Chapter 142: Recruiting a Husband (2)

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Nie Chuchen’s boudoir was actually a suite of three rooms: on the left was her bedroom, in the middle a simple reception room, and on the right, a storeroom.

Upon entering, one saw only a single table, atop which rested a bronze tray covered with a layer of red silk. In the corner behind the table stood a long halberd, its shaft topped with a black, sharp spearhead. On either side, crescent-shaped blades connected to the spearhead by two small branches, forming a grid-like pattern, while the shaft itself was intricately pierced with hollow designs.

Kong Sheng cast a quick glance and carefully examined it, recognizing it as the most famous ancient cold weapon in history—the Fangtian Huaji. Legend has it that Lü Bu of the Three Kingdoms era wielded this halberd, striking terror across the lands.

This halberd was not only long but seemed remarkably heavy, clearly beyond the strength of a single woman like Nie Chuchen. Yet, since it was displayed here, it must be one of her cherished possessions.

Nie Chuchen regarded Kong Sheng seriously. “Junior brother, do you recognize this weapon?”

“If I’m not mistaken, this is indeed the Fangtian Huaji,” Kong Sheng replied softly.

Nie Chuchen nodded. “Correct. This Fangtian Huaji measures twelve feet in length and weighs two hundred thirty-eight jin. My master entrusted it to me, awaiting someone fated. He said that whoever can wield this halberd properly may claim it as their own. I hear you are born with divine strength, junior brother; would you like to give it a try?”

Her expression grew somewhat solemn.

The Fangtian Huaji is a heavy weapon, unlike lighter spears or lances; it demands tremendous strength and skill, blending the functions of both light and heavy arms. Typically, only those with great might and exquisite halberd techniques can exploit its advantages. Moreover, the Fangtian Huaji left by Fan Yuncong was over a hundred jin heavier than usual, making it an especially formidable weapon among heavy arms. Ordinary people would never even attempt to wield it; even swinging it is an immense challenge.

Kong Sheng pondered briefly and decided it was worth a try.

His silver spear, taken from Tang Genshui, was still somewhat light. If this Fangtian Huaji proved manageable, it would be an unexpected gain.

He stepped forward, gripping the long shaft of the halberd. It was cool to the touch, clearly forged from refined iron. Unlike ordinary halberds with wooden shafts, the iron handle added considerable weight.

Kong Sheng gauged its heft, then lifted it without the slightest effort. Seeing this, Nie Chuchen’s eyes sparkled brightly. “Junior brother, why not try it out in the courtyard?”

Without hesitation, Kong Sheng strode out, halberd in hand.

In the spacious courtyard, he took a deep breath and began to swing it gently. He knew nothing of halberd techniques and could only awkwardly mimic the sword skills taught by Sima Chengzhen. Though his movements lacked grace and the halberd form was unstructured, the heavy Fangtian Huaji felt as light as a feather in his hands, whistling through the air as he wielded it. Gradually, his clumsy motions became smooth and natural. Nie Chuchen watched, her eyes shining ever more intensely.

Seeing Kong Sheng’s confident flourish, she laughed softly. “Well done, junior brother. Truly born with divine strength. Since you are fated with this Fangtian Huaji, it shall be yours.”

Kong Sheng suddenly stopped, planting the halberd firmly on the ground. Though fond of the weapon, he knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. He did not believe Nie Chuchen would hand over such a precious armament without cause. The phrase “awaiting the fated one” could hardly be taken at face value.

He smiled, leaning on the halberd calmly, cheeks unflushed, breath steady, heart unperturbed. “Senior sister, such a treasure is exceedingly precious. I have done nothing to deserve it and dare not accept.”

“Are you sure? Don’t regret it later!”

Nie Chuchen laughed heartily, her clear, bell-like laughter echoing long in the courtyard. Turning, she stood at the doorway, her gaze clear as she looked at Kong Sheng. “You little rascal, such hypocrisy! My master said to give it to the fated one; why be so formal and pretentious? What, afraid I’ll trade this halberd for your fine steed? That’s petty. Though I’m not a man, I am just as resolute. I said I have no interest in your steed—what else could you be worrying about?”

“Alright, put the halberd away. It’s yours now. A true man does not dawdle; otherwise, senior sister might look down on you.”

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“Come inside, I have another treasure for you to see,” Nie Chuchen beckoned to Kong Sheng.

He couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Since she said so, why be so coy? A gift freely given should not be refused, even if accepting it feels a bit awkward. And if she intended to swap the Fangtian Huaji for his horse, that was absolutely not going to happen!

Kong Sheng carried the halberd back into the room, entering the storeroom.

Nie Chuchen lifted the red silk covering the bronze tray on the table, revealing a brocade pouch resting on it. She took the pouch and handed it to Kong Sheng, her voice a bit urgent: “Open it and take a look.”

Curious, Kong Sheng accepted the pouch, unwrapped it, and drew out a sheet of paper inscribed with eight lines of elegant, flowing calligraphy. The first four lines were missing their initial characters, while the last four lines lacked their final characters.

