Chapter 1515 (1514): The Grand Finale (Seventeen) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
"Those two scoundrels abandoned me, they're wicked!"
Shen Tang laughed as she bounced the chubby girl, Shen De, in her arms.
"Pandas are a lifesaver for me, pandas are wonderful!"
Shen De seemed to enjoy this interaction, and smiled as he curved his round almond-shaped eyes, clapping his hands and mimicking Shen Tang's words: "Hello, cat!"
“Gongsu, you see, even Rugui understands this principle.”
Ever since Qin Li learned about Shen Tang's identity and background, he was no longer surprised by the bizarre things that happened around her. He even naturally joined in the conversation, praising her in a serious tone: "She is indeed a righteous panda, loyal and grateful."
Qin Li didn't know what a panda cat was—even someone as obsessed with cats as Qi Yuanliang wouldn't know every breed—but that didn't stop him from making some deductions from the name. A panda, judging from the name alone, should be a cat with bear-like characteristics.
It combines power, agility, and cuteness.
Although they had never met, Qin Li had already felt grateful to this righteous panda. If it weren't for the righteous man's long journey to repay his kindness, his lord would have had to suffer in the deep mountains and forests for who knows how long, and they would have had to wait anxiously for him: "If there is an opportunity, I will definitely repay him properly."
Shen Tang burst into laughter at his serious answer.
"Panda heroine? Hahaha, then she is indeed righteous."
Shen Tang never expected to encounter this old acquaintance she had only met a few times, especially when she was at her most disheveled and furious. The entrance to the Gongxi clan was hidden deep within steep mountains. This terrain was no problem for Shen Tang, who was skilled in both martial arts and literature, but for her, who had been reduced to an ordinary person, it was a hellish start. Looking at the almost vertical mountainside, Shen Tang pondered whether to slowly climb down or close her eyes and jump…
Anyway, she won't die; jumping down will only cause her some suffering.
Just as she was making her choice, a delicate, large face peeked out from the dense treetops. The "righteous man's" gaze met Shen Tang's eyes as she looked up from the noise. The fluffy, adorable appearance instantly captured Shen Tang's heart, and she beckoned to the panda.
[Suckling, come here.]
Upon hearing her voice, the panda took two steps toward her until its large, round, and plump body emerged from the treetop.
Shen Tang: [Your face is so deceptive.]
She has the face of someone who weighs 180 pounds, but the body weighs 180 pounds.
Upon hearing this sarcastic remark, the panda warrior's face contorted with a surprisingly human-like look of disgust, and it made as if to turn and leave. Shen Tang quickly stepped forward to stop it, and after several gentle words, she managed to persuade the panda warrior to change its mind. The panda warrior seemed surprised that she would actually soften her tone and yield.
Shen Tang: [What kind of expression is that?]
Panda Hero: [I admire your aloof demeanor more.]
It had met Shen Tang several times before her tribulation. It remembered that Shen Tang was indeed aloof and cold, like a stagnant pool of lifeless water. Now, this stagnant water had actually come alive with life, which naturally surprised it.
Shen Tang: [I wasn't born with such a bitter and resentful nature.]
Those were all caused by persecution from their families of origin.
The panda hero nodded in agreement: "That's true."
Shen Tang didn't care why the panda warrior had come here—whether it was there to watch the spectacle of her tribulation or to conduct business. Since she had stumbled upon it, she naturally decided to make good use of it: "[If you're not in a hurry, do me a favor and let me hitch a ride.]"
With transportation available, who would be foolish enough to walk on two legs?
The panda-themed vehicle-themed hero's eyes seemed to flicker for a moment, but quickly disappeared: "Of course."
It generously allowed Shen Tang to sit on its back.
The good-natured panda kindly reminded everyone: 【Hold on tight.】
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Shen Tang bent down and grabbed its round ears.
Panda Hero: [...]
Don't be angry, don't be angry.
Who told her to carry this person who had done her a favor?
Perhaps the land where Shen Tang was born was filled with too much malevolent energy and too many wronged souls, indirectly affecting her physical form and giving a vine the miraculous effect of gathering souls. Even after she failed her tribulation, the miraculous effect remained undiminished. Shen Tang and the Panda Hero met many years ago. Upon their first meeting, she took a piece of her physical form and made it into a gift for the Panda Hero.
This led to a positive relationship between the two parties.
Of course, this good deed was not the main reason why the panda hero sent Shen Tang back from so far away; in fact, it was just on the way.
In a sense, the Panda Warrior and Shen Tang are similar; even in the small world, they are bound by their own constraints. Places that should be reached with a single thought can now only be reached by it in a form similar to the Warrior's Totem, its speed severely limited.
Otherwise, Shen Tang could have returned a few hours earlier.
Qin Li turned his head and looked around.
"Has that panda hero left?"
Shen Tang gave the chubby girl a couple of kisses and said, "I'm busy now."
