《In-game Item Storekeeper》Chapter 35 - Song, Liao and Western Xia (Tian Long Ba Bu)
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As Shang, Xiao Feng and Ah Zhu are on their journey to Little Mirror Lake where Ah Zhu's parents, Duan Zhengchun and Ruan Xingzhu are staying, Xiao Feng did not question about Shang’s source of information but he asked about his parents’ background.
Shang tells Xiao Feng about Xiao Yuanshan’s position in Liao and the deeds he did for Song and the people of Han.
Shang: The incident at Yanmen Pass probably triggered the war between Song and Liao.
Shang: That reminds me of something.
Xiao Feng: Mister Shang, please say.
Shang: I suspect Beggar Sect was also involved in the attack at Yanmen Pass thirty years ago.
Xiao Feng: Why do you say that?
Shang: Don’t you feel strange that Beggar Sect is the only martial sect who is defending borders of Song?
Xiao Feng: Shouldn’t the martial people of Han stand up to defend their country? What’s so strange about that?
Shang: If they really stand up for Song, there won't be a period of Five Dynasties and Three Kingdoms and Liao would have become a vassal state of Song.
Xiao Feng: This…
Xiao Feng’s thoughts: The previous chief was involved in the Yanmen Pass incident!? Is that why he keeps leading the sect to defend against Liao?
While Xiao Feng is thinking about that, Shang continues to say.
Shang: This brings up another question.
Xiao Feng: What question?
Xiao Feng says after his thoughts being interrupted by the Shang’s talking.
Shang: Why did the intercept by martial experts had to happen on the day your parents decided to visit their in-laws?
Xiao Feng: Could it be a coincidence?
Shang: Coincidence? It’s too good to be true. Would your father go around tell everyone that they will be visiting their in-laws? There’s no way he would do that, right? After all, it’s their family business.
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Shang: So who was watching his movements and wanted him to be killed? Song? Song would rather make sure your father stays alive than to start a war with Liao. Western Xia? Of course, Western Xia would be glad that Liao and Song are at war but their hands are too busy at invading the lands of Liao and Song and defending attacks from both of them. Killing your father isn’t worth the effort and risk. This leaves an unseen force and Liao.
Xiao Feng: Liao? Why would my country plan to kill my father?
Shang: Liao has every reason to kill your father. The alliance between Liao and Song was to defeat the same strong enemy, Western Xia and your father who has the support of the Empress Dowager of Liao, is the key to maintaining the alliance. Once Western Xia is no longer a threat, Liao would have to find a reason to start a war with Song and the purpose would be….
Xiao Feng Yanmen Pass incident….what about the unseen force?
Shang: The unseen force most likely wanted to benefit from the war between Song and Liao. Their way of doing sounds dumb to me as Song is currently too stable for others to benefit from.
Shang: This brings us back to the informant who send the message. Shaolin Temple is not that dumb to trust any message brought by a random informant.
Shang: The informant should be a well-respected person in the martial world and the person is trusted by the highest authority of Shaolin Temple.
Xiao Feng: This means we have to go back to Shaolin Temple for answers.
Shang: I don’t think they will welcome you again after what you and Ah Zhu did in Shaolin Temple.
Ah Zhu: Ah….
Ah Zhu who has overhearing the entire conversation, lowers her head.
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Xiao Feng: Ah Zhu, this is not your fault.
Xiao Feng turns to Ah Zhu.
Ah Zhu: But I…
Xiao Feng: It’s all alright. We will face it together.
Ah Zhu: Brother Xiao….
Xiao Feng: Ah Zhu….
Shang: *cough*
Shang interrupts the two lovebirds from getting close.
Ah Zhu & Xiao Feng: We are sorry…we forgot you are still here
Shang: it’s alright.
Shang’s thoughts: Your actions actually make me miss Nanami. No wonder Yuanshan ran off first. He couldn’t stand the sight of you two cuddling.
Shang: I know I shouldn’t interrupt but do you both think you have the power to obtain answers from Shaolin Temple?
Xiao Feng: This….
Ah Zhu: With my help…
Shang: Sorry, even if Xiao Feng becomes your consort, it is not enough.
Xiao Feng: Then what should I do?
Shang: Your only choice is Song or Liao but I don’t personally recommend Song as those officials are heavily influenced by Confucianism. They will not welcome you into their ranks.
Shang: This leaves your only choice is in Liao.
Xiao Feng: Liao? But those officials there might have a hand in my parent’s death!
Shang: You don’t really have a choice. Only Liao welcomes Khitan people into their ranks.
As Shang, Xiao Feng and Ah Zhu reach the entrance of a province, they hear someone shouting for help.
Shang: Ah, I think I found our guide.
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