Chapter 392: The Ten Crows' Calamity (Part Two) [Two-in-One]

"Damn—what does Zheng Qiao's dog bark?"

Before Gu Chi even got close to the main hall of the government office, she heard her master's roaring inner voice. The anger contained in it was like a volcanic eruption, with surging lava. There was no doubt that if she were given a knife at this moment, she would grab it and fight Zheng Qiao to the death.

"What was the name of that dog's ancestor's dog?"

Gu Chi raised his hand to stop Jiang Sheng, who was traveling with him.

This drew suspicious and puzzled glances.

He whispered, "Our lord is very angry right now."

Whoever gets too close will get sprayed.

He Yin Fugu and his group of subordinates made no attempt to conceal their treacherous ways of dealing with scholars.

Jiang Sheng gradually figured out his way of being a scholar and was amazed at his lord's magnanimity—he didn't mind at all!

Since his lord didn't mind, he felt awkward but couldn't voice it. As they spent more time together, he gradually got used to it. Now, he had to admit that Gu Chi's scholarly way was indeed useful at times, such as in the matter of warning of "fires."

“Even if they’re furious, they should still discuss it and come to a conclusion.” Jiang Sheng had never seen Shen Tang lose his temper before, so he could only speculate based on past experience. He also muttered helplessly, “Do you think we can just wait here until our lord’s anger subsides?”

Before Gu Chi could speak, a voice came from the main hall.

"You two, come in here! What are you doing squatting by the door!"

The two exchanged a glance and reluctantly went ahead.

"My lord," Gu Chi said, feigning nonchalance.

Jiang Sheng clasped his hands in a salute: "My lord."

The main hall of the government office remained as usual, everything was fine, except for the shattered table that silently testified to Shen Tang's previous "violent" treatment. The two subtly averted their gazes, each kneeling upright in their respective positions, waiting for Shen Tang to speak.

At the head of the table, a fierce glint flashed in Shen Tang's eyes.

"You tell me—if I were to kill the messenger—" Her hands, resting on her knees, clenched tightly, clearly showing genuine intent to kill. But they also understood that Shen Tang would think this way but not do it, because it wasn't the right time yet.

Gu Chi said, "The time is not yet ripe."

Jiang Sheng also said, "My lord, you might as well proceed slowly."

Shen Tang took a deep breath to suppress the boiling heat churning in her chest, not even feeling the pain as her fingernails left deep crescent-shaped marks on her palms, the veins on the back of her hands bulging. She endured it all, closing her eyes, the corners of her eyes reddening, suppressing all her resentment.

Gu Chi said, "My lord..."

He could understand Shen Tang's feelings at that moment.

Every place in Heyin County today is the result of everyone's hard work and dedication to build it into its current prosperous state.

Our lord has worked diligently and tirelessly, pouring countless hours of effort into the land of Heyin and its people. Now, to transfer him so casually, to such a terrible place... is simply outrageous.

Yes.

Pingdiao (平调).

The royal envoy conveyed an imperial decree, transferring Shen Tang, the former governor of He Yin County, to the position of governor of Longwu County. He was also tasked with ensuring the safe arrival of the princess to Shiwu in marriage. Where was Longwu? It was on the frontier, specifically a border county bordering Shiwu.

To be honest, this place is indeed good.

In times of peace, trading with the Shiwu was a lucrative business, but now, in this chaotic world, the Shiwu love to cross mountains and city walls to plunder and pillage Longwu County. The body of the previous governor of Longwu County was gutted and decapitated, with the head and body hung separately on the city gate to dry in the sun. This incident shocked the court and the public. When it reached Zheng Qiao's ears, he only made a token reprimand and did not intend to break ties with the Shiwu. He simply sent a new leader to Longwu County.

This unfortunate task fell to Shen Tang.

Shen Tang: "...&%￥*..."

Gu Chi was forced to update his swear word library. If swearing really works, Zheng Qiao's ancestors in the eighteenth level of hell are probably living quite a wonderful life, being cooked, fried, and roasted without exception.

Emmm—his ancestors deserve it too.

Shen Tang was furious.

The officials who received the news were furious. Their eyes were filled with tears as they looked at Shen Tang, which made her extremely annoyed. She said fiercely, "Everyone, get back to what you were doing! I'm not even gone yet! Have you finished today's official business? What's with the tears? If you really want to cry, you can cry later!"

The officials, after being berated by her, hurriedly ran off to their work; Shen Jun's temper was not something they could tolerate. Shen Tang considered killing the messenger, but reason stopped her.

There was someone who actually drew his sword to kill someone.

"Enjoy the banquet!"

"Banquet in Xingning!"

"Get the hell out here!"

Kang Shi drew his sword and barged into the envoy's lodgings.

The guards on both sides dared not stop him, and he entered as if he were in an empty place, where the person in question was sitting there drinking tea.

Kang Shi was even more furious. This was exactly the way of the scholar Yan An, the "zixu" in "zixuwuyou".

The other person looked up at their furious friend.

She smiled faintly and said, "So you really are here."

