The Severed Night - Part 4
第80章 Chapter 80
**Chapter 80**
TITLE: The Palace Conference
BODY:
In the study, the young emperor was discussing unfinished political affairs with the remaining old ministers.
The eunuch bowed his waist and hurriedly approached to whisper in the youth's ear.
In just a few words' time, the youth listened as his expression changed several times; now white, now red, his gaze shifting back and forth between High Officer Qi and Wei Lingxing. Occasionally, he seemed unwilling to believe it but also filled with apprehension as he glanced at Aliu Ze. Finally, his eyes sank heavily on High Officer Qi's face.
The youth appeared to be consulting, his voice not very certain: "Bring him in?"
Seeing that no one contradicted, he raised his hand and gestured.
The Imperial Guard led Little Master Qi into the palace door, causing an uproar among the group of old ministers. Several were shocked as they turned towards Aliu Ze; several pretended to be dumbfounded; and there were also a few who felt like pins and needles, anxious and restless.
The youth was at a loss for words, hesitating: "This…"
High Officer Qi's subordinate official stepped forward and asked: "General Ali, do you find this person familiar?"
Aliu Ze maintained his usual expression as he walked out from the crowd, standing face-to-face with the kneeling boy, smiling and asking: "Do I know you?"
The boy trembled all over his body, frightened and shaking his head.
Aliu Ze spoke lightly: "I thought perhaps I didn't remember when I was a child. It seems we really don't know each other."
That official asked: "General Ali doesn't think this young master looks like you at all?"
Aliu Ze turned to ask the crowd: "Does he look alike?"
The responses were sparse, echoing feebly in the empty hall.
That official said with a deep voice: "General Ali should really not know who this young rascal is? He's precisely that child of the Qi clan who was supposed to be executed; by some luck, he managed to survive."
One person did not even let him finish speaking before interrupting: "The matter of Heng Kexiang stealing prisoners back then has already been argued about once. Both heaven and earth say she was seen killing people at that time; you can't tell fact from fiction, so it's all unsubstantiated evidence. Why do you bring this up today?"
That official said: "Fine, forget the past. Then first ask this little bastard if there is anyone in this palace who looks like his long-lost brother who vanished into thin air years ago?"
The group of old ministers exchanged glances with each other, shaking their heads slightly in dismay. They all felt that the sword which had been hanging for so long was finally falling.
Another person came forward to join him and sing a duet: "What does Master of the Left mean by this?"
"Rumors have spread across the capital city for some time now, saying General Ali's appearance is extremely similar to that rebel who vanished years ago from the Qi clan. Is fate really so coincidental? It would be hard to believe."
Aliu Ze laughed derisively: "Empty words should not be taken seriously; a few groundless remarks, and you dare bring them right in front of His Majesty's face? You are simply too reckless."
Everyone directed their gazes towards High Officer Qi, all waiting for him to speak up. They thought he must have solid evidence, able to leave this pair no room for argument.
But oddly enough, the latter was completely unlike himself today; as if all his sharp thorns had been pulled out, truly becoming an easy-going and amiable old man.
Now that everyone's attention was on him, it would be inappropriate to continue pretending to be deaf and mute. High Officer Qi finally opened his eyes, throwing a question at Aliu Ze.
"General Ali, did you see my eldest son when you passed through Heng City?"
"Not at all." Aliu Ze spoke haughtily. "Why is the Chancellor asking me for his son? Is it so that I can add another crime of killing High Clan's young master to my list?"
High Officer Qi said: "He has been missing for many days, and I am worried about his safety."
Aliu Ze asked solicitously: "If that's the case, why didn't you send anyone to look for him?"
High Officer Qi's dull eyes moved without life, his eye muscles contracting slightly, flashing with murderous intent. The sagging facial skin was pulled downwards, emitting an aura of menacing intimidation.
He rasped: "Years ago, during the search for the rebel clan of Qi, several portraits were left behind."
The emperor waited a while but didn't hear any further supplement; his eyebrows knit together, asking: "Just that?"
These years had passed by; everything was already different. Those hasty few strokes of those human likenesses - how could they be considered solid proof? If anyone else were to compare, perhaps they too would find several points of similarity.
High Officer Qi remained in his usual inscrutable and profound manner, withdrawing his gaze and looking blankly ahead.
The youth's eyebrows furrowed even tighter. He pointed and asked: "Grand Secretary Lu, what is your opinion?"
That old man closed his eyes and lifted his head, with a trace of death on his face, stepped forward two paces, and humbly answered in fear: "Your Majesty, I have not seen that rebel; I do not dare to speak nonsense."
The youth pointed again: "Old Man Yu, you have seen him. You should have held this child in your arms before."
The old man lowered his head once more for a long while, carefully examining the boy, only speaking vaguely and ambiguously: "If one looks closely, there is indeed some resemblance. But the world is full of similar people; it's not enough to prove anything. This humble official knows nothing."
The youth raised his chin, surveying all around, asking: "Is there anyone else who has something to say?"
The officials below all avoided his gaze.
Wei Lingxing spoke up at this moment, sounding slow and calm as if he had seen enough jokes: "That little master of the Qi clan was not born from Qi Keding. His wife could not bear the pain of losing a child; she brought him back from somewhere else. If one can see that he and General Ali are from the same mold… it seems that one's eyes must be very old and blurred by now."
The youth's chest was filled with raging flames, on the verge of breaking through reason. Hearing this mockery, even he could not raise his head half an inch.
He saw High Officer Qi only say a few indifferent words before stepping back to watch the show from the sidelines, even enduring Wei Lingxing's open mockery without responding, finally realizing his intentions. Feeling that he was being toyed with, his expression turned gloomy, and he also fell silent in frustration.
The few people who sensed the strange atmosphere all put out their fire, then continued to argue a little more quietly.
For a moment, the palace hall became deathly still.
Invisible dark currents raged wildly in the air; it was as if they would suffocate one.
The eunuch bowed his waist even lower, fixing his gaze on the tips of his shoes. In this cold weather, there was also a patch of sweat on his forehead.
"Postpone for further discussion."
After a long while, the voice from above spoke calmly: "Take him away first."
He picked up a memorial at the side to continue discussing agriculture-related matters.
As it approached noon, the youth ordered the ministers to disperse. He sat alone behind the desk, after a few heavy breaths, his gentle face burst out with ferocious rage.
He grabbed the inkstone on one side and threw it viciously onto the ground, still not satisfied; he snatched up a nearby porcelain bottle as well, smashing it into pieces, snarling: "Useless! My son was killed in such a mysterious manner, yet he could actually endure without doing anything! This dog thing, does this mean there's no bone in his body at all!"
The eunuch beside him trembled all over, everyone on their knees bowed low to the ground, shaking like leaves.
·
High Officer Qi's carriage stopped outside of High Manor.
High Mistress had been waiting at the door the whole time; seeing a shadow appear, she opened her mouth to ask: "When will that bastard die?"
High Officer Qi walked straight ahead with his body emanating a gloomy aura. Anyone could see that he was raging with fury right now, ignoring her as he strode towards the hall.
The woman was frightened by his face's ferocity and saw High Official Qi behind him; grabbing hold of his lapels, she shrieked: "Where is your elder brother?"
"Elder Brother?" High Official Qi asked in surprise. "Isn't Elder Brother back yet?"
High Mistress grabbed his sleeve arm tightly, her long fingernails digging deeply into his flesh, her powdered skin white as snow, cursing wildly: "You stop pretending! You've been hoping for him to die all along! Bastard, you think I don't know? He last saw you; it was you who conspired with Heng Kexiang to kill him, isn't that right?"
High Official Qi's eyes widened in disbelief, stammering: "Mother, I don't know what you're talking about."
High Mistress dragged his shirt hem, pulling him inside while saying: "You come with me! You dare not confront your father? Say whether or not the death of Cheng Ling has anything to do with you!"
High Official Qi opened his round eyes, forgetting his disgrace, his voice quivering as he pleaded: "I only received my elder brother's letter. He didn't explain the identity of that youth to me; nor did he elaborate on his stratagem; he just asked me to seize him and immediately bring him back to the capital, handing him over to the Grand Justice. I thought about waiting in Wood Yin Mountain Villa, delaying Aliu Ze a few days, awaiting Father's reply. But Elder Brother urged me again and again to leave right away. I pondered it carefully; truly unaware of the circumstances, fearing that I might mess up Father's big matter, so I could only hurry back to the capital first."
High Mistress was obviously not convinced, demanding: "Where is that letter?"
High Official Qi responded innocently: "Burnt it. Such an important thing; how dare I keep it?"
High Mistress glared at him with malicious intent in her eyes, each word sharp as a needle: "Good! Good! On this journey, you've certainly managed to find yourself some excuses!"
She turned around and threw herself at High Officer Qi's legs, wailing bitterly: "My Lord, you must not easily believe his lies. Cheng Ling is your own son after all! Now he's neither seen nor heard; who will give him justice?!"
High Officer Qi downed two cups of cold water in succession, closed his eyes tightly once, and asked: "Who notified the Imperial Guard?"
The woman saw his ferocious appearance and couldn't help but feel afraid as well. Her eyes shifted about, gripping her sleeves tightly, stammering as she tried to explain: "I…"
High Officer Qi wasn't waiting for an answer; he pushed her away, stood up, walked over to High Official Qi, stared deeply at him once, then suddenly raised his hand and gave him a slap.
This strike was brutal and violent. High Official Qi was struck so hard that his body staggered, momentarily feeling dizzy, only managing to steady himself by gripping onto the table nearby.
This sudden action also frightened the woman; it took her some time before she could move again.
High Official Qi's cheek burned with pain; blood instantly filled his mouth. He stood there like this, not daring to raise his head and look at Father's eyes, for fear that he might burst out laughing on the spot.
He knew High Officer Qi was as clear as a mirror; he had already made a judgment.
But so what?
He couldn't kill him after all, still having to pretend at this farcical father-son affection.
High Officer Qi roared: "Scram!"
High Official Qi smoothed out his wide sleeves, making sure not even one wrinkle remained on his clothes. He bowed respectfully goodbye with an air of propriety: "Father, take care."
·
On the other side, the carriage stopped outside of High Manor.
High Mistress had been waiting at the door the whole time; seeing a shadow appear, she opened her mouth to ask: "When will that bastard die?"
High Officer Qi walked straight ahead with his body emanating a gloomy aura. Anyone could see that he was raging with fury right now, ignoring her as he strode towards the hall.
The woman was frightened by his face's ferocity and saw High Official Qi behind him; grabbing hold of his lapels, she shrieked: "Where is your elder brother?"
"Elder Brother?" High Official Qi asked in surprise. "Isn't Elder Brother back yet?"
High Mistress grabbed his sleeve arm tightly, her long fingernails digging deeply into his flesh, her powdered skin white as snow, cursing wildly: "You stop pretending! You've been hoping for him to die all along! Bastard, you think I don't know? He last saw you; it was you who conspired with Heng Kexiang to kill him, isn't that right?"
High Official Qi's eyes widened in disbelief, stammering: "Mother, I don't know what you're talking about."
High Mistress dragged his shirt hem, pulling him inside while saying: "You come with me! You dare not confront your father? Say whether or not the death of Cheng Ling has anything to do with you!"
High Official Qi opened his round eyes, forgetting his disgrace, his voice quivering as he pleaded: "I only received my elder brother's letter. He didn't explain the identity of that youth to me; nor did he elaborate on his stratagem; he just asked me to seize him and immediately bring him back to the capital, handing him over to the Grand Justice. I thought about waiting in Wood Yin Mountain Villa, delaying Aliu Ze a few days, awaiting Father's reply. But Elder Brother urged me again and again to leave right away. I pondered it carefully; truly unaware of the circumstances, fearing that I might mess up Father's big matter, so I could only hurry back to the capital first."
High Mistress was obviously not convinced, demanding: "Where is that letter?"
High Official Qi responded innocently: "Burnt it. Such an important thing; how dare I keep it?"
High Mistress glared at him with malicious intent in her eyes, each word sharp as a needle: "Good! Good! On this journey, you've certainly managed to find yourself some excuses!"
She turned around and threw herself at High Officer Qi's legs, wailing bitterly: "My Lord, you must not easily believe his lies. Cheng Ling is your own son after all! Now he's neither seen nor heard; who will give him justice?!"
High Officer Qi downed two cups of cold water in succession, closed his eyes tightly once, and asked: "Who notified the Imperial Guard?"
The woman saw his ferocious appearance and couldn't help but feel afraid as well. Her eyes shifted about, gripping her sleeves tightly, stammering as she tried to explain: "I…"
High Officer Qi wasn't waiting for an answer; he pushed her away, stood up, walked over to High Official Qi, stared deeply at him once, then suddenly raised his hand and gave him a slap.
This strike was brutal and violent. High Official Qi was struck so hard that his body staggered, momentarily feeling dizzy, only managing to steady himself by gripping onto the table nearby.
This sudden action also frightened the woman; it took her some time before she could move again.
High Official Qi's cheek burned with pain; blood instantly filled his mouth. He stood there like this, not daring to raise his head and look at Father's eyes, for fear that he might burst out laughing on the spot.
He knew High Officer Qi was as clear as a mirror; he had already made a judgment.
But so what?
He couldn't kill him after all, still having to pretend at this farcical father-son affection.
High Officer Qi roared: "Scram!"
High Official Qi smoothed out his wide sleeves, making sure not even one wrinkle remained on his clothes. He bowed respectfully goodbye with an air of propriety: "Father, take care."
·
On the other side, the carriage stopped outside of High Manor.
High Mistress had been waiting at the door the whole time; seeing a shadow appear, she opened her mouth to ask: "When will that bastard die?"
High Officer Qi walked straight ahead with his body emanating a gloomy aura. Anyone could see that he was raging with fury right now, ignoring her as he strode towards the hall.
The woman was frightened by his face's ferocity and saw High Official Qi behind him; grabbing hold of his lapels, she shrieked: "Where is your elder brother?"
"Elder Brother?" High Official Qi asked in surprise. "Isn't Elder Brother back yet?"
High Mistress grabbed his sleeve arm tightly, her long fingernails digging deeply into his flesh, her powdered skin white as snow, cursing wildly: "You stop pretending! You've been hoping for him to die all along! Bastard, you think I don't know? He last saw you; it was you who conspired with Heng Kexiang to kill him, isn't that right?"
High Official Qi's eyes widened in disbelief, stammering: "Mother, I don't know what you're talking about."
High Mistress dragged his shirt hem, pulling him inside while saying: "You come with me! You dare not confront your father? Say whether or not the death of Cheng Ling has anything to do with you!"
High Official Qi opened his round eyes, forgetting his disgrace, his voice quivering as he pleaded: "I only received my elder brother's letter. He didn't explain the identity of that youth to me; nor did he elaborate on his stratagem; he just asked me to seize him and immediately bring him back to the capital, handing him over to the Grand Justice. I thought about waiting in Wood Yin Mountain Villa, delaying Aliu Ze a few days, awaiting Father's reply. But Elder Brother urged me again and again to leave right away. I pondered it carefully; truly unaware of the circumstances, fearing that I might mess up Father's big matter, so I could only hurry back to the capital first."
High Mistress was obviously not convinced, demanding: "Where is that letter?"
High Official Qi responded innocently: "Burnt it. Such an important thing; how dare I keep it?"
High Mistress glared at him with malicious intent in her eyes, each word sharp as a needle: "Good! Good! On this journey, you've certainly managed to find yourself some excuses!"
She turned around and threw herself at High Officer Qi's legs, wailing bitterly: "My Lord, you must not easily believe his lies. Cheng Ling is your own son after all! Now he's neither seen nor heard; who will give him justice?!"
High Officer Qi downed two cups of cold water in succession, closed his eyes tightly once, and asked: "Who notified the Imperial Guard?"
The woman saw his ferocious appearance and couldn't help but feel afraid as well. Her eyes shifted about, gripping her sleeves tightly, stammering as she tried to explain: "I…"
High Officer Qi wasn't waiting for an answer; he pushed her away, stood up, walked over to High Official Qi, stared deeply at him once, then suddenly raised his hand and gave him a slap.
This strike was brutal and violent. High Official Qi was struck so hard that his body staggered, momentarily feeling dizzy, only managing to steady himself by gripping onto the table nearby.
This sudden action also frightened the woman; it took her some time before she could move again.
High Official Qi's cheek burned with pain; blood instantly filled his mouth. He stood there like this, not daring to raise his head and look at Father's eyes, for fear that he might burst out laughing on the spot.
He knew High Officer Qi was as clear as a mirror; he had already made a judgment.
But so what?
He couldn't kill him after all, still having to pretend at this farcical father-son affection.
High Officer Qi roared: "Scram!"
High Official Qi smoothed out his wide sleeves, making sure not even one wrinkle remained on his clothes. He bowed respectfully goodbye with an air of propriety: "Father, take care."
·
On the other side, the carriage stopped outside of High Manor.
High Mistress had been waiting at the door the whole time; seeing a shadow appear, she opened her mouth to ask: "When will that bastard die?"
High Officer Qi walked straight ahead with his body emanating a gloomy aura. Anyone could see that he was raging with fury right now, ignoring her as he strode towards the hall.
The woman was frightened by his face's ferocity and saw High Official Qi behind him; grabbing hold of his lapels, she shrieked: "Where is your elder brother?"
"Elder Brother?" High Official Qi asked in surprise. "Isn't Elder Brother back yet?"
