Chapter 1167: Old Tales of the Kangxi Era [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

Gu Chi remained silent for a long time.

He thought he had a deep understanding of Kang Shi's reputation as a plague god, but he didn't expect the other party to break the record. He rubbed his temples, his head aching: "So, Wei Heng has a near-death experience?"

Kang Shi moved his lips: "Perhaps it's a certain death."

The teacup in my hand could no longer support me and shattered with a crack.

The clear water in the cup seeped through his fingers and palm, wetting the hem of his clothes.

Blood oozed from the wound and turned a light pink color when diluted with water.

Although Kang Shi's expression didn't change much, and his mind was in turmoil, Gu Chi could keenly sense the melancholy and sorrow emanating from him. If Yu Zi were to truly perish because of this, it wouldn't be as simple as losing a colleague or half a student for Kang Shi.

"Kang Jishou!"

Gu Chi grabbed Kang Shi's wrist, which was trembling uncontrollably.

A low shout instantly cleared his mind.

Kang Shi, looking at his blood-soaked palm, reacted with a slight loss of composure. He activated his spiritual energy to stop the bleeding, then pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve to wipe the blood clean. With each wipe, the wound was torn open, exposing the flesh beneath. Gu Chi frowned, lowering his voice, "You said it yourself, this wasn't your wish—"

In the past, Kang Shi was always a scourge to his lord.

All these years later, the Lord is still alive and kicking.

At first, Gu Chi was terrified, but after a while, he became numb to it. Occasionally, he would watch his master jump up and down, cursing Kang Shi, completely forgetting that Kang Shi could really bring death to people. The person who was harmed and whose life was hanging by a thread was still Yu Weiheng, his colleague.

If Yu Zizhen dies, Kang Shi's future will also be in jeopardy.

Kang Shi crumpled the blood-stained handkerchief into a ball, covered his face with his hands, and tried to prevent others from noticing his true emotions.

"Kang Jishou, you wouldn't possibly—"

A bold guess began to form in Gu Chi's mind.

Seeing Kang Shi's back stiffen visibly, seemingly confirming his guess, his expression also darkened: "But you—"

Kang Shi gritted his teeth and said, "She will definitely be fine!"

He lowered his hands, revealing eyes that were red and tired.

He seemed to be speaking to Gu Chi, but also admonishing himself: "I will not let the past happen again, and I will not let her end up like my father and second brother... no matter the cost..."

Gu Chi was taken aback: "What father, second brother?"

How did this incident involve Kang Jishou's father and brother?

Obviously, this is a taboo subject.

Kang Shi's sharp gaze forced Gu Chi to back down from the remaining questions he wanted to ask. Sensing a change in Kang Shi's demeanor, Gu Chi tactfully changed the subject: "We are her colleagues, and naturally, we don't want to see anything happen to her. However, her situation is beyond the reach of external intervention, and even if we could, it would most likely be counterproductive..."

If others lend a hand, it might even be of positive help.

Should we send Kangshi instead to help?

Yu Zi will most likely die even faster.

Kang Shi replied, "There will definitely be a way."

It all depends on whether you're willing to pay the price.

If Yu Zi can successfully complete the ceremony, then everyone will be happy; if not, he can only prepare for the worst.

When the incense stick burned out, Yu Zi collapsed forward, exhausted.

The voice muffled as it said, "Untie me."

Kang Shi tried the Word of Power and remembered that all the binding Words of Power he had cast had been destroyed, and these were the ones Gu Chi had come to replace. Gu Chi made a hand seal to release the Words of Power, stepped forward and squatted down, handing Yu Zi water while helping her up.

How are you feeling now?

"Heh, I'm still alive." Forcibly breaking through the [silence block] was extremely damaging to her throat. Yu Zi's voice was rough and unpleasant, and speaking was difficult. She looked like she had just been pulled out of the water, covered in sweat. She greedily finished her teacup and said, "After two more times, I won't have much time left to be conscious. If I don't wake up, you surnamed Kang, this future is yours!"

