Chapter 1198: The Priceless Prisoner (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

As the saying goes—

Those who do not heed the advice of elders will suffer the consequences.

When Shen Tang needed to be obedient, she was absolutely a well-behaved little girl, meticulously following the strategy tips given by Qi Shan, and never mentioning the two major red flags: "physical disability" and "Qi Yuanliang." But unexpectedly, even though Shen Tang didn't bring it up, Qi Shan brought it up on her own!

Not only were they mentioned, but they mentioned two at once.

Having spent a few days as a prisoner, the man's once dazzling and vibrant face had lost some of its captivating beauty, gaining instead an indescribable fragility and vulnerability, truly making him a sight to behold. Even someone like Shen Tang, who enjoyed using his good looks to get away with anything, had to admit that this fellow's face deserved a 99 out of 100—not a perfect score, lest he become arrogant and complacent!

The man's dark blue eyelashes were thick and curled, trembling and swaying almost imperceptibly with his breath, as if gently scratching someone's heart.

Even Shen Tang wanted to touch it with her fingertips.

Are you sure these are naturally growing eyelashes and not the result of some kind of technological manipulation?

The man exuded a relaxed air, seemingly unaware of his own good looks. His every movement was casual, as if he didn't bother to meticulously groom himself, even before meeting the emperor. Hearing the noise, the man looked up and met Shen Tang's gaze directly as he entered from the side hall, saying frankly, "This humble subject greets Lord Shen."

Shen Tang asked, "May I ask how you should address me, my lord?"

Qi Shan had not told her this before.

My family name is Tan.

[Tan?]

Shen Tang is somewhat sensitive to surnames with this pronunciation.

The man, unsure which word Shen Tang was referring to, explained: "It's 'Turning my blushing face back, to whom can I entrust my heart of sandalwood?' It's also 'The young man and the woman.' The surname is Tan, the given name is Ting, and the courtesy name is Mengyuan."

Shen Tang remained silent for a long time after hearing this answer.

Not only was she silent, but Qi Yuanliang, who was waiting in the side hall, was also silent. Shen Tang whispered in his ear, using her spiritual power: "Yuanliang, confess and you'll be treated leniently. Back then, you didn't use the surname 'Xie' under your pseudonym, did you?"

Qi Shan's response was to remain silent for several breaths.

After a long pause, he finally replied via private message: "My lord, don't fall for this scoundrel's trick. You—sigh, you'll find out later."

Tan Ting, being a prisoner, was temporarily confined to his Dan Mansion, unable to overhear the conversation between Shen Tang and Qi Shan. However, judging from the subtle ripples in the air, the two had a private discussion. He smiled and said, "I am but a commoner, yet Lord Shen has come to see me personally. I imagine Qi Yuanliang's persuasion and recommendation must have played a significant role."

Shen Tang does somewhat like Tan Ting's personality.

She is straightforward and honest; she likes to be direct.

He readily nodded in agreement: "Yes, Yuanliang said Mengyuan is a great talent. If we can recruit him, it will be of great help to our ambitions for power!"

Putting everything else aside, Qi Shan's WeChat Moments have always been of high quality.

Whether they were friends he personally acknowledged or enemies.

Tan Ting said, "[Shen Jun is a straightforward man, quite different from Qi Yuanliang. I heard of Shen Jun's deeds several years ago, but due to concerns, I have hesitated to act. These concerns remain. I wonder if Shen Jun could offer a solution? If Shen Jun can resolve my doubts, I will offer you whatever you desire with both hands.]"

[Concerns? Please speak freely.]

Tan Ting gave Shen Tang a huge shock the next second.

In summary—

Tan Ting was unwilling to work with Qi Yuanliang, who was a man.

The solution is simple: either Qi Yuanliang should sacrifice himself and be cut open to remove the root of impurity and gain a pure body; or Qi Yuanliang should be transformed into a woman, as he doesn't want to see this guy wandering around with a man's face, polluting his eyes.

