Qiao Jin was about to speak, but was interrupted by Liu Qiao, who said with displeasure: “That’s enough.”

Liu Qiao was indifferent to most things, but didn’t like others gossiping about his master in front of him.

Qiao Jin only showed annoyance when he was interrupted, but didn’t confront Liu Qiao. He just said to Liu Zhenqing: “In any case, Huo Fenglie has loved Liu Zhenqing for a long time. The kind of love that makes a person go crazy. Toward you, he only has slight feelings.”

Liu Zhenqing was speechless: “How can I just believe what you say?”

“Then let me ask you, when the rumors about the Old City Lord and Liu Zhenqing came out in Nanfeng City, did Huo Fenglie behave strangely?” Qiao Jin raised his eyebrows.

Liu Zhenqing was stunned. It suddenly dawned on him: no wonder he always felt that something was unreasonable when he analyzed the rumors before.

At that time, he felt that the other party was taking advantage of the rumored feud between the Huo and Liu families in order to obstruct Huo Fenglie. If Huo Fenglie discovered that Tang Rou’s family had been protected by Liu Zhenqing and survived, and that Tang Rou was still grateful to Liu Zhenqing in her heart, then logically speaking, this would alienate Huo Fenglie from Tang Rou.

But now, hearing Qiao Jin’s words, Liu Zhenqing realized that he’d gotten it completely wrong.

Qiao Jin knew that Huo Fenglie had feelings for him, so he spread the truth about that year to let Huo Fenglie know the truth and understand what kind of stigma his beloved had suffered. That would certainly put Huo Fenglie in an uneasy state of mind, and he would become cold toward Nanfeng City, which had always enjoyed Liu Zhenqing’s protection. This would naturally achieve Qiao Jin’s purpose of buying time.

Qiao Jin looked at the silent Liu Zhenqing, perfectly satisfied. It seemed there had indeed been something unusual. Huo Fenglie’s reaction had disappointed Qiao Jin before. He’d also asked Liu Qiao whether Huo Fenglie had actually moved on. Why did he remain harmoniously in the City Lord’s manor after hearing the rumors? He estimated that for Huo Fenglie now, both the Young Master Liu in front of him and the dead Liu Zhenqing both had status. It was just that Liu Zhenqing was dead and would have less effect over Huo Fenglie, but the person in front of him was still worth a gamble.

But Qiao Jin was now more interested in reducing Liu Zhenqing to submission: “What do you think? Have you figured it out? Would you rather remain with Huo Fenglie and be a substitute male favorite, or come to me? At least I can give you…..”

Before Qiao Jin could finish speaking, Liu Zhenqing smiled: “You’re not the legitimate King of Western Shu. Even if you are, Huo Fenglie has the final say in whether Western Shu will exist tomorrow, right? Taking a step back, even if Huo Fenglie doesn’t attack Western Shu and you continue as king…..you can’t give me the position of a powerful minister below one and above thousands, can you? I don’t know how many people are above you. Isn’t my status higher if I follow Huo Fenglie rather than if I follow you? Or do you have other calculations?”

Qiao Jin fell silent the instant these words came out, and a completely different aura enveloped him. It was as if a lion playing with its prey finally set its sights on it. He was clearly a youth somewhere between a boy and a young man, he seemed unusually astute and circumspect, exuding fierceness and coercion.

Liu Qiao didn’t understand Liu Zhenqing’s words, but Qiao Jin did. And because he understood, he raised all his spikes in a conditioned response to fear. “What do you mean?”

Liu Qiao couldn’t figure out why Qiao Jin suddenly bared his teeth like an offended beast. When he looked toward Liu Zhenqing, he found him sitting leisurely with his cuffs swaying in the air, making two cups of tea in a graceful manner. Every casual move and gesture fell into Qiao Jin’s eyes.

His pupils shrank, and the scene before Qiao Jin’s eyes seemed to overlap with the master in his memory.

