Chaotic World Book

Chapter 612 Is Your Life More Important Than Tang Wanju's?



"It's said to be immediate," he mused, "but clearly that's not something to be rushed. At this moment, Zhao Changhe himself was weak in soul power, likely not even having the strength to control Wuzhui in flight. He must rest a bit before anything else, and moreover, there was still the need to lay out successive prescriptions for Wan Tianxiong's life-saving medication."

Wan Dongliu then busied himself with arranging a meal for everyone. It wasn't lavish—just a simple meal in the hall during which they discussed the general recent events.

In truth, there was a delicate episode that Wan Dongliu found rather awkward to mention. The woman from Xiao Xiang Inn, Ru Yan, had already been taken into his household as a concubine. He had initially contemplated having Ru Yan serve the distinguished guest to rekindle the past, as exchanging maids and concubines was indeed a common practice, which could even be seen as a tasteful conversation. But with the Vermilion Bird Venerable and Holy Daughter seated right beside Zhao Changhe, Wan Dongliu promptly discarded the thought.

It was too bizarre. The affairs around Zhao Changhe... mistaking the Four Symbols Sect for Xiao Xiang Inn, is that really something a person could achieve?

He steadied his spirit and began to relay the situation, "Initially, the region of Xuzhou was under the Yang Family's influence. Once we raised our flag, the Yang Family withdrew immediately, handing over Xuzhou to us."

Zhao Changhe paused in his writing and asked with surprise, "Handed it over to you?"

"Yes. They agreed that once our people arrived, they would leave, allowing us direct control and preventing the Wang Family from taking advantage of the vacancy. It's as if they had openly gifted it to us," said Wan Dongliu. "My father believes Yang Jingxiu didn't have any good intentions in doing this. Originally, with him as the buffer, we couldn't directly confront the Wang Family, but instead, both sides were eyeing this piece of land. It's better to pull out altogether, letting us border the Wang Family directly. Our alliance with the Wang Family is not solid; conflicts will arise sooner or later."

Xia Chichi played with her food, "Then why didn't they gift it to the Wang Family instead of us? Just because the Wang Family had previously doubled-crossed them over their sword? It seems unlikely that the strategems of power would be swayed by such past events, unless gifting it to us brought more benefits to the Yang Family."

Wan Dongliu looked at Xia Chichi with some astonishment and nodded in agreement, "Indeed. After the Wang Family took action, they sent envoys several times to negotiate with Yang Jingxiu, likely making many concessions and promises. Yang Jingxiu was always ambiguous. But all of a sudden, he handed Xuzhou over to us... We asked the Vermilion Bird Venerable about it, and the Venerable said that although she had formed an alliance with the Yang Family, she never mentioned Xuzhou, especially since she had no intention of directly bordering and conflicting with the Wang Family at the time. She also doesn't know why Yang Jingxiu made this choice."

"No matter why the Yang Family did it, this move now seems to have had its effect. Wang Daoning's attempt to assassinate Uncle Wan can be seen as a direct result..." Zhao Changhe sighed, "If this strategy was Old Xia's or Wanzhuang's doing, aiming to sow discord between the two families, I could understand. But if it was also his own idea, then truly, there's not one single worry-free person."

Xia Chichi cut to the heart of it, "He took away half of the soul power of the Yang Family's Lianshan Sword."

Zhao Changhe was taken aback and then nodded. On the surface, the Yang Family were still Imperial officials, but in reality, it may not be the case. Aristocratic families could hardly speak of loyalty, and even Old Cui's deep underlying reason for resisting the Wang Family had nothing to do with preserving Great Xia. What more for Yang Jingxiu, who had already lost hope in Xia Longyuan? What Old Yang was thinking now really wasn't easy to say.

His own "favor" was not enough... To truly protect Xia meant to be the enemy of the entire world, including the few seated here, all pioneers of rebellion.

Zhao Changhe did not wish to protect Xia; he simply wanted to extricate Tang Wanju from such a situation—the rest be damned. Speaking of those things in Jiangnan that were meant for Chichi, of course, it didn't mean to hand her the reins of power. Chichi might have forgotten that she too needs resources to compete for supremacy...

Understanding these things now, his main intention was to analyze what exactly Wang Daoning would do and where his confidence stemmed from. Others might not know how terrifying Xia Longyuan was, but as someone who had participated in the battle at sea and might have been lurking in the distance to secretly watch, Wang Daoning should be more aware than anyone of Xia Longyuan's strength. What exactly was he planning? Without making sense of it, it'd be hard to rest easy.

"Other than the curious case of the Yang Family, is there any other unusual information?" Zhao Changhe continued to inquire.

