The Legend of Su Kuang By Piao Deng - Chapter 10
Chapter 10: « Prelude: Breaking the Formation – Dragon’s Roar » (10)
Dragon’s Roar
Nine Songs Chant
Dragon’s Roar
Wandering through a thousand miles chasing willow catkins
Late Spring in Jiangnan
Deep Courtyard
Returning Home
« Fifth Master! » The young man in green at the front pressed against his saddle and leapt into the air, then respectfully prostrated himself on the ground: « Fifth Master, you’ve finally returned! » His slightly upturned phoenix eyes sparkled with joy.
Feng Xi said with a smile: « Brother, you’ve really outdone yourself this time. »
Long Qing was silent, while Feng Xi led his men to Duoyan, engaging in fierce battles with the northern bandits over territory, ultimately returning to the Red Banner stronghold. Meanwhile, Feng Xi promoted the Xiao brothers, who roamed freely across the grasslands, expanding Feng Xi’s influence. Among them, the second son of the Xiao brothers, Xiao Shuang, now twenty-five years old, had become a notorious leader of a formidable bandit gang.
« Xiao Sa? » Feng Xi frowned slightly.
Xiao Shuang hastily reported: « Brother, urgent orders have arrived from the south—the situation is dire. I fear… the Huai River may be compromised. »
Feng Xi’s face darkened with a trace of anger. The bandit hordes had crossed the Yellow River, wreaking havoc between the Jing and Wei rivers. The factions were numerous, their disputes endless. Feng Xi had previously issued strict commands: any disciple who dared to cross the Yin Mountains without written orders would face severe consequences. Yet now, defying his decree, they had recklessly acted—even implicating Xiao Sa.
Though furious, his face remained composed, and he said coldly, « You brat, if not for the urgent situation in Meng Hong, you wouldn’t have slipped through the cracks of the Northern Court’s defenses. »
Su Kuang could no longer endure. With a swift motion, he hurled his blade aside and turned to leave. Xiao Shuang, seeing his master’s signal, immediately led the crowd to encircle the area.
Feng Xi sighed and said, « Brother Su, I fear the imperial court will not tolerate you. If you persist, disaster will surely follow. »
Su Kuang brandished his blade, charging through the hail of spears and swords: « If you resist, you will be brought to justice without fail. »
Xiao Shuang angrily said, « Fifth Master, what are you doing? »
Feng Xi’s expression darkened slightly as she watched Su Kuang’s figure gradually disappear into the distance. She chuckled and muttered, « That guy… truly beyond reasoning. » Before she could finish her sentence, blood suddenly gushed from her nose. Her vision blurred, and she swayed unsteadily. Feng Xi quickly turned her back to conceal it, clutching her waist with one hand. « Xiao Shuang, » she ordered, « withdraw five li north and set up camp in the forest. Keep the red banners flying, weapons at the ready, and be prepared to move at a moment’s notice. »
Xiao Shuang responded promptly, « Understood. » His eyes then darted sneakily toward Long Qing. « Miss Long, you… »
Feng Xi interrupted with a stern tone, « Qing’er, you… you’re coming with us, right? »
Long Qing waved her hand dismissively. « Forget it. I’ve had enough of your schemes. »
With a single sentence, the bandits’ faces lit up with joy. The rumors about Fifth Master Feng and the Dragon Maiden had long been spreading like wildfire, and everyone knew that the Dragon Maiden was a rare beauty—perfect to be taken as the mountain stronghold’s bride.
Xiao Shuang’s mouth was slick as he said, « Heh heh heh, it’s just a matter of seniority. Fifth Master and the young lady retired early, you see. Fifth Master was probably worried Sixth Master would feel stifled otherwise. »
Long Qing was momentarily stunned, then turned her head away, her face flushing crimson. She raised her voice sharply, « How dare you tease me like this! »
The crowd burst into laughter, their voices rising in waves, and even Feng Xi couldn’t help but let out a snort.
