Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao walked together on the palace path outside Yangxin Hall.

However, after a few steps, Chu Jiubian came to an abrupt stop.

Qin Xiao turned his head toward him and said with a smile: “What, do you want to go back and check on my wound?”

Chu Jiubian gave him a look.

The voice of the System echoed in his mind: [Host, Believer Jiang Shuoye is requesting to enter the Divine Realm.]

Jiang Shuoye, ah.

It had been a long time since they last saw each other.

Steel production had developed significantly in the north, and many soldiers had been equipped with steel weapons and horse tack. Modern training methods had also been adopted, and as a result, the soldiers’ abilities, obedience, and sense of honor were all much higher than before.

With such an army, victory against the Tatars was virtually guaranteed.

But with only 80,000 men, the army was still far too small compared to the Tatar army that was over 100,000 strong. More troops would need to be recruited in the future.

He would wait a little longer, until there was no one left in the court who would interfere with or criticize the conscription process. Chu Jiubian could just issue an edict from the palace instructing Jiang Shuoye to recruit troops, and then the general wouldn’t have to bear any further risks.

Thinking of this, Chu Jiubian suddenly recalled that at the very beginning, he had planned to use Jiang Shuoye and his soldiers to fight against Qin Xiao.

But now, such a plan was no longer necessary.

After all, unless he or Qin Xiao intended to overthrow Bai Lihong and become Emperor themselves, they had no reason to stand on opposite sides.

Their relationship with Bai Lihong at this point was far from one of mutual suspicion, let alone a situation where they were preparing to overthrow him.

Chu Jiubian quickly regained his composure.

He had previously sent funds to the north and instructed Jiang Shuoye to use it to develop steel production and train his troops, but that money should have long been spent.

Chu Jiubian had already received a share of profits from Situ Zhaoling’s silk sales, and would be able to invest more in Jiang Shuoye, improving his military equipment and providing better food for the soldiers, which would increase their strength.

Plus, once news spread about how well the Mobei Army was treated and how strong they were, even more people would sign up once conscription began later on.

The underfloor heating system at Yaotai Residence had been completed. Chu Jiubian had originally planned to move back in a couple of days so that it would be more convenient to enter the Divine Realm, and give Jiang Shuoye the money then.

But since the man had reached out to him today, he would simply give it to him now.

Chu Jiubian wanted to go back to Yaotai Residence at once, but he couldn’t be too abrupt in front of Qin Xiao.

Just as he was wondering if he should pretend to be exhausted to the point of fainting, there was a sudden sharp pain in his temples, each throb more intense than the last.

It was a familiar sensation.

Nerve pain again!

And this time, it was coming on faster and more intense than ever before.

But at least he had a ready-made excuse now.

Chu Jiubian could use this as an opportunity to “pass out,” which would save him the trouble of explaining things to Qin Xiao.

His head ached terribly, and his eyes were somewhat bloodshot, but his expression revealed nothing. He simply glanced at Qin Xiao with his tired, bloodshot eyes, as if afraid that the other man wouldn’t notice him barely holding it together.

Then he changed direction and walked toward the western courtyard.

As Chu Jiubian had expected, when Qin Xiao met his gaze, his previously playful expression went serious.

He quickly paced to Chu Jiubian’s side, turning his head to observe the young man’s tense profile.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Chu Jiubian was a little dizzy. The road ahead seemed to sway, yet he walked steadily, step by step.

He could faintly hear Qin Xiao’s voice, though the words weren’t very clear. Nonetheless, he answered calmly: “I’m going to take a nap.”

Qin Xiao frowned. Even from the side, he could see the rather alarming strain in Chu Jiubian’s eyes.

A situation like this had never occurred before. Qin Xiao dared not stop Chu Jiubian, and could only remain by his side as they entered the western courtyard.

The path leading to the courtyard gate was paved with stones, but they were worn so smooth that even Bai Lihong was able to walk across them steadily.

However, Chu Jiubian suddenly stumbled and nearly fell forward.

Qin Xiao immediately put an arm around his waist and pulled him back.

But the person in his arms went completely limp, leaning bonelessly against his chest.

With one arm around Chu Jiubian, Qin Xiao gently cupped his face with his other hand, only to see his ashen complexion and tightly-closed eyes.

“Chu Jiubian,” he called out, but there was no response.

Qin Xiao immediately picked him up and strode toward the main house, saying to the palace servants in the courtyard: “Go fetch Physician Zhang.”

“Yes.” Having never seen Chu Jiubian in such a state before, the palace servants exchanged glances before quickly running off.

