The Legend of Su Kuang By Piao Deng - Chapter 02
Chapter 2: « Prelude: Breaking the Formation – Dragon’s Chant » (Part 2)
II. The Mandala Palace
Dragon’s Chant
Lush emerald grass, faint lapel fragrance
Words linger by the window
Tonight’s awakening from wine
Ruins of Baling Bridge
Dawn bells still chiming
The Mandala Palace was once the residence of a certain Khitan prince. After years of exposure to wind and sun, the buildings had become dilapidated, leaving only the green granite foundation walls. Long Qing was utterly captivated by the scenic view of the lake here and resolved to settle in the northern frontier, ambitiously planning to rebuild a grand palace on this site.
From the very beginning, Long Qing had been accompanied by his younger sister. With her by his side, he began plundering the wealth of the rich and powerful, using any means to amass a fortune, engaging in all sorts of unscrupulous deeds, and gradually establishing his own formidable influence.
The younger sister is getting more and more restless. If she can’t get what she wants in the room, I’m afraid she’ll snatch it outside… Walking through the palace steps, Long Qing frowned in contemplation.
Cutting pine wood and staining it with clear lacquer, the « boudoir » was built with great effort, filled with all sorts of odds and ends. Half of the so-called « palace » was actually an upside-down forest, teeming with shrubs, wildflowers, and mushrooms—a vibrant jungle of life.
Long Qing’s house stood at the mountain’s peak. She had always loved grand beams and spacious halls, insisting on a place that exuded vitality. How could she settle for less? Her bedroom resembled a living room, while her living room was almost as vast as a courtyard.
Her sister had lied—after she left, the tables, chairs, windows, and even the floor had been scrubbed spotless, likely washed with meticulous care. The freshly drawn spring water, the newly chopped pine firewood, and the delicate blue porcelain tea set tempted her parched throat. Suddenly, Long Qing remembered today’s events and patted the eager Jingjing beside her. « Go, bring Su Kuang here. »
Su Kuang was indeed brought over—and he was also lifted up, his face full of indignation. Long Qing pointed to the acupoint on his back and lazily leaned against the soft couch. « Well, shall I make tea or not? »
Su Kuang’s legs were sore and weak, his body slumped. « Master… I really can’t… »
The surroundings were filled with the fragrance of tea leaves. Jingjing pouted: « Sister, since you’ve already made tea, why don’t you go chop some wood instead? The sixth group is short on firewood! »
Making tea was a delicate task, while chopping wood was rough labor. Old Man Su scratched his head, his thoughts spinning: « Well… um… Master really can’t do it. But… uh… someone must do it. Hmm… maybe… maybe making tea is more suitable for him. »
Long Qing flicked her sleeves dismissively: « Jingjing, you go prepare the bath and clothes! » She then picked up a round fan and began fanning vigorously. « This stinky sweat is tainting the aroma of our precious Longjing tea. »
Su Kuang pushed open the door to the living room, eliciting a collective « Whoa— » of astonishment from the crowd. His tall, straight shoulders were draped with a damp black cloak, accentuating his handsome brows and extraordinary demeanor.
The strikingly handsome and extraordinary Su Kuang began to boil water and brew tea with practiced ease. Even Long Qing couldn’t help but watch—indeed, the fragrance wafting from the tea embodied an elegant refinement. His slender fingers danced nimbly among the crystal-clear tea set, creating a scene of remarkable grace. The moment Su Kuang engaged in this refined activity, the stale and stuffy atmosphere in the room was instantly swept away.
« Miss… Miss Long… » Su Kuang stammered nervously as he handed her the teacup, his face flushing a deep red.
Long Qing glared at him. « Why are you blushing over a simple cup of tea? » she retorted. The tea was brewed to near perfection, with impeccable technique—neither too strong nor too weak, its warmth and sweetness lingering endlessly. The rich, mellow aroma of Longjing tea was expressed to its fullest.
Su Kuang blushed and stammered, « Um… could it be… you’re making tea, or, uh, or preparing to serve me in bed? »
Long Qing choked on her tea and swallowed it with difficulty before slamming the table with a loud « smack! »— »What nonsense are you spouting! »
Su Kuang lowered his head even further: « Miss, you just… just… just finished bathing and changing… »
« Bullshit! » Long Qing could no longer hold back and hurled the teacup lid at him. The surrounding maids immediately scattered in panic. She grabbed his shoulder and wrapped an arm around his waist, but before she could react, Sister Long had already put him in an awkward predicament.
Jingjing! Stop it… stop peeling my skin off! » Long Qing’s face turned crimson. « You little brat, since when did you start forming teams to chop down trees?