High Mistress grabbed his sleeve arm tightly, her long fingernails digging deeply into his flesh, her powdered skin white as snow, cursing wildly: "You stop pretending! You've been hoping for him to die all along! Bastard, you think I don't know? He last saw you; it was you who conspired with Heng Kexiang to kill him, isn't that right?"
High Official Qi's eyes widened in disbelief, stammering: "Mother, I don't know what you're talking about."
High Mistress dragged his shirt hem, pulling him inside while saying: "You come with me! You dare not confront your father? Say whether or not the death of Cheng Ling has anything to do with you!"
High Official Qi opened his round eyes, forgetting his disgrace, his voice quivering as he pleaded: "I only received my elder brother's letter. He didn't explain the identity of that youth to me; nor did he elaborate on his stratagem; he just asked me to seize him and immediately bring him back to the capital, handing him over to the Grand Justice. I thought about waiting in Wood Yin Mountain Villa, delaying Aliu Ze a few days, awaiting Father's reply. But Elder Brother urged me again and again to leave right away. I pondered it carefully; truly unaware of the circumstances, fearing that I might mess up Father's big matter, so I could only hurry back to the capital first."
High Mistress was obviously not convinced, demanding: "Where is that letter?"
High Official Qi responded innocently: "Burnt it. Such an important thing; how dare I keep it?"
High Mistress glared at him with malicious intent in her eyes, each word sharp as a needle: "Good! Good! On this journey, you've certainly managed to find yourself some excuses!"
She turned around and threw herself at High Officer Qi's legs, wailing bitterly: "My Lord, you must not easily believe his lies. Cheng Ling is your own son after all! Now he's neither seen nor heard; who will give him justice?!"
High Officer Qi downed two cups of cold water in succession, closed his eyes tightly once, and asked: "Who notified the Imperial Guard?"
The woman saw his ferocious appearance and couldn't help but feel afraid as well. Her eyes shifted about, gripping her sleeves tightly, stammering as she tried to explain: "I…"
High Officer Qi wasn't waiting for an answer; he pushed her away, stood up, walked over to High Official Qi, stared deeply at him once, then suddenly raised his hand and gave him a slap.
This strike was brutal and violent. High Official Qi was struck so hard that his body staggered, momentarily feeling dizzy, only managing to steady himself by gripping onto the table nearby.
This sudden action also frightened the woman; it took her some time before she could move again.
High Official Qi's cheek burned with pain; blood instantly filled his mouth. He stood there like this, not daring to raise his head and look at Father's eyes, for fear that he might burst out laughing on the spot.
He knew High Officer Qi was as clear as a mirror; he had already made a judgment.
But so what?
He couldn't kill him after all, still having to pretend at this farcical father-son affection.
High Officer Qi roared: "Scram!"
High Official Qi smoothed out his wide sleeves, making sure not even one wrinkle remained on his clothes. He bowed respectfully goodbye with an air of propriety: "Father, take care."
·
On the other side, the carriage stopped outside of High Manor.
High Mistress had been waiting at the door the whole time; seeing a shadow appear, she opened her mouth to ask: "When will that bastard die?"
High Officer Qi walked straight ahead with his body emanating a gloomy aura. Anyone could see that he was raging with fury right now, ignoring her as he strode towards the hall.
The woman was frightened by his face's ferocity and saw High Official Qi behind him; grabbing hold of his lapels, she shrieked: "Where is your elder brother?"
"Elder Brother?" High Official Qi asked in surprise. "Isn't Elder Brother back yet?"
High Mistress grabbed his sleeve arm tightly, her long fingernails digging deeply into his flesh, her powdered skin white as snow, cursing wildly: "You stop pretending! You've been hoping for him to die all along! Bastard, you think I don't know? He last saw you; it was you who conspired with Heng Kexiang to kill him, isn't that right?"
High Official Qi's eyes widened in disbelief, stammering: "Mother, I don't know what you're talking about."
High Mistress dragged his shirt hem, pulling him inside while saying: "You come with me! You dare not confront your father? Say whether or not the death of Cheng Ling has anything to do with you!"
High Official Qi opened his round eyes, forgetting his disgrace, his voice quivering as he pleaded: "I only received my elder brother's letter. He didn't explain the identity of that youth to me; nor did he elaborate on his stratagem; he just asked me to seize him and immediately bring him back to the capital, handing him over to the Grand Justice. I thought about waiting in Wood Yin Mountain Villa, delaying Aliu Ze a few days, awaiting Father's reply. But Elder Brother urged me again and again to leave right away. I pondered it carefully; truly unaware of the circumstances, fearing that I might mess up Father's big matter, so I could only hurry back to the capital first."
High Mistress was obviously not convinced, demanding: "Where is that letter?"
High Official Qi responded innocently: "Burnt it. Such an important thing; how dare I keep it?"
High Mistress glared at him with malicious intent in her eyes, each word sharp as a needle: "Good! Good! On this journey, you've certainly managed to find yourself some excuses!"
She turned around and threw herself at High Officer Qi's legs, wailing bitterly: "My Lord, you must not easily believe his lies. Cheng Ling is your own son after all! Now he's neither seen nor heard; who will give him justice?!"
High Officer Qi downed two cups of cold water in succession, closed his eyes tightly once, and asked: "Who notified the Imperial Guard?"
The woman saw his ferocious appearance and couldn't help but feel afraid as well. Her eyes shifted about, gripping her sleeves tightly, stammering as she tried to explain: "I…"
High Officer Qi wasn't waiting for an answer; he pushed her away, stood up, walked over to High Official Qi, stared deeply at him once, then suddenly raised his hand and gave him a slap.
This strike was brutal and violent. High Official Qi was struck so hard that his body staggered, momentarily feeling dizzy, only managing to steady himself by gripping onto the table nearby.
This sudden action also frightened the woman; it took her some time before she could move again.
High Official Qi's cheek burned with pain; blood instantly filled his mouth. He stood there like this, not daring to raise his head and look at Father's eyes, for fear that he might burst out laughing on the spot.
He knew High Officer Qi was as clear as a mirror; he had already made a judgment.
But so what?
He couldn't kill him after all, still having to pretend at this farcical father-son affection.
High Officer Qi roared: "Scram!"
High Official Qi smoothed out his wide sleeves, making sure not even one wrinkle remained on his clothes. He bowed respectfully goodbye with an air of propriety: "Father, take care."
·
On the other side, the carriage stopped outside of High Manor.
High Mistress had been waiting at the door the whole time; seeing a shadow appear, she opened her mouth to ask: "When will that bastard die?"
High Officer Qi walked straight ahead with his body emanating a gloomy aura. Anyone could see that he was raging with fury right now, ignoring her as he strode towards the hall.
The woman was frightened by his face's ferocity and saw High Official Qi behind him; grabbing hold of his lapels, she shrieked: "Where is your elder brother?"
"Elder Brother?" High Official Qi asked in surprise. "Isn't Elder Brother back yet?"
High Mistress grabbed his sleeve arm tightly, her long fingernails digging deeply into his flesh, her powdered skin white as snow, cursing wildly: "You stop pretending! You've been hoping for him to die all along! Bastard, you think I don't know? He last saw you; it was you who conspired with Heng Kexiang to kill him, isn't that right?"
High Official Qi's eyes widened in disbelief, stammering: "Mother, I don't know what you're talking about."
High Mistress dragged his shirt hem, pulling him inside while saying: "You come with me! You dare not confront your father? Say whether or not the death of Cheng Ling has anything to do with you!"
High Official Qi opened his round eyes, forgetting his disgrace, his voice quivering as he pleaded: "I only received my elder brother's letter. He didn't explain the identity of that youth to me; nor did he elaborate on his stratagem; he just asked me to seize him and immediately bring him back to the capital, handing him over to the Grand Justice. I thought about waiting in Wood Yin Mountain Villa, delaying Aliu Ze a few days, awaiting Father's reply. But Elder Brother urged me again and again to leave right away. I pondered it carefully; truly unaware of the circumstances, fearing that I might mess up Father's big matter, so I could only hurry back to the capital first."
High Mistress was obviously not convinced, demanding: "Where is that letter?"
High Official Qi responded innocently: "Burnt it. Such an important thing; how dare I keep it?"
High Mistress glared at him with malicious intent in her eyes, each word sharp as a needle: "Good! Good! On this journey, you've certainly managed to find yourself some excuses!"
She turned around and threw herself at High Officer Qi's legs, wailing bitterly: "My Lord, you must not easily believe his lies. Cheng Ling is your own son after all! Now he's neither seen nor heard; who will give him justice?!"
High Officer Qi downed two cups of cold water in succession, closed his eyes tightly once, and asked: "Who notified the Imperial Guard?"
The woman saw his ferocious appearance and couldn't help but feel afraid as well. Her eyes shifted about, gripping her sleeves tightly, stammering as she tried to explain: "I…"
High Officer Qi wasn't waiting for an answer; he pushed her away, stood up, walked over to High Official Qi, stared deeply at him once, then suddenly raised his hand and gave him a slap.
This strike was brutal and violent. High Official Qi was struck so hard that his body staggered, momentarily feeling dizzy, only managing to steady himself by gripping onto the table nearby.
This sudden action also frightened the woman; it took her some time before she could move again.
High Official Qi's cheek burned with pain; blood instantly filled his mouth. He stood there like this, not daring to raise his head and look at Father's eyes, for fear that he might burst out laughing on the spot.
He knew High Officer Qi was as clear as a mirror; he had already made a judgment.
But so what?
He couldn't kill him after all, still having to pretend at this farcical father-son affection.
High Officer Qi roared: "Scram!"
High Official Qi smoothed out his wide sleeves, making sure not even one wrinkle remained on his clothes. He bowed respectfully goodbye with an air of propriety: "Father, take care."
·
On the other side, the carriage stopped outside of High Manor.
High Mistress had been waiting at the door the whole time; seeing a shadow appear, she opened her mouth to ask: "When will that bastard die?"
High Officer Qi walked straight ahead with his body emanating a gloomy aura. Anyone could see that he was raging with fury right now, ignoring her as he strode towards the hall.
The woman was frightened by his face's ferocity and saw High Official Qi behind him; grabbing hold of his lapels, she shrieked: "Where is your elder brother?"
"Elder Brother?" High Official Qi asked in surprise. "Isn't Elder Brother back yet?"
High Mistress grabbed his sleeve arm tightly, her long fingernails digging deeply into his flesh, her powdered skin white as snow, cursing wildly: "You stop pretending! You've been hoping for him to die all along! Bastard, you think I don't know? He last saw you; it was you who conspired with Heng Kexiang to kill him, isn't that right?"
High Official Qi's eyes widened in disbelief, stammering: "Mother, I don't know what you're talking about."
High Mistress dragged his shirt hem, pulling him inside while saying: "You come with me! You dare not confront your father? Say whether or not the death of Cheng Ling has anything to do with you!"
High Official Qi opened his round eyes, forgetting his disgrace, his voice quivering as he pleaded: "I only received my elder brother's letter. He didn't explain the identity of that youth to me; nor did he elaborate on his stratagem; he just asked me to seize him and immediately bring him back to the capital, handing him over to the Grand Justice. I thought about waiting in Wood Yin Mountain Villa, delaying Aliu Ze a few days, awaiting Father's reply. But Elder Brother urged me again and again to leave right away. I pondered it carefully; truly unaware of the circumstances, fearing that I might mess up Father's big matter, so I could only hurry back to the capital first."
High Mistress was obviously not convinced, demanding: "Where is that letter?"
High Official Qi responded innocently: "Burnt it. Such an important thing; how dare I keep it?"
High Mistress glared at him with malicious intent in her eyes, each word sharp as a needle: "Good! Good! On this journey, you've certainly managed to find yourself some excuses!"
She turned around and threw herself at High Officer Qi's legs, wailing bitterly: "My Lord, you must not easily believe his lies. Cheng Ling is your own son after all! Now he's neither seen nor heard; who will give him justice?!"
High Officer Qi downed two cups of cold water in succession, closed his eyes tightly once, and asked: "Who notified the Imperial Guard?"
The woman saw his ferocious appearance and couldn't help but feel afraid as well. Her eyes shifted about, gripping her sleeves tightly, stammering as she tried to explain: "I…"
High Officer Qi wasn't waiting for an answer; he pushed her away, stood up, walked over to High Official Qi, stared deeply at him once, then suddenly raised his hand and gave him a slap.
This strike was brutal and violent. High Official Qi was struck so hard that his body staggered, momentarily feeling dizzy, only managing to steady himself by gripping onto the table nearby.
This sudden action also frightened the woman; it took her some time before she could move again.
High Official Qi's cheek burned with pain; blood instantly filled his mouth. He stood there like this, not daring to raise his head and look at Father's eyes, for fear that he might burst out laughing on the spot.
He knew High Officer Qi was as clear as a mirror; he had already made a judgment.
But so what?
He couldn't kill him after all, still having to pretend at this farcical father-son affection.
High Officer Qi roared: "Scram!"
High Official Qi smoothed out his wide sleeves, making sure not even one wrinkle remained on his clothes. He bowed respectfully goodbye with an air of propriety: "Father, take care."
·
On the other side, the carriage stopped outside of High Manor.
High Mistress had been waiting at the door the whole time; seeing a shadow appear, she opened her mouth to ask: "When will that bastard die?"
High Officer Qi walked straight ahead with his body emanating a gloomy aura. Anyone could see that he was raging with fury right now, ignoring her as he strode towards the hall.
The woman was frightened by his face's ferocity and saw High Official Qi behind him; grabbing hold of his lapels, she shrieked: "Where is your elder brother?"
"Elder Brother?" High Official Qi asked in surprise. "Isn't Elder Brother back yet?"
High Mistress grabbed his sleeve arm tightly, her long fingernails digging deeply into his flesh, her powdered skin white as snow, cursing wildly: "You stop pretending! You've been hoping for him to die all along! Bastard, you think I don't know? He last saw you; it was you who conspired with Heng Kexiang to kill him, isn't that right?"
High Official Qi's eyes widened in disbelief,
第81章 Chapter 81
Chapter 81: The Father-Son Confrontation
High Officer Qi stormed out of the manor, his face already swollen with clear finger marks, red as if branded with a hot iron from lip to ear.
His attendant followed behind him into the carriage, taking out a bottle of medicine from the cabinet. "The smell is strong. You don't need it."
High Officer Qi flared his nostrils, refusing by saying: "The smell is too pungent. No need for that anymore."
His attendant wet a towel with water and let him wipe his face. Seeing him resting listlessly against the carriage wall, unable to speak, he went out and signaled to his fellow driver before rushing back towards the palace gate.
Inside the carriage, the incense was thick, enough to make one drowsy. The carriage stopped amidst a burst of clamor.
High Officer Qi opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and clear as he stepped down from the carriage in large strides.
As he entered the study room, the young king was seen lying on the ground with a gloomy face, randomly flicking the pile of black and white chess pieces in front of him.
High Officer Qi gave a bow before receiving a dismissive wave. He lifted his robe hem and sat down cross-legged beside him.
The young king jerked his chin towards the eunuch at the door, signaling for him to retreat outside. Only he was left alone with High Officer Qi.
High Officer Qi picked up a black chess piece between two fingers and pushed it towards the young king's side of the board. The young king casually grabbed a handful of scattered white pieces and dropped them randomly on the ground beside his seat.
High Officer Qi played along for a bit, noticing that he was about to lose interest, before opening his mouth to ask: "Your Majesty is still in a huff?"
His speech was garbled due to half of his face being numb with pain.
The young king suppressed himself for a moment, but eventually couldn't help cursing loudly towards the front: "Those old bastards! In everyday life they pretend to be so righteous and upright, as if their loyalty is pure. They almost swore on the heavens and earth! But today, that person you brought here just knelt right at this spot, in this position; not one of them dared cast even an extra glance, all of them were beating around the bush, even helping out with what that bastard said!"
High Officer Qi looked at the young king in front of him with a gentle gaze, taking in every single detail of his expression, occasionally nodding along.
He and this king had been acquainted since their youth, their personalities meshing well. In his opinion, he was the one who understood him the most deeply. Even more so than the blood-related uncle, Prince Wei, who used to think that he could be taught properly.
This young man; if you say he's evil, then he certainly didn't have such a vicious and bloodthirsty nature. Sometimes when hearing about common people's hardships, his heart would ache, even shedding two tears in sorrow.
But if you thought him good, that was also absurd. This king never put anyone else's life above his own; the commoners of this world were but lowly weeds to be trampled underfoot, alive or dead, as long as they didn't block his path. All the logic and righteousness in this world combined could not compare to his self-interest.
He possessed an ignorant kind of cruelty, a callous indifference. How many people had been deceived by his naive appearance, even Prince Wei once thought that he would be able to change for the better and become a benevolent ruler.
High Officer Qi felt a surge of laughter in his heart every time this thought crossed his mind.
He lowered his gaze, feigning concern as he said: "Your Majesty is surely mistaken about them."
The young king turned towards him, his eyes filled with slight discontent, silently questioning the meaning behind those words.
High Officer Qi gathered up the scattered chess pieces on the ground, separating black from white and placing them on either side. He spoke earnestly to explain: "Your Majesty, what kind of person is Aliu Ze? If it were five years ago, Your Majesty wanting him to be torn apart by five horses, those few old ministers would not have said more than a word.