Normally, Shen Tang should have slammed the table down to make Tan Ting understand why the flowers were so red. But then Qi Yuanliang mentioned his complicated history with Tan Ting, and she knew Tan Ting was targeting Qi Shan. Wait, Yuanliang, you call this a friend?

Shen Tang didn't understand, and Shen Tang was greatly shocked.

She hesitated for a moment: "Tan Mengyuan, are you serious?"

Tan Ting smiled, her eyes shimmering and captivating: "I am already a prisoner, my life no longer in my own hands. Is it necessary for me to invite further suffering?"

He doesn't need to risk his life, does he?

Qi Shan in the side hall: [...]

He knew Tan Ting would make this outrageous request, and his face showed no surprise. Tan Ting had mentioned it before, and after Qi Shan's righteous and stern words, Tan Ting hesitated briefly and conceded—castration was no small matter; even a scholar might not be able to withstand it. It would be better if both sides compromised: Qi Shan could use the methods of a scholar to transform into a real woman, thus completely abandoning his male form!

Praying for good fortune implies that it is impossible.

His gender identity has always been very firm.

How many organs and parts are born? A hundred years later, a handful of yellow earth will contain just as many organs and parts. Why would he castrate himself to join the ranks of eunuchs? Transforming into a woman won't work either; that's just one of many means to achieve his goals. The fake can never become real.

As a result, the two negotiations broke down.

Qi Shan was unwilling, so Tan Ting could only help him out.

The little devil is one foot taller, the big devil is ten feet taller.

Qi Shan had long been wary of Tan Ting and seized an opportunity to slip away. From then on, he avoided Tan Ting like the plague. Why then did he write to Tan Ting years ago to recruit her? It was all for his master's sake!

At that time, the Lord had no one to help him, and the territory was only so big.

Qi Shan struggled internally for a long time, tossing and turning in bed.

He felt that for the sake of his lord's ambition and his own dreams, sacrifices were not out of the question—castration was absolutely impossible, but maintaining his female identity through the ways of a scholar was something he could consider. Unfortunately, despite his well-thought-out ideological preparations, Tan Ting ignored him. His friend didn't come, but Qi Shan managed to snag a beauty from his enemy, which was somewhat acceptable!

I felt a slight sense of relief.

It's better that Tan Ting didn't come!

More than a decade has passed in the blink of an eye.

Qi Shan updated his WeChat Moments countless times, completely forgetting about Tan Ting, whom he had only known for a little over two months. The reason he picked her up this time wasn't because he suddenly dreamt of their youthful days, but because Tan Ting, now a prisoner, had brought up Qi Yuanliang. This matter was reported all the way to Qian Yong, who, upon seeing Tan Ting, immediately got her released and placed her in solitary confinement.

There's no other reason than that Tan Ting's appearance is too striking.

Military camps are strictly managed, and the private mistreatment of prisoners is forbidden. However, Tan Ting's striking appearance still attracts attention, and some even risk punishment by physically assaulting him. Even in prosperous times, one cannot blindly trust human nature; how much less so in chaotic times of moral decay!

Upon hearing this, Qi Shan gained a deeper understanding of Qian Yong's shrewdness: "As far as I know, this man is no ordinary prisoner!"

The circumstances of prisoners of war are also different from those of prisoners of war.

Tan Ting was fighting on the front lines, using his spiritual power to restrain Gong Xi Chou. However, Gong Xi Chou overcame the pressure and broke through the enemy lines. In the chaos, Tan Ting was struck head-on by martial energy, severely wounded and losing his chance to escape. He was captured after his attack failed. He was a key enemy scholar prisoner, and could be recruited and given important positions by the Kang Kingdom at any time. Unless the soldiers guarding him were completely incompetent, why would they lay a hand on him?

Qian Yong said: "That's because you haven't seen what he looks like."