Upon hearing this, Qin Li stopped asking questions and refocused his attention on official business. During the time the Lord was away, many things had happened within Kang State and in the three armies at the front lines. Those who could make decisions did so together, while those who couldn't held temporary court meetings to discuss the matter. Although it wasn't as orderly as when Shen Tang was in charge, at least no major chaos occurred. With the Lord's return, it was natural to familiarize himself with the events that had occurred during his absence as quickly as possible so that he could take charge of the overall situation as soon as possible.
The territory of Kangguo was relatively peaceful.
Ning Yan, as regent, managed the affairs of the state very well.
Things weren't so easy on the front lines.
Ultimately, news traveled slowly between the two places, and only Ning Yan knew about Shen Tang's disappearance. The court officials left behind all believed that Shen Tang was still alive, and those with ulterior motives in various places dared not act rashly. On the other hand, on the front lines, although Gong Xi Chou tried his best to imitate Shen Tang, some details, aura, and even style were difficult to replicate perfectly. There were faint voices of doubt in the camp, and even those in the know could not reveal the news to the public. Qin Li saw this and said, "...We are incompetent and have failed to continue the upright style as His Majesty was when he was alive."
Shen Tang's use of divine pronouncements to arrest people greatly stabilized public sentiment.
“When did Gong Su become so cautious and timid, always blaming himself and apologizing? In the end, all this trouble started because of me, and if anyone is to take responsibility, it is me.” Although all of this is understandable, these problems would not have arisen if she hadn’t been missing for almost half a year. “No one could have done better than you.”
The ruler of the Wu Kingdom should be the most qualified to speak on this matter.
Before his body was even cold, the Wu Kingdom had already fallen apart.
Qin Li and the others were helping her guard Kangguo and raising her children, eagerly awaiting her return. What else could Shen Tang say?
Even if you nitpick an egg, you can't find any fault with it.
On the way back, Shen Tang roughly sorted out the major and minor events that had occurred in the past six months, and had a general idea of what was going on. As soon as she appeared, everyone she encountered on the road lost their composure. Chu Yao, upon hearing the news, even more unusually forgot his manners and ran barefoot towards Shen Tang.
I don't know if it flew off during the journey or if it was simply forgotten to wear it.
"Goro!"
Chu Yao was panting heavily.
He braked suddenly to a stop a few steps away from Shen Tang.
Not to mention Qin Li, even Shen Tang had never seen Chu Yao in such a disheveled state, his robes disheveled and his hair ornament askew. He had forgotten that he could be a composed and refined scholar, with a hundred elegant yet swift ways to make an entrance. In this situation, Chu Yao followed his instincts.
After Chu Yao stood still, his eyes were red.
I fear that the reunion I've imagined countless times is just another illusion.
Shen Tang naturally called out, "Wu Hui."
Two words were enough to make Chu Yao lose control and burst into tears, but he only apologized softly for his rudeness, turned away to wipe his tears, and when he turned back, he was once again calm, composed and gentle. He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect: "Your Majesty."
The chubby girl tilted her head and looked at Chu Yao.
A small head filled with big questions.
She couldn't understand why the familiar books were so strange.
Upon returning this time, Shen Tang was most gratified to see Kang Shi among the people who had come to visit: "It's so good that Ji Shou is in the camp."
Unlike Chu Yao and the others who were red-eyed or shed tears in public, Kang Shi was also deeply moved and overwhelmed with emotion. His lord cared for him! Heaven knows how he felt when his lord appointed four regents and didn't include him. It wasn't that he resented Shen Tang's arrangement, but rather that he was annoyed that Gu Chi was among the four, while he wasn't. He had arrived first, yet the later arrivals had surpassed him, and Gu Chi even used this to criticize him.
Yes, that's the most unbearable thing.
"Thanks to Heaven, I am able to see my Lord again. I have no regrets in this life."
Shen Tang looked at this super-rich person who was burning merit money and said, "Although it's a bit of a downer to say this, we've been ruler and subject for many years, so I don't think you'll mind. I'll trouble you to stay by my side for the foreseeable future."
Kang Shi's expression froze.
The expressions on everyone's faces also became subtle.
It wasn't about indulging in romantic fantasies, but rather speculating what treasonous act Kang Shi had committed to incur the lord's displeasure. The unification of Kang was practically a certainty; taking down the remnants of the central region and Qu was practically a foregone conclusion. In this accelerated advance, every opportunity to achieve merit was precious. The lord's decision not to send Kang Shi to the front lines, but instead to keep him confined to his side, was not a sign of trust or reliance, but rather a sign of being sidelined!
Kang Shi did not lose his composure.
He analyzed the whole sentence and felt much more at ease.
"Since the lord has given the order, I should obey. However, there is one thing I don't understand: does the lord have other... intentions behind this arrangement?"