_ _ Qiao’s dwelling, an empty mountain temple,
_ _ Sun’s banquet ends at Qujiang Pool.
_ _ Leaving Shu Road, the heart is about to break,
_ _ Living palace shrouded in mist and haze.

Accumulated tribulations resemble refining _ _,
Within the book lies beauty like _ _.
Out of partiality, jealousy among sisters-in-law _ _,
Leaking sounds accompany endlessly _ _.

Kong Sheng pondered briefly, realizing this was a poem with acrostics and telestics—missing first and last characters. Yet why would Nie Chuchen present these fragments for him to see? What was the meaning behind this?

He lifted his eyes to Nie Chuchen, whose face was enchanting, radiant with a deep, mysterious gaze meeting his own before shyly looking away. She giggled and stepped out, leaving behind only this: “Junior brother, this too was left by my master. You claim to be the foremost talent in Jiangnan; why not trouble yourself to complete the poem? There are pen, ink, paper, and inkstone on the table. I’ll come back to collect it in half an hour.”

The sun slanted in the dusk, the cold wind weaving through the air.

Nie Chuchen wrapped in her cloak stood in the courtyard, her expression clearly tinged with nervousness.

At this moment, she recalled her master Fan Yuncong’s parting words: “Chuchen, whoever can enter your boudoir, wield the Fangtian Huaji, and complete the incomplete poem will be your suitable match. Your parents have passed, and as you grow older, should you meet the fated one, you may wed him by my command, using the halberd and poem as proof to seal a union made in heaven.”

Nie Chuchen was already twenty-one. In this era, women her age would have long been married with children at their knees. Her continued singlehood was partly due to her proud and lofty nature, which ordinary men found unappealing; partly because, with bandits at the city gates, finding a suitable, willing husband of her standards was exceedingly difficult.

Fortunately, by a twist of fate, she met Kong Sheng. Though she initially sought the fine steed, meeting Kong Sheng himself, especially seeing his martial and literary prowess and unmatched valor, secretly stirred her intent to find a husband on the spot.

This sort of matchmaking drama might seem unbelievable in modern times but was quite common in the Tang Dynasty. Otherwise, where would tales of generals marrying before battle or recruiting spouses amid campaigns come from?

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Though Nie Chuchen’s personality was bold and carefree, she was inwardly gentle, possessing all the delicate qualities of a young woman.

Later, she “abducted” Kong Sheng back to the mountain and began to play along, feigning intent to kill him merely to test his courage and integrity. As long as he was neither a coward nor a weakling, she would not truly harm him—even without the connection to Sima Chengzhen.

With Nangong Wang’s cunning and tactfulness, he saw through her true intentions but chose not to expose them.

Fan Yuncong’s words now resonated deeply within Nie Chuchen.

Allowing Kong Sheng into her boudoir meant he was someone she favored in both appearance and character. This was precisely why Fan Yuncong had instructed her to display the Fangtian Huaji there. Moreover, Kong Sheng’s ability to wield the specially crafted halberd and potentially complete the incomplete poem marked him as a man of both literary and martial talents—the very match Nie Chuchen sought.

Fan Yuncong had designed this elaborate “groom selection” scheme with meticulous care. As Nie Chuchen felt the stirrings of her heart, she led Kong Sheng to this point.

It is said that while many soldiers are easy to find, a true general is hard to come by; men are everywhere, but a suitable husband is rare. For Nie Chuchen, as the years passed without a proper match, she faced the prospect of wasting her youth in solitude.

In the forward camp, within the hall of swearing brothers,

Nie Chuchen’s chief subordinates had all dispersed, leaving only Nangong Wang and his trusted lieutenant Tang Genshui. Tang Genshui was loyal and brave, once indebted to Nangong Wang and willingly stayed to repay that debt. Honestly, without Tang Genshui’s assistance, Nangong Wang would have struggled to control the rowdy and fierce bandits of Hongze Marsh.

Tang Genshui frowned, speaking softly, “Sir, why is the chief acting this way?”

Nangong Wang smiled faintly. “Genshui, you do not understand. Sister Chuchen is growing older…”

He suddenly stopped and abruptly changed the subject. “Genshui, if you were allowed to fight freely, could you endure a prolonged battle with Brother Kong?”

Tang Genshui considered for a moment, his thick beard slightly flushing. He clasped his hands and bowed. “Sir, I am ashamed to say that Brother Kong is extraordinarily strong and rides a divine steed. In a prolonged, head-on fight, I would be no match.”

Nangong Wang’s smile turned wry. “What if cunning and stratagem were used instead?”

Tang Genshui raised his eyebrows. “Sir, I’m rough and only know how to fight with reckless abandon. As for using tricks and schemes, I truly can’t do that.”

Nangong Wang regarded Tang Genshui deeply, then laughed heartily and turned away.

Tang Genshui furrowed his brows, puzzled by Nangong Wang’s sudden remark. Hesitating briefly, he followed Nangong Wang out of the hall.

(To be continued.)