Qi Shan possesses the art of face-sculpting, capable of creating any look imaginable, so naturally he doesn't consider any beauty in the world worthy of his attention: [Even celestial beings are no match!]

Then, Qishan saw the prisoner.

I gasped, feeling a chill run down my spine.

At that moment, only one thought echoed in Qi Shan's mind—

Uncle Qian, you've caused so much harm!!!

Although Tan Ting was a prisoner, he lacked the timidity and dejection of one; his features possessed a unique charm. He noticed Qi Shan's eyes widen suddenly and invited with a smile, "[Old friends reunited, why not have a drink?]"

Praying for good: [...]

He really didn't have the guts to drink with Tan Ting: [He'd been sober for many years.]

Not only now, but I must quit drinking in the future!

Personal relationships are personal relationships, but political stances are political stances.

Qi Shan couldn't refuse to let such a talented person join the family just because of his conflict with Tan Ting. When Tan Ting asked to see Shen Tang, Qi Shan hesitated for a moment before agreeing. Before meeting the emperor, Qi Shan even gave him time to bathe, change clothes, and tidy himself up.

Tan Ting was too lazy to dress up and simply wore a white dress.

Qi Shan said sarcastically, "Are you dressed like you're going to a funeral?"

Tan Ting raised his hand slightly, the oversized, loose-fitting robe emphasizing his slender waist and upright posture. Just standing there, he exuded a fragile, delicate beauty, evoking pity. Tan Ting retorted: "If you want to look pretty, wear mourning clothes—"

Qi Shan muttered to herself: [Bad luck.]

Tan Ting coldly replied, "Back then, when you were in mourning in the deep mountains, didn't you feel unlucky? Don't even mention the mourning you'll have for this life; you've already used up all the mourning you'll have for the next few lifetimes in this one."

Praying for good: [...]

He admitted that he preferred the image of a frail woman dressed in mourning clothes, because people subconsciously believe that this group is weak and harmless.

This is also a way for me to play to my strengths and avoid my weaknesses.

Qi Shan is not worried that the Lord will be unable to recruit Tan Ting.

Tan Ting's situation is too unique, so unique that it gave rise to her own scholarly path, and even her cultivation methods frequently involve bathing in the wild. As a woman, the Lord naturally has an advantage over other male lords with Tan Ting. Qi Shan's worry is that Tan Ting will harm him!

All these years have passed, and this guy still hasn't given up!

What reassured Qishan was that the Lord had not agreed.

[Meng Yuan is serious, and so am I! I won't sacrifice Yuan Liang for anything. I'm afraid I can't grant Meng Yuan's request.] Shen Tang solemnly refused, [This is absurd!]

Tan Ting said, "That's truly absurd."

Shen Tang: [...]

Tan Ting smiled and asked in return, "Shen Jun, you wouldn't take this seriously, would you? I do have an old grudge against Qi Yuanliang, but it's just a personal matter. How could I bring it up in broad daylight? However, I'm just using this as a pastime because I'm still resentful about this long-standing feud."

If he could, he would still prefer Qi Yuanliang to be Lady Qi/Lady Xie, not Young Master Qi… After all these years, he still doesn't quite like the filthiness of men. If Qi Shan were a woman, she would refresh one's spirit at first glance, but as a man, she is repulsive!

I really want to break his third leg!

Shen Tang: [...]

Tan Ting's submission was not unexpected.

He chose his master without considering the other's territory, strength, or even temperament. In terms of temperament, Shen Tang happened to be the type Tan Ting disliked, but Shen Tang possessed an advantage that others couldn't match: [Shen Jun is a female ruler, not a male ruler.]

Is that all?

Tan Ting truthfully replied: "That's all."

Shen Tang never expected that, besides Ning Yan, she could also enjoy the benefits of gender in this world, and she was curious about the reason.

Tan Ting lowered her eyelids: "Heaven and earth are divided into yin and yang, all things into heaven and earth. This humble person merely believes that the vast mortal world is born from the womb of a woman, and life continues from beneath her skirt. Therefore, the true destiny to end this chaotic world—is to be born from a woman."