Wan Dongliu pondered for a moment, "There is another rather peculiar matter... My standoff with Tang Buqi is like being both enemies and friends—no strong animosity, and we understand each other well. I'm quite certain he is still struggling with the idea of independence, having yet to reach a consensus with the Tang patriarch. But for several days now, rumors of the Tang family declaring themselves the kings of Wu have been widespread in Huaiyang... Seeing Tang Buqi himself, it seems he doesn't even know about it yet, which might mean it's his subordinates trying to force a palace coup."

Zhao Changhe frowned slightly. This could be one of the reasons for the strong Jinling Royal Qi — but could it really only be his subordinates doing this?

At that time, it should have been the two envoys whom Tang Buqi had executed on their way down to Jiangnan…

Was it their spread rumors aiming to create an irreparable rift between Wanju and Buqi?

Sending envoys all the way to Jiangnan from Jinzhong in the northwest... for this? It feels somewhat childish and unreliable…

What part of this puzzle am I still failing to understand...

Zhao Changhe shook his head and handed the completed prescription to Wan Dongliu, "Administer the medicine to your father morning and evening, punctually without fail."

Wan Dongliu carefully packed away the item as if it were a treasured possession, "Many thanks, Zhao."

Zhao Changhe waved his hand dismissively and also bowed his head to eat.

Seeing Zhao Changhe's pensive demeanor, with no appetite for the meal before him, Xia Chichi finally let out a sigh, "Are you thinking of taking Wuzhui, since it can fly, and departing on your own first?"

"Uh…" Theoretically, Wuzhui could indeed carry a person in flight, but Zhao Changhe really didn't want Xia Chichi to get involved in a battle situation that was still completely uncertain, where even he didn't know if he could return—extremely dangerous. So he made an excuse, "Wuzhui has just advanced; its powers aren't sufficient. Carrying two people might be a bit of a strain."

Yet Xia Chichi said, "Don't worry, I have no desire to go."

Zhao Changhe: "..."

Lost in thought, Xia Chichi gazed out at the night sky through the window and muttered to herself, "You know, by leaving the master here, you also don't want to make things difficult for her… because among those currently plotting against Xia Longyuan, the Vermilion Bird Venerable must be involved. If the master went, she would become part of the attacking party, and the same goes for me."

San Niang, who had been busying herself with eating and drinking, froze for a moment and sat up straight with a jolt. Is this another reason why he's leaving me behind?

Thinking about it, if San Niang were really to attack Xia Longyuan, seeing Xia Chichi's pale face at this moment, she feared that she wouldn't have the heart to do it. On the contrary, help Xia Longyuan? The Vermilion Bird would pop its eyes out in anger; where do they get the reason to aid Xia Longyuan!

Not going was the right decision… Even if she were to go, it should be to secretly provide backup to the Vermilion Bird, making sure not to injure her in the process.

San Niang finally reacted and seriously said, "We might not go… I understand that your main reason for going isn't to get involved in the battle with Xia Longyuan, but to save Tang Wanju. Therefore, I must entrust you with another matter."

Before she could say it, Zhao Changhe took the initiative, "Of course, my first priority is to help Qing'er escape from the Imperial Palace. She's just at the Mystical Gate Ninth Layer and can't fend for herself; after ensuring her safety, I'll see to the rest."

San Niang bowed her head to eat.

God, just at the Mystical Gate Ninth Layer, unable to fend for herself, do as you wish.

Xia Chichi spoke, "Do you all take the Venerable for a fool? In such a battle, Qing'er being there is akin to sending herself to death; the Venerable would surely have moved her first. She is a direct and favored follower; there's no need for you guys to worry about her!"

San Niang's head sank lower.

Xia Chichi sighed once more and turned to Zhao Changhe, "Logically, even you shouldn't go… but I know your heart is already there, and if I don't let you, you'll be distraught. I won't stop you if you insist on going, but you must promise me one thing…"

Zhao Changhe earnestly said, "Yes, tell me."

Xia Chichi enunciated every word, "Remember, your life is more important than Tang Wanju, and more important than Xia Longyuan. Ensure your own safety first before anything else."

Zhao Changhe looked at her steadily for a moment, softly "Mhm" in response, then promptly stood up, "I've had enough rest, I should leave now."

Xia Chichi sighed helplessly. He was truly restless; what rest had he actually had? Clearly, he intended to rest along the way...

Wan Dongliu digested their conversation, feeling alarmed.

Did this mean, they were convinced there would be a hunt targeting Xia Longyuan?

Who all were involved in this… No matter who won or lost, this was a sign of a changing era!


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