Chapter 48: Advancing by Retreating

A group of Heaven and Earth Society members focused their gaze on Ma Jun, curious to see what this young Incense Master would do to avenge Second Brother Xu Tianchuan, and to ensure that no one in the martial world would think their society feared the Duke Mu’s Mansion.

Ma Jun paced back and forth, pondering for a while, then said with a half-smile, “Brothers, do you truly want me, the Incense Master, to make the decision?”

“We naturally await your command, Incense Master Ma!” Several men exchanged glances, replying with unwavering loyalty.

“Hmph!” Suddenly, Ma Jun’s expression changed, his face turning cold as he swept his piercing gaze over them. He was tall, possessed the bearing of a special forces soldier, and had cultivated internal martial arts. Usually, he kept this hidden, but now his anger intimidated everyone present.

Ma Jun sneered twice, then said, “We’re in a business where lives are at stake, yet when faced with a minor issue, we pass the buck, afraid to shoulder responsibility! If this continues, what’s the point of restoring the Ming or overthrowing the Qing? You might as well go be officials; you all seem adept at playing tricks in the bureaucracy!”

No one had expected Ma Jun to not only see through their thoughts but also expose them so mercilessly. Embarrassed, everyone’s faces flushed, and their hearts were unsettled.

Ha! Try playing games with me! Ma Jun was delighted inwardly, his expression softening as he continued, “Brothers, don’t blame me for being blunt! We’re fighting for the Han nation; if we keep shrinking from responsibility, how can we live up to our flesh and blood?”

“Yes, Incense Master Ma, your lesson is well taken!” Daoist Xuan Zhen seized the opportunity to respond, his face full of shame.

“Enough!” Ma Jun waved his hand. “I’ve always spoken frankly. Let’s let this matter pass. In future, brothers, speak your minds when problems arise—otherwise, what’s the meaning of brotherhood?”

“Incense Master Ma, rest assured! We will remember your words!” The men from the Green Wood Hall clasped their fists in respect.

“Since Second Brother Xu was seriously injured by the Duke Mu’s men, we must seek justice!” Ma Jun said. “But the Duke Mu’s Mansion is renowned in the martial world; we must not act rashly.”

Xu Tianchuan and the others grumbled inwardly: This young Incense Master, after giving us such a righteous lecture, we thought he’d have some brilliant plan, but it turns out he’s just repeating what we all know. How dare he scold us?

Ma Jun, seeing their expressions, understood their thoughts and continued, “I recall Second Brother Xu’s martial skills are among the best in Green Wood Hall. Those two family guards from the Duke Mu’s Mansion fought two against one, and though they injured Second Brother Xu, they must have been badly hurt themselves. So, here's what I propose…”

At his words, everyone’s eyes brightened. The wily Daoist Xuan Zhen gave a thumbs-up—was that gesture even used in the Qing Dynasty?—and said with a laugh, “Incense Master, that’s a clever plan! I am thoroughly impressed!”

The group left the pharmacy and split up to carry out their tasks; the Green Wood Hall members went shopping for supplies, while Ma Jun returned to fetch Qian Mo Duo. Both donned swallowtail coats beneath their robes before meeting at a designated spot.

They walked into Willow Lane, arriving before a grand vermilion gate—the temporary residence of the Duke Mu’s Mansion. Two large white lanterns hung at the entrance, and faint cries could be heard from within.

Xu Tianchuan and the others paused; Ma Jun signaled Gao Yanchao to knock on the door.

An elderly steward opened the gate. Gao Yanchao handed over a card and announced, “Incense Master Ma Jun of Green Wood Hall, Heaven and Earth Society, brings his subordinates to offer apologies!”

Hearing “Heaven and Earth Society,” the steward’s brows furrowed in anger, but upon the word “apology,” he looked puzzled, took the card, and entered in silence.

After a long wait, a tall man in mourning attire appeared, his eyes swollen and red with fresh tear stains. He clasped his fists and said, “Incense Master Ma, I apologize for not welcoming you sooner. I am Bai Hanfeng.”

“So, you are one of the Bai brothers! It’s an honor indeed!” Ma Jun stepped forward. “I met your elder brother once; may I ask where he is now? That day, we fought side by side against Wu Sangui’s lackeys—it was exhilarating. Today, we must gather again!”

Bai Hanfeng studied Ma Jun carefully and replied, “You are Ma Jun, the Soul-Seizing Dart. My brother spoke of you! Alas, my elder brother has passed away.”

“What!” Ma Jun staggered back in shock. “Brother Bai—he’s gone?” He spun around, glaring at the Green Wood Hall members. “You told me it was a clash between Xu Tianchuan and the heroes of the Duke Mu’s Mansion. I assumed it was just a friendly contest! I didn’t expect such ruthlessness—that Bai brother would be killed! Our Heaven and Earth Society has strict rules; once I pay my respects to Brother Bai, I will convene the incense hall and deal with Xu Tianchuan! Don’t think his injuries will let him escape punishment! Both our Heaven and Earth Society and the Duke Mu’s Mansion are devoted to restoring the Ming—how can we kill each other?”

Daoist Xuan Zhen, deeply ashamed, asked, “Second Hero Bai, may I ask—was our Xu Tianchuan truly responsible for Brother Bai’s death?”

Bai Hanfeng, who had been furious enough to kill, felt his anger dissipate with Ma Jun’s outburst. He replied, “We’ll speak of this later. Please, enter the mansion first.”

Led by Bai Hanfeng, Ma Jun and his group entered, paid their respects at Bai Hansong’s shrine, then moved to the hall and took their seats.

Members of the Duke Mu’s Mansion and Green Wood Hall introduced themselves to each other.

Ma Jun sat at the table, his face somber and ashamed, addressing Bai Hanfeng: “Second Brother Bai, to be honest, I heard only my subordinates’ version, that Xu Tianchuan had clashed with you and your brother. I thought, as we are all on the same side, we should avoid unpleasantness, hence my visit to apologize. I never expected your brother would lose his life. Please tell me the whole story—when I return, I will see justice done and give the Duke Mu’s Mansion an explanation!”

Bai Hanfeng sighed, “Brother Ma, your sense of justice is admirable. Here’s what happened: two afternoons ago, my brother and I were drinking at a tavern on the bridge…”

Second Brother Bai recounted everything in detail, down to the moves exchanged, leaving nothing hidden.

When he finished, the sly Daoist Xuan Zhen turned to Feng Jizhong and said, “Second Brother Feng, let’s try out those moves Second Hero Bai just described.”

Feng Jizhong, who would later betray them and serve Kangxi, was no slouch in martial arts. He imitated the Bai brothers’ techniques skillfully.

When Xuan Zhen and Feng Jizhong finished their demonstration, everyone’s faces changed. It was clear that the situation had been perilous—if Xu Tianchuan hadn’t struck hard against Bai Hansong, he would have died himself!

Though Ma Jun’s skills were not as high as theirs, his months of training were not wasted, and he also possessed foreknowledge of events. He forced a smile and said coldly, “Bai Hansong, you and your brother sparred with our Xu Tianchuan. Your brother is dead, and Xu Tianchuan is now gravely injured and may not live much longer. Let’s call it even. Until we meet again!”

Bai Hansong watched Ma Jun and his companions depart, his face alternately flushing and paling.

Please collect and recommend—don’t stop, don’t stop.