[A woman's act of conceiving life is the beginning of life.]

For men, killing and conquest are the end of the road.

Is a prosperous era merely a form of 'life' for those living in chaotic times?

Why can't destiny fall upon women?

It's okay if you didn't have it before, you will have it in the future!

Tan Ting's tone was calm and even, seemingly without any emotion, but Shen Tang detected a certain certainty and resolve in it. He continued, "[This humble subject does not know why Lord Shen is able to cultivate, but this humble subject has known since the year of his enlightenment that there exists a colossal—lie—in this world!]"

[A lie?]

"Only men can cultivate, women cannot. Everyone believes it's due to their nature, that women are destined to be incomplete, thus lacking this opportunity. But my existence proves that's utter nonsense." Tan Ting calmly revealed a secret, his greatest secret: "I was born different from ordinary people, neither male nor female. My parents rejected me, and my clan considered me a monster—"

It's not accurate to say that it's neither male nor female.

He has everything that men have.

He has everything that women have.

When he became aware of gender, he was deeply confused by his strange body. Was he male or female? Or neither male nor female? Why was he different from his brothers and sisters?

Until he received enlightenment, drew qi into his body and concentrated his literary mind, the problem seemed to be solved easily; he was originally a man!

This idea first became more solidified with age, but then wavered under the test of time. His mind and body were resisting the answer!

This answer is incorrect!

He's not a man!

The parents and relatives were greatly shocked.

[Are you confused? What else could you be but a man?] From the moment he was born until he grew up, everyone around him told him—he was a man, even with the unusual parts of his body, he was still a man! His ability to cultivate was the best proof of that!

Tan Ting was confused, bewildered, perplexed, and in pain.

His gender is defined by outsiders, and he has no right to choose it.

Finally, he left his homeland.

He thought the vast world outside would give him the answer, but the awakening of the scholar's way dealt him a heavy blow, forcing him to live in seclusion. Year after year, he wandered outside the mortal world like a lonely soul, until Qi Yuanliang, a traveler in the mortal world, pulled him back.

Unfortunately, he was a fraud!

Tan Ting frankly revealed the abnormality in her body.

Qi Shan, who was waiting in the side hall, was startled.

He thought to himself, "That bastard—Luan Gongyi is going to have his fun again."

The way of the scholar is to examine one's own heart.

Tan Ting's acceptance of everything about himself proves that he has seen his true nature and attained enlightenment, his thoughts are clear, and he has already met the fundamental prerequisite for the complete path of the scholar. As long as the ceremony is successful, the path of the scholar will be complete. His past practice of bathing and cultivating in the wild was also a form of self-cultivation.

Heaven and earth are natural, yin and yang are natural, and all things are natural.

Tan Ting's body is also part of nature.

At this moment, Qi Shan heard Shen Tang say, "[I disagree with this. Is being unsociable automatically considered strange? You just haven't found enough like-minded people. In a world where men and women are clearly defined, your androgynous nature is criticized as odd. They don't criticize your strangeness, they criticize your lack of companionship. In another world where everyone possesses both androgynous and yin-yang qualities, a single male or female would also be seen as incomplete.]"

Of course, from a scientific point of view—

Tan Ting's condition is due to abnormal development of the fertilized egg.

This wasn't Tan Ting's fault, so she shouldn't bear the burden of any mistake. As the saying goes, "As long as your face is there, your kingdom is there!" Tan Ting's face is on par with mine; she could completely dominate the world with it! What's there to be ashamed of? What's there to wallow in self-pity about?

Is he troubled, in pain, and confused?

What about people who are not good-looking?

|ω`)

Yuan Liang will become Tan Ting's light because his disguise is so smooth, requiring no hesitation or awkwardness whatsoever. Whether he acts as a man or a woman depends entirely on his purpose.