Ch121 - Disguise

Xie Zhiwei sprang to his feet so violently the table shook, his tea bowl tilted, and steaming hot tea dripped all over its surface. The conversations paused briefly as the speakers glanced towards Xie Zhiwei with curiosity. A waiter came to wipe up the mess while Xie Zhiwei said, “Sorry, ah.”

A few swipes later, the waiter glanced at him with interest. “You’re not afraid of the weather on such a cold day? Your clothes are too thin, just covering up your face won’t do.”

Someone laughed. “So ignorant, that’s a daoist robe. Those cultivator types aren’t afraid of cold, but cover their faces to stay lowkey.”

Those who knew a bit more instantly recognized it. “These robes…this immortal comes from the daoist sect. But the color…”

“It’s only an ordinary crow-gray,” Xie Zhiwei finished for him. The only reason he dared to wear the daoist robe in the capital city was because this color was reserved for the lowest-ranked disciples in the sect. Those who had even slighter higher status would change the color of their clothes to show that they were different.

Xie Zhiwei had a long and slender body and stood up straight, so he looked especially ethereal in the middle of the city. He should be some lofty figure, but what kind of high-level person wore low-level daoist robes?

The two people who were talking quickly lost interest and went back to chatting.

“Speaking of which, Shizi Mu He’s really unlucky. Once he was the sole heir to the imperial throne, but now even his own father doesn’t care about him.”

“Right? The King of Nine Provinces sure is something. He immediately told the world about removing the Shizi’s position. He clearly intends to break off father-son relations. Their feelings were as light as water, ah.”

Xie Zhiwei was secretly observing the light enshrouding Yin Estate when his pupils shrank at the words. “That happened?”

“That’s right, ah. The proclamation came out early this morning. Daoist master, take a look: there’s one posted at the wall at the end of the street.” Someone pointed it out for him.

Xie Zhiwei stood up and left. Someone called after him, “Daoist master, I heard that Shizi Mu He is the disciple of your Xie zhenren. Since he’s alive, why didn’t he show up after such a big disaster?”

The person next to him tugged on his arm. “Asking him is useless. Can’t you see he’s wearing the lowest-ranked daoist robes? How could he have a chance to talk to Xie zhenren.”

In the past, Xie Zhiwei would have scoffed at these words in his heart, then put on a modest posture and say warmly, “I’ve made you all see a joke, this poor daoist is precisely Xie Zhiwei” before reaching new heights of pusillanimity. But now his heart was in a mess and didn’t even heard their chittering.

The proclamation had been posted for awhile and its corners were stained with snow. Still, many people were standing around and pointing at it from time to time. Xie Zhiwei looked up and saw its contents, which were unexpectedly sparse. Thus, the words written on it were huge: Shizi Mu He lacks virtue and has issues with his bloodline. He is therefore abolished.

At the end of these words was the eye-catching red stamp of the King of Nine Provinces’s seal. Xie Zhiwei took a deep breath and tried to steady his emotions while the whispers of the crowd flittered into his ears like flies.

“I heard the people from the Demonic Sect look like monsters. How did the King of Nine Provinces take a fancy to that Demonic Sect woman? And even birth a child with her?”

“Shh, quiet. I heard those two saintesses of the Demonic Sect are an exception, each more alluring than the last. That King of Nine Provinces has experienced with countless women, do you doubt his eye?”

“I don’t think so. Maybe he got tired of the usual fancy dishes and wanted to try some salted shredded vegetables for a change of pace.”

“Enough of that. Look at how handsome Shizi Mu He is, his mother must be impressive too…aye, what a shame. Now that his name and reputation are ruined, who knows if he’ll live or die in the future.”

“Shame my ass. Didn’t you see where it says he lacks virtue? Don’t forget he’s half Demonic Sect bloodline. He wouldn’t even blink if he killed someone. I heard he caused the deaths of the Bai Clan’s father and son!”

Xie Zhiwei felt things were wrong the longer he listened. None of these details had been written on the proclamation, but these people knew lots of detailed gossip. He patted one of them and asked, “Dare I ask where you heard this from?”

The man gave a start before spreading open his arms. “No one in particular. The streets are full of these rumors, as strong as a storm.”

Xie Zhiwei thought that someone was guiding public opinion on purpose. The conversation next to him continued.

“Isn’t that right? I heard he even wanted to combine those treasures and open the portal to the demon world to acknowledge his ancestors instead of living a perfectly good life. What a sin, ah.”

“As they say, even pitiful men have hateful sides. King Yin did the right thing, this is for the sake of the world.”

