Chu Jiubian brought the food tray in and placed it on the table in the inner room, then sat down in a position where he could easily see the person on the bed.

Due to Qin Xiao’s prolonged absence, Qin Chaoyang had supervised the installation of underfloor heating in the western courtyard. Thus, even though no one had been in this room for two days, it was still very warm.

Chu Jiubian took a sip of tea, then tucked into his meal.

He ate very quietly, but the sound was still audible in the silent room.

The eyelashes of the person on the bed fluttered slightly, and his fingertips twitched, but he didn’t open his eyes.

During his two days in the Divine Realm, Chu Jiubian had barely closed his eyes at all. Now, the delayed exhaustion was catching up to him. Engrossed in his food, he nearly nodded off into his bowl and didn’t notice the subtle movements on the bed at all.

After forcing a few more bites down, he was unable to eat any more, and rinsed his mouth.

Chu Jiubian’s exhaustion was so profound that he couldn’t even keep his eyes open, and his mind was a jumbled mess.

He didn’t have the energy to deal with people just now, so he decided to take a nap first before calling Qin Chaoyang and the young emperor over.

After glancing around the room, he lay down on the soft couch by the window.

But before falling asleep, he didn’t forget to ask: “System, monitor Qin Xiao’s vital signs for me and wake me up if there is a problem.”

[Okay, Host.] The System had reaped a fortune in the past two days, and wasn’t going to extort its host over such a small matter now.

Chu Jiubian fell into a deep sleep even more profound than a coma.

More than ten minutes later, the person on the bed managed to open his eyes, but his vision was still somewhat blurry and unfocused.

After a short while of this, Qin Xiao finally regained some control and turned his head to look toward the window.

The seat by the window was covered in dark cushions, and was where Qin Xiao usually sat to drink tea and read.

The soft couch wasn’t long enough, so when laying down, Chu Jiubian couldn’t even straighten his legs. He was curled up into a ball, his long silver hair spread over him like a blanket.

Qin Xiao blinked, but he soon lost the ability to hold onto consciousness, slipping under again without managing to speak a word.

*

*

News of Qin Xiao’s severe injury was impossible to keep under wraps, especially with all of the Imperial Physicians being present at Yangxin Hall that day. This led to much speculation, and when neither Qin Xiao nor Chu Jiubian appeared in the following two days, the severity of Qin Xiao’s injury was basically confirmed.

Naturally, the reactions of various parties differed.

But it was self-evident that very few people were hoping for his survival.

They felt that Qin Xiao would likely be fine due to Chu Jiubian’s “divine” presence, but secretly hoped that something unexpected would happen.

Three days passed in this manner, yet no news emerged from the palace. The powerful Regent who held sway over the entire Imperial Court remained missing, his fate unknown.

They all began to wonder if Qin Xiao was indeed so grievously wounded that even Chu Jiubian, this immortal descended to earth, was unable to save him.

But despite having these thoughts, according to reason, they still believed that with Chu Jiubian’s abilities, he would surely be able to help Qin Xiao overcome his predicament.

Darkness came early in winter, and on this particular day, it grew dark shortly after dinner.

The main hall of the Wang family’s central compound.

Family Head Wang Huanzhi sat at the head of the table, with Minister of Rites Wang Zhiyuan seated next to him. Seated lower down was Wang Zhang, a family elder and also Wang Huanzhi’s strategist.

Inside the hall stood an iron stove purchased from the Hundred Treasure House. It was unique and exquisitely crafted, bearing no resemblance whatsoever to the thin-walled stoves used by ordinary people in later periods.

This iron stove was naturally of the same variety that Chu Jiubian had created for use in the Imperial Palace. He had more produced, and added some different designs and engravings to make them look unique, which allowed them to be sold at a higher price.

It wasn’t that he had no desire to make ordinary goods for the common people, but the amount of iron that could be mined was currently limited. Due to its scarcity and strict government control over the iron trade, the price of iron furnaces was very high, well out of the financial range of the common people.

Since this was the case, it was better to make exquisite, beautiful items and sell them at a high price to noble families.

Leaving aside the noble families in the capital, there were hundreds of iron stoves in affluent households now. Chu Jiubian had even taught the shopkeeper of the Hundred Treasure House how to make heated wall structures to keep rooms warmer.

The Hundred Treasure House was currently running a promotion: Buy one furnace and receive one heated wall, which the establishment’s craftsmen would set up.

At this moment, there was a heated wall in the main hall of the Wang family’s central compound.

The fire burned brightly, making the room warmer than it had been in any previous year.

Dressed in thin emerald green robes, Wang Huanzhi took a sip of his tea and said unhurriedly: “The minister has been quite busy lately. It has been quite some time since I’ve had the opportunity to sit and have tea with you like this.”

Ever since Wang Zhiyuan had instructed Wang Pengyi to diligently handle the task of transporting military supplies, Chu Jiubian had realized Wang Zhiyuan’s intention to align himself with the throne and entrusted him with more tasks, demonstrating an unprecedented level of reliance on the man.

He was now arguably the most powerful of the six government ministers.

Aside from him, there was no need to mention Deputy Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi. Even the Wang family disciples who remained in court – Deputy Minister of Works Liu Junqi and senior official Wang Yu from the Ministry of Personnel – had also been given exceptionally important positions.

They were involved in everything, from arranging receptions for the vassal kings, to handling the promotions and transfers of various officials at the end of the year, and to dealing with local taxes and other miscellaneous affairs, making them incredibly frustrating to deal with.

Due to this, during the months that Qin Xiao was away, not only did the Wang family not experience suppression, but they actually grew in power.

Their influence was unrivaled, but this situation was like heating oil over a raging fire.

Everyone knew that Wang Zhiyuan was subtly siding with the Emperor, effectively betraying the alliance of noble families.

The Emperor – or rather, Chu Jiubian – was openly and without reservation relying heavily on members of the Wang family, using their power and connections to suppress the other three great families.

As expected, when everyone later conspired against Qin Xiao, Wang Pengyi diligently and conscientiously performed his duties in maintaining the army’s lifeline. Not only did he protect the supplies well, but he delivered them promptly, ensuring that the army had no worries whatsoever.

It was safe to say that Wang Pengyi played a significant role in Qin Xiao’s conquest of the Sai Kingdom.

Thus, the Wang family had positioned themselves entirely against the other great families.

As the family head, Wang Huanzhi’s ambition was not simply to be a loyal and capable subject serving the Emperor; he wanted to secure more benefits and power for both himself and the Wang family.

However, the actions of Wang Zhiyuan and Wang Pengyi, both high-ranking officials in the court, ran completely contrary to his intentions.

Assisting the throne in weakening the noble families was not a good thing.

Once the other families were suppressed, it would be their turn. Wang Huanzhi didn’t believe that Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao would allow the Wang family to enjoy a monopoly.

But what troubled Wang Huanzhi the most was that Wang Zhiyuan made no effort to conceal his interactions with his heir, Wang Qichen. In fact, during this period, Wang Zhiyuan had met with Wang Qichen more often than he did with Wang Huanzhi, the family head.

And then there was Deputy Minister of Justice Wang Ruzhen, who was a firm supporter of Wang Huanzhi. While most high-ranking members of the Wang family were being given important tasks, he was being marginalized.

Wang Huanzhi could only suspect that Wang Zhiyuan had said something to Chu Jiubian.

He had summoned Wang Zhiyuan today for the purpose of finding out whether he had secretly allied with his rebellious son, Wang Qichen, and whether he had begun to suppress the Wang family’s influence in court, particularly those who were loyal to the family head.

If that was the case, it would be even more difficult for Wang Huanzhi to transfer the title of ‘heir’ to his youngest son, Wang Wenyao.

“There are numerous matters to attend to in the Imperial Court with the end of the year approaching, so I’ve naturally been busier,” Wang Zhiyuan said in a mild voice.

Wang Huanzhi’s faint smile didn’t reach his eyes: “Then I’ll thank the minister for his hard work.”

“The Emperor’s reliance on me is no burden.” 

Wang Zhiyuan’s pompous words wiped the last trace of the fake smile from Wang Huanzhi’s face.

“We’re all family here. Why the need for such formalities, Minister?”

His tone was somewhat unpleasant.

Even though he needed Wang Zhiyuan on his side, Wang Huanzhi still couldn’t bear to humble himself. Unable to let go of his pride as the family head, he constantly treated others with disdain, affording them no respect whatsoever.

Sitting at the lower end of the table, Wang Zhang took a furtive glance at Wang Zhiyuan’s expression. He noticed no emotional fluctuations, but still spoke up to ease the tension: “The family head is meeting with you today to have a heart-to-heart conversation. Hoping My Lord will understand.”

Wang Zhiyuan smiled slightly and gave no response.

Wang Huanzhi then said: “My Wang family has been known for its integrity for generations. We disdain engaging in power struggles and vying for personal gain, and only act out of self-preservation. Surely My Lord understands this.”

With his gaze fixed on Wang Zhiyuan, he continued: “Now that Imperial power is on an upward trend and Ning-wang has returned to the capital after a great victory, enjoying unparalleled prestige, he will surely target our noble family after he recovers.”

Wang Zhang secretly observed the person sitting at the head of the table.

But Wang Zhiyuan remained silent.

Wang Huanzhi frowned and softened his tone, attempting to persuade him: “My Lord must understand that the reason our four great families have reached our positions is because we stand by and support one another. But now, we have all witnessed your association with Chu Jiubian and your close ties to the Imperial family. Surely, you don’t wish to bring ruin to our Wang family without any regard for the consequences?”

“Why does the Family Head say such a thing?” Wang Zhiyuan finally spoke. “Everything I’ve done has been to ensure the continuation of the Wang family for generations. I’ve never meant the family any harm.”

“But your current actions are pushing the Wang family into conflict with other influential figures,  placing us into a precarious position!”

Wang Zhiyuan’s expression iced over at the resounding force of Wang Huanzhi’s voice.

He had long mastered the art of concealing his emotions, and the fact that his feelings were discernable now was solely because he was making no effort to hide them.

Seeing this, Wang Zhang feared that the situation would escalate and damage their relationship, so he hastily spoke up: “The Minister has recognized the abilities of Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, and wishes to forge a cooperative relationship with the Imperial family. It is perfectly understandable for him to leverage their influence in order to elevate the Wang family to greater heights. We are naturally grateful, and admire him for it.”

“But I would also ask you, My Lord, are you so certain that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian will not discard you once you have lived out your usefulness?”

Wang Zhiyuan let out a light chuckle.

Wang Zhang and Wang Huanzhi were unfamiliar with how Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao operated, but having spent his days in the Imperial Court, Wang Zhiyuan had a very clear understanding of them.

These two men were powerful and influential. They possessed sharp minds, and were highly-skilled in cunning, strategizing, and manipulation. Both were outstanding figures of their time, and even an elder such as Wang Zhiyuan, who had been immersed in court politics for many years, found it challenging to deal with the two of them.

However, there was one thing that set these two apart from other influential figures.

Ironclad loyalty and integrity.

Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian were both men of profound loyalty and integrity, and who also cared deeply for the country and its people.

They worked tirelessly on behalf of the common people, and every action they took was for the purpose of improving the lives of those people and strengthening Great Ning.

And they indeed had the ability to succeed in this endeavor.

Before, Wang Zhiyuan had been engrossed in the political infighting and was unable to see the situation clearly. But when his student Liu Junqi was promoted and Wang Pengyi was entrusted with the vital task of transporting military supplies, he understood everything.

He also realized that the younger generation had a clearer understanding of matters than he did.

This was no longer the era of Emperor Gaozong; the resources of the powerful noble families were no longer needed to restore the livelihoods of the common people, so what Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian needed were people who would genuinely serve the court and the country’s citizens.

It was fortunate that the Wang family, and Wang Zhiyuan himself, had not yet done anything irreversible to Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian.

Those two were also willing to let byegones be byegones, and didn’t condemn the entirety of the Wang family outright. So when an opportunity to reconcile with them was presented, Wang Zhiyuan naturally took it.

However, the head of the Wang family was clearly preoccupied with his self-contained world and selfish desires, and was unable to see the bigger picture.

He was not as insightful as Young Master Wang Qichen.

Wang Zhiyuan recalled that Chu Jiubian had paid a visit to Yaotai Bookstore on his own initiative and spoke for some time with Wang Qichen.

Although the content of their discussion was unknown, judging from Wang Qichen’s actions during this period, he and Chu Jiubian must have reached some sort of agreement or partnership.

He had also noticed that whenever he happened to bring up Chu Jiubian or spoke of matters related to him, Wang Qichen’s attitude would become more respectful and affectionate.

The exact reason was unknown, but it was clear that Wang Qichen’s relationship with Chu Jiubian was not as simple as a mere business partnership. And this was good news for the Wang family.

But Wang Zhiyuan was unwilling to discuss the complexities and intricacies involved in this matter.

It wasn’t that he didn’t wish to offer advice to Wang Huanzhi, but that with a strategist like Wang Zhang by his side, he couldn’t possibly be unaware of these implications.

This meant that, knowing perfectly well what was happening, he was still determined to oppose the Emperor.

Wang Zhiyuan felt that this stubbornness was partly due to the fact that Wang Huanzhi’s son, Wang Wenfu, had been publicly beheaded by Qin Xiao for consuming mandala.

It was incredibly difficult to rid oneself of resentment after the killing of one’s child.

So ultimately, the division within the Wang family boiled down to differing perspectives.

While previously, the conflict had simply centered on “supporting the family head” or “supporting the young master,” they were now faced with a choice between “supporting the noble families” or “supporting Imperial power.”

Wang Zhiyuan was aware that Wang Huanzhi wanted to recruit him into his faction, but he had greater faith in Wang Qichen, and naturally wouldn’t accept the offer.

Whether he faced coercion or bribes, or emotional manipulation disguised as “righteousness,” he would not change his stance.

Therefore, with no desire to discuss the subject further, he changed tacks: “Instead of worrying about trivial things, the Family Head should be more concerned about the Yaotai Green Paper that has appeared on the market.”

Seeing the change in Wang Huanzhi’s expression, Wang Zhiyuan took a sip of tea before saying slowly: “The Young Master’s bookstore held a literary gathering, which successfully showcased both its reputation and the talents of those involved, not to mention its considerable financial resources. Currently, everyone is saying that the Young Master is the most likely candidate to secure selling rights for the Yaotai paper.”

After much anticipation, the Yaotai Green Paper had finally been released.

The first instance occurred in a brothel in the capital, where a well-educated courtesan skilled in calligraphy publicly unfolded a sheet of the paper and began to write with brush and ink.

The paper had a texture similar to the rice paper used in later periods, and compared to the paper currently available in Great Ning, it could be described as “white as snow, flexible and lightweight,” immediately drawing the admiration of anyone who laid eyes on it.

Moreover, he had learned that such high-quality paper and the young woman’s beautiful handwriting had combined in such a way that those pieces of calligraphy sold at exorbitant prices.

But that intelligent young woman stated that the papermaker did not wish to reveal his identity, and only sought someone to collaborate with. He would be responsible for making the paper, and his partner would be responsible for selling it.

However, the papermaker had his own considerations. He would need to vet anyone who collaborated with him, and only someone who met those requirements would be granted selling rights.

Only, he didn’t specify what those “requirements” were.

The Langya Gold Paper sold by the Wang family had previously fetched as much as one gold ingot per sheet at its peak, and was almost exclusively purchased by wealthy individuals for their collections. Now, the value of this Yaotai Green Paper would be even higher.

With such enormous profits involved, everyone naturally wanted to grab a piece of the pie.

Thus, in recent days, everyone in the capital who wished to sell Yaotai paper was putting in their best effort to showcase themselves.

Either they were searching high and low for information about the papermaker, or showcasing their poetic talent or wealth in order to impress him.

But several days had passed, and there was still no more Yaotai paper for sale on the market, nor had anyone heard of someone being favored for the selling rights.

Wang Huanzhi was naturally one of these people.

Selling paper was the Wang family’s most profitable business, and when anyone thought of writing materials such as brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, they would immediately think of the Wang family.

This was one of the reasons the Wang family was renowned for their adherence to etiquette and unwavering integrity.

However, if this Yaotai paper was seized by someone else, the Wang family would no longer be the sole possessors of a papermaking technique, and would lose both profit and prestige.

Therefore, Wang Huanzhi was willing to pay any price to become acquainted with the person behind this Yaotai paper.

Either the Yaotai paper would be sold to the Wang family, or they would completely eliminate the possibility of Yaotai paper ever appearing again.

If possible, Wang Huanzhi would prefer to have the best of both worlds.

This would give him greater influence within the Wang family, and allow him to break free from the stifling feeling of being overshadowed by Wang Qichen.

His petty schemes were completely transparent, and there wasn’t a soul in the Wang family who was unaware of them.

Besides trying to annoy him, Wang Zhiyuan had brought the topic up at this moment to make him anxious

When someone was anxious, they lost their rationality and composure, and were more susceptible to being deceived. 

Yes, Wang Zhiyuan was entirely aware that the “person” behind the Yaotai Green Paper was merely a scheme devised by Wang Qichen.

Because Wang Qichen was the one who had invented the paper in the first place.

It just wasn’t being sold at “Yaotai Bookstore” at the moment.

Wang Qichen had kept this matter very well-hidden. To make it more convincing, he even spread rumors within the family, claiming that the reason he opened the bookstore was actually to use the name “Yaotai” to establish a connection with the papermaker.

Therefore, none of them suspected anything.

Wang Huanzhi was somewhat anxious when the bookstore opened, but more than anything, he looked down on his eldest son and found his actions childish.

Without even knowing for sure that he would obtain the paper-selling rights, he had invested a huge amount of capital to open a bookstore on the busy Splendid Plaza, which would likely result in him losing everything in the end.

But now, Wang Zhiyuan had deliberately exposed his self-deception, informing him that Wang Qichen’s approach was more sincere than anyone else’s and was most likely to impress the “papermaker.”

As expected, Wang Huanzhi’s expression sank even further.

Wang Zhiyuan didn’t show it on his face, but deep down, he felt somewhat helpless.

In his youth, Wang Huanzhi had been considered one of the most outstanding among his peers. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to secure the position of family head. But as he grew older, Wang Huanzhi mindset became increasingly narrow, and his perspective more one-sided.

He was far too self-serving. He only cared about his second wife and the son she bore him, disregarding the well-being of the rest of the family. 

In fact, he had long since ceased to be a suitable family head for the Wang family.

“If you remain on a mountaintop for too long, you may forget the original reason you started climbing.” Wang Zhiyuan offered one last piece of advice, then stood up and said, “I’m tired. The Family Head should also go and get some rest.”

Having said this, he left through the door.

Wang Zhang watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.

Wang Huanzhi, however, disregarded the elder’s last words and said in a dark voice: “It seems he has made up his mind to side with that rebellious son.”

That being the case, he was even more determined to obtain the selling rights for the Yaotai paper and completely suppress Wang Qichen.

Seeing him in this state, Wang Zhang hesitated to speak.

Some things were not suitable for discussion at this time. The most important matter at hand was indeed to secure this new paper supply first.

Meanwhile.

At the Xiao family residence, Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan was reclined halfway back on the soft couch in his bedroom.

His closed eyes were ringed by dark circles, his cheeks were slightly sunken, and his clothes were too loose on him. It would be no exaggeration to say that he was skin and bones.

Across from him, a woman dressed in light garments delicately plucked the strings of her musical instrument with slender fingers.

Amidst the decadent music, the room was filled with swirling smoke.

Xiao Huaiguan took a deep breath, then exhaled with a long sigh, a look of enjoyment on his face.

The woman’s eyes were also a bit hazy. She removed her hands from the instrument and went to his side, where she poured him a cup of tea and held it to his lips with a smile: “My Lord, have some tea.”

But Xiao Huaiguan paid no attention to her, his breaths coming alternately light and heavy.

“My Lord.” The woman said softly, “What kind of incense are you burning? Its fragrance makes one feel utterly blissful…..”

The sounds coming from inside the room were muffled.

Family Head Xiao Yao and former Deputy Minister of Works Xiao Wendao stood outside the door, their expressions equally unbothered.

“It’s gotten worse,” Xiao Wendao said calmly. “He doesn’t have long to live.”

Xiao Yao actually had a smile on his face: “With the vassal kings arriving in the capital, we should make preparations as well.”

The Xiao family was currently weak, and even though Chu Jiubian had given them a small opportunity to rise, if Minister of Personnel Xiao Huaiguan were to perish, they would be left without support in the Imperial Court.

For now, all they could do was suppress the influence of the other noble families. Only then could they all stand on the same mountain and continue to climb upward together.

“Who do you think is responsible for Ning-wang’s grave injury?” asked Xiao Wendao.

“Who do you think it is?”

Xiao Wendao smiled and looked toward the Northwest, saying: “It is naturally easier to get things done on one’s own territory. But I do wonder what the circumstances were like at the time that it led to Ning-wang being injured.”

Xiao Yao said nothing, but a subtle darkness flickered within his eyes.

*

*

They met by chance.

At the official post station closest to the capital, several groups of people were being received by the trembling postmaster and his staff, who offered all of them formal bows: “This humble official greets Zuiliang-wang, Pinxi-wang, Nanjiang-wang, and Dingbei-wang.”

His voice was shaking.

Never in his life had he imagined that he would encounter so many vassal kings arriving at his post station simultaneously.

Fortunately, he knew that the vassal kings were coming to the capital this year and had prepared for it just in case. Otherwise, he might have faced beheading if he called out these people’s names in the wrong order.

Zuiliang-wang Bai Liyan was the third eldest, and Pingxi-wang Bai Lizheng was the fifth eldest, followed by Nanjiang-wang Bai Lihao and Dingbei-wang Bai Liyu, who were ranked sixth and ninth respectively.

Only after he finished addressing them and found that none of them seemed angry did the postmaster breathe a subtle sigh of relief.

It seemed he had done it correctly.

However, it was possible that these four vassal kings simply had amiable personalities, like Huguang-wang Bai Liyue and Dongjiang-wang Bai Lihe, who had arrived together earlier.

These two people, one older and one younger, had been at odds from the moment they met, openly and subtly mocking and scorning each other.

The postmaster didn’t dare to shut his eyes all night, overcome by anxiety and dread. But thankfully, those two had departed for the capital that morning.

“Have guest rooms been prepared?” the young servant attending Zuiliang-wang asked with a smile.

“Indeed, indeed.” The postmaster led everyone upstairs to the second floor. “The best rooms have been prepared for the four vassal kings and their family members. Food and hot water will be brought up shortly.”

He spoke of family members, but it was actually just Bai Lihao who had brought his wife and the twin Situ siblings.

None of the other vassal kings had taken their female relatives along – mainly because the only legitimate female figure in the palace at present was the Empress Dowager, so there would be no point in bringing them.

And as for not bringing their sons, that was another consideration they’d all had to make.

Their fear was that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian would suddenly make a move, demanding that they leave their sons behind in the capital. No matter what plausible reasons they provided, those sons would essentially be kept as hostages.

Therefore, everyone agreed that it was best not to bring their families, but Nanjiang-wang and his family disregarded this completely and came anyway.

Zuiliang-wang Bai Liyan, dressed in light blue robes and a fox fur cloak, asked everyone with a smile: “Who would like to choose their room first?”

He had been a cheerful person since childhood, regarding everyone with a smile. Very few people had ever seen him look angry.

Compared to his two older brothers, who were difficult to get along with, Bai Liyan was clearly the more popular one among them.

This was also the case at present, and the other three showed no signs of tension or awkwardness.

Bai Lizheng said: “Third Brother, you make the arrangements. We’ll listen to you.”

Bai Liyan then said: “Alright, then let’s take rooms in order of rank. If we leave tomorrow morning, we can reach the capital before the city gates close and save ourselves some trouble.”

Although his words seemed casual, they carried an underlying meaning related to the two vassal kings who had come before them.

Those two had arrived the previous night and ate a leisurely breakfast that morning before setting off. At their slow pace of travel, they certainly wouldn’t be able to arrive before the city gates closed.

But with two vassal kings outside the gates, who would possibly refuse to open them?

If the gates were not opened, it would seem like the Imperial Court didn’t value them. Afterward, any rumors they spread about how the Emperor was suppressing them, whether true or false, would be believed by at least some. And even if they were to rebel against the Emperor, those people would see their actions as justifiable.

Were the Emperor to allow the gates to be opened, he would also be creating a potential problem for himself.

