The Affairs of the Martial World - Vol 2: Chapter 19

On this day, the two arrived at Xukou in Suzhou. This place became famous during the Spring and Autumn period for Wu Zixu. Wu Zixu, having achieved great merit, was forced to commit suicide by King Fuchai. His body floated down the river to this location, where the locals retrieved it, built a tomb, and erected a stele in his honor. They also renamed the place Xukou to commemorate his grace.

Recalling the glory of Wu Zixu in his heyday, Fuying couldn’t help but yearn for it, but then, remembering his tragic end, he sighed deeply.

Zhu Que asked him, “Do you know who the most famous swordsman here is?”

Fuying asked in confusion, “The most famous swordsman? Are you talking about Murong Hanshan? 

Zhu Que said, “That’s right, we are going to Murong Hanshan’s Villa of Ten Thousand Swords.”

Fuying was taken aback and said, “You don’t want to challenge him to a duel, do you? We have plenty of our own matters to deal with, so don’t stir up trouble.”

Zhu Que said, “Sword duel? What duel? I’m here to deliver him a gift.”

As they spoke, the two drove the horse-drawn carriage through the ten-mile poplar embankment and arrived at the Villa of Ten Thousand Swords. The various groups that had followed behind, planning to target the treasure chests, watched helplessly as the two entered the villa. They didn’t even dare to wait outside any longer and all scattered in a rush.

Murong Hanshan received two people in his Sword Polishing Hall. Zhu Que then stated the purpose of their visit and placed two boxes in his villa.

Murong Hanshan asked, “What is in the box?”

Zhu Que replied, “It’s sand, brought over from a desert a thousand miles away.”

Murong Hanshan never made random guesses about things he didn’t understand; he simply looked at Zhu Que with a blank expression.

Zhu Que then explained the background and details of the matter to him and finally said, “I don’t know where it’s appropriate to put this box; in any case, it just shouldn’t be known that it’s filled with sand.”

Murong Hanshan said, “From now on, others will think that the treasure you brought back from the desert is kept in the Villa of Ten Thousand Swords. If anyone wants to covet that treasure, they will have to come to the villa.”

Zhu Que said lightly, “I suppose no one would be foolish enough to target the Villa of Ten Thousand Swords.”

Murong Hanshan smiled and said, “Weren’t you just thinking about targeting the Villa of Ten Thousand Swords? I’ve been quite bored lately, and it’s rare for you to come knocking; it’s just perfect timing for us to practice swordsmanship together.”

Zhu Que was startled and said, “Don’t joke around.”

Murong Hanshan coldly snorted, “When have you ever heard that I joke around? Alas, it’s hard to find a worthy opponent, and it’s rare to have such an energetic young man like you to play with. Get some good rest, and tomorrow at sunrise, wait for me by the sword-washing pool behind the villa.”

Fuying did not dare to speak for Zhu Que, only looking at him with a sympathetic gaze. Zhu Que simply wanted to cry. 

Fuying spread his hands to indicate that he couldn’t share the difficulties and took the opportunity to bid farewell to Murong Hanshan. He said to Zhu Que, “A month later, at Taibai Tower in Suzhou, I’ll be waiting for you to drink.”

Zhu Que watched in disbelief as this ungrateful fellow took the chance to slip away.

Puyu: Poor Zhu Que.   ｡･ﾟ･(ﾉД`)ヽ(￣ω￣ )