The next second, the host picked up a cup of tea, and instead of drinking it himself, he held it out. Without looking around to see if anyone was there to catch the tea, he dropped it.

Qiao Jin’s voice immediately sounded: “What are you doing?”

Liu Qiao suddenly realized that he had reflexively caught the cup of tea Liu Zhenqing dropped.

This was their habit in the past. When it was only the two of them, Liu Zhenqing would make tea when he was tired. He wouldn’t let Liu Qiao do it, but would brew it himself and bring a cup to him where he was hiding in the dark. So when Liu Qiao saw this gesture, he habitually stepped forward to receive the tea.

But this was their habit, ah. Liu Qiao felt the heat of the teacup, looking up at the person sitting at the table and quietly sipping tea. His entire being was momentarily stunned.

Qiao Jin didn’t think too much about it, and just thought it was the conditioned reflex of a martial arts practitioner. He only asked in order to express his displeasure. With a look at Liu Zhenqing, he asked again: “I’m asking you, what did you mean by what you just said?”

“I meant it literally.” Liu Zhenqing pretended to be dumbfounded.

Qiao Jin gazed at him coldly. Then he saw Liu Zhenqing put down his teacup and look over, saying with sudden seriousness: “Seeing as you’re so young, I wanted to ask what you intend to do. What do you want the most? What do you think your chances of winning are, and is it really necessary to continue?”

Such unexpected questions mirrored what was deep in Qiao Jin’s heart, and he was instantly uneasy. The biggest taboo for a person like him was being seen through. After all, he’d always been surrounded by people who weren’t as intelligent as him, even the people in the capital. He thought they were making use of each other and fighting a battle of wits and courage, but the person in front of him made him feel frightened.

There was no killing intent in Liu Zhenqing’s eyes, but Qiao Jin was still forced to take a step back. After all, he was still too young and had too little experience. Faced with this situation, the only options were to kill him or avoid him, so Qiao Jin waved his sleeves angrily and said in a cold voice: “Stay here and behave!”

Having said this, he turned to leave and pulled Liu Qiao after him.

Before departing, Liu Qiao couldn’t help but glance back at Liu Zhenqing.

Liu Zhenqing also looked directly at him. His lips suddenly rose in a slight smile. He raised an eyebrow, and finally raised one index finger.

Liu Qiao’s expression changed drastically. This was his master’s habit.

Once they left, only a few guards remained behind to watch over Liu Zhenqing, who simply stayed in the room and didn’t move about.

He poured himself another cup of tea, staring at it in a daze.

Because he was being held hostage here, it was no longer possible for them not to recognize each other. Recognizing Liu Qiao was the first step in his plan, but what about after? 

Huo Fenglie would definitely be constrained by the knowledge of his kidnapping, but he was capable of anything. Liu Zhenqing could no longer predict Huo Fenglie’s behavior. After all, he had even refused his marriage proposal. In order to avoid trouble, it was best to escape by himself and not allow the enemy’s plan to succeed.

The purpose of delaying Huo Fenglie’s return to the capital must have something to do with Yuan Jue.

Liu Zhenqing paused slightly at this thought. A trace of self-mockery crossed his face, and he sighed. 

Nothing could happen to Yuan Jue, and the country could not be plunged into chaos. This was the conclusion. Thus, they must put a stop to the other party’s conspiracy.

But what on earth was this child in front of him going to do?

Liu Zhenqing pictured Qiao Jin’s face, a face with the Yuan clan’s bloodline as well as…..the Liu’s.

. . . . . . .

“I should have killed him.”

Qiao Jin spoke abruptly, waking up the dazed Liu Qiao.

“What?”

Qiao Jin stood up with a malicious expression on his face. “He’s too clever and knows too much. Unless I can use him, he can’t be allowed to leave.”

Liu Qiao was unexpectedly panicked: “He…..can be considered your distant relative.”