Jingjing saw her sister’s embarrassment and fury, barely holding back laughter, then tugged at Su Kuang. Su Kuang groaned in distress, « Miss—spare me, please, I’ll follow your lead— »
Follow my lead? » Long Qing fumed. « Who does this girl think she is, daring to order me around like some useless weakling!
Pouting and planting her hands on her hips, the « little miss » glared fiercely, her eyes sparkling with mischief. The sisters were so familiar with each other that their banter flowed effortlessly: « Come on, let’s go! Our Sister Long is no match for Sister Feng anyway! »
Long Qing’s face darkened as she snapped, « Jing’er, how old are you to be spouting such nonsense? » With that, she turned and stormed into the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.
The silver-bell-like laughter kept ringing, accompanied by complaints: « So annoying, » « Tsk, tsk, why mention him? Must you bring up Fifth Master Feng? »
Master Feng Wu, the forbidden one among the mandala’s encircling throng.
Su Kuang, if he had spoken those words, would have bitten his tongue to shreds and swallowed every last piece before letting even half a word slip from his mouth.
The fifth day, with both hands wrapped in bandages soaked with pus from the rough grinding and random wrapping of tattered cloth. A pair of round, bright eyes and thick eyebrows stared intently at him. If he slacked off even slightly, the willow branch would whip down mercilessly.
Su Kuang endured the pain and muttered, « Ah, why does this girl love whipping people so much? »
« What did you say? » The girl jumped up, hands on her hips, the willow branch in her hand whistling through the air.
Su Kuang curled his lips: « Not only does she love whips, she also loves putting her hands on her hips… Hey, little sister, you look like a night fury, all fierce and imposing, what they call a slender waist wrapped in silk— »
« Shut your mouth! » Liu Yan viciously slapped down, but the girl’s temper flared up, daring to actually call out to Sister Long Qing.
« Hahaha— » The coldly observing Long Qing finally couldn’t hold back her laughter, her eyes sparkling. Hugging her arms, she swayed leisurely toward them.
The group of young men nearby almost rushed forward in unison, eagerly pulling up their sleeves to dust off the spring bench. Though their actions were somewhat exaggerated, Long Qing accepted their courtesy without hesitation, plopping down casually on the bench, crossing her legs, and smiling playfully at Su Kuang.
Su Kuang raised his face coldly. « I’m afraid Miss Long isn’t here to lick boots. This bunch probably isn’t worthy of her attention. »
Long Qing squeezed the left guard Qing’s « old man » and hurriedly said, « Miss Long, whatever you command, even if it’s to fetch a knife from fire or lick your boots, we’d never refuse—how about giving them a lick now? »
The right guard, some « Master, » hastily chimed in, « Miss Long, your words are like the lowest of the low, lower than dust—but if you were to praise us, even if we were lower than dust, we’d be overjoyed, willing to roll in the dust for you. »
Long Qing chuckled and tapped the head of the guard on the left, then glared at the one on the right and said, « Look at these two, their mouths are so sweet? Every word is flattery, and it’s downright annoying—Jingjing, go to the kitchen, tonight we’ll have a meat dish, take a break for a while. »
A group of « old men » almost drooled at the mention of « meat dish, » their eyes practically sparking with excitement. Long Qing glanced at Su Kuang, who was standing there with a blank expression, and shook her head. « Look at you, why don’t you try being a bit more like them? Even if you’re not as shameless, at least half as smooth—Su Kuang, come here, don’t you know basic decency? You won’t even fight for a meat bone— »
Su Kuang’s face flushed crimson with embarrassment: « You—you recognize me? A single bowl of rice, a single gourd of drink—could such meager fare truly change my nature? »
Long Qing let out a short, sharp laugh: « From today onward, you’re responsible for tending the fire and brewing tea. Su—what was it again? You won’t refuse, will you? » Her gaze was like ice as it fixed on the festering wound on Su Kuang’s back, oozing pus and blood. Was she afraid he’d collapse if she handed him the axe?
Su Kuang’s face turned red, then redder still.
Long Qing patted his shoulder and stood up straight, issuing a stern command: « Get to work! »
Su Kuang lowered his head, quickened his pace, and blurted out, « Miss Long… uh… um… sorry. »
Long Qing looked up and laughed heartily.
The night was deep, faintly tinged with sorrow.
Suddenly, the man in black paused mid-stride. His sharp eyes locked onto the figure ten feet away, his expression unreadable. He stood motionless, his black cloak billowing in the wind, his hair tousled, his brows raised—all of which only accentuated the profound intensity in his gaze, fierce as a tiger’s.
