379. Please embark on your journey (twenty-nine days)

Despite their desire to resist, they sought status and a future for themselves and their group.

However, the Confucian hierarchy and the status of the emperor had always been on Meng Lao's mind.

Such respect for the virtuous and talented, the willingness of scholars to die for those who understand them, and loyalty—these two words have always weighed heavily on Meng Lao's mind.

He wanted to agree, but at this moment, he hesitated.

While in the capital, one cannot escape the imperial power; but once outside the capital, the world truly becomes vast.

Elder Meng bowed in return, saying, "You flatter me greatly. Your Highness's graciousness in visiting our humble abode truly brings honor to this place."

Master Meng did not reply, but said softly, "Your Highness, please sit. My humble abode is simple; please do not take offense."

The Ninth Prince was slightly taken aback, but quickly came to his senses. Clearly, it was somewhat different from what he had learned.

However, being the youngest, his chances of taking the throne were naturally slim, though his maternal clan did not think so.

Now he hopes to be granted a fiefdom and leave to slowly develop and manage his business.

In matters concerning the royal city, someone of my size is no match for the aforementioned individuals.

However, there is still plenty of time and many opportunities. Moreover, the Holy Emperor's return is uncertain, and everything is still up in the air.

The Ninth Prince slowly rose, a smile on his face. "Grandma Meng, you flatter me. Simple meals are just my daily routine."

Old Master Meng smiled gently, thinking to himself, 'What a fine young man. If we had met sooner, things might have turned out differently.'

Now, I cannot make decisions for them; as far as the capital is concerned, a mere Martial King can hardly accomplish anything.

He opened his mouth, then quietly closed it again. He wanted to casually ask, "How is your mother?" but the words stuck in his throat.

The Ninth Prince understood at a glance and smiled gently, "Mother also often misses Granny Meng and often mentions her."

"Please forgive me, Mother, for not being able to come out in this matter."

I gently clasped my hands in apology on behalf of my mother.

Old Master Meng quickly replied, gently rubbing her forehead with a smile, "Your Highness is overthinking it. How could I possibly think that way? It's just that sometimes, when people get old, there are always some uncontrollable longings."

I'm afraid Your Highness has made me laugh.

For a moment, the two chatted and laughed, just like a family.

The red battle robes fluttered fiercely in the cold wind. As night fell, the king, sitting on the high throne, watched his subjects gradually rest and felt the harsh environment.

The barren land has loose soil with poor water and fertilizer retention capacity, resulting in slow crop growth and low yields. Year-round labor leaves farmers with no choice but to sell their children or let them live or die as they please.

Just like myself back then, and my brothers.

I left home at a young age, wandering aimlessly. When I met my brothers, we supported each other and made a vow: "If we become rich and powerful, let us not forget each other."

We've slept in earthen pits, slept under tree roots, eaten grass roots, and shared fine wine and delicacies, all while drinking from this cup together.

After drinking together, however, lies a past we are unwilling to look back on.

The words echoed vividly in my ears: "It's all you, it's all you! You and I are brothers, why did you steal my thunder?"

It was you, it was all your fault, you deserve to die.

The sounds I don't want to hear keep echoing in my ears.

The blade flashed, raising clouds of dust.

He sneered, "Look, brother, this is why I am more loved by the people than you. I can provide them with food and clothing."

And you are nothing but a lackey maintaining royal power.

Just watch, watch closely.

I will lead my people to expand our territory, acquire fertile land, and live a better life.

A single word, and a silent wait.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a beautiful figure slowly approached, accompanied by a long zither, a phoenix-headed boat zither.

A woman of unparalleled beauty and captivating charm always carries an unspoken sorrow and an unforgettable story between her brows.

They only want to immerse themselves in their own dreams, unwilling to wake up, unwilling to stop dreaming.

He whispered softly, his hand resting on the instrument, without looking up, "Your Majesty, please forgive me for being late."

Red King said nonchalantly, "The timing is perfect."

Then he looked at the four people behind him, the generals who had followed him all the way by killing enemies!

With a fierce glint in his eyes, he sneered, "Let's go and see if there are any real adversaries in the royal city now that the Holy Emperor is not here."

"He died back then, but today he's pushing his limits; naturally, he should give it another try."

Turning to the zither, he said in a deep voice, "Please help me. If the Holy Emperor has any other plans, let's see if we can stop him."

The music began to play softly, and instantly, the surrounding scenery changed!

It was like the beginning of silence, or perhaps a harbinger of death.

The musical notes, like the sounds of an ancient zither, transcend time and space, creating invisible ripples that spread outwards from the phoenix-headed zither as its center.

As the notes leaped and spun, the surrounding world seemed to be pulled into a strange space, where all sounds, colors, and breaths became blurred and distorted.

The road to Fengdu opened, a final burst of light appeared, and the whole world seemed to fall into complete silence. The power of the musical notes was like a huge energy that instantly broke through the passage, opening the path to the underworld and allowing people to proceed on the right path.

The dead pave the way, a forbidden zone for the living, a paradise for the dead. Powerful and strange forces make way for the ghosts and spirits of the underworld along the way, and the anchor of the human world naturally finds its place.

The road was pitch black, shrouded in darkness and chaos. She Yunqin murmured, "Go."

Without hesitation, the Red King leaped inside. The others followed in quick succession, a sermon ringing in their ears: 'Concentrate your mind.'

Her long, flowing hair fluttered in the wind, each strand shimmering and clearly visible, like crimson silk.

Bewitched, bewitched, the sound of the zither rises, recalling the past that one does not wish to remember, and for this moment, one is in a state of madness.

He murmured in a dreamlike voice, "May all couples in the world not be united!"

Unaware of the passage of time or the unknown journey to the underworld, the Red King and his subordinates showed no concern whatsoever, closing their eyes to rest while their minds were focused.

Suddenly, 'My brother, you've finally come down. I've been waiting for you here for a long time.'

Haha, today is the day you die.

The person who suddenly appeared was the brother he missed the most and the one he least wanted to see.

At this moment, I will hold fast to my heart, remain steadfast, and let my brother's sword behead me. Even if I die again, it will be your fault, not mine.

Amidst the chaos, a low, admonishing voice called out, "Be careful."

The music changed again, followed by a deafening explosion.

In the main hall of the palace, the eldest prince shared the latest intelligence with everyone and said in a low voice, "People are going missing one after another in the remote villages around us. What are your thoughts?"

My second brother guards the southern seas, which is why we enjoy such a peaceful life. Diligent maintenance is essential; with the war intensifying, we all need to work together.

The ministers were slightly surprised, unsure whether the eldest prince was genuinely kind and benevolent or testing them. For a moment, they remained silent.

At this moment, someone shouted, "Your Highness, be careful! Protect him!"

In an instant, the man in black burst out from the shadows with astonishing speed, his figure as fast as lightning. Without hesitation, he stood in front of His Highness, tightly protecting the Crown Prince.