As the saying went, “Even the Emperor is subject to the same laws as the citizens.” If he went against the decree that the city gates must be closed by a certain time for the sake of these vassal kings, what would happen afterward if the common people wanted to enter the city at night? Would the gates be opened for them or not?

If the gates were opened once, then they would likely be opened numerous times, in which case it would be better to just leave them open permanently. However, this would make it difficult to guarantee the safety of those inside and outside the city at night.

But if he didn’t open them, wouldn’t that make the Emperor a hypocrite?

Bai Liyue and Bai Lihe were attempting to manipulate the Emperor.

Everyone knew that Qin Xiao’s fate was currently unknown, and that Chu Jiubian had secluded himself in the western courtyard of Yangxin Hall in order to treat him. Therefore, it would fall upon the young Emperor to handle this matter.

Without those two present to help him strategize, it was unclear how the Emperor would react.

The others pretended not to understand Bai Liyan’s underlying meaning, and exchanged a few pleasantries before retiring to their rooms.

After washing up and having a meal, Dingbei-wang read for a while before preparing for bed.

His behavior was impeccable in every respect. Aside from being the most handsome among all the vassal kings, his mannerisms gave no indication as to what kind of person he truly was.

Shortly after the lamps were doused and he settled into bed, someone knocked softly on the window.

Then the window was pushed open slightly, and a crumpled piece of paper was tossed onto the bed.

Everything went silent once more.

Bai Liyu sat up and lit a tinderbox.

Shadows cast by the flickering firelight danced across his face.

His gaze fell upon the note, which contained only four words: Not awake. No confession.

The one who was “not awake” was naturally Qin Xiao, and the one who hadn’t “confessed” was Cheng Shuo, the deputy general who had attempted to assassinate Qin Xiao.

Ever since being imprisoned by Qin Xiao, he had remained completely silent, regardless of the methods the jailors used.

Bai Liyu burned the note, then closed the tinderbox and lay down again to sleep.

But whether or not he actually got any sleep was unknown.

*

*

Inside the palace, it was already the evening of the third day.

Chu Jiubian had been asleep since morning, and it was dark when he awoke.

The room wasn’t entirely pitch black, but it was still too dark to see anything clearly. He could only faintly discern a vague figure on the bed.

“How is he?” Chu Jiubian asked the System.

[The patient has been awake for three hours and seven minutes. An hour ago, he quietly went to relieve himself and returned. He also met with his subordinates, washed his face, and shaved his beard.]

The System normally wouldn’t report to him in such meticulous detail, but things were different for someone who had just undergone surgery. Every little detail must be taken seriously.

He was already awake?

And he had already accomplished so much?

Chu Jiubian looked up at Qin Xiao in astonishment.

His indistinct figure lay quietly in bed.

Chu Jiubian propped himself up into a sitting position, only to feel something slide off him. Reaching out to touch it, he discovered that it was the blanket he had previously draped over Qin Xiao.

[The blanket was placed on you by the patient] the System added.

Sitting on the soft couch, Chu Jiubian observed the other party in the dark.

After some time, he finally spoke: “Qin Xiao.”

His voice was still a little sleepy from just waking up.

“En.” The man’s hoarse voice sounded in the darkness.

For some reason, Chu Jiubain felt that even that single word sounded somewhat tender.

“How are you feeling? Other than the wound, are you uncomfortable anywhere else?” Chu Jiubian asked.

Before Qin Xiao could say anything, the System eagerly chimed in: [Host, the patient’s condition is completely normal. Please rest assured.]

So the points he spent weren’t wasted after all.

Chu Jiubian’s lips curved into a smile.

Qin Xiao answered: “I’m fine.”

Chu Jiubian lay back down on the couch, his long legs bent.

After a moment of silence, Chu Jiubian heard Qin Xiao say: “Thank you.”

“I told you before, as long as you treat me well, I’ll give you everything,” said Chu Jiubian. He would even give him his life.

Qin Xiao’s voice seemed to carry a smile: “Do I treat you well?”

Chu Jiubian didn’t respond, and deliberately avoided dwelling on the matter. He was well aware that he was dodging the issue.

When he received no response, Qin Xiao continued on his own: “It seems I still haven’t treated you well enough.”

The wind had picked up during the night, and howled faintly outside the window. The moonlight was very dim.

Inside, however, it was very warm. Therefore, the night was not desolate, but instead felt very cozy.

This was the first time they had slept in the same room, and it felt a little strange.

Chu Jiubian hiked up his blanket to cover his nose and mouth. It carried a faint scent that he couldn’t identify, but he recalled that it was always present on Qin Xiao.

“You won the bet,” he said, his voice muffled by the blanket.

“How is that?” Qin Xiao asked with a smile.

He watched the young man’s figure, not looking away for an instant.

He was not at all short, but when curled into a ball, he looked very small.

At this moment, the other party was lying on his back with his legs bent, revealing their straight, slender contours.

Chu Jiubian said: “The fact that you can sit here and chat with me about trivial things means you won, doesn’t it?”

Qin Xiao had bet on whether or not Chu Jiubian would save him.

He had now been saved. Qin Xiao had won.

Qin Xiao: “What exactly do you think I bet on?”

“Isn’t it that I would soften my heart?” Chu Jiubian asked casually.

Qin Xiao smiled faintly.

After a while, he said softly: “Something like that.”

He had been gambling on Chu Jiubian’s soft-heartedness.

But not that he would be saved.

He was gambling on whether Chu Jiubian would have a place for him in his heart.

Now, it seemed that he had found the answer – or perhaps not.

Qin Xiao observed the young man’s figure, his penetrating eyes appearing even deeper in the dim room.

Facing death often gave rise to one’s deepest desires.

Qin Xiao didn’t dare think back on what he had dreamed while he was unconscious.

But at this moment, he was perfectly clear on what he desired.

Chu Jiubian could feel Qin Xiao’s gaze fixed on him. It was intense, fiery, forceful…..

He turned onto his side and instinctively curled up, silently pulling the blanket higher so that only his eyes peeked out as he watched the person on the bed.

The wind outside had picked up. Chu Jiubian felt a cold draft seeping through the cracks in the window, and involuntarily shivered.

In the next moment, he heard the man’s low voice: “Come to bed.”

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Chapter 70 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 72

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Chu Jiubian stared speechlessly at Qin Xiao inside the silent carriage,

Qin Xiao wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief, then took a palm-sized pouch from his robes and handed it to Chu Jiubian.

“What is it?” Chu Jiubian accepted the pouch, and when he opened it and saw what was inside, he froze in surprise.

“I promised you before that I would get you grapes to eat after conquering the Western Regions.” Qin Xiao subtly steadied his breathing, then continued, “Unfortunately, there are no fresh ones during this season, only dried. Once they grow and ripen next year, you’ll be able to eat fresh ones.”

Chu Jiubian was at somewhat of a loss.

He had just spoken casually at the time, and hadn’t been serious at all.

Until Qin Xiao brought it up now, he had even forgotten that he had ever said such a thing.

“Give them a try,” said Qin Xiao.

Chu Jiubian took out two grapes and placed them in his mouth, then looked up at the other party.

Qin Xiao asked with a smile: “Are they sweet?”

Chu Jiubian offered him the pouch and said: “Want some?”

Qin Xiao shook his head. His gaze lingered on Chu Jiubian’s face as he said: “Give me a piece of candy.”

Chu Jiubian took out a candy and gave it to him. It was grape-flavored.

Qin Xiao put it in his mouth and said: “It’s sweet.”

Chu Jiubian looked at the pouch in his hand. Then, after a long pause, he closed it and put it in his pocket.

“Do you know what I thought about every day while I was gone?” Qin Xiao’s voice was very soft.

Chu Jiubian looked up to find the man leaning against the carriage wall, smiling rather brazenly.

“Every day, I thought about you,” he said.

The carriage arrived at the palace gates. Without waiting for or expecting a response from Chu Jiubian, Qin Xiao immediately climbed out.

Chu Jiubian touched the slight bulge of the pouch in his pocket, then got out of the carriage.

Ahead of them were Bai Lihong and Qin Chaoyang, who had been waiting a while, as well as Eunuch Hong Fu, who had arrived with a sedan chair to greet them.

Dispensing with any pleasantries, they proceeded directly to Yangxin Hall.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao walked side by side, crunching over the snow and leaving footprints in their wake.

The second they entered Yangxin Hall, Bai Lihong spun around and hugged his uncle’s legs.

But Qin Xiao, who always stood as tall and straight as a pine tree, stumbled slightly. Chu Jiubian reflexively reached out to steady him by the arm.

Qin Xiao turned his face away and covered his mouth and nose with a handkerchief. He coughed a few times, and the muffled sound faintly resembled someone choking on water.

A few moments later, he recovered his composure and concealed the handkerchief in his palm.

However, Bai Lihong’s sharp eyes spotted the bright red stain marring the handkerchief, and tears immediately welled up in them: “Jiujiu, you’re hurt?!”

Hong Fu and Qin Chaoyang had naturally noticed this as well, and traces of worry appeared on their faces.

Qin Xiao crouched down and gently stroked the child’s hair, his expression holding a previously unseen tenderness.

“Be good,” he said. “You must listen to your Xiansheng.”

Sensing that something was wrong, Bai Lihong wanted to throw himself into his uncle’s arms. But since he didn’t know where he was injured and didn’t want to hurt him, he could only hug his uncle’s arm with a trembling lower lip, tears pooling in his eyes.

The child didn’t know what was going on, but he could vaguely sense the uneasy atmosphere.

Qin Xiao hugged him tightly and gently rubbed his back, just as he had done many times before.

After a long while, he finally loosened his embrace and said: “Jiujiu is going to take a rest. You can go read your book first.”

Bai Lihong grabbed his hand. After hesitating for a moment, he whispered: “Xiansheng said we would all go to Fukang Pavilion to see the plum blossoms when Jiujiu returned.”

Qin Xiao just smiled and said: “Alright, we’ll go see them when there’s time.”

The child let go of his hand at last, saying: “Then Jiujiu can rest now.”

Qin Xiao gave a hum and stood up, then headed toward the western courtyard.

Bai Lihong stood rooted to the spot. He watched that figure walk farther and farther away, and when he could no longer see him, tears began to roll down his cheeks.

Eunuch Hong watched from the side, his eyes welling up with sympathetic tears. “Your Majesty, the heavens smile upon a good man like your uncle. He will be alright,” he said in a gentle tone, attempting to reassure him.

Bai Lihong nodded. His voice was choked with emotion as he said: “And Xiansheng is here.”

The child knew that his uncle had just said goodbye to him. Jiujiu felt that he didn’t have long to live, but Bai Lihong trusted Xiansheng and believed that with him around, everything would be okay.

Chu Jiubian trailed Qin Xiao to the western courtyard.

From beginning to end, Qin Xiao didn’t speak a word. Upon entering the courtyard, he beelined straight for the bedroom, pushed open the door, and went inside.

“Qin Xiao,” Chu Jiubian called out.

Qin Xiao paused in his steps, but didn’t turn around. His tall, upright figure was hidden by the shadows in the doorway.

“I’m a little tired,” he said softly.

Chu Jiubian stared intently at his retreating figure until the double doors shut completely.

His ears were ringing. He felt as if he couldn’t catch his breath.

Suddenly, Qin Chaoyang, who had been following a ways behind, rushed to the bedroom door at an incredible speed and slammed it open.

Chu Jiubian’s heart sank like a stone.

As the ringing in his ears subsided, he heard a man’s muffled coughing.

He stepped forward unthinkingly and entered the bedroom to find Qin Chaoyang helping Qin Xiao to lie down in bed. There was blood all over Qin Xiao’s face and body, and even on the floor.

“Call the Imperial Physicians!” Qin Chaoyang shouted toward the door.

But before he could even finish shouting, secret guards had already sped off to summon them.

Chu Jiubian composed himself and paced to the bedside, only to find that Qin Xiao had lost consciousness entirely. His breathing was shallow and irregular, his face as pale as paper.

The Imperial Physicians rushed over as quickly as they could, but after taking Qin Xiao’s pulse, their brows furrowed and their faces turned even paler than their patient’s.

They all retreated a short distance away to whisper among themselves, but were unable to come to a conclusion.

The head of the Imperial Medical Academy was advanced in age and had been stricken with a cold for several days, confined to his home due to illness.

The person currently in charge was Zhang Ziliang, the physician who had gone with Chu Jiubian to provide disaster relief in Hexi Prefecture. Upon meeting him, Chu Jiubian had noticed that although the man was somewhat self-serving, he was exceptionally capable and genuinely dedicated to serving the common people, so he had given him a copy of Compendium of Materia Medica.

Physician Zhang carefully took Qin Xiao’s pulse, after which he stood up and looked at Chu Jiubian.

“How is he?” Chu Jiubian asked.

If the Imperial Physicians could cure him, then he wouldn’t intervene, since Qin Xiao had survived in the original story anyway.

But Physician Zhang shook his head and said: “The arrow was shot with great force, and the placement was very precise. It’s a miracle that His Lordship survived, but now, I fear…..”

Chu Jiubian’s brow furrowed: “Is there really no one who can cure him?”

Physician Zhang wanted to say, Aren’t you the miracle doctor?

But he swallowed those words back and said in a low voice: “This humble servant is incompetent. Perhaps it would be best to wait until the head physician has examined the patient before making a definitive conclusion.”

“The head physician is unable to get out of bed.” Qin Chaoyang’s voice seemed to tremble slightly.

His eyes were bloodshot when he looked at Chu Jiubian, and he seemed to hesitate on the brink of saying something.

Chu Jiubian’s eyes scanned over everyone, and he ordered the Imperial Physicians to leave.

Once they left, Qin Chaoyang couldn’t hold himself back any longer and knelt before Chu Jiubian with a thud.

“Young Master,” he said, clasping his hands together. He looked up at Chu Jiubian and said in a trembling voice, “Before he left, His Lordship instructed his subordinates to follow your orders in everything. If he…..if he truly doesn’t make it, then I and all of the former members of the Qin Family Army will be at the Young Master’s command.”

Chu Jiubian’s heart skipped a beat. Those eyes stared up at him lifelessly, and he couldn’t detect any hint of hesitation or evasiveness in them.

His mind went completely blank.

It was true. Qin Chaoyang wasn’t lying.

Qin Xiao really intended to entrust him with everything.

But…..why?

Why would Qin Xiao trust him? Why would he……

The sweetness of the dried grapes on his lips became increasingly pronounced, and Chu Jiubian could almost see the man smiling lazily at him once more, saying, “Every day, I thought about you.”

Unlike the uncontrolled kiss under the umbrella that night, this time, Qin Xiao had seemed to be indulging himself for the last time.

“His Lordship once said that you should never be pressured to do anything, and this subordinate agreed.” Qin Chaoyang, a man who rarely showed his emotions, said with reddened eyes and a slightly choked voice, “This is the only time in this subordinate’s life that he has ever broken his word. I’m begging you, Young Master, please save His Lordship!”

“No matter the outcome, this subordinate is willing to go through fire and water for you, Young Master!”

After saying this, he slammed his forehead against the floor with a loud thud.

At the same time, a dozen or so secret guards appeared from seemingly nowhere. They all knelt behind Qin Chaoyang and bowed their heads in unison, saying: “These subordinates are also willing to serve you with utmost loyalty and dedication!”

Chu Jiubian stared at them, and a certain string in his mind seemed to snap.

At this moment, all of his self-deception and self-righteousness crumbled.

At last, he came to the clear realization that Qin Xiao was not some one-dimensional character, nor a so-called villain.

This world was real, and Qin Xiao was a living, breathing person who could talk and laugh, think independently, and one day…..die.

Chu Jiubian could no longer use the excuse of Qin Xiao’s inevitable corruption to deceive himself. He had convinced himself that Qin Xiao was the same kind of person as him, then used that as an excuse to associate with him with no reservations.

He now understood with absolute clarity that he and Qin Xiao were completely different individuals, with fundamentally opposite core values.

He was born into the world with no ties, with no one to care about him.

He supported himself through school, frantically acquiring all sorts of knowledge and skills, and presented himself as tenacious and self-reliant in the eyes of the public.

Even his entry into the entertainment industry had been driven by a craving for the fleeting affection of fans, as well as the sense of detachment that came with playing different roles.

What he called “method acting” was simply a way for him to escape reality – and himself.

Because he knew that if his true self were to be revealed to others, nobody would like him. Everyone would avoid him and whisper behind his back, saying, “He’s just like his parents. All of them are crazy.”

He was the anomaly, the problematic “villain.”

But Qin Xiao…..

He was strong and resilient, capable of protecting everyone from harm, and was also attentive and gentle in his care for everything and everyone around him.

He had a family. He had things he wanted to protect. And he had so many loyal subordinates and friends who were devoted to him.

He even had a biological brother who was still living, and a nephew who needed his care and support.

Chu Jiubian suddenly felt very ridiculous.

He had actually believed that he and Qin Xiao were alike, both of them in possession of a dark side that was unknown to others. He had even shamelessly declared, “We’re the same,” thinking that Qin Xiao would understand his abnormal behavior.

But in the end, Chu Jiubian was the only one bogged down in the mud.

If Qin Xiao knew that he wasn’t actually a lofty, all-powerful deity, and didn’t even possess the basic ability to love another person…..

Would he still care about him?

Would he still have left all of this power, all of these resources in his hands?

Would…..he still have traveled such a long distance to bring him the grapes he had casually mentioned once?

This kind of trust and care was a heavy burden to carry, but Chu Jiubian didn’t want to think about what would happen if it were all taken away.

In this case, since he knew that Qin Xiao would eventually discover his true nature, it would be better for him to die while he still had the best impression of him.

A lingering darkness seemed to surface in Chu Jiubian’s light-hued eyes.

He regarded Qin Chaoyang emotionlessly, and voiced neither a denial nor agreement.

He simply asked in a soft voice: “How did he get injured?”

On his way back to the palace, Qin Chaoyang had already inquired with the accompanying guards and learned that Qin Xiao hadn’t had many trustworthy soldiers at his disposal. All of his secret guards had been dispatched to areas of the Western Regions to investigate the local situations there.

Therefore, when the assassination attempt occurred, none of his secret guards were present.

However, they learned about the situation after the fact and relayed that information to Qin Chaoyang.

Since Chu Jiubian had asked, Qin Chaoyang held nothing back: “Deputy General Cheng Shuo wounded him with a repeating crossbow.”

Chu Jiubian abruptly clenched his hands.

“A repeating crossbow?” His voice held a tension that even he was unaware of.

“Yes,” said Qin Chaoyang. “His Lordship obtained it from a martial arts master. It was originally intended to be used for self-defense, but unexpectedly, it was used against him.”

So that’s how it was.

He understood now.

Even if it happened by chance, or through a series of unfortunate events, Qin Xiao’s original fate wouldn’t change.

He was always going to be injured. Even worse, it was done by a trusted subordinate who used the repeating crossbow Qin Chuan had delivered to him.

Chu Jiubian closed his eyes. It was getting hard to breathe.

He had never imagined that Qin Xiao’s injury would come about this way.

If he had known earlier, he…..

Chu Jiubian pulled himself together and looked toward the bed.

The man’s eyes were shut, and his breathing was intermittent, his brow tightly furrowed.

Blood in the chest cavity could lead to shortness of breath and suffocation. Combined with the unhealed wound in his chest, it was easy to imagine how much pain Qin Xiao must be in at this moment.

But even burdened by such suffering, he still didn’t wake.

There was no time to waste.

Others might feel self-reproach in this situation, or dwell on all kinds of eventualities, but Chu Jiubian simply felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

He had no more need for hesitation.

Qin Xiao had been injured by Chu Jiubian’s repeating crossbow. Chu Jiubian also still needed him in order to deal with the various forces in Great Ning, so for both practical and moral reasons, he absolutely must save Qin Xiao.

Chu Jiubian didn’t turn his head, and his voice came steady and low: “For the next five days, no one is to approach this courtyard without my permission, including the guards.”

Qin Chaoyang readily agreed. As he rose to his feet, the group of secret guards behind him vanished from the spot like a gust of wind.

He quickly left the residence with all of the palace servants in tow, leaving only a team of soldiers and Imperial Guards to stand watch outside the courtyard.

And he himself still had many matters to deal with.

Now that Ning-wang had returned to the capital, the other six vassal kings – aside from Anhuai-wang – should all be arriving one after another in the next day or two.

Five days later would be the 27th day of the twelfth month, leaving only three days until the New Year.

And during these five days, neither of the two people in charge at the palace would make an appearance. With only the three-year-old Emperor Bai Lihong at the helm, Qin Chaoyang and Hong Fu would be shouldering even greater responsibilities.

Fortunately, this was the time of year the court officials were taking annual leave, so not having morning court to attend would save a lot of trouble.

As for the banquets and exchanging pleasantries with the vassal kings, Minister of Works Jian Hongzhuo and Minister of Rites Wang Zhiyuan, who were now clearly aligned with the Emperor, would also be able to help with those matters.

Given Qin Xiao’s current state, Qin Chaoyang was unsure how to approach the Emperor. 

That small child, who had been eagerly awaiting his uncle’s return, must be so anxious and distressed over this happening before they even had a chance to talk properly.

With a frown on his face, Qin Chaoyang went to the main courtyard of Yangxin Hall and found Hong Fu seated there with the young emperor.

When he saw him enter, Bai Lihong immediately rushed forward and asked with tear-reddened eyes: “How is Jiujiu?”

“Answering Your Majesty, the Young Master said he needs five days.” He kept his words vague, not mentioning the condition of Qin Xiao’s health or whether Chu Jiubian would be able to heal him. Due to the fact that Qin Xiao’s injury was so severe and that Chu Jiubian had made no promises, Qin Chaoyang didn’t dare to get his hopes up.

Despite his youth, Bai Lihong gleaned the hidden meaning in his words.

But he was more optimistic than Qin Chaoyang. After hearing this, he sniffled and said with a strong nasal tone: “Then we’ll wait five days. Xiansheng will definitely cure Jiujiu.”

The child’s expression was resolute. In some ways, he had even taken on some of Qin Xiao’s usual demeanor.

Hong Fu was extremely unsettled, and couldn’t help but cast a glance toward the western courtyard.

Qin Xiao was the last remaining direct descendent of the Qin family. He prayed that the Grand Tutor would be able to pull off another miracle.

The western courtyard was completely empty and exceptionally quiet.

Chu Jiubian paced to the bedside and took a seat, gazing down at the man’s face.

“System, prepare for surgery,” he said internally.

[Host, bringing a non-believer into the Divine Realm will cost 500 points. Are you sure you want to proceed?]

“Just shut up.”

Deep down, Chu Jiubian was actually conflicted.

He hadn’t even been able to draw Qin Xiao’s card earlier. What if he wasn’t able to bring him in now?

Or even if he managed to bring him into the Divine Realm, what if he still couldn’t save him?

He had never performed a surgery before.

Even if he thoroughly understood the theoretical knowledge, that didn’t mean he would be able to perform the operation successfully.

“Do you have any book recommendations?” Chu Jiubian asked.

[Yes, Host. Based on your current situation, this System recommends that you purchase the following thirty-seven medical texts from the interstellar era.]

“I’ll buy them.”

[Okay. Purchase successful. A surgical unit has been set up inside the Divine Realm. Please make physical contact with the patient to establish a connection. This System will deduct 500 points and transport you and the patient’s physical body to the Divine Realm.]

Chu Jiubian’s fingertips trembled slightly, his gaze falling to Qin Xiao’s hand resting by his side.

Without hesitation, he reached out and grasped it.

In the next moment, a strong sense of weightlessness came over him.

Immediately afterward, the clear, crisp cry of a phoenix rang out and the weightless sensation vanished.

As his vision cleared, Chu Jiubian saw Qin Xiao lying beside him, as well as the golden phoenix under them, soaring high with a flap of its wings. 

Likely affected by the movement, Qin Xiao’s breath stuck in his chest for several seconds before he could exhale. When he finally did, it was accompanied by a painful, choking cough, and bright red blood splattered from his mouth onto both himself and Chu Jiubian.

“Qin Xiao.” Chu Jiubian clenched his hand tightly, unable to utter anything but his name.

The golden phoenix descended, dissolving into wisps of mist and scattering away as Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao landed firmly on solid ground.