I missed Kang Shi last time I delivered the appointment letter.

It was only later that they discovered Kang Shi had chosen Shen Tang.

The other party's scholarly philosophy of "always losing at gambling" meant that Kang Shi was serious about choosing a master, and this Shen Tang was indeed extraordinary. [Zi Xu] had been secretly observing for a long time.

He was carefree and relaxed, but Kang Shi was so angry that his teeth itched.

What exactly do you want to do?

Shen Tangping was inexplicably transferred to Longwu County.

He wouldn't believe it for a second if Yan Xingning hadn't been behind it—and without Yan Xingning, the messenger wouldn't have been [Zixu]. For the first time, Kang Shi felt a strong urge to kill his friend on the spot, but he ultimately restrained himself.

For no reason—

Because he couldn't beat Yan Xingning.

There's a vast difference between a scholar who has perfected the Way of the Scholar and possesses a complete literary palace, and one who is still working on their literary palace and figuring out how to perfect it. He's acting impulsively now, and the mess he's made has fallen on his lord's shoulders.

[Zixu] said, "Do what is right."

Kang Shi was so rebuked that he almost spat blood in Zixu's face. This guy called this "a righteous thing"?

He said, "Do you know what will happen to the thousands of common people if the River Governor is separated from his lord? They have finally managed to live a few days of food and clothing. Yan Xingning—do you even have a heart?"

[Zixu] retorted, "You should ask yourself that question."

Kang Shi's face turned ashen.

[Zixu] softened his expression and said calmly, "You know me. I won't do anything I shouldn't do, but no one can stop me from doing what I should do! Including you!"

Kang Shi saw the murderous intent in his eyes.

He gripped the hilt of his sword, took a deep breath, and said, “Assisting Zheng Qiao is a perverse act. I know you cherish old friendships, but you can’t gamble with so many lives for the sake of your childhood brotherhood. Zheng Qiao is not someone worth sacrificing for! Why waste your talent on such a person? Yan Xingning, when did you become so stubborn? To disregard the innocent for your own selfish desires? Are you still the Yan Xingning that Kang Jishou knew in his youth? Are you still him?!”

[Zixu] scoffed coldly: "What do you think?"

Kang Shi's heart skipped a beat. After a long period of contemplation, he discarded his sword and sat down opposite [Zi Xu]: "I hope you are still you."

[Zixu] said, "Then I will still be myself."

Kang Shi: "..."

He fell into an even longer silence.

Kang Shi's friendship with Yan An began much earlier, even before Zheng Qiao's. In Kang Shi's eyes, few in the world, at least in the Northwest Continent, could surpass Yan An in terms of family background, talent, knowledge, and character. He also eagerly awaited the moment when Yan An would truly shine, but the current developments were completely contrary to his expectations. Where had things gone wrong?

[Zixu]: "Do you still believe in An?"

Kang Shi: "If it were just Kang Jishou, I would believe it."

No one knew better than him how strong Yan An's belief was.

[Zixu] said, "Then let's go to Longwu County."

Kang Shi's temper flared up again: "You—"

[Zixu] said calmly, "There are some things I understand very well, and I hope you understand them as well. Kang Jishou, do I need to make it clearer? Who has the missing national seal of Xin Kingdom?"

Kang Shi: "...!!!"

[Zixu] continued, "Once Longwu County is breached, the number of deaths will far exceed the number of commoners in Heyin. There are priorities, and I think you will carefully consider what is more important. Sending Shen Tang to guard Longwu County is already the biggest concession I have made. Also, let me remind you of something else—do you really think Zheng Qiao hasn't noticed?"

Kang Shi's hand clenched secretly in his sleeve, his face remaining indifferent, without any emotional flaw, but [Zi Xu] didn't care about that. If Kang Shi's acting was clumsy and he was easily tricked, this guy wouldn't be alive now.

He said, "Furthermore, is it really a wise move for Shen Youli to stay in Heyin? If she only wants to live in seclusion, this place is indeed a good place to retire. To be honest, the ability to make Shangnan, Tianhai, and Yiru get along so harmoniously is quite remarkable. The four families can indeed find some peace in the chaotic world by attacking and defending each other, but—everything has its advantages and disadvantages."

Shen Tang has yet to develop a decent amount of power.

Is there any difference between a wild animal and one without claws?

With three companies holding it back, it will be difficult to develop.

Kang Shi laughed angrily: "You still think this move will bring any benefit to my lord? My lord has his own plans, and he is not like Zheng Qiao. He follows the path of benevolent governance and love for the people, not the path of a tyrannical ruler like Zheng Qiao. I admire Zheng Qiao very much. He has been unruly for so many years, and his head is still firmly on his neck... How do you know that this is not my lord's strategy of biding his time?"

[Zixu] retorted, "What does this have to do with me?"

Kang Shi turned to look for his sword.

How could it be unrelated?

What a terrible game has been ruined!

This is not something that can be resolved by simply spitting out blood.

