Yanfu: Starting with the Six-Eared Macaque

"I have a special method, which you can think of as an extremely powerful talisman," Chen Xing said, taking out the [King] card from his pocket. The card's surface gleamed faintly in the dim alley.

"When the two cards come together," he revealed the Joker, "they will collide and trigger a massive explosion, capable of destroying everything within a ten-foot radius—its power is astonishing."

Mo Mingxuan frowned. He had seen these kinds of talismans and water before, but most of them were tricks of charlatans. Even if they were made by a master, they were mostly used for exorcising evil spirits, curing diseases, and praying for blessings and disaster relief. He had never heard of anything that could cause such a violent explosion, and his heart was full of doubts.

"You're not a fraud, are you?!" Mo Chou blurted out her brother's suspicions. "I've seen talismans that can start fires before, but they're just for lighting a small flame, a bunch of tricks to fool people. They can't even start a fire properly, yet they dare to talk about mutual destruction?"

Chen Xing did not argue, but simply flipped his wrist and took out a Heart card, tossing it to Mo Chou.

"What is this?" Mo Chou subconsciously reached out and caught it; the touch was light and thin, yet carried a strange warmth.

"It's for treating injuries; just pat it on yourself and you'll see."

Upon hearing this, Mo Chou glanced at her brother, and seeing Mo Mingxuan nod in agreement, she hesitantly slammed the Hearts card against herself. The card shattered upon contact with her, transforming into specks of light that seeped into her body.

The next moment, Mochou felt a chill on her cheek. When she touched it, she found that the wound from being scratched by the rope had completely disappeared without a trace, leaving not even a scar.

Not only that, but my mind, which had been tense and exhausted from being filled with hatred and constant tension for the past few days, was instantly relieved, and I felt much more refreshed.

Mo Mingxuan, standing to the side, witnessed firsthand the rapid healing of his sister's facial wounds and the obvious improvement in her complexion, and was even more shocked. If Chen Xing possessed such miraculous abilities, then the so-called "explosive talisman" must truly have the power to shatter gold and split rocks.

"Then what are we waiting for!" Mo Chou instantly became excited, her eyes full of anticipation. "Let's get a hundred or two hundred of them, and tonight we'll blow that corrupt official to smithereens!"

"There's only one." Chen Xing looked at the excited Mo Chou and had to pour cold water on her enthusiasm. "I only got this by chance, and it can't be copied."

"Then when and how do you think we should make our move, young hero?" Mo Mingxuan asked the crucial question in time, interrupting his sister's unrealistic ideas.

Chen Xing recalled the letter he had glimpsed at the restaurant yesterday and slowly said, "The fifteenth of this month is the imperial court assembly. With the Empress Dowager's birthday approaching, this assembly is different from previous ones. Important officials from all over the country will come to the capital to discuss the preparations for the birthday banquet and the constitutional reform. Prince Chun, as a powerful minister, will definitely attend in person. We can ambush him on his way to and from the palace, which will increase our chances of success."

"What if he simply stayed overnight in the palace the night before, or went somewhere else and didn't return to the Prince's residence?" Mo Chou immediately thought of another possibility, her tone filled with worry.

"You're right, that's something we have to take into account." Chen Xingchong nodded to Mo Chou, acknowledging her concerns. "So I plan to sneak into the Prince's mansion tomorrow night. First, to find out the exact location of his residence and the detailed routes within the mansion. If a suitable opportunity arises, I'll kill Zai Feng directly. Even if that fails, it will allow me to better prepare for a subsequent ambush."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go tonight!" Mo Chou was still eager to try, and Mo Mingxuan could not hide his eagerness either. The flames of revenge burned fiercely in their hearts.

"Some of my sect's techniques require time to prepare, and they can't be used to their full potential in a rush," Chen Xing explained. "Besides, the three of us have been searching everywhere today, and we're all exhausted, both physically and mentally. Let's get a good night's rest tonight, recharge our energy, and meet again in this alley at midnight tomorrow!"

