Chapter Fifty-Six: The Beautiful Woman, Madame Zou

At this moment, in the center of the field—

The two men closed the distance in an instant. Zhang Xiu lunged first, his spear stabbing violently, but Xu Chu swept it aside with a forceful slash. Zhang Xiu, wielding his steel spear, was renowned for his strength, but Xu Chu’s blade was something else entirely!

“What tremendous force!”

Zhang Xiu frowned, feeling a tingling numbness in his hand. He immediately lowered his stance, bracing his spear against his back. Letting out a thunderous shout, his arms shook Xu Chu’s broadsword loose, and the butt of his spear darted forward in a sudden thrust!

Xu Chu was startled and parried with a quick flick of his blade.

They exchanged blows—one round, then another. To the onlookers, it was clear Zhang Xiu struggled more with each clash. Every time Xu Chu swung his blade, Zhang Xiu could barely withstand it.

In a flash, ten exchanges had passed.

Zhang Xiu’s fighting spirit only burned brighter, yet he knew well enough that this burly man outmatched him. Still, the warriors of Xiliang prided themselves on martial valor. Even when defeat was certain, they would fight to the very end.

Thirty rounds in, the surrounding soldiers watched in shock.

Their leader was being steadily overpowered by this hefty man. From the looks of it, Zhang Xiu was finding it harder and harder to hold his ground.

Jia Xu, meanwhile, grew frantic. If Zhang Xiu won, things would be simple. But if he lost, knowing his temperament, his respect for Chu Feng would soar. The problem was Chu Feng’s domain was but a handful of counties, squeezed between larger powers. Throwing their lot in with him would bring no advantage!

Now, Zhang Xiu parried with his spear, veins bulging on his forehead, the skin between thumb and forefinger split and bleeding, both arms trembling. He was clearly spent.

“Break!”

With a mighty cry, Xu Chu drew back his blade and slashed with all his power. The clash rang out like thunder. Zhang Xiu was hurled back, his boots skidding across the sand. Only by planting his spear did he halt his retreat.

Xu Chu dismounted and, with a booming voice, declared, “General Zhang, I concede to your skill!”

But Zhang Xiu was not angered. He steadied his breathing and laughed heartily. “Xu Chu, though your swordplay is rough, your strength is something no one dares oppose!”

“My lord says this is what it means to conquer all skill with sheer power.”

“Ha! Well said. With you at his side, General Chu is surely untouchable,” Zhang Xiu replied, admiration in his voice.

Such a warrior was far more formidable than Hu Che’er.

Xu Chu blinked in confusion, scratching his head. “General Zhang, even without me, no villain could lay a hand on my lord.”

“What do you mean by that?” Zhang Xiu asked, puzzled.

Xu Chu drew a deep breath, recalling the day Chu Feng unleashed his full might with a single halberd strike. The memory was still vivid. He pursed his lips and spoke sheepishly, “I might be able to lift an ox, but before my lord, not even I could withstand his full strength with a single halberd. So, if there ever comes an assassin, don’t think that beating me means victory—”

“That would only be the beginning!”

Xu Chu finished with a sigh of resignation. Most bodyguards protected their masters, but with Chu Feng, it often felt as if he was the one being guarded.

Zhang Xiu stared, utterly bewildered, and glanced back at the refined and elegant Chu Feng. Xu Chu was hardly one to lie—did that mean not even he could withstand a single blow from Chu Feng?

Good heavens, what sort of monstrous man was this? Was this the beginning of a ghost story?

“General Zhang, to tell you the truth, I only recently pledged myself to my lord. He’s not just a master of martial arts but also well-versed in military strategy and gifted in invention. The popular snowflake salt? He devised it offhand, even from poisonous salt. And there’s more—repeating crossbows, lamellar armor, you name it.”

These words were instructions from Chu Feng himself—let others sing your praises, for it is more convincing than boasting oneself.

