Chapter 57: Great Responsibilities Befall This Person

"Tired?"

Qian Gongyu brought over some pastries and warm tea, pulling 'Jiang Shi' to sit beside her on the grass. "Take a break."

"Cut?"

"No sparring, absolutely not!" Qian Gongyu hurriedly shook her head. "I don't have your kind of energy. Fighting those fiends today wore me out completely!"

"Is there something you need?"

"Can't I come see you unless I need something?"

"I need to continue my training."

"Wait a moment!" Qian Gongyu quickly pulled her back, taking a ribbon out from her tunic. "I noticed you always tie your hair with a straw rope, so I thought... I'd give you a ribbon. My mother gave it to me when I was little. Do you think it looks nice?"

"Average."

"Even just to be polite, you're supposed to say it looks nice at a time like this." Qian Gongyu was left somewhat amused and exasperated. "I have no doubt you're going to offend a lot, lot of people in the future."

"Thank you."

"I wasn't complimenting you!" Qian Gongyu sighed helplessly and walked around behind 'Jiang Shi'. "Let me tie your hair for you."

The setting sun slanted westward, casting shadows over the dim woodlands. One young girl was tying the hair of another who was just finishing her strenuous exercise and glowing with a light film of sweat. Bonfires began to be lit around the camp, and various mouth-watering aromas drifted from the kitchens. Some people were singing at the top of their lungs, while others drank and danced.

"It seems because we can leave tomorrow, they're holding a bonfire banquet tonight," Qian Gongyu said. "Though I suspect they're just looking for an excuse to make merry. I used to think that because of their noble birth, their actions would surely be extraordinary. But now I realize that far from comparing to you, they're even worse than me. They're just a bunch of pampered second-generation heirs lounging on their family trees, waiting to die... Would you believe many of them even relied on cheat books to change their class, without ever practicing any real skills?"

"Ever since I was little, my father trained me strictly. Early in the morning, I had to wash my face in icy water and walk the plum blossom stakes. As I got older, I started practicing finger techniques. The skin on my fingers would split and heal, heal and split again... Honestly, I would have preferred swordsmanship—it looks so graceful and elegant. Finger techniques look like a shrew in a street fight; not only are they unsightly, but they're vicious. But my father said our family heirloom was the silken hand-wraps, so I had no choice but to learn finger techniques to adapt to that weapon."

Qian Gongyu didn't mind receiving no response; she was already accustomed to her companion being a silent listener. "When I finally successfully transitioned into a Martial Dao Emissary at age fifteen, my father was very happy. He solemnly handed me the silken hand-wraps and a hundred spiritual jades, but still lectured me not to grow arrogant, not to abuse the heirloom, and certainly never to oppress ordinary citizens. The Qian family is a prestigious clan; we couldn't have any wastrel descendants... Throughout his life, he cared about the Qian family above all else. Year-round he was out running about to earn family contribution points. When my mother died, he couldn't make it back; when I fell ill, he wasn't home either. Whenever we met, it was either to check my progress or discuss the family..."

"Back then, I must have found him terribly annoying. But suddenly, he died, and I became the head of the Qian family."

"Many people came to propose marriage. Inside and outside the clan, people urged me to marry off quickly while the Qian family still existed, warning that once the five-year mourning period ended, if I hadn't earned enough family contribution points, the imperial court would strike the Qian family from the registries. By marrying early, my family contribution points would serve as my best dowry, which I could use to trade for support from my husband's family... Luo Weijin was one of those who came to propose back then. He threw his weight around right in my home, so naturally I didn't give him a pleasant expression, and that's how our grudge started."

"Actually, I didn't want to uphold the Qian family's signboard either. It's too exhausting, completely pointless. I often thought, if some aristocratic young master came to propose, I'd just marry him. I'd marry into Jiangnan City and live the life of a noble lady instead of practicing finger techniques and footwork day in and day out... But the great noble families naturally looked down on someone from a humble background like mine, so I've continued acting as the head of the Qian family until now."