Qiao Jin’s expression turned ugly at once. “I said not to mention it. I have nothing to do with people surnamed Yuan or Liu. And our bloodline specializes in killing our own relatives, doesn’t it?”

Liu Qiao regarded Qiao Jin with a frown: “Why did you change your mind? Didn’t you decide not to kill him?”

Qiao Jin paced around restlessly, feeling as uncomfortable as a lion restrained by a collar.

“Didn’t you hear what he said? Firstly, he knows there is someone above me who’s been directing things here. Secondly, he guessed that I don’t actually intend to heed the words of those above me, and that I have my own plans. He spoke of being below one and over thousands, and asked me whether it was necessary to continue with such a small chance of winning. He must have guessed what I intend to do! We’ve only met a few times, and the information he has is limited, yet he guessed everything correctly. Such a person is too crafty to keep!”

When Qiao Jin finished speaking, Liu Qiao asked abruptly: “What do you intend to do?”

Qiao Jin froze. His eyes narrowed slightly and he suddenly looked at Liu Qiao, saying: “What if I said I want to take over the country!”

Shocked, Liu Qiao said: “You actually came up with this idea? It won’t work!”

“Why not!” Qiao Jin said, “Do you think I can’t compare to Yuan Jue?”

Liu Qiao stared blankly and said: “You can’t compare.”

Qiao Jin was dumbfounded. He was only talking, and didn’t expect that Liu Qiao would actually think he couldn’t compare to Yuan Jue.

“You…..y-y-you…..why! I’m a master of the pen and the sword, and that Yuan Jue is just a weakling…..”

“Because he was taught by Master,” Liu Qiao said directly.

Qiao Jin nearly choked to death. “So since he was taught by Liu Zhenqing, he must be good? Aren’t we running him around in circles right now? He may be the emperor of Great Zhou, but I’m still the king of Western Shu.”

Liu Qiao said bluntly: “Western Shu is a young country. The people below you are all easy-to-manage trash. How can they compare with Great Zhou?”

Qiao Jin never expected that he was so inferior to Yuan Jue in Liu Qiao’s eyes, and was so furious that he forgot about killing Liu Zhenqing.

But Liu Qiao said gravely: “Rebellion isn’t possible. Master hated rebels. This world was maintained by Master’s and General Huo’s hard work and cannot be destroyed.” If he could have, he would have killed everyone who spoke ill of his master afterward, but he knew his master’s wishes and couldn’t undermine them.

When he allowed Qiao Jin to contact the rebels and those people in the capital, he thought he was going to stop them from rebelling. Liu Qiao couldn’t help but reflect: sure enough, he was too stupid to realize that Qiao Jin had this idea.

Seeing Liu Qiao’s attitude, Qiao Jin’s eyes flashed and he said: “Can I survive if I don’t rebel? Isn’t it your job to make sure I survive? Alright, if I don’t rebel, you have to stay and protect me for the rest of your life and make sure that I live. Can you do that?”

Liu Qiao said with a frown: “Not many people in the world know you exist.”

That was a rejection. Qiao Jin was so angry that he ground his teeth again. He knew he couldn’t keep this person, but…..

Qiao Jin suddenly recalled what Liu Zhenqing had asked him, about what he intended to do and what he wanted most.

His face reddened, and he was unable to contain his explosive temper. He scoffed coldly: “I’m not reassured. And it’s beneficial for you to rebel. Are you sure you don’t want to follow me?”

“What?” Liu Qiao was taken aback.

Qiao Jin raised his head and said: “I can promise you that once I successfully ascend the throne, I will clear Liu Zhenqing’s name and wash away all grievances. I’ll write a biography to let the whole world know how great he was, letting his name go down in history and remain famous for generations. His name on the Twining Dragon Jade Pillar will also be moved to the column of loyal ministers.”

As expected, Liu Qiao’s eyes shifted: “Really?”

