Chapter 843: A Harmonious Reciprocation [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

"Ah, this is truly...unheard of..."

"Yes, yes, I've never seen anything like it before..."

"Isn't it rumored that Zhao Dayi is one of the six valiant generals under Lord Wu? Who are these people on the other side that dare to humiliate him like this? Even Lord Wu wouldn't be so disrespectful... Judging from Lord Wu's reaction, it doesn't seem like he instructed them to do this..."

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Muttering to myself...

gibberish...

Many people whispered among themselves, mostly former officials of the Xin Kingdom who had submitted to Shen Tang. They weren't familiar with Zhao Dayi, nor did they have much contact with Wu Xian. But they were all from the same circle, and they had heard that he was the "model child" in the aristocratic circles, who had become famous and managed his family at a young age, commanding troops and holding sway over Tianhai. Even a madman like Zheng Qiao didn't want to mess with him.

They thought he was incredibly capable, but it turned out his household affairs were a complete mess. He didn't even know that his generals' residences were being besieged and threatened by someone. Their gazes towards Wu Xian changed, and they labeled him a "puppet" in their hearts.

Wu Xian chose to remain silent.

His silence only fueled further speculation.

Qin Li's voice was calm, as if he were recounting an old story, but his eyes held a hint of hatred: "I know that Lord Wu is gentle and considerate of past relationships, and he is reluctant to punish them severely even if they commit serious crimes. However, he did not know that this would only embolden the villains. Lord Wu was kept in the dark about the above matters, and I suppose you will be just as unaware of what happened afterward."

At this moment, Wu Xian really wanted to speak up and reprimand Qin Li.

Even a fool could tell that these matters were increasingly serious, severely damaging his interests and reputation. However, doing so in front of so many people would only make him appear more guilty. Wu Xian hesitated, the simple sentence swirling in his throat, unsure whether to utter it. Just as he was about to speak, Shen Tang intervened.

Her eyes instantly flashed with fury: "What happened next?"

Wu Xian, who was closest to her, was so startled that he forgot to speak.

Shen Tang took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, her stern expression softening as she explained to Wu Xian, "Logically speaking, I shouldn't interfere in Brother Zhaode's 'family affairs,' but Dayi helped me a lot in the past. From Heyin County to Longwu County, without Dayi, the journey might not have been so smooth. Both in terms of sentiment and reason, Dayi has been kind to me, and I really can't bear to see him being bullied by villains!"

Wu Xian's facial nerves twisted and twitched uncontrollably.

He swallowed the bitterness in his throat and said dryly, "Of course. Da Yi is also my right-hand man, who has risked his life for me for many years. Even if we are not destined to be together, I cannot let him leave with a belly full of grievances. This matter must be given to him."

Shen Tang's bright eyes turned to Qin Li below.

"Gong Su, speak."

Qin Li bowed deeply to Chen Tang.

To an uninformed person, he was grateful to Shen Tang for standing up for him and upholding justice—if some things cannot be clarified on the spot, one will suffer greatly later, and it will not be so easy to escape with people, and one may even be isolated and helpless, and suffer private retaliation!

But to those in the know, the taste has changed.

Gu Chi's lips curled into a sneer, his eyes drooping. He used [Secret Telepathy] to harass his colleague: [Wu Hui/Xian Deng/Ji Shou/Han Zhang/Tu Nan/Gong Yi/Shan Xiao... Hmph, look at her, the way she calls out 'Gong Su' is so full of twists and turns, so tender and moving!]

Luan Xin glared at him fiercely.

It was common knowledge that he and Gu Chi were at odds. Any scholar could use telepathy, but the two of them couldn't. He'd thought it was something important and reluctantly agreed, only to find it was such nonsense. If the occasion weren't so inappropriate, Luan Xin would have wanted to smash his mouth shut.

Others also responded in some way.

Ning Yan was the only one who didn't have it.

Yu Zi said timidly, "[Strategist, the message was sent incorrectly.]"

Gu Chi's gaze fell towards the women's camp, where he saw Yu Zi whispering something to Lin Feng under the guise of drinking. Their conversation attracted the attention of Ning Yan and Bai Su, who were also chatting quietly. Yu Zi enthusiastically spread gossip, and the group all turned to look at him.

Gu Chi glared back.

Yu Zi and Lin Feng were too afraid to look each other in the eye.

"Why is the strategist acting so strangely today?" With Kang Jishou as a comparison, Yu Zi had always thought that the other strategists were all reliable. Although they were all aloof and rarely smiled at people, this was the privilege of mature adults, and it was normal for them to have few expressions.

Today, her illusions are about to shatter.

The lord's cry of "Gongsu" was full of twists and turns, gentle and touching, while the strategist's "Hmph, look at her" was also shy and timid.

Bai Su and Ning Yan were drinking and getting tipsy, so Bai Su was not surprised: "When has he ever not been like this? Every time our lord recruits talents, he gets sour, always regretting that our lord forcibly took things from him back then and didn't give him the proper procedures, so his actions were not legitimate."