Su Kuang took a few steps back, then plopped down onto the grass with a thud. Feng Xi, still fuming from the poison, glared at him with murderous intent—just then, the iron shackles binding him snapped open, and he soared into the sky. Though Su Kuang had acted like a hero, sacrificing himself for righteousness, privately, he bore the guilt of nearly killing Feng Xi. He chewed on a tender blade of grass, lost in chaotic thoughts—had he really made a mistake? Protecting Feng Xi and preventing a full-scale conflict between the Northern Court and the bandits of the frontier—from any angle, it didn’t seem wrong.
A thunderbolt illuminated the pitch-black night sky, its brilliance fleeting yet searing into Tie Ao’s mind like an inexplicable needle. He had forgotten the madman’s identity and what exactly they were arguing about, but suddenly, a cold voice cut through: « Your status is irrelevant here. » Whether outlaws of the jianghu called him a lackey of the court or not, it didn’t matter—lackeys wielded the sharpest claws. Whoever they chose to seize, they seized. The court’s will was absolute. If the order was to capture a fugitive, then the court’s decree must be carried out without question—what else was there to say?
Tap tap… » Su Kuang knocked on his head, « Tap tap tap…
He was feeling rather frustrated. As a supposedly competent constable, his judgment had been stubbornly wrong… Huh? Maybe he was better suited to be a bandit, a marshal, or… a bandit leader? He couldn’t help but envy those who inherited such roles—what a fine bandit he could have been! Drinking from the same bowl, eating meat from the same slab, answering to no one but himself—ah, the sheer, unrestrained freedom! Wasn’t that the ultimate thirst for power and pleasure?
If he were in the capital, he’d have to restrain his emotions and dutifully complete his tasks; if he were at Danfeng, he’d have to bitterly acknowledge his mistakes while enduring the strict standards demanded of a Six Streams constable… But here, lying on the grass, pondering the future as Su Kuang, a peculiar thought took root and grew uncontrollably—if he was such an outstanding constable, maybe it was time to consider a career change?
The chaotic scribbles—vertical, horizontal, slanted—damn it! Su Kuang must not panic. He hurriedly wiped away half of the markings with his sleeve, then used another corner to scrub the rest clean… It was a mess, but saving Feng Xi was the priority. Now in the northern frontier, forbidden to act recklessly, Su Kuang seemed to be arguing with someone about destroying the city.
Suddenly leaping up, he hurriedly ran towards the camp. Su Kuang spat out the suffocating tightness in his chest, muttering incessantly under his breath: « A hero is born, born to be a hero; a hero is born, born to be a hero… »
Regret weighed heavily on Su Kuang’s heart as he hesitated to take even half a step into the Northern Court’s tent. He circled halfway around the military camp, catching glimpses of bloodstains here and there. With a slight frown, he swiftly leaped away.
On the makeshift beds lay wounded soldiers in disarray—some clenching their teeth in silence despite their youth, while others, equally young, couldn’t suppress their groans. Yet, under the Northern Court’s strict discipline, not a single cry or wail could be heard.
« Damn those thieving bandit bastards! » Yu cursed. « So ruthless, they’d even chop off a man’s legs as sacrifice. » As he continued swearing, the stream of vulgarities from this rough soldier became truly unbearable to hear.
The wounded soldier frowned angrily and shouted, « Zhao Qi, you’re just lying there nursing your injuries while our brothers seek revenge! Once we capture Feng Xiyun, we’ll chop her into pieces and feed her to the dogs… Xiao Hong, why are you crying like a little girl? Your mother isn’t dead yet, so stop your sniveling! »
The young man being scolded silently shed tears. Though berated, he forced himself to stand straight, choking back sobs as he cried out, « Brother Ying, the tassel is gone! The tassel is gone! I promised to help him get married—I was supposed to arrange everything for him… How did we end up fighting bandits instead of defending the northern border? How am I supposed to face his wife? How do I explain this to his mother? »
He wept bitterly, but the men around him suppressed their own tears. These were hardened veterans of the northern campaigns, men who had left their hometowns without hesitation. Yet now, faced with this injustice, they could only sob helplessly, their breaths ragged with grief.
