Chaotic World Book

Huangfu Qing didn't say more, drifting away from the other end of the residence.

At this point, who could rival one's own efforts as a romantic adversary? Such a reminder, as Tang Wanju had said, had borne much weight; it wasn't just about privately setting a rival free but even teaching the rival how to sabotage one's own plans. Regardless of the outcome, seeing Zhao Changhe himself, he could rest easy with a clear conscience.

Anyway, what followed for Tang Wanju was not his concern any longer; it was time to attend to his own matters. As Huangfu Qing flew, his hand had already reached for a mask, and as he passed through the dark alleys and exited, he became like the Vermilion Bird spreading its wings, magic flame sweeping through the night.

Reflecting on the way back, Huangfu Qing felt somewhat impressed by Tang Wanju's demeanor; perhaps she had already known despite him not voicing it… If everything was ruined by her hands, then Huangfu Qing would simply admit defeat, acknowledging that the skills of others were superior.

As for matters of life and death… While Tang Wanju certainly faced peril, how safe could he, one of the Dragon Slayers, truly be?

Wasn't everyone just gambling with their lives for their ideals?

On the other hand, Tang Wanju didn't immediately go out to meet Marquis Wu Ping, Qin Dingjiang, but first released Bao Qin's acupoints, whispering, "Do you know what to do?"

Bao Qin tugged at her sleeve, reluctant, "Miss… please, come with us…"

Tang Wanju rubbed her head, "Alright… When you meet Zhao Changhe later, tell him that I have given you to him, alright?"

Bao Qin became furious, "You should marry him yourself!"

After saying this, Bao Qin ran off, adding, "If Zhao Changhe were here, he would certainly ask what right you had to give someone away! You wretched lady always making plans for others, handle your own affairs first!"

With that, Bao Qin had run out of sight, not giving her mistress a chance to retaliate.

Watching her retreating figure, Tang Wanju sighed softly and went out to see Qin Dingjiang.

Qin Dingjiang was her deputy at the Demon Suppression Department, once ranked eighteen on the Earth List, now at fourteen. He was a pillar-like figure of the Great Xia Empire, having once been in charge of escorting Wang Daozhong back to the Capital during the Yang Family crisis. A man of silent stability, unaffiliated with any aristocratic family, he had earned deep trust from Tang Wanju.

"What brings Dingjiang here at this late hour? What is His Majesty's command?"

Qin Dingjiang bowed and said, "I am not sure; he only ordered Chief Tang to come to the Imperial Study for an audience."

Because Xia Longyuan had returned injured, and knowing the guards within the Imperial Guard were mostly worthless sacks of grain stuffed by powerful families, Tang Wanju had arranged for Qin Dingjiang to serve in the Dark Guard Palace, and him conveying the Palace's orders was the norm. Tang Wanju nodded, stepping out briskly, "If that is the case, I will stand guard tonight. Dingjiang, go rest. You must be exhausted from these past few days."

Qin Dingjiang smiled and said, "Then I really won't be polite about taking a break, Chief. You take care tonight; I will come by and take over after resting."

Tang Wanju laughed, "I am not so delicate; a few nights of duty are not much trouble. Go on then."

"Then I'll first make the arrangements. I will accompany Chief there first."

"Very well."

The two soared together, swiftly reaching the palace gate. The guards, recognizing them, bowed and opened the gate to let them in.

The Imperial Study was not far from the outer palace, situated in a side hall yet to reach the Jinluan Hall—an area intended for external ministers to conduct discussions. It represents Xia Longyuan's early years on the throne when he was still vigorously governing. Unfortunately, in recent years, the bright lights of the Imperial Study were no longer about Xia Longyuan himself but a mere rubber stamp, posing for appearance's sake.

The nature of this decoy was quite intriguing.

He couldn't possibly trouble Xia Longyuan with all national affairs; what then was the purpose of this decoy? It meant Xia Longyuan genuinely gave him all authority over court meetings and document reviews. He could do as he saw fit, possessing substantial power on the surface, no different from the real Emperor. Strictly speaking, most foolish policies of recent years had been issued by him; Xia Longyuan hardly bothered.

But he could never replace all that Xia Longyuan was. He could only hide himself in a small cottage when resting in the harem; he dared not sleep with the Empress. As for political cooperation with Huangfu Qing, that goes without saying, but he dared not touch any other concubines, not even the maidservants. In theory, they all belonged to the real Xia, and if the real Xia wanted them, he would lose his head.

Who would understand that feeling… His cooperation with Huangfu Qing wasn't without its ulterior motives, hoping perhaps they could spark something under such identities. Unfortunately, it was only a dream, and he soon realized that Huangfu Qing considered him worthless.