Gu Chi keenly sensed that this statement contained a great deal of information.

"What's the meaning?"

"What, he didn't tell you?" Gu Chi was about to answer when Yu Zi waved her hand and said, "Never mind, it's better if he didn't tell you."

Gu Chi: "..."

Yu Zi coughed twice, covering her neck.

"Where is my great-uncle?"

No matter what, I should at least let the old man see me.

Kang Shi said, "There's still time."

Yu Zi chuckled: "You'd better not say anything."

The God of Plague spoke, and perhaps those who could have made it will not. Hearing Yu Zi's unspoken message, Kang Shi did not show it on his face, but his hands, which were hanging in his sleeves, were already clenched into fists, his knuckles white.

Yu Zi glanced at him sideways, then said to Gu Chi, "Gu Yatai, if Kang Jishou says he'll pay a price to save my life... he can just say it, but if he actually does it impulsively, remember to knock him unconscious and let him calm down."

Gu Chi said, "Let's not talk about such discouraging things."

Even the most difficult rituals can be completed.

To diminish their own prestige and morale now is unacceptable. Gu Chi was unaware of the situation, so he could only seek help, perhaps from his lord. Just as he stepped out of the tent, Gu Chi remembered that it was his lord who had told him about this; she was clearly in the know and would have acted long ago if she had a plan. Gu Chi had no choice but to return home.

On the way, they encountered a man who looked somewhat similar to Kang Shi. He was Kang Bosui, the head of the Kang family and Kang Shi's elder brother.

How did Kang Nian end up here?

In recent years, the Kang family has been cautious and has had a low profile.

Although he and Kang Shi were brothers, they only exchanged pleasantries during festivals. Kang Nian was completely focused on the family business—this was information obtained by the Censorate. As for whether the brothers met privately, Gu Chi didn't know. He keenly noticed that Kang Nian was in a hurry and looked travel-worn, so he must have just arrived.

Why the rush?

Gu Chi subconsciously thought of Yu Zi's matter.

He called out to the other person, "Brother Bo Sui."

Kang Nian stopped and bowed to Gu Chi.

He was about to exchange a few perfunctory pleasantries and leave when Gu Chi pulled him aside by his sleeve. Kang Nian's smile became stiff and he couldn't very well shake off Gu Chi and leave, so he could only patiently ask, "What advice does Gu Yatai have for me?"

Gu Chi said, "I came from Ji Shou's side."

Kang Nian's expression changed, and he hurriedly asked, "Is Ji Shou alright?"

Gu Chi felt that Kang Nian's question was somewhat subtle.

It seemed that Yu Zi was the one whose life hung by a thread, but Kang Nian's first question was about Kang Shi. Thinking back to what Yu Zi had said, Gu Chi's curiosity grew even stronger. He said, "Ji Shou is fine, but his student and deputy got into some trouble, and he is very distressed."

Kang Nian sighed, "I knew this day would come."

He spoke very softly, but Gu Chi heard him clearly.

He asked, "What do you mean by that, Brother Bo Sui?"

Kang Nian remained silent and refused to answer.

But who is Gu Chi?

His scholarly approach allowed him to openly and honestly listen to the other person's innermost thoughts, and by combining these thoughts with the clues they revealed, he could completely control Kang Nian: "Speaking of which, Ji Shou said something very strange just now. May I ask, how did Ji Shou's father and brothers die?"

Kang Nian's face darkened instantly.

It was as ugly as swallowing a fly.

Even without him saying anything, Gu Chi could still piece together a fairly complete picture from the fragmented thoughts he had gleaned. It was these clues that made Gu Chi understand why Kang Shi's reaction was so strange.

because--

Kang Nian did not hide anything.

He had witnessed the capabilities of the Censorate.

Even if he doesn't say anything, Gu Wangchao has plenty of ways to find out the truth. When the truth comes out, some things will no longer be able to be hidden.

"The deaths of my father and Erlang were related to Ji Shou."

