Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 612: Your Life Is More Important Than Tang Wanzhuangs

Chapter 612: Your Life Is More Important Than Tang Wanzhuang's

Even though Zhao Changhe said that he would leave immediately, it was clear that he could not rush. His soul was drained at the moment, and he lacked the strength to even control Snow-Treading Crow to fly. He had to rest for a while, and he still needed to prepare a prescription to help sustain Wan Tianxiong’s fragile life.

Wan Dongliu arranged a simple meal for everyone in the main hall. It was no lavish feast, but it was enough. As they ate, he shared updates on the current situation and talked about some recent events.

There was, in fact, a somewhat awkward detail Wan Dongliu left out. The woman known as Ruyan from the Xiaoxiang Pavilion had become his concubine. He had briefly considered having her attend to Zhao Changhe, perhaps rekindling old memories—a customary gesture of hospitality in these times. But with Lady Three and Xia Chichi seated close on either side of Zhao Changhe, that thought was quickly abandoned.

Wan Dongliu mused, What kind of situation is this? Is he treating the Four Idols Cult like a brothel? How is this even possible?

Shaking off those thoughts, he began to explain, “Originally, Xuzhou was controlled by the Yang Clan. But when we raised our banners, the Yang Clan withdrew and handed Xuzhou over to us.”

Zhao Changhe paused in the middle of writing his prescription, his brow furrowing. “They... gave it to you?”

“Yes,” Wan Dongliu confirmed. “We agreed that when our people arrived, they would leave peacefully, ensuring the Wang Clan couldn’t exploit the situation. It was essentially a gift.” He continued, “My father believed Yang Jingxiu wasn’t acting out of kindness. With his presence buffering the region, we and the Wang Clan wouldn’t have clashed directly. By withdrawing, he forced us to share a border with the Wang Clan. Our alliance with the Wang Clan has always been tenuous—conflict was inevitable.”

Xia Chichi, picking at her food, asked, “Why didn’t he give it to the Wang Clan instead? Was it just because the Wang Clan once sabotaged their sword? That doesn’t seem like enough reason to favor you. There must be something about helping you that benefits the Yang Clan more.”

Wan Dongliu looked at her in surprise, then nodded. “Precisely. After the Wang Clan rebelled, they sent envoys to negotiate with Yang Jingxiu several times, offering many concessions and promises. Yang Jingxiu remained noncommittal but suddenly handed Xuzhou to us. We asked Vermilion Bird if she had influenced this decision. She said she had spoken with the Yang Clan about an alliance but hadn’t mentioned Xuzhou. At the time, she wasn’t planning to confront the Wang Clan directly. Even she doesn’t know why Yang Jingxiu made this choice.”

“No matter his reasons, it seems to have worked,” Zhao Changhe sighed. “Wang Daoning’s assassination attempt on your father is a direct consequence of that move. If this was orchestrated by Xia Longyuan or Tang Wanzhuang to sow discord between your factions, it would make sense. But if this was solely Yang Jingxiu’s decision... Well, that man is as maddening as the rest.”

Xia Chichi added, almost casually, “He took half the soul of the Yang Clan’s Lianshan Sword.”

Zhao Changhe paused, a flicker of understanding appearing in his eyes. The Yang Clan still outwardly served the imperial court, but in truth, their loyalties were ambiguous. The major aristocratic families rarely pledged true allegiance. Even the Cui Clan’s staunch opposition to the Wang Clan had less to do with preserving the dynasty and more to do with their own interests. And Yang Jingxiu, disillusioned with Xia Longyuan, was even less predictable.

Whatever goodwill Zhao Changhe had earned was not enough to sway these tides. If preserving the dynasty meant facing a world of enemies, even those seated at this very table could be counted to be among the leading rebels.

Zhao Changhe had no desire to preserve or save the Xia dynasty. All he wanted was to pull Tang Wanzhuang out of this mess. Whatever happened to the rest of the world was of no concern to him. When he said the lands of Jiangnan were meant for Chichi, he certainly did not mean for her to rule the dynasty. Xia Chichi probably forgot she needed those resources for her own conquest of the world.

Now, understanding all these shifting dynamics was about deducing Wang Daoning’s next move, as well as where his confidence was coming from. Others might not grasp the full extent of Xia Longyuan’s terrifying power, but Wang Daoning had been present during the naval battle. He might have even been lurking nearby, observing. He should know better than anyone just how formidable Xia Longyuan was. So what was his plan? If Zhao Changhe could not unravel this, it would haunt him every moment of the day.

“Besides the Yang Clan’s actions, is there any other unusual information?” Zhao Changhe asked.