« Miss Long, what brings you here today? » He frowned slightly, his expression showing both surprise and hesitation.
Long Qing lazily reclined in her seat, her slender fingers resting casually on Su Kuang’s shoulder. With a soft, languid voice, she murmured, « The crows outside my window finished their chatter early this morning. Isn’t that right, Fifth Master Feng? Su Kuang, go and invite Fifth Master Feng in. » With that, she gave Su Kuang’s shoulder a gentle push, sending him stumbling forward a few steps. He stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, looking thoroughly embarrassed.
Su Kuang lowered his head, shuffling forward hesitantly. His voice was barely above a whisper as he muttered, « Fifth Master Feng… Miss Long has requested… »
Fifth Master Feng’s face showed undisguised contempt as he coldly remarked, « So this is the young master of the Su family from Zhenjiang? »
Su Kuang nodded: « Yes. »
Master Feng Wu suddenly reached out and lightly tapped Su Kuang’s chest. Su Kuang’s feet lost their footing, staggering as if about to fall, his face flushed with embarrassment. Yet he slowly stood up straight, brushing the dust off his clothes: « You’re just a bully who relies on power to oppress others! »
Master Feng Wu’s eyebrows slightly raised in surprise: « You actually have some skill? Or are you just pretending to be weak? »
Su Kuang raised his head: « You can kill me, but you cannot humiliate me. »
What the—? » Fifth Master Feng flipped his palm and viciously pinched the back of Su Kuang’s right wrist. Su Kuang gasped in pain as blisters swelled and bruises formed, a sight too gruesome to behold. Fifth Master Feng sneered coldly, « Holding an axe to chop wood, yet your fingers are as soft as dough. How do you expect to grind them into blades?
Furious, Su Kuang tried to shake him off, but his wrist remained firmly locked in Fifth Master Feng’s grip. He shouted, « What do you want? What the hell do you want? How am I supposed to hold an axe like this? If you want to kill me, then kill me! Why must you take turns humiliating me like this? »
Fifth Master Feng snorted disdainfully, « A stubborn brat like you doesn’t deserve the Danxia. I shouldn’t have wasted it on someone as useless as you. »
Su Kuang abruptly raised his head, « Danxia? What—what did you say? »
Master Feng said calmly, « That night, the girl in red knelt in the snow for hours, only to encounter a pack of vicious wolves. She narrowly escaped death. »
With just a few quiet words, the expressions of everyone in the room shifted. It was as if they could see the word « cinnabar » written in the air, embodying all the hardships and dangers that « Dan » had endured, compelling them to invite the legendary Master Feng of the Northern Frontier to intervene.
Long Qing raised an eyebrow. « If it was truly ‘narrow,’ then the moment the danger arose, she should have been sent away immediately. Since Master Feng is known for his benevolence and generosity, he ought to have escorted her back to Zhenjiang with a whip by now. »
Master Feng lifted his gaze. « Miss Long, you speak too harshly. »
Long Qing chuckled lightly and remained silent.
Fifth Master Feng slowly straightened his back, advancing step by step toward Long Qing: « Miss Long, you should know—some people you can offend, others you cannot. »
Oh? » Long Qing raised her eyebrows with amusement. « And why is that?
Fifth Master Feng didn’t retreat an inch: « Because I am the son-in-law of Zhenjiang Prefect Su Tai, the nephew of Nine Gates Commander Mu Xiaoyun—and you, you cannot afford to provoke me. »
Ninth-rank Commander Mu Xiaoyou, holding military authority and wielding immense power, shares a deep connection with the Prince of Luoyang. His face flushed red with anger, and the corners of Long Qing’s lips trembled slightly. She glanced at the Fifth Master Feng with a cold sneer, « So, you only bully the weak and fear the strong? »
Fifth Master Feng grew anxious, « Long Qing, you’ve been wandering the northern frontiers for years, enduring hardships. Whether this land is governed by the court or not, why should you care? » After a brief pause, he continued in a low voice, « This time, you’ve snatched the young master from the Xie family—after all, they are a noble lineage. Who wouldn’t want to escape such chaos and suffering… But if you take Su Kuang, Mu Xiaoyou will never tolerate it. He will surely report to the emperor, branding you as bandits and calamity— »
Long Qing chuckled lightly, « Bandits and calamity? Is it because Fifth Master Feng is too kind-hearted, or because you’re meddling in matters that don’t concern you? »
Fifth Master Feng replied calmly, « Are you certain you want to make an enemy of me? »
Long Qing restrained her expression and said, « Why not give it a try? »
The two drew their swords, tension rising between them, yet unexpectedly, the atmosphere remained calm.