"It's not like nobody wants me, you know! Last year, the second young master of a Grass-grade distinguished family came to propose. His family is currently a scorching-hot favorite in the court, a 'minor noble house' qualified to live in Jiangnan City. At the time, I knew this was the highest branch I could ever hope to climb. Even Uncle Lin came to urge me to consider it, and I was quite tempted because he was my type."

"Yet I still wanted to carry on the Qian family name."

Qian Gongyu had finished tying the hair, resting both hands on 'Jiang Shi''s shoulders.

"Maybe I'll regret it one day in the future, but not today, and not here." Qian Gongyu leaned over to peer at 'Jiang Shi''s profile. "Do you know why I'm telling you all this?"

"Why?"

"Because Lu Wangji—that rude uncle from noon—just talked to me. He said that as long as I can persuade you to defect to the imperial court, the court will elevate my family to a Fourth-Grade Grass-class lineage, maintaining that rank for fifty years without falling. He also promised that I could work for the court alongside you, and the court is willing to expend resources to cultivate us both. He even said that even if I refuse, I can move to Jiangnan City, and the court is willing to gift me a residence." Qian Gongyu sighed with emotion. "Tricking you onto that carriage three days ago was probably the highest-yielding investment I'll ever make in my life."

"Did you agree?"

"That's why I wanted to tell you all that first." Qian Gongyu wrapped her arms around 'Jiang Shi''s neck and giggled. "Jiang Shi, for your sake, I endured the pain and turned down so—many benefits! I rejected a soaring leap to a Fourth-Grade distinguished clan, rejected the court's cultivation, and rejected a luxury mansion in Jiangnan City. Tell me, Jiang Shi, shouldn't you compensate me?"

"Actually, you should have agreed. I don't mind working for the court."

Even 'Ye Si' could serve as a frontline foot soldier for the Qi State, so 'Jiang Shi' could naturally serve as the vanguard cannon fodder for the Liang State. As long as the compensation was sufficient, Yan Qing wouldn't mind doing odd jobs for anyone.

"Really?" Qian Gongyu was extremely shocked. "What if someone in the court offends you?"

"I'll kill them."

"Please, I'm begging you, you'd better not defect to the court."

"Very well."

Qian Gongyu sat beside 'Jiang Shi', resting her chin in her hands and looking up at the moon in the sky.

"But Lu Wangji doesn't seem like a good person, and the Qun and Chen families might not let this go either. What if they target you?"

"I'll kill them."

"Can you give me a second option..." Qian Gongyu sighed heavily. Tilting her head, she gazed at the young girl beside her and asked, "After the Mengsu Woodlands event ends, where do you plan to go?"

"Accept patronage from the Jie or Shang families and travel around to various secret realms."

Qian Gongyu nodded. "That sounds wonderful."

After a brief silence, just as Yan Qing was planning to chase her away to resume idling her training, Qian Gongyu spoke up again: "Liang State is very large. Without a carriage, traveling will be very tiring, you know."

"The Shang and Jie families should provide one."

"Still, a private carriage is more comfortable. You can decorate and furnish it however you like, just like your own home," Qian Gongyu pushed hard to sell her idea. "Besides, you're so bad with words yet so pretty. If you have someone with high emotional intelligence by your side, you can avoid a lot of trouble."

"I'm used to being alone. I don't want to take you with me."

Qian Gongyu immediately latched onto 'Jiang Shi' like a little raccoon, wearing a pitiful expression as she said, "Please let me follow you! I'm willing to do whatever you want me to do!"

"What about your Qian family?"

"All the family contribution points I've earned over the years don't compare to hitching a ride through the Mengsu Woodlands with you. Sticking close to you is the only shortcut to making the Qian family prosper!" Qian Gongyu buried her face against 'Jiang Shi''s chest, burrowing back and forth. "Let me tag along, let me tag along! I'll be very good and listen to you about everything..."

"You said you'd do whatever I ask?"

Qian Gongyu blinked. Whether it was the red glow of the sunset or a blush rising to her cheeks, her face was bright red. "Mmm-hmm!"

"Then let's spar. You must use your heirloom."

"I don't want to spar..."

...

Outside the camp.