Wan Dongliu thought for a moment. “There is something peculiar... My relationship with brother Buqi has always been a mix of rivalry and camaraderie. I know for a fact he’s still conflicted about secession and hasn’t reached an agreement with Tang Wanzhuang. Yet, for the past few days, news that the Tang Clan has declared him the King of Wu has spread like wildfire across Huaiyang. Tang Buqi himself seemed oblivious to this. It’s likely that his subordinates are trying to force his hand.”

Zhao Changhe’s brow furrowed. That could explain why Jinling’s royal qi was so intense. But are his subordinates truly the ones behind it?

Around that time, the envoys that Tang Buqi executed had been traveling south...

If they were the ones spreading the rumors, could it have been a ploy to force a rift between Tang Wanzhuang and Tang Buqi?

Did Longyou and Jinzhong really send envoys south just to pull this off? The scheme seemed almost childish, too unreliable to be the whole story.

There were still pieces of the puzzle missing...

Zhao Changhe shook his head and handed a prescription to Wan Dongliu. “Give your father the medicine morning and night, without fail.”

Wan Dongliu accepted it as if it were a priceless treasure. “Thank you, brother Zhao.”

Zhao Changhe waved it off and focused on his meal, though his mind was clearly elsewhere. He picked at his food without appetite, his thoughts in turmoil.

Seeing him so distracted, Xia Chichi finally sighed. “Are you thinking of flying off on Snow-Treading Crow, on your own?”

“Uh...” In theory, Snow-Treading Crow could carry two people, but Zhao Changhe genuinely did not want Xia Chichi involved in this nebulous conflict. Even he was not sure that he would return safely. It was too dangerous. So, he made up an excuse, “Snow-Treading Crow only recently evolved. Carrying two people might be too much.”

Xia Chichi replied calmly, “Don’t worry. I don’t want to go.”

Zhao Changhe fell silent.

Xia Chichi gazed out the window at the night sky, her voice soft and introspective. “You know... You left my aunt-master here because you didn’t want to put her in a difficult position. Among those plotting against Xia Longyuan, Vermilion Bird is certainly involved. If my aunt-master were there, she’d have to participate in. And if I were there... so would I.”

Lady Three, who had been quietly eating and drinking, froze for a moment, then abruptly straightened up. Is that why he’s leaving me here?

Come to think of it, if Lady Three were truly sent to attack Xia Longyuan, judging by Xia Chichi’s pale expression, she probably would not have the heart to strike him down. But to help Xia Longyuan instead? Vermilion Bird’s eyes would pop out of their sockets in fury. Why would she ever do that?

Staying behind was the wisest choice. And if she had to go, it would be to quietly support the Vermilion Bird—to make sure she did not get hurt.

Finally understanding, Lady Three said seriously, “We can stay behind... I know your true aim isn’t to get involved in Xia Longyuan’s conflict but to help Tang Wanzhuang. However, there’s something else I need to entrust to you.”

Before she could continue, Zhao Changhe spoke up, “Of course, my priority is to get Qing’er out of the palace. She’s only at the ninth layer of the Profound Gate and can’t fend for herself. Once she’s safe, I’ll focus on everything else.”

Lady Three bowed her head, continuing her meal.

Ninth layer of the Profound Gate and can’t fend for herself? Sure, whatever you say.

Xia Chichi interjected, “Do you take Venerable Vermillion Bird for a fool? In a battle like this, that cunning serpent would be walking into her own death by staying put. Master would have already arranged to move her to safety—she’s her trusted confidant, after all. There’s no need for you to worry.”

Lady Three buried her head even lower.

Xia Chichi sighed once more and turned to Zhao Changhe. “Strictly speaking, even you shouldn’t go... But I know your heart is already there. If I stopped you, you’d just be restless and distracted. If you insist on going, I won’t stop you. But you have to promise me one thing...”

Zhao Changhe nodded solemnly. “Alright, tell me.”

Her voice was clear, each word deliberate, “Remember this: your life is more important than Tang Wanzhuang’s. It’s more important than Xia Longyuan’s. Ensure your own safety first—everything else comes second.”

Zhao Changhe gazed at her for a long while, and his voice turned soft as he said, “I promise.”

He then rose to his feet and said, “I’ve rested enough. I’m going.”

Xia Chichi let out a weary sigh. Rested enough? He was clearly impatient, planning to catch whatever rest he could while traveling.

Wan Dongliu, listening to their conversation, felt a chill creep over him.

Are they that confident that there’s going to be a coordinated strike against Xia Longyuan?

Whoever was involved in this, regardless of who won or lost, one thing was certain—the entire world was about to undergo massive changes.