Several times, the author slipped in their own interpretations into the story, using the character to lament: "Things that are too easily obtained are not valued."

Yu Zi and Lin Feng were both speechless after hearing this.

Ning Yan almost choked on her drink, while Bai Su tilted her head back and mumbled, "Don't mind him, he always likes to joke around like that."

He struck poses and acted provocatively, displaying a dissolute and unrestrained nature.

Only the lord indulged him every time.

Upon hearing this assessment, Gu Chi couldn't help but protest, clicking his tongue and saying, "General Bai's words are biased. I am no different from my lord, we are in cahoots. Why is General Bai only targeting one person to criticize? Even if you want to be pretentious, it's still..."

His telepathic communication was forcibly interrupted by Bai Su.

Ning Yan looked at Gu Chi in shock, seemingly not expecting Gu Wangchao to be this kind of person. After thinking carefully, she remembered that Gu Chi didn't have many women around him, nor had she heard of any romantic escapades. She figured it was just a matter of personal preference: "This kind of temperament is quite rare."

Bai Su said, "It's becoming more and more like a living person."

Leaving aside the minor incident, Ning Yan looked up at Qin Li, the focus of everyone's attention, and overheard his words: "...The Dayi family's residence was besieged, the youngest son was frightened, and the eldest son was injured in a conflict while seeking medical treatment for him. The daughter-in-law of the subordinate official is pregnant, but when she went into labor, it was discovered that the baby was breech, and at this time—all the doctors and midwives in Tianhai were ordered not to come to the house. Lord Wu, you are also a father of several children, you should know that a woman's childbirth is like stepping into the gates of hell, let alone a breech baby..."

Ning Yan was so angry that she stood up on the spot.

He angrily asked, "Lord Qin Su, is this really true?"

Having given birth once herself, she knew firsthand how painful labor could be and how many risks a woman would face. Even though Xingning had arranged for the best doctors and midwives to stay at her home and made all the necessary preparations, she still suffered greatly!

That kind of pain is unforgettable!

Therefore, her reaction to this matter was stronger than that of everyone else present, attracting a lot of attention. Ning Yan took a deep breath, gripped the hilt of her sword, and glanced at Wu Xian and his group: "Whatever grudges and disputes you have, take them out on the head of the family. Why bother with a woman who is fully pregnant? You are despicable!"

"Perhaps there's some misunderstanding?"

They also felt that this had gone too far. Killing someone is one thing, but treating their family like this—weren't they afraid of retaliation coming their way someday? Resentment arose in their hearts. But that didn't mean Ning Yan, an outsider, had the right to interfere.

They're not even her relatives, why are they reacting so strongly?

Qin Li: "There's no misunderstanding, this is the truth!"

Wu Xian knew there was no way to salvage the situation.

Nothing will change his expression after that...

Just as he was thinking this, Qin Li dropped another bombshell, making him sway: "Knowing her life was in danger, she begged that while she was still alive, her unborn child be removed, seeking a glimmer of hope. Do you all know that this is live dissection? I, Qin, once read about 'live dissection' in a book of supernatural powers when I was young, but those who committed such a heinous act were all tyrants like Jie and Zhou. Now, a weak woman has been forced to beg someone to torture her. Her husband and her mother-in-law also died after the child was born!"

Qin Li looked up and stared into Wu Xian's eyes.

"Lord Wu, may I ask how you intend to explain this matter?"

Wu Xian was speechless when asked: "This..."

For the Qin Li and Zhao Feng lineage, this matter is no longer simply about a subordinate official being forced to commit annihilation; it represents the complete collapse of mutual trust. Even if Wu Xian offers the most sincere solution, this incident will remain an indelible rift.

Qin Li and others no longer trust Wu Xian, and even hate him.

Continuing to force things will only bring harm and no benefit.

Wu Xian suppressed the sweet, metallic taste churning in his throat.

"Gong Su..."

Qin Li ignored his pale face: "Lord Wu, we have known each other for many years. Even if our fate has changed, we still have some affection for each other. I don't want to put you in a difficult position, and I can't bring myself to wipe out an entire family. All we want is the head of the culprit!"

Separation is absolutely necessary.

We absolutely must get the kills.

Before Wu Xian could respond, someone slammed their fist on the table and stood up, shouting, "Qin Gongsu, you despicable scoundrel who kicks someone when they're down! Why did you have to make trouble now of all times? Do you have any respect for the kindness our lord showed us when he took in a bunch of stray dogs?"

Zhao Feng also stood up and blocked Qin Li's way: "How dare you! Who gave you permission to yell and be rude to Young Master Qin! You want to bring up old grudges? Then let's bring them up to our hearts' content! We will not forget the kindness of Lord Wu in taking us in, but does Lord Wu still remember the life-saving grace that I, Zhao, gave him?"

For Zhao Feng, Qin Li was always more important than his lord, especially since Wu Xian was only the former lord!