Politically speaking, on the surface, he could dismiss and order anyone around without care, but when it came to truly important matters, like those related to the Aristocratic Families, the military, and crucial personnel, he had to consult the real Xia. For example, Tang Wanju always defied him; although respectful outwardly, her beautiful eyes hid the message, "I know you're a fake" and "I'm giving you face but actually look down on you." The fake Emperor felt uncomfortable and wanted to replace her. Dare he?

He once tentatively asked the real Xia if he could replace someone, and nearly lost half his teeth to a slap from Xia: "Wanju is my Marquis, you are my puppet, understand your place. Do you really think you rule the Empire?"

No power under heaven, nor beauty's favor; this "Emperor" had it worse than ordinary men who could at least marry; he couldn't.

Under these circumstances, the fake Emperor conspiring with the Four Symbols Sect and planting Huangfu Qing in the inner palace were hardly surprising. It was his most severe provocation and test against Xia Longyuan, using the pretext "I also want a wife." After much thought, Xia Longyuan frowned and said, "Very well, it may ease Huangfu Yongxian's heart, it has some merit… Let her create chaos for a few years, see what tricks Four Symbols Sect can play, as for your little schemes, did you think you could deceive me?"

That time, the fake Emperor felt like his body was being devoured by myriad ants, tormented so much he couldn't touch the ground for ten whole days.

He understood then that Xia Longyuan, seemingly uninvolved, actually knew everything. Knowing that Huangfu Qing was out to get him, he tolerated it for three reasons: firstly, to secure the Northern Army of Yanmen, secondly, because of his slight remorse towards the Four Symbols Sect, and thirdly, confident that the Four Symbols Sect couldn't stir up much trouble. However, tolerating Huangfu Qing didn't mean tolerating him; this double standard after the probing completely deprived the impostor of any idea of fighting for his rights. He might as well be a sincere puppet.

He had endured until today when he finally saw a chance for a counter attack, against Xia Longyuan and Tang Wanju, who looked down on him.

Tang Wanju and Qin Dingjiang had just reached the entrance of the Imperial Study when the eunuch outside announced, "Head of the Demon Suppression Department, Tang, has arrived."

The cold voice of the impostor came from inside the study, "The Tang family of Gusu have openly declared themselves kings and rebelled; this is a grave crime of treason with conclusive evidence. Seize Tang Wanju immediately, confiscate the Tang family's properties in the Capital, and execute them all!"

As he spoke, Qin Dingjiang, who had just been laughing and talking with Tang Wanju, suddenly attacked, striking at her back.

As a Minister, Tang Wanju seemingly couldn't resist, and the strike apparently hit her directly.

Everyone around was dumbstruck.

Though an impostor, he was still a Martial Artist with considerable cultivation; his "Imperial Decrees" carried far, and all nearby, from the Imperial Guard, maidservants, eunuchs, to the outer palace's overnight-staying outer Ministers and Scholars, all heard it and were instantly astonished!

These people didn't know he was an impostor; they all took it as the real imperial will…

Whether the Tang family had actually rebelled was not even confirmed; it was just a rumor that still needed investigation, perhaps even contestable, so how could such a conclusion be formed?

Even if it was concluded that the Tang family had rebelled, it shouldn't involve Tang Wanju, who was known to be firmly opposed. At most, she could be dismissed from her position. Killing Tang Wanju, could the Empire still be saved? Do you not realize how many people were only still serving the Empire because of Tang Wanju's charisma, many people who knew there was no future but were driven by her personal charm like Li Si'an? These were not a few people but the Empire's last guardians.

Killing Tang Wanju is even more outrageous than Zhao Gou killing Wu Mu, scattering the last bits of loyalty in the Empire!

How could such self-destructive and chaotic commands be given?

Those capable of sensing Qi almost saw the Dragon Energy swirling above the Imperial Palace completely dissipate in that instant, leaving nothing behind.

In the stunned silence that followed, Tang Wanju, seemingly restrained, sighed, "I knew it; this was the fuse. The Qi of the realm had long been shaky, this final and crucial strike was meant for me, Tang Wanju. I can't even kill you because if the news of Tang Wanju killing the Emperor were to spread, the effect would be the same; it's an unsolvable problem."

No voice came from the Imperial Study, but Qin Dingjiang recoiled in shock, "You... weren't hit on the acupoints?"

Tang Wanju's face briefly flushed.

Someone had taught her how to Dual Cultivate and kiss to transfer Qi, and naturally, she had learned the technique of Shifting Points from the teachings of the Maitreya Sect she had read.

She just didn't expect to use it here.