Qiao Jin smiled: “Let me ask you, apart from me, can Yuan Jue or any of his descendants do such a thing? Yuan Jue is most afraid of others saying that Liu Zhenqing was a good person. Once Liu Zhenqing’s good character is proven, won’t this show that Yuan Jue was ungrateful to him and disrespectful to his teacher? How can an emperor admit he was wrong? Therefore, he will never restore Liu Zhenqing’s name. But I’m indifferent to the matter. If you follow me and I break my promise, you can just kill me. That wouldn’t be difficult for you, would it?”

Qiao Jin watched Liu Qiao with a slight frown. He seemed to really be considering it. Finally, he was able to breathe a sigh of relief.

“Take time to think it over.” Qiao Jin patted Liu Qiao on the shoulder. “Furthermore, I don’t have to kill Liu Xiaozhu, but you must keep an eye on him. He’s too intelligent. I don’t trust him.”

Qiao Jin really was worried about Liu Zhenqing. He kept feeling he was too calm, like he had a trump card up his sleeve and could get out of trouble without outside help. Thus, he could only leave it to Liu Qiao, whom he trusted most, to keep an eye on that person.

With a head full of thoughts, Liu Qiao returned to the room where Liu Zhenqing was being detained and hid out of sight.

And Liu Zhenqing, who was eating in a stress-free manner, seemed to feel a familiar sense of security once more.

Next, everything Liu Zhenqing did and every move he made was so familiar to Liu Qiao that he was in a daze.

Suddenly, Liu Zhenqing said into the air: “Come down.”

Liu Qiao was startled, and ultimately descended. He stared blankly at Liu Zhenqing, his mind spinning.

Liu Zhenqing looked back at him and said directly: “Qiao Jin and Qiao An are working together.”

Liu Qiao’s pupils shrank: “You…..how do you know this?”

“Your martial arts skills are so high that you could go in and kidnap me, but you didn’t kidnap Qiao An, who was obviously behind me at that time. No matter how stupid someone is, they would be able to make this guess.” Liu Zhenqing spoke with a smile, but his expression changed abruptly and his tone became deeper, as if in stern reprimand: “It’s your superior’s intention to use the matter between Great Zhou and Western Shu to slow down Huo Fenglie, and you’re going along with it, right? Do you intend to rebel and cause chaos in our country?”

Liu Qiao was caught off guard by Liu Zhenqing revealing all their secrets. Upon hearing this tone, he instinctively wanted to kneel down, as he had done in the past after making a mistake.

He looked at Liu Zhenqing in astonishment, but the man frowned, saying: “You don’t deny it. You really do want to help him rebel? Do you understand what you’re doing?”

Although Liu Zhenqing himself appeared to be a treacherous minister, he had thought the person next to him to be patriotic and not just single-mindedly loyal. He just wished for the people in the world to be free from suffering. He’d thought that at most, Liu Qiao was following Qiao Jin out of care and protection. It was impossible for him to go along with Qiao Jin’s rebellion, ah!

“I…..I’m not!” Liu Qiao instantly panicked, as if he feared the other man’s disappointment.

But after he reacted, Liu Qiao was a little confused. He thought of Qiao Jin’s promise, and it was impossible for his heart not to be moved. Looking at the person in front of him, he said: “You…..you are Master’s kin, and your family also suffered repercussions because of Master. Let me ask you…..”

“Master?” Liu Zhenqing stared blankly.

Liu Qiao paused: “My master is Liu Zhenqing.”

“What about Qiao Jin?” Liu Zhenqing asked.

“I’m just protecting him for a while.” Liu Qiao instinctively told Liu Zhenqing the truth.

Liu Zhenqing’s eyes flashed, and for a moment, he didn’t know whether to be happy or worried. All he could say was: “What were you going to ask?”

Liu Qiao spoke a bit hastily: “If Master’s grievances can be cleared, it will be the same as this time in Nanfeng City, and everyone will know of the good things Master did. Whoever promises this, I will…..”