Gu Chi thought to himself: [Just as I expected.]

During the Kangxi era, the awakening of scholars led to the deaths of many.

His father and second brother.

The passing of the Kang family patriarch was sudden, leaving Kang Nian unprepared to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the family. Before he could even recover from the grief of losing his father, his second brother also died, his third brother was chronically ill, and his fourth brother had gone far away. The four Kang brothers, their lives now fragmented, were scattered and broken. Kang Nian looked at the Kang family's ruined glory and at his entire family, young and old, filled with helplessness.

During my most painful time, I also hated Kang Shi.

She would rather he were a useless person, a spoiled brat.

But he wasn't like that at all; he was exceptionally talented, the most intelligent and gifted of the four brothers, and the child on whom their father had placed many hopes. Even on the night he died, in his delirious state, he still murmured incoherently about the unity of the brothers.

Reason told Kang Nian that Ji Shou was innocent.

Yes, he is innocent.

Kang Nian took a deep breath and explained, "Although it is related to Ji Shou, it is not his fault. The matter back then was complicated... Young men from noble families usually get engaged early, and Ji Shou was no exception. The two families had a good relationship and agreed that they could hold a grand wedding when their children came of age. The lady was born with an illness and died at the age of seven."

With the woman gone, Kang Shi naturally had to find another wife.

"...Sigh, even matchmaking isn't going smoothly."

With Kang Shi's family background and academic achievements, finding a partner wouldn't be difficult; he was a highly sought-after young talent in the area. However, Kang Shi was simply unlucky, his scholarly nature awakened too early, and he had those same problematic traits! He failed five candidates in a row!

The betrothed woman either eloped with her lover or suffered from a series of illnesses, both major and minor, such as fires, thefts, and conflicts with elders in the clan. Of the six rites of betrothal, including the betrothal ceremony, the name inquiry, the auspicious date selection, the gift presentation, the wedding date setting, and the wedding ceremony itself, even the most resilient woman could only make it to the "wedding date setting."

You thought that was the end of it?

No, it's just beginning.

Gu Chi's lips twitched: "That's really unlucky."

Kang Nian sneered: "Everyone thought so at the time."

The first child was sickly and died young. Ordinary people might not survive a cold, let alone a girl with a congenitally weak heart.

How old was Kang Shi at that time?

Her death could never have been caused by Kang Shike.

The second and third marriages were somewhat coincidental; at that time, Kang Shi was not yet able to control his scholarly ways. The fourth marriage already had someone else in mind, but her confidant's status was too low to be with her forever. She had no choice but to comply due to family pressure.

Kang Shi had also heard about this.

He has always been a free-spirited and easygoing person who doesn't like to force things.

The young couple had already brought this up to him, so there was no point in forcing the marriage any further. However, there were still some things he needed to say.

[The lady's courage in choosing to elope rather than marry into the Kang family is commendable. But have you considered how fickle people's hearts can be? The betrothed becomes a wife, the elopement a concubine. What if he changes his mind one day? The lady will never be able to go back.]

Having a male confidant before marriage is no one's problem.

But no family would tolerate someone eloping after discussing marriage.

The woman gritted her teeth and said, "My lover will never change his heart."

Kang Shi nodded and generously provided the two with tools for escape.

Such a huge scandal involving the woman's family has greatly affected the marriage prospects of other women in the family, so naturally they are unwilling to let it go.

So, they shifted the blame onto Kang Shi.

It was precisely because Kang Jishou was a widower that he caused his daughter to suffer a stroke, leading to his daughter, who had always been normal, suddenly going insane and eloping with someone.

Having suffered a loss in silence, Kang proposed marriage for the fifth time.

This one was "tough" and held on until the appointed time.

There were no setbacks during this period.

The two families seemed destined to become in-laws, and the Kang family's cooperation with them increased. Little did they know, this was a trap.

Gu Chi asked, "A trap?"

Kang Nian's eyes were filled with sorrow: "Yes."