The one who called him « Brother Ying » must have been a figure of authority among them. He slammed the table and roared, « Enough crying! What’s the use of tears? If you want to cry, save it for later—first, heal your wounds, then we’ll settle the score with Feng Xiyun! Do you think our brothers are any worse than those bandits? With a hundred of us, can’t we wipe them all out clean? »
The tent was spinning before Su Kuang’s eyes, and Feng Xi’s vicious, cruel face began to swirl in his mind—a hundred bandits, annihilated, Feng Xi’s wrath burning like fire. What should he do now?
« Long Qing… Long Qing… » Su Kuang clenched the slender pole supporting the tent, his lips curling into a vicious snarl. « If you dare collude with those northern barbarians, I swear I’ll kill you. »
In a daze, startled, his mind was in turmoil—how could Feng Xi, who had just been calling out to him from the north, suddenly turn into Long Qing?
« Who’s there? » A voice suddenly rang out from inside the tent. Without hesitation, Su Kuang swiftly darted towards the sound.
Late at night, Su Kuang ultimately failed to conceal his tracks. Last night, Long Qing’s disturbance had turned the entire northern court upside down, and now, the pursuers were hot on Su Kuang’s trail.
The moment Su Kuang leaped forward, thin chains whistled through the air from both sides, crisscrossing with a sharp metallic clang. The fiery chains instantly formed a horizontal barrier—already drenched in oil, they burst into flames upon impact. Su Kuang barely dodged in time, but half his robe was scorched. He hastily retreated, only to find his escape cut off as pursuers swarmed around him, weapons at the ready.
Su Kuang didn’t dare move a muscle, terrified that the slightest touch might injure the young master. He feared that if anything happened, he’d be skinned alive by the furious lord.
The pair of hands moved like shadows, swiftly attacking with blades and swords that sought to snatch life. Unable to dodge in time, his shoulder was grazed by the blade, the searing pain unbearable. In desperation, he twisted his waist to evade the strike, but the assault from the surrounding soldiers was relentless. One of them even charged forward with a spear aimed straight at him. Su Kuang quickly reached out to steady his shoulder, but the soldier, enraged, threw a vicious punch at his chest. Fortunately, Su Kuang had trained in martial arts for years—though the punch was fierce, it couldn’t seriously harm him. Seeing the situation was dire and escape impossible, Su Kuang shouted in desperation, « Lord Chu, save me—! »
Chu He giggled mischievously, removing his helmet with one hand and scratching his head with the other. « Where did these bandits come from, raiding the camp? And here I thought it was Constable Su. »
Without waiting for orders, the soldiers continued their relentless assault. Su Kuang, now in a sorry state, dodged clumsily—though he usually appeared honest and straightforward, he now resorted to cunning tactics, ducking and weaving like a slippery eel. He wailed pitifully, « Lord Chu, spare me! These are my sworn brothers—they’re already injured! I was just… just scouting ahead… »
Before Chu He could respond, a cold voice cut through the air. It was Tie Ao, his face dark with fury. « How dare this beast still speak? Conspiring with bandits, deserting his post—even a thousand deaths wouldn’t be enough. Lord Chu, ignore his pleas. Kill him on sight. »
Su Kuang cursed loudly, stomped his foot in anger, then suddenly knelt down and said, « Master, your disciple was wrong! »
Chu He observed the situation, seeing the crowd in chaos. Tie Ao stood firm, dodging left and right as seven or eight blades whizzed past his ears. He sneered and said, « If you’re determined to court death, then like a pack of wild dogs, drag him out and behead him on the spot. »
Su Kuang pleaded desperately: « This disciple was wronged! Last night, the situation was urgent, and I had to make a quick decision to avoid exposing all the brothers to the smoke. How could I have anticipated this outcome? The brothers must have been caught… This disciple feared your wrath and blame, so today I came to confess and accept punishment. »
Chu Hehe laughed heartily and patted Tie Ao’s shoulder: « Old Tie, what kind of disciple have you raised? Where did you pick up such a half-baked talent? »
Su Kuang hurriedly joined in the laughter: « Yes, yes, yes! This disciple is unruly and begs for your punishment. »
Chu Hehe’s face darkened abruptly: « Enough! Old Tie, privately sheltering Feng Xi is an unforgivable crime. Don’t pretend you didn’t hear what I just said. »
Tie Ao’s face darkened with anger as he said, « Su Kuang is indeed unbearably unruly. However, considering his courage in facing the enemy and quelling the rebellion, I shall allow him to atone for his crimes through meritorious service. He will accompany me to the capital, where I will personally oversee his guidance. »
Enough, » Chu He waved his hand dismissively. « Old Tie, the northern border is not even a hundred miles away. Take him with you and keep an eye on him.