Qin Xiao carried the man into the house and placed him down gently on the bed, then removed his shoes, socks, and outer garment before covering him with a blanket.

When Physician Zhang arrived, breathless and panting, he found Chu Jiubian lying comfortably in bed. Anyone else would have thought he was only sleeping.

But he didn’t dare to delay. Before he could even extend his formal greetings, Qin Xiao beckoned him to take Chu Jiubian’s pulse.

This was the first time he had taken the pulse of Grand Tutor Chu, a divine being, but as soon as he felt his pulse, his brow furrowed.

His pulse was faint, and also very irregular.

Physician Zhang even switched to the other hand for a second attempt, but the conclusion remained the same.

Chu Jiubian was in extremely poor physical condition, and was afflicted with various internal maladies.

Was this the price a god must pay to descend to the mortal world?

Even so, Chu Jiubian had come here for the sake of the common people, as well as for the Great Ning Dynasty as a whole.

Physician Zhang admired him greatly.

But the most important thing right now was the headache Chu Jiubian was suffering from.

The symptoms were somewhat similar to a migraine, but even more severe.

“Answering My Lord,” Physician Zhang said to Qin Xiao, “The Grand Tutor has lost consciousness due to a severe headache. This servant will administer acupuncture, which should provide some relief.”

“En,” Qin Xiao replied, then turned his eyes toward the person on the bed.

The young man’s face was already small and pale, and now it looked even more thin and haggard.

Why had he suddenly gotten a headache?

Chu Jiubian was clearly someone capable of withstanding a great deal of pain, yet he had still fainted. How severe must this headache be?

It had to be more painful than tearing at his own flesh.

Qin Xiao wore a solemn expression, his entire person imposing and stern in a way that contrasted starkly against his usual demeanor.

Physician Zhang didn’t dare look at him for more than a moment, and quickly composed himself to administer acupuncture to Chu Jiubian.

Qin Xiao recalled some subtle clues from before.

Ever since Chu Jiubian saved him, the other man had been prone to spacing out and having difficulty concentrating.

In hindsight, every time that happened, the other’s eyes would become vacant and unfocused, and he would sometimes raise his hand to touch his forehead or temples…..

Before, he had thought that Chu Jiubian was suddenly remembering something, but now it seemed that he must have been experiencing pain then as well.

But the other man suffered in silence, revealing nothing on his face.

So these headaches of Chu Jiubian’s…..were they a result of saving Qin Xiao?

There was an indescribable feeling in Qin Xiao’s heart, and he suddenly remembered something from a long time ago —

His parents had been deeply in love, and Qin Xiao grew up watching them bicker and tease each other, but also share sweet and affectionate moments.

Once, his mother had stayed awake for two days straight taking care of his elder sister, who was suffering from a persistent fever.

Once the fever subsided and his mother was able to relax, she had developed a headache and fallen into a deep sleep.

At that time, his father had remained at his mother’s bedside, silent and somber.

Qin Xiao was still young, and hadn’t understood why his father reacted in such a way when his mother collapsed from exhaustion.

Auntie Wu was his mother’s maid at the time, and told him: “Master is worried about his wife, but doesn’t know how to express it.”

Qin Xiao hadn’t understood at the time, and although he had kept those words in mind, he’d forgotten about them until just now.

At present, he remembered the scene from that day, the people involved, and the conversations that were had.

It turned out that he was feeling the same silent, profound heartache that his father had experienced.

The pain was so intense that it was difficult for him to breathe.

His elder sister had once said that the more you hurt on someone’s behalf, the more you loved them.

Qin Xiao had hurt for his grandfather, who’d lost a son in his old age. He’d hurt for his elder sister, who had to tread so carefully in the palace, and for his younger brother, who had been away from home since childhood. He also hurt for his nephew, who had lost his mother at such a young age.

These were all relatives, bound to him by blood.

Qin Xiao gazed at the young man lying in bed, and was hit with the absolute certainty of how much he cared about him.

In the Divine Realm, the pain in his head was constant and unrelenting as Chu Jiubian sat upon his divine throne.

Neuralgia was closely related to one’s mental state, and even in the Divine Realm, the pain continued unabated.

Meanwhile, the System was still chattering in his ear: [Host, an old man is sticking needles into you. This System detects that he is targeting the acupuncture points in your head, which should relieve the pain.]

[Host, it has been detected that potential Believer Qin Xiao is staring at you. The emotions being conveyed are very complex. This System is analyzing them…..]

Chu Jiubian paid it no heed, lowering his gaze to look at Jiang Shuoye at the long table.

Jiang Shuoye immediately bowed, and only after receiving permission did he go to his chair and sit down.