Qin Xiao was lying on a surgical bed, surrounded by various instruments suspended in the air. There were even several spherical objects that resembled surveillance cameras, which emitted a faint blue light as they scanned Qin Xiao from head to toe.

Chu Jiubian quickly looked around and realized that this was not the place he normally met with his Believers. It was a newly-partitioned space.

He recognized many of the instruments at a glance, but he wasn’t familiar with all of them, and only had a vague idea of how to perform the surgery. Clearly, the knowledge from those thirty-odd books had not been fully absorbed yet.

“System, can you speed things up?”

[Host, the volume of knowledge you just absorbed is enormous. If you receive all of the information in a short period of time, your brain will experience intense nerve pain, but will return to normal once the knowledge transfer is complete. Are you sure you wish to proceed with the rapid transfer?”

“How long does it normally take? And how long with the rapid transfer?”

[Under normal circumstances, absorbing this amount of knowledge would take about three hours. For the rapid transfer, three minutes.]

[Friendly reminder: Activating the rapid transfer requires 5 points. Furthermore, nerve pain differs from other kinds of pain, and the suffering may continue for some time even after the initial pain has stopped. The duration varies from several days to several months, but will not affect daily life or Host’s ability to perform the surgery. However, there will be pain later and occasional bouts of unconsciousness. Are you certain you wish to activate rapid transfer mode?]

This was like using reward points to buy suffering for himself, but Chu Jiubian was the best at enduring pain.

“I’m sure,” he said.

[Okay. Rapid transfer mode has been activated for Host.]

The second it finished speaking, Chu Jiubian felt as if an electric current was shooting into his brain. He let out a stifled groan and immediately fell to one knee.

He lay his face down on the edge of the bed, his hands covering his head.

He’d forgotten that he had been holding Qin Xiao’s hand this entire time, until his forehead brushed against the man’s slightly cool hand.

Qin Xiao’s hands were always warm, Chu Jiubian thought abruptly.

After that, all thoughts fled. The intense pain made it seem as if his skull was breaking apart, and he began to shake uncontrollably. Cold sweat instantly drenched his back, and his damp forehead even left a wet mark on Qin Xiao’s hand.

Three minutes was both very long, and very short.

As soon as the time was up, a lightness suffused Chu Jiubian’s body even as his head continued to throb.

But as Chu Jiubian had acknowledged before, he was the best at enduring pain.

He hadn’t uttered a sound during the agony of those three minutes, and the lingering pain was nothing compared to that. It wasn’t even as painful as when he habitually tore off his fingernails.

The vast amount of knowledge in his mind coalesced into something coherent. Thanks to the System’s organization process, the thirty-seven books covered everything from basic medical principles to advanced techniques, and even to the actual surgical procedure. It was more than enough for Chu Jiubian to perform the operation successfully.

The Divine Realm was a completely sterile environment. Chu Jiubian didn’t even need to wear gloves.

He stood up and brushed aside his damp hair, then looked down at Qin Xiao.

The man’s face was as pale as paper. His breathing was irregular, but the pain on his face had vanished.

Surgical procedures in the interstellar ear were vastly different from those of modern times. One person could perform the entire surgery himself, as processes such as administering anesthesia and monitoring vitals were all done by machines.

The anesthesia machine had automatically injected the serum into Qin Xiao the moment they appeared, and it should be taking effect by now.

The anesthesia process only took five minutes in the interstellar era. Chu Jiubian took that time to inspect the surgical instruments he would be using, and then looked back at Qin Xiao.

His gaze slid from the man’s face to his chest. He tried to withdraw his hand to open Qin Xiao’s shirt, but the other party gripped it even tighter in response.

Startled, Chu Jiubian looked up to find that his eyes were still closed.

After a pause, Chu Jiubian said softly: “Don’t worry.”

Whether Qin Xiao heard his voice or the anesthetic had taken effect, Chu Jiubian’s hand was released.

He reached out and undid Qin Xiao’s outer garments.

On the remaining dark undergarment, faint, sticky bloodstains were visible.

Chu Jiubian continued until the man’s muscular upper body was completely revealed.

The contours of his muscles were well-proportioned and attractive, including the swell of his pecs.

Chu Jiubian, however, paid no attention to this as he fixed his gaze on the left side of the man’s chest. Untying the somewhat loose bandages, he revealed a gruesome arrow wound.

Perhaps because Qin Xiao had taken penicillin, the wound had not become infected. But because he was constantly on the move, it hadn’t had a chance to heal.

Of course, this wound was insignificant compared to his internal injuries.

Five minutes later, the anesthesia machine determined that the process was complete. The other machines were also ready. The ventilator was supplying oxygen, and the monitoring machine indicated that Qin Xiao’s vital signs were relatively normal.

Chu Jiubian reached out and selected a scalpel from the rolling table beside him. Then, he gave Qin Xiao a long, hard look before beginning the operation.

It was his first time performing a surgery, so even though he had a thorough understanding of what to do, he inevitably felt a bit awkward when making the first incision. As a result, Chu Jiubian performed every cut and every step with extreme caution and meticulousness.

A surgery that would have taken mere tens of minutes in the interstellar era took Chu Jiubian a full four hours to complete. 

When the last sutures were completed and bandages were applied, he tilted his head back, and his aching neck made a few crackling sounds.

Letting out a long breath, he looked at Qin Xiao’s face again.

The man’s face was pale, but his breathing was steadier.

As the only true god of the Divine Realm, Chu Jiubian could accomplish anything with a mere thought. Everything around him had already been cleaned up, and even the blood on the two of them had vanished, leaving them clean and refreshed.

He conjured up an armchair, placed it beside the bed, and finally sat down to relieve his aching back.

His temples throbbed, and the nerve pain returned for almost a minute before it stopped.

Chu Jiubian stared blankly at the person on the bed, and suddenly recalled the bet they had made before he left.

Qin Xiao had bet on whether would survive and return, and whether Chu Jiubian would save him if he was grievously wounded.

The two of them had made bets several times, with Chu Jiubian always emerging as the victor.

This time, it seemed that Qin Xiao had won.

Chu Jiubian smiled silently.

He seemed to have understood the concept of causality.

Qin Xiao would have still been injured without him, though less severely, and the Imperial Physicians would have been able to heal him.

But Chu Jiubian had appeared and bestowed a repeating crossbow upon Qin Chuan, which was then given to Qin Xiao, becoming the very weapon that would wound him.

The penicillin Chu Jiubian provided had prevented Qin Xiao’s wound from becoming infected or inflamed.

And now, he had pulled him back from the brink of death.

The cause was Qin Xiao being attacked and injured, and the outcome was his successful recovery.

The process may have changed, but the cause and effect remained the same.

But without Chu Jiubian’s intervention, Qin Xiao would have indeed perished, and the outcome would be entirely different.

He had managed to alter the cause and effect.

Chu Jiubian didn’t know what the System meant by “correcting causality,” but it certainly couldn’t mean that he should just stand by and watch Qin Xiao die to his own crossbow bolt.

He remembered the first thing the System had told him – to follow his heart.

So in his heart, did he secretly wish for Qin Xiao to live?

Chu Jiubian stared at Qin Xiao’s face for a long time, his mind completely blank.

In the interstellar era, anesthesia lasted for two days in order to get the patient through the most painful period after surgery.

And because Chu Jiubian was using only the best materials, even the antiseptic solution and ointment used for post-operative wound dressing were cutting-edge technological products. Combined with Qin Xiao’s naturally superior physical condition, his recovery speed was exceptionally fast.

By the third day, the patient’s bodily functions had returned almost to normal, and he was able to safely leave the sterile environment.

And once the effects of the anesthetic wore off, he would wake up soon after.

Chu Jiubian went to the bedside and looked down at the person laying there.

The man had grown stubble, but it didn’t make him look unkempt; instead, it added a certain indefinable air of refinement to his appearance.

Chu Jiubian observed him for a long time before finally reaching out to grasp his hand, which had become warm again.

He closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, he and Qin Xiao were back in the bedroom.

Nothing had changed, other than the fact that there was a pot of tea and several plates of still-warm lunch outside the room.

Chu Jiubian had been in the Divine Realm for the past two days. Time flowed differently there, and basic bodily needs ceased to exist.

But now that he was out, the faint aroma of food actually made him a little hungry.

He went and opened the door, then brought the food inside.

At the sound of the door opening, the eyelids of the person lying on the bed twitched.

---

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Chapter 69 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 71

Ch 26 – Humans Are Very Delicious

“I hate that trio.” Curtis’s injuries were healed by the medical pod once again, but those three people had vanished.

Curtis searched for over a month. The origin of the identity cards used by the three to enter the spaceport remained unknown, but they had indeed been issued by the Alliance and were not forged. It was very strange.

The Supreme Governor also didn’t believe him at all about the incident, because even more strangely, the surveillance cameras hadn’t captured any part of the confrontation.

Curtis found it particularly odd that the footage only showed Curtis beating that person up, and then leaving as soon as he was finished. There wasn’t even a record of the inspection, and the robots also claimed that they had never seen those three people.

“What the hell is going on!” Curtis slammed his fist down on the table.

The boy next to him was startled, and shrank into his father’s arms.

“Aiyo, I’m sorry, so sorry.” Curtis apologized to the young boy.

The child had big eyes and a lot of hair, which made his already small face look even smaller.

His skin was so white that had a blueish tinge to it, and his eyes were a cyan hue.

“It’s okay,” the boy said softly, unconsciously clenching his hand around his father’s long hair.

“Your child is adorable,” Curtis said to the man.

“Yes, very adorable,” Kersz replied with a smile, pulling Yu Xi closer to his chest.

He had never expected that Yu Xi could change the shape of his body like this, nor that they would run into Curtis again as soon as they arrived at the spaceport.

Tau firmly believed that this was a conspiracy carried out by Kersz, but Kersz was innocent. He really didn’t know what was going on.

In order to avoid drawing attention, Yu Xi had even transformed himself into a child.

Kersz hadn’t planned to make contact with Curtis so soon, because he wanted to take Yu Xi around and experience the joy of being a parent – despite not thinking that there was anything joyful about it before.

Curtis was fighting again when they ran into him, which made Kersz wonder if this was his standard routine.

But Yu Xi did nothing this time. Curtis had put too much pressure on him during their previous confrontation, leaving Yu Xi traumatized.

Kersz just hadn’t expected that Curtis liked children.

Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that the carefree humans on first-class planets generally loved children. Kersz was approached by many people along the way, and Yu Xi was happily touched by countless humans.

When those people touched Yu Xi’s head, he would rub his cheek against their hand and they would always exclaim “ah!” in delight.

The commotion drew the attention of Curtis, who was engaged in a fight, and he came over to take a look. Yu Xi was frightened, thinking that he had been exposed again, but it turned out that Curtis was just fond of children.

Curtis actually liked children, and after talking with Kersz, he felt as if he had made a close friend.

Yu Xi finally understood why Curtis’s parents wouldn’t give him a proper job. This kid seemed to be particularly foolish.

Curtis was somewhat envious of the relationship between Kersz and Yu Xi. He invited them to walk with him, inquiring about how they interacted and remarking upon how “normal” their father-son relationship was.

Tau didn’t think that Kersz and Yu Xi had a normal “father-son relationship,” because Yu Xi was older than Kersz.

Kersz had picked up and played with Yu Xi the instant he transformed into a child. He kept asking Yu Xi how it felt to sit on a human’s lap or lean against a human, and said that he could hold him in one arm and lull him to sleep.

Yu Xi was a little bashful under Kersz’s focused attention, but Kersz was further emboldened by Yu Xi’s embarrassment.

He began to describe in detail the mining jobs he worked in the past, saying that his thighs were still quite fleshy and that Yu Xi would definitely feel no discomfort when sitting on them.

Tau suspected that Yu Xi would collapse at that point, but he didn’t.

In any case, Kersz’s eagerness to market himself was certainly not for the purpose of being seen as a “father.”

When Kersz asked Tau if the two of them shared any sort of father-son resemblance, Tau was very frank with him. He said that he didn’t see a father and son, but a shameless slave seeking a master.

Kersz smiled and thanked him for the compliment, and Tau inexplicably felt a sense of frustration, as if his punch had landed on fluffy cotton.

Kersz held Yu Xi close at all times, occasionally patting his head. Yu Xi was initially shy and uncertain, but he quickly began to enjoy it.

Kersz was indeed a human with a lot going on in his head, always cooking up convoluted schemes behind his back, but Yu Xi didn’t mind.

Yu Xi was actually a little worried that tensions would arise, as he didn’t like confrontation.

But Yu Xi felt that he was more tolerant of Kersz now, because although Kersz was a very cunning human, and very naughty, he was also very good.

Leaning against Kersz’s chest, Yu Xi felt as if he was enveloped in an incredibly delicious food…..and it was a staple food, like bread or steamed buns. Yu Xi was almost dizzy from the aroma.

But every now and then, other humans would come and touch him, and it was like being given a snack or some fruit.

Yu Xi was in heaven, and even being frightened by Curtis didn’t bring down his mood.

What could he do, ah?

What if he was indulging in Kersz too much?

He would fall under Kersz’s control. He didn’t like dealing with human troubles, and he needed to maintain his own identity.

Kersz reached out and patted Yu Xi’s head. Lost in thought, Yu Xi squinted his eyes and drowsily rested his chin on Kersz’s chest. He gripped the long hair of Kersz’s disguise even harder, and clenched his other hand in his shirt.

Kersz watched Yu Xi’s movements and felt a little warm.

He remembered the little mouse he raised when he was a miner. The little mouse that would secretly hide food…..

Kersz rested his chin on Yu Xi’s head.

“I wish all fathers were like you,” Curtis said with a hint of envy.

Tau did not share his opinion. He felt that if all fathers were like Kersz, the universe would descend into utter chaos.

“Do you have a bad relationship with your father?” Kersz asked.

“I’m not sure if I’ve ever had a father or a mother. My nanny robots were probably more like parents to me.” Curtis took a sip of his drink. “I don’t remember ever sitting in their laps.”

“Perhaps there is a reason you never sat in their laps,” Tau said suddenly.

“What reason could there be?!” Curtis demanded.

“For example, maybe you lost control of your bladder and peed on your father,” said Tau.

Curtis scoffed: “How could that be?”

“It’s possible.” It was more than possible. It was the truth.

Of course, the Supreme Governor was indeed a cold-blooded ruler, but Tau did remember him holding Curtis in his arms.

The Supreme Governor was in need of a populist image at that time, so he announced that his youngest son’s nanny robot had broken down and that he would be taking care of him personally.

The cold-faced Supreme Governor was reading this decree to the people of the Alliance when suddenly, his brow furrowed.

He finished reading the decree, but did not immediately leave the podium.

His adjutant kept urging him, and when he had no other choice, the Supreme Governor stepped forward before the eyes of the populace.

He had been holding Curtis facing himself, and not very high up, so his entire lower body was soaked. It was unknown how much water the child had drunk before going up to the podium.

The Supreme Governor pretended nothing had happened, and this became a meme that circulated on the StarNet for a long time.

Tau sensed that this was the point where the Supreme Governor began to dislike his youngest son.

“Even so,” Kersz interjected, “that shouldn’t keep him from holding his child again. What do children know?”

Tau glared at Kersz, feeling that he was deliberately trying to sow discord between the Supreme Governor and his son. 

But Kersz didn’t think he was wrong.

Children didn’t know any better. If such a situation actually occurred, it would only prove that the adult involved was petty. 

No matter how much of an idiot Curtis was, the Supreme Governor was definitely an irresponsible father.

Kersz spoke of this so naturally that Yu Xi looked up from where he was basking in the warmth of human body heat.

Perhaps Kersz once had good parents, so he didn’t think that what happened to Curtis was right just because he didn’t like the kid.

Kersz possessed something that Curtis longed for but was unable to obtain…..or at least, he had possessed it at one point.

“You’re awake?” Curtis asked in a high-pitched voice when he saw that his eyes were open. “Did Uncle disturb you?”

Yu Xi shook his head.

“You’re so good~ Actually, Uncle wants a well-behaved child just like you.” Curtis reached out and touched Yu Xi’s cheek.

Yu Xi hesitated briefly at the touch, but still tried to rub his head against him.

Regardless of the conflict between them, Curtis was still a human who was touching him.

“My goodness, my goodness~ Look at that face. Do you want Uncle to hold you for a while?” Curtis extended a warm invitation, and Yu Xi nodded eagerly.

“Your child isn’t shy around strangers.” Curtis took Yu Xi into his arms. He hadn’t held many children, and this child felt more delicate and fragile than he had imagined.

“Indeed.” Kersz patted Yu Xi on the back with a formulaic smile. “That’s what I’m worried about. He likes me, but he likes everyone. Perhaps someone will tempt him away one day.”

“How could that be?” Curtis felt that Yu Xi must love his father very much.

“It’s possible.” Kersz felt that there were too many humans in the world.

Yu Xi felt…..

Yu Xi felt that his butt was uncomfortable.

Curtis was so thin that it felt like he was sitting directly on his thigh bone.

It didn’t hurt, but it was worlds apart from Kersz’s firm and bouncy muscles.

“You should eat a little more,” Yu Xi said to Curtis.

“This child is so good. He’s even concerned for me.” The more Curtis looked at the child, the more he found him pleasing to the eye.

Was he good? Yu Xi didn’t know. He only knew that he was no longer lounging in that soft embrace. Why was Curtis so hard and uncomfortable?

Curtis continued to hold Yu Xi in his arms.

He lacked that soft, cuddly feeling, as well as the heat that made Yu Xi feel drowsy.

Why was there such a huge difference between two humans?

---

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Chapter 25 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 27

Late in the afternoon, snow fell down heavily on a discrete yet luxurious carriage parked outside the palace gates.

An accompanying attendant set out a small stool and lifted the carriage curtain, while another held an umbrella up over the doorway.

An elderly man dressed in dark gray robes was the first to alight from the carriage, supporting himself on the attendant’s arm. His beard was long and graying, and he possessed a demeanor that set him apart from ordinary people.

In his wake, a handsome young man with a youthful face also climbed out of the carriage.

This young man was clad in dark blue brocade robes and wore a thick, dark-hued cloak. A circle of white fox fur had also been sewn into his collar, shielding his neck from the cold wind.

The old man took the umbrella from the attendant’s hand and approached his companion, saying gently: “Your Highness, let’s go into the palace.”

Bai Liming responded with a nod. He tried to take the umbrella from the old man’s hand, but the other party pressed his hand down and said in a soft tone: “The palace is not like other places. Allow me to help you, Your Highness.”

To Bai Liming, Jiang Yangshou was an elder, a teacher, and most importantly, his greatest source of support.

Therefore, even with his royal status, he tried to treat this advisor of his with the respect due to an elder. Not only did he follow his teachings to the letter, but he also considered every aspect of his needs and didn’t allow him to perform such chores due to his advanced age.

Back in his own territory, he would have certainly held the umbrella himself.

But now that he was at the Imperial Palace, such a breach of etiquette was entirely unacceptable.

Thus, without dithering any longer, Bai Liming walked with him toward the palace gates.

Inside, servants were continuously clearing snow from the pathways to prevent anyone from slipping and falling.

Xiao Xiangzi had been waiting for quite some time with a group of sedan chair bearers, and when he saw Bai Liming walk through the door, he immediately stepped forward and bowed. After greeting him respectfully, he said: “The snow is heavy today, and His Majesty specially provided a sedan chair for fear that Your Highness might catch a chill.”

Bai Liming bowed toward the palace and said: “Many thanks to His Majesty.”

Xiao Xiangzi wore a gentle smile, having already acquired some of his master’s mannerisms.

He extended his hand toward the sedan chair: “His Majesty and the Grand Tutor have prepared a banquet at Fukang Pavilion. Would Your Highness Anhuai-wang kindly proceed there?”

Bai Liming had followed his father to their territory as a child, and had no memory of the various pavilions and palaces within the Imperial City. He only knew that Fengtian Hall was where morning court was held, Yangxin Hall was the Emperor’s residence, and Cining Palace was where the Empress Dowager lived. He was unfamiliar with all other locations.

Looking at the sedan chair, he thought, It would be perfect if Jiang Yongshou could ride in it.

However, the rules of the palace were strict, and there was absolutely no way that an advisor with no official title or position would be allowed to ride in a sedan chair while a prince walked.

Furthermore, Jiang Yongshou being able to enter the palace today was already a great favor bestowed by His Majesty, and Bai Liming didn’t dare cause further trouble. He simply wished to finish this meal quietly and leave as soon as possible.

If this wasn’t mandatory, he would have preferred to stay holed up in his fiefdom and never come out.

Upon boarding the sedan chair, he found that the seat was covered in thick fur cushions, and that there were also two handwarmers and a blanket.

He covered his legs with the blanket, and when he took the handwarmers, he could barely feel a hint of the chill outside.

Xiao Xiangzi said: “Lift the sedan chair.”

The chair then rose steadily and was carried into the depths of the Imperial Palace.

After only a few steps, Bai Liming lifted the curtain and cautiously asked Xiao Xiangzi: “Gonggong, can these handwarmers be given to my advisor?”

Xiao Xiangzi’s expression remained unchanged, giving no hint of his surprise. With a gentle smile, he replied: “Of course.”

Delighted, Bai Liming immediately stuck the handwarmers out the window and said: “Will Gonggong please pass these to him?”

Jiang Yongshou was walking slightly behind the sedan chair when he saw Bai Liming hand something out to the young eunuch, who then approached him with two handwarmers and said: “These are from His Highness for Jiang-xiansheng.”

Jiang Yongshou quickly accepted them with his thanks.

He was over fifty years old, and his body was certainly not as resilient as it used to be. After only a short while, he already felt a chill creeping into his bones, and his hands were ice-cold.

The handwarmers leached warmth into his fingertips the instant he held them, spreading all the way to his heart.

Fukang Pavilion was located next to the Imperial Gardens, and had been built specially by Emperor Chengzong after he took a beautiful theater performer as a concubine. And upon its completion, he had bestowed it upon that woman as her residence.

However, this beauty passed away before Emperor Chengzong’s death.

When Emperor Yingzong ascended the throne later on, due to Fukang Pavilion’s location next to the Imperial Gardens and the fact that it was a two-story building, he had ordered a terrace to be built on the second floor.

From this terrace, one could directly admire the garden scenery and enjoy a leisurely drink.

There was a reason Chu Jiubian had the banquet set up on the second floor terrace today.

Besides being able to admire the blooming red plum blossoms and falling snow in the gardens, this location was also significant because Bai Liming was the only one among the seven vassal kings who was of the same generation as Bai Lihong.

The other six were all people whom Bai Lihong, according to seniority, should address as “Imperial Uncle.”

And according to their family lineage, Bai Liming could only be considered to be Bai Lihong’s cousin.

Considering the greed the other party had displayed during the Hexi Prefecture emergency, Bai Lihong hosting a grand, formal banquet to welcome him would make him seem rather weak.

As the time drew near, palace servants prepared the small banquet.

After cleaning the terrace again, they placed down an incense burner and ornamental flowers.

Since the weather was cold and the banquet was being held outdoors, the seating arrangements differed from the usual low chairs and cushions, with a round table and four chairs being provided instead.

Anhuai-wang and Bai Lihong could be considered family, so the welcoming banquet was held in the style of a “family dinner,” and there was nothing wrong with them sitting at the same table to eat.

Besides, if this became known, people would praise Bai Lihong for promoting harmonious relations with his relatives and not putting on airs as the Emperor.

He had not become estranged from family, nor was he suspicious of everyone simply because of his status.

Because of this, if any of the vassal kings were to harbor improper ambitions in the future, Bai Lihong could take direct action against them without fear of his reputation being tarnished.

Thus, all of the welcoming banquets were private dinners, so that everyone would know that Bai Lihong treated the vassal kings as family.

If he had no choice but to take action against one of them, then that vassal king must be the one who caused the problem in the first place.

With this preconceived notion established, and with Chu Jiubian having the support of the Wang and Yuan families’ public opinion group, Bai Lihong’s reputation would remain firmly untarnished.

Besides the table, chairs, and decorations, Chu Jiubian had ten stoves placed all around the terrace.

The other three sides of the terrace that didn’t have a view of the Imperial Gardens were walled off by screens, so that anyone sitting there wouldn’t feel the chill of the wind, but would instead experience a sense of warmth.

Bai Lihong and Chu Jiubian went to the terrace together.