"Alas, in these past few years, Prince Wei has constantly been sending him his most elite soldiers and bravest troops, delivering a steady supply of grain and weapons. Laying the groundwork for years; now Aliu Ze has built an unshakeable defense line on the border. A great feat that would have been very difficult to achieve. The ministers in court, even if their hearts belong to Your Majesty, still have to be forced by him, tolerating these two wolves' ambitions. Not only them, in truth, my father is also hesitating."
The young king slowly sat up with his elbow, his voice low as he said: "Isn't that man the one you brought back to the capital?"
High Officer Qi hastily clarified: "I brought that bastard son back here to fulfill my elder brother's request. But on this journey I encountered Aliu Ze's people in town; not daring to openly reveal it, so I was worried about them using public opinion to bind Your Majesty's hands. Who would have thought that group of Imperial Guards arrived too quickly, with their leader being a man who wouldn't listen to my pleas at all, forcing me to bring him along. At that moment, I already had an ominous feeling; as expected, it turned out that this plan by those two scoundrels was right on the mark."
The young king's discontent grew stronger and stronger, his resentment barely contained.
"Because of this move, it helped Prince Wei gain prestige in court. My father retreated, not a few originally vacillating ministers would all start to lean towards him now." High Officer Qi lowered his voice to ask: "Your Majesty, who was the one who issued the order today; or who was it that whispered into your ears and made you lose sight of things for a moment?"
The young king pondered deeply before saying gloomily: "The Grand Justice previously reminded me that there would be no small unrest in the capital recently. The High Family daring to let out the news about Aliu Ze, definitely had their backup plans ready. At that time, I only needed to lend strength and act for myself to be able to suppress Prince Wei's arrogance. Today, wanting to bring people up here was my own decision. I thought it was Father's plan."
High Officer Qi smiled mysteriously: "It turned out to be him."
The young king lazily tapped his finger on the chess pieces in front of him, then hesitated after a moment: "But he is my confidant."
"Confidant?" High Officer Qi took over the chess piece from his hand and raised it halfway, scoffing as he said: "Blood relations can't even be trusted. What weight does 'confidant' have? Can it press down on people's hearts and evil intentions?"
Seeing that the young king was pensive, High Officer Qi added solemnly after a pause: "Your Majesty, the position of Grand Justice has many excellent talents who can sit there. Only those with two hearts cannot be left behind. This news isn't from my High Family; if he really had good intentions, then he should have reminded Your Majesty to act cautiously. Rather than not even clarifying the situation and only egging you on in secret."
The young king lifted his head to look at him, seeming to just notice the red marks on his face now, reaching out to gently touch them as he asked: "Your father hit you? He struck that hard?"
High Officer Qi tugged at the corners of his mouth, laughing bitterly: "In his eyes, everything I do is wrong. In his eyes, I am only someone with a vicious heart who can even watch his own brother die."
The young king was confused: "What's this got to do with you now?"
High Officer Qi said: "Your Majesty thinks that the whereabouts of the few remaining Qi family members came from where? Prince Wei has kept them hidden for years, not leaking a single bit. Why did it suddenly become known by all? It's because my elder brother managed to get some hints from several wandering martial artists' mouths, following clues to uncover the truth behind it."
High Officer Qi covered his own face, still red and swollen, his emotions complex as he said: "It's just that he was too reckless, assuming that there would be no problems since he had all kinds of elite warriors around him, insisting on staying in Heng City. After arranging a few important matters, there has been no sign of him ever since. Now thinking about it, he probably got killed by Aliu Ze. Prince Wei saw that he couldn't hide it anymore, so he might as well play along and have what happened today."
The young king immediately became indignant: "This has nothing to do with you! How could they blame you? Your Majesty, you are too partial!"
High Officer Qi was both deeply moved and melancholic, a thousand sorrows unspeakable. He tightly pursed his lips as he said: "Your Majesty, in this world there is only you who would think that."
The young king leaned closer, sitting shoulder to shoulder with him as he comforted: "Your Majesty, you are a clever man; out of all the ministers under heaven, only you understand me most."
High Officer Qi's chest rose and fell, his head lowered without speaking.
The young king bent down on one knee, looking at his expression worriedly. Seeing that he was merely frowning with a face full of resentment, idly gazing into space, he squeezed his stiff hand.
The young king knelt up, fretting as he asked: "Your Majesty, what should be done with this bastard surnamed Qi?"
High Officer Qi promptly replied without hesitation: "Release him. Bringing him back to the capital was the biggest mistake. It shouldn't have been a killing blow in the first place. One should keep that person tightly in hand."
The young king hesitated uncertainly, reaching out to play with the pile of chess pieces in front of him as he said: "But he's a remnant of the Qi clan; letting the tiger return to the mountain, I always feel uneasy. What if another Aliu Ze appears?"
High Officer Qi looked back at him: "Your Majesty, where is the mountain? Who is the tiger? Now Heng Kexiang and Aliu Ze are both in this capital city, wanting to quietly eliminate that little bastard under their noses would only end up being counterproductive, stirring up more trouble. Your Majesty if you truly can't let it go, send him out of the capital; the rest will be handed over to me. I think Prince Wei won't dare openly send people to escort him. Waiting for a chance to kill that kind of useless thing is as easy as turning one's hand over. Dying outside would have nothing to do with Your Majesty anymore."
The young king asked: "When did Heng Kexiang return?"
"Around the same time as me," High Officer Qi said. "On this journey, she kept slinking around after me like a cat playing with a dog; that's why I was certain she had ulterior motives. If Your Majesty can't hold back, you'll surely fall into their trap again. As soon as you have even the slightest thought, the hat of narrow-mindedness will definitely be placed on your head."
The young king still shook his head doubtfully: "In the past, Heng Kexiang managed to escape just like this."
High Officer Qi patiently explained: "My father underestimated Not Leaving Mountain. But there won't be another Not Leaving Mountain in this world."
The young king finally agreed, shifting to ask instead: "How many more people do you have under your command?"
High Officer Qi put the sorted chess pieces into the ceramic jar, nonchalantly saying: "Although Xie Chongzhi is dead, all those monkeys underneath are still waiting to be fed. Hunting down rabbits also takes full effort; Your Majesty can rest assured."
The young king nodded, helping him tidy up the mess on the ground as he flashed a satisfied smile at High Officer Qi: "Your Majesty, only you have true affection for me."
High Officer Qi responded in awe: "Those who know me shall die for me! As long as Your Majesty trusts me!"
They chatted until dusk. The young king wanted to invite High Officer Qi to stay for dinner; however, it was politely declined by him.
After leaving the palace gate, when passing a group of guards on duty, High Officer Qi paused his steps, curling his lips into a smile as he said: "Tell your master that I've done the dirty work for you; what I want, believe he knows in his heart. Just wait for the good news."
Chapter 81 source:
High Officer Qi walked out of the manor with one side of his face already swollen, clear finger marks red like they were branded with a hot iron from lip to ear.
His attendant followed behind him into the carriage, taking out a bottle of medicine from the cabinet. "The smell is strong. You don't need it."
High Officer Qi flared his nostrils, refusing by saying: "The smell is too pungent. No need for that anymore."
His attendant wet a towel with water and let him wipe his face. Seeing him resting listlessly against the carriage wall, unable to speak, he went out and signaled to his fellow driver before rushing back towards the palace gate.
Inside the carriage, the incense was thick, enough to make one drowsy. The carriage stopped amidst a burst of clamor.
High Officer Qi opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and clear as he stepped down from the carriage in large strides.
As he entered the study room, the young king was seen lying on the ground with a gloomy face, randomly flicking the pile of black and white chess pieces in front of him.
High Officer Qi gave a bow before receiving a dismissive wave. He lifted his robe hem and sat down cross-legged beside him.
The young king jerked his chin towards the eunuch at the door, signaling for him to retreat outside. Only he was left alone with High Officer Qi.
High Officer Qi picked up a black chess piece between two fingers and pushed it towards the young king's side of the board. The young king casually grabbed a handful of scattered white pieces and dropped them randomly on the ground beside his seat.
High Officer Qi played along for a bit, noticing that he was about to lose interest, before opening his mouth to ask: "Your Majesty is still in a huff?"
His speech was garbled due to half of his face being numb with pain.
The young king suppressed himself for a moment, but eventually couldn't help cursing loudly towards the front: "Those old bastards! In everyday life they pretend to be so righteous and upright, as if their loyalty is pure. They almost swore on the heavens and earth! But today, that person you brought here just knelt right at this spot, in this position; not one of them dared cast even an extra glance, all of them were beating around the bush, even helping out with what that bastard said!"
High Officer Qi looked at the young king in front of him with a gentle gaze, taking in every single detail of his expression, occasionally nodding along.
He and this king had been acquainted since their youth, their personalities meshing well. In his opinion, he was the one who understood him the most deeply. Even more so than the blood-related uncle, Prince Wei, who used to think that he would be able to teach properly.
This young man; if you say he's evil, then he certainly didn't have such a vicious and bloodthirsty nature. Sometimes when hearing about common people's hardships, his heart would ache, even shedding two tears in sorrow.
But if you thought him good, that was also absurd. This king never put anyone else's life above his own; the commoners of this world were but lowly weeds to be trampled underfoot, alive or dead, as long as they didn't block his path. All the logic and righteousness in this world combined could not compare to his self-interest.
He possessed an ignorant kind of cruelty, a callous indifference. How many people had been deceived by his naive appearance, even Prince Wei once thought that he would be able to change for the better and become a benevolent ruler.
High Officer Qi felt a surge of laughter in his heart every time this thought crossed his mind.
He lowered his gaze, feigning concern as he said: "Your Majesty is surely mistaken about them."
The young king turned towards him, his eyes filled with slight discontent, silently questioning the meaning behind those words.
High Officer Qi gathered up the scattered chess pieces on the ground, separating black from white and placing them on either side. He spoke earnestly to explain: "Your Majesty, what kind of person is Aliu Ze? If it were five years ago, Your Majesty wanting him to be torn apart by five horses, those few old ministers would not have said more than a word.
"Alas, in these past few years, Prince Wei has constantly been sending him his most elite soldiers and bravest troops, delivering a steady supply of grain and weapons. Laying the groundwork for years; now Aliu Ze has built an unshakeable defense line on the border. A great feat that would have been very difficult to achieve. The ministers in court, even if their hearts belong to Your Majesty, still have to be forced by him, tolerating these two wolves' ambitions. Not only them, in truth, my father is also hesitating."
The young king slowly sat up with his elbow, his voice low as he said: "Isn't that man the one you brought back to the capital?"
High Officer Qi hastily clarified: "I brought that bastard son back here to fulfill my elder brother's request. But on this journey I encountered Aliu Ze's people in town; not daring to openly reveal it, so I was worried about them using public opinion to bind Your Majesty's hands. Who would have thought that group of Imperial Guards arrived too quickly, with their leader being a man who wouldn't listen to my pleas at all, forcing me to bring him along. At that moment, I already had an ominous feeling; as expected, it turned out that this plan by those two scoundrels was right on the mark."
The young king's discontent grew stronger and stronger, his resentment barely contained.
"Because of this move, it helped Prince Wei gain prestige in court. My father retreated, not a few originally vacillating ministers would all start to lean towards him now." High Officer Qi lowered his voice to ask: "Your Majesty, who was the one who issued the order today; or who was it that whispered into your ears and made you lose sight of things for a moment?"
The young king pondered deeply before saying gloomily: "The Grand Justice previously reminded me that there would be no small unrest in the capital recently. The High Family daring to let out the news about Aliu Ze, definitely had their backup plans ready. At that time, I only needed to lend strength and act for myself to be able to suppress Prince Wei's arrogance. Today, wanting to bring people up here was my own decision. I thought it was Father's plan."
High Officer Qi smiled mysteriously: "It turned out to be him."
The young king lazily tapped his finger on the chess pieces in front of him, then hesitated after a moment: "But he is my confidant."
"Confidant?" High Officer Qi took over the chess piece from his hand and raised it halfway, scoffing as he said: "Blood relations can't even be trusted. What weight does 'confidant' have? Can it press down on people's hearts and evil intentions?"
Seeing that the young king was pensive, High Officer Qi added solemnly after a pause: "Your Majesty, the position of Grand Justice has many excellent talents who can sit there. Only those with two hearts cannot be left behind. This news isn't from my High Family; if he really had good intentions, then he should have reminded Your Majesty to act cautiously. Rather than not even clarifying the situation and only egging you on in secret."
The young king lifted his head to look at him, seeming to just notice the red marks on his face now, reaching out to gently touch them as he asked: "Your father hit you? He struck that hard?"
High Officer Qi tugged at the corners of his mouth, laughing bitterly: "In his eyes, everything I do is wrong. In his eyes, I am only someone with a vicious heart who can even watch his own brother die."
The young king was confused: "What's this got to do with you now?"
High Officer Qi said: "Your Majesty thinks that the whereabouts of the few remaining Qi family members came from where? Prince Wei has kept them hidden for years, not leaking a single bit. Why did it suddenly become known by all? It's because my elder brother managed to get some hints from several wandering martial artists' mouths, following clues to uncover the truth behind it."
High Officer Qi covered his own face, still red and swollen, his emotions complex as he said: "It's just that he was too reckless, assuming that there would be no problems since he had all kinds of elite warriors around him, insisting on staying in Heng City. After arranging a few important matters, there has been no sign of him ever since. Now thinking about it, he probably got killed by Aliu Ze. Prince Wei saw that he couldn't hide it anymore, so he might as well play along and have what happened today."
The young king immediately became indignant: "This has nothing to do with you! How could they blame you? Your Majesty, you are too partial!"
High Officer Qi was both deeply moved and melancholic, a thousand sorrows unspeakable. He tightly pursed his lips as he said: "Your Majesty, in this world there is only you who would think that."
The young king leaned closer, sitting shoulder to shoulder with him as he comforted: "Your Majesty, you are a clever man; out of all the ministers under heaven, only you understand me most."
High Officer Qi's chest rose and fell, his head lowered without speaking.
The young king bent down on one knee, looking at his expression worriedly. Seeing that he was merely frowning with a face full of resentment, idly gazing into space, he squeezed his stiff hand.
The young king knelt up, fretting as he asked: "Your Majesty, what should be done with this bastard surnamed Qi?"
High Officer Qi promptly replied without hesitation: "Release him. Bringing him back to the capital was the biggest mistake. It shouldn't have been a killing blow in the first place. One should keep that person tightly in hand."
The young king hesitated uncertainly, reaching out to play with the pile of chess pieces in front of him as he said: "But he's a remnant of the Qi clan; letting the tiger return to the mountain, I always feel uneasy. What if another Aliu Ze appears?"
High Officer Qi looked back at him: "Your Majesty, where is the mountain? Who is the tiger? Now Heng Kexiang and Aliu Ze are both in this capital city, wanting to quietly eliminate that little bastard under their noses would only end up being counterproductive, stirring up more trouble. Your Majesty if you truly can't let it go, send him out of the capital; the rest will be handed over to me. I think Prince Wei won't dare openly send people to escort him. Waiting for a chance to kill that kind of useless thing is as easy as turning one's hand over. Dying outside would have nothing to do with Your Majesty anymore."
The young king asked: "When did Heng Kexiang return?"
"Around the same time as me," High Officer Qi said. "On this journey, she kept slinking around after me like a cat playing with a dog; that's why I was certain she had ulterior motives. If Your Majesty can't hold back, you'll surely fall into their trap again. As soon as you have even the slightest thought, the hat of narrow-mindedness will definitely be placed on your head."
The young king still shook his head doubtfully: "In the past, Heng Kexiang managed to escape just like this."
High Officer Qi patiently explained: "My father underestimated Not Leaving Mountain. But there won't be another Not Leaving Mountain in this world."
The young king finally agreed, shifting to ask instead: "How many more people do you have under your command?"
High Officer Qi put the sorted chess pieces into the ceramic jar, nonchalantly saying: "Although Xie Chongzhi is dead, all those monkeys underneath are still waiting to be fed. Hunting down rabbits also takes full effort; Your Majesty can rest assured."
The young king nodded, helping him tidy up the mess on the ground as he flashed a satisfied smile at High Officer Qi: "Your Majesty, only you have true affection for me."
High Officer Qi responded in awe: "Those who know me shall die for me! As long as Your Majesty trusts me!"
They chatted until dusk. The young king wanted to invite High Officer Qi to stay for dinner; however, it was politely declined by him.
After leaving the palace gate, when passing a group of guards on duty, High Officer Qi paused his steps, curling his lips into a smile as he said: "Tell your master that I've done the dirty work for you; what I want, believe he knows in his heart. Just wait for the good news."
第82章 Chapter 82
Xie Chongzhi was waiting outside the door, dressed in plain clothes and looking very ordinary.
He saw Heng Kexiang first. She glanced at him and said coolly, "You're here."
Xie Chongzhi nodded and replied respectfully, "I came to see you."
Heng Kexiang glanced over his shoulder and asked coldly, "Is he not coming?"
Xie Chongzhi was silent for a moment before answering truthfully, "He…has other things to do. He said that we should meet first."
Heng Kexiang raised an eyebrow doubtfully. She had thought Heng Kexiang would come personally. Xie Chongzhi noticed her surprise and explained hurriedly, "Don't worry! I know what you're thinking. But he really does have other things to do!"
Heng Kexiang laughed softly and said slowly, "Fine then. Let's go inside."
Xie Chongzhi nodded again before leading Heng Kexiang into the house.
As they entered the room, Heng Kexiang glanced around curiously. There were many weapons on display - swords, spears, bows… It looked like a martial arts school or something similar.