Liu Zhenqing already understood before he finished speaking. It seemed that Liu Qiao was indeed not loyal to Qiao Jin. Otherwise, with their relationship set in stone, Qiao Jin would have no reason to make such a promise just to keep Liu Qiao.

He couldn’t help but glance at the undecided Liu Qiao, and suddenly felt distressed. After his death, there was still someone who continued to stupidly try to sacrifice everything for the sake of his reputation, that illusory thing.

Liu Zhenqing suddenly thought of wanting to call it quits after his rebirth, and felt truly ashamed.

He motioned to Liu Qiao in a familiar gesture. Liu Qiao hesitated for a moment, but still approached blankly. He wanted to ask why Liu Zhenqing had so many of his master’s habitual movements. They had clearly never met each other. Was their blood relationship really so spectacular? But Yuan Jin was nothing like his master.

When Liu Qiao got closer, Liu Zhenqing suddenly took action and grabbed the hilt of the sword hanging at Liu Qiao’s waist.

In a flash, Liu Qiao snapped out of his daze and moved out of reflex. Not because Liu Zhenqing was capable of killing him, but because it was a gift from his master that others were not allowed to touch.

But before Liu Qiao could take action, he heard Liu Zhenqing say: “Qiaoqiao, there’s something hidden on top of this sword’s hilt.”

Qiaoqiao?

Had he just called him Qiaoqiao?

Liu Qiao raised his head at once, the sound of Liu Zhenqing’s past teasing sounding in his mind.

“Qiaoqiao, don’t have such a sullen face.”

“Qiaoqiao is such a blockhead. How will any girl like him in the future?”

“Qiaoqiao, this is a pleasure house. Don’t hide up there, come down and have a drink with the jiejies.”

“Ai, this kid Qiaoqiao is just shy and single-minded.”

“You!”

Just as Liu Qiao spoke, Liu Zhenqing used his eyes to prompt him to look at the hilt of the sword.

Liu Qiao’s hand touched the hilt, but he hesitated.

Liu Zhenqing opened his mouth in a timely manner, saying: “I said at that time that after you completed your mission, you should open it and have a look. But your mission was completed long ago, yet you still haven’t looked, have you?”

Liu Qiao stared blankly at Liu Zhenqing. At last, with a trembling hand, he opened the mechanism inside the hilt that had been placed by the mechanism master Liu Zhenqing himself. There was a piece of tattered paper inside.

It was an old deed of sale.

The deed of sale from when he was sold to Liu Zhenqing.

And this sword had been gifted to him when he returned from his martial arts training.

Liu Zhenqing: “I wanted to give you your freedom, but I really did need your help back then, so I kept it hidden in the sword hilt. Now you understand, right? You’re free. Qiaoqiao, I’ll say the same thing again — you can choose whatever you want to do with your life.”

In fact, Liu Zhenqing didn’t entirely like to call him Qiaoqiao just to tease him. In Liu Zhenqing’s eyes, ‘Qiao’ belonged to Liu Qiao, but ‘Liu’ was more like a shackle.

Liu Qiao raised his head and looked over, tears rolling down his pretty face uncontrollably. There were no extraneous emotions on his face just now, only the respect and affection for a teacher. His wet eyes clearly reflected Liu Zhenqing’s appearance, but there was no confusion at all, as if he could see everything clearly.

Suddenly, Liu Qiao knelt down and hugged Liu Zhenqing’s legs, buried his head in his knees, and began to weep. Like a lost and helpless child.

“Master, you’re Master, you’re Master. Master, where have you been? I missed you so much. I really missed you so much. Master, punish me for not protecting you well. I should have protected you, why didn’t I stay by your side? I should have protected you myself. Punish me, don’t let me off.”

As Liu Qiao expressed his grievance and longing in broken words, he thrust the deed of sale into Liu Zhenqing’s hands.

“I don’t want this, Master, take it back. You promised me that as long as I completed this task and was willing to return to you, you would accept me. Don’t reject me, ah. Master, I’ll do whatever you want me to do. I’m still your best guard, and my martial arts are even better now. I will definitely protect you and not let anyone hurt you.”