The child was wearing his thick, golden dragon robes, as well as a small fox fur cape draped over his shoulders. The soft white fox fur made his face look even more tender, cuter than the fluffiest steamed bun.

“Wow!” The child ran to the railing in excitement, looking out through the gaps at the Imperial Gardens. “It’s so pretty, Xiansheng.”

Chu Jiubian went to stand beside him and gazed at the red plum blossoms dotting the snow. He said with a smile: “It’s very pretty.”

“I wish Jiujiu was here too.”

As Qin Xiao drew closer to the capital, the child had been mentioning him more and more frequently.

Chu Jiubian was momentarily at a loss, but then he smiled and said: “He’ll be back soon. We’ll come here again when he returns so that he can see it too.”

“En!” The child’s eyes sparkled as he nodded emphatically.

The higher you stood, the farther you could see.

Bai Lihong saw Xiao Xiangzi approaching along the palace road beyond the courtyard, accompanying a sedan chair. 

“Xiansheng, Anhuai-wang is here.”

Chu Jiubian gave a hum of acknowledgement.

Bai Lihong tilted his little face up at him and asked: “Xiansheng, why are we letting Anhuai-wang bring his advisor into the palace?”

He had noticed the man walking alongside the sedan chair. He was quite old, and should have stayed home in this kind of weather. What need was there to go out?

Chu Jiubian looked at the sedan chair and said: “What happened in Hexi Prefecture was likely not what Anhuai-wang intended. We’re going to see how this Jiang-xiansheng ‘advises’ him to run his fiefdom.”

Bai Lihong thought carefully on his words, and began to have an understanding of what was going on.

He had heard Xiansheng say that Anhuai-wang Bai Liming was his cousin. He was only eighteen years old, and like Bai Lihong, he had come into power at a young age, which made him susceptible to the influence of others.

During the flooding in Hexi Prefecture, Jiujiu had no grain, so he had asked Anhuai-wang for a loan. But the latter took advantage of the situation and demanded control of Hexi Prefecture in return.

But now, Xiansheng was saying that this wasn’t what Bai Liming had intended.

Thus, Bai Lihong concluded that it must be this Jiang-xiansheng who had influenced Anhuai-wang’s judgement.

Just like some people tried to take advantage of him because of his young age.

But he had Jiujiu and Xiansheng, who taught him how to think for himself. Most of the time, as long as his ideas and suggestions weren’t harmful, they would let him do as he pleased without trying to exert excessive control over him. 

Therefore, Bai Lihong knew that Jiujiu and Xiansheng truly had his best interests at heart.

He just wondered how that Jiang-xiansheng taught Anhuai-wang.

The sedan chair came to a stop outside the courtyard. Bai Liming disembarked, straightened his clothes, and then walked inside.

Chu Jiubian led Bai Lihong to take his seat on a chair, asking: “Do you remember what you’re supposed to say?”

The child patted his chest and said: “Don’t worry, Xiansheng. I remember everything.”

Footsteps could be heard downstairs. Chu Jiubian turned his head to look, and Bai Lihong followed suit.

At the top of the stairs, a slender figure emerged from behind a screen and walked toward them.

He was a man in his thirties, wearing dark blue official robes and sporting a mustache.

The man raised his eyes to meet Chu Jiubian’s gaze. Then he performed a bow and said: “This humble servant greets Your Majesty and pays his respects to the Grand Tutor.”

“No need for formalities,” Bai Lihong said.

The new arrival was not Bai Liming, but the historian Xun Xiuran.

The Xun family had been prominent since the unification of the country during the previous Great Yu Dynasty, and had been appointed as official historians by Emperor Huizong.

Said emperor specifically wrote an article to announce to the world that although historians did not hold official ranks, they were objective record-keepers who would fairly and accurately record what they saw and heard.

He went on to say that from that point forward, no ruler would be able to arbitrarily execute historians, himself included.

Historians were not allowed to add personal bias to their records, and court officials were forbidden from associating with them.

To everyone in the Imperial Court, the court historians were merely invisible tools. Aside from the initial period when everyone was becoming accustomed to their presence, officials no longer paid any mind to the historians who always remained in the corner of the main hall.

It was said that after the Great Yu Dynasty was overthrown, the founding emperor of Great Ning intended to kill the Xu family historian and appoint someone else in his place.

But then, he read the records kept by that historian.

They did not shy away from depicting the brutality of the final years of the Great Yu Dynasty, and also fairly documented the great banner^[1] the new emperor raised when he overthrew the ruling regime. From beginning to end, there was no personal bias whatsoever.

And that Xun family historian, even with a long sword pressed against his neck, didn’t bat an eye. Only when the Emperor asked if he was afraid did he say that he had never violated the Xun family’s ancestral precepts, and had never aligned himself with any power at all.

Therefore, even if he were to die, he would have no fear of facing his ancestors.

The ancestral motto of the Xun family was: Always keep your distance from powerful figures. Grab a brush, and become a chronicler of history.

The founding emperor of Great Ning admired the Xun family’s way of doing things, and therefore changed his mind about killing the historian. Instead, he continued to entrust him and his descendants with the task of recording Great Ning’s history. They were even granted official titles, and a special position was created independent of the Six Ministries. Their sole responsibility was to keep historical records, and their salaries were quite high – almost at the level of those lofty third-rank officials.

However, the official historians were not on duty every day, and would simply stand quietly at the back of the line during morning court sessions, listening to the proceedings.

Only when major events occurred in the palace or throughout the country would they record the complete details, including the words and actions of the Emperor and all of the officials.

For example: Bai Lihong ascending the throne, Qin Xiao being granted a royal title, and Chu Jiubian descending from heaven. All of this, the historians faithfully recorded as the events played out.

Regarding the flooding incident in Hexi Prefecture, this historian’s writings might only contain a few sentences describing the causes and effects, but the investigation process had involved considerable effort on the part of Xun Xiuran and the other members of the Xun family. At that time, Xun Xiuran had specifically sought out Qin Xiao to inquire about the situation in Hexi Prefecture.

Qin Xiao held no care for how future generations would judge him; he simply spoke his mind, describing in detail how he had personally proceeded over the punishment of lingchi.

And Chu Jiubian observed as the historian wielded his brush and wrote the words: “Ning-wang Qin Xiao personally proceeded over the punishment of lingchi” on the paper.

Furthermore, Xun Xiuran, an official lacking an official rank, had also been seated at the end of the table at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, and had likely recorded everything that happened there.

Today’s banquet was Bai Lihong’s first time meeting with one of the vassal kings after ascending the throne, so Xun Xiuran’s presence was naturally needed for the purpose of recording the event.

Chu Jiubian had ordered that a separate screen be set up ahead of time, along with a table, chair, hot tea, and food, all to facilitate Xun Xiuran’s work.

“Please have a seat,” said Chu Jiubian.

Xun Xiuran bowed in acknowledgement, then retreated to his separate seating area, where a burning brazier and writing implements had all been prepared.

He had barely sat down when Bai Liming and Jiang Hongshou also walked up to the terrace.

Chu Jiubian held a special status, and his position was further elevated due to his identity as a “god.” Thus, in private, Chu Jiubian considered himself a divine being, and never even bowed to the Empress Dowager when he encountered her in the palace.

The same was true at present. Upon seeing Bai Liming and his companion approach, just like Bai Lihong, he didn’t stand up.

Once Bai Liming and Jiang Hongshou both paid their respects to the emperor, Bai Lihong finally spoke: “There is no need for Anhui-wang to be so polite. Please sit down and warm yourself up.”

“Thanking Your Majesty,” Bai Liming replied, taking his seat somewhat awkwardly.

He subconsciously turned his head to glance at Jiang Yongshou, and noticed that his expression was somewhat complicated, as if he wasn’t certain whether or not he should sit down.

“Jiang-xiansheng should have a seat too.” Bai Lihong had a smile on his face. His voice was clear and childlike, but his words were clear and distinct. “Today is a family dinner. Jiang-xiansheng has treated Anhui-wang with great care, so he is not an outsider.”

Jiang Yongshou didn’t dare take these words at face value, but since the Emperor had spoken, he couldn’t disobey. All he could do was smile and agree, then sit down cautiously in his chair.

Bai Liming was nervous, yet he couldn’t help but secretly observe this little cousin of his who was only a bit over three years old.

He was just a little boy. At his age, Bai Liming had still been clinging to his father and mother and acting spoiled, but the Bai Lihong before him already carried himself like an adult. His words and actions conformed to etiquette, and he interacted with others with ease and confidence.

Bai Liming felt that Bai Lihong was exactly what a future emperor should be like during childhood.

He should feel a sense of distance between him and the emperor, as if he was difficult to approach.

But Bai Lihong happened to be a particularly loveable child. He had smiling, crescent-shaped eyes and spoke in a sweet, childish voice, occasionally addressing him as “cousin.” Before long, he had charmed Bai Liming to the point that he was completely smitten, his already gentle eyes brimming with even more affection.

This welcoming banquet, which he had dreaded for so long, seemed to have turned into nothing more than a genuine family dinner. As it went on, he felt increasingly more at ease.

However, when he completely lowered his guard and tried to grow closer to the Emperor, Jiang Yongshou at his side would make a noise or say something to interrupt him. This was a reminder not to get carried away and forget the proper distance he should maintain with the Emperor.

Chu Jiubian had been observing the interactions between these two throughout the entire banquet. They had barely exchanged a word, with Bai Lihong doing all of the talking and entertaining.

Chu Jiubian believed in the moral soundness of those chosen by the System, so he knew that the matter of “exchanging grain for Hexi Prefecture” was certainly not Anhuai-wang’s original intention.

Now, seeing how he interacted with Jiang Yongshou, he was even more certain of his conclusion.

These two were a young ruler and a powerful minister. Bai Liming had a weaker personality than Bai Lihong, and was indecisive, making it far too easy for his subordinates to manipulate and control him. 

However, this Jiang Yongshou seemed genuinely devoted to Anhuai-wang, and his interruptions and reminders were all for Bai Liming’s benefit.

If Bai Lihong was a cunning and manipulative emperor, or if he was being controlled by Chu Jiubian, then Bai Liming’s unguarded words could be his undoing.

Therefore, from his perspective, Jiang Yongshou’s actions were perfectly reasonable.

Regarding the matter of Hexi Prefecture, if there was no one else behind the scenes, then Jiang Yongshou instigating Bai Liming to take such action might have indeed been for the purpose of expanding the young ruler’s influence.

However, Bai Liming was a decent, honest person who preferred to live a quiet and secluded life. If Chu Jiubian could understand this point right after meeting him for the first time, then why couldn’t Jiang Yongshou?

Knowing that Bai Liming was unwilling to participate in the political struggles, yet still pushing him into the spotlight…..Jiang Yongshou’s motives were definitely not pure.

Was this a case of one person serving two masters?

Chu Jiubian lowered his gaze, unwilling to let any emotion slip through.

Jiang Yongshou had also noticed the way Bai Lihong and Chu Jiubian interacted, and was somewhat surprised.

This was a young emperor and a powerful minister. At such a young age, Bai Lihong could easily become an unthinking tool of power in the hands of a powerful official. However, Bai Lihong was not acting anything like a spoiled and useless child; in fact, he seemed more intelligent and mature than the son of an emperor would normally be.

His words and actions, and even his thoughts and opinions, subtly exhibited characteristics befitting an emperor.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao had actually done an excellent job teaching Bai Lihong.

This was the complete opposite of what Jiang Yongshou, as well as other local forces, had anticipated.

Those at the table each had their own thoughts in mind, but the banquet went relatively smoothly.

Xun Xiuran remained quietly in his seat. Only once the banquet ended and the masters had all gone downstairs did he finally pick up his brush and write down the final line, concluding: “On the fifteenth day of the twelfth month of the first year of Jingrui, Anhuai-wang and his advisor entered the palace to pay their respects. The Emperor and the Grand Tutor hosted a banquet for them at Fukang Pavilion, where they admired plum blossoms and enjoyed tea. The guests and hosts were all in good spirits.”

A few days later.

He wrote again on a new sheet of paper: “On the twenty-second day of the twelfth month of the first year of Jingrui, the snow lay an inch deep. Ning-wang Qin Xiao returned victorious, and the Emperor and Grand Tutor adjourned morning court early, leading the officials to welcome him outside the Imperial City.”

Chu Jiubian had stuck multiple handwarmers into Bai Lihong’s clothes, and the child held another one in his hands. He was also wearing a fox fur hat, with the lower half of his face concealed by the thick fur collar of his cloak, leaving only his large eyes visible as he stared intently toward the official road outside the city.

Chu Jiubian stood beside him, wearing a pure white fox fur cloak over his crimson-purple official robes.

His long, silver-white hair cascaded over his shoulders and seemed to blend in with his cloak, which only served to highlight the softness and sheen of the fine, dark hair laying across his forehead.

Behind them stood six long rows of officials, all wearing dark cloaks and holding handwarmers to ward away the chill.

During that morning’s court session, a soldier had arrived in advance to report that Ning-wang would arrive at the city gate in about half an hour.

Bai Lihong immediately grew restless and sent Chu Jiubian an anxious glance.

Chu Jiubian then stepped forward, suggesting that since Qin Xiao had performed a great and meritorious service, His Majesty should go out to welcome him in order to demonstrate the value he placed on his Regent.

When this story spread, people throughout the land would naturally praise the Emperor and Lord Ning-wang for their harmonious and affectionate uncle-nephew relationship. This also served to show them how the Emperor would value and care for others who performed a meritorious service.

Of course, Bai Lihong readily agreed, and the other officials had no grounds to object.

There had been a precedent since ancient times of emperors leaving the city to welcome victorious generals. And given Qin Xiao’s special status and the immense contributions he had made, it would be inappropriate for Bai Lihong to not go out and welcome him.

Thus, the current scene at the city gate came about.

Bai Lihong was anxious enough to pace back and forth, but he managed to restrain himself due to the numerous people watching him.

Chu Jiubian maintained a tranquil expression throughout, quietly gazing out toward the main road.

Then, a dark shape appeared at the farthest point of his vision. He gripped his handwarmer tightly, his eyelashes trembling.

In the midst of the raging blizzard, a team of people on horseback approached from a distance at a steady pace.

The team consisted of a dozen people, all riding horses, with a single two-horse carriage in the middle.

Although the carriage was simple and unadorned, the character “Qin” on the curtain was strikingly prominent.

Everyone’s gazes were fixed on the carriage, watching it draw closer until it finally came to a stop.

The accompanying soldiers all dismounted, and the one acting as coachman climbed down and placed a stool before the carriage door.

At the same time, the carriage curtain was lifted from within by a hand with clearly-defined knuckles.

The hem of gold-embroidered black robes came into view immediately after, and a man with a dignified, imposing demeanor stepped out of the carriage and walked toward the crowd.

“This subject greets Your Majesty.” Qin Xiao performed a deferential bow.

As the Regent, and also Bai Lihong’s uncle, other than on grand occasions such as the coronation ceremony, he had no need to observe elaborate rituals when greeting the emperor. Even a simple bow could be considered the height of etiquette.

Bai Lihong’s eyes were red-rimmed, and tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.

He hastily ran forward and held out his little hands to support Qin Xiao, but was unable to reach his arms. He could only say pitifully: “No need for this emperor’s subject to observe formalities.”

In front of so many people, the child wasn’t even allowed to call him “Jiujiu,” much less receive a hug from him, which caused the little one to feel extremely wronged.

But seeing as his uncle had kept his word and returned safe and sound, he also couldn’t help but feel happy.

At this moment in time, he was very conflicted.

Qin Xiao looked down at the child’s red, teary eyes. Unable to wipe his tears for him, he could only offer a comforting smile.

Bai Lihong, however, was easily comforted. Already, he was wiping his tears away with his little hands and smiling up at his uncle with his little white teeth.

Having gained some weight during the winter, the child’s soft face was even rounder than before, truly resembling a steamed bun.

Qin Xiao’s lips curved up, and he looked straight ahead again.

The civil and military officials all had their own thoughts in mind.

Some of them had harbored a glimmer of hope that perhaps Qin Xiao would be seriously injured or lose his life, but now that he had returned safely, they could only bow low and say in unison: “Greeting Lord Ning-wang upon his triumphant return.”

But rather than looking at them, Qin Xiao directed his gaze solely at the young man at the head of the group.

The other party didn’t look thinner, but he also didn’t look as if he had gained any weight. Even under such thick winter clothes, he still possessed a slender figure.

A snowflake landed on his thick, dark eyelashes, and melted when they fluttered.

Qin Xiao slowly shifted his gaze, letting it slide little by little across the young man’s face.

Chu Jiubian was also looking back at Qin Xiao.

The jasmine had still been blooming when he left, but it was now the winter season, where the plum blossoms were in full bloom.

Qin Xiao appeared the same as before, with his calm yet stern demeanor, but he was noticeably thinner than before he left, which enhanced his lean musculature.

He seemed to have become sharper, like a finely-honed blade.

The man’s gaze – deep, complex, and almost fierce – carried a significance that Chu Jiubian couldn’t quite decipher.

“No need for formalities,” Qin Xiao told everyone, his attention still fixed entirely on Chu Jiubian’s face.

Chu Jiubian dodged his gaze and looked at Bai Lihong, saying: “Let’s return to the palace, Your Majesty.”

“En.” With an eager nod, Bai Lihong immediately boarded his carriage.

The coachman was none other than Qin Chaoyang, who had managed to find the time despite his busy schedule.

Knowing that Qin Xiao would be returning this morning, Qin Chaoyang had specifically made time to come and greet Qin Xiao openly and officially under the guise of being Bai Lihong’s coachman.

When he saw that his superior was safe and sound, the tension in his heart completely dissipated, and he even managed a rare smile.

“Yah!” He set off with the carriage first, but the officials didn’t move after boarding their own respective carriages. According to rank, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian should be the next ones to leave.

Qin Xiao simply stared at Chu Jiubian without saying a word.

There was a distance of four or five meters between them, which seemed far, yet also strangely close.

After some time, when several officials couldn’t help but lift their carriage curtains to look outside, Chu Jiubian pursed his lips and said: “The carriage is up ahead.”

Qin Xiao smiled and came to stand in front of him, saying in a low voice: “Let’s go.”

Chu Jiubian looked up at him.

Only when he came closer did Chu Jiubian notice that his face was abnormally pale.

Rather than saying anything, he turned and approached the carriage first with Qin Xiao following beside him.

Minister of Works Jian Hongzhuo watched the two of them walk away, then lowered his carriage curtain with a soft chuckle.

The other ministers, each sporting a different expression on their faces, lowered their curtains as well.

Just as they had arrived, the group set off in a grand procession toward the Imperial Palace.

But just after leaving the main street, and before reaching the palace gates, guards went from carriage to carriage, informing everyone that morning court had been canceled for the day and that officials should go to their respective offices. Any matters at hand would be discussed the following day. 

Meanwhile, in the second carriage from the front, Chu Jiubian stared intently at the man opposite him.

That person was leaning against the door of the carriage, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.

His voice was a little strained, but he still smiled as he said: “I’ll be fine in a moment.”

Chu Jiubian said internally: “System, can you scan him to see what’s wrong with him?”

[Host, a scan requires–]

Chu Jiubian cut in: “Deal.”

The System buffered for a moment, and responded after a couple of seconds: [The patient suffers from a worsening accumulation of blood in the chest cavity, a life-threatening condition. Surgical treatment is recommended.]

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[1] This “great banner” refers to the ideological and moral justification used to mobilize the people and topple the previous regime. ⮐

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Chapter 68 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 70

Ch. 93 – Goodbyes

Hao Chen was unsurprised by this answer. Trying to get information out of Feng Ye was just as difficult as trying to eat his tofu.

No, perhaps the latter is easier, Hao Chen thought, recalling that recent scene.

They really had shared a kiss, if only for a fleeting moment. It was only that the unconscious Feng Ye hadn’t noticed, and Hao Chen himself hadn’t noticed at first either.

The situation was so urgent at that time, and although he felt the softness brush against his cheek, he had no time to think about it.

He only realized what it was after Feng Ye woke up, and then used it as an excuse to stir up trouble.

Looking back, it was a pity that he was unable to savor it properly. Who knew when it would happen again? Hao Chen felt a pang of melancholy at the thought.

He felt that he could eventually win Feng Ye over, but he wasn’t so sure about Yinglong.

Forcing it was out of the question, and whether he could even win against him in a fight was another matter entirely. Thus, the only option was to use gentle measures.

Hao Chen knew that his embrace was very gentle and soft, with plenty of warm fat covering his belly. But even so, Feng Ye showed no signs of throwing himself into his arms.

So how exactly could he win the heart of this dragon who was covered in hard scales, his cold exterior hiding an incredible softness?

Hao Chen fell deep into thought.

Feng Ye stood under the weathered tree with his arms crossed, watching the commotion just ahead.

The crowd in the main square jostled each other to move forward. Fang Yang had already reached Foundation Establishment stage, and among the disciples present, he could be considered one of the best.

But squeezing through the crowd to see Jianmu was much like trying to buy vegetables on sale. Age and cultivation level didn’t matter. The key to winning was to push through shamelessly regardless of the curses of those around you.

Shamelessness was a talent, and Hao Chen was a master of the art. But unfortunately, even after being exposed to it for so long, Fang Yang was still unable to grasp the essence of it. Thus, despite struggling for a long time, he remained on the periphery of the crowd.

Jianmu was a tree that stretched up to the heavens, and once it matured, one would be able to see the towering giant from hundreds of li away.

However, this Jianmu sprout was still in its infancy. With its roots buried in the soil, only a small, tender bud about the length of a finger joint emerged from the earth, almost unnoticeable unless one looked closely.

So despite trying to squeeze in, Fang Yang was unable to see a single leaf or branch of Jianmu.

After another failed attempt, Fang Yang dejectedly turned away.

In any case, Jianmu had been planted here, and it wasn’t like it could run away. He would come back to have a look once the crowd’s initial excitement wore off and there were fewer people around.

Fang Yang went to the old tree where Feng Ye and Hao Chen were standing. Glancing up at the sun inching across the sky, he suggested: “Let’s go eat. It’s almost lunchtime.”

Hao Chen had been deep in thought, but still couldn’t come up with any answers, so he prepared to agree and set the topic aside for later.

Unexpectedly, Feng Ye declined the invitation: “I can’t. I need to go back and pack my things.”

“Pack your things?” Fang Yang echoed in surprise. “Shixiong, where are you going?”

Hao Chen also stared at Feng Ye.

Feng Ye explained to them: “I’m going for a stroll around Longqiu.”

Fang Yang was puzzled when he heard the name of his destination. Useless Shixiong had just returned from North Sea City a few days ago, so why was he suddenly leaving again?

After analyzing the name ‘Longqiu,” Hao Chen suddenly came to a realization.

Longqiu…..was where Ling Yun had discovered the Living Soil.

Feng Ye had been searching for Jianmu, and had obtained it yesterday, only to give it to Ji Chengyue. Now, he suddenly wanted to find Living Soil…..

Recalling his earlier guess, Hao Chen experienced a flash of inspiration.

If everything was as he thought, then there was more to the events of one hundred years ago than met the eye. If Feng Ye had a compelling reason to destroy Jianmu, then there was likely something wrong with the tree.

But the fact that he had returned Jianmu to Ji Chengyue indicated that there was no problem with the tree itself, so he was going to find the Living Soil in order to determine if it was the reason behind Jianmu’s necessary demise.

Having figured out this much, Hao Chen immediately said: “I’m going too.”

Just as Hao Chen wasn’t surprised by Feng Ye’s words, Feng Ye was not surprised by Hao Chen’s. As expected, the essence of this sticky candy hadn’t changed at all.

His reason for going to Longqiu was basically as Hao Chen had guessed. He was indeed going to find the Living Soil.

Four factors had contributed to the creation of the tree that reached the heavens. Aside from the human heart, these included sunlight, water, and soil.

He had already inspected Jianmu and found it to be uncontaminated, so the problem could only lay with one of these last three things.

The rising sun in the far east was the least likely culprit, as a thing of such scorching purity was the nemesis of many dark, unclean things.

So the culprit tying Jianmu to the Emberless Horizon could only be the Xuanming Water from the snowy mountains in the north or the Living Soil in Longqiu.

Based on the existing clues, Feng Ye was unable to determine which of the two were problematic, or if the problem lay with both of them.

But he ultimately settled on the Living Soil, because Xuanming Water was formed from the perpetually icy air atop the northern snowy mountains, and it took one hundred years to condense a single drop. 

