Chaotic World Book

Chapter 613: Since the country has treated me as a national scholar, I shall repay it with my life



Zi Ye.

Tang Wanju was wearing the thick fur coat that she first appeared in, handling documents under the light.

She no longer coughed. The last treatment Zhao Changhe administered before he left would at least sustain her for a year.

However, when she overworked, she still did not look like a martial artist, fragile and prone to the cold, making Bao Qin shake her head in disapproval.

And yet she was supposed to possess the Third Layer Secret Treasure; she wasn't even as full of energy as Bao Qin at the Mystical Gate Third Layer.

Hmm, actually Bao Qin was also not that young anymore, already eighteen, a young lady standing gracefully tall, with cultivation reaching the Seventh Layer of Mystical Gate, and capable of handling affairs in the Worldly Society with a cold face and imposing manner. When Zhao Changhe first met her, he couldn't even defeat Bao Qin, who was already at the Fifth Layer of Mystical Gate at the time, while Zhao was merely at the Fourth Layer. Of course, he might have been outclassed – that remains a historical mystery. Even today, Zhao Changhe still treats Bao Qin as a little maid who knows no martial arts. His thoughts on this are baffling.

The misunderstanding Zhao Changhe had with this pair was not the only one. He also had a slight misunderstanding about Tang Wanju.

For instance, he thought it was only natural for Tang Wanju and Tang Buqi to argue... Zhao Changhe was still somewhat better, at least he knew that if Tang Buqi was only talking about self-preservation, Wanju would not have argued with her. It was Tang Buqi who truly did not understand her aunt.

In fact, even if Tang Buqi wanted to establish her own power, Tang Wanju would not have argued originally.

Those loyal subordinates of Wu Weiyang were thinking differently now, and she didn't want to hinder everyone's future and pursuits.

No one's ideals were more precious than others, and she had no right to drag others down with her future commitments; it was enough for everyone to be well.

The main reason Tang Wanju would not permit Tang Buqi to establish her own power was that recent events instinctively made her feel that something was strange; she didn't want Tang Buqi to become a pawn in the forefront of the political storm.

Unfortunately, many branches of the Demon Suppression Department had decayed or had been subverted. She no longer had the comprehensive and timely news that she once did, and could only make guesses and deductions based on some vague clues and signs.

Firstly, there was definitely a problem with the Li Family in Longxi. This was easy to judge because tax collection in the Central Pass had stopped, supposedly due to too many thieves and bandits... wasn't that a typical sign of separatism? Who could that excuse fool?

This was expected; when Xia Longyuan's return injured was confirmed, such things were almost a given.

What Tang Wanju found strange was that Li Shentong of Ba Shu, who had been preparing his forces for an upwards assault, had also stopped recently.

Li Shentong and characters like Tang Buqi, who only wanted to carve out a territory in Jiangnan, were nothing alike. Whether it was for the people of Ba Shu or other reasons, once such a hero began his campaign, he would not just settle for a corner of land. His aggression and mobility were top-notch, certainly intending to capture Han and Central Pass. Would his strategic direction change just because the flag in Central Pass was surnamed Xia or Li? That was impossible.

What caused him to cease his advance?

Then, the attitude of the Yang Family also began to grow ambiguous. Giving up Xuzhou was very odd. Officially, it was said to be the Imperial court's ingenious ploy, deliberately letting the Wang Family border Wan Tianxiong to provoke conflict between the two, and some in the Imperial court even praised Grand Commandant Yang's brilliant strategy... But Tang Wanju was clear-headed; the Imperial court had never discussed such a strategy, and the issue had already occurred before she was even aware.

That was a decision made by the Yang Family itself, which seemed a bit like fueling Wan Tianxiong's ambition. Tang Wanju could imagine, the transition of the Cao Gang from a water-based gang in Jianghuai to establishing a foothold in a northern region like Xuzhou, looking upon the Central Plains – that subtle shift in mentality was not something outsiders could understand.