"The damage to the Four Pillars is much more severe than expected. I've used up all the merit points on my account to fill the gap. In short, I'm bankrupt. Not only am I bankrupt, but I'm now restricted to being an ordinary person." Shen Tang had a heartbroken expression on her face, as if she wanted to cover her face. "Ji Shou still has to go into battle to fight and make contributions. According to the old rules, I probably won't be able to withstand the pressure."
Even someone with such a robust physique was in grave danger.
I can't even imagine how I'll die in my current fragile state.
Kang Shi: "..."
Everyone: "..."
I couldn't figure out the reason even after racking my brains.
Although it sounds outrageous, it makes a lot of sense upon closer analysis.
Kang Shi, that plague god, truly deserves to be banned from the competition. The lord said it was fortunate to see him, the subtext being that it was lucky Kang Shi didn't accompany the two detachments to attack Qu State. If Kang Shi had unleashed his full power on the battlefield between Kang and Qu, the lord might have actually been killed by him.
A ban is necessary!
Chu Yao and the others also noticed another detail.
"What does it mean when the Lord says he has become an ordinary person?"
Everyone present was a trusted confidant, so it was alright to reveal the truth.
When everyone heard that Shen Tang was willing to give up everything he had reclaimed in order to return, and even had his strength sealed away, their hearts ached and some even sobbed slightly. It was as if a friend had suddenly become a powerful ruler, but after ascending the throne, he took off his dragon robe and willingly ran back to a remote mountain village to rebuild his hometown with a group of poor relatives.
She cast aside her finery and luxurious attire only to return to the mortal realm.
How could they not feel moved and guilty about such a sacrifice?
They didn't utter a single complaint about the anxieties and exhaustion of the past six months, nor could they bear to utter a harsh word—nothing else mattered, as long as the Lord held them in His heart.
"...Why is the Lord of Heaven so cruel? Our Lord has suffered for many years, and it was not easy for Him...how could He bear to make things difficult for Him again and again?"
These words expressed the sentiments of everyone.
However, Chu Yao and the others also thought of another possibility.
"Mortal matters should be handled by mortals." Chu Yao vaguely understood why Shen Tang had been given the title of an ordinary person. The Heavenly Dao's intention was clear: to forcibly banish Shen Tang from the competition, preventing her from intervening in future battles with force. Otherwise, it would be unfair.
No, actually it's not fair either.
Chu Yao looked at Shen Tang, his eyes clear and smiling.
As long as their lord is stationed at the rear, they will be greatly encouraged, their morale will be high, and all evil spirits will be easily defeated!
Wei Cheng nodded: "That makes sense."
His uncle, Wei Lou, went to the State of Qu with one of the detachments of the army, while Wei Cheng stayed behind to help guard the rear of the main force. With him there, they could suppress either a counterattack from the remnants of the central forces or a sneak attack from the State of Qu.
Shen Tang: "Things have come to this point, I'll have to trouble you all from now on."
Chu Yao's guess was almost entirely correct.
Shen Tang couldn't even cultivate at this moment. Even if she tried to channel the energy of heaven and earth into her dantian, it would quickly dissipate. There was an indistinct but irresistible force hindering her from doing so. She had a premonition that this state was not permanent.
The day the Kingdom of Qu is destroyed will be the day she is released from confinement.
Shen Tang shared his guess.
Everyone was pumping themselves up, eager to don their armor and charge into battle against the Qu Kingdom, while also offering words of comfort and expressing their loyalty to Shen Tang.
"We will risk our lives to protect our lord's safety. We will not let a single hair on his head fall. Rest assured, our lord!"
Shen Tang: "...Of course I'm not worried about safety."
The reason for wanting to lift the ban on cultivation as soon as possible is not this.
Instead—
"I just feel that without the assistance of both civil and military skills, it is very inconvenient to handle government affairs, and the efficiency is too low." Shen Tang's face was full of worry and concern. "As a mortal, I feel exhausted after working for five or six hours a day, which is nothing compared to before."
Everyone: "..."
A reason that sounds absurd yet is actually quite reasonable.
Wei Cheng silently noted it down, his eyes gleaming with genuine admiration—gods are not all the same. Some wild gods are incompetent and hold their positions without doing anything, while others are very responsible. If his uncle heard these words, his old-fashioned views would probably change.
The panda hero who was secretly eavesdropping: "..."
If a god were to be stripped of their title and reduced to a mortal, their first reaction wouldn't be to worry about being humiliated in the mortal realm, but rather to worry about not being able to do 007 without a human body? This statement would be explosive in any era.
Shen Tang, as the person involved, was completely unaware of the situation, and simply made orderly adjustments and arrangements to ensure the safety of the troops at the front. She suddenly said, "Let us enjoy the future together and strive for it together."
|ω`)
The panda heroes have truly come to reciprocate this kindness.
(End of this chapter)
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