“Why have you called for me?” Chu Jiubian asked.

He was calm, aloof, and mysterious, inspiring a deep sense of awe.

Jiang Shuoye replied as deferentially as always: “Answering the High Priest, this subordinate apologizes for his presumption. However, this subordinate has not felt your gaze in a long time, and wanted to give you an update on the situation in the north and the Mobei army.”

He had been quite successful in training his troops, and half of the soldiers in his army were now equipped with steel weapons. Furthermore, inspired by those in the Special Forces Battalion, the other soldiers were all training exceptionally hard in hopes of climbing the ranks.

Consequently, the entire Mobei Army had experienced a surge in strength.

Having not sensed that watchful gaze in quite some time, Jiang Shuoye had begun to worry that he had lost contact with the High Priest, or that he had perhaps lost the ability to sense his gaze. Thus, he sought an audience with the High Priest during his midday nap.

When he saw that the High Priest had not abandoned him, his heart settled.

In fact, Jiang Shuoye had come to the realization that he had grown dependent upon the High Priest without even noticing, and feared the lack of his divine protection.

Perhaps this was the experience of every mortal who received the favor of a god.

Therefore, although Jiang Shuoye was aware of the matter, he didn’t find anything wrong with it.

Said divine protection extended not only to him, but to the entire Northern Desert region and even to the entirety of Great Ning.

And he understood quite clearly that both he and the Great Ning Dynasty needed that protection.

Therefore, he would do everything in his power to obtain more blessings from this god and secure the long-term welfare of his people.

Jiang Shuoye informed the High Priest of recent developments, and when the other party said “you have done well,” he felt his nerves relax, and decided to move on to another topic.

Or rather, to test the god’s attitude on this subject.

“Given the Mobei Army’s strength, I wonder if we will be able to conquer the Tatars.” His tone was cautious, a clear indication that he had thought long and hard about this.

The pain in Chu Jiubian’s head was gradually subsiding.

His heart stirred at Jiang Shuoye’s words.

The Tatars would certainly be fought, but not right now.

At this point in time, the Great Ning Dynasty did not need to focus solely on expanding its territory. First, it must stabilize its internal affairs.

For this reason, they needed to give the impression that “Great Ning would not attack unless provoked,” and would absolutely not be the one to initiate any military action.

But even if they didn’t take the initiative to attack, they could accomplish their goals passively.

They could force, or even guide the Tatars to make the first move.

“The time is not yet right,” Chu Jiubian said cryptically, knowing that Jiang Shuoye wished to hear his thoughts on the matter. “When the time is right, everything will fall into place.”

When the time was right, Chu Jiubian would issue a conscription edict in the Emperor’s name and then instigate the Tatars to launch an attack.

At that time, Jiang Shuoye would counterattack with his army, march directly into the enemy’s royal court, and conquer their territory completely.

Like this, the problem would be solved effortlessly.

Although Chu Jiubian had only spoken one enigmatic sentence, Jiang Shuoye was skilled at using his imagination to fill in the blanks, and seemed to have come to an understanding.

With a gleam in his eyes, he rose and bowed in acquiescence.

This first Believer of his, from the very beginning until now, was cautious and meticulous in everything he did, like a quiet and diligent student.

Chu Jiubian then produced the profits from the silk trade, giving the majority of it to Jiang Shuoye.

Unable to refuse, Jiang Shuoye accepted the gift with profuse thanks.

After leaving the Divine Realm, he immediately busied himself with building an even larger steel mill.

And when Chu Jiubian emerged from the Divine Realm, he regained awareness of his body and surroundings.

He lay in bed, covered with a silk blanket that smelled like Qin Xiao.

Physician Zhang had already left, and Qin Xiao was not by his side, but rather at the tea table separated by a screen.

Chu Jiubian slowly opened his eyes the rest of the way. He spied an additional figure behind the screen, and upon hearing his voice, he realized that it was Qin Chuan.

Qin Chuan was speaking in a low voice, but Chu Jiubian could still hear him clearly.

He was saying that he and Lu Yao had gone to the Lu family manor for a lunch banquet. Lu Yao had learned interpersonal skills well, and was already able to manipulate people effortlessly, using his intelligence to compensate for his lack of emotional awareness.

Even Minister of War Lu Youwei had smiled and bid farewell to Lu Yao when the gathering ended, wearing a look of satisfaction as if looking upon a youth from his own family.

Anyone who didn’t know better would think that Lu Yao was really in league with him. But throughout the entire banquet, Qin Chuan hadn’t heard Lu Yao speak a single word about aligning himself with the Lu family. He had simply guided the conversation in a way that led everyone to that conclusion.