She turned to Xie Chongzhi and asked doubtfully, "This place looks familiar… Have we met before?"
Xie Chongzhi shook his head quickly and replied respectfully, "No! We've never met!"
Heng Kexiang raised an eyebrow doubtfully. She seemed to remember something but couldn't quite put her finger on it. Xie Chongzhi noticed her confusion and explained hurriedly, "Don't worry! I'm not a bad person! You don't need to be afraid of me!"
Heng Kexiang laughed softly again before turning back to look at the weapons on display.
Xie Chongzhi watched as she walked around slowly, examining each weapon carefully. He couldn't help but feel impressed by her knowledge - she seemed to know a lot about martial arts!
After a while, Heng Kexiang turned back to him and asked doubtfully, "So… What is this place?"
Xie Chongzhi hesitated before answering truthfully, "This…is my master's school. He's the one who taught me how to fight."
Heng Kexiang raised an eyebrow doubtfully. She seemed surprised that Xie Chongzhi would bring her here instead of going somewhere more private.
Xie Chongzhi noticed her surprise and explained hurriedly, "Don't worry! My master won't mind if we use the training hall for a bit. He's not here right now."
Heng Kexiang nodded slowly before walking over to Xie Chongzhi and saying softly, "Fine then. Let's spar."
Chapter 82 source: https://www.wuxiaworld.com/novel/heng-xue-ying/
第83章 Chapter 83
Chapter 83: The Young King
The young king sat on his throne, his face flushed with anger. High Officer Qi knelt before him, his head bowed low.
"Xie Chongzhi has escaped," the young king said through gritted teeth. "And it's all because of you!"
High Officer Qi remained silent, his expression unreadable.
The young king slammed his fist on the armrest. "You told me he was securely locked up! How could this happen?!"
High Officer Qi slowly raised his head, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "Your Majesty, please calm down. Xie Chongzhi is nothing but a small fish. It's Prince Wei who should be eliminated."
The young king frowned. "What are you saying?"
"Xie Chongzhi was just a pawn," High Officer Qi explained. "His death will only stir up more trouble. But if we eliminate Prince Wei, the entire capital will be ours for the taking!"
The young king's eyes widened in realization. He had been so focused on Xie Chongzhi that he hadn't considered the bigger picture.
"Well played," the young king said with a cruel smile. "Let's get rid of Prince Wei and take over the capital."
High Officer Qi nodded, a gleam of ambition in his eyes. "Yes, my king. With Prince Wei out of the way, no one will be able to stop us."
The young king leaned back on his throne, satisfied with their plan. "Excellent. We'll kill two birds with one stone - eliminate Xie Chongzhi and take over the capital."
High Officer Qi bowed deeply. "As you wish, my liege."
With a wave of his hand, the young king dismissed High Officer Qi. He had more important matters to attend to now.
Prince Wei's days were numbered...
第84章 Chapter 84
Chapter 84: The Young King
The young king sat on his throne, his face flushed with anger. High Officer Qi knelt before him, his head bowed low.
"Xie Chongzhi has escaped," the young king said through gritted teeth. "And it's all because of you!"
High Officer Qi remained silent, his expression unreadable.
The young king slammed his fist on the armrest. "You told me he was securely locked up! How could this happen?!"
High Officer Qi slowly raised his head, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "Your Majesty, please calm down. Xie Chongzhi is nothing but a small fish. It's Prince Wei who should be eliminated."
The young king frowned. "What are you saying?"
"Xie Chongzhi was just a pawn," High Officer Qi explained. "His death will only stir up more trouble. But if we eliminate Prince Wei, the entire capital will be ours for the taking!"
The young king's eyes widened in realization. He had been so focused on Xie Chongzhi that he hadn't considered the bigger picture.
"Well played," the young king said with a cruel smile. "Let's get rid of Prince Wei and take over the capital."
High Officer Qi nodded, a gleam of ambition in his eyes. "Yes, my king. With Prince Wei out of the way, no one will be able to stop us."
The young king leaned back on his throne, satisfied with their plan. "Excellent. We'll kill two birds with one stone - eliminate Xie Chongzhi and take over the capital."
High Officer Qi bowed deeply. "As you wish, my liege."
With a wave of his hand, the young king dismissed High Officer Qi. He had more important matters to attend to now.
Prince Wei's days were numbered...
Chapter 84 source:
It was unfortunate.
At that time, when Heng Ruyi climbed over the wall, there were many people gathered in the courtyard of the Gu residence.
It seemed that they were accusing and cursing loudly.
Heng Ruyi walked past the main hall entrance with great momentum. She chose a window far from the crowd to jump through cleanly, and then borrowed her lightness skill to crawl up the beam like a gecko, landing on top of them without anyone realizing there was an additional shadow beside him.
High Officer Qi sat in the middle, looking listless as he allowed himself to be berated.
The young man in front, who had a more fiery aura than High Officer Qi, seemed to be calling "Second Brother".
Heng Ruyi listened intently, feeling like her heart was being stuffed. She had been watching quietly for a long time when she finally couldn't help but laugh sarcastically.
Everyone in the hall looked up and saw Heng Ruyi sitting on top of the beam with great momentum. She had a sword on her shoulder, and no one knew how long she had been there.
The guards immediately drew their swords and surrounded the young man, shouting at him aggressively while asking who he was.
Heng Ruyi ignored them all, staring coldly at High Officer Qi, saying mockingly: "High Officer Qi, you're a coward. On weekdays, you don't know how much of a weakling you are, but now that someone is kicking your ass, you become as useless as a dog without teeth."
High Officer Qi glared fiercely up at him.
His face still had the marks from the slap, looking even more severe than before.
Heng Ruyi raised her eyebrows, chuckled, and said: "High Officer Qi, it seems that your face has improved quite a bit after not seeing you for a few days."
High Officer Qi gritted his teeth and said coldly: "Get out of here!"
Heng Ruyi sneered. "Why are you yelling at me? Which part of me do you think is easy to bully? Heng Ruyi is not someone who can be easily bullied, but when I see you, it seems like you're a dog that only knows how to bark."
Several people heard her introduce herself and moved closer together. They all felt the hair on their heads prickling up as they dared not make a sound, for fear of provoking him.
The young man thought Heng Ruyi's words were an insult. He pushed away the hand that someone had placed in front of his chest and stepped forward to ask her fiercely: "Is it you who killed my brother?"
Heng Ruyi glanced at him lazily, tapping her sword in her palm, saying indifferently: "What are you? Also dare to come to me for questioning."
The young man was about to say something when Heng Ruyi stood up abruptly.
Everyone below became extremely vigilant, and the young man also gasped with fear. Taking a step back, he stammered: "This... is the capital!"
Heng Ruyi looked at him coldly and said flatly: "I am Heng Ruyi."
That tone of voice was full of arrogance, as if she had said everything.
The young man's hand trembled slightly. No matter how many experts were around, he still felt an inexplicable fear rising from his heart. His arm stopped in mid-air, neither lowering nor raising.
Heng Ruyi held her sword and stood up. Everyone below was like facing a great enemy, and the young man also panicked, stumbling backwards.
Heng Ruyi pointed at High Officer Qi, saying: "This person is my opponent. We have been fighting with each other for several years, but we haven't gotten any benefits from it. You guys bully him like this, don't you think it's disrespecting me? If word gets out, it will damage my reputation. Now I give you an opportunity, get out."
The guards left without a moment of hesitation, dragging the young man away. When they reached the door, everyone heard the young man curse under his breath. Then he got on a horse and fled.
After everyone had run far away, the person who was like a statue finally came to life again.
High Officer Qi stood up, his eyes filled with bloodthirsty malice as he said with a trembling voice: "One trashy bastard also dared to insult my mother! Talking about ingratitude, does the High family even deserve this? High Clear Wind is just an uncouth bumpkin who came from the countryside. When he saw my mother, he had to bow down and apologize. But when he gave birth to a little brat, it really thinks itself as a phoenix that can fly over my mother's head!"
He walked out furiously while knocking over a chair against the door with his hand. His forehead's veins were bulging violently, making people wonder if they would burst open at any moment.
Heng Ruyi jumped down from the beam and used her hand to support herself on the long pillar in the corridor. She turned around halfway and pointed her sword at High Officer Qi.
High Officer Qi stopped at the turn of the corner, looked back, saw Heng Ruyi walking around the pillar half a circle, still looking back.
High Officer Qi suppressed his anger and said: "Why are you so clingy?"
Heng Ruyi fully showed that she had no self-awareness. She laughed once.
High Officer Qi's expression was very strange, saying angrily: "So you're here just to watch me make a fool of myself?!"
Heng Ruyi said: "What do you mean by watching the show? I helped you speak up for yourself just now, if it weren't for me, you'd still have to listen to your third brother's curses."
High Officer Qi gritted his teeth and laughed in anger.
He took two steps back towards the corridor, sat on the stone steps. Several long breaths, and only then did he feel that his back muscles had relaxed a bit.
Heng Ruyi saw him finally calm down and jumped to his opposite side. She leaned forward with her waist, saying with a smile: "How about it? My name can at least help you avoid some trouble. That's not something Master can do."
High Officer Qi glanced up at him indifferently and said: "Too bad, but you're not my person."
第85章 Chapter 85
Chapter 85 rewritten in English:
Hui Chongzhi had escaped from the capital prison and was now being hunted by the young king. Prince Wei, who had been a thorn in High Officer Qi's side for years, had become his target.
High Officer Qi met with Xie Chongzhi to discuss how to get rid of them both. Xie Chongzhi agreed to help him, but first they needed to find out what the prince was up to.
They waited until sunset and went to Prince Wei's residence. After being turned away by the guards, they sneaked into his study through the window. Inside, they found High Officer Qi standing over Prince Wei's body with a knife in hand.
"Prince Wei has been killed," High Officer Qi said coldly.
```
第86章 Chapter 86
Chapter 86
The night was dark, and the cold wind howled through the empty streets. Huan Qi walked quickly, his face hidden under a large hood. Soon he arrived at Prince Wei's residence.
"Who goes there?" a guard called out harshly as Huan Qi approached the front gate.
"I'm here to see Prince Wei on urgent business," Huan Qi replied calmly.
The guards exchanged skeptical glances but let him pass after a brief hesitation. Inside, Huan Qi was led down a long hallway to the study. He knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," an impatient voice called from within. Huan Qi entered and saw Prince Wei sitting behind his desk, glowering at him.
"What is it?" Prince Wei demanded coldly.
"I have information that High Officer Qi is planning something against you," Huan Qi said without preamble. "He's been asking around about your movements."
Prince Wei narrowed his eyes. "And why should I trust a lowly guard like yourself with such matters?"
Huan Qi gave him an enigmatic smile. "Let's just say we share a common enemy, Your Highness."
The two men stared at each other for a long moment before Prince Wei finally nodded. "Very well, you may stay."
High Officer Qi stood over Prince Wei’s body holding a bloody knife when Xie Chongzhi entered through the window behind him.
“What have you done?” Xie Chongzhi asked coldly.
“I’ve eliminated one of our enemies,” High Officer Qi replied calmly.
Xie Chongzhi walked up to them and looked down at Prince Wei's face impassively. “Why kill him so quickly? We could have used him for information on the young king.”
High Officer Qi sighed, wiping his knife clean. “I lost my patience waiting for you. Besides, he was a threat we couldn't afford to keep alive any longer.”
Xie Chongzhi's eyes narrowed dangerously. “And now? What's your plan?”
“I’ve taken care of him,” High Officer Qi said simply. “Now it’s time to move on the young king and take over the capital together.”
Xie Chongzhi nodded slowly, a cruel smile playing about his lips. “Excellent. I look forward to seeing what you have planned next.”
第87章 Chapter 87
**Chapter 87 (Part 1)**
TITLE: A Bitter Cold Night
The night was bitterly cold, with a harsh wind howling through the empty streets. Huan Qi walked quickly, his face hidden under a large hood. Soon he arrived at Prince Wei's residence.
"Who goes there?" a guard called out harshly as Huan Qi approached the front gate.
"I'm here to see Prince Wei on urgent business," Huan Qi replied calmly.
The guards exchanged skeptical glances but let him pass after a brief hesitation. Inside, Huan Qi was led down a long hallway to the study. He knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," an impatient voice called from within. Huan Qi entered and saw Prince Wei sitting behind his desk, glowering at him.
"What is it?" Prince Wei demanded coldly.
"I have information that High Officer Qi is planning something against you," Huan Qi said without preamble. "He's been asking around about your movements."
Prince Wei narrowed his eyes. "And why should I trust a lowly guard like yourself with such matters?"
Huan Qi gave him an enigmatic smile. "Let's just say we share a common enemy, Your Highness."
The two men stared at each other for a long moment before Prince Wei finally nodded. "Very well, you may stay."
第88章 Chapter 88
**Chapter 88 (Part 1)**
The girl saw the gambler halfway and was stopped by Hao Yang, who sat with him at a table. It seemed she had forgotten her mistress's instructions, leading to a long wait without seeing anyone rise. In desperation, she came over herself.
She feared offending them, so she stopped several feet away and paced anxiously, gripping her sleeves.
Hao Yang shook off the gambler and approached her first, saying: "You are looking for me."
The girl was hesitant to believe that this woman with a warm smile in front of her eyes was the notorious killer Hao Yang. Or perhaps she thought it too much of a coincidence for the person she was looking for to be right at her feet.
Confusion flickered across her gentle face, and it took a while for her to understand what he meant before confirming: "Hao Door Lord?"
Seeing Hao Yang nod, she rushed forward and said anxiously: "Our young master is in trouble. A few days ago, after you left, the fourth lady returned again, bringing with her several of the madam's guards. They searched all over the residence but found no evidence. Then they said they had to treat the young master and forcibly took him away, not leaving any news since then. What are we going to do?"
Hao Yang was already prepared for this, so she wasn't too surprised. But she didn't understand why the girl would come looking for her now. She was still pondering when she saw the gambler making faces at her from across the table.
Dispassionately, Hao Yang asked: "Even if he is taken to the High Mansion, that's his home too. What can I do? Break in there?"
The girl had been refused entry for several days and thought this woman would also refuse. In her panic, she was about to kneel when Hao Yang grabbed her arm.
The girl's face turned pale as she groaned loudly in pain, her back arching. Hao Yang realized she had grabbed her wound, quickly releasing her hand.
The gambler changed color and roared angrily: "They even hit you?!"
The girl was too worried to care about the pain, only begging anxiously: "The young master has been very ill these days, with no sign of improvement. Medicine can't be stopped either; everyone in the capital knows that. We really have no other choice, so we sought Hao Lady Warrior. I'm afraid if it goes on for a few more days, High Mansion will carry out a corpse and blame it on the young master dying untreated. What evidence could we possibly have?"
The gambler saw her wiping away tears, crying tragically, and hurriedly took out his handkerchief from his pocket to offer.
Hao Yang also said: "You wait a moment."
This was already a good answer for the girl, who knew that any promise made by Hao Yang would not be easily broken. The worst case was having an outcome at least.
Grateful beyond words, she thanked repeatedly: "Thank you, Hao Door Lord! Thank you, Hao Big Warrior!"
Turning sideways to face the gambler's warmly concerned gaze, she seemed to only now notice his presence. She also bowed to him in gratitude.
The girl roughly wiped away her tears and stepped forward to help Hao Yang carry the bag of coal.
Hao Yang raised a hand to block her, saying: "Go back quickly; don't let your madam know you came to find me, or she might blame you again."
The girl nodded, still taking out some money from her pocket as payment for the medicine.
第89章 Chapter 89
**Chapter 89 (Part 1)**
The girl saw the gambler halfway and was stopped by Hao Yang, who sat with him at a table. It seemed she had forgotten her mistress's instructions, leading to a long wait without seeing anyone rise. In desperation, she came over herself.
She feared offending them, so she stopped several feet away and paced anxiously, gripping her sleeves.
Hao Yang shook off the gambler and approached her first, saying: "You are looking for me."
The girl was hesitant to believe that this woman with a warm smile in front of her eyes was the notorious killer Hao Yang. Or perhaps she thought it too much of a coincidence for the person she was looking for to be right at her feet.
Confusion flickered across her gentle face, and it took a while for her to understand what he meant before confirming: "Hao Door Lord?"
Seeing Hao Yang nod, she rushed forward and said anxiously: "Our young master is in trouble. A few days ago, after you left, the fourth lady returned again, bringing with her several of the madam's guards. They searched all over the residence but found no evidence. Then they said they had to treat the young master and forcibly took him away, not leaving any news since then. What are we going to do?"
Hao Yang was already prepared for this, so she wasn't too surprised. But she didn't understand why the girl would come looking for her now. She was still pondering when she saw the gambler making faces at her from across the table.
Dispassionately, Hao Yang asked: "Even if he is taken to the High Mansion, that's his home too. What can I do? Break in there?"
The girl had been refused entry for several days and thought this woman would also refuse. In her panic, she was about to kneel when Hao Yang grabbed her arm.
The girl's face turned pale as she groaned loudly in pain, her back arching. Hao Yang realized she had grabbed her wound, quickly releasing her hand.
The gambler changed color and roared angrily: "They even hit you?!"
The girl was too worried to care about the pain, only begging anxiously: "The young master has been very ill these days, with no sign of improvement. Medicine can't be stopped either; everyone in the capital knows that. We really have no other choice, so we sought Hao Lady Warrior. I'm afraid if it goes on for a few more days, High Mansion will carry out a corpse and blame it on the young master dying untreated. What evidence could we possibly have?"
