Peach Blossoms Of The World (4)

Daoist Xie. 

In Xiangguo, there was a mysterious power between heaven and earth, divided into soul and spirit. Spirits existed in the wild, in markets, at the ends of the earth, and right next to you, but the soul only appeared in living people. Souls and spirits were inherently one, but countless people sought them their whole lives without finding them. Many brushed past their spirit in the vast sea of people. When soul and spirit recognized each other, a new power was born—perhaps evil, perhaps good, strong or gentle. In the chaotic world, everyone moved forward in confusion, but this power only appeared when turning back.

Seize it, with the courage of a final stand; such an opportunity comes only once.

Nie Xiaotao reached out without hesitation, not caring what might happen next.

The long-lost Peach Blossoms Widow's Curse was thus revived. It was made of the purest and the most evil, the most beautiful and the dirtiest. It was a flower nurtured by desire, hatred, and humiliation.

Only a woman could cultivate it, and the curse could only be cast during sex. At that moment, a woman could decide a man's death, like a black spider devouring its mate during copulation.

Nie Xiaotao's target for revenge was Qi Yanping.

He died in the bed of another concubine, who almost went mad, repeatedly saying she saw a large, blood-red web on the master's back, with a bright red spider busily working in the middle.

No one believed her.

Lanlan's mourning period ended, and she should have married, but Qi Xiang now had to mourn for three years.

Qi Xiang had become the youngest Imperial Censor in a century, one of the Qi family's prides.

But he didn't want to be just "one of the prides."

He was still far from the position he desired.

Qi Xiang found Nie Xiaotao and said, "I know you killed my father."

By then, Nie Xiaotao had reached Xiguan. Money came quickly in Xiguan; she was beautiful, straightforward, and open, quickly becoming a favorite there.

She couldn't stay at home; she was an outcast, a disgrace.

She still remembered what she had said: If I'm going to sell myself, I will sell at a clear price.

Qi Xiang said, "Let's make a deal. Help me eliminate someone."

Nie Xiaotao smiled like a peach blossom, "Why should I help you?"

Qi Xiang said, "Name your price, as long as I can afford it."

Nie Xiaotao said, "What's the price? There is a price for sex but killing someone there's no price."

Qi Xiang said, "Don't leave. Let's talk."

Nie Xiaotao agreed, not knowing why. Perhaps she had always been curious about this man.

Qi Xiang talked and talked about Changxiang, the sixteen noble families, the Northern and Eastern Xiang countries, house slaves, and runaway slaves. Cheap candles burned one after another, and bitter tea was steeped until it was flavorless. Qi Xiang's eyes flashed with the same passionate light as when he was sixteen, and his speech quickened: "Have you ever thought about it? Maybe one day, there will be no war, no slaves. Men won't have to risk their lives, and women won't have to sell their bodies. Everyone will be happy, loving whom they love. That day, there will be no upper town, middle town, or lower town, only Changxiang. Everyone born here will consider it home, without needing to flee or fear. They won't have to protect it with their lives or hate it."

His face shone in that moment. Nie Xiaotao wanted to laugh, but her tone wasn't as sharp, "I didn't know you were a dreamer too."

Qi Xiang paused for a long time and then said something puzzling, "I want many children."

Amusingly, Nie Xiaotao understood, "I don't want children."

They looked at each other but didn't see each other, only something far away.

Qi Xiang said, "Help me."

Nie Xiaotao said, "You're dreaming."

Qi Xiang laughed confidently, "You will help me. I know what kind of person you are, and you know what kind of person I am."

Nie Xiaotao asked, "What kind of person am I?"

Qi Xiang said, "A person who repays kindness and seeks revenge."

Nie Xiaotao thought and then named her price, "A life for a life. I want someone's life."

She truly held grudges and sought revenge for every slight—Xiaorou.

Qi Xiang said, "If it's Xiaorou, you can rest assured. Lanlan avenged you. Xiaorou has been having an affair with a... stranger and has been saving money to leave the Qi family."

Nie Xiaotao was surprised, "She sold me out for that? How did Lanlan find out?"

Qi Xiang smiled bitterly, "She got pregnant. It couldn't be hidden."

Nie Xiaotao's face showed a strange expression, "Let me secretly see her."

Qi Xiang reminded her, "It's not a pleasant sight."

Nie Xiaotao said, "I know."

It's said Xiaorou's lover died, fighting off eleven Qi family guards before throwing down his sword when Xiaorou was taken away. He died miserably, his skin flayed and nailed to a wall, with Xiaorou locked on the other side.

Xiaorou went mad. Her once beautiful face was swollen and hideous, lying in her filth. Food was thrown into the filth, and she ate like an animal. When the door creaked, she clutched her belly, whispering to her child, "Don't be afraid, baby. Daddy's here, and so is Mommy."

She no longer recognized Nie Xiaotao.

Nie Xiaotao asked Qi Xiang, "Will she die?"

Qi Xiang nodded, his expression heavy.

Nie Xiaotao asked, "What about the child?"