Once again, Qin Chuan had witnessed the heights of Lu Yao’s intelligence.

It was simply unbelievable.

Of course, QIn Chuan hadn’t been idle either. He had used this opportunity to map out most of the Lu family’s defenses, as well as the location of Lu Youwei’s courtyard and study.

Family Head Lu Jinfeng was a martial artist and a rather straightforward character, incapable of engaging in overly secretive activities.

Therefore, if the Lu family had truly colluded with the Tatars to murder Qin Jingzhao and his wife, any correspondence or other documents containing evidence could only be hidden with Minister of War Lu Youwei.

Qin Chuan now knew the location of Lu Youwei’s study, and all he needed was an opportunity to go and search it.

“There were too many guards and soldiers watching the place. I couldn’t get close,” Qin Chuan said softly.

No sooner had he finished speaking than there was a knock on the door.

Qin Xiao called for them to enter, and as expected, it was Qin Chaoyang.

Upon entering, he didn’t even glance behind the screen where Chu Jiubian was, but instead gave Qin Xiao and Qin Chuan a formal bow.

QIn Xiao waved a hand and said: “There is something I need to ask you.”

“Ask, My Lord,” said Qin Chaoyang.

Qin Xiao: “Have you noticed anything unusual about that couple from the sixth branch of the Lu family?”

Qin Chaoyang said: “I was just about to report to you on the matter.”

As it turned out, he had secretly been keeping an eye on that couple from the sixth branch of the Lu family. Their son was the one who had consumed mandala along with Wang Huanzhi’s youngest son, and was subsequently beheaded in public by Qin Xiao at the palace gates.

There had been no activity from them before, but something had come up today.

Qin Chaoyang recounted the information reported to him by his subordinates in detail.

It turned out that there were three sons in total who belonged to the Lu family’s sixth branch. The couple whose child had perished were the second-eldest in the family, and had long experienced neglect.

The death of their son had made the couple even more aware of the harsh realities of human nature.

They had planned to try for a second child while they were relatively young, but their family insisted that they adopt the eldest brother’s son as their own.

This couple was the most business-minded among their entire extended family, and also the wealthiest. 

Their relatives wanted them to adopt the eldest son of the main branch, solely to get their hands on the assets they possessed.

The couple refused, and during the ensuing argument, someone pushed the wife, which caused her to fall to the ground and begin bleeding profusely.

It was later discovered that she was over a month pregnant, but that due to excessive stress and her advanced age, the pregnancy was unstable. The fall had not only caused her to lose the baby, but also deprived her of the ability to have children in the future.

“Their hearts must be filled with hatred now,” said Qin Chaoyang.

They hated Qin Xiao for killing their son, but Qin Xiao was too powerful and too distant from them. They would have no opportunity to seek revenge on him.

But the Lu family was different. Those members of the Lu family were tangibly and visibly beside them.

Hatred, when directed toward those closest to you, was always more profound.

Thus, the subject of this couple’s hatred at present was not Qin Xiao, but their biased parents, as well as all of the members of the Lu family.

“Find a way for someone to approach them,” Qin Xiao said. “Once they let down their guard, guide them to find evidence of the Lu family’s treasonous activities and report it to me.”

Outsiders may not be able to infiltrate Lu Youwei’s residence, but other members of the Lu family would be able to find a way.

This couple harbored resentment toward both the Lu family and Qin Xiao, so if someone were to tell them that all they needed to do was find evidence of the Lu family’s crimes and hand it over to Qin Xiao, they would be able to watch the two sides fight each other to death.

They would accomplish this even at the risk of their lives, but only if they possessed sufficient ability and intelligence to pull it off.

“The person we send should be cautious and not act hastily. They should wait and gather more information before giving instructions to the Lu couple,” Qin Xiao said.

Qin Chaoyang agreed.

[Analysis complete.]

The System spoke up without warning, startling Chu Jiubian so much that he jumped slightly.

The three people on the other side of the screen paused for a moment. Then Qin Chuan and Qin Chaoyang hastily vacated the room, leaving only Qin Xiao behind.

Chu Jiubian: “…..”

Without regard for Chu Jiubian’s opinion, the System continued: [This System has analyzed micro-expressions, interpersonal relationships, and and other factors to arrive at the following conclusion – ]

[Potential Believer Qin Xiao is experiencing heartache toward Host.]

Chu Jiubian’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, and his heart skipped a beat.

In the next moment, the man’s tall figure emerged from behind the screen. Their eyes met across the distance.

Chu Jiubian averted his gaze and rolled over, moving closer to the inside of the bed.