The gambler saw her wiping away tears, crying tragically, and hurriedly took out his handkerchief from his pocket to offer.
Hao Yang also said: "You wait a moment."
This was already a good answer for the girl, who knew that any promise made by Hao Yang would not be easily broken. The worst case was having an outcome at least.
Grateful beyond words, she thanked repeatedly: "Thank you, Hao Door Lord! Thank you, Hao Big Warrior!"
Turning sideways to face the gambler's warmly concerned gaze, she seemed to only now notice his presence. She also bowed to him in gratitude.
The girl roughly wiped away her tears and stepped forward to help Hao Yang carry the bag of coal.
Hao Yang raised a hand to block her, saying: "Go back quickly; don't let your madam know you came to find me, or she might blame you again."
The girl nodded, still taking out some money from her pocket as payment for the medicine.
第90章 Chapter 90
**Chapter 90: The Dog Turned On Its Master**
The night was dark as ink, the only illumination coming from a few flickering lanterns scattered along the corridors of the manor. A shadow darted across one of these dim lights—it was Hao Yang, slipping through the halls like a thief in the night.
She had been tasked with finding High Master Gu and bringing him back to Hao Door alive or dead. But as she prowled silently towards his chambers, she suddenly heard voices approaching from around the corner. Without hesitation, Hao Yang ducked into an unoccupied room and pressed herself against the door, holding her breath.
The voices grew louder, then faded away again. Only when it was clear they had passed did Hao Yang step out of hiding, her heart pounding in her chest. She continued on her way, senses heightened to a razor's edge, every shadow and sound a potential threat.
Finally, she reached the room where Gu had been staying. She could hear his heavy breathing inside. Slipping past the guards, Hao Yang stepped into the room, her dagger raised high.
"Gu," Hao Yang said coldly, "you're coming with me."
She lunged forward, but Gu was ready for her. He dodged nimbly out of reach, then counterattacked swiftly and fiercely. The two traded blows in the darkness, neither willing to back down.
But Hao Yang had underestimated him - he fought like a man possessed, with superhuman speed and strength. She felt his blade slice through her flesh again and again as they circled each other warily, each trying to gain an advantage.
Hao Yang was growing tired. Her movements were starting to slow, her breathing labored. Gu saw this and pressed forward relentlessly, raining down a flurry of deadly strikes.
She knew she couldn't keep this up much longer - but then, in the nick of time, Hao Yang spotted an opening: Gu left his guard slightly down as he lunged for another kill. Seizing her chance, Hao Yang dodged to the side and plunged her dagger deep into his back.
Gu let out a gurgled cry of pain and fell forward onto his knees, blood pouring from his mouth. Hao Yang stood over him triumphantly, wiping the blade clean on her sleeve.
"That's for my brother," she said coldly, then turned to leave without another word.
Hao Door would be pleased with this victory - Gu was dead, and Hao Yang had gotten revenge for her brother's death at his hands. But she knew that wouldn't be enough for Hao Door; he'd want the whole manor destroyed, all of Gu's men slaughtered like dogs.
She would have to find a way to turn Gu's own people against him somehow - but how?
第91章 Chapter 91
**Chapter 91: The Dog Turns On Its Master**
Ruan Kunwu's head was spinning as he rushed towards the deserted courtyard wall, his mind churning with plans for where to go after leaving the capital. He consoled himself that with his martial arts skills, he could venture anywhere; at most, it would mean returning to the nomadic life he'd led twenty years ago.
But thoughts of the household he had established in the capital, and the wife and children waiting for him at home, made it impossible for him to calm down. Several times, he considered going back to perish with Hao Backyard.
Just as he was about to dash through the front hall, he suddenly turned around and saw Piao Shui standing by the wall, his legs severely injured. Zi Jiu was helping him walk out.
New hatreds and old grudges surged into Ruan Kunwu's heart, causing him to yell and charge forward, intent on killing them both.
Piao Shui had no way to dodge, his heart jumping with fear as he closed his eyes in anticipation of death. He pushed Jiu Zi away, telling him to flee quickly. But Jiu Zi remained silent, stepping up to block two of Ruan Kunwu's blows.
However, at this moment, Ruan Kunwu had already lost himself to the killing intent, realizing that Piao Shui was trying to escape with a limp and drag. He decisively abandoned his fight against Jiu Zi and launched a furious onslaught towards Piao Shui.
Jiu Zi couldn't stop him, so in a hurry he took a hard blow from Ruan Kunwu's palm. Borrowing this force, he knocked the weapon out of the latter's hand.
Seeing this, Piao Shui cursed loudly, seeing Ruan Kunwu turn his direction again to add another strike to finish off Jiu Zi. Spare no effort to hug his waist, opening his mouth to bite down hard on him.
Ruan Kunwu was furious, but changed to slap his palm against Piao Shui's forehead instead of biting. The latter's body convulsed before he collapsed limply onto the ground, unable to support himself any longer.
The gambler arrived at the sound and saw that it wasn't a match for the knife user, so he hesitated in place. But then a few arrows shot past his ear from an extremely tricky angle.
The gambler ducked down immediately, and saw several more flying arrows speeding by like falling stars, directly forcing the knife user back.
Taking advantage of Li Xiangze's restraint against Ruan Kunwu, the gambler leaped up quickly from the ground, threw the injured Jiu Zi onto his shoulder, then stretched out his arm to grab the unconscious Piao Shui. Without hesitation, he ran off at full speed.
Jiu Zi's wounds were irritated by being bumped into by the gambler's bones, and he let out a muffled groan from his throat: "Hua Ye."
The gambler was carrying these two burdens, unable to run fast enough, so in desperation he could only charge straight out through the main gate. His heart was also in disarray; all the blood in his body seemed to rush up towards his head and feet, making his face flush red as he roared: "Stop door main! First escape this door before talking about it!"
Ruan Kunwu was driven back behind the wall by a series of flowing arrows, but had not yet stabilized his emotions when he heard the sound of cries rising from the east wing. He knew it meant that the corpses of the high and mighty ones had been discovered.
Just as he was drowning in sorrow, an idea suddenly occurred to him: Yes, with so many assassins tonight, not lacking secret masters, how could one confirm that the young master was killed by him?
Ruan Kunwu got a glimmer of hope, and that fleeting thought would not be suppressed any longer. He decided to follow his heart and ran back to the backyard.
When he returned to this place that filled him with dread, Hao Qingyong was already there.
A group of people surrounded the body, holding up lanterns to illuminate a splash of blood on the ground.
Hao Qingyong knelt by his son's corpse, one hand covering his open eyes. He stroked them several times without being able to close them, and couldn't help but cry out in agony.
The steward opened High Three's upper clothes, leaning down to examine the wound on his abdomen.
Seeing this, Ruan Kunwu was stunned, all the plans and emotions he had prepared on the road disappearing. His steps faltered, and he stood rooted to the spot like a fool, his face contorted with complex shock and bewilderment.
Seeing him appear, the servants scattered in a flurry, avoiding blocking his view.
Hao Qingyong also raised his head at this moment, shooting Ruan Kunwu a piercing glare that seemed to have substance.
Ruan Kunwu thought he had been seen through, and half of his three souls and seven spirits floated out. He forced himself to stand still with great willpower, his feet shuffling as if he wanted to escape again, but was held back by his will, standing woodenly in place with a face full of conflicted fear and astonishment.
Seeing him like this, the servants all stepped aside, avoiding blocking his view.
Hao Qingyong also turned his head at this time, waving away the crowd following him. He walked a few steps away with him, out of sight range of others.
He leaned close to Ruan Kunwu's ear and said softly: "I don't care what Hao Backyard said. All these years, if not for your repeated rescue, I would have been buried in yellow earth long ago. Three was raised by you; you treated him as your own flesh and blood, it couldn't have been intentional to harm him. I won't be swayed by Hao Backyard's provocation, I won't shift the blame onto you..."
High Qingyong pounded his chest, the pain in his heart as if being carved out with a knife: "It seems my fate is so destined, it's heaven's will to destroy me! Could it be that the High House is fated to have no male heirs!?"
Ruan Kunwu was moved to the extreme, weeping with tears streaming down his face. He knelt down and kowtowed heavily three times to him, swearing with absolute sincerity: "Master! I will definitely cut off Hao Backyard's head as an offering to the young master's spirit!"
High Qingyong trembled with emotion as he supported Ruan Kunwu up, the two embracing and weeping bitterly.
Hao Madam heard High Qingyong's last shout, suddenly snapped out of her immense grief. She thought of how both her sons had died at Hao Backyard's hands, and only a young Fourth Lady was left in the entire High House. In a panic, she stretched out her hand and yelled: "Where is my Fourth Lady? Where is she!?"
She staggered weakly while relying on her maid, running frantically towards her daughter-in-law's quarters.
As soon as she arrived at an unguarded spot, she issued a grim command in a low voice: "Kill that bastard! Get someone to kill him immediately!"
Her maid hesitated before agreeing dully and groping her way along the path to find an assassin.
·
The gambler was lost in his headlong flight, being chased so frantically he couldn't distinguish left from right. But luckily, as he passed through an archway, he encountered the same wandering diviner who had been looking for him.
Seeing the gambler stumbling around like a headless chicken without noticing his hand signals, the diviner simply called out: "To your right!"
The gambler was at this moment like a raging bull, stomping his feet and not thinking to brake. He breathed out white steamy air from his nostrils, unable to process any thought, but instinctively obeyed the instruction by charging towards the wall.
He asked: "Where's the young master?"
"No sign of him!" The diviner said. "Things have gone wrong, we need to retreat first!"
The diviner helped carry Piao Shui, grabbed onto the rope hanging from the wall, and swung himself up and over it with a few light kicks.
There were some soldiers of the Imperial Guard waiting outside as well, who heard the sudden commotion inside. They looked at each other uncertainly, then asked: "Why are you coming out early?"
"A thousand words!" The gambler shook his head impatiently and didn't bother to explain further. He just wanted to get away from this place quickly.
The soldiers were confused by this answer, so the diviner said: "Go in quickly; it sounds like someone died at High House, everyone is running towards the east wing."
The soldiers had no time to ask for details before rushing into action. They stormed the main gate.
Just as Ali Xiangze was waiting patiently in hiding for Hao Backyard to appear, he saw her suddenly emerge from behind him.
He cried out happily: "Master!"
Hao Backyard's pursuers were close behind, shouting: "Run!"
Ali Xiangze nodded, and they divided into two groups to escape the High House.
Hao Backyard didn't rush away immediately after escaping over the wall. Instead, she ran back two steps, grasped the edge of the wall with one hand, listening carefully as the footsteps approached on the other side. At the moment someone came out, she flipped back over the wall again. Using the noise from a distance to cover her movements, she slipped back into the backyard.
·
High Observation was curled up on the ground, also hearing the commotion outside. But the noise was too far away for him to make it out clearly.
He lay there with his eyes closed, lost in pain so intense he couldn't distinguish between dreams and reality. He heard a series of soft sobs, becoming more and more irritated by them. After listening for a while longer, he finally realized those cries were coming from within himself.
He thought back to the day his mother had died.
The woman was in labor all night long without any doctor arriving. She lay on her deathbed, stubbornly holding out until she ran out of breath. Just before passing away, she dismissed all the servants and called High Observation over. Taking his hand, she said urgently: "My son, Mama has to go now; you remember not to hate your father."
High Observation was overwhelmed by grief, crying so hard he could barely hear what she was saying. He only understood after seeing blood seeping through the sheets.
The woman used all her strength, turned his face towards hers, and spoke each word clearly: "You have to respect him, love him... You must never let him discover you hate him, but also absolutely cannot trust him. Do you understand?"
High Observation could only nod in response.
"You have to recognize them as your brothers; don't be so willful anymore..." The woman was also about to collapse, pulling him into her arms and weeping bitterly, "Mama's sorry for leaving you like this... Mama will watch over you from heaven. Don't be afraid of anything..."
High Observation remembered himself promising again and again that he would take good care of his little sister and find a perfect match for her. He would never let anyone bully her.
But it was only a year later, when his little sister was walking by the lake, that she fell into the water and was rescued unconscious. She burned up with a high fever shortly after, despite the medicine. Then she started having fits and delirious ramblings. In the middle of the night, she began calling out in pain, then said she was cold, then asked for Mama's sweet soup again.
High Observation climbed onto her bed, hugging her tightly as they huddled together.
As dawn approached, the girl opened her eyes. Her voice was clear: "Big Brother, I want Mama's sweet soup."
High Observation reassured her gently: "You can have some as soon as it gets light. Big Brother will cook it for you personally and add lots of sugar to it."
The girl nodded obediently, hugging him back. She closed her eyes and said softly: "Okay."
High Observation heard the creaking sound of an old wooden door opening. He opened his eyes and saw a glimmer of light seep in through the darkness.
That flickering light danced on the water's surface like floating snowflakes, outlining a patchy scene that seemed both real and illusory.
A knife tip approached him from behind. The intruder said: "I'm sorry..."
第92章 Chapter 92
**Chapter 92: The Diviner's Prediction**
High House's young master was poisoned by his own family in an attempt to frame Ruan Kunwu, the steward. Hao Backyard broke into the mansion to rescue him and was caught by High House guards.
She killed Gu, a guard who had killed her brother Hao Yang years ago.
Hao Backyard was later cornered by Ruan Kunwu but managed to escape with the help of the gambler and diviner. Hao Qingyong blamed Hao Backyard for the death of his sons and ordered his men to kill her on sight. Hao Backyard fled into the mountains where she met High Observation, who was trying to find a safe place for his little sister, Fourth Lady.
Hao Backyard agreed to help them but first needed to get revenge against Hao Qingyong. She asked High Observation to take care of Fourth Lady while she gathered information on Hao Qingyong's movements. Hao Backyard infiltrated the capital disguised as an assassin and met with the gambler, who agreed to help her.
The gambler later betrayed Hao Backyard after learning that she was trying to kill Hao Qingyong. Hao Backyard found out about this through her contacts in the gambling den where she worked. She confronted the gambler but he refused to tell her why he had changed his mind.
Hao Backyard then went to see the diviner, who told her that High House was in danger and that she should return there immediately. Hao Backyard realized that Fourth Lady must be the key to everything and decided to go back there herself. The gambler later informed Ruan Kunwu of Hao Backyard's plan to kill him.
Ruan Kunwu led his men to intercept Hao Backyard but was defeated by her skills with a knife. Hao Backyard then broke into High House with the help of some assassins from Hao Door, killing several guards along the way. Ruan Kunwu was caught off guard when he saw Hao Backyard standing over him.
Hao Backyard was about to kill him but hesitated when she realized that it would only make things worse for her family if she killed a steward. Instead of killing him, she left without saying another word.
第93章 Chapter 93
**Chapter 93: The Emperor's Anger**
The sky was already bright, with roosters crowing and dogs barking. High Observation woke up in a cold sweat. His body was covered by several thick layers of cotton blankets, pressing down on him so he could barely move, as if still immersed in the previous thick nightmare.
"You're awake?"
High Observation suddenly came to his senses and heard the voice. Tears welled up in his eyes instantly, struggling to prop himself up halfway, looking towards the window where the person was, feeling a sympathetic resonance, yelling: "Your Majesty!"
Compared to High Observation's enthusiasm, the young man's attitude seemed somewhat cold, watching as High Observation wanted to crawl out of bed to greet him with a bow, slowly walking forward and raising his hand in a gesture to stop him.
High Observation lowered his head, breathing heavily, finding even this simple action had consumed too much energy for him.
The young man showed an expression of not being able to bear it, almost inaudibly sighing once, then covering the blankets High Observation had flipped over back onto him, asking softly: "What exactly happened?"
High Observation sobbed bitterly: "That woman is definitely sure I harmed her son, she imprisoned and tortured me, forcing me to say where the remains of High Chengen were. Where could I go to find that? My father who knows nothing at all, knows everything...but still watched me suffer, allowing that woman to torment me. If it hadn't been for the Imperial Guards arriving in time last night, I would have lost my life."
The young man's pretense was somewhat perfunctory and lacked patience, waiting for him to finish speaking urgently, asking: "Your third brother? Why did he die?"
"He wasn't killed by me!" High Observation protested in exasperation, "My guard only just entered the mansion when that Moli race bastard noticed him, lost and injured several people badly, at a loss what to do, so we could only hide everywhere possible, seeking to stall for time. We didn't even get to see my third brother's face. According to the servants in the mansion, Huan returned and held my third brother hostage, wanting to force Ruan Kunwu to surrender. But that bastard was too violent, the moment he saw him, he killed him without saying a word. He was my father's dog before, these few years though, even though he hasn't been prominent in the martial world, his skills and techniques are all top-notch, absolutely not inferior to Huan."
The young man heard from the Gold Guard's narrative as well, could only curse this matter for being too coincidental, then asked: "And High Lady?"
"I..." High Observation couldn't catch his breath, coughing violently for a moment before he finally smoothed out his breathing, sarcastically saying, "She suspected I was connected with Huan, so she deliberately injured my female attendant in public and openly declared she would fight Huan to the death. What kind of crazy bastard is Huan? She had an old grudge against High House, regardless if that woman had anything to do with me, if Barong kills someone right in front of her, could she possibly let it go unpunished? Last night was such a perfect opportunity for her, wouldn't I be able to stop her?"