Counting back from the time Ling Yun first retrieved the Xuanming Water, there was still more than a month before the hundred-year-mark, so it wasn’t imperative for him to go there now.

The Living Soil, however, was relatively easier to obtain.

With an emphasis on relatively.

Living Soil was a substance that existed between life and death, and while it may be considered inanimate, it possessed a surging, ever-renewing vitality.

But while its name contained the word ‘living,’ it had little to do with a living creature. It had no thoughts or feelings, nor did it need to absorb nutrients like plants.

Hidden in the mountains and marshes of Longqiu, the earth that benefited from the Living Soil was exceptionally fertile, but was not the Living Soil itself.

The earth affected by the Living Soil may be as vast as a mountain range, stretching for thousands of li, but the Living Soil itself may only be the size of a palm.

Although Longqiu was not as vast as Kunlun, the highest of mountain ranges, it still covered a considerable area, and would take the average person three or four days to traverse.

Thus, locating the Living Soil in the Longqiu mountain range would be a bit of a headache.

This soil, with its inexhaustible life-giving power, was not only excellent nourishment for Jianmu, but also for many other spiritual plants. As a result, people had been searching for it for centuries, only to fail again and again.

It was no secret that Ling Yun had found the Living Soil. The issue was that there were no records of how he found it, and there was nobody left who possessed the knowledge.

So, for one hundred years, there had been no news of anyone locating the Living Soil again.

And that batch of soil Ling Yun had scattered in the Eastern Sea to create an island had perished in the heavenly fire.

Because the Living Soil could not be considered a living thing, it did not die in the traditional sense. It simply lost its original life-giving power. But while it could still nurture plants, the nutrients it provided were no different from ordinary soil.

Among the five elements, there was no direct conflict between fire and earth, and soil was generally not at risk of being burned.

But contrary to expectations, this was what the Living Soil became after being scorched by Heavenly Fire.

The reason behind this was exactly what Feng Ye intended to discover.

Hao Chen expressed that he would come along, but Fang Yang hesitated.

He actually did want to go along. Very much so. He had been a disciple for a year, and apart from the trip to the Floating Island Secret Realm, he hadn’t left Lingxiao Sword Sect.

Whether in the secret realm or North Sea City, he had seen many novel sights that he never would have seen while cultivating inside the sect.

The Floating Island Secret Realm was located in the North Sea, while Longqiu was located in the Western inland region, a place he had never set foot in before. The customs and landscapes there must be completely different from those of the North Sea.

Fang Yang naturally wanted to go and take in the sights. Besides, although Useless Shixiong’s swordsmanship was decent, his cultivation level was ultimately too low. Fang Yang felt that since he had already advanced to Foundation Establishment Stage, he had a responsibility to protect his Useless Shixiong, whose cultivation lingered at the third level of Qi Refining with the stability of Mount Tai.

However…..Cao Zirui, his buddy, had been seriously injured just the day before.

Although the injuries weren’t fatal, and wouldn’t pose a serious problem after timely treatment and recuperation, he still needed time to recover. And as his friend, Fang Yang shouldn’t leave Cao Zirui alone while he was out of commission.

“Shixiong, when are you leaving?” Fang Yang asked, clinging to a glimmer of hope.

If he departed at a later date, perhaps Cao Zirui’s injuries would be mostly healed by then and Fang Yang could accompany Useless Shixiong with a clear conscience.

But Feng Ye’s answer extinguished his hopes: “I’ll pack my things and leave this afternoon.”

“Oh…..” Fang Yang’s drawn-out reply revealed the depth of his disappointment.

Fang Yang, who always bounced around when he walked like a perpetually-energized bunny, didn’t bounce this time. His rabbit ears drooped to the ground, and he parted ways with Useless Shixiong and Hao-dage with a gloomy look about him.

He went to eat, while Feng Ye and Hao Chen headed back to pack their luggage.

The two groups parted ways and slowly left the main square.

The square was still very lively. Compared to catching a glimpse of the magnificent Jianmu tree, lunch wasn’t worth bothering with.

Such was the case among the disciples within Lingxiao Sword Sect, as well as the disciples sent abroad.

News of Yinglong’s reappearance could not be kept under wraps, nor could the events of the previous days.

With so many eyes watching, it was impossible to keep the news from leaking out completely.

After the news spread for a day and a night, other sects gradually learned of the reappearance of Yinglong and Jianmu. They may not know all the details, but they had a general idea of the matter.

Thus, Ji Chengyue was truly in over his head, his desk piled high with inquiries and probing messages from the leaders of various sects.

This group of people had leapt into action upon hearing the news. After Yinglong cut down Jianmu one hundred years ago, they inevitably regarded the tree as an ominous thing that must be destroyed.

But now, Yinglong had returned Jianmu to humankind. If this meant that planting Jianmu was permitted, it must also mean that people could use it to ascend to the heavens once more.

What did it mean to ascend to the heavens?

It meant a wider and more abundant world, with bountiful spiritual energy and faster cultivation.

And mortals had never laid eyes on the splendor of the heavens. Was this legendary paradise as incredible as the stories depicted?

Humans were unable to determine this by looking up from the earth. Only by personally ascending to the heavens would they be able to find out for themselves.

Therefore, everyone directed their overwhelming enthusiasm toward Ji Chengyue, inundating him with pleasantries and gifts. They all used convoluted and roundabout ways of ingratiating themselves, until he was unable to tell which relationships and pretexts were genuine without analyzing them thoroughly.

But upon closer examination, these messages that appeared to be filled with polite greetings and gifts could be summed up with one sentence:

“Sect Leader Ji, we heard that a great god bestowed Jianmu upon you?”

Ji Chengyue only read a few letters before he lost the will to read any more. Taking a break from his busy schedule, he went outside and stood at the mountaintop, gazing out at the scenery below.

Although he had been a sect leader for a century and was adept at handling such intricate matters, he truly wasn’t in the mood to deal with those people at the moment.

His disciple Xue Ren, whom he had trained for over twenty years, was gone…..just like that.

He was fully aware that Xue Ren’s death was nobody’s fault but his own. Xue Ren only had himself to blame.

If blame should fall upon anyone else, it should be his master, who was so absorbed in revitalizing the sect and pouring all of his energy into nurturing Cao Zirui that he neglected Xue Ren’s feelings.

Furthermore, Ji Chengyue was unable to forget Yinglong’s attitude at the end. As a human being, he had dared to approach the god step by step and challenge the divine.

He had been prepared to die, no longer afraid of the god’s wrath.

But as a result…..

From the mountaintop, Ji Chengyue stared down at the Jianmu sprout planted in the square below.

To this day, he still failed to understand why Yinglong destroyed Jianmu, yet preserved this fragment a century later and even used his divine power to make it sprout.

Nobody knew the condition of that fragment better than Ji Chengyue. Over the course of a century, he had employed every possible method to reverse the decline of the remaining fragment, but to no avail.

But then this fragment, which was no different from a chunk of dead wood, suddenly sprouted.

That could only be Yinglong’s doing. Only a god could accomplish such a feat.

But why? Why was Yinglong so fickle?

There was no answer to be had. Ji Chengyue remained standing there a moment longer, then turned back with a sigh.

Perhaps the minds of the gods were truly unfathomable. Gods never explained anything to mortals, so mortals could never understand what was going through their heads.

Ji Chengyue himself didn’t know how he felt about Yinglong. He had once hated him to the core, but was helpless to do anything about it.

Yinglong had taken the life of his shixiong, who was as close as a blood brother to him. He had also killed hundreds of his fellow Lingxiao Sword Sect disciples, causing the sect to collapse with one blow.

But he dared not utter even a hint of the hatred in his heart.

Otherwise, he may bring down divine punishment and lose everything all over again.

Stifled by the god’s power, Ji Chengyue could only bury the resentment deep down inside him, along with his yearning for his shixiong.

He had vented all of his frustration the day before, only to abruptly realize that the truth may not be as he saw it.

If he were able to actually grow Jianmu to maturity in his lifetime and open the passage between the heavens and the mortal world, he would definitely go to the heavens and ask Yinglong in person.

He was determined to find out the truth, whatever it may be.

Ji Chengyue plodded back to his rooms to deal with the messages he had yet to finish reading.

But upon reaching the door, he came upon the unexpected sight of Cao Zirui, who should have been resting in his room.

“Shifu.” Cao Zirui bowed to Ji Chengyue.

Although he still wore his usual glacier-like expression, his tone was noticeably more downcast than usual.

This was unavoidable. Who wouldn’t be heartbroken to suddenly learn that their shixiong had only ever thought of killing them?

Ji Chengyue let out another sigh. He had wronged Xue Ren, as well as Cao Zirui.

He had intended to save them both, but nearly lost them both instead. 

He was not qualified to be the sect leader, nor was he qualified to be their master.

Ji Chengyue pushed open the door and entered first, then turned and gestured for Cao Zirui to come in.

The two sat down on prayer cushions in front of the incense table.

There had previously been a spirit tablet on the altar, containing a hidden secret – but Ji Chengyue had crushed it to pieces the day before.

Yet the altar was not empty. During the sleepless night, Ji Chengyue had carved three more spirit tablets by candlelight, stroke by stroke.

This time, he no longer tried to hide it, and openly wrote Ling Yun’s name on one of them.

Aside from those belonging to his master and Ling Yun, the last remaining one…..

He didn’t write that person’s name. He simply erected the spirit tablet without writing a single word on it.

But when Cao Zirui saw it, he instantly knew who it was dedicated to.

After sitting down on the prayer cushion, he gazed at it unwaveringly.

Ji Chengyue followed his gaze and asked him: “Do you hate him?”

Cao Zirui was taken aback. He lowered his head and thought for a moment before replying: “This disciple doesn’t hate him….”

Ji Chengyue’s smile was just a slight curve at the corners of his lips: “No need to conceal it. He attempted to kill you several times. It isn’t wrong for you to hate him. It’s just human nature.”

Cao Zirui shook his head upon hearing this, and he denied it with an earnest expression: “This disciple truly harbors no hatred. This disciple…..this disciple…..”

He stuttered for a moment before uttering softly: “…..is just very sad.” 

It was Ji Chengyue’s turn to be taken aback. He remained silent for a long time before proposing: “Shall we offer incense to your shixiong?”

Cao Zirui nodded. He then stood up from the prayer cushion and approached the incense table, lit three incense sticks, and bowed to the three spirit tablets before him.

After placing the incense sticks into the burner, Cao Zirui sat back down.

Master and disciple stared at each other, momentarily at a loss for words.

“Shifu,” Cao Zirui suddenly called out.

Looking up at Ji Chengyue, he explained his reason for coming here: “This disciple wishes to go out and gain experience.”

“Experience? But your injuries…..” Ji Chengyue stopped mid-sentence when he caught sight of Cao Zirui’s expression.

Cao Zirui didn’t actually want to go out and gain experience. He wanted to go out and clear his head.

Staying here inevitably brought to mind yesterday’s scene, and the ferocious expression Xue Ren had directed at him.

“Ai, then go.” Ji Chengyue relented. After a moment’s thought, he abruptly suggested: “Right, there is a task I need someone to carry out for me. Would you be willing to help this teacher?”

“This disciple is willing.” Having received Ji Chengyue’s consent, Cao Zirui felt much more at ease, and readily agreed without even waiting to hear the details.

Ji Chengyue warned him with a smile: “This is not a simple matter. You will be traveling somewhere rather far away.”

“Where?” Cao Zirui asked.

“Longqiu,” was Ji Chengyue’s reply.

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Chapter 92 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 94

Qin Xiao and the others were currently residing in the royal palace.

Unlike the imposing architectural style of Great Ning, the buildings here were more magnificent and extravagantly luxurious.

Even the study was ridiculously extravagant, with glittering jewels everywhere and display shelves filled with numerous rare and precious trinkets.

Qin Xiao sat in the main seat, looking at the people below him.

Although Chu Jiubian had mentioned in his letter methods for governing the Sai Kingdom, Qin Xiao still asked everyone: “The situation here is unique. What do you all think is the best method for managing this country?”

Down below, all of those present, including Hu Fang and Cheng Shuo, were military officers. Thus, their suggestions all revolved around “deploying troops to maintain order” and using military force to “deter” any potential threats. Even the best suggestion was simply to build a government office and deploy more soldiers and commanders.

Other than him, the only civil official present was Deputy Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi, who was responsible for transporting their provisions.

This had actually been on his mind ever since Qin Xiao led his army into the Western Regions.

He actually did have an idea, so he stepped forward and bowed, then said: “My Lord, this official has a solution.”

“Speak.”

“The Imperial Court must establish a government office here, but it should also exercise some control over those religious establishments. It would be even better if they could be brought under the direct control of the Imperial Court.”

Religion could, to a certain extent, influence and even control people’s thoughts.

If the Imperial Court was able to control this aspect, the people in this region would be easier to manage.

Qin Xiao nodded his head.

This was exactly as Chu Jiubian had stated in his letter.

The Sai Kingdom royal family had never been able to control those religious forces, and it would be fair to say that they were practically rivals in power. Currently, Great Ning’s Imperial court was facing immense difficulties in attempting to control the local religious forces – difficulties that mirrored what would happen if it tried to exert its authority over the ancestral lands of the four great noble families.

Cheng Shuo’s first thought was that he meant to use force to bring them under their control, so he said: “Since this involves gods and buddhas, we shouldn’t force them, should we?”

There was the living immortal, Chu Jiubian, in the capital, and the High Priest had emerged in the Northern Desert. Not just Cheng Shuo, but everyone present felt some apprehensiveness toward the supernatural, and they all genuinely believed that such deities existed. 

Therefore, their current concerns were genuine.

If this place was truly protected by gods and buddhas, then they should avoid acting rashly, lest they incur the wrath of those deities.

Wang Pengyi was actually a little worried about this as well, and said: “I’m not talking about using force. The religious forces should still operate independently, but cooperate with the court. Since this is all for the sake of the common people, peaceful coexistence is a perfectly acceptable outcome.”

What he really wanted to say was: “How about we invite Chu Jiubian over?” After all, it would be easier for another god to talk to the local gods.

But considering the intelligence of Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, they would have surely thought of this already. Since they hadn’t gone through with the idea, perhaps there were some unknown difficulties, or perhaps they were waiting for Qin Xiao to return to the capital before Chu Jiubian set out to come here.

One of them should certainly stay behind in the capital.

Therefore, Wang Pengyi found it inconvenient to bring up this matter.

But others disagreed with his assessment.

“How can that be? We’ve already conquered the territory – there’s no room for independent rule anymore!”

“Indeed. If we went ahead with this method, what would happen to the dignity of our Great Ning?

“No, no, Minister Wang’s method is definitely not feasible.”

The military officials all shook their heads, and Wang Pengyi had no intention of arguing with them further.

When a scholar encountered a soldier, reason was of no avail.

Qin Xiao listened to everyone’s opinions. Then, recalling the contents of Chu Jiubian’s letter, he tapped the table with his finger.

He waited until they had all quieted down before speaking: “The county-level administrative system needs to be put in place. Asking Minister Wang to oversee this matter.”

“Yes,” Wang Pengyi replied.

Qin Xiao then instructed the rest: “Before dawn on the ninth day of the month, everyone should go to the foot of the sacred mountain.”

The sacred mountain was not far from the royal palace. One could even see the mountaintop from the palace roof.

None of them knew what he intended to do, but they all agreed without hesitation.

“Alright. If there is nothing else, you may go,” said Qin Xiao.

Everyone left one after another, except for Cheng Shuo.

Qin Xiao looked up at him and asked: “Is there anything else?”

“I do indeed have a matter to discuss.” Cheng Shuo glanced around to make sure that there were no listening ears, then approached Qin Xiao and stopped just across the table from him. He chuckled sheepishly: “My Lord, when you ordered me to lie in ambush on the Daxing Plains, didn’t you give me a repeating crossbow?”

To prevent the Sai Kingdom Army from launching a surprise attack on the supply camp, Qin Xiao had sent Cheng Shuo to lie in wait for them.

And rather than telling him to rejoin them afterward, Qin Xiao instructed him to proceed ahead to the Daxing Plains, closer to the border of the Sai Kingdom, and prepare an ambush. Just in case, Qin Xiao had handed over to him the repeating crossbow Qin Chuan had given him.

This repeating crossbow had a long range, could fire multiple arrows in quick succession, and was compact in size. For Cheng Shuo, who was accustomed to close-quarters combat, this crossbow perfectly compensated for his weaknesses in long-range skirmishes.

He had killed many enemies with this repeating crossbow on the plains, and even wounded one of Moba Zanpu’s legs, making full use of the weapon’s capabilities.

Seeing Cheng Shuo’s expression now, Qin Xiao knew exactly what was on his mind.

He said with amusement: “There is currently only one of these. Once we produce more, this lord will give you a new one.”

“Excellent!” Cheng Shuo clapped his hands together, then said somewhat awkwardly: “Could I borrow this crossbow again for further study? My heart truly itches for it.”

As he spoke, his eyes drifted toward the bookshelf behind Qin Xiao. There was a box sitting on it, which contained the crossbow and bolts.

This person, just like Qin Chuan, had a passion for weapons.

When Qin Jingzhao still lived, he would give any rare bladed weapons or bows and arrows he acquired to Cheng Shuo.

And naturally, if Cheng Shuo obtained anything good, he would always send it to the Qin family.

Qin Xiao’s first set of writing implements was a gift from his grandfather, Grand Commandant Qin, and his second set had been a gift from Cheng Shuo.

After Qin Xiao’s parents passed away, the relationship between him and Cheng Shuo grew more distant. Bringing him on the campaign this time was partly for the purpose of mending their relationship, as well as giving Cheng Shuo an opportunity to earn merit.

Noticing how Cheng Shuo’s mind was entirely focused on the crossbow, Qin Xiao smiled and said: “Go ahead, but don’t damage it.”

“Sure thing, I guarantee that I won’t damage it,” Cheng Shuo said, happily rushing over to retrieve the weapon.

Qin Xiao looked back down at the memorials on the table.

They contained reports from subordinates who had investigated various villages and cities in the Sai Kingdom, covering everything from local customs and traditions to the private opinions of the common people regarding the Great Ning Dynasty.

All of this information would be of help to the officials who remained here to manage affairs.

As he was reading, he suddenly heard something whoosh through the air.

Qin Xiao’s eyes narrowed sharply. He instantly jumped to his feet, dodging the arrow shooting toward him from behind.

But as he dodged one arrow, another one followed on its tail and pierced directly into Qin Xiao’s chest.

Following the dull sound of flesh and bone rending, the strong scent of blood filled the air.

A large patch of blood spread across Qin Xiao’s chest, and the force of the impact pushed him back two steps.

This crossbow was capable of firing six arrows in rapid succession, and at a very high speed.

And since the person wielding it was an experienced commander who could anticipate his movements, despite Qin Xiao’s  incredible skill, he couldn’t possibly move faster than a crossbow bolt.

Outside the study, Hu Fang had already reached the courtyard gate when his ears suddenly pricked up. His expression twisted, and he turned to hasten back into the courtyard.

Those around him were startled, and quickly followed suit.

Wang Pengyi wasn’t as quick as these martial arts practitioners, but he followed the others as fast as he could.

Inside the study, Qin Xiao had just dodged the fourth arrow when he managed to reach his spear.

Taking it in his hand, he hurled it with all his might.

The opponent didn’t pause, and sent the fifth and sixth arrows shooting toward Qin Xiao’s face in rapid succession.

At almost the same time, Hu Fang and several others burst into the study.

Before he could even get a clear look at the scene in front of him, Hu Fang took a few steps forward, pulled out the spear that Qin Xiao had embedded into a wall, and engaged Cheng Shuo in battle.

Based on their abilities, Hu Fang was the superior fighter.

However, Hu Fang was fifty years old, while Cheng Shuo was about ten years younger than him. Fortunately, getting his hands on Qin Xiao’s spear gave him the upper hand.

The others quickly gathered around Qin Xiao to hold him up. When Wang Pengyi entered the room and saw the crossbow bolt sticking out of Qin Xiao’s chest, his expression changed drastically and he immediately ran out to call in the accompanying military doctor.

The guards rushed in as well, and with great effort, they were able to pin Cheng Shuo firmly to the ground.

From beginning to end, Cheng Shuo didn’t speak a single word. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face was contorted in rage.

Qin Xiao covered the wound on his chest with one hand. His expression was calm almost to the point of indifference.

Without asking anyone to support him, he paced slowly over to Cheng Shuo and looked down at him from above.

“I never thought it would be you.”

Qin Xiao’s voice was completely devoid of emotion, as if he was simply stating an objective fact.

Cheng Shuo’s face was pressed against the ground. He strained to glare up at him, but could only glimpse the hem of the man’s robes.

Unlike Qin Xiao, Hu Feng was not so calm. Shaking with fury, he cursed: “You damn son of a bitch! How dare you betray the Qin family! Go to hell!”

These former members of the Qin Family Army had all received benefits from the Qin family.

Even though they had now been assigned to military camps in different locations, they still remembered the kindness of Grand Commandant Qin, and held deep affection for Qin Xiao, whom they had basically watched grow up.

He had been on his guard along the way, but Hu Fang had never suspected the former members of the Qin Family Army, nor could he have imagined that it would be Cheng Shuo who attacked Qin Xiao.

It must be known that Qin Xiao had shown Cheng Shuo exceptional care throughout the journey, giving him the best opportunities to distinguish himself and entrusting him with the most important tasks.

Helping to conquer half of the Western Regions was a tremendous achievement, and upon his return to the capital, Cheng Shuo would be granted at least a third-rank title, or perhaps even second-rank.

And if Qin Xiao was a little more assertive, he might even elevate him to nobility.

He already held a high position at the age of thirty-eight, and if he assisted Bai Lihong with stabilizing the political situation later on, his future would be boundless.

It was impossible for Cheng Shuo to not understand something so obvious.

Therefore, his actions toward Qin Xiao truly defied belief, and nobody had seen it coming.

Despite the curses being hurled his way by Hu Fang, Cheng Shuo remained silent.

“Speak up! Who fucking ordered you to hurt Ning-wang!” Hu Fang stomped down hard on the other’s back.

Cheng Shuo gritted his teeth, letting out a muffled groan.

Qin Xiao watched on coldly.

Despite the throbbing pain of the wound on his chest, which caused him to break out in a cold sweat, and despite the strong taste of blood flooding his mouth and difficulty breathing, his tone remained level: “Take him away for interrogation. Torture is permitted.”

*

*

On the ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, Chu Jiubian was awake before dawn.

The previous morning, news had arrived from the Northwest that all of the necessary people had been notified, and that they would all be at the foot of the sacred mountain before dawn on the ninth day.

The letter was written by Qin Xiao himself, but the handwriting was somewhat delicate, lacking the strong, forceful strokes of his previous writing.

Chu Jiubian selectively ignored this aberration and tried not to think about it.

But the nagging suspicion continued to resurface in his mind, bothering him incessantly.

After finishing his breakfast, Chu Jiubian walked out of the palace hall.

Xiao Yinzi draped a fur cloak over his shoulders and walked quietly at his side.

Chu Jiubian stood beneath a pavilion, calculating the time as he gazed out at the slowly brightening sky.

The sun came up earlier in the capital city than in the Northwest, and by now, everyone should have already gathered at the foot of that sacred mountain in the Sai Kingdom.

“System,” he said, “Prepare the special effects.”

[Okay, Host. Preparations complete.]

He had put together the visual effects days ago, and all the System needed to do was project them to the designated location.

But after some thought, Chu Jiubian feared that something might go wrong, and wanted to see it himself so that he could feel at ease.

Thus, he asked the System: “Am I able to watch the special effects?”

[Host, we have already rehearsed and modified 36 versions of the special effects inside the Divine Realm. You have also viewed the finished version over 10 times.]

“But I still need to see if it achieves the desired result, don’t I? Otherwise, wouldn’t this just be a waste of my Faith Points?” Chu Jiubian wore an unconcerned expression even as he haggled with the System in his mind. “If you keep being like this, I won’t dare to buy any more expensive and impractical features from you again.”

The System kept silent for a moment, as if it was analyzing his words.

Approximately thirty seconds later, it spoke again: [Ten points. No haggling.]

Chu Jiubian said: “Can the perspective be adjusted according to my preferences?”

[Only within the vicinity of the special effects.]