He heard Qin Xiao’s footsteps approaching, and then the man sat on the edge of the bed.

The bed dipped slightly, and there was no further movement.

Chu Jiubian waited, sensing a gaze so intense that it seemed almost tangible, as if it was liable to bore a hole through his back.

“……”

Several minutes passed with no movement.

At last, Qin Xiao spoke in a very soft voice: “Are you feeling better?”

“En,” Chu Jiubian responded vaguely, his unfocused gaze trained on the wall.

Another moment of silence, and then there was a rustling sound behind him as if Qin Xiao was taking off his clothes and shoes.

Chu Jiubian turned around and saw that the man had indeed removed his outer garment, leaving him in only his black silk inner robe.

He had one knee on the bed with his other foot still on the floor, which made his legs seem even longer.

His inner robe was loosely-fastened, and when he leaned forward slightly, a large swathe of his tanned, muscular chest was revealed.

The wound on the left side of his chest had healed, and the stitches had been removed, but the color was different from that of the skin around it.

It would definitely leave a scar.

Qin Xiao noticed his movement, and looked up to find that the other man’s attention was once again focused on his chest.

“……” He chuckled softly.

Chu Jiubian looked up to meet that teasing and somewhat suggestive gaze, and didn’t flinch away.

They were just his pecs, right? 

They were both men, so what was wrong with him taking a look?

His confident attitude completely crumbled when Qin Xiao released the corner of the blanket and instead took his hand, pressing it against his firm chest.

Rather than withdrawing his hand, Chu Jiubian maintained the stalemate.

The skin beneath his hand was warm and supple, and his palm tingled at the feel of a strong, rhythmic heartbeat.

Qin Xiao stared intently at Chu Jiubian, his gaze moving from the other’s wandering eyes to his rosy lips.

HIs Adam’s apple bobbed. Qin Xiao tightened his grip on the young man’s wrist, stroking his thumb sensually along the inside of it as if he could feel the pulsing blood vessels beneath his skin.

Chu Jiubian suddenly felt a little warm. He fingers inexplicably clenched, and it looked like he was squeezing the other man’s pecs.

He looked up and saw that Qin Xiao’s eyes were deep and dark, with a chilling intensity that sent shivers down his spine.

They were both men, and he sensed with absolute certainty the other’s surging desire, that intense, fierce longing to possess him.

The grip on his hand moved it slowly downward, tracing over well-formed abdominal muscles.

As his fingertips touched the cool hem of silk trousers, Chu Jiubian’s eyelashes fluttered. Half of his face was buried in the blankets, and his exposed earlobe was bright red.

But he didn’t withdraw his hand.

Qin Xiao’s chest heaved up and down a few times, and he ultimately closed his eyes, releasing the other’s hand.

Then he lay down in bed, and with a sweep of his arm, pulled Chu Jiubian into his embrace and held him tightly against himself.

He felt a distinct sensation against his lower abdomen, and Chu Jiubian could vaguely sense its terrifying length.

He looked up and met the other man’s eyes, which were very close to his own.

Qin Xiao’s brow twitched. He pressed the young man’s face against his neck, and said in a low, hoarse voice filled with an unidentifiable emotion: “Don’t look at me like that.”

Chu Jiubian kept quiet.

After a while, he finally said: “It’s a little stuffy.”

When he said this, the man immediately turned him over as easily as a ragdoll and held him so that he was facing away, back to chest.

Perhaps due to the somewhat rough movement, their lower halves brushed against each other.

Chu Jiubian reflexively shivered, and Qin Xiao’s breathing became noticeably heavier.

Neither of them spoke, nor did they dare to move.

Chu Jiubian closed his eyes, his mind in a state of chaos.

His brain was having an unprecedentedly difficult time processing this situation.

Ever since Qin Xiao had returned severely injured, he hadn’t known how to interact with Qin Xiao or face what might happen in the future.

All he could do was follow his instincts.

Yet even his instincts were contradictory. At times, he wanted to get closer to Qin Xiao, much closer, but at other times, he wanted to stay far away from him, and even wished they had no connection whatsoever.

He didn’t understand himself.

The man behind him was breathing steadier, but the change to his body persisted.

Suddenly, Chu Jiubian heard him say: “Thank you.”

Chu Jiubian froze.

“Thank you for saving me,” Qin Xiao said. “I owe you so much.”

For a long time, Chu Jiubian remained silent.

Unsure whether or not Qin Xiao had fallen asleep, Chu Jiubian finally spoke in a whisper: “Then you should treat me even better.”

Qin Xiao said nothing, but he clung to him even tighter.

---

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Chapter 80 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 82