High Observation gripped the blanket tightly, his fingers turning white, speaking hoarsely: "Besides, that woman wanted to kill me! I hadn't gone looking for her, and yet she actually thought of killing me! Your Majesty doesn't think she deserves to die?"
"The reason she should die is because it's not last night!" The young man regretted deeply, "I sent the Imperial Guards to High House to support you, but in the end your third brother died and your mother also died! What will your father be thinking? What will the officials in court think? They'll only think, that everything is my instruction!"
High Observation leaned against the bedhead, slowly closing his eyes, seeming to only now realize how serious this situation was.
The young man waved his sleeve and turned around, worrying endlessly.
After a long silence, High Observation's voice sounded flat: "Your Majesty, you don't still believe my father is some kind of loyal patriot, do you? He abused power, stirred up trouble, indulged himself in desire, extravagance beyond imagination, it's impossible to record on bamboo slips, all the court officials know his wolfish ambitions. Your Majesty has delayed this many times, only because the national situation was weak, so now since it's come to this, might as well not do two things."
The young man angrily said: "That wouldn't be right in line with Wang Perilous' schemes?"
High Observation laughed scornfully: "What is different about Wang Perilous? He is only another more powerful thief. The court officials have long been fed up with him, what will they feel towards you, Wang Perilous? They've already missed one opportunity, are they afraid of repeating the same mistake again? One high house falls and another high house rises, all depends on who can take advantage of this situation."
The young man's eyebrows moved slightly: "...Second Young Master's meaning is?"
High Observation pondered for a moment as well, then was also hesitant, but in the end still spoke with a serious expression while lifting the covers and getting out of bed. Despite the young man trying to stop him, he knelt on the ground before him respectfully, saying: "With High House having only one male descendent left, I have never been favored by my father, yet have always been close to Your Majesty. This time Your Majesty openly saved me from High House in front of everyone's eyes, everyone knows how much Your Majesty owes me...If Your Majesty trusts me, let me go and negotiate with those ministers."
The young man hurriedly bent down to support him, but High Observation didn't move, the young man had no choice but to lower his head and say: "Those old officials are still okay to deal with, I'm just afraid that Wang Perilous' schemes aren't about your high house ah!"
High Observation said: "Wang Perilous wants to conquer the north, right now he is constrained by money matters, why would he at this critical juncture cause a disruption in people's lives? If things get really bad, I'll donate all of High Manor's wealth as military funds. Wang Perilous understands the situation and definitely won't push it too far. Your Majesty, your servant now has no private thoughts at all, only wishing to repay Your Majesty's great kindness, please trust me!"
As he said this, he was about to bow.
The young man didn't expect him to be able to do something like this either, immediately half-kneeling down and tightly grasping his hand, having his gaze level with his, pouring out true emotions, saying hoarsely: "If I can't even trust the second young master, then who else could I trust?! Second Young Master, please get up!"
High Observation leaned against the young man's body before he could weakly stand up again. He sat back down on the bed, weighing his words to say: "Your Majesty should be most worried about what my father is planning now. If he only wants to leave the capital city, that would still be fine, Your Majesty doesn't need to stop him. But if he's being forced into having to break even with Wang Perilous, then the capital will definitely get chaotic, and in the end it will be the common people who suffer."
The young man nodded repeatedly, listening to his every word attentively: "Second Young Master, what should we do?"
High Observation pressed a hand over his chest and bent down: "I'll change into some clothes first, then have someone count up all of High Manor's wealth. I'll go negotiate with Wang Perilous and come up with a result as soon as possible to calm the minds of those old officials in court."
The young man was filled with sympathy patting his back gently: "You've worked hard, Second Young Master!"
·
The gambler was sitting alone on the empty yard outside the house, drinking wine.
It was past noon when the sun reached its zenith. The sky was unusually clear and clean for these two months.
The gambler held up an empty wine flask, drunk halfway between drunk and sober. Suddenly he saw a figure walking into the door, immediately jumped up with one leap, about to kneel down to her, yelling: "My ancestor! Is that you back? What's up, did you kill someone and still want to have a meal at High Manor before leaving?"
The gambler had just leapt up excitedly when he heard that no news had come, they really thought she'd been caught by that surname Ruan guy! Her master brother almost immediately wanted to turn around and go back, luckily he and the others talked him down!
Huan returned along the horizontal beam where she had hidden all night. Every muscle in her body was stiff from not being able to stretch out at all, but she also looked tired. She walked into the house and poured herself two cups of water, asking: "Had to wait a while before I found a chance to come out. How are they? How's it going?"
The gambler had just perked up when his spirits dropped again, sitting down at the table and lamenting: "Master has suffered some injuries, but not seriously. The dwarf... that animal broke his meridians, his leg is ruined... He was saved, but the rest is hard to say."
Huan had just quenched her thirst when she picked up her sword again, saying: "I'm going to see him."
The gambler saw her hastening off, not wanting to stop, feeling a bit awkward and hesitant, then said: "Why don't you rest your feet for a moment first? I'll make something for you to eat?"
Huan glanced back at him, unable to stand his affected manner, saying: "You should go learn from my disciple how to sing opera. She could be your ancestor."
The gambler: "..."
·
Ping Age was lying in bed with the doors and windows tightly shut. The medicine pot sat outside the door, the fire having just been extinguished, the stove still hot. Beside it on a short stool lay an untouched bowl of medicinal soup.
Huan stood by the window, lingering there silently.
After seeing that he didn't leave his shadow, Ping Age finally spoke in a muffled voice: "Many thanks to Huan Manor Head for her concern, but I'm afraid I've truly become disabled now. Huan Manor Head can go busy herself with other things, there's no need to worry about me."
Huan lingered outside the window and heard him say that, smiling and saying: "You should rest well and heal your injuries. I still need you to go to Not Leave Mountain to guard the door and run errands for me."
Ping Age also spoke in a relaxed tone of voice: "If I had known this earlier, when I was still at Huan Manor, I would have said that I wanted to be the master's disciple and teach at Not Leave Mountain."
Huan hugged her sword lazily and chatted with him casually.
Perhaps it was because they couldn't see each other's faces, Ping Age's words became more numerous.
When Huan asked him: "Ping Age, why did you learn martial arts?"
He didn't avoid it, after a long pause, he said: "I am an orphan. My father is unknown and my mother was a lowly courtesan who couldn't raise me. I hadn't even learned to talk when she sold me off to a rich household to do some odd jobs."
He described it lightly: "I was born ugly, not pleasing to the eye, with a shaky identity, small stature, everyone liked to bully me. When I was little, I always wished I could look a bit better. Later on, I discovered that being ugly also had its own benefits."
He paused for a long time before continuing: "When I lived in the same room as those servants, there was a boy there with red lips and white teeth, very handsome. He never had to do any dirty work, could eat several more pieces of cake than us every day. I envied him very much..."
He fell silent for an extremely long time before saying the last sentence: "He died at thirteen. I carried him to a mass grave, haunted by nightmares for days."
Huan asked: "What was his name?"
"Early dead." Ping Age said, "I buried him in the mountains that day and left. That's why I have no surname now."
Huan asked: "You and that boy were friends?"
Ping Age laughed, sounding dry as he said: "No, we weren't friends. He was born more likable than me, timid, never dared to speak loudly. Afraid of being ostracized, he also followed what others disliked about me, keeping a respectful distance... I only felt sorry for him..."
He paused again before saying bitterly: "I hate it."
"You are the kind of person I rarely see, who dares to wield a knife." Huan praised him, "Ping Age, no one can look down on you, you deserve the character 'hero'."
There was no sound from inside, no one spoke.
Huan walked over and poured the medicine back into the stove, reheating it. She placed the medicinal bowl on the ground and knocked on the door, saying: "I hope in ten or twenty years, the Great Yan won't dare to have such people again. Ping Age, drink your medicine when you're sick, rest when you're tired, then get up and keep walking. The road ahead is still long. Wait for me to take you back to Not Leave Mountain."
第94章 Chapter 94
Chapter 94
The messenger was dismissed, and a group of more than ten gathered inside the hall. As soon as he finished speaking, curses immediately followed.
"Good, good! It seems that all of you have become more and more perfunctory in your attitude towards us since we last met!"
"Look at these faces, not one dares to be impudent in front of the prime minister!"
"That bunch of fawning lackeys, I'm afraid they're all kneeling and licking the boots of the young master of the Huan mansion right now."
"The Wang family's people are just a bunch of thugs from the rivers and lakes! They do whatever they want, abuse their power, and even have the nerve to brazenly break into the homes of government officials and commit violence. Not only that, but they also seized the initiative!"
"Your majesty went in person this morning to visit the young master, has been interacting closely with Wang Perng recently, and the situation in the capital is unfavorable for the prime minister."
"It's true, at present, what we should do first is leave the capital. Once out of the capital, there will be places where the prime minister can unfold his talents, and we can always come back to have a showdown with that traitor Wang later."
"I just had someone go out to investigate for a bit, and it was discovered that not only did the guards on patrol not increase in number, they actually decreased. Even the soldiers guarding the city gates were quite relaxed. It seems that your majesty still has some affection left over from before, and is unwilling to completely finish us off. Perhaps it's because he is being forced by that traitor Wang."
"Even if your majesty was willing to look on helplessly, would that traitor Wang be such a good person? Who knows how many talented people he has gathered in the capital right now? If the prime minister doesn't leave quickly, I'm afraid it won't be easy for him to escape unscathed."
High Elder still did his own thing, not saying a word.
Everyone looked at his expression, feeling that they couldn't quite read what he was thinking. But no one dared to slack off either, after all, their lives were tied together with the prime minister's right now, and there was no longer any way for them to save themselves.
A group of people argued endlessly about how to leave the capital.
"Those traitors Wang are hiding like a thief in the night, why should we be polite to them? It would be better to seize an opportunity to start a fire, then sneak away with our families while it's chaotic."
"But it just rained a few days ago, and this morning the fog was thick. This weather won't allow the fire to spread at all! The fire can't even burn properly!"
Another person said: "We can make some thick smoke instead."
"But what if the wind isn't big enough? Like last night, there wasn't much of a breeze."
One person angrily slapped the table and said, with a die-hard attitude: "Why not just ride a few horses into the East Market and smash around first, then follow Mr. Wang's suggestion and set fires everywhere. Let the situation get stirred up, see how that traitor Wang chooses, at that time we'll directly charge out! With Master Lin there, what are they afraid of? A bunch of rotten fish and crabs?"
"Such an action would be injurious to others…"
"Hmph! We've already been forced to this point. Still learning the feminine virtue of that traitor Wang at this time! If we don't go now, are you going to sit and wait for death?"
Everyone argued without end.
High Elder lightly put down his carving knife, blew away the wood shavings on top.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for him to give an order.
High Elder carried two wooden memorial plaques in his arms, walked out of bed slowly, shook off the fragments attached to his clothes.
He took two steps outside and turned back, pointing at the burly man who had slapped the table just now, saying: "Do as you said."
Then he pushed open the door and left, followed closely by Lin Kunwu.
The shadows of bamboos and cypresses overlapped and were projected onto the stone path in the courtyard. High Elder's eyesight, which had not been closed for days, was filled with blurred white light, like a misty rainstorm.
He stopped walking and turned back, staring fixedly at the magnificent building in front of him, his thoughts drifting far away, sighing: "From when I first entered the capital as a penniless little beggar who couldn't even buy shoes, to now over several decades, one brick, one tile, High House has been built up to its current prosperous state. Never dreaming that in just one night it would all crumble. It seems I underestimated them."
Lin Kunwu said: "Master…"
High Elder raised his hand to cut off what he was about to say next. Whether they could still rise again and how much foundation had been left, were all irrelevant at this point.
High Elder stood in place for a long time before sighing: "I've always looked down on the little yellow-haired boy on the platform. I never put him in my eyes, thinking he was just born into an imperial family, with nothing more noble than that. But look, now he turns his back on me, and even the officials of the court have abandoned me too. In the end, it's because I've lost their hearts. If I could have killed that traitor Wang, Li Xiangze and the rest at that time, the situation today would be completely different. Alas, it was my arrogance, a momentary mistake."
Lin Kunwu also regretted it.
How could he have thought that the young master of the High House who had been overlooked at the time, just because he couldn't even stand steadily, would one day become a feared general in the frontier regions.
High Elder soon stopped his sentimental remembrance and entered the hall, placing the two memorial plaques he was holding properly on top.
He walked over to the side and placed his wife's and daughter's wrapped-up corpses next to it. High Elder's hand hovered halfway in the air, hesitating for a long time before finally not extending out to lift the edge of the cloth.
He lit a pile of paper money and then some incense sticks, got up and walked out of the hall.
Lin Kunwu immediately stepped forward and asked: "Master, the carriage has been harnessed, let's first take refuge elsewhere. As for the fourth miss… what should we do with her?"
High Elder said: "High Observation won't kill her."
He patted Lin Kunwu on the shoulder, saying: "Let her stay in the capital. Either I'll be back soon, or I won't come back."
High Elder quickly left the hall and walked along the small path into the Spirit Hall.
He placed the two memorial plaques he was holding properly on top.
His wife's and daughter's corpses were wrapped in silk brocade next to it. High Elder's hand hovered halfway in the air, hesitating for a long time before finally not extending out to lift the edge of the cloth.
He lit a pile of paper money and then some incense sticks, got up and walked out of the Spirit Hall.
Lin Kunwu immediately stepped forward and asked: "Master, the carriage has been harnessed. Shall we depart?"
High Elder said: "Yes."
Lin Kunwu saluted respectfully and said: "Please be at ease, master. I will protect you safely!"
High Elder's heart was quiet, with a strange calmness he hadn't expected, saying: "Let's go then. Will that traitor Wang kill me?"
第95章 Chapter 95
It was the first time Huan Kunwu had seen High Elder in such a state of disarray.
"You're sure you don't want to rest for a bit, Master? I can have some tea brought up." Huan Kunwu asked carefully. The High Elder's face was pale and drawn, with deep shadows under his eyes. He looked as if he hadn't slept in days.
High Elder shook his head slowly, then turned to the window, gazing out at the rain-soaked courtyard below. "I'm fine," he said quietly. "Just bring me some paper and ink."
Huan Kunwu hurried away to fetch what High Elder had asked for.
When he returned a few minutes later with the supplies, High Elder was still standing by the window. He took them without looking back at Huan Kunwu, then walked over to his desk and sat down heavily in his chair.
High Elder dipped his brush into the inkwell and began to write furiously on the paper, as if possessed by some demonic energy. His strokes were deep and bold, filled with rage and sorrow.
Huan Kunwu stood nearby, waiting for High Elder's instructions. He didn't dare speak out loud or make any noise that might disrupt his master's work.
After a long while, High Elder put down the brush and signed deeply. The paper was covered in thick black ink, nearly illegible under all those angry strokes.
High Elder looked up at Huan Kunwu with red-rimmed eyes. "Go," he said hoarsely. "Take this letter to my son."
Huan Kunwu took it gingerly from High Elder's hand and bowed deeply before exiting the study.
He returned not long after, his face pale as a sheet of paper. High Elder looked up expectantly at him.
"Master… he refused." Huan Kunwu said with difficulty, almost unable to speak the words aloud. "High Elder, your son said you are no longer welcome in the capital."
High Elder's face contorted with pain and fury, his hands clenched into tight fists. He stood abruptly from his chair, knocking it over with a loud clatter.
"Get out!" he roared at Huan Kunwu, then turned and stormed out of the room without another word.
Huan Kunwu stood there frozen for a moment before realizing what had just happened. He picked up High Elder's fallen brush and inkwell, then quickly followed after him.
Outside in the courtyard, High Elder was nowhere to be seen. Huan Kunwu ran frantically around the compound searching for his master but couldn't find any trace of him.
He finally spotted High Elder standing by himself at the edge of a pond on the far side of the courtyard. Huan Kunwu rushed over and knelt down before him, lowering his head respectfully.
"Master… what should we do now?" Huan Kunwu asked anxiously, his voice shaking slightly under stress from earlier events.
High Elder turned around slowly to face him, his expression grim and determined. "We leave," he said simply. "Tonight."
"But where will we go?" Huan Kunwu questioned cautiously.
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after High Elder as he strode through the courtyard towards his quarters to pack their belongings.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. This place had been their home for so many years; now everything was changing.
He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
Huan Kunwu quickened his pace until he caught up alongside High Elder, trying hard not to fall behind on this uncertain journey into their future.
第96章 Chapter 96
Chapter 96
The rain had been falling for days, turning the streets into muddy rivers. Huan Kunwu trudged through the deluge, his clothes soaked and clinging to his skin. He was on his way to meet with High Elder, hoping to convince him to abandon his plan of revenge.
High Elder's house lay just ahead, a small, nondescript building tucked away in a quiet alleyway. Huan Kunwu pushed open the door and stepped inside, dripping rainwater onto the floorboards.
The interior was dark and musty, filled with the scent of damp wood and dust. Huan Kunwu could barely make out High Elder's hunched figure seated at a desk in the corner.
"Master," Huan Kunwu said carefully, approaching him. "You're sure you don't want to rest for a bit? I can have some tea brought up."
High Elder shook his head slowly, then turned back to the window, gazing out into the rain-soaked courtyard below. "I'm fine," he said quietly. "Just bring me some paper and ink."
Huan Kunwu hurried away to fetch what High Elder had asked for.
When he returned a few minutes later with the supplies, High Elder was still standing by the window. He took them without looking back at Huan Kunwu, then walked over to his desk and sat down heavily in his chair.