Su Kuang, who had been kneeling on the ground, raised his head with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. Tie Ao glared at him and scolded angrily, « You fool! Why aren’t you following me? »
Yes! » Su Kuang replied joyfully, scrambling to his feet and running after him. Chu He’s footsteps paused slightly, and Su Kuang quickly knelt again, kowtowing as he said, « Thank you for sparing my life, Your Excellency. I will serve with utmost loyalty to redeem my crimes through merit.
Chu He rubbed his garlic-like head, swaying slightly, resembling a confused old man with a muddled mind.
Danuo Lake, Gangnuo Lake, Lunuo Lake. » Chu He pointed at the marked lakes on the map, then gestured southward: « If we attack from the north, we must detour around the lake area. The lake is Feng Xi’s stronghold—whether they choose to blockade or remain passive, any disruption to our supply lines could lead to repeated ambushes. Moreover, the northern route along the Xing’an Ridge is known as the Five Tigers’ domain, with cavalry forces that plunder twice as much. Few dare to march south through there. Based on this, they’re likely training troops halfway, waiting to seize an opportunity before launching a full-scale offensive.
Su Kuang suppressed his anger: « How many troops does the Northern Court actually have? »
Chu He sighed bitterly: « Although the Northern Court is known as the Northern Iron City, its true elite forces number only around ten thousand. The rest are mostly untrained recruits. Moreover… the funds allocated are insufficient. » He tightly gripped the vermilion brush in his hand, « The court has been cutting our budget year after year, and the Northern Court is barely scraping by—how can we possibly manage? With resources dwindling and burdens increasing, I fear the Northern Court won’t last much longer. »
Su Kuang had heard rumors of the dire situation, but he hadn’t expected it to be this severe. He forced a smile: « The Northern Court is the empire’s pillar—how dare the court suppress you? »
Chu He sneered: « Hmph, they may not dare to do it openly, but behind the scenes, they’re constantly undermining us. Every time we patch one hole, another two appear. » His voice grew louder, and Tie Ao quickly coughed to remind him. Chu He chuckled darkly: « Old habits die hard. Ah, if only the Northern Court had sufficient resources—no matter how many Tartars came, we’d crush them all! But as things stand, the Dahu Lake region is flanked by the Hunshandake Desert, where the terrain is treacherous. I’ve ordered Deputy Commander Mu Yun to lead five thousand troops to intercept the Northern Iron vanguard. Su Kuang, you’ll go with them. »
Before the words had even settled, an arrogant voice came from outside the tent: « Your Majesty, Mu Yun requests an audience. »
Chu He said, « Enter. »
The tent flap was lifted, and a coldly imposing young man strode in. His silver armor was exquisitely crafted, dazzling to the eye. With a sweeping glance at Su Kuang and Tie Ao, he bowed and said, « Your Majesty, since you are here, why discuss matters with outsiders? »
Though his manners were impeccable, there was not a trace of genuine respect in his tone. Both Chu He and Tie Ao detected a hint of mockery. Su Kuang, watching from the side, took a playful step forward with a grin: « Hey, I’ve long heard of the strict discipline of the Northern Court. How come a little brat like you dares to act so presumptuously in front of His Majesty Chu? »
Tie Ao said indifferently, « Su Kuang, this is a formal occasion. You should behave properly. This is the grandson of the Ninth Naval Commander Mu Xiaoyan, Mu Yun. Why are you acting so casually? »
Tie Ao emphasized « properly, » clearly mocking Su Kuang’s inappropriate behavior. Mu Yun’s face turned extremely awkward, yet Su Kuang deliberately bowed deeply and said, « Greetings, Commander Mu. »
Mu Yun was furious: « You— »
Tie Ao smiled faintly: « My disciple Su Kuang lacks manners. I hope Mu-jun won’t take offense. »
Turning around, Mu Yun straightened his clothes and bowed respectfully: « Mu Yun of the Rong family is ashamed of his earlier rudeness. I’ve long admired Tie-jun’s reputation. Now that we’ve met, I find the rumors fall far short… Might I ask if Tie-jun’s esteemed disciple is Su Kuang? To think I mistook such an outstanding brother for an ordinary constable. »
A trace of sorrow flashed in Su Kuang’s eyes as he forced an apologetic smile: « This humble constable of low rank wouldn’t dare tarnish your honorable name. »
Brilliant idea. » Mu Yun’s eyes suddenly lit up as he turned his face toward Su Kuang, clearly understanding Chu He’s words: « So, you’re saying we should use Su the Constable as bait? Or is there another arrangement?