Fifth Master Feng sighed softly and spoke gently: « Miss Long, the mandala formation is no trivial matter. Are you truly confident in breaking it? If you act recklessly, I fear… »
From the side, Jingjing interjected cheerfully: « Big sister, don’t be afraid! »
Long Qing’s face darkened as she waved her hand dismissively: « Enough, I’ll tolerate it this once. »
Fifth Master Feng’s lips curled into a faint smile, as if he had grasped Long Qing’s weakness. He slowly said: « That’s right, you’ve always been clever… Qing’er. »
Long Qing suddenly turned her head, her face blossoming into a radiant smile as she called to Su Kuang: « Hey, why are you just standing there? Tonight… you’ll attend to me in bed. »
Su Kuang stood dumbfounded in the corner, the words « attend to me in bed » striking him like a thunderbolt. His mouth hung open in shock, unable to utter a single word for half the day.
Fifth Master Feng’s face darkened instantly. Gnashing his teeth, he spat: « Qing! Even if you count all your grudges and grievances, you must leave me a way out! »
Pfft! » Long Qing let out a mocking laugh: « A bandit’s daughter remains a bandit’s daughter after all… Did you think you could just rob and oppress your way into becoming the stronghold’s leader? » She crooked her finger provocatively, « Su Kuang, what about you?
Su Kuang remained as humble as ever, keeping his head slightly lowered: « Miss Long, this matter is beneath you. Any matter that demeans a lady is something I absolutely cannot tolerate. » He paused briefly before continuing, « Must… must you force Fifth Master Feng to such bitter humiliation? »
« Is that how you see it? » Long Qing’s voice turned icy cold.
Su Kuang replied: « Yes, yes, I understand. »
Long Qing was furious and snapped back, saying harshly: « Fine, very well, Feng Xi, since you refuse to save my brother, then prepare five thousand taels of silver as ransom. You, Master Feng the Fifth, are as rich as a nation—surely you won’t begrudge such a trifling sum. »
With that, she flicked her sleeve and left, coldly commanding: « Jingjing, do you understand? Take this man to the mandala grove—whether he lives or dies is no concern of mine. »
Jingjing stuck her tongue out at Fifth Master Feng, « Hmph. »
Bandit…chief? » Feng Xi frowned bitterly, then suddenly patted Su Kuang’s shoulder beside him, « Thanks!
Su Kuang stubbornly refused to leave, « What about you? What should we do? »
Feng Xi glared at him: « What about me? What about you? Should I just snatch you away by force? » Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he chuckled darkly.
Su Kuang suddenly flushed red with anger, his clean face swelling with rage. He gritted his teeth furiously: « Since you clearly had no intention of saving me earlier, why drag it out? You’ve got a terrible temper, always in such a hurry—how could you just abandon me like that? I… I’ll turn your pockets inside out! »
Feng Xi responded with great patience: « You’re mistaken. Long Qing may have a bad temper and act hastily, but he would never indiscriminately kill innocent demons. » He paused, then added softly, « Trust me, answer his questions, and he will surely save you. »
The two little crystal spirits nearby began pouting and stomping their feet impatiently. Feng Xi’s voice grew quieter as he patted Su Kuang’s shoulder reassuringly. « Brother, take care of yourself. » With that, he swiftly slipped away, as if afraid Long Qing might suddenly change his mind and lash out.
Long Qing turned his back and walked away, his spine rigid as a rod. His footsteps, unusually heavy, gradually faded into the distance. Unable to hold back a sigh, he sat down on the grassy slope, hugging his knees. He watched as the drifting clouds above were torn apart by an unseen force—scattered into fragments, strands, and chaotic wisps that floated aimlessly across the sky.
Jing Jing finally shut her mouth, while a group of brothers nearby feared being caught in the crossfire and quietly lowered their heads, pretending to be busy with their tasks.
Long Qing turned her face away, her eyes seemingly glistening with unshed tears. After a moment, she angrily raised her head and glared at the sky, refusing to let even half a tear fall.