Mo Mingxuan and Mo Chou exchanged a glance. Although they were eager for revenge, they also knew that Chen Xing's words made sense. Taking force would only backfire, so they nodded in agreement and agreed on a time for the next day.

"May I ask your name, young hero?" Mo Mingxuan asked politely as they parted, bowing with clasped hands.

"Chen Xing, just call me A-Xing." Chen Xing waved his hand, said no more, turned around and walked out of the alley first, his figure quickly disappearing into the night.

……

Late at night, the Yin'an Hall of Prince Chun's Mansion was brightly lit, as bright as day. The glazed tiles on the roof reflected a dazzling luster under the interplay of moonlight and lamplight, making the dragon, phoenix and auspicious cloud patterns carved on the lintels appear lifelike and showcasing the grandeur of the imperial palace.

Prince Chun, Zaifeng, sat upright on the chair in the center of the hall, holding a white jade ornament in his hands, examining it closely.

The ornament was carved in three dimensions from a single piece of top-quality white jade, and its design was exquisite.

Three macaques frolicked among the peach trees. The old monkey sat peacefully beside the tree, while the two young monkeys clung to the branches, lively and agile. The peaches on the tree were plentiful, plump, and tempting, and the vines were twisted and spread out in a pleasingly sparse manner.

The carving is exquisite and lifelike, with the monkey's fur, expression, and movements all vividly depicted, making it a masterpiece of unparalleled craftsmanship.

"Excellent! Truly wonderful!" Prince Chun exclaimed, carefully placing the ornament back into the brocade box on the table. A satisfied smile graced his face as he turned to the middle-aged military man before him. "Mo Chen, do you know why I summoned you back to the capital this time?"

The martial artist's surname was Han and his given name was Mochen. He was dressed in a military officer's uniform. He was not particularly burly, but he had heavy shoulders, a steady waist, and broad hands. He exuded a calm aura that came from years of martial arts training. A long, black braid was adorned with gold and jade ornaments.

He was kneeling on the ground at this moment, and respectfully replied, "Your Highness, the letter from Lord Zhang only said that I should return before the court assembly on the 15th, but did not mention the specific reason."

Prince Chun waved his hand, signaling him to stand up and reply.

"Thanks to His Majesty's great fortune, our Great Qing has begun preparations for constitutional reform, and signs of revival are beginning to emerge. However, the rebels in the south are difficult to suppress, and the situation is unstable. With His Majesty's birthday approaching, I have specially ordered you to come to the capital to temporarily assume the position of Commander of the Infantry. I will need your help in protecting the safety of the capital and eliminating the remaining rebels."

Han Mochen stepped back and knelt down again, his attitude even more respectful, his tone firm: "Thank you for your patronage, Your Highness! Protecting the country is a soldier's duty. Your Majesty and the Buddha have entrusted this important task of safeguarding the nation to me. I will do my utmost, even unto death, without hesitation!"

Prince Chun nodded with satisfaction, then added, "We must keep a close eye on the Beiyang faction, in particular. That cripple surnamed Yuan is growing stronger every day, and his ambitions are considerable. Our Great Qing cannot afford another Nian Gengyao."

"Your Highness, rest assured, I understand the risks and will take strict precautions."

"Tomorrow you shall go to the Infantry Commander's Office immediately to take over all affairs and familiarize yourself with the deployment. On the fifteenth of this month, you shall accompany me to the palace for a meeting!" Prince Chun gave a few more specific instructions before ordering his servants to escort Han Mochen out of the residence.

Han Mochen stepped out of the palace gate, about to leave, when he suddenly stopped, his ears twitching as if he had caught some unusual sound. His gaze instantly sharpened, and he turned to look at the rooftop of the east wing, asking in a deep voice, "Has Your Highness arranged for anyone to patrol the rooftop of this residence?"

"No."

"Your Highness, please wait a moment, I'll be right back!"