Chu He replied calmly: « Blunt the enemy’s edge, cherish your troops. »
Mu Yun clearly had more to say but swallowed his words, bowing instead: « This subordinate understands. I shall withdraw. »
As Mu Yun’s footsteps faded, Tie Ao’s leathery face twisted into a grin: « Garlic-head, you finally understood, didn’t you? Was this all Marshal Mu’s arrangement? »
The imperial court has made arrangements, and this matter should be handled by them. » Chu Tianhe helplessly scratched his head: « Su Kuang, your martial arts are formidable, but even you might not be a match for Feng Xi. Please make this trip for me.
Me? » Su Kuang cheerfully pointed at himself: « You want me to infiltrate the enemy camp and behead their leader? Are you asking me to die for the sake of the Mu family?
Chu Tianhe looked somewhat embarrassed. After a long silence, he gritted his teeth and said: « No, I need you to protect Mu Yun. Don’t let anything happen to her. »
Su Kuang was almost stunned. It was as if he had just heard something unbelievable from Chu Tianhe’s mouth—this was the same Chu Tianhe known for his iron-fisted governance in the martial world. Even the usually composed Tie Ao would be shocked if he heard this, let alone anyone else.
Chu He’s face flushed slightly with embarrassment as he forced a bitter smile. « Brother, I’m afraid… Brother Tie, today in the Northern Court, I dare not offend Governor Mu. » With that, he waved his hand and strode out of the camp, leaving behind Tie Ao and his disciples staring in stunned silence.
Su Kuang seemed to have been suppressing his emotions for too long. Suddenly, he turned and knelt down. « Master… I… I was wrong? » Before Tie Ao could answer, Su Kuang had already bowed his head deeply: « This disciple spoke out of turn. Master, please punish me. I know I was wrong. »
Standing for a moment, Tie Ao quickly left. Watching the back of this disciple he had painstakingly raised, he couldn’t help but sigh deeply.
Two days later, an incident occurred in Zhenjiang Prefecture that would stir up waves…
In Zhenjiang Prefecture, the renowned scholar Su Tai married the eldest daughter of the highly respected court official Mu Xiaolan. The groom was handsome, the bride beautiful—a perfect match that drew envious glances from all around. After all, Mu Xiaolan was at the peak of his influence, and to be his son-in-law meant a future with limitless prospects.
At that time, Mu Qing’s father was a wealthy merchant, but he was also extremely superstitious and paid no attention to his daughter’s feelings. He repeatedly refused to listen to her pleas, finding it strange that his daughter was so eager to marry. Alas, alas… Su Tai, being a straightforward man, unexpectedly brought up the idea of a blood test to confirm paternity.