In fact, Wan Dongliu was embarrassed to say to Zhao Changhe that Wan Tianxiong was already entertaining the thought of becoming king. Of course, they had the Four Symbols Sect above them, and most of their followers were Four Symbols Sect members. Without the Vermilion Bird's nod, Wan Tianxiong would not dare to do more than wish.

In reality, as far as the Four Symbols Sect was concerned, it didn't matter who became king. If Wan Tianxiong formally requested the Vermilion Bird's approval, it was very likely the Vermilion Bird would agree. If there was opposition, it wasn't due to reluctance, but rather a feeling that it was better to gather more grain before declaring kingship – that was another matter.

In such an atmosphere filled with strange attitudes, what was Buqi doing getting involved? Even more infuriating was that if you were a player in this game, knew the actual situation, then that would be fine. But after several exchanges of letters between aunt and niece, Tang Wanju realized that Tang Buqi really didn't understand the situations of others, making her so angry she wanted to rush to Jiangnan, flip her niece over, and thrash her severely with a broom.

Being used as a pawn without a clue and still wanting to play the role of King Wu! When rumors of declaring himself king had already reached the Capital, how could they not argue!

Tang Wanju rubbed her temples, pondering too much was truly not good for her health, causing a slight sense of dizziness.

Right then, a fragrant breeze fluttered by, and a person appeared before her.

Without a mask, Huangfu Qing was dressed in her palace attire.

Bao Qin, who was serving at her side, couldn't even react before she was struck on her acupoint and stood to the side bewildered: "This little girl is sharp-tongued, stay to the side first."

Bao Qin: "?"

How have I offended you?

Tang Wanju set down her pen and said indifferently, "For the Imperial Concubine to visit late at night and lash out at a little maid first, it is truly unexpected."

Huangfu Qing sized up Bao Qin's figure with a glance and imperceptibly curled her lips—just a moment ago, when she poked her with a finger, there was still a bit of flesh to be felt. Ripe. A mere little girl actually had a slightly better figure than someone who only knew how to transcribe books. Some people really are beyond help.

She imagined certain future scenarios to herself, thinking, I haven't killed you lot already, and that's mercy enough. What do I have to be angry about?

Of course, she wouldn't say that out loud. Huangfu Qing said coldly, "I have a piece of advice for you."

Tang Wanju fell silent for a moment before responding softly, "Thank you."

Huangfu Qing was caught off guard for a second, then heard Tang Wanju continue, "You're about to wrap things up, right? I should be a target marked for death? Worried that Changhe would blame you later, you actually came to warn me to leave..."

This woman was truly clever, a pity that her persistence was utterly meaningless. Huangfu Qing sighed inwardly and said stiffly, "Don't flatter yourself so much. What makes you think you're a target warranting death? If you're in the way, you might as well be a mantis trying to stop a chariot—sending yourself to death. After all these years of fighting against each other, I suppose we've developed some feelings, so giving you this advice fulfills past friendship. Anyway, I've withdrawn on the Venerable's orders; whether you withdraw or not is up to you."

Bao Qin wasn't truly mute from an acupoint block, or she would've really liked to retort—what kind of 'feelings' could you possibly have developed in your fights? You're clearly afraid of being scolded by a man.

To think that an Imperial Concubine could be so deeply ensnared... how very odd.

"You've withdrawn on the Venerable's orders…" Tang Wanju repeated, her expression somewhat odd before shaking her head, "Thanks… But by doing this, you might betray your own plans, which is an enormous responsibility."

Huangfu Qing smiled, "Even if you know, you can't change anything now."

"That may not be the case," Tang Wanju said slowly, "Combining all the information, I can roughly guess some things…"

Huangfu Qing was genuinely surprised this time, "Let's hear it then. What do you think you know?"

"The King doesn't actually crave power; he has practically no desire for worldly authority. With his character, he should be content to live free of care. Any place is more interesting than being stuck in the Palace. The reason he clings to the throne must be twofold: one is the convenience of having power when needed, and the other..." Tang Wanju said slowly, "I suspect that his cultivation is tied to this, needing the support of the throne."

Huangfu Qing's expression changed slightly.