After a moment’s thought, Chu Jiubian gave a decisive nod: “Deal.”

The System seemed to be surprised that he would spend ten points just to view the special effects.

It lagged for a second before saying: [The special effects will be deployed in ten seconds at the break of dawn.]

[Countdown commencing. 10, 9, 8…..]

A screen the size of a 60-inch television had already unfolded in front of Chu Jiubian.

Xiao Yinzi beside him, as well as the other palace servants in the courtyard, were unable to see it. They only thought that their young master was blankly staring into space.

Chu Jiubian stared at the screen, and with a single thought, the image switched to numerous angles.

He saw the snow-capped sacred mountain, the magnificent temples built on nearby peaks, and the faintly visible towns in the distance.

Looking down, he saw hundreds of people packed together at the foot of the mountain.

These people were wearing traditional local clothing, and the fur coats and tall boots looked very warm. 

But most of the common people were wearing dark, coarse garments in either deep blue or black, while several rows of religious leaders dressed in crimson monastic garb stood at the very front of the crowd.

All of these men were bald, with prayer beads around their necks and rosaries in their hands. Their expressions were haughty and aloof, as if they considered nothing and no one worthy of their attention.

Shoulders hunched, the common people eyed the soldiers of the Great Ning Army who had formed a distant ring around them, feeling a certain degree of resentment in their hearts.

“I wonder why these Great Ning people called us out in such freezing weather.”

“Shh, we’re citizens of Great Ning now. Be careful, or that official might cut out your tongue.”

“I didn’t say anything wrong. Why would he cut my tongue out?”

“Haven’t you heard, ah? That Lord Ning-wang subjected someone to the punishment of lingchi! He even wiped out the Sai Kingdom’s royal family without leaving a single survivor, calling it ‘pulling up the roots.’”

“He’s that terrifying?” One of the commoners shuddered, adding, “But we have the Buddhist Masters standing in front of us, so there’s no reason to be afraid.”

Everyone turned to look at the crimson-clad religious leaders at the front.

These Buddhist Masters, with their calm and composed demeanors, possessed an air of unflappability even in the face of adversity, which greatly reassured the common people.

“That’s right, we have the blessings of the gods, and we still have our faith leaders. Surely Ning-wang wouldn’t dare to kill us indiscriminately, lest his soul be damned!”

As they listened to the whispers of the crowd, the Buddhist Masters’ expressions grew even colder and more aloof.

No matter what the Great Ning Army intended to do, and no matter whether they used threats or coercion, they would not change their stance.

Even now that this half of the Western Regions had been conquered, it was still necessary for these Buddhist Masters to remain in control. How could the people of Great Ning ever understand how to govern this land properly?

Voices from that far away couldn’t be heard in the video, but Chu Jiubian was only checking to make sure enough people had arrived, as well as taking a quick look at Qin Xiao’s condition.

There were enough commoners and Buddhist Masters present by now, and with these people as witnesses, his plans would proceed more smoothly.

Chu Jiubian kept switching the camera angle, and finally spotted a tall, imposing figure.

The man was dressed in all black, with a thick fur cloak draped over his shoulders. Such garb made his facial features seem sharper and more defined, and emphasized the paleness of his complexion, which was almost completely devoid of color.

Chu Jiubian’s fingertips trembled slightly.

The person in the image seemed to sense something, and his sharp eyes suddenly turned in the direction of the camera.

In that instant, Chu Jiubian felt his heart rate quicken by half a beat.

At the same time, the sun rose behind the mountains, and the first rays of sunlight fell upon the snow-capped peak, casting over it a shimmering glow.

Qin Xiao squinted his eyes, momentarily distracted.

Bathed in sunlight, the golden mountain was like something out of a dream.

Just then, he saw something emerge from the shadows.

He gradually realized what it was, and his pupils constricted sharply.

That was an actual giant golden dragon!

Slowly emerging from the interplay of light and shadow, it stopped only when it reached the summit of the sacred mountain. It circled the peak and let out a roar that seemed to ring out from the distant past, its lingering echo sending chills down one’s spine.

Those at the foot of the sacred mountain stood in stunned awe, and even the Great Ning soldiers on the scene stared in astonishment.

“Good heavens! That’s a dragon!” Someone shouted abruptly, and the crowd erupted into a frenzy.

“It’s a dragon! It’s really a dragon!”

“A divine dragon has descended! A divine dragon, ah! The heavens are watching over our land!”

These elders and respected figures who were highly esteemed among the common people knelt down one after another and bowed their heads in reverence.

The arrogant Buddhist Masters, with their crimson robes flapping in the wind, forgot the scriptures they were reciting and stared in shock and alarm at the colossal dragon that was almost half as large as the mountain.

Sunlight cast a brilliant golden glow across the snow-capped peak, which blended in seamlessly with the long, winding mountain range in a dazzling spectacle.

But nobody dared to blink. They all stared intently, fearful of missing a single thrilling moment and regretting it for the rest of their lives.

After the golden dragon circled the peak twice, an ethereal voice suddenly echoed from the sky: “This god bestows his blessings and protection upon Great Ning!”

The voice was cool and illusory, and exuded an intangible sense of pressure, like a young deity looking down upon the mortal world from on high.

With such an auspicious sign appearing atop the sacred mountain, not just the common people, but even the Buddhist Masters were willing to bow their heads in reverence, their eyes filled with piety and fervor.

Immediately after Great Ning conquered the Western Regions, a god bestowed his blessings upon the region from their sacred mountain. What did this signify?

Naturally, this indicated that Great Ning would enjoy a period of prosperity, ah!

First there was the Grand Tutor, Chu Jiubian, who was rumored to be the incarnation of the Sacred Star god. Then came the High Priest in the Northern Desert who bestowed knowledge through dreams, and now there was a golden dragon upon the sacred mountain, bringing with it heavenly blessings.

All of this pointed to one conclusion – the ruler of Great Ning was truly ordained by heaven!

These Buddhist Masters, who so arrogantly considered themselves to be “the closest to the gods,” had looked down on those rumors from Great Ning about the incarnation of a deity, believing it to be a mere political tactic used to deceive the public.

Now, they were completely convinced that those rumors were based in fact.

Great Ning was truly blessed by the gods.

With such a large ship available, only a fool would hesitate to buy a ticket and jump onboard.

The common people were unaware of such intricacies. They only knew that Great Ning was blessed with good fortune and godly protection – and this god had even manifested himself!

Being a resident of Great Ning would truly be a wonderful thing.

Even those Buddhist Masters who possessed certain means to exert their control over the public lost their air of superiority and willingly submitted to this divine miracle. And subsequently, to the Great Ning Imperial Court.

As long as the Imperial Court didn’t completely revoke their power and cut off their benefits, they would wholeheartedly support Great Ning’s rule.

Of course, in the wake of this incident, even if Great Ning decided to withdraw such privileges, they wouldn’t dare speak up.

And it wasn’t just the people of the Sai Kingdom who were affected. Even the Great Ning soldiers nearby had gone weak-legged and almost collapsed to their knees.

Fortunately, Qin Xiao had declared beforehand that anyone who made a misstep at this crucial moment would be fined a portion of their salary and bonuses.

Therefore, despite their fear and shock, they all managed to keep from kneeling down in reverence. This gave them the appearance of being worldly and knowledgeable, and set them apart from the rest. 

Seeing all of this, the people of the Western Regions couldn’t help but wonder if citizens of Great Ning witnessed such miracles regularly. Otherwise, why wouldn’t they be more amazed?

If that was the case, then by joining Great Ning, would they also be able to see such miracles in the future?

Qin Xiao stood at the rear of the crowd, watching this scene from a distance.

So this was the method used by the Sacred Star God?

But the voice that spoke just now didn’t belong to Chu Jiubian.

Without blinking once, he watched as the golden dragon swam through the air toward the rising sun, then vanished into its brilliant light.

The special effects ended, and the screen shut off.

Chu Jiubian blinked his eyes, but it seemed as if he could still see that person’s pale face, as well as the profound melancholy in his eyes.

*

*

On the twelfth day of the twelfth month, Chu Jiubian received a letter from the Northwest.

Qin Xiao reported that a plan had been established for the continued management of the Sai Kingdom, and that Wang Pengyi and Hu Fang would stay behind to handle the follow-up matters.

When he had people at his disposal after the Imperial Examinations, he would also send them to take over affairs there.

The Great Ning Army had already set off in preparation to return to the capital. Qin Xiao and twenty guards had departed ahead of them, and hoped to arrive in the capital before the end of the month.

The handwriting still had flair, the brushstrokes sharp and powerful, but the force behind the writing was still lighter than in previous letters.

Chu Jiubian stared at it fixedly for some time before finally placing it into the System’s inventory.

The next morning, all of the examination papers were delivered to Chu Jiubian from various prefectures.

In the main room of Yangxin Hall.

The young emperor sat in the main seat, reading the “Complete Guide to Basic Knowledge for Children” that Xiansheng had given him. It contained many interesting facts, such as the earth being round and that humans had evolved from monkeys. The child had been completely engrossed in it for the past few days.

Meanwhile, Chu Jiubian was reviewing the exam papers of candidates from various regions.

There were a total of 199 submissions, which the examiners had already reviewed and selected.

In order to avoid misjudging them, these people had set aside some of the more difficult papers and sent them to the capital for Chu Jiubian to review personally.

However, Chu Jiubian had been extremely busy lately, and with the New Year approaching, the vassal kings were also about to arrive.

Nanjiang’s Main Stronghold was capable of managing affairs there, so Nanjiang-wang’s entire family of four were coming to the capital.

The Situ siblings, traveling alongside their parents, conducted business throughout their journey.

Situ Zhaoling’s business acumen had kicked in at last, and everywhere she went, she found ways to advertise Nanjiang silk. As a result, even before her arrival in the Central Plains, the reputation of Nanjiang silk had already spread throughout the south.

The other vassal kings were also on their way.

Even Dingbei-wang Bai Liyu, who had previously been captured by the enemy, had no more worries after the conclusion of the war and had thus set off for the capital. 

Anhuai-wang Bai Liming, whose fiefdom was located in Henan, would be arriving the day after next. This person had previously considered taking advantage of the flooding in Hexi Prefecture to fish in troubled waters, but Qin Xiao hadn’t given him a chance.

Due to all of this, Chu Jiubian simply did not have the time to review the exam papers right away. He could only place them into the System’s inventory and find time to look at a few of them whenever he could.

Therefore, the next round of examinations would have to be scheduled for after the New Year.

The most important matters at hand were the arrival of the vassal kings in the capital, as well as…..

Chu Jiubian raised his eyes toward the Northwest.

In a few days, Qin Xiao would return.

In the original story, Qin Xiao had returned to the capital grievously wounded, to the point that he was almost unable to be saved. However, the news circulating in the capital at present was that Qin Xiao was returning victorious and in excellent health.

He was even in such good physical condition that he was able to return ahead of the main army.

In the message Chu Jiubian had received, Qin Xiao had made no mention of an injury, and simply stated that he was “safe and sound.”

But Chu Jiubian still felt uneasy.

The plot had changed considerably from its original state, but when it came to Qin Xiao’s campaign in the Northwest, there were no changes at all other than the fact that it had happened a year ahead of time.

Could it be that because of this one-year head start, neither Dingbei-wang nor Moba Zanpu had enough time to prepare, which had allowed Qin Xiao to escape harm?

Or perhaps Qin Xiao had been injured, but not so seriously?

With this in mind, Chu Jiubian had to face the fact that each letter had been written in increasingly shaky handwriting, which confirmed that Qin Xiao was indeed injured.

And that injury was likely getting worse.

“Xiansheng.”

The child’s voice rang out, causing Chu Jiubian to snap out of his thoughts and look up: “What is it?”

Bai Lihong cupped his chubby little face in his hands and asked: “Is Xiansheng worried about Jiujiu?”

Chu Jiubian hesitated briefly before saying: “I’m not.”

“Then why did Xiansheng sigh?”

Had he sighed?

Unwilling to argue with the child, Chu Jiubian said: “Continue your reading.”

The child blinked his big, round eyes. Since Chu Jiubian didn’t want to talk, he obediently ceased questioning him, and would only occasionally shoot him a worried look.

Chu Jiubian was a little bit flustered, and stared at the densely-written words on an exam paper without comprehending any of it.

Given the current situation in the capital, as the Grand Tutor assisting in governance, he possessed authority.

The young emperor trusted him and relied upon him, and the Qin family naturally had his back, which afforded him influence.

The Imperial Examinations had reached the final stage, and many talents had already emerged. This put many capable people in his hands.

With authority, influence, and people at his disposal, as well as money to spend, it seemed that he no longer needed Qin Xiao at all.

If Qin Xiao was destined to be a villain, and they were ultimately going to end up on completely opposite sides, now was the best time to eliminate him.

However, such authority and influence had been handed over to him by Qin Xiao.

Although Chu Jiubian could admit that he wasn’t a good person, he…..

He closed his eyes and put such things out of his mind. Any further considerations could wait until Qin Xiao returned.

Two days passed.

It was the fifteenth day of the twelfth month.

On this day, Anhuai-wang Bai Liming, accompanied by his advisor Jiang Yongshou, arrived in the capital and paid his respects to the emperor.

---

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Chapter 67 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 69

Ch 25 – Discovered

Upon sobering up, Curtis hissed and rubbed his temples: “Did that group of bastards not get me to a medical pod?”

“What group of bastards?” An all-too-familiar voice rang out from beside him.

Curtis felt his blood freeze in an instant, and his headache seemed to vanish.

Curtis immediately jolted to his feet and stared at the man sitting at his bedside: “Father.”

The man looked at Curtis with golden eyes, and gave a mild ‘hm.’ “You’re awake, Fetus.”

Curtis: “Uh…..what?”

“You don’t seem to be very happy with your mother or I. Perhaps we should talk about it.” The man crossed his legs and leaned back, placing his arms on the armrests. “Fetus.”

Curtis was very afraid of his father, but he really couldn’t understand why he was calling him ‘fetus.’ He asked very cautiously, only to hear the Supreme Governor scoff.

“I have failed in my duty as a father. I didn’t even know my child’s real name,” said the man.

Curtis: “Real name?”

“Please have a seat, Fetus.” The man gestured for him to sit.

Curtis was at a loss, but he still sat down quietly.

Once he was seated, the man turned on his personal datapad and played a video recording.

Curtis’s emotions shifted from confusion to shock, and in the end, he stayed silent.

What else could he do? He couldn’t very well lose his temper in front of his father.

“Oh, that’s right, Fetus. Your mother has a similar recording.” The man opened the video his wife had sent to him. “You seem to have a deep obsession with the word ‘fetus.’”

Curtis noticed something: “Why did the man who greeted you in the first video disappear in the second one?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps he was embarrassed.” The man was very curious about this. “Are you not embarrassed?”

Curtis lowered his head in embarrassment.

“In the interest of respecting your choice, your name is now officially Fetus. Congratulations.” The man clapped expressionlessly.

Curtis took a deep breath: “I want revenge.”

The man: “On me and your mother?”

“Of course not. I respect you both.” Curtis deflated.

“Respect, ah….” the man drawled.

Curtis hunched his shoulders and waited in silence.

He waited for a long time, but the man didn’t say a word. Curtis felt his heart beating faster and faster.

Finally, the man let out a cold scoff. Curtis trembled and shut his eyes, but the man was already getting up to leave. “Don’t cause me any unnecessary trouble. I don’t want to see news reports of the Supreme Governor’s son bullying others.”

“Yes, Father,” Curtis replied hastily.

The man left and Curtis rolled out of bed with a hiss, clutching his head.

A nanny robot rushed in and helped Curtis into a medical pod.

Curtis thought back to what he’d experienced before passing out. He thought of Sarah, whom he met yesterday, and recalled the words he spoke to him and the comfort he offered.

Finally, he came to the conclusion that he had made a mess of things all because of that damn Sarah!

Curtis hadn’t been in his right mind. What the hell was that person trying to persuade him to do, ah?! Now look at what happened. His name had been changed.

His parents were angry at the moment, so he would have to wait a while before trying to appease them and get them to change his name back.

That was to say, he would have to live under the name “Fetus” for some time.

Lying in the medical pod, Curtis abruptly slammed his hand against the door at this thought.

A pop-up from the system warned him to cease his aggressive behavior. Curtis now had another wound, and his treatment time would be extended.

Curtis asked which planet he was on. He had gotten a bad feeling after hearing his father’s voice. Sure enough, he was now on the capital planet, and the Supreme Governor had issued an order that Curtis was to remain there for a full month.

The Supreme Governor still believed that Curtis would go out and arbitrarily cause trouble.

Curtis behaved himself and kept his mouth shut.

But the Supreme Governor was correct. Curtis would not swallow this insult. He had to go out and find out who those three people were.

Yu Xi and his group had fled, planning to leave for a while, change their starship’s paint job, and then return under different identities. Yu Xi really liked that planet, and wanted to go back for another visit.

Tau had closed himself away. He knew that the young master was stupid, but he hadn’t expected him to be that stupid.

Would he only be able to live as ‘Fetus’ from now on? He was a disgrace to his father.

Tau completed his craft project while in seclusion, but his expression was so fierce that Yu Xi couldn’t help but ask what was on his mind when he stopped by.

“I want to eliminate Curtis,” said Tau.

Yu Xi gasped: “Heavens, isn’t he your young master?”

“Illegitimates have no young masters. They only recognize one master.” Kersz approached with a glass of chocolate milk and leaned against the doorframe as he explained to Yu Xi: “Their good attitude toward their master’s family members is purely for their master’s sake. They don’t actually hold much affection for those people.”

Yu Xi understood: “So to him, Mr. Fetus is a stain on his master?”

Kersz: “You changed how you address him pretty quickly.”

“But yes, to him, that brat is just a stain he wants to erase.” Kersz nodded.

“But didn’t you want to make contact with him?” Yu Xi asked. 

After all, the probability of them randomly selecting a planet and encountering the Supreme Governor’s youngest son was extremely low.

Curtis was a member of that establishment, and Kersz must have found out.

“I wanted to make contact, but not like that.” Kersz had thought that they could go there often to have fun, so that Yu Xi could meet other humans and cheer up. He could also slowly become friends with Curtis over time.

Being too enthusiastic from the start would only arouse suspicion.

Of course, there was no need to think about it any longer. It was over.

“Do you think he’s angry with me?” Yu Xi asked.

Kersz and Tau exchanged glances.

Yu Xi blinked his eyes nervously.

Kersz: “Trust me, he absolutely wants to kill us.”

Tau: “He’s no good. He’s an impulsive bastard who’s always getting into trouble.”

Kersz: “I’ve looked into him, and this guy has been getting up to no good since childhood.”

Tau: “He is subservient to his father, but once he’s out of his father’s sight, he just does whatever he wants.”

Yu Xi understood: “So he holds a grudge against me?”

Tau and Kersz nodded.

Yi Xi was somewhat depressed: “But I didn’t do anything to him.”

“That’s just how he is…..eh?” Before Kersz could finish speaking, Yu Xi moved closer and hugged him.

Kersz hesitated for a moment, then hugged Yu Xi back: “This is a little sudden.”

“It is? But this makes me feel very safe.” This was the latest thing Yu Xi had discovered that made him happy – a nice, tight hug.

“Has anyone ever told you that your hugs are especially unique?” Yu Xi asked Kersz.

“No.” Kersz felt his face heating up. He didn’t think his hugs were anything special. His mind worked quickly, and he realized that Yu Xi might not be referring to his hugs, but to the idea that he was rather different from others.

Kersz let out a cough, somewhat bewildered.

Yu Xi listened quietly as Kersz’s heartbeat quicked, and he felt more at ease.

“It doesn’t matter if he hates me. I can just change my face and identity, and even if we meet again, he won’t be able to recognize me.” Yu Xi felt that his true self wasn’t the object of that hatred, but rather the identity he wore.

“Yes, once you change your identity, no one will recognize you.” Kersz nodded.

“But I need some time to prepare…..I’ll need a completely different face, and I’ll also need to make a minor adjustment to my height.” Yu Xi was very vigilant. He knew that Kersz would eventually seek Curtis out, so he needed to be on guard and avoid too much contact with the young master.

Just to be on the safe side, they orbited the planet a few times, and each of them chose a new appearance before re-entering Daybreak.

They once again chose the same city. It was clear that Kersz had plans for Curtis. Yu Xi didn’t inquire, but he knew that the two individuals needed to maintain a certain distance to allow each other some breathing room.

They heard a commotion upon disembarking from the starship, and when they took a closer look, they found two people fighting.

And when they looked even closer, one of the combatants happened to be Curtis.

Tau sent Kersz a wary look.

“I really had nothing to do with this.” Kersz was very helpless. “How was I supposed to know he would come to the spaceport, ah? There’s no way I could have tracked him.”

Tau started to refute him, but then he suddenly sucked in a deep breath, his eyes flaring wide.

Kersz saw his expression and had a bad premonition.

Sure enough, when he slowly turned his head, Yu Xi had already walked in between Curtis and the man he had beaten.

However, Yu Xi reacted quickly this time. Realizing that he had become too engrossed in the show, he started to back away.

“Wait a minute, you.” Curtis put a hand on Yu Xi’s shoulder.

Yu Xi immediately found an excuse: “Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going and walked right between you two. I’ll move out of the way.”

“Hold up.” Curtis didn’t let go. “You just happened to wander over here?”

Yu Xi nodded repeatedly.

Curtis: “Why do I feel like you were watching us fight? You seem really familiar to me, just like a former…..friend.” He stared intently at Yu Xi.

Yu Xi didn’t dare look him in the eye: “I-I’m not.”

“Speaking of which, it’s strange. I simply haven’t been able to find my friend’s whereabouts,” said Curtis.

“Mind letting him go?” Kersz asked, stepping forward.

Tau followed right behind him.

“Three people?!” Curtis didn’t release his grip. “None of you are allowed to leave! You must be undercover agents who infiltrated Daybreak! A thorough investigation is in order!”

He waved his hand, and guards immediately came over and restrained the three of them.

Curtis had the guards take them in to be investigated. Kersz wasn’t worried, because he knew that Yu Xi’s technology was thousands of years ahead of this world’s, and that they wouldn’t be able to find fault with them. 

Yu Xi, on the other hand, was terrified. He had never been escorted by security before.

“Could you be a little gentler with him?” Kersz asked, somewhat dissatisfied.

“Why should we be gentler with him? Because he suffered from radiation sickness as a child? Because he’s just so pitiful?” Curtis asked sarcastically.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about! I know who you are! You’re the Supreme Governor’s son, aren’t you? This is an abuse of power! We haven’t committed any crimes! Why are you taking us to be investigated?!” Kersz struggled violently, and the guards restrained him even tighter.

Tau put up no resistance due to being deep in his own persona. He was now a timid teacher, so he attempted to reason with the guards while calming Yu Xi and Kersz down.

They were sent for a thorough inspection, and just as Kersz expected, no problems were detected with any of them.

Kersz demanded an apology from Curtis, while Tau played a supporting role, saying “It’s fine, it’s fine.” Yu Xi still looked quite frightened.

Were there really no problems with them? How were they able to pass inspection?

“Are you sure there’s nothing wrong with them?” Curtis asked the detection robot.

“There are no problems, Mr. Fetus.” The robot was very well-mannered.

Curtis turned to look at Yu Xi.

Yu Xi blinked, looking somewhat aggrieved.

Curtis: “Did you hear what it just called me?”

Yu Xi nodded.

Curtis took a step closer: “Then why aren’t you laughing, ah?” he asked through gritted teeth.

Yu Xi: “Ah?”

“Everyone! Everyone who hears my name bursts out laughing! Do you know why I punched that guy? Because he couldn’t hold back his laughter!” Curtis pushed his face closer to Yu Xi’s, and Yu Xi shrank back.

“Why aren’t you laughing?” Curtis asked in a level tone.

“Can there not be good people in this world?” Kersz appeared even more agitated.

“I don’t believe you people. Even though you look completely different and you don’t seem to be the same height.”

Curtis gritted his teeth: “It’s just too bizarre. I’ve beaten up so many people over the years, and only twice has someone stood between me and the person I beat up, striking that same ‘spectator’ pose.”

“Just passing by? I don’t think so. You were mesmerized, weren’t you?” Curtis continued to move closer to Yu Xi, who avoided his gaze.