Mu Qing’s elder sister, however, was well aware of Su Tai’s character. She was a pure and innocent girl who would never engage in any improper behavior. But what could she do? The rumors spread like wildfire, leaving her in a state of panic. One day, Su Tai returned home drunk after a banquet, muttering something about a « blood test. » Mu Qing, seized by a sudden thought, secretly pricked her husband’s finger and let a drop of blood fall. Then she pricked her own finger, hoping for a miracle—but who would have thought that Su Tai’s blood would not mix with hers? Mu Qing was instantly thrown into a panic, feeling as if she had no way to clear her name even if she jumped into the Yellow River.
Not long after, Mu Qing’s father promoted his son-in-law, arranging a minor official position for him in Zhenjiang Prefecture, and they left immediately. Mu Qing was beside herself with fear, terrified that her husband might one day demand a paternity test. If the blood didn’t match, all her virtue and reputation would be swept away by the river.
Thinking of this, her heart grew cold. The newborn infant was initially delicate, slightly sensitive to temperature changes, yet soon adapted. Moreover, the child was well-fed and cared for, but unexpectedly, after not too long, it fell ill.
Su Tai was extremely busy, yet he spared no effort, repeatedly summoning physicians for treatment. Despite their efforts, the child’s condition worsened day by day, and within half a month, the little one passed away.
Everyone sighed in sorrow, lamenting how easily such a well-nurtured child could perish. The Su couple wept bitterly, especially Mu Shi, who cried until she fainted repeatedly, refusing to eat or drink and growing visibly thinner. The women around her tried to console her while wiping their own tears, but nothing could ease the pain of losing their child.
Just as the child had passed, the government suddenly issued an urgent summons. Su Tai had no choice but to suppress his grief and attend to official duties, leaving the arrangements for the infant’s funeral to others. A child who died young was not permitted to have a formal funeral or burial in the ancestral grave. Instead, a simple coffin was prepared, and without any ceremony, the child was to be buried immediately.
By sheer coincidence, when Su Tai and his friends came to the Su residence to offer condolences, they heard an extremely faint breath coming from the coffin. Su Kuang’s father immediately split open the coffin, lifted the infant out, and rushed to Zhenjiang Prefecture to seek medical help.
However… two days later, Su Kuang’s father passed away. The infant was buried again… and then rescued once more…
Su Kuang’s father, filled with suspicion, went to the mass grave in the dead of night and dug up the coffin—only to find an astonishing sight: the infant was still alive, seemingly waiting for him to return.
The coincidences were too uncanny. Su Kuang’s father, skilled in investigation and tracking, discovered traces of medicinal herbs in the Su residence’s garden. He boiled them again and again…
In the vast world, even the most ordinary injuries can sometimes prove fatal—Mu Yan’s roots were fed with medicine, yet his flesh and bones quietly withered away, his life cut short.
Amidst the clamor, rumors spread among the crowd about the so-called « blood-drop test. »
With a sigh, he set off for the capital. He had once been the son-in-law of the Su family, cherished and nurtured by his filial and virtuous wife. In the county, he was admired for his gentle demeanor and wisdom, a man of profound intellect. Yet, fate had cruelly taken his beloved, and in her memory, he carried only sorrow and longing.
—Su Kuang.
In those turbulent years, tragedy struck relentlessly. He pursued and hunted down corrupt officials and thieves, his once fiery passion gradually cooling. By the end, he had become a man of few words, known to all as the « Cold-Blooded Constable »—Tie Ao.
Tie Ao had raised Su Kuang for fifteen years, imparting to him the harsh truths of the world. Faced with an impossible choice, Su Kuang made his decision—to forsake everything, even his own life. But was death truly the answer?
Duan Yu had set up a scheme, using his cunning to deceive others. Su Kuang, risking his life, impersonated Duan Yu’s legitimate brother and ventured to the northern frontier, determined to eradicate the scourge of banditry once and for all.
The wind howled as Su Kuang followed his sworn brother Yang Zhicheng into battle, vowing to protect him at all costs…
Standing at the edge of the camp, Su Kuang chewed on a stalk of grass while gazing at the starry sky. His eyes flashed with bitter mockery as he couldn’t help cursing under his breath—Damn this luck!