Lu Wangji handed a letter to a fast-riding scout, watching the courier raise a torch that cut through the darkness of the forest like a spark.

"Commander Lu, was there something that couldn't be discussed inside?" Qun Yushu walked over, surveying the surroundings. "It's late and secluded out here; anyone passing by might think we're plotting some shady conspiracy."

"Or perhaps you're here to flaunt good news?" Chen Linchuan chimed in. "I hear you've been privately approaching the Qian family miss. Has the court reeled Jiang Shi in?"

"She refused," Lu Wangji replied. "She said she couldn't make decisions on Jiang Shi's behalf."

"The court is actually trying to recruit Jiang Shi?" Qun Yushu asked with curiosity. "I thought you'd be quite wary of the power of Calamity."

"Wary, yes, but His Majesty possesses vast vision and brilliant insight; how could he fail to accommodate a mere Jiang Shi? Furthermore, Jiang Shi merely has potential; she is still a far cry from the legendary 'when Calamity appears, the realm collapses' level." Pride flickered across Lu Wangji's face. "Throughout history, many have possessed the power of Calamity, but those who actually triggered a true calamity are fewer than one in a hundred."

"Besides, Liang State needs Calamity," he stated. "Unifying the realm requires Calamity."

Chen Linchuan narrowed his eyes slightly, a faint, ambiguous smile on his face. "That's a double-edged sword, though."

"Which of the great eras like the Divine Zhou or Sheng Xuan didn't rely on the tyranny of Calamity to unify the Central Plains? If we wish to achieve merits surpassing the Zhou and Xuan dynasties, someone like Jiang Shi is indispensable." Lu Wangji sighed. "For hundreds of years, the realm has been in chaos, with heroes rising in generation after generation and Sixth-Transition masters emerging everywhere. Yet who has managed to unify the world? Heroes become mere mounds of bones overnight, while the common folk suffer a century of tribulation."

Qun Yushu crossed his arms, gently tapping his fingers against his sleeve—a habitual gesture of contemplation. "The court wants to focus on cultivating Jiang Shi? Are you looking to secure our families' consent?"

"No."

Lu Wangji slowly shook his head. Looking at the two of them, he said earnestly, "Employing someone's merits is inferior to utilizing their faults. Offering embroidery on satin is far inferior to sending charcoal in the depth of winter."

"The hazards of Calamity are unquestionable. To control Jiang Shi, her arrogance must be broken and her emotional ties nurtured. Only then can she become the Emissary of Liang and the Calamity of its enemies."

"Like training a dog," Chen Linchuan chuckled.

"Like training a dog," Lu Wangji nodded in agreement.

"Even if you want to be her master, it wouldn't be your turn," Qun Yushu noted. "The Jie and Shang families have already established friendly ties with her, and even we have to wait in line. Why on earth do you think you have an opportunity to offer charcoal in the snow?"

"I'm not here to send charcoal," Lu Wangji said. "My task is to plunge her into wind and snow, to subject her to trial by fire."

Qun Yushu and Chen Linchuan paused slightly, instantly grasping Lu Wangji's implication.

"Aren't you afraid she'll turn hostile against the court?"

"When the time comes, I'll naturally be pushed out to shoulder the blame as a scapegoat. The court belongs to you; as long as you maintain friendly relations with her, how could she turn hostile?"

"Why tell us this?"

"If you don't step in to counter the Jie and Shang families, the end result is that Jiang Shi accepts their olive branch. But if you cooperate with me, you will have at least three years to make amends and reconcile with her. The court will also assist by 'punishing' you, providing you with the opportunity to fight side by side with her," Lu Wangji said. "I'm merely offering a suggestion. It doesn't matter if you refuse; whether Jiang Shi belongs to the Jie and Shang families or the Qun and Chen families makes no difference to the court."

With that, without waiting for their reaction, he turned and walked back toward the camp, chanting softly as he moved:

"Therefore, when Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it always first frustrates their spirit and mind, exhausts their muscles and bones, starves their body and skin, subjects them to extreme poverty, and upsets all their undertakings. In this way, their mind is stimulated, their patience is strengthened, and they develop capacities they previously lacked..."