“Right, he did the right thing!”

“Hurry and refine those treasures, it’s worrisome!”

“In that case, it’s no big deal even if he doesn’t live.”

The fist-pumping crowd was in agreement as they looked towards the red-enshrouded Yin Estate as if they couldn’t wait for Mu He to be executed that instant.

For the hero to be reduced to this is too much of a failure!

Xie Zhiwei forced himself to ignore the slander against Mu He and felt he couldn’t wait. If this went on, Mu He would be betrayed and abandoned for the world. Even if he was rescued, he’d have to live his days while hated like a rat in the streets. He brushed the copper coins in his sleeve—something he secretly pilfered from Chen Daoyuan’s rooms before kidnapping Mengmeng. It was only a bit, because he was used to being poor and didn’t want Chen Daoyuan to become penniless like him.

Tantai Meng had always lived a simple life and disliked luxuries. Thus, Xie Zhiwei didn’t spend much, but bought a few hot meatbuns and a chicken. As he prepared to leave, he discovered a few clothing shops on the street. A casual glance had him spotting women’s winter cloaks hanging inside.

A shopkeeper noticed him and greeted, “Would you like to come in for a look, sir? These are all newly made from pure fox fur. I guarantee your family’s females will like them.”

Fox fur?

All right, I can’t afford that.

Xie Zhiwei took a step to go, but suddenly spied a team of carriage and horses driving down the street. The top of the car shone gold while each of the horses at the reigns were snow-white. A team of guards flanked it on both sides with swords filled with spiritual energy.

This was the standard traveling outfit for the King of Nine Provinces and they were heading towards the Yin Estate on the other end of the lane. Xie Zhiwei left the crowds to duck into an isolated alleyway, muttering to himself. The King of Nine Provinces is personally paying a call on day two. Did anything change on Yin Cangshan’s side? Or does the king have a new plan himself?

It was chilly, so the curtains of the carriage were tightly covered. There was no way to see what was going on inside, but Xie Zhiwei didn’t peel his eyes from the carriage. The moment it entered the estate, the red light seemed to blink into nothingness and bring in the horse and ride. Xie Zhiwei wanted to try it too, but Yin Estate was different from the King of Nine Province’s estate and its surrounding woods and waters. It had no cover and nothing but guards, so it was better not to risk it in broad daylight.

…but I really want to know how Mu He’s doing right now.

Suddenly, someone hailed him. “Xie zhenren.”

Xie Zhiwei turned and gave a small start. “Miss Tantai? Why are you here?”

Tantai Meng stood beneath a bare poplar tree and looked at him coldly. “Xie zhenren, what did you buy?”

“I was afraid you’d be hungry, so I bought…” Xie Zhiwei was about to show her the chicken in his hands when his expression turned aghast. “Faceless?” he asked in a low voice.

Tantai Meng’s expression changed instantly. She originally stood in a reserved position with her chin slightly raised, but now shifted to a man’s stance with legs apart and chin tucked in. Yet the image was still Tantai Meng, which gave Xie Zhiwei the mistaken impression that she’d been possessed by the spirit of an old man.

Faceless had been a subordinate for a long time. As long as he was back in his original identity, he had the habit of bowing his head when speaking. “This is the second time Xie zhenren’s seen through my disguise. Xie zhenren is truly a god.”

Xie Zhiwei only wondered at the fact that the King of Nine Provinces still had the heart to let Faceless add the the trouble after such a big calamity in his household. Exactly what kind of deal did Mu He strike with his father during their talk?

“Did the King of Nine Provinces send you here again?”

Faceless shook his head. “No, the king had no such orders. This subordinate came on my own.”

Xie Zhiwei was lost in a fog. He and Faceless weren’t friends.

Faceless took a step forward. “This subordinate saw Xie zhenren and followed in disguise to see if I could still trick you. Who knew…I failed again.”

Obviously. I’ve acted for a lifetime, could I be fooled by you?

Xie Zhiwei only replied humbly, “This surnamed Xie couldn’t escape your scrutiny despite covering my face. You aren’t simple, either.”

Faceless wasn’t much happier after the praise, but sighed. “This subordinate has devoted myself to the King of Nine Provinces’ estate for as long as I could remember to study the art of disguise. Once you imitate someone, not only does the appearance have to be identical, but even the voice and demeanor should be the same. Over time, you end up unconsciously observing others. Who knows whether the king will ask me to act as him someday?”

Xie Zhiwei understood. “You have observed this surnamed Xie already, so even without seeing my face, you can recognize me by movement, body size, and voice. If you can achieve this level of disguise, you can be considered a master.”