"you--"

"What do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do you mean, '?' Zhao Feng retorted sharply, launching into a tirade, 'I've been giving you face, and you think you're all that? We've known about what you said today for a while now. The reason we haven't submitted our resignations to Lord Wu is for the sake of the bigger picture. During this night attack, ask yourselves honestly, if it weren't for Young Master Qin's intervention, how many of you would still be alive and sitting here spouting nonsense? I pride myself on doing everything I could! Don't push your luck, understand?'"

Zhao Feng has always been seen as a kind-hearted person.

Quiet and reserved, never competing or vying for anything.

Having worked with him for so many years, I've rarely seen him argue with anyone.

"Zhao Dayi! How utterly vulgar you are!"

Zhao Feng: "So what if I'm crude? At least I've done human things all my life, unlike you despicable and shameless people who say one thing to my face and another behind my back. You don't have the guts to confront me head-on, so you resort to underhanded tricks. What's there to be proud of?"

"These things were not done by us!"

“It’s always one of you! Otherwise, how come the news didn’t reach the front lines when things have gotten so big? Without your connections in Tianhai, who could have kept the news so tightly under wraps? This time it was my brother’s family, but who knows who might die next time and not even make it to the seventh day after their death!” Zhao Feng’s mouth was also quite sarcastic.

Some military officers lowered their heads upon hearing this, their expressions displeased.

The rabbit dies and the fox grieves; creatures grieve for their own kind.

These powerful families in Tianhai are so arrogant. If they didn't have family backgrounds to rely on or relatives to protect them, who knows if they wouldn't be next?

For a time, people's hearts were unsettled.

The joy of victory vanished completely.

Seeing that things were not going well, Wu Xian suppressed the argument.

Even with his face extremely grim, he still tried to comfort Qin Li and the others. Since they were no longer destined to be together, they should part amicably; there was no need to create enmity and damage the little bit of goodwill they had left. Wu Xian's eyes held a hint of pleading, which softened Zhao Feng's heart.

Unfortunately, some people only know how to add fuel to the fire.

What kind of oil was poured on it?

The implication was clear: they were subtly suggesting to Zhao Feng not to go too far. Submitting their resignations didn't mean they were completely severing ties with Tianhai. Even tenants have to pack up their dishes and belongings when they move, let alone thousands of people leaving together—they all have families and possessions!

If relations break down, the situation will be complicated by the person being detained—they will eventually be released, but when is uncertain. While detained, they still need to eat, and the daily cost is enormous. How long can their meager savings, with only expenses and no income, sustain them?

so--

Be quiet, be obedient!

Of course, these words weren't spoken so bluntly, but everyone present was shrewd enough to understand the implied meaning.

The only remaining sound from the banquet was the crackling of the burning bonfire.

The atmosphere had become so tense that it reached a critical point.

The stalemate was broken by a round of applause, and everyone looked to see Shen Tang. She smiled, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. She said sarcastically, "Today I finally understand what it means to say 'It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings.' To be able to say such shameless things is truly an eye-opener. I admire people who are righteous and chivalrous the most, and I can't stand seeing good people wronged."

She looked at Zhao Feng.

“Dayi, now that you’ve severed ties with Brother Zhaode and are considered free again, why don’t you consider me?” After saying that, she smiled and explained to Wu Xian, “Brother Zhaode, don’t overthink it. Logically speaking, I should avoid suspicion, but I’ve always cherished talent and admired Dayi for many years. I can’t bear to see him with all his skills have nowhere to go. Brother Zhaode, you won’t blame me, will you?”

Wu Xian felt a strong, sweet, and fishy sensation rise into his throat again.

He chuckled dryly and said, "Of course not."

Shen Tang turned to Zhao Feng with a smile.

"What do you think of the greater good?"

Zhao Feng looked at Wu Xian with a reluctant expression, but he couldn't show any displeasure to Shen Tang. He clasped his hands and said, "Back then, I swore to be loyal to Young Master Qin and said that I would listen to Young Master Qin in everything. Wherever Young Master Qin goes, I will go too."

Shen Tang then sought Qin Li's opinion.

Qin Li remained silent.

“Gongsu, I know you have a knot in your heart and don’t want to change your allegiance so soon. But—” Shen Tang happily threw out the “bait,” her eyes darting around as she looked at the “little devil” who had just threatened them. She spoke gently and amiably, “You should think about your family back home. If no one is there to support you, it’s easy for little devils to cause trouble… If Gongsu feels that I, Shen Youli, am not a wise ruler, you are free to find another good ruler. I will not stop you.”

Having said that, he pointed to the sky.

"If I break this oath, may I be punished by both heaven and man!"

|ω`)

I fell yesterday, and my butt still hurts. Ugh.

P.S.: My son, nicknamed "Leather Jacket," is seven and a half months old. He looks several sizes bigger than the one-year-olds in our neighborhood, and he's getting increasingly difficult to handle. When the adults are taking their afternoon nap, he somehow manages to "back up" to the foot of the bed and starts gnawing on their legs…

(End of this chapter)