The other party dragged the Kang family into this mess, causing all the money they had invested to vanish overnight, and even resulting in a death. The Kang family was in a state of utter chaos, trying to find out what had happened, when the other family hung up white banners—the betrothed lady had died.

The patriarch of the Kang family turned ashen-faced and had no choice but to endure it.

If we try to hold them accountable, they'll just turn the tables and accuse us.

The Kang family suffered a devastating blow, and their home was in chaos.

The eldest son of that family was a good-for-nothing playboy who frequented brothels. Kang Shi, in his youth, had a great passion for admiring beautiful women and had connections there. The playboy's drunken ramblings reached Kang Shi's ears—the engagement was a sham, a trap set to undermine the Kang family's foundation and gain nothing from them. The woman was real, but she was gravely ill and, according to a renowned physician, only had a year to live.

The patriarch of the Kang family was worried about his son's marriage.

After four failed engagements, he had no choice but to lower his standards again and again.

Upon learning that the family was willing to arrange the marriage and that the woman had a good reputation, she naturally agreed with delight. But it turned out to be a scam!

Kang Nian's lips curled into a mocking smile.

"Do you think it was such a coincidence that the queen died?"

Gu Chi understood people's hearts well and guessed correctly in one go.

"Should we cut off her medication? Or should we force her to leave this world sooner?"

Kang Nian said, "Poison."

When Kang Shi learned the truth, he was furious.

However, he did not act rashly.

But he forgot that the people around him were all arranged by his parents.

How could this news possibly be kept secret?

The patriarch of the Kang family was furious, but he knew that dealing with the mess was the most important thing right now; a gentleman's revenge is never too late. The纨绔 (playboy) had let slip the secret, initially trembling with fear, but seeing that the Kang family didn't react, his arrogance grew even stronger. He deliberately humiliated a singing girl whom Kang Shi had saved, and spread rumors everywhere that his sister had been cursed to death by Kang Shi.

Kang's father, who loved his son dearly, naturally couldn't tolerate it.

They brought people to their door to demand an explanation.

"Does your family dare to exhume the body and perform an autopsy?" Kang's father, already in poor health, was enraged. "Let's see if your daughter was killed by my son, or if you poisoned her with your own wicked hearts! I didn't want to settle accounts now because of the funeral in your household, but you've taken advantage of my kindness and humiliated my son like this! This is outrageous!"

That family naturally wouldn't admit it.

It is even less likely that the coffin would be opened for an autopsy.

The two sides clashed over this.

The Kang family didn't bring many people, so Kang Shi naturally couldn't stand by and watch his own men be bullied, and he intervened. Their disadvantage lay in not having brought many decent martial arts guards, while the other family had been prepared. Kang Shi used the methods of a scholar for the first time, and an unexpected event occurred—Erlang, who had stepped forward to protect his father, was stabbed in a vital spot in the chaos. He was an ordinary person; this stab could have been fatal.

Kang's father was so angry that he was also injured.

"He could have survived that, but—"

Kang Nian couldn't bring himself to say the rest.

(*￣︶￣)

After hesitating for two days, I finally bought the 4080S. I'm looking forward to the sea view room.

PS: Both Yu Zi and Kang Shi's paths to becoming scholars are related to fate; one is associated with the "evil purple" that usurps the "vermilion," while the other is destined to lose every time he gambles. Their rituals for achieving fulfillment collide. Yu Zi is the "vermilion," while Kang Shi is the "evil purple" in her ritual; conversely, in Kang Shi's ritual, Yu Zi is the gambler across the table. Their rituals appear to conflict, with only one surviving—a different form of prisoner's dilemma, primarily testing humanity and character.

Yu Zi admitted that she would stop at nothing to achieve her goals, while Kang Shi had always had a gambler's mentality and could not stop once he started gambling.

I don't know if you can understand what I'm saying.

The essence of the completion ceremony is to perfect one's Dao heart, and its deeper essence is to confront oneself.

(End of this chapter)