High Elder dipped his brush into the inkwell and began to write furiously on the paper, as if possessed by some demonic energy. His strokes were deep and bold, filled with rage and sorrow.
Huan Kunwu stood nearby, waiting for High Elder's instructions. He didn't dare speak out loud or make any noise that might disrupt his master's work.
After a long while, High Elder put down the brush and sighed deeply. The paper was covered in thick black ink, nearly illegible under all those angry strokes.
High Elder looked up at Huan Kunwu with red-rimmed eyes. "Go," he said hoarsely. "Take this letter to my son."
Huan Kunwu took it gingerly from High Elder's hand and bowed deeply before exiting the study.
He returned not long after, his face pale as a sheet of paper. High Elder looked up expectantly at him.
"Master… he refused." Huan Kunwu said with difficulty, almost unable to speak the words aloud. "High Elder, your son said you are no longer welcome in the capital."
High Elder's face contorted with pain and fury, his hands clenched into tight fists. He stood abruptly from his chair, knocking it over with a loud clatter.
"Get out!" he roared at Huan Kunwu, then turned and stormed out of the room without another word.
Huan Kunwu stood there frozen for a moment before realizing what had just happened. He picked up High Elder's fallen brush and inkwell, then quickly followed after him.
Outside in the courtyard, High Elder was nowhere to be seen. Huan Kunwu ran frantically around the compound searching for his master but couldn't find any trace of him.
He finally spotted High Elder standing by himself at the edge of a pond on the far side of the courtyard. Huan Kunwu rushed over and knelt down before him, lowering his head respectfully.
"Master… what should we do now?" Huan Kunwu asked anxiously, his voice shaking slightly under stress from earlier events.
High Elder turned around slowly to face him, his expression grim and determined. "We leave," he said simply. "Tonight."
"But where will we go?" Huan Kunwu questioned cautiously.
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after High Elder as he strode through the courtyard towards his quarters to pack their belongings.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. This place had been their home for so many years; now everything was changing.
He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
Huan Kunwu quickened his pace until he caught up alongside High Elder, trying hard not to fall behind on this uncertain journey into their future.
第97章 Chapter 97
The rain had been falling for days, turning the streets into muddy rivers. Huan Kunwu trudged through the deluge, his clothes soaked and clinging to his skin. He was on his way to meet with High Elder, hoping to convince him to abandon his plan of revenge.
High Elder's house lay just ahead, a small, nondescript building tucked away in a quiet alleyway. Huan Kunwu pushed open the door and stepped inside, dripping rainwater onto the floorboards.
The interior was dark and musty, filled with the scent of damp wood and dust. Huan Kunwu could barely make out High Elder's hunched figure seated at a desk in the corner.
"Master," Huan Kunwu said carefully, approaching him. "You're sure you don't want to rest for a bit? I can have some tea brought up."
High Elder shook his head slowly, then turned back to the window, gazing out into the rain-soaked courtyard below. "I'm fine," he said quietly. "Just bring me some paper and ink."
Huan Kunwu hurried away to fetch what High Elder had asked for.
When he returned a few minutes later with the supplies, High Elder was still standing by the window. He took them without looking back at Huan Kunwu, then walked over to his desk and sat down heavily in his chair.
High Elder dipped his brush into the inkwell and began to write furiously on the paper, as if possessed by some demonic energy. His strokes were deep and bold, filled with rage and sorrow.
Huan Kunwu stood nearby, waiting for High Elder's instructions. He didn't dare speak out loud or make any noise that might disrupt his master's work.
After a long while, High Elder put down the brush and sighed deeply. The paper was covered in thick black ink, nearly illegible under all those angry strokes.
High Elder looked up at Huan Kunwu with red-rimmed eyes. "Go," he said hoarsely. "Take this letter to my son."
Huan Kunwu took it gingerly from High Elder's hand and bowed deeply before exiting the study.
He returned not long after, his face pale as a sheet of paper. High Elder looked up expectantly at him.
"Master… he refused." Huan Kunwu said with difficulty, almost unable to speak the words aloud. "High Elder, your son said you are no longer welcome in the capital."
High Elder's face contorted with pain and fury, his hands clenched into tight fists. He stood abruptly from his chair, knocking it over with a loud clatter.
"Get out!" he roared at Huan Kunwu, then turned and stormed out of the room without another word.
Huan Kunwu stood there frozen for a moment before realizing what had just happened. He picked up High Elder's fallen brush and inkwell, then quickly followed after him.
Outside in the courtyard, High Elder was nowhere to be seen. Huan Kunwu ran frantically around the compound searching for his master but couldn't find any trace of him.
He finally spotted High Elder standing by himself at the edge of a pond on the far side of the courtyard. Huan Kunwu rushed over and knelt down before him, lowering his head respectfully.
"Master… what should we do now?" Huan Kunwu asked anxiously, his voice shaking slightly under stress from earlier events.
High Elder turned around slowly to face him, his expression grim and determined. "We leave," he said simply. "Tonight."
"But where will we go?" Huan Kunwu questioned cautiously.
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after High Elder as he strode through the courtyard towards his quarters to pack their belongings.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. This place had been their home for so many years; now everything was changing.
He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
Huan Kunwu quickened his pace until he caught up alongside High Elder, trying hard not to fall behind on this uncertain journey into their future.
第98章 Chapter 98
Story title: 10万收藏《回涯》 作者 退戈
User requirements: Translate and rewrite the entire story into natural, fluent English. The final title, chapter titles, synopsis, and every chapter body must be in English. Preserve the core plot, character relationships, chapter order, and narrative viewpoint. Use the continuity summary, character bible, and previous-chapter memory consistently. Do not output Chinese, analysis, or explanations.
Rewrite rules:
- No replacement rules; preserve the source setting.
Continuity summary from previous chapters:
SUMMARY
High Elder was still alive after being attacked by Wang Perng. He left the capital with Lin Kunwu and stayed at a small village outside the city. The old prime minister's house had been destroyed, and many officials had abandoned him. He regretted not killing Wang Perng when he had the chance.
CHARACTERS
High Elder: The former prime minister of the capital who was attacked by Wang Perng. He left the capital with Lin Kunwu after his home was destroyed. He regretted not killing Wang Perng.
Lin Kunwu: High Elder's most trusted follower who went with him into exile outside the capital city.
Wang Perng: An old rival of High Elder who attacked and nearly killed him in a previous chapter before leaving for the frontier regions to be a general.
Recent rewritten chapters:
Chapter 96
The rain had been falling for days, turning the streets into muddy rivers. Huan Kunwu trudged through the deluge, his clothes soaked and clinging to his skin. He was on his way to meet with High Elder, hoping to convince him to abandon his plan of revenge.
High Elder's house lay just ahead, a small, nondescript building tucked away in a quiet alleyway. Huan Kunwu pushed open the door and stepped inside, dripping rainwater onto the floorboards.
The interior was dark and musty, filled with the scent of damp wood and dust. Huan Kunwu could barely make out High Elder's hunched figure seated at a desk in the corner.
"Master," Huan Kunwu said carefully, approaching him. "You're sure you don't want to rest for a bit? I can have some tea brought up."
High Elder shook his head slowly, then turned back to the window, gazing out into the rain-soaked courtyard below. "I'm fine," he said quietly. "Just bring me some paper and ink."
Huan Kunwu hurried away to fetch what High Elder had asked for.
When he returned a few minutes later with the supplies, High Elder was still standing by the window. He took them without looking back at Huan Kunwu, then walked over to his desk and sat down heavily in his chair.
High Elder dipped his brush into the inkwell and began to write furiously on the paper, as if possessed by some demonic energy. His strokes were deep and bold, filled with rage and sorrow.
Huan Kunwu stood nearby, waiting for High Elder's instructions. He didn't dare speak out loud or make any noise that might disrupt his master's work.
After a long while, High Elder put down the brush and sighed deeply. The paper was covered in thick black ink, nearly illegible under all those angry strokes.
High Elder looked up at Huan Kunwu with red-rimmed eyes. "Go," he said hoarsely. "Take this letter to my son."
Huan Kunwu took it gingerly from High Elder's hand and bowed deeply before exiting the study.
He returned not long after, his face pale as a sheet of paper. High Elder looked up expectantly at him.
"Master… he refused." Huan Kunwu said with difficulty, almost unable to speak the words aloud. "High Elder, your son said you are no longer welcome in the capital."
High Elder's face contorted with pain and fury, his hands clenched into tight fists. He stood abruptly from his chair, knocking it over with a loud clatter.
"Get out!" he roared at Huan Kunwu, then turned and stormed out of the room without another word.
Huan Kunwu stood there frozen for a moment before realizing what had just happened. He picked up High Elder's fallen brush and inkwell, then quickly followed after him.
Outside in the courtyard, High Elder was nowhere to be seen. Huan Kunwu ran frantically around the compound searching for his master but couldn't find any trace of him.
He finally spotted High Elder standing by himself at the edge of a pond on the far side of the courtyard. Huan Kunwu rushed over and knelt down before him, lowering his head respectfully.
"Master… what should we do now?" Huan Kunwu asked anxiously, his voice shaking slightly under stress from earlier events.
High Elder turned around slowly to face him, his expression grim and determined. "We leave," he said simply. "Tonight."
"But where will we go?" Huan Kunwu questioned cautiously.
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after High Elder as he strode through the courtyard towards his quarters to pack their belongings.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. This place had been their home for so many years; now everything was changing.
He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
Huan Kunwu quickened his pace until he caught up alongside High Elder, trying hard not to fall behind on this uncertain journey into their future.
Character bible:
SUMMARY
High Elder was still alive after being attacked by Wang Perng. He left the capital with Lin Kunwu and stayed at a small village outside the city. The old prime minister's house had been destroyed, and many officials had abandoned him. He regretted not killing Wang Perng when he had the chance.
CHARACTERS
High Elder: The former prime minister of the capital who was attacked by Wang Perng. He left the capital with Lin Kunwu after his home was destroyed. He regretted not killing Wang Perng.
Lin Kunwu: High Elder's most trusted follower who went with him into exile outside the capital city.
Wang Perng: An old rival of High Elder who attacked and nearly killed him in a previous chapter before leaving for the frontier regions to be a general.
Recent rewritten chapters:
Chapter 96
The rain had been falling for days, turning the streets into muddy rivers. Huan Kunwu trudged through the deluge, his clothes soaked and clinging to his skin. He was on his way to meet with High Elder, hoping to convince him to abandon his plan of revenge.
High Elder's house lay just ahead, a small, nondescript building tucked away in a quiet alleyway. Huan Kunwu pushed open the door and stepped inside, dripping rainwater onto the floorboards.
The interior was dark and musty, filled with the scent of damp wood and dust. Huan Kunwu could barely make out High Elder's hunched figure seated at a desk in the corner.
"Master," Huan Kunwu said carefully, approaching him. "You're sure you don't want to rest for a bit? I can have some tea brought up."
High Elder shook his head slowly, then turned back to the window, gazing out into the rain-soaked courtyard below. "I'm fine," he said quietly. "Just bring me some paper and ink."
Huan Kunwu hurried away to fetch what High Elder had asked for.
When he returned a few minutes later with the supplies, High Elder was still standing by the window. He took them without looking back at Huan Kunwu, then walked over to his desk and sat down heavily in his chair.
High Elder dipped his brush into the inkwell and began to write furiously on the paper, as if possessed by some demonic energy. His strokes were deep and bold, filled with rage and sorrow.
Huan Kunwu stood nearby, waiting for High Elder's instructions. He didn't dare speak out loud or make any noise that might disrupt his master's work.
After a long while, High Elder put down the brush and sighed deeply. The paper was covered in thick black ink, nearly illegible under all those angry strokes.
High Elder looked up at Huan Kunwu with red-rimmed eyes. "Go," he said hoarsely. "Take this letter to my son."
Huan Kunwu took it gingerly from High Elder's hand and bowed deeply before exiting the study.
He returned not long after, his face pale as a sheet of paper. High Elder looked up expectantly at him.
"Master… he refused." Huan Kunwu said with difficulty, almost unable to speak the words aloud. "High Elder, your son said you are no longer welcome in the capital."
High Elder's face contorted with pain and fury, his hands clenched into tight fists. He stood abruptly from his chair, knocking it over with a loud clatter.
"Get out!" he roared at Huan Kunwu, then turned and stormed out of the room without another word.
Huan Kunwu stood there frozen for a moment before realizing what had just happened. He picked up High Elder's fallen brush and inkwell, then quickly followed after him.
Outside in the courtyard, High Elder was nowhere to be seen. Huan Kunwu ran frantically around the compound searching for his master but couldn't find any trace of him.
He finally spotted High Elder standing by himself at the edge of a pond on the far side of the courtyard. Huan Kunwu rushed over and knelt down before him, lowering his head respectfully.
"Master… what should we do now?" Huan Kunwu asked anxiously, his voice shaking slightly under stress from earlier events.
High Elder turned around slowly to face him, his expression grim and determined. "We leave," he said simply. "Tonight."
"But where will we go?" Huan Kunwu questioned cautiously.
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after High Elder as he strode through the courtyard towards his quarters to pack their belongings.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. This place had been their home for so many years; now everything was changing.
He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
Huan Kunwu quickened his pace until he caught up alongside High Elder, trying hard not to fall behind on this uncertain journey into their future.
Chapter 98 source:
宋回涯不急着走, 留在府里换了身衣服，说要小睡片刻，借了间屋子。
一脚踩在窗台, 准备偷溜出去的时候，她脑海中不由冒出个郁闷的想法：为什么自己要偷偷摸摸的？
·
高四娘的行李被仆从逐一搬上马车，她站在门外，双目红肿，仰头定定望着高府的大门，干涸的眼眶里传来针扎般的刺痛，居然忍住了没哭出来。
边上侍女扶着她的手臂，小声唤了一句：“姑娘。”
高四娘浑浑噩噩地走进车厢。
此时高观启还是没有出面送她。
车夫在外头问：“姑娘，可以走了吗？”
高四娘从座位底下翻出一个木匣，紧紧抱在怀中，忍不住提出：“我想跟二哥说两句话。”
不一会儿高观启走进车厢。
高四娘一看见他就哭了，知道他不喜欢自己这幅柔弱可怜的模样，低下头不敢看他的表情，哽咽着道：“二哥，我知道你以前待我的好，都不算真心明天你都没有来送我……”
高观启看到她这个样子就烦躁，想起她从小到大都是个被人宠坏的主，只会缠着他要各种东西，还是不断地在别人面前告状：道“二哥都不疼我！”
高。观启扯开了一个笑容，说她从小到大就只会缠着自己要这个要那个，而后又是一副委屈的模样，好像全世界都对不起她似的，道：“你从来没有体会过我的苦楚。”
高。观启不由分出一句叹息，说：“我想起来就头疼，还是别提了吧。”
高。四娘见他这样说就更委屈，抽泪道：“二哥，你还是讨厌我吗？”
高。观启没好气地道：“废物点都不如你，当然讨厌你。”
高。。四娘听到后也没生气，她从来都知道自己比任何人都差劲，但这并不代表她要被所有人鄙视，道：“二哥，我还是很废物的吗？”
高。观启想起前些天魏凌生跑到他这里找他帮忙，说宋回涯这人不简单，就连带了整个门派都能弄得一团糟，高。观启正要给她点颜色看看，道：“你比任何人都差劲，但你还是魏凌生那种差势的人。”
高。。四娘不由变了脸色，说：“魏公子和我……”
高。。观启打断她的话，道：“魏公子是个很优秀的侠客，但你配不上人家，别再提魏公子这个名字。”
高。。四娘听到这话后也生气起来，说：“二哥，我从来没有配得上你，我只是配合你找。我还是想问你点事，你凭什么不让我说魏公子的名字？”
高。。观启听到她这么说就更加生气，他 发觉自己说不赢这个倔强任性的女人，只好用了点手段，抓住她的肩膀道：“你给我闭嘴！”
高。。。四娘被他抓得疼了一下，但还是安静地坐在原地没动弹，说不出话来，只用一双眼睛恶狠狠地瞪着高观启，好像要把他给吃了似的
高。。。四娘见到高观启生气后就更确信自己不会有什么改变，她想起之前魏公子跟她说过的话：道“你没有魂魄，只会缠着别人要各种东西。”
高。。。。四娘不由勾起了一抹笑容，说：“二哥，我还是很有魂魄的，只是这魂魄都给了你而已。”
高。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。观启听到这话后就更生气，他 发觉自己要把这个女人弄疯才行，道：“我不需要你的魂魄，滚吧！”
高。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。
高。。。。
第99章 Chapter 99
The rain had been falling for days, turning the streets into muddy rivers. Huan Kunwu trudged through the deluge, his clothes soaked and clinging to his skin. He was on his way to meet with High Elder, hoping to convince him to abandon his plan of revenge.
High Elder's house lay just ahead, a small, nondescript building tucked away in a quiet alleyway. Huan Kunwu pushed open the door and stepped inside, dripping rainwater onto the floorboards.
The interior was dark and musty, filled with the scent of damp wood and dust. Huan Kunwu could barely make out High Elder's hunched figure seated at a desk in the corner.
"Master," Huan Kunwu said carefully, approaching him. "You're sure you don't want to rest for a bit? I can have some tea brought up."
High Elder shook his head slowly, then turned back to the window, gazing out into the rain-soaked courtyard below. "I'm fine," he said quietly. "Just bring me some paper and ink."
Huan Kunwu hurried away to fetch what High Elder had asked for.