"Longwu County is facing the Shiwu army head-on, and Zheng Qiao has repeatedly let wolves into the house, indulging the Shiwu... If our lord goes there, won't he be sending himself to his death? Given Zheng Qiao's actions over the years, how long can the border barrier hold off the Shiwu army? Ten months, half a year, or three months? Yan Xingning, tell me!"

This time, Kang Shi placed the sword horizontally against Zixu's neck.

[Zixu] slightly raised his eyes, looking at him indifferently, not caring at all about the bloodstain that had been drawn.

"One should fulfill one's duties in one's position. Kang Jishou, since this is the wise ruler you have chosen, you should go there even more."

He emphasized the words "enlightened ruler," then said calmly, "Longwu County cannot be lost. Once it falls, the Ten Black Iron Cavalry will slaughter millions of commoners, and the consequences will be..."

"The one who should reap the consequences is Zheng Qiao!"

His lord was utterly innocent!

More than two years of hard work went up in flames.

At this moment, [Zixu] turned his gaze to the doorway.

Kang Shi also looked over and saw Shen Tang standing outside the door, her face revealing neither joy nor anger. She calmly stepped into the room and bowed, saying, "Please forgive me, Your Excellency. My subordinate only offended you in a moment of panic. Ji Shou, sheath your sword and step back."

Kang Shi had no choice but to sheath his sword.

Shen Tang stepped forward gracefully and knelt down properly.

That was exactly where Kang Shi had just been.

Kang Shi had no choice but to sit behind Shen Tang.

"We have no choice but to obey the king's decree. However, the autumn harvest is not far off, so we beg the envoy to allow us time to finish before we set off. The forces along the way are in disarray, and we must make thorough preparations, otherwise we will be left with regrets before we even reach our posts. I suppose this is not what the envoy would like to see."

Time was of the essence, and Shen Tang had too many things to deal with aftermath. She couldn't leave a mess for those who came after her, and she couldn't bear to see He Yin County ruined.

[Zixu] was slightly surprised.

It seemed that they hadn't expected Shen Tang to be so calm.

"That's natural. Shen Jun can take office within the time limit."

Shen Tang said, "Furthermore, Heyin County is a place where we have poured countless efforts. Could I recommend a successor? If we choose someone whose background we don't know, it could cause conflicts with the neighboring counties and lead to chaos. I don't think the royal court wants to see that."

"You can rest assured about that." [Zixu] nodded, quite agreeable. "Does Lord Shen have any good candidates in mind?"

Shen Tang said, "Xu Jie of the Tianhai Xu family is quite good. He often comes to Heyin and has a good understanding of how Heyin operates. He is also one of the Tianhai aristocratic families, and his background is worthy of the title."

[Zixu] naturally knew Xu Jie's explanation.

He nodded: "This person is not bad."

Recommending Xu Jie is tantamount to handing over the River Governorship to Wu Xian, which seems to confirm the widely circulated rumors of a deep bond between brothers. Wu Xian was already powerful, and now he has the River Governorship as well... [Zi Xu] didn't think too much about it and waited for Shen Tang to continue offering his terms.

However, Shen Tang only asked for these conditions, nothing more, and didn't request troops, military pay, or provisions from the royal court. She simply asked [Zi Xu]: "Does Lord Yan consider Zheng Qiao a wise ruler?"

[Zixu] was almost amused by this lame joke. Even a three-year-old knows whether Zheng Qiao is a wise ruler.

But he did not answer.

Shen Tang knew his answer, and smiled faintly to herself, "Indeed, if Lord Yan's answer was 'yes,' he probably wouldn't have come to find me. One should fulfill one's duties in one's position, so in Lord Yan's view, am I acting as the ruler while I guard Longwu County?"

A crack finally appeared in Zixu's expression.

He said, "A wise ruler should love all under heaven."

Shen Tang finally got her answer.

He bowed and prepared to take Kang Shi back.

She only had a few subordinates.

She would feel heartbroken if even one of them died.

Kang Jishou looked refined and gentle, but he was even more reckless than her.

Just as he reached the door, he heard a distant blessing from [Zixu] behind him: "May your martial prowess flourish!"

Shen Tang didn't turn her head back.

"No problem!"

Only after the two had walked away did [Zixu]'s straight back slowly hunch, his brows furrowed with weariness and weakness. He propped his forehead with his hand, his head throbbing with pain. In the empty space, only a sigh could be heard: "I regret that we met so late..."

Unexpectedly, the person who understands Yan An best...

It turned out to be Shen Jun, whom I had only met twice.

It really is...

ridiculous!

At the same time, Shen Tang finally rescued Kang Shi.

"Is my lord really leaving?"

He easily gave up the family fortune he had built up over two years.

Shen Tang said, "Let's go! We have no choice. Yan Xingning knew the whereabouts of the Imperial Seal but didn't tell Zheng Qiao, which shows that these two brothers were never on the same side from the beginning. If we can gain a foothold in Heyin, why can't we in Longwu County?"

Not only can she, she'll smash Ten Black Dog's head in!

The streets were deserted as the sun set.

His peripheral vision lingered in her eyes.

The man turned around and said, "He Yin will come back sooner or later."

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(End of this chapter)