Liu Zhenqing was a bit helpless. Nine years had passed, but Liu Qiao still had the same temperament.

In the past, everyone said that the civil and military-trained guard next to him was wise and ruthless, but in fact, he was innocent and childish.

Liu Zhenqing reached a hand out to lift Liu Qiao’s face. He helped wipe away his tears and said with a helpless smile: “You recognize me? You don’t think it’s bizarre or that I’m lying to you?”

Liu Qiao shook his head and said: “Master is Master.”

Liu Zhenqing was inwardly amused. This simple child was the kind who helped count the money after being robbed.

However, Liu Zhenqing still gave him a rough account of the situation.

Liu Qiao was stunned for a moment, then said: “In any case, Master won’t leave, right?”

Liu Zhenqing nodded.

Relieved, Liu Qiao knelt down to kowtow to Liu Zhenqing, as if once again recognizing his master.

Because Liu Qiao and Bai Yu had a good relationship before, he also told him the truth about Bai Yu. Liu Qiao’s expression indeed turned ugly, and he kowtowed again: “Master, punish me. It’s all my fault. I was too stupid to think of it, or else I would have definitely been able to save Young Master Wangshu.”

Liu Zhenqing sighed. “I understand, you worked hard too. The incident with Song Xingmu was also thanks to you, or else I would have lost another brother. 

Liu Qiao shook his head, saying: “I haven’t done anything well, not even the final task assigned by Master…..”

Speaking of Qiao Jin, Liu Qiao quickly said: “Master knows of Qiao Jin’s identity. He’s…..”

Liu Qiao suddenly stopped talking and turned his head to the side warily, as if he had heard something.

Liu Zhenqing couldn’t hear it, and looked askance at Liu Qiao.

After a moment, Liu Qiao looked at Liu Zhenqing again and said: “It’s nothing, Master. Someone just gave me a code that means Qiao Jin is looking for me.”

Only then did Liu Zhenqing say seriously: “He can’t find out about my identity.”

Liu Qiao nodded at once. His expression changed slightly as he recalled Qiao Jin’s intention to kill him, and he said: “Master, it’s dangerous here. I’ll take you back.”

Liu Zhenqing: I hadn’t mentioned it yet, but this is convenient.

“As for Qiao Jin, you…..”

“Didn’t Master say that my mission has been completed? I’m done, so I’ll naturally return to Master,” Liu Qiao said matter-of-factly.

Liu Zhenqing: I’m feeling a little sympathetic to Liu Qiao for some reason.

“I thought you two had some feelings for each other,” Liu Zhenqing said.

Liu Qiao was momentarily taken aback, and various scenes of spending time with Qiao Jin came to mind. Feeling a little uncomfortable, he immediately said: “But he’s not as important as Master. He is already very capable and doesn’t need me. From now, on, I will do whatever Master says.”

Liu Zhenqing: “Okay, let’s leave first. If I don’t go back, Er-gou will cry.”

An hour later, Qiao Jin finally grew angry when after three orders, Liu Qiao still did not return. He went directly to where Liu Zhenqing was imprisoned, but saw no one, only a torn-up deed of sale.

Qiao Jin was dumbfounded, and his mind went almost entirely blank.

But at this moment, someone broke through the window. Just as the hidden guards cried out the alarm, Qiao Jin was choked hard by an arm around his neck before he could react.

“Where is he?!”

The terrifying murderous aura swept across the room like a dark storm. Qiao Jin looked at Huo Fenglie, whose eyes were practically red, and roared: “I should be asking you that, your person kidnapped mine!”

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T/N: Sorry for the wait, guys, the recent election here in the U.S. really messed me up, and my motivation has tanked! But I’m not giving up on these stories, it might just take a little longer between updates for a while!

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Chapter One Hundred Seventeen << Table of Contents >> Chapter One Hundred Nineteen