Jing Jing couldn’t hold back any longer and softly said, « Sister, you miss Fifth Master, and Fifth Master misses you too. Why must you both suffer like this? »
Long Qing snorted disdainfully, « Who dares to challenge me? Who dares to challenge me?… Even if you dare… Do you think you can withstand a single strike from me? »
Jingjing’s eyes sparkled with tears as she gazed at the scene before her, murmuring, « Sister… just what festival was Fifth Master celebrating back then? Sister, it hurts so much… Fifth Master was so gentle, so kind… » Her fingers trembled as they brushed against the tribute grass, her mind drifting back to that dream where Phoenix Fifth Master had snatched her away. With a heavy sigh, she whispered, « Ah, sister… »
Long Qing gently stroked her braid, his voice soft yet firm as he reassured her: « Jingjing, don’t be afraid. Just hold onto me tightly, keep steady. If you like Feng Xi, then… then you should hold on to him. »
She slowly lay back on the grass, her thoughts drifting like clouds—
That vast expanse of blue above the grass was something she would never forget. The endless sky stretched before her, filling her with awe at the boundless world beyond.
« Red robe, ha, game on! » Feng Xi narrowed her eyes with a sly grin.
She was the epitome of a demure Jiangnan gentlewoman, yet she pretended to be the most mischievous troublemaker in the world.
Feng Xi glanced at the red robe, her eyebrows dancing playfully: « If you win, I’ll… I’ll… eat a goose… »
Eat a flying goose? Long Qing bit her lip.
Feng Xiyi crossed her arms, almost tauntingly saying, « Hey, you dare or not? This is the southern border, are you as timid as a lamb? »
The innocent red-robed figure seemed to be mocked by Feng Xiyi, and coincidentally let out a disdainful snort.
Long Qing couldn’t hold back and jumped up, « Let’s bet, come on, what if you lose? »
Feng Xiyi also jumped up, extending a single palm, « If you lose, you have to follow me as my servant. »
With a crisp *snap*, Feng Xi’s arrow shattered the thick mist.
Hmm? Who would emerge victorious? Feng Xi quietly tiptoed to the lakeside meadow, pointing at the figure ahead, « Hey, you there— »
The figure turned—a snow goose taking flight, its wings cutting through the frost-laden air. Proud yet delicate, with dragon-like eyes that held both nobility and tenderness, this bird of grace suddenly… opened its beak to speak human words.
Feng Xi tilted her head, plopped onto the grass, and absentmindedly patted the blades beside her.
Long Qing cautiously took a step back and sat down.
Feng Xi burst into laughter, throwing his head back and collapsing onto the ground. He exclaimed, « We’re just lying here looking at the sky, watching flocks of geese fly by—where else would you rather be? Hey, Long Qing, come join me! Lie down, look at the birds, the clouds, the lake… What a life! Why bother with all those rigid rules and boundaries? So annoying! »
Long Qing’s eyes sparkled as he lay down, recalling the bravery of their first encounter, and finally relaxed beside Feng Xi.
Here— » Feng Xi reached out, handing over a leather pouch. « This is our moment! Don’t be so stiff and awkward—it’s nauseating. Come on, Long Qing! Drink up!
Lying on the grass, feeling slightly dizzy, Feng Xi’s laughter drifted faintly in the wind, ethereal and distant. Long Qing had already drunk half a wineskin of the strongest burning liquor—lying on the grass and drinking like this, she had somehow managed to down half a skinful—now her body began to float, as if she were in the sky, spreading her pure white wings, flying, flying…
« Ah, the blue of my mother’s sky— » Feng Xi’s roar echoed through the air, carrying far and wide.
The excitement from the alcohol surged through him, and Long Qing suddenly let out a wild, unrestrained roar, his voice echoing as he cried out to Feng Xi: « Heavens, my dear Lan— »
The night is deep, the wind howls through the wilderness.
Where is it, my dear mother’s blue—
Where is the grass, my dear mother’s green—
Ah—
Ah—
Feng Xi screamed in pain, her chest heaving violently, then suddenly raised her head with a drunken flush: « Long Qing—do you like me? »
Long Qing, thoroughly intoxicated, mumbled: « Yeah, I like you. »
Feng Xi’s eyes sparkled with excitement: « Are you mountain bandits? Are you the famous mountain bandits? Do you like me? »
Long Qing tilted her head, casting a rather disdainful glance: « You… you’re just a little bandit… who dares to rob me… to take me as your… your… bah! »
The sky is so blue, the wind so wild—where is this place?
Long Qing sighed softly, murmuring: « Ah, Jingjing, it’s been so long since I’ve seen such blue skies. »
Jingjing couldn’t help but nudge Long Qing: « Sister, what’s wrong with you? »
Long Qing sat on the ground, feeling dizzy. « It’s nothing, let’s go, we should keep moving. »
Silently, he tried his best to shake off the lingering memories in his mind—
How, how could it be today? How could the bandits who once made the King of Zhan tremble in fear, who terrified thousands with their mere name, be like this now?
Fun.