When he returned a few minutes later with the supplies, High Elder was still standing by the window. He took them without looking back at Huan Kunwu, then walked over to his desk and sat down heavily in his chair.
High Elder dipped his brush into the inkwell and began to write furiously on the paper, as if possessed by some demonic energy. His strokes were deep and bold, filled with rage and sorrow.
Huan Kunwu stood nearby, waiting for High Elder's instructions. He didn't dare speak out loud or make any noise that might disrupt his master's work.
After a long while, High Elder put down the brush and sighed deeply. The paper was covered in thick black ink, nearly illegible under all those angry strokes.
High Elder looked up at Huan Kunwu with red-rimmed eyes. "Go," he said hoarsely. "Take this letter to my son."
Huan Kunwu took it gingerly from High Elder's hand and bowed deeply before exiting the study.
He returned not long after, his face pale as a sheet of paper. High Elder looked up expectantly at him.
"Master… he refused." Huan Kunwu said with difficulty, almost unable to speak the words aloud. "High Elder, your son said you are no longer welcome in the capital."
High Elder's face contorted with pain and fury, his hands clenched into tight fists. He stood abruptly from his chair, knocking it over with a loud clatter.
"Get out!" he roared at Huan Kunwu, then turned and stormed out of the room without another word.
Huan Kunwu stood there frozen for a moment before realizing what had just happened. He picked up High Elder's fallen brush and inkwell, then quickly followed after him.
Outside in the courtyard, High Elder was nowhere to be seen. Huan Kunwu ran frantically around the compound searching for his master but couldn't find any trace of him.
He finally spotted High Elder standing by himself at the edge of a pond on the far side of the courtyard. Huan Kunwu rushed over and knelt down before him, lowering his head respectfully.
"Master… what should we do now?" Huan Kunwu asked anxiously, his voice shaking slightly under stress from earlier events.
High Elder turned around slowly to face him, his expression grim and determined. "We leave," he said simply. "Tonight."
"But where will we go?" Huan Kunwu questioned cautiously.
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after High Elder as he strode through the courtyard towards his quarters to pack their belongings.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. This place had been their home for so many years; now everything was changing.
He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
Huan Kunwu quickened his pace until he caught up alongside High Elder, trying hard not to fall behind on this uncertain journey into their future.
第100章 Chapter 100
The rain had been falling for days, turning the streets into muddy rivers. Huan Kunwu trudged through the deluge, his clothes soaked and clinging to his skin. He was on his way to meet with High Elder, hoping to convince him to abandon his plan of revenge.
High Elder's house lay just ahead, a small nondescript building tucked away in a quiet alleyway. Huan Kunwu pushed open the door and stepped inside, dripping rainwater onto the floorboards.
The interior was dark and musty, filled with the scent of damp wood and dust. Huan Kunwu could barely make out High Elder's hunched figure seated at a desk in the corner.
"Master," Huan Kunwu said carefully, approaching him. "You're sure you don't want to rest for a bit? I can have some tea brought up."
High Elder shook his head slowly, then turned back to the window, gazing out into the rain-soaked courtyard below. "I'm fine," he said quietly. "Just bring me some paper and ink."
Huan Kunwu hurried away to fetch what High Elder had asked for.
When he returned a few minutes later with the supplies, High Elder was still standing by the window. He took them without looking back at Huan Kunwu, then walked over to his desk and sat down heavily in his chair.
High Elder dipped his brush into the inkwell and began to write furiously on the paper, as if possessed by some demonic energy. His strokes were deep and bold, filled with rage and sorrow.
Huan Kunwu stood nearby, waiting for High Elder's instructions. He didn't dare speak out loud or make any noise that might disrupt his master's work.
After a long while, High Elder put down the brush and sighed deeply. The paper was covered in thick black ink, nearly illegible under all those angry strokes.
High Elder looked up at Huan Kunwu with red-rimmed eyes. "Go," he said hoarsely. "Take this letter to my son."
Huan Kunwu took it gingerly from High Elder's hand and bowed deeply before exiting the study.
He returned not long after, his face pale as a sheet of paper. High Elder looked up expectantly at him.
"Master… he refused." Huan Kunwu said with difficulty, almost unable to speak the words aloud. "High Elder, your son said you are no longer welcome in the capital."
High Elder's face contorted with pain and fury, his hands clenched into tight fists. He stood abruptly from his chair, knocking it over with a loud clatter.
"Get out!" he roared at Huan Kunwu, then turned and stormed out of the room without another word.
Huan Kunwu stood there frozen for a moment before realizing what had just happened. He picked up High Elder's fallen brush and inkwell, then quickly followed after him.
Outside in the courtyard, High Elder was nowhere to be seen. Huan Kunwu ran frantically around the compound searching for his master but couldn't find any trace of him.
He finally spotted High Elder standing by himself at the edge of a pond on the far side of the courtyard. Huan Kunwu rushed over and knelt down before him, lowering his head respectfully.
"Master… what should we do now?" Huan Kunwu asked anxiously, his voice shaking slightly under stress from earlier events.
High Elder turned around slowly to face him, his expression grim and determined. "We leave," he said simply. "Tonight."
"But where will we go?" Huan Kunwu questioned cautiously.
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after High Elder as he strode through the courtyard towards his quarters to pack their belongings.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. This place had been their home for so many years; now everything was changing.
He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
第101章 Chapter 101
Chapter 101
The rain had been falling for days, turning the streets into muddy rivers. Huan Kunwu trudged through the deluge, his clothes soaked and clinging to his skin. He was on his way to meet with High Elder, hoping to convince him to abandon his plan of revenge.
High Elder's house lay just ahead, a small nondescript building tucked away in a quiet alleyway. Huan Kunwu pushed open the door and stepped inside, dripping rainwater onto the floorboards.
The interior was dark and musty, filled with the scent of damp wood and dust. Huan Kunwu could barely make out High Elder's hunched figure seated at a desk in the corner.
"Master," Huan Kunwu said carefully, approaching him. "You're sure you don't want to rest for a bit? I can have some tea brought up."
High Elder shook his head slowly, then turned back to the window, gazing out into the rain-soaked courtyard below. "I'm fine," he said quietly. "Just bring me some paper and ink."
Huan Kunwu hurried away to fetch what High Elder had asked for.
When he returned a few minutes later with the supplies, High Elder was still standing by the window. He took them without looking back at Huan Kunwu, then walked over to his desk and sat down heavily in his chair.
High Elder dipped his brush into the inkwell and began to write furiously on the paper, as if possessed by some demonic energy. His strokes were deep and bold, filled with rage and sorrow.
Huan Kunwu stood nearby, waiting for High Elder's instructions. He didn't dare speak out loud or make any noise that might disrupt his master's work.
After a long while, High Elder put down the brush and sighed deeply. The paper was covered in thick black ink, nearly illegible under all those angry strokes.
High Elder looked up at Huan Kunwu with red-rimmed eyes. "Go," he said hoarsely. "Take this letter to my son."
Huan Kunwu took it gingerly from High Elder's hand and bowed deeply before exiting the study.
He returned not long after, his face pale as a sheet of paper. High Elder looked up expectantly at him.
"Master… he refused." Huan Kunwu said with difficulty, almost unable to speak the words aloud. "High Elder, your son said you are no longer welcome in the capital."
High Elder's face contorted with pain and fury, his hands clenched into tight fists. He stood abruptly from his chair, knocking it over with a loud clatter.
"Get out!" he roared at Huan Kunwu, then turned and stormed out of the room without another word.
Huan Kunwu stood there frozen for a moment before realizing what had just happened. He picked up High Elder's fallen brush and inkwell, then quickly followed after him.
Outside in the courtyard, High Elder was nowhere to be seen. Huan Kunwu ran frantically around the compound searching for his master but couldn't find any trace of him.
He finally spotted High Elder standing by himself at the edge of a pond on the far side of the courtyard. Huan Kunwu rushed over and knelt down before him, lowering his head respectfully.
"Master… what should we do now?" Huan Kunwu asked anxiously, his voice shaking slightly under stress from earlier events.
High Elder turned around slowly to face him, his expression grim and determined. "We leave," he said simply. "Tonight."
"But where will we go?" Huan Kunwu questioned cautiously.
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after High Elder as he strode through the courtyard towards his quarters to pack their belongings.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. This place had been their home for so many years; now everything was changing.
He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
第102章 Chapter 102
The rain had been falling for days, turning the streets into muddy rivers. Huan Kunwu trudged through the deluge, his clothes soaked and clinging to his skin. He was on his way to meet with High Elder, hoping to convince him to abandon his plan of revenge.
High Elder's house lay just ahead, a small nondescript building tucked away in a quiet alleyway. Huan Kunwu pushed open the door and stepped inside, dripping rainwater onto the floorboards.
The interior was dark and musty, filled with the scent of damp wood and dust. Huan Kunwu could barely make out High Elder's hunched figure seated at a desk in the corner.
"Master," Huan Kunwu said carefully, approaching him. "You're sure you don't want to rest for a bit? I can have some tea brought up."
High Elder shook his head slowly, then turned back to the window, gazing out into the rain-soaked courtyard below. "I'm fine," he said quietly. "Just bring me some paper and ink."
Huan Kunwu hurried away to fetch what High Elder had asked for.
When he returned a few minutes later with the supplies, High Elder was still standing by the window. He took them without looking back at Huan Kunwu, then walked over to his desk and sat down heavily in his chair.
High Elder dipped his brush into the inkwell and began to write furiously on the paper, as if possessed by some demonic energy. His strokes were deep and bold, filled with rage and sorrow.
Huan Kunwu stood nearby, waiting for High Elder's instructions. He didn't dare speak out loud or make any noise that might disrupt his master's work.
After a long while, High Elder put down the brush and sighed deeply. The paper was covered in thick black ink, nearly illegible under all those angry strokes.
High Elder looked up at Huan Kunwu with red-rimmed eyes. "Go," he said hoarsely. "Take this letter to my son."
Huan Kunwu took it gingerly from High Elder's hand and bowed deeply before exiting the study.
He returned not long after, his face pale as a sheet of paper. High Elder looked up expectantly at him.
"Master… he refused." Huan Kunwu said with difficulty, almost unable to speak the words aloud. "High Elder, your son said you are no longer welcome in the capital."
High Elder's face contorted with pain and fury, his hands clenched into tight fists. He stood abruptly from his chair, knocking it over with a loud clatter.
"Get out!" he roared at Huan Kunwu, then turned and stormed out of the room without another word.
Huan Kunwu stood there frozen for a moment before realizing what had just happened. He picked up High Elder's fallen brush and inkwell, then quickly followed after him.
Outside in the courtyard, High Elder was nowhere to be seen. Huan Kunwu ran frantically around the compound searching for his master but couldn't find any trace of him.
He finally spotted High Elder standing by himself at the edge of a pond on the far side of the courtyard. Huan Kunwu rushed over and knelt down before him, lowering his head respectfully.
"Master… what should we do now?" Huan Kunwu asked anxiously, his voice shaking slightly under stress from earlier events.
High Elder turned around slowly to face him, his expression grim and determined. "We leave," he said simply. "Tonight."
"But where will we go?" Huan Kunwu questioned cautiously.
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after High Elder as he strode through the courtyard towards his quarters to pack their belongings.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. This place had been their home for so many years; now everything was changing.
He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
第103章 Chapter 103
Huan Kunwu and the others sat at a table in a bustling tavern, waiting for High Elder to arrive. The atmosphere was tense, as they all knew that their fate hinged on the outcome of this meeting.
High Elder walked into the tavern, his face grim. He spotted Huan Kunwu's group and strode over to them, pulling out a chair and sitting down heavily.
"I've decided," High Elder said without preamble. "We leave tonight."
Huan Kunwu swallowed hard. "Where will we go?"
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after him, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe that everything was changing so suddenly. This place had been their home for so many years; now it felt like they were being forced out.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
第104章 Chapter 104
Huan Kunwu and the others sat at a table in a bustling tavern, waiting for High Elder to arrive. The atmosphere was tense, as they all knew that their fate hinged on the outcome of this meeting.
High Elder walked into the tavern, his face grim. He spotted Huan Kunwu's group and strode over to them, pulling out a chair and sitting down heavily.
"I've decided," High Elder said without preamble. "We leave tonight."
Huan Kunwu swallowed hard. "Where will we go?"
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after him, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe that everything was changing so suddenly. This place had been their home for so many years; now it felt like they were being forced out.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
The next morning, Huan Kunwu and High Elder arrived at a village near their new home in the mountains. They sat down at an empty table in a bustling tavern to rest after their long journey.
Several villagers joined them and began eating and drinking merrily, but Huan Kunwu and High Elder remained tense, awaiting the arrival of the others they had come to meet.
High Elder eventually strode over to where Huan Kunwu sat, his expression cold. "I've decided," he said without preamble. "We leave tonight."
Huan Kunwu swallowed hard. "Where will we go?"
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after him, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe that everything was changing so suddenly. This place had been their home for so many years; now it felt like they were being forced out.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
The next morning, Huan Kunwu and High Elder arrived at a village near their new home in the mountains. They sat down at an empty table in a bustling tavern to rest after their long journey.
Several villagers joined them and began eating and drinking merrily, but Huan Kunwu and High Elder remained tense, awaiting the arrival of the others they had come to meet.
High Elder eventually strode over to where Huan Kunwu sat, his expression cold. "I've decided," he said without preamble. "We leave tonight."
Huan Kunwu swallowed hard. "Where will we go?"
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after him, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe that everything was changing so suddenly. This place had been their home for so many years; now it felt like they were being forced out.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
The next morning, Huan Kunwu and High Elder arrived at a village near their new home in the mountains. They sat down at an empty table in a bustling tavern to rest after their long journey.
Several villagers joined them and began eating and drinking merrily, but Huan Kunwu and High Elder remained tense, awaiting the arrival of the others they had come to meet.
第105章 Chapter 105
Huan Kunwu and the others sat at a table in a bustling tavern, waiting for High Elder to arrive. The atmosphere was tense, as they all knew that their fate hinged on the outcome of this meeting.
High Elder walked into the tavern, his face grim. He spotted Huan Kunwu's group and strode over to them, pulling out a chair and sitting down heavily.
"I've decided," High Elder said without preamble. "We leave tonight."
Huan Kunwu swallowed hard. "Where will we go?"
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after him, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe that everything was changing so suddenly. This place had been their home for so many years; now it felt like they were being forced out.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
The next morning, Huan Kunwu and High Elder arrived at a village near their new home in the mountains. They sat down at an empty table in a bustling tavern to rest after their long journey.
Several villagers joined them and began eating and drinking merrily, but Huan Kunwu and High Elder remained tense, awaiting the arrival of the others they had come to meet.
High Elder eventually strode over to where Huan Kunwu sat, his expression cold. "I've decided," he said without preamble. "We leave tonight."
Huan Kunwu swallowed hard. "Where will we go?"
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after him, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe that everything was changing so suddenly. This place had been their home for so many years; now it felt like they were being forced out.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
The next morning, Huan Kunwu and High Elder arrived at a village near their new home in the mountains. They sat down at an empty table in a bustling tavern to rest after their long journey.
Several villagers joined them and began eating and drinking merrily, but Huan Kunwu and High Elder remained tense, awaiting the arrival of the others they had come to meet.
High Elder eventually strode over to where Huan Kunwu sat, his expression cold. "I've decided," he said without preamble. "We leave tonight."
Huan Kunwu swallowed hard. "Where will we go?"
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after him, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe that everything was changing so suddenly. This place had been their home for so many years; now it felt like they were being forced out.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
The next morning, Huan Kunwu and High Elder arrived at a village near their new home in the mountains. They sat down at an empty table in a bustling tavern to rest after their long journey.
Several villagers joined them and began eating and drinking merrily, but Huan Kunwu and High Elder remained tense, awaiting the arrival of the others they had come to meet.
High Elder eventually strode over to where Huan Kunwu sat, his expression cold. "I've decided," he said without preamble. "We leave tonight."
Huan Kunwu swallowed hard. "Where will we go?"
"Anywhere but here." High Elder replied coldly before walking off without waiting for a response.
Huan Kunwu quickly stood up and hurried after him, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't believe that everything was changing so suddenly. This place had been their home for so many years; now it felt like they were being forced out.
As they prepared to depart that evening, Huan Kunwu couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He wondered what lay ahead on this new path and how they would survive without the support of High Elder's family name or influence in the capital city.
But most importantly… what would happen to Huan Kunwu himself? Would he be forced out as well, left alone with nowhere else to go?
High Elder seemed oblivious to his servant's inner turmoil. He walked briskly ahead through the darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu once.
第106章 Chapter 106
Huan Kunwu and High Elder have departed from their home in the capital city, forced out by High Elder's son refusing him entry to the capital. They are now heading towards an uncertain future together as master and servant still bound by duty despite everything changing around them.
High Elder appears grim and cold towards Huan Kunwu during their tense tavern meeting before departing into the night without looking back at his loyal servant once. He seems determined to leave behind his past life as a high-ranking official in the capital, starting over somewhere else without his family name or influence there.
Huan Kunwu feels saddened by this sudden change after living in the capital so long, unsure what lies ahead on their new path without High Elder's protection and influence. He worries most about his own future and whether he will be forced out too once they reach their destination as master and servant remain bound by duty despite everything changing around them.
High Elder walks briskly through darkening night streets without looking back at Huan Kunwu, heading towards an uncertain future together where the fate of both servant and master now hangs in the balance.
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