Yu Xi’s guilty conscience was becoming increasingly difficult to conceal. Despite Kersz’s continued assertions that he was frightening Yu Xi, and that this was causing his current state, Curtis trusted his intuition.

“Too strange,” Curtis said.

Yu Xi inched away in small, quick steps, but Curtis continued to position himself in front of him.

Yu Xi turned away again, and Curtis mirrored him accordingly: “Really too strange.”

“Okay, I apologize. To express my remorse, how about I give you a tour around the city?” Curtis was certain that he had caught this person red-handed. There was definitely something wrong with him.

“Sure thing.” Kersz pulled Yu Xi in front of him and traced a finger over his back a few times. Yu Xi discovered that he was writing in the script of the ancient humans, asking if he had the ability to get them away despite the heavy guard.

Yu Xi nodded slightly. They could return to the starship.

“You think we’re the people who made you change your name to ‘Fetus?’” Kersz suddenly raised this topic again.

Curtis smiled, but halfway through his smile, Kersz punched him in the face.

This round was a wash. Time to reload and try again.

---

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Chapter 24 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 26

Ch. 92 – A Compelling Reason

After leaving his dormitory, Feng Ye walked straight forward for some time before looking back.

He had walked so far, but that persistent shadow had not followed him like he usually did.

Hao Chen has probably realized my identity to some extent, thought Feng Ye.

After all, the excuse he gave for his sudden bout of unconsciousness the day before had absolutely no credibility.

It was just unclear exactly how much Hao Chen had discovered.

Feng Ye recalled his recent dream. Hao Chen must have realized he was trapped in a nightmare and used some means to connect with his dream realm.

However, Hao Chen hadn’t seen him in that dream. Feng Ye had seen the peng bird high above, but he himself was out of sight in the depths of the dark abyss.

Therefore, Feng Ye wasn’t entirely sure how much Hao Chen had guessed about his identity.

He would set the question aside for now, and see how Hao Chen reacted when he returned later.

His attention then turned to another issue. Come to think of it, he seemed to owe Hao Chen quite a few favors.

Although the dream was ultimately shattered by Feng Ye himself, and the peng bird that stirred up the hurricane was only able to offer minimal help.

But aside from his assistance in the dream, the expensive robes he was wearing had been a gift from Hao Chen. Feng Ye had said that he would pay him back, but hadn’t done so yet, and the debt of gratitude he owed the other party was growing.

As someone in debt, he probably shouldn’t have kicked Hao Chen off the bed like that.

Feng Ye ran the scene just now through his head again and immediately contradicted himself.

No, no, it really couldn’t be helped.

Despite the many favors he owed, if Feng Ye was given the chance again, he would still kick that fat, slanderous fish back into the water.

When he first caught sight of Hao Chen’s grim, resentful expression, Feng Ye really thought he had done something to him while unconscious.

But as it turned out, it was only a harmless kiss on the cheek. Hao Chen probably hadn’t even felt it through his thick skin.

Yet he still had the nerve to ask Feng Ye to take responsibility?

In addition, he only had Hao Chen’s word to go on regarding the kiss, and it might not even have happened.

Feng Ye came to a decision – he would definitely repay his debts, but he wouldn’t change his attitude toward Hao Chen.

One thing at a time.

With his mind made up, Feng Ye quickened his pace and made his way to Fang Yang’s dorm.

Before he could knock, the door opened.

Fang Yang was rather surprised to see Feng Ye upon opening the door, and exclaimed: “Shixiong?”

“En,” Feng Ye responded. Seeing that Fang Yang was preparing to leave, he asked, “Where are you going?”

“Oh, I’m going to have a look at the Jianmu fragment.” Fang Yang exited the room and closed the door behind him, suggesting to Feng Ye, “Shixiong, do you want to come with me?”

Have a look at the Jianmu fragment?

What was going on? Completely nonplussed, Feng Ye followed Fang Yang.

Fang Yang explained as they walked: “Just yesterday, didn’t Yinglong return the Jianmu fragment to Sect Leader Ji?”

Having said this, he suddenly remembered: “Right, you fainted yesterday, so you probably don’t know what happened.”

Thus, Fang Yang decided to explain from the beginning.

Feng Ye immediately stopped him. Fang Yang could do whatever he wanted – aside from being a storyteller. His stories lacked focus and never overlooked trivial details, which inevitably turned a short tale into a lengthy, tedious slog.

He would normally be fine with wasting time listening to information he already knew, but Feng Ye was eager to know what was going on with Jianmu, so he came up with an excuse: “Hao Chen already told me.”

“Oh, I see,” Fang Yang said knowingly.

He then continued: “After Yinglong handed the Jianmu fragment to Sect Leader Ji, the dead wood sprouted again.”

Feng Ye nodded. He knew this already. That withered fragment had absorbed his divine power, which allowed it to regain its vitality.

“Before, everyone thought Yinglong cut down Jianmu to prevent mortals from ascending to the heavens, but now, it seems that wasn’t the case. But nobody can guess why he actually did it.” Fang Yang shrugged. He had tried to think it through, but couldn’t make sense of Yinglong’s unpredictable behavior.

Feng Ye remained silent.

“But in any case, he personally handed the Jianmu fragment to Sect Leader Ji, which should mean that mortals are allowed to plant it. It has already sprouted, and while such a divine tree won’t immediately die without soil, Sect Leader Ji planted it as a precaution in the main square. There’s an array protecting the Jianmu sprout, but everyone wants to see it up close. I plan to take a look too,” Fang Yang concluded.

So that’s how it is. No wonder Fang Yang was leading him toward the main square.

Feng Ye had no more questions, but Fang Yang did.

“Shixiong?”

“En?” Feng Ye sent Fang Yang an inquiring look. Why did this silly boy look so preoccupied?

“Yesterday, I…..” Fang Yang hesitated, but quickly made up his mind and said: “Yesterday, I used the God-Summoning Token I got in North Sea City….and summoned Yinglong.”

Feng Ye could vaguely guess what Fang Yang wanted to ask, but he still feigned ignorance. He donned a wistful expression: “You really are lucky. You were able to find Ice Grass by the river before, and now you even summoned Yinglong with an unnamed God-Summoning Token.”

Fang Yang shook his head vigorously when he heard this: “That’s not true.”

He fixed his gaze on Feng Ye, observing the changes in his shixiong’s expression: “The token didn’t originally have a name on it, but when I used it yesterday, a name suddenly appeared at the end of the incantation.”

He was certain that Yinglong’s name had not been on the token when he received it, and he had been keeping it in his storage bag. Only one other person had ever touched it.

Feng Ye.

Fang Yang didn’t want to suspect his Useless Shixiong, but he couldn’t help it. Useless Shixiong was the most likely perpetrator.

But he didn’t want his suspicion to hurt the other’s feelings, so rather than bringing it up directly, he decided to sound Feng Ye out in this not-so-clever way.

Feng Ye adopted a meditative expression: “How can this be?”

He looked even more puzzled than Fang Yang.

Fang Yang stared for a moment, then breathed out a sigh of relief.

Useless Shixiong was still the same as ever. He had nothing to do with that strange and unpredictable Yinglong, nor with the Mysterious Big Brother who spoke to him through the bamboo slip.

The Mysterious Big Brother…..who was also Yinglong.

Despite how unbelievable it was that the two were the same person, Fang Yang had no choice but to believe it.

Because the truth had been made very clear. The Mysterious Big Brother’s last words to him were “Call my divine name,” and that name was Yinglong.

Fang Yang had no idea why Yinglong would talk to him through the bamboo slip and even instruct him in swordsmanship.

If he were to tell anybody, they would probably think he was crazy.

And….although the Mysterious Big Brother was quite strict at times, when Fang Yang’s life was hanging by a thread, the other party always saved him.

Saved him, an ordinary human being.

This was entirely unlike that ruthless, savage God of War in the legends.

What secrets lay beyond the Jianmu incident, and what was the purpose behind Yinglong’s actions? Fang Yang couldn’t even begin to guess.

But yesterday, when Ji Chengyue asked him how he managed to summon Yinglong, Fang Yang didn’t tell him the full truth. He only let him know that he had used the unnamed God-Summoning Token, and concealed the fact that a name had appeared on it.

He had promised that he wouldn’t reveal the existence of the Mysterious Big Brother, and if he did tell the truth, Sect Leader Ji would suspect Useless Shixiong just like Fang Yang had.

So out of worry that Sect Leader Ji would make things difficult for Feng Ye, he said nothing.

But despite saying nothing, the thought lingered in his mind and kept him from sleeping well all night.

After much deliberation, he decided to just go ahead and ask him, lest his suspicions continue to grow stronger. If his Useless Shixiong was innocent, wouldn’t he be unjustly accusing him?

But things were fine now. Judging from the expression on Useless Shixiong’s face, he probably didn’t know anything about it.

It wasn’t like no one else could have made a change on the God-Summoning Token.

Adding his name to the token wouldn’t even make the Mysterious Big Brother break a sweat.

Fang Yang’s heart settled. He had gone to Feng Ye’s dorm early this morning specifically to get to the bottom of this, but it was inconvenient to ask when he found Feng Ye and Hao Chen lying together like that.

But now he had asked, and with the question resolved, he regained his usual high spirits.

“I don’t get it either. Maybe I remembered wrong,” Fang Yang said, putting an end to the topic.

He continued forward at a faster pace than before. He wanted to see the Jianmu sprout right away, but talking as he walked had slowed him down, and he hadn’t even covered half the distance yet.

Feng Ye followed close behind him, striding forward on his long legs. Looking at Fang Yang’s back, he couldn’t help but smile.

Although this silly boy had gotten a little smarter, he was still just as easily fooled.

Such obvious probing was far too easy for Feng Ye, whose ability to fabricate lies had increased drastically ever since meeting Hao Chen.

Since they were no longer talking, they moved at a faster pace and soon arrived at the main square.

A crowd three layers deep had already gathered there, all of them craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the sprout at the very center.

Ji Chengyue had the foresight to set up a barrier array five meters in diameter around the tender Jianmu sprout, otherwise it would have been trampled to death by this crowd.

The tree that reached the heavens would die under the feet of mortals.

If that happened, it would serve as a lesson for future generations to cherish the environment, Feng Ye mused, his thoughts running wild.

Fang Yang didn’t have such a wild imagination. Seeing how dense the crowd already was, he immediately joined in, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jianmu through the gaps.

Feng Ye didn’t follow him. Instead, he headed toward a secluded corner of the square.

Because that was where he spotted Hao Chen.

For some reason, Hao Chen had ended up here too. Although he had left later than him, Feng Ye had gone to find Fang Yang first and was delayed by their conversation on the way, so Hao Chen actually beat him here.

Hao Chen was leaning against a weathered tree to cool off in the shade. He didn’t join the crowd to view the Jianmu sprout, but stared in its direction without moving, as if lost in thought.

Even as Feng Ye approached him, his focus didn’t shift.

“What are you thinking about?” asked Feng Ye. The trunk of the tree was rather thick, and Feng Ye leaned against it next to Hao Chen.

“My lost innocence,” Hao Chen replied without turning his head.

Feng Ye: “…..”

He shouldn’t have asked.

Just as Feng Ye was covering his forehead in regret, Hao Chen suddenly said: “Tell me, why did Yinglong cut down Jianmu?”

As he spoke, he continued to stare in the direction of the Jianmu sprout. He sounded as if he was simply asking Feng Ye to help him brainstorm an answer to a problem.

Feng Ye froze for a moment, then smiled with a hint of self-deprication and gave the answer that was widely accepted as the truth: “Because he hated mortals disturbing the peace of the heavens.”

Upon hearing this, Hao Chen suddenly looked toward him and said: “I don’t think that’s the case.”

He had once held the same opinion, because the infamous God of War did seem like someone who was capable of doing such a thing.

But if Feng Ye was Yinglong, then it was absolutely impossible.

Feng Ye stared at Hao Chen in surprise, asking with a hint of intrigue: “Then why do you think he did it?”

“Everyone says that Yinglong is a cruel and savage demon, who kills without hesitation or mercy. But…..” 

Hao Chen observed Feng Ye’s expression as he spoke. When he saw Feng Ye’s straight, sword-like eyebrows twitch at this description, he became even more certain of his guess.

“If he really cut down Jianmu because he didn’t want mortals to ascend to the heavens, then why did he return the Jianmu sprout to Ji Chengyue yesterday? Destroying it completely would have been the ideal option for him. Plus, I don’t believe that the dead Jianmu fragment could have sprouted again without Yinglong’s help.”

Feng Ye’s expression was mild, as if this matter had nothing to do with him at all. He waited quietly for Hao Chen to continue.

Hao Chen went on: “Such behavior is contradictory. Ruling out the unlikely answer that Yinglong has lost his mind, this can only mean…..that there is another story behind what happened one hundred years ago, and that Yinglong’s destruction of Jianmu was not as it appeared. Perhaps he had a different, compelling reason to do so?”

He kept a close eye on Feng Ye’s expression as he made his guess.

Feng Ye didn’t notice the other’s focused gaze, nor did he respond. As Hao Chen spoke, he unconsciously lowered his eyes as he was embroiled in memories.

Why had Yinglong cut down Jianmu?

It was because…..

Something was wrong with it.

Jianmu was indeed a divine tree that connected two realms, but…..this connection was not solely between earth and the heavens.

It was also connected to the Emberless Horizon.

Having spent three hundred years in that place, Feng Ye still carried a vague connection to it even so long after his escape.

He was the first and only person to realize there was a problem with Jianmu.

This lush, colossal tree, though outwardly majestic, had long been eroded and hollowed out by the resentful energy of the Emberless Horizon.

As humans climbed along the exterior of Jianmu, creatures composed of that hatred and resentment advanced through the tree’s interior.

Humanity was ascending to the heavens, and so were demons.

When Feng Ye arrived, this was the scene he was presented with.

Once the passage between the Emberless Horizon and the heavens was opened, the resentment that had been accumulating there for thousands of years would surge into the celestial realm with a vengeance. 

Not only would the heavens be plunged into catastrophe, but the mortal realm, which was being used as a passage by those demons, would also be doomed.

The heavens had already been breached, and the situation left Feng Ye no room for hesitation.

Thus, Yinglong cut down Jianmu in the Eastern Sea.

He had shattered the ambition of reaching the heavens – not for the mortals, but for the demons of the Emberless Horizon.

Yet the consequences…..

The giant tree collapsed, heavenly fire fell to earth, and the mortal world was plunged into a fiery inferno.

Due to Jianmu’s collapse, the passage between the heavens and the mortal realm also closed. 

Standing amongst the clouds, Feng Ye could do nothing but watch this tragic scene unfold.

But he was unwilling to flinch away from what he had done, and continued to stand witness.

To others, it seemed as if he was watching it all indifferently.

They only saw this side of the god, and were unaware that when the passage finally closed, that god in the clouds closed his eyes as if he had finally been freed from torment.

This god was not omnipotent, and sometimes had to make impossible choices.

He had thought that the matter was over once Jianmu was destroyed. Other things kept him occupied, and he didn’t descend to the mortal realm to investigate further.

Unexpectedly, one hundred years later, he began to have recurring dreams.

The demons that sought to reach the heavens had not given up. The raging fire had consumed everything in its path, but it was unable to burn away their undying ambition.

After one hundred years, calamity had once again descended upon the world.

And in order to investigate and stop the other party, Feng Ye had come to the mortal world in person.

It was only at that time that he learned the story of Ling Yun planting Jianmu. Before this, he had only known that humans were responsible for planting it, but was unaware of the hardships and sacrifices involved.

There was nothing wrong with attempting to reach the heavens, and there was nothing wrong with planting Jianmu.

Jianmu was originally a ladder that existed to connect to the heavenly realm, but strangely, it also connected to the Emberless Horizon.

Something had gone wrong.

Feng Ye initially suspected that it was the heart placed amongst Jianmu’s roots. Humans were easily bewitched by such resentful creatures, and the human heart was extremely fickle.

But once he got his hands on the Jianmu fragment, he realized that things were not as they seemed.

There was nothing wrong with Jianmu itself, even if it was connected to a human heart.

Since Jianmu was not responsible for connecting itself to the Emberless Horizon, Feng Ye didn’t annihilate it.

He didn’t know if the deceased Ling Yun could be brought back to life with this fragment, but he was unwilling to crush Ji Chengyue’s hope.

This may indeed leave behind many hidden dangers, because as long as Jianmu existed, the ambition of those demons to reach the heavens would never die.

But something shouldn’t be completely erased from the world just because it could pose a danger.

Even without Jianmu, those demons would eventually find another way to reach the heavens.

Ultimately, Jianmu was just a tool.

Tools could not be good or bad, right or wrong.

Therefore, Feng Ye returned the withered Jianmu fragment to Ji Chengyue and used his divine power to make it sprout again.

Feng Ye was aware that this small compensation couldn’t make up for the past, but he still wanted to do it.

Feng Ye was quiet for a long stretch of time after Hao Chen posed his question, and just as the fish was about to get his attention, Feng Ye finally gave him an answer.

He chuckled softly and said: “Perhaps he did have a compelling reason.”

This time, his smile was no longer self-deprecating, and instead contained a hint of relief at finally being understood.

Even though he had never tried to defend his actions, deep down, he had always hoped that someone would understand him, if only just a little.

---

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Chapter 91 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 93

Chu Jiubian suddenly remembered something he had forgotten to tell Lu Yao. He didn’t re-summon him to the Divine Realm, for fear that Qin Chuan would knock him out again, but instead sent a golden dragon to deliver the message.

Therefore, as soon as Lu Yao sat up in bed, he saw a golden dragon enter through the window. Bringing with it clouds, mist, and a cool breeze, it let out a low growl before departing.

He also heard the message transmitted to him by the High Priest, which consisted of only a few words: [Be sure to get at least four hours of sleep every night.]

Qin Chuan naturally heard this too. Standing with his arms crossed, he looked at the person in front of him and said: “Did you hear that? The High Priest said that you must sleep at least four hours each night.”

If he didn’t sleep, Qin Chuan wouldn’t be able to sleep soundly either.

Lu Yao said with a nod: “I usually sleep for around four hours each day.”

“Is that enough?” Qin Chuan raised an eyebrow.

It had been almost a month, and he hadn’t seen this person sleep at all.

Lu Yao said: “I take a short rest every half shichen, and repeat the process throughout the day. It’s rather interesting.”

Qin Chuan had noticed that Lu Yao would shut his eyes for a short while every now and then.

He had initially thought that he was just resting his tired eyes, but it turned out that he was actually sleeping?

But what was so interesting about this?

Qin Chuan said: “The High Priest said that you must sleep for four hours every night.”

Lu Yao nodded: “I know. I didn’t intend to go on this way forever. I only discovered this method in the past six months, and I’m only doing it because it’s interesting. I’ll sleep every night from now on.”

He got out of bed and looked up at Qin Chuan, who was more than a head taller than him: “The medical books say that getting insufficient sleep prevents one from growing taller, and indeed, I haven’t grown much in the past six months. But if I rest enough and eat well, I should be able to grow to about the same height as you.”

At nearly 1.9 meters tall, Qin Chuan could see the top of Lu Yao’s head just by looking down.

He chuckled softly and raised a hand to a position just in front of his lips: “I bet you won’t grow any taller than this.”

Lu Yao made some careful calculations and said: “That should be correct. But as the saying goes: ‘big muscles, small brain.’ If someone is too tall, their brain will not be big enough.”

Therefore, he didn’t need to be very tall. Being around average height was fine.

Qin Chuan: “…..Is there any basis for that?”

“I read it in a random book. I don’t know if it’s true or not.”

“Then don’t say that anymore,” said Qin Chuan.

“Why not?”

“Social interaction and etiquette,” Qin Chuan said, emphasizing every word. “Isn’t that what you asked me to teach you?”

Lu Yao immediately understood: “Many thanks. I won’t say it anymore.”

Chu Jiubian, watching this scene through the card screen, directly burst into laughter.

This Lu Yao was just too fun!

But the child was eager to learn, and should be able to master the necessary skills before arriving in the capital.

Teaching him how to interact with people was going to be tough on Qin Chuan. Chu Jiubian would give him something good later to make up for it.

Turning off the screen, he took a look at what his other Believers were up to.

Late at night, other than Imperial Censor Qi Zhili, who was on his way to inspect the various branches of the waterway transportation system and was about to go to sleep, the others were all wide awake and enjoying a vibrant night life.

Situ Zhaoling was in her younger brother’s courtyard.

In the middle of said courtyard was the unfinished three-meter-long model of a ship, with only the hull completed.

Situ Zhaoyao was sawing wood along with two servants, while Situ Zhaoling and two maids were wiping down the already sawn planks with cloths, then sorting and stacking them according to their size and length.

At a glance, Chu Jiubian could tell that this ship model differed drastically from the existing Great Ning warships.

The existing ships had longer, narrower hulls. Since they were entirely human powered, these ships were lightweight in order to minimize drag. And as a result, they were only able to operate in shallow waters, were difficult to sail over long distances, and were more fragile.

However, the ship that Situ Zhaoyao was building possessed a more streamlined, spacious hull, and was clearly designed with “sturdiness” in mind.

These ships extended farther below the water line, which allowed them to travel greater distances. However, this also meant that they could not be powered solely by human effort, and required harnessing the forces of nature.

It was unclear whether Situ Zhaoyao intended to use sails to harness windpower.

Chu Jiubian’s eyes brightened slightly.

At the tail end of the previous dynasty, the common people suffered greatly. And after the founding emperor of the Great Ning Dynasty ascended the throne, he was constantly preoccupied with defending against foreign threats and maintaining internal stability, as well as reforming the bureaucracy, which left him no time to focus on improving the common people’s livelihoods.

It wasn’t until Emperor Gaozong subsequently ascended the throne that, with the manpower, financial resources, and intellectual resources of the powerful noble families, the country gradually began to restore the livelihoods of the common people.

And in order to make the common people of Great Ning focus on their work and strengthen the nation’s power, Emperor Gaozong ordered a policy of prioritizing agriculture over commerce, and also implemented a restriction on maritime trade.

This restriction didn’t prohibit people from going to sea altogether, but rather, it prevented them from going too far afield and only allowed them to fish and gather shellfish in shallow waters.

Such stringent policies were also implemented for the purpose of protecting Great Ning, which was still in the early stages of development at the time.

Nowadays, although the maritime restrictions were still in place, they were not enforced as strictly as before.

Wealthy and influential clans such as the Qiu family already had merchant fleets that dared to venture out to sea and trade with some of the smaller neighboring countries.

However, Great Ning was currently facing a situation comparable to that of Emperor Gaozong’s reign, so Chu Jiubian was, for now, not going to consider lifting the maritime trade restrictions.

He planned to wait until Great Ning was completely stable, the common people had some disposable income, and the country itself was prosperous. Then, he would personally select and train a navy and build ships capable of long voyages before lifting the ban.

This would also better protect the common people.

He just hadn’t expected that Situ Zhaoyao had already started researching variations of warships and beat him to the punch.

He was truly a good child.

Chu Jiubian observed the unfinished ship, thinking that it wouldn’t be long before he would be able to see the finished product.

But with the New Year approaching, Nanjiang-wang would be bringing his family to the capital. Presumably, this brother and sister would be leaving with their parents in a few days, and wouldn’t be able to continue their work on their inventions.

Chu Jiubian was actually quite looking forward to meeting his Believers.

He closed this card screen, and then opened Wang Qichen’s.

Rumors in the capital said that Young Master Wang had been keeping a low profile lately, but tonight, he was once again visiting the largest brothel on Splendid Plaza, and was currently drinking tea in a hall on the second floor.

The aroma of wine filled the air, but at his table, only tea was being served.

He leaned indolently against the armrest of his chair, a relaxed and carefree smile on his face as he watched the dancers performing gracefully in the center of the hall.

At another table to the side sat a tall, muscular man dressed in black, with an obstinate look in his eyes.

When a maid refilled the man’s cup with fresh wine, he reached out and softly caressed her waist – but his gaze remained fixed on Wang Qichen.

“So, Young Master Wang has actually given up drinking?” the man said with a hint of sarcasm.

“That’s right,” Wang Qichen said with a smile. “If it was anyone other than Xuanzheng-xiong who issued the invitation, this young master wouldn’t have given them face.”

Qiu Xuanzheng chuckled and pushed the woman in his arms away.

The maid then cautiously retreated to a distance.

Chu Jiubian was somewhat surprised.