Zhang Xiu was still reeling. The world knew of poisonous salt, but to turn it into snowflake salt…

“Oh, and my lord often says: ‘Zhang Xiu of Nanyang is both brave and resourceful, a man of chivalry—I must befriend him if ever the chance arises.’ This whole visit isn't about me wanting to challenge you—he simply wished to make your acquaintance, so we took a detour to come here,” Xu Chu explained with a shrug.

A strange thrill stirred in Zhang Xiu’s heart. He realized he’d been drawn in, moved by the thought that Chu Feng had gone out of his way just to meet him.

“Lord Chu is a man of rare integrity. I am impressed,” he said sincerely. “But if that’s the case, why make it seem as if you came to challenge me? Was he worried I’d turn him away?”

“Of course not! My lord said that if he came under ordinary circumstances, Jia Xu would surely try to interfere. In fact, even now, Jia Xu will likely try to slander him. So…” Xu Chu paused, then hastily added, “Oh, and don’t mention any of this to Jia Xu! If he finds out, there’ll be endless trouble.”

Truth be told, Xu Chu felt Chu Feng was putting him in an awkward position—was he a bodyguard, or some kind of double agent? If not for the repeated instructions along the way, he would have forgotten all this.

Zhang Xiu frowned, but said nothing more.

The two walked together, shoulder to shoulder, and soon approached Chu Feng, calling out, “General Chu, you have traveled far—please, stay the night as my guest!”

“It would be my pleasure to offer you hospitality and share fine wine together—what could be better?”

Chu Feng laughed in reply, “Splendid! Since you are so gracious, I shall stay one night, and tomorrow I’ll continue on to Jingzhou!”

“Please!” Zhang Xiu gestured, inviting him into the manor.

Chu Feng led the way, Xu Chu guarding him, while Jia Xu grew more anxious by the moment. If Chu Feng managed to sway Zhang Xiu, he himself would gain nothing!

Thinking quickly, he leaned in and whispered, “My lord, Chu Feng is a powerful leader in Jianghuai. Though he has allied with Liu Biao, it’s only for mutual benefit. You rely on Jingzhou for support, surrounded by spies. If word of this close friendship reaches Jingzhou, how will Liu Biao react? And what will become of you?”

Zhang Xiu’s brow furrowed at once.

Just as Xu Chu had warned him—Jia Xu was always scheming.

“It’s merely a customary banquet to welcome a guest. Can Liu Biao not tolerate even this?” Zhang Xiu retorted. Still, Jia Xu’s words were not wrong—only, Zhang Xiu had been forewarned.

“But my lord—”

“That’s enough. My mind is made up. Say no more. Tonight, you will join the banquet as well. Chu Feng is a man of great talent—you should befriend him.”

With that, Zhang Xiu strode away.

Jia Xu was left standing, momentarily dazed. He realized that Chu Feng was even more formidable than he’d imagined. Zhang Xiu had always taken his advice, but today…

Clearly, Chu Feng had anticipated his moves.

“No simple man indeed.”

Jia Xu narrowed his eyes. He could not misstep here—one wrong move and he would have nothing to show for it, never mind rising to a position of power.

After a moment’s thought, a decision formed in his mind. The corner of his mouth curled into a sinister smile.

…

A short while later, inside the Zhang residence.

Chu Feng and Zhang Xiu chatted amiably as they walked toward the rear courtyard.

Chu Feng’s eyes suddenly sparkled.

By the pond in the backyard stood a graceful woman, feeding the fish. Her figure was enchanting, and even her profile was enough to dazzle the senses.

She turned slowly, her eyes meeting Chu Feng’s in mild surprise. Then, with gentle warmth, Lady Zou said, “Youwei, is there a guest?”

“Yes, Aunt, please continue with your tasks,” Chu Feng replied, pressing his lips together. That alluring woman—already a matron, and yet possessing such irresistible charm—it was enough to make one’s heart race.

Ah!