“Correct, but…why have I repeatedly failed before Xie zhenren?”

“You really want to know?“

“May Xie zhenren please enlighten me.”

Xie Zhiwei looked at Faceless’s eyes, which shone with a thirst for knowledge, and felt a long-lost emotion stirring to life in his heart. “This place is too noisy. Let’s find somewhere quieter to talk in detail, all right?”

“That’s all I could hope for!”

—

Two hours later, a table full of good wine and dishes steamed hot and fragrant as Faceless ignored it all to stare at Xie Zhiwei, afraid of missing crucial details in his speech. Xie Zhiwei was exultant as he spoke, even gesturing with his chopsticks when he got into it. “It’s just like that. That’s why I was certain you weren’t my disciple, and why I knew you weren’t Miss Tantai as soon as you spoke. How could she ever make the first move to speak to me? Especially on such trivial topics.”

Faceless nodded vigorously. He and Xie Zhiwei didn’t have any deep grudges, so after a long stretch of in-depth conversation, he had forgoed most of the honorifics while still being polite. “That makes a lot of sense. I’ve never studied the mind of my targets, only their movements and behaviors, and thought that was enough…who knew there were all these aspects to pay attention to. Right, Shizi respects Xie zhenren so much that he has to behave meticulously before him. And Miss Tantai is proud and aloof while only saying substantial things, so she would never waste words on small talk? She’d try to talk as little as possible.”

“Exactly.”

Faceless seemed to have discovered a whole new world as his eyes shone. “I use my disguises to help the king kill people, so the emphasis is on speed. It’s enough if I look the part, but I can’t be like this in the future. Thank goodness Xie zhenren reminded me, or else…therefore, I need not only the form, but the soul.”

Xie Zhiwei agreed. “Exactly. You not only have to see his personality, but his interactions with others and his life experiences. Even subtle differences will affect his words and actions.”

Congratulations, youngster. You are moving on from the superficial expressionist school to have a spiritual awakening. Work hard, you’ll definitely become a well-trained method actor in the future!

For the sake of minimizing his impression on others, Faceless had always controlled his facial expressions, but now his trembling lips revealed that he was happy. “Many thanks to Xie zhenren. If Xie zhenren were to imitate others, I’m sure no one will be able to tell.”

Of course. I wasn’t the film emperor in my last life for nothing, nor did they call me Teacher Xie in vain. When he was shooting pictures, no end of newbies and seniors ran to him with the script for pointers. Who hadn’t he clipped?

There was only He Zheng who he ended up offending, resulting in that son-of-a-b*tch grudge. After he got popular, he got back at Xie Zhi by any means possible. But Faceless was right. He had been playing the original host until he got five stars and surpassed the original’s existence in the hero’s eyes.

Xie Zhiwei sighed…and I also stirred up a mess in Mu He’s otherwise glorious life.

Faceless saw Xie Zhiwei’s expression dim and thought he was annoyed, so he quickly said, “Today I earned many benefits. If there are any areas I’m uncertain about in the future, I shall have to bother Xie zhenren again. I won’t ask advice for nothing, so Xie zhenren needn’t be polite. Just tell me whatever you need me to do.”

Xie Zhiwei recovered with bright eyes. “All right. Tell me about my disciple’s situation and why the King of Nine Provinces is going to the Yin Estate today.”

“Shizi Mu He’s situation has been spread all over the capital city. King Yin used a strange spell formation to refine the lotuses in his body. I expect Xie zhenren has also seen the proclamations posted by my kind.” Faceless spoke without reservation and paused briefly. “As for the king’s matters, I don’t know. Even if I did, I can’t say, apologies.”

Xie Zhiwei wasn’t hoping to get the King of Nine Provinces’ affairs from Faceless’s mouth. After all, he was a loyal subordinate. But now that the rumors had turned to truth in Faceless’s words, his heart clenched tighter.

Faceless was a little embarrassed to refuse Xie Zhiwei. “Xie zhenren gave your all today, but I was unable to repay you. If it was anyone else, I could just give money, but Xie zhenren is a man of noble bearing and scrupulous principles, so you mustn’t be tainted by the stench of copper coins.”

Xie Zhiwei heard this and said, “No need to be polite, you can pay me too.”

“…huh?” Faceless was flabbergasted.

Xie Zhiwei reached out a hand with a small smile. “I don’t mind the stench of copper, so please take out the money.”

—

The Chinese commenters:

Translator’s Notes: Faceless bro is now gonna be Penniless bro instead…

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