Qi Xiang said, "Of course." Nie Xiaotao turned away expressionless, walking a few steps before saying, "Let that child live, no matter what it takes—I know you can do it. A life for a life, I'll kill the person in your way."

Qi Xiang didn't understand, "What?"

Nie Xiaotao didn't explain. It was hard to explain. Seeing Xiaorou's belly, she no longer felt hatred, not for anyone, not even herself.

Her revenge was complete, and she was still Nannan.

This matter is irreparable once it starts. Within a month, Nie Xiaotao helped Qi Xiang eliminate twelve obstructive individuals, seven of whom were high-ranking officials returning from Changxiang City. A month later, the third death case in Changxiang City was reported. The doctors were helpless, rumors spread throughout the city, from astrology and Feng Shui to assassinations by rebels, to the spread of hidden diseases... In the following two years, the nobles in the upper city tacitly agreed not to act again. 

After Xiaorou gave birth to a child, she died without any warning.

According to Qi Xiang, he found a dead baby born from a slave and swapped it. This was done imperceptibly, only he and his confidant knew about it.

Nie Xiaotao inquired and found out that the child's name was Jiafu.

"I hope he is a fortunate person," Qi Xiang said. "I will do my best to treat him well, but you know, he is still a slave."

"I know," Nie Xiaotao said.

"We won't mention this transaction to anyone, will we?" Qi Xiang asked.

"What transaction?" Nie Xiaotao retorted.

Nie Xiaotao had already saved up quite a bit of money, but it wasn't enough. She wanted to earn enough money for a lifetime and then leave Changxiang City.

When she was eighteen, lying drunk on the bed, a guest barged in. Before she could sober up, the guest slapped her hard: "Go home!"

It was her third brother. He came back in a rage. He slapped her face and then his own: "Sister, go home, don't be afraid of anything. Brother will take care of you for the rest of your life."

Her third brother loved her the most. This time he specially took a leave to come home and eat his sister's birthday noodles.

Nie Xiaotao suddenly remembered, today was her birthday.

She was dragged home by her third brother stumbling and falling. Her father scolded, her mother cried, her eldest brother ignored her, her sister-in-law mocked her a few times, her third brother retorted, her eldest brother got angry and wanted to hit him. Her third brother was no longer the same as before, he slammed the table with a stern face: "She's your sister!"

Her eldest brother spat: "Ask your sister what shameless things she's been doing!"

Her third brother almost retorted, but after enduring for a while, he grabbed Nie Xiaotao's hand: "Sister, let's go. That person is not your brother. Let's go. With me here, no one can bully you."

Nie Xiaotao hugged her third brother, trembling all over, frightening her third brother. As soon as she spoke, she burst into tears.

Her mother's heart broke. For the first time, she yelled at her father: "Our child has finally come back, why are you yelling? If they want to leave, I'll go with them!"

Nie Xiaotao cried even more fiercely. She thought, to hell with the Peach Blossom Widow, let it be a nightmare. Now that her brother is back, she has a home again.

She redeemed herself, and the madam admired her ability to accumulate such a large sum of money in a short time. She tentatively asked her, "Are you coming back? How about doing business together? The business in the West City is the best in Changxiang City."

Nie Xiaotao wasn't as resolute as she was when she was a child. She thought for a moment and said, "Maybe, let's see."

After all, her third brother was not a martial artist who wielded a knife and horse in the chaos of war, like those who took heads in a chaotic army. It was said that he had become a secretary of the Secretariat and was highly regarded by the upper echelons. This time off was already a special favor. He worried all day long, afraid that if he left, Nie Xiaotao would have to return to the West City, a place where people are eaten without spitting out bones.

Nie Xiaotao hesitated whether to tell her third brother that she could support the entire family. She wanted to speak, but couldn't. Her third brother doted on her and protected her. That feeling made her nostalgic. She hadn't had enough of being a child yet, but suddenly she turned into a woman. In her body, there was still a little girl being protected by her brothers. The little girl begged her, "Don't say it, just a few days, a few days will be enough."

She owed it to the little girl, but she owed it to her third brother. One morning, after finishing all the work at home, her third brother left without a word and never came back.

It is said that her third brother accused the upper echelons of accepting bribes from the Qu family, plotting to insert Qu family spies into the Lian family army. This was not a small case. His superior was just an average military officer. If even he was bribed by the Qu family, it could only mean that the Qu family's reach was too long.

This case was far more sensational than when Qi Xiang brought down the Qu family's second son in the past. This was a great battle between the top civil and military officials of the Sixteen Families. Almost no neutral camps could be accommodated among the Sixteen Families. Only the Qi family had always been clearly neutral. When the Qu family was about to face disaster, Qi Xiang urged the Lian family who came to win him over: How can a great clan be completely destroyed? The world still needs you gentlemen. 

Nie Xiaotao tried to find Qi Xiang several times, but always missed him. Finally, she couldn't bear it anymore and went to find Shi Lanyin.

Nie Xiaotao blurted out, "Where is my third brother?"

Shi Lanyin comforted her, "He's fine."