It turned out that this man was the current head of the Qiu family, the younger brother of Minister of Justice Qiu Heng.

Why had he sought out Wang Qichen?

As if he already knew what the other party was going to ask, Wang Qichen said: “I wonder what important matter Xuanzheng-xiong wishes to discuss with me today?”

Qiu Xuanzheng stood, then took a step to Wang Qichen’s side and sat down casually, where he extended a long arm and went to wrap it around Wang Qichen’s shoulder.

Wang Qichen raised the folding fan in his hand and blocked him, saying: “Just say what you have to say. If people see you acting like this, they’ll think the head of the Qiu family is inclined toward men.”

“I do genuinely admire Young Master Wang’s exceptional beauty, which is unparalleled across the nation.”

Wang Qichen let out a light scoff: “Instead of wasting time with such idle chatter, Xuanzheng-xiong would be better off reading more books. Then he might have better compliments at his disposal.”

Qiu Xuanzheng’s lips curved up, even as coldness flashed through his eyes.

“Then let’s stop fooling around.” He said, feigning nonchalance, “I’ve heard that a new type of paper has appeared in the capital, and that it is as white as snow. I wonder if Young Master Wang has seen it?”

Wang Qichen had already planned to begin official sales of the new paper, so he had no compunctions about being discovered.

But it was quite clear why the head of the Qiu family had sought him out at this time.

Wang Qichen raised his cup and took a small sip of tea.

When he remained silent, Qiu Xuanzheng knew that he had found the right person.

The Qiu family had many members, but most of them were only involved in business, which led to fewer internal power struggles. At most, there would be minor disputes over profits, but those were small matters.

With his uncle, Qiu Hongkuo, supporting him behind the scenes, as well as his brother Qiu Heng serving as Minister of Justice in the Imperial Court, Qiu Xuanzheng’s position as the family head was quite secure.

But he was never content to lag behind others, and always wanted to prove his worth.

He knew that the situation in the capital was tense, and that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had already begun to target the noble families. He also knew that this sword would soon fall upon the Qiu family.

And as the family head, he couldn’t always hide behind his uncle and brother; he naturally wanted to do something himself.

He had recently happened to hear about the invention of a new type of paper, and immediately recognized it as a good business opportunity. After making numerous inquiries, he finally got his hands on a lead and learned that this matter was inextricably linked to the young master of the Wang family.

Seeing Wang Qichen’s attitude, Qiu Xuanzheng knew that the results of his investigation were correct.

“Young Master Wang must be aware of my Qiu family’s abilities in the realm of commerce.” Qin Xuanzheng got straight to the point, saying: “I wonder how much of that paper the Young Master has? Is it possible for me to take a look?”

Wang Qichen continued to remain silent.

After a pause, Qiu Xuanzheng continued: “If that paper truly is as the rumors say, then no matter how much there is, our Qiu family will be able to handle it. As for the profit-sharing arrangement, that can be negotiated.”

“I’ve also overheard a little bit about the internal affairs of the Wang family.” Qiu Xuanzheng stared at Wang Qichen, not wanting to miss a single change in his expression. “If the Young Master establishes a connection with my Qiu family, then should the need arise in the future, we will not stand idly by.”

He had spoken so much, but Wang Qichen still hadn’t said a word.

Only when it seemed that the other party had said everything he intended to say did Wang Qichen set down his teacup and straighten up.

He turned his head to regard Qiu Xuanzheng with a faint smile, saying: “Family Head Qiu should heed his uncle and elder brother more.”

“What?” Qiu Xuanzheng’s brow furrowed.

Wang Qichen stood and walked away without looking back: “Such childish words are fine to say to me, but if others were to hear them, they would surely laugh at your Qiu family.”

Qiu Xuanzheng’s face immediately darkened. Snatching a teacup from the table, he hurled it at Wang Qichen.

He was a martial artist, and even the slightest movement allowed him to send the teacup flying like a projectile toward Wang Qichen’s neck.

But Wang Qichen seemed to have anticipated this. He tilted his head slightly to the side, and the teacup grazed past his neck, leaving only a faint red mark.

The teacup, however, met no resistance and continued straight ahead, where it embedded itself directly into the wall.

The wall was dented, but the teacup remained completely intact, evidence of Qiu Xuanzheng’s immense internal strength.

Wang Qichen swept his gaze across the teacup, letting out a low chuckle.

Without stopping, he continued on his way downstairs while muttering under his breath: “Getting angry out of embarrassment is childish behavior.”

He heard a loud crash behind him, which he assumed meant that Qiu Xuanzheng had overturned the table.

Boor.

He returned home in his own family’s carriage.

No wonder the head of the Qiu family was so mysterious, keeping himself hidden from public view. It turned out that he was just a brainless brute.

Wang Qichen had his own resources and connections, and such a rare new paper would only be sold within the capital in the initial stages. What need did he have to cooperate with the Qiu family?

Qiu Xuanzheng’s reaction of immediately rushing over at the first whiff of opportunity was consistent with the Qiu family’s greedy nature, but he had not inherited even a shred of their shrewdness.

Even among siblings born of the same mother, there could be vast differences between individuals.

However, this Qiu Xuanzheng did seem to have very strong martial abilities.

It was unclear how he compared to Qin Xiao and An Wuji.

Chu Jiubian then opened Jiang Shuoye’s screen card.

Large snowflakes fell unceasingly, covering the world in a blanket of white.

Wearing a thick fur coat, the young general stood on the parade grounds inside the military camp.

On the grounds were a thousand soldiers practicing their marksmanship.

These were the most outstanding soldiers Jiang Shuoye had selected from the military camp, and since the previous month, they had been undergoing daily “special forces” training.

He had learned these training methods from the book given to him by the High Priest, and quickly realized what powerful soldiers such rigorous and disciplined training methods were capable of producing.

As expected, after one month, these one thousand soldiers had already become noticeably different from the others.

Leaving aside their high level of obedience, their overall demeanors and spirit set them apart; each of them had a look of unwavering determination in their eyes.

Jiang Shuoye wasn’t the only one to notice this – it was also clearly observed by the other soldiers.

Subtly, the status of these one thousand men within the army became somewhat special.

It wasn’t that the others shunned them, but rather, that they were envious of them.

This also caused some of the soldiers who had not been selected to feel resentful, as well as eager to find another opportunity to join this unique “special forces unit.”

Such emotions spun completely out of control when Jiang Shuoye distributed to those one thousand soldiers the first batch of spears equipped with steel spearheads.

Everyone noticed how different the Special Forces Unit was.

Although their training was more intense and demanding than that of the regular soldiers, they were also the first to receive benefits when they were available to the military.

These men already ate better than the regular soldiers on a regular basis, and now they also possessed the latest weapons. Tomorrow, there might even be new military armor, and after that, perhaps higher salaries and a smoother path to promotion.

With such temptation placed before them, few people could resist it.

Therefore, several of his subordinate officers had approached him today, saying that many of their soldiers also wished to join the Special Forces Unit, and were asking if there were any opportunities available.

Jiang Shuoye was naturally pleased to hear this, but if there were too many people recruited, the Special Forces Unit and the regular army would be indistinguishable from one another.

However, the fact that soldiers wanted to improve themselves was undeniably a good thing.

For this reason, Jiang Shuoye had intensified the training of the Special Forces Unit these past few days. The regular soldiers who wished to join were permitted to train beside them, and their meals were the same as those of the special forces soldiers.

If any of them were able to keep up with this level of intensity, they would be able to join the Special Forces Unit.

It was snowing today, and the wind was bitingly cold. This late at night, the soldiers should be resting.

But Jiang Shuoye still led the Special Forces soldiers to train in the snow, and the other soldiers who wished to join the unit were also required to participate in the training.

If they were unable to endure it and went back, they would never have another opportunity to join.

Jiang Shuoye cast his gaze toward the group of regular soldiers, which was noticeably smaller now, but didn’t comment on it.

He felt the familiar sensation of being watched, but with the knowledge that it was the High Priest observing him, he wasn’t as unsettled as he had been in the past.

If the High Priest needed him for something, he would surely summon him directly.

Chu Jiubian watched for a while, and couldn’t help but frown.

Those soldiers were only wearing soft armor with cloth garments underneath, which were far less warm than padded winter clothing.

It would be great if cotton could be grown this year.

Unfortunately, Chu Jiubian had arrived too late. By the time he instructed Situ Zhaoling to cultivate cotton, the optimal planting season had already passed, and they would have to wait until the following year.

Chu Jiubian checked his point balance, then looked at the price of the cotton being sold in the System Mall.

After doing the calculations, he realized that buying it with points was really not worthwhile.

Even if he used up all of his points, it wouldn’t be enough to equip the 80,000 Mobei Army soldiers with cotton jackets and trousers, let alone quilts and blankets.

Fine, he would wait for next year.

He had already taught Jiang Shuoye how to construct and heat a heated kang bed.

The general had since equipped all of the barracks, large and small, with kang beds, which allowed everyone to stay warm indoors.

When he left the Divine Realm, Chu Jiubian noticed an unusual silence outside.

Although it was usually quiet on a typical night, the stillness tonight seemed different.

Something occurred to him, and he got up, put on his jacket, and walked to the window.

He pushed open the window, and cool air immediately rushed inside.

Gazing out at the dazzling white landscape, Chu Jiubian reached out to catch a few snowflakes.

This was the first snowfall in the capital city.

He wondered what the situation was like in the Northwest.

Qin Xiao would eventually conquer the Sai Kingdom, but the situation there was unique. The common people there held strong religious beliefs, and trusted religious leaders far more than they trusted the Imperial Court.

Because of this, using the same prefectural and county system as the Central Plains, along with local administrative offices, would definitely not work. Their religion must be incorporated into the system.

However, it was impossible to simply adopt modern governance methods, as the national conditions and public sentiment were completely different.

Chu Jiubian couldn’t help but recall the practices of some of the dynasties in his previous life, and thought he might be able to draw some inspiration from them.

His identity as a “god” could be of some help as well.

“System, are there any special effects that ordinary people can see?”

The golden dragons and phoenixes, as well as the palaces and pavilions hidden in the clouds of the Divine Realm, were all special effect projections created by Chu Jiubian to fabricate the illusion of a realm of immortals.

But in the Divine Realm, all of these things could be seen and touched.

Outside of it, the golden dragon that delivered messages could not truly be interacted with; it was purely a special effect.

Chu Jiubian remembered seeing special effects that even non-believers could see in the System Mall, but at the time, the prices had seemed rather high.

[There are, Host. Special effects content and placement can be customized, but they only last for thirty seconds. 80 faith points are required. Does Host wish to proceed with the purchase?]

Chu Jiubian’s eyebrow twitched: “Lower the price.”

[This is already the discounted price, Host.]

“Then I don’t want it.”

The System paused for a moment, then said: [Is 70 Faith Points acceptable?]

“66. It’s a lucky number,” said Chu Jiubian.

The System considered this, then responded: [Deal concluded. Does Host wish to use the special effects now?]

“No, I’ll wait.”

Chu Jiubian gazed at the snowflakes swirling outside the window, his eyes darkening slightly.

Once the Sai Kingdom was successfully conquered, he would put these special effects into use. But he needed to send a message to Qin Xiao first and ask him to make some preparations so that they could cooperate effectively.

*

*

On the 29th day of the 12th lunar month, heavy snow fell in the Northwest.

Several days had passed since the last message was sent to the capital, and at that time, Qin Xiao had said that he was preparing to attack the royal court.

At present, Qin Xiao had led his army to conquer the Sai Kingdom, and had beheaded Moba Zanpu.

He then issued decrees in the name of Great Ning’s Emperor —

The army would not kill civilians, nor would they seize land.

As long as the common people of the Sai Kingdom voluntarily became citizens of Great Ning, they would be able to enjoy all of the policies and benefits such a status entailed.

The Sai Kingdom had initially been formed from a conglomeration of different tribes, and did not have a very long history. Its people, therefore, had little sense of national identity.

As long as they could live decent lives, what did it matter who was in charge?

Therefore, the chieftains and officials of these various tribes quickly sent the compiled household registration records to the royal court, which handed them over to Qin Xiao.

By this point, it was late winter in the first year of Jingrui.

Ning-wang Qin Xiao had completely overthrown the rule of the Sai Kingdom’s royal family and incorporated half of the Western Regions into the territory of the Great Ning Dynasty in just three months.

His subordinate, veteran commander Hu Fang, suggested striking while the iron was hot and conquering the other half of the Western Regions that bordered the Xinjiang region, but Qin Xiao refused.

Leaving aside the fact that the army was already exhausted, the current frigid weather alone made this an unsuitable time to launch another campaign.

Furthermore, the daily consumption of provisions and supplies by the nearly 100,000 troops was incredibly high, and it was likely that the capital would not be able to sustain another protracted war.

Hu Fang was getting on in age, and this was likely his last time going to war with the head of the Qin family, so he naturally wanted to fight even more.

But Qin Xiao’s concerns were valid, so he didn’t attempt to persuade him otherwise.

He was already very satisfied to be able to help Qin Xiao and his Qin family fight one more battle before he lost the ability to do so.

But now that the Sai Kingdom had been conquered, the most important matter at hand was deciding who to leave in charge, as well as how the country should be governed.

The situation within the Sai Kingdom was different from that of Great Ning in numerous ways, the biggest difference being religion.

Buddhism was widely practiced in this region. Lamas held a high status, and the common people were particularly devout.

It was extremely difficult to implement management strategies tailored to the local conditions here.

Qin Xiao summoned several of his subordinates to his study for a meeting.

However, before they arrived, he received a reply from Chu Jiubian.

Letters from Chu Jiubian had arrived very slowly in the past, so why had this one arrived so quickly?

Qin Xiao frowned, and opened it at once.

As usual, the letter contained no unnecessary words. It began with: By the time you receive this letter, you should have already conquered the royal palace.

That confident tone……

Did he really have such faith in him?

Qin Xiao reclined back in his chair, gently stroking the page with his fingertips as he continued to read.

The young man wrote with a sharp, incisive style as he detailed methods for governing the Sai Kingdom.

He also instructed Qin Xiao to invite some respected citizens and representatives of local religious groups to the foot of their sacred mountain on the 9th day of the next month.

It must be done on the 9th day of the month! Remember! Remember! Remember!

Qin Xiao was amused by his repetition.

Although he didn’t know what Chu Jiubian was planning, he immediately summoned a subordinate and gave him instructions regarding the matter.

Once that person left, he continued reading.

The contents consisted of various events, both big and small, that had occurred in the capital recently. Chu Jiubian also mentioned that Bai Lihong had grown taller by about a finger’s width, but due to the fact that his thick winter clothes made him look like a walking dumpling, it wasn’t very noticeable.

Qin Xiao was unaware that the smile in his eyes had yet to fade.

At the end of the letter, Chu Jiubian wrote: It snowed in the capital. I reached out to catch some snowflakes, but they melted in the blink of an eye. Had you returned earlier, you could have caught some as well.

Qin Xiao remained quiet for quite some time before cutting out those last few lines.

He kept the rambling words of complaint, but burned the parts containing matters of import.

Just as he finished stowing away the piece of paper in his breast pocket, his subordinates began to arrive one after another.

---

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Chapter 66 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 68

Ch 24 – Parental Concern

“I think you should make a video call to express your feelings,” Yu Xi said.

“I can’t, my father is very busy with work,” Curtis said with a wave of his hand.

“W-what are you teaching him?” Tau was terrified. He reached out to grab Yu Xi’s arm, but Kersz stopped him.

Tau looked up and saw that Kersz was wearing a particularly eerie smile. He was clearly excited.

“Dear cousin, our didi is teaching this young master about love, ah ~” Kersz grinned toothily in a way that made him look incredibly ferocious.

“But he is your father. Perhaps you should contact his secretary first, and then speak to him if he has time,” Yu Xi said.

“Oh~” Curtis had an epiphany. “Right, right, I can ask if he’s busy first.” 

Yu Xi nodded.

Curtis: “You’re really smart.”

Yu Xi smiled shyly: “Thank you for the compliment.”

Tau: “Wait a minute, this isn’t the proper way to do it.”

Kersz covered Tau’s mouth: “Cousin, stop your drunken babbling.”

Curtis took a couple of deep breaths and straightened his back, but he didn’t last long, and soon slumped over again.

Curtis suddenly threw himself into Yu Xi’s arms: “I don’t dare!”

Kersz reached out to pull Curtis away, but it was Tau’s turn to stop him.

“I understand~ I understand.” Yu Xi patted the child’s head with tender affection. “You’re afraid of getting a negative response, but you really want answers, don’t you?”

“Even if your working relationship isn’t entirely pleasant, you still have a parent-child relationship, and you want to know if there is still any love between you.” Yu Xi was quite a good hand at comforting others. “Muster up your courage, and then you won’t have to guess anymore. If your family still loves you, then tell them your grievances. And if they don’t, you can have a good cry right here.”

Curtis looked up at Yu Xi and felt that he was backlit by a glowing light: “You’re a really good person.”

Yu Xi was very touched: “Thank you for praising me as if I’m a human being.”

Curtis: “Huh?”

Why did Yu Xi’s response seem a little strange? Was this normal? What…..what had Yu Xi said again?

Curtis was very drunk, and his thoughts immediately veered off track: “I feel like you’re glowing.”

Yu Xi let out a sound of surprise, then turned around and pointed to a lamp behind him: “The light is coming from there. Your vision is impaired.”

Curtis: …..

So there really was a light, ah.

Curtis was in a daze for a moment, and then he sniffled: “Even the light will linger for those who have love in their hearts.”

“So cringy, ah,” Kersz said to Tau in a low voice. “Has the kid always been like this?”

Curtis began to cry, and Yu Xi was quick to comfort him with a hug.

But with someone comforting him, Curtis just sobbed even harder.

His cries were choking and desperate, and he felt like he couldn’t breathe.

Finally, in a fit of anger, he opened the communication app. In his drunken state, he forgot his original intention to call the secretary first, and instead called the Supreme Governor directly.

Tau was so frightened that he almost stopped breathing.

The video call quickly connected, and the Supreme Governor’s voice sounded from the other end: “What is it?”

The Supreme Governor quickly noticed something amiss with his youngest son’s surroundings: “Curtis….”

“Eeeeeeeh.” A bizarre sob interrupted what he was about to say.

The Supreme Governor froze briefly. Then he saw that his youngest son was nestled in the arms of a man, and his brow furrowed even more deeply: “You’d better have something important to say, calling at a time like this. Otherwise…..”

“Eeeeh, eh, eh…..” Curtis’s sobs rang out again.

The Supreme Governor’s brow could not possibly furrow any deeper. He could only express his growing confusion by pursing his lips.

“You can do it, Curtis.” Yu Xi’s voice was strangely energetic and upbeat.

Curtis sucked in a deep breath, then shouted: “You don’t love me! You don’t love me, eeeh, eh, eh!”

“You only love my older siblings! You never take me seriously. What am I to you? Am I even your child?” When Curtis got to this point, he was so heartbroken that he tilted his head up and wailed.

“You had better sober up before talking to me again.” The Supreme Governor started to hang up on him.

“You’re going to abandon me again.” Curtis’s voice was exceptionally sorrowful. “You’ll leave. You’ll leave and never come back.”

The Supreme Governor: …..

“How can anyone be so heartless?” Curtis asked Yu Xi. “Have you ever met such a heartless person?”

Yu Xi sighed: “That’s how it is with those in positions of power. The higher they climb, the more heartless they become.”

The Supreme Governor, who held a position of power: “Who are you?”

“Oh, I was dragged over by your son to drink after I saw him fighting with someone,” said Yu Xi. “Hello~”

“Now you want to know about him?!” Curtis was suddenly furious, and pointed at Yu Xi while glaring at the Supreme Governor.

Yu Xi: “Huh?!”

“How long have you known him?! You want to know his name after only meeting him once? We’ve known each other for so many years, but do you even know my name?!” Curtis demanded.

The Supreme Governor: “I’m the one who named you.”

Curtis was in despair: “You’d rather change my name than bother to remember what I used to be called.”

The Supreme Governor: ……

The Supreme Governor: “What did you used to be called?”

Curtis was in utter disbelief: “Fetus!! I was called Fetus! Everyone knows it except you! Have you ever truly cared for me?”

Yu Xi: “Woah!” This person was inebriated to a ridiculous degree.

The Supreme Governor said “Okay,” and hung up the phone.

Curtis couldn’t believe it.

He hung up? That heartless man hung up on him just like that?

He knew that man didn’t love him!

“This is outrageous!” Curtis clutched his head, his mind collapsing in on itself.

“Why don’t you rest for a while first.” Yu Xi felt that despite his good intentions, he had done something wrong.

“No, I still need to call my mom.” Curtis wiped his tears and rallied his spirits.

“Let’s not.” Yu Xi worried that he might start babbling nonsense again.

But Curtis had already sent the video call request, and the woman on the other side was quick to pick up: “Curtis? Is there something urgent?”

Curtis was devastated. He laughed loudly, but tears started falling down his face as he smiled: “You don’t remember either!! Even you don’t remember!”

The elegant woman with her long hair styled in a bun frowned. Her expression looked remarkably similar to the Supreme Governor’s before: “What are you talking about?”

“You cold-hearted woman.” Curtis’s lips trembled.

The woman’s eyes narrowed slightly: “I am your mother. You can’t call me that.”

“But you called me ‘Curtis!’” Curtis refuted. “You don’t remember that I used to be called Fetus either, do you? Hahaha, yes, yes, when have High Lords ever cared about such things?”

“Nobody remembers. Only I remember.” Curtis covered his face and fell apart alone.

The woman on the other side remained silent.

Curtis continued his melodramatic show, but Yu Xi was no longer holding him. While Curtis made the call to his mother, Yu Xi had quietly slumped down on the sofa, pretending to be drunk himself.

The High Lord also hung up in short order.

Curtis was left alone, crying and laughing about how life was not worth living. His words became increasingly incoherent, and he eventually passed out on the sofa.

Once he was unconscious, Yu Xi secretly extricated himself and exchanged glances with Kersz and Tau, who were also pretending to be drunk. They realized that they may have to leave quickly in order to avoid the people Curtis’s parents sent over.

In fact, Curtis’s theatrics just now had already caused quite a stir. But as long as they didn’t run into the people sent by his parents, they could just adopt different identities.

A capsule-shaped, 1.3-meter-tall robot waiter noticed that they were about to leave and slowly rose to its feet, saying: “Hello, our clubhouse member just listed your expenses under his name. Your departure marks the end of the service. I will deduct the amount from the member’s balance. Are you certain you wish to leave?”

“Member?” Tau realized that something was wrong. He looked at Kersz, but directed his words toward the robot: “Does that gentleman come here often?” 

This seemed to be another one of Kersz’s deliberate setups.

Yu Xi didn’t care about any of that. He just wanted to relax and enjoy the moment, and paid no notice to Kersz’s hidden agenda.

Besides, with Kersz’s nature, he was always getting into trouble anyway.

“Yes, Mr. Curtis is a frequent customer at our establishment….oh! Wait!” The robot suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

These robots lacked an emotion module, but their communication style was designed to be playful and cute in order to make people like them.

“What is it?” Yu Xi asked.

“The member’s membership card has changed,” said the robot.

“What changed?” Kersz became more alert. Were Curtis’s parents tracking him?

“The member’s Alliance identity card has been changed and synchronized. Mr. Curtis has now officially changed his name to Fetus.” A burst of colorful ribbons suddenly exploded from the top of the robot’s head. Then it stretched out two claw-like hands and began to clap.

The service here was very warm and welcoming.

A cheerful song rang out from within the robot, and it then congratulated the drunken Curtis on his name change, chanting “Fetus, Fetus” repeatedly.

“We just noticed that after Mr. Fetus broke down in tears, the Alliance system received two name change applications from very distant regions, almost one after another. They must have come from his parents.” A group of robots then surrounded Curtis, singing and dancing around him.

“Amazing! What a coincidence!” The original dancing robot then ran up to Yu Xi and his party and asked if they wanted to charge their purchases to the account..

“Yes, what a coincidence, ah.” Yu Xi chuckled, feeling a little awkward.

“Would you like to charge your purchases?” the robot asked again.

Yu Xi nodded repeatedly: “Please be quick, I have urgent business to attend to.”

---

T/N: As much as I love translating historical and cultivation novels, sometimes I just need one that’s really freakin’ weird. This is it. This is the weird one.

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Chapter 23 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 25