Chapter 137: A Gentleman Does Not Covet What Others Treasure

Nie Chuchen, dressed in a crimson robe, galloped on horseback with Meng Zan and over a hundred subordinates from the mountain stronghold in hot pursuit. A cloud of dust billowed across the imperial road, blotting out the sky.

After meeting up with Nangong Wang, who was returning on foot, Nie Chuchen felt a wave of relief seeing him unharmed. However, her eyes darted about, and she soon began coveting Kong Sheng’s prized steed, the Wind-Chasing Horse, once again. Initially, she had let Kong Sheng and his three companions depart to ensure Nangong Wang’s safety—a mere expedient measure. Now that Nangong Wang was safe, her greed resurfaced.

Observing her intention to pursue Kong Sheng to seize the horse, Nangong Wang sighed and advised, "Junior Sister, Kong Sheng’s party has already traveled far. We are approaching the borders of Pengcheng. If we launch a large-scale pursuit, we will inevitably attract the attention of the imperial army. I implore you to think twice!"

Nie Chuchen hesitated. Nangong Wang was right. Although her stronghold at Chemen Mountain boasted four or five hundred men, they were no match for the regular imperial army. Should they trigger a military crackdown, they would face annihilation. For over a year, they had kept to themselves, operating only along the borders of Chuzhou and Sizhou, never overstepping boundaries—a strict warning given by her master, Fan Yuncong, before he departed on his travels.

While she pondered, Meng Zan handed over a satchel, exclaiming, "Chief, this is the bag that brat dropped. It actually contains official government documents!"

Nie Chuchen glanced at it and passed it to Nangong Wang. As Nangong Wang opened the imperial decree and the striking appointment papers, his expression shifted dramatically. "This is bad. This man is an imperial-appointed Magistrate of Songcheng County in Suiyang. If he manages to reach the jurisdiction of the Prince of Guo, he will bring the imperial army down upon us. Chemen Mountain will be in grave danger!"

Nie Chuchen frowned. "What do you suggest, Senior Brother?"

"Kill him to silence him. Eradicate the root of the trouble," Nangong Wang said, his voice low and firm, his face cold.

After a moment of deliberation, trusting Nangong Wang’s judgment and unwilling to let the horse go, Nie Chuchen made her decision. "Meng Zan, pass the order. All brothers are to follow me in pursuit. We will not stop until we have captured that boy Kong Sheng!"

They rode hard along the road. To eliminate this threat, they disregarded the risk of alarming the imperial forces in Jiangbei. To their surprise, less than ten miles out, they saw Kong Sheng riding alone toward them. Nie Chuchen was overjoyed, but her heart sank when she saw he was now mounted on an ordinary bay horse.

Nie Chuchen’s men quickly surrounded Kong Sheng. This time, he offered no resistance, dismounting and surrendering. Though they had captured him, the loss of the prized steed left Nie Chuchen deeply disappointed. She sent men ahead, but Kong Sheng’s three attendants had vanished without a trace. Beyond that point lay the main camp of the Jiangbei army, and the bandits dared not venture further, forced to return in frustration.

Seeing only Kong Sheng brought back, Nangong Wang looked displeased. "Junior Sister, where are his attendants?"

Nie Chuchen waved her hand irritably. "They escaped! That wily brat had them flee toward the Jiangbei army camp with the horse. What a waste!"

"Bring the prisoner in!"

Meng Zan dragged the bound Kong Sheng into the Great Hall and shouted, "Kneel!" He kicked Kong Sheng, who stared silently at Nie Chuchen and Nangong Wang with cold, angry eyes. "Nangong Wang, a gentleman may be killed, but not humiliated. Do not make me think less of you!"

Nangong Wang gestured for Meng Zan to withdraw. When Meng Zan hesitated, looking to Nie Chuchen, she sneered, "Meng the Third, are you deaf? Get out!"

Once Meng Zan left, Nangong Wang approached Kong Sheng. "Young Master Kong, you are full of schemes. You delivered yourself into our hands—you surely did so for these." He waved the imperial decree and appointment papers. "To think, you are a protégé of the Emperor, a Magistrate of Songcheng. A grade-eight official at such a young age—how glorious."

His tone was laced with mockery, implying that risking his life for such a minor title was pure stupidity.

Kong Sheng remained calm. "Since you know I am an imperial official, why not untie me, return my documents, and let me go?"

Nangong Wang laughed. "Do you think we are mere peasants who would bow to an official like you? It is laughable to put on airs before us."

"Mr. Nangong, I knew the risks when I came. You are intelligent enough to realize that if you do not release me within three days, a massive imperial force will come to wipe you out." Kong Sheng laughed, then looked at Nie Chuchen. "The Chief only wants my horse. As long as I am alive, you have a chance to get it, do you not?"

Nie Chuchen’s face tightened. She slammed her hand on the table and stood up. "Little thief, hand over the horse, and I might spare you. Otherwise, do not blame me for being heartless!"

Kong Sheng remained unafraid. He had to return for his documents; without them, his long-planned path to his post in Suiyang would be ruined. He had staked everything on the fact that Nangong Wang feared the consequences of killing him, which was why he had ordered Mu Changfeng and the others to part ways with him. The missing horse was his primary leverage.

Kong Sheng’s gaze flickered with a sudden, fiery intensity toward the table. To Nangong Wang, it looked as though Kong Sheng were leering at Nie Chuchen, but in truth, his eyes were locked on the exquisite longbow resting there. Kong Sheng knew that in this era of cold weapons, a bow was as lethal as a modern firearm. With Nie Chuchen’s archery, Mu Changfeng’s agility, and his own innate strength combined with the Daoist internal arts taught by Sima Chengzhen, he could be invincible.

Kong Sheng regained his composure and said, "Chief, a gentleman does not covet what others love. If I were to ask for your 'Cloud-Piercing Bow,' would you hand it over?"

Nie Chuchen laughed coquettishly. "Enough nonsense! I am no gentleman; I am a woman, and the Chief of Chemen Mountain! I repeat: hand over the horse, and all will be well. If you remain stubborn, your life is forfeit!"