Nie Xiaotao didn't believe it, "What do you mean he's fine? What did Qi Xiang promise him?"

Shi Lanyin said, "It was Nie Xilai who came to find Qi Xiang. Hey, don't worry, didn't Qi Xiang also walk this path in the past to have a future. When Nie Xilai comes out, he'll be promoted at least three levels." 

Nie Xiaotao said, "Bullshit! Ask your man to come and see me."

Shi Lanyin's face looked strange, "You wait, I'll have someone invite him to see you."

Nie Xiaotao waited and waited, one cup of tea replaced another, she didn't believe her third brother had Qi Xiang's good luck—Qi Xiang was just a pawn back then, with one move, the whole situation was chaotic; her third brother was just a pawn now, but this pawn was too insignificant. Even if he was removed, it wouldn't affect the overall situation.

Nie Xiaotao didn't want to threaten Shi Lanyin, but she did: "Lanlan, I don't want to bring up old things, but I've done a lot for your man, I think you know. Even if you don't know, it doesn't matter. Just remember— if anything happens to my third brother, your man will die in an even more ugly way. If you still want to keep your wealth and status, persuade him not to do anything stupid. I won't wait for him anymore. I'm leaving." 

Shi Lanyin lowered her head and fiddled with the incense burner. "Nana, you can't leave."

Nie Xiaotao only realized when she stood up that her limbs were cold, her vision dizzy. She collapsed. She had thought Qi Xiang might silence her, but she never expected Shi Lanyin to do the same.

But Shi Lanyin didn't know that there was double the amount of poison in the tea. 

But even then when dealing with the owner of the Peach Blossom Widow that wasn't enough.

Qi Xiang finally came back, and he and his future wife had their first big fight.

"You think I'm willing to do this? If I don't kill her, she will deal with you! She knows too much about you, she will be a disaster sooner or later!"

"Then let her deal with me!"

"Qi Xiang, do you have feelings for her?"

"Lanyin, you're being ridiculous."

"Do you dare to swear?"

"Of course, Lanyin, you are my wife, in this life, I will never let you down."

"I know you won't let me down. I'm asking you, do you dare to swear that you have no feelings for her?"

"Yes. Heaven and earth, in my heart, there is only one woman. If there is any wavering, let God and man punish me... so I accomplish nothing in my life. Are you satisfied?"

"My lord..."

"Save her, Lanyin. We owe her."

"But if I save her, I..."

"She won't retaliate against you. She has always regarded you as her best friend."

Nie Xiaotao's hatred was too strong, but forgiveness came too easily. When Shi Lanyin cried and apologized to her, her confused heart softened. After all, she was a woman. She didn't want to make things difficult for women, especially since that woman was Shi Lanyin.

Qi Xiang said, "I didn't lie to Nie Xilai. I told him that this matter only had a thirty percent chance of success. I will do my best to save him, but if I can't, I'll stop. It depends on what he wants to do. Before he left, he left you a letter. It's here. Is it handwritten? You can see for yourself."

Nie Xiaotao asked, "What did you promise him?"

Qi Xiang sighed, "Prepare the orders and letters, transfer your second brother back, and set up a residence in Qingcheng. Guarantee the safety of your family for the rest of your lives and then escort you away."

Nie Xiaotao understood. Her third brother was willing to take this gamble.

Qi Xiang was very helpless. "Sorry, I couldn't tell you in advance—you wouldn't let him go. I know what kind of person you are and have seen your methods. If you want revenge, go ahead."

Nie Xiaotao had seen sinister and despicable people, but had never seen such a person. He did the most despicable things, but still maintained a righteous attitude.

Her third brother never came back.

Qi Xiang kept his promise. He transferred Nie Nan back and gave the Nie family enough money to live comfortably anywhere.

The Nie family didn't go to Qingcheng. They stayed in Changxiang City. They were tired, born here, and died here.

Nie Xiaotao looked back. Where else could she go? She had spent half her life wandering and had already paid everything to the West City.

The side dishes were served, and Qi Jiafu's wet hair was half dry. He changed into clean clothes with long sleeves.

Nie Xiaotao poured him a cup of wine. "Drink a little after getting drunk. This is called Resurrection Wine."

Qi Jiafu twirled the cup and told a very tragic story. He didn't expect there was another even more tragic story. He didn't know what to say. Nie Xiaotao didn't seem like a woman who needed comforting.

Nie Xiaotao raised her glass. "You don't need to say anything. What you need now is to rest well. I'll find you a place, quiet and undisturbed, with food and drink, clean clothes and a bed. If you trust me, there will also be medicine. But you know, the West City is a place for doing business, and the price won't be low."

Qi Jiafu hesitated. "What can I give you in return?"

"Wait until you leave, and then I'll tell you." Nie Xiaotao saw through his hesitation. "Right now, you have nothing. If you want to live, you have to owe someone. It's better to owe me. I'm a good creditor. Everyone in the West City knows that."

Qi Jiafu thought for a long time, then laughed and clinked glasses with Nie Xiaotao. "Thank you."