"Your recent actions lead me to only one conclusion after analyzing everything. You're trying to create a concept of a kingdom without a King in Divine Continent, where every person has their own King in their own territory, and his throne is no longer recognized by anyone... Such a concept might not have had much effect in the past, but under the circumstances of the King returning wounded, it could possibly take hold," Tang Wanju laughed lightly, "There must be a fuse for the upcoming roundup, and I might even guess what it is... I believe I could really stop it if I went now, but with you standing here, I suppose I can't leave."

"You'll die if you go out," Huangfu Qing sighed, "I find it hard to understand…how, with such little information, you can deduce a completely accurate conclusion from mere traces and hints. Such wisdom is truly stunning. Why are you so foolishly loyal?"

Tang Wanju gazed blankly at the dim flicker of a lamp, speaking softly, "Perhaps it's foolish. But Huangfu, if everyone weighed the pros and cons, if everyone made the theoretically correct choice, why then, throughout history across two epochs, have so many offered their heads and shed their blood, merely to protect those behind them? Were they all foolish?"

Huangfu Qing remained silent.

"Perhaps you would argue over who is worth protecting and who isn't... like Xia Longyuan..." Tang Wanju paused, seemingly a little unaccustomed to pronouncing Xia Longyuan's full name for the first time but continued, "One could say Xia Longyuan himself caused the chaos in the land, he himself harmed Jiangshan, and overthrowing him would be for the sake of Great Xia. Often we hear of slaying a tyrant, but not of regicide... I know that's how Changhe sees it, and I used to exercise all my ingenuity for the peace of the people; but now it seems I'm the one standing against them. Which is why he has always hoped I would retire early."

Huangfu Qing wondered, "Since you know this and seems to agree with Changhe's views from your tone, what are you doing then?"

Tang Wanju replied, "Firstly, only the King can keep the Northern Hu at bay. None of the powers today, including your Four Symbols Sect, have that strength. This is very important—extremely important. Huangfu, your father is in agreement with me on this. He commands powerful forces but has never agreed to your rebellion, precisely for this reason."

Huangfu Qing: "...don't call me 'Huangfu.'"

"There is a public reason, and there is also a personal one." Tang Wanju ignored her request about the address and continued, "Years ago, the King went against public opinion to promote me, a woman of no significant merit and of young age, to lead the Demon Suppression Department. Despite all the objections in court, the King never cared. Wanzhuang has served loyally for over a decade, and for more than ten years, he trusted me. Although he didn't always listen to my advice, he gave me whatever I wanted; the freedom to act with any authority, never once doubting or restraining me, not even a harsh word of criticism... Such a relationship between ruler and subject is indeed rare throughout history."

Huangfu Qing pondered and indeed, it was true.

Xia Longyuan truly trusted Tang Wanju; in fact, even for matters like having a body double and the incident of killing the Crown Prince, he didn't intentionally keep Tang Wanju in the dark—which was extreme trust. It's normal for a king not to heed advice on every matter; no ruler could.

Tang Wanju continued, "My parents once hoped I would marry the Crown Prince, but I simply told the King I didn't wish to marry. The King laughed heartily, saying Wanzhuang was a statesperson and shouldn't be held back by the confines of palace life, and dropped the matter."

People had once speculated that perhaps Xia Longyuan had his eyes on Tang Wanju's beauty, but it turned out to be completely unrelated. He truly treated Tang Wanju with the heart of a statesperson. In the years where he withdrew from affairs, he nearly entrusted the entire realm into Tang Wanju's hands.

Such a relationship between ruler and minister was rare indeed.

In a low voice, Tang Wanju said, "To come this far in our journey together, he has let down the world but has never failed me, Tang Wanju. Since he treated me as a statesperson, I shall repay him with my life. That's all there is to it. When you see Changhe, would you please say sorry on my behalf, and promise to serve him again if there's an afterlife?"

"Station Chief!" A knock at the door came from the trusted aide outside, "Marquis of Martial Peace begs an audience outside; he bears the King's command."

Tang Wanju chuckled lightly, "Understood."

She slowly stood up and said softly, "You may go... Whatever you do, I won't blame you."


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