.

Today, she wore the signature golden wide-sleeved dress of Zilanxuan. She stood in the warm sunlight by the window, the golden dress reflecting the sunlight, her hair carrying a faint orchid fragrance. Her posture was as still as a magnolia under the moon, gentle and quiet, with a gentle aura that could soothe people.

Xu Huang's gaze swept over her casually, landing precisely on the fire feather agate pendant at her waist. His heart jolted, as if a thousand birds were chirping wildly in his chest, a surge of fear washing over him. He knew the origin of this agate, and even more so, he knew the tragic and turbulent life story that it carried for Nongyu. Looking at the girl standing there so gently and peacefully, a myriad of emotions welled up within him, all suppressed beneath his calm eyes, not revealing a trace of them.

Nongyu lowered her eyes and entered slowly, her posture respectful and elegant. She slightly curtsied to the three men, her voice soft and melodious: "Greetings, Sister Zinu, greetings, gentlemen." Zinu spoke gently: "Today, distinguished guests have graced our hall with their presence, their hearts are clear, and the weather is just right. Please play a tune on your zither to entertain the two gentlemen." "Yes," Nongyu nodded slightly, without uttering a single unnecessary word.

She moved to the guqin table on one side of the room. On the table was a thousand-year-old paulownia wood guqin. The strings were clean and shiny, simple and elegant, and had a warm and clear sound after years of aging.

A long, golden dress trailed on the ground, its golden patterns flowing gently with each step. The fiery agate at her waist swayed softly. She gracefully lowered her slender waist and sat down, her wide sleeves gathering to reveal a glimpse of her fair, delicate wrist. Nongyu sat down gracefully, her slender fingers lightly touching the strings of her zither. With a slight movement of her fingertips, a clear, cool melody suddenly flowed forth.

At first, the zither music was soft and gentle, like a breeze caressing orchids or flowing water piercing through stone, soothing and far-reaching, washing away the hustle and bustle of the world. Accompanied by the fragrance of orchids filling the room and the soft light of the warm sun, all the gloom of court intrigue and the violence of the martial world faded away, leaving only the gentle beauty of the world.

But upon closer listening, a hidden chill and melancholy, a somber spirit, were concealed within the depths of the music. Gentle yet resolute, melodious yet poignant, it was both the tenderness of nature and the sorrow of a chaotic world. Inside the room, the three sat silently, attentively listening to the music.

Han Fei closed his eyes and concentrated, his fingertips lightly tapping his knees, his heart filled with mixed emotions. The sound of the zither entered his ears, gentle and peaceful, but what he thought about was the impoverished and weak court of Han, the domineering nobles, and the covetous other states.

Beneath the gentle breeze and moonlight lay a nation on the verge of collapse, and the displacement of countless people. He knew that there were still trivial matters to attend to at court that afternoon, and it was not advisable to linger. No amount of leisurely pleasure could ultimately outweigh the heavy burden of the nation he bore.

A moment later, Han Fei slowly opened his eyes, concealing the myriad thoughts in them, stood up, cupped his hands, and adopted a gentle and polite posture.

"Miss Zi's refined sentiments and Miss Nongyu's clear voice have greatly benefited Han Fei today." His voice was gentle, with a hint of wistful nonchalance. "However, I am still bound by worldly affairs in the court and cannot stay any longer. I can only regret that I have missed the beauty of this early summer. I must take my leave now."

Zi Nu nodded slightly, her expression calm: "Ninth Prince, the affairs of state are of utmost importance. Please feel free to do as you please." Xu Huang also raised his eyes and nodded slightly in farewell, his expression composed and calm, having completely concealed the turbulent emotions he had just experienced due to the Fire Feather Agate.

Han Fei bowed again, straightened his robes, and turned to leave quietly. His footsteps faded into the distance, eventually disappearing at the end of the corridor. The large, elegant room was now filled only with a gentle breeze, warm sunshine, the fragrance of orchids, the sound of a zither, and Xu Huang sitting quietly, observing.

Today is early summer, the weather is sunny and mild, the sunlight is gentle and not harsh, and a warm breeze blows through the window, causing the curtains to sway gently.

On this day, Xu Huang had no intention of stepping into the turmoil of the royal city, neither seeking power nor inquiring about the martial world, nor competing for strength. He simply sat peacefully in the Purple Orchid Pavilion, alone, listening to music and while away the long early summer afternoon. Nongyu's fingers never stopped, the zither music flowing continuously, melodious and lingering, gently filling the quiet room. One piece after another, the clear sounds layered upon layer, gently soothing the restlessness of the chaotic world.

Xu Huang leaned against the window, his posture relaxed and composed. He listened to the music quietly, his eyes holding a sigh that others could not understand. Although he was concerned about the girl's suffering hidden beneath her gentle appearance, his face remained calm and composed.

Human conflicts, the smoke of war between seven kingdoms, the power struggles of the royal city, and the sword fights of the martial world—all are kept outside of this pavilion amidst the gentle breeze and moonlight of early summer. While others toil and struggle in this chaotic world, he alone listens to the zither music of the Orchid Pavilion, quietly passing an entire peaceful early summer.

The melodious sound of the zither lingered, and the sunlight lingered. The early summer at Zilan Pavilion was gentle and tranquil, becoming the most peaceful and leisurely half-day that Xu Huang had experienced since stepping into the capital of Xinzheng.