Chapter 97 Daring Not to Profane
At the morning court session, several ministers, along with more than a dozen other officials, pleaded with Qin Xiao to personally go to the Northeast to provide support.
Wang Pengyi, the Vice Minister of Revenue, stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, you must not."
“Right now, the fiefdoms of the princes are in turmoil. As the commander of the Qin family army, Prince Ning’s rash departure from the capital could lead to disaster!” Wang Pengyi glanced at the men who had asked Qin Xiao to go to war and said in a cold voice, “The situation is special now. I wonder what your intentions are in asking Prince Ning to leave the capital.”
“Minister Wang, you are mistaken,” Lu Youwei said. “The Northeast is only a few days’ journey from the capital. Even if the army marches, it will arrive in no more than half a month.”
This means that Qin Xiao's interactions with the vassal kings were only a little over a month old, making it difficult for them to do anything they wanted.
But this is under the premise that everything goes smoothly. If things don't go smoothly, Qin Xiao might not be able to return for more than a month, or even three to five months.
Lu Youwei continued, "Now that the Jurchens are at our gates, the Northeast Army is no match for them, the border city has fallen, and the Northern Army is unable to provide support. If we continue to allow the Jurchens to invade, I'm afraid we won't even be able to protect the capital."
"Don't think we don't know what you're all up to," Wang Pengyi said angrily. "Now that things have come to this, you're not even going to pretend anymore, are you?"
Everyone knew the prince's purpose and what he wanted to do.
However, Qin Xiao is currently being put on hold. If he does not go to war, they may face a joint attack from the Jurchen tribes and other vassal kings.
It would be better to deal with external threats first and then pacify internal affairs.
However, the aristocratic families weren't entirely confident, because the Northeast Army hadn't truly submitted to them; they were merely putting on a show of fighting and feigning defeat to deceive Qin Xiao and his Qin family army.
In fact, the Jurchens never even set foot on the borders of Daming.
They were betting on an information gap, betting that Qin Xiao's information wasn't as fast as the Qiu family's, and betting that he didn't know who the Northeast Army was truly loyal to.
Of course, even if Qin Xiao and the Qin family army did not leave now, the armies of the various vassal kings would definitely come to the capital and fight against the Qin family army.
Currently, the Qin family army outside the capital number only 60,000, while the princes have hundreds of thousands of soldiers. In addition, the guards of the three great families can break through the city simply by virtue of their numerical advantage.
If things really develop that way, there will be heavy casualties, and all sides will be severely weakened. I'm afraid the Northeast Army and the Northern Army will take advantage of this opportunity to profit from the losses, and then we will really end up doing all the work for others.
Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, the vassal kings and aristocratic families were unwilling to confront Qin Xiao head-on.
“Prince Ning has troops at his disposal, and the Northeast Army still has tens of thousands of remnants.” Lu Youwei, the Minister of War, clearly knew more. “With Prince Ning’s skills in leading troops, it wouldn’t be difficult for him to stop the Jurchens within a month.”
“Indeed,” Qiu Heng, Minister of Justice, echoed. “As the ancient saying goes, ‘to repel external threats and pacify the internal.’ At such a time, the descendants of Da Ning should prioritize repelling external threats.”
The implication is that those vassal kings, in the face of such a foreign invasion, would surely be able to distinguish the importance of the situation and would not enter the capital at this time.
Now, everything can be discussed openly.
But what Qiu Heng said was really funny.
The precedent of the King of Dingbei cooperating with the Sai Kingdom is still fresh in our minds, so there is absolutely no credibility in what they are saying now.
Moreover, the Jurchen invasion was originally a conspiracy by the vassal kings.
"Your Majesty," Chu Jiubian said, and the hall fell silent.
Everyone knew that Chu Jiubian's meaning was the same as Qin Xiao and Baili Hong's meaning.
"In my humble opinion, Prince Ning should not leave the capital," Chu Jiubian said. Everyone in the court felt a chill, but they also felt that it was reasonable.
It seemed that they had no choice but to take a hard line; Lu Youwei and the others felt a sense of unease.
"But we need support from the Northeast," Qiu Heng said, refusing to give up.
“That’s right.” Chu Jiubian nodded. “Prince Ning cannot leave the capital, but a portion of the Qin family army can be sent out, along with the remnants of the Northeast Army and the city guards of the counties along the way. With just one outstanding general, defeating the Jurchens will be a piece of cake.”
The ministers and vice ministers immediately had new plans in mind.
Even if Qin Xiao doesn't leave, it would be good if the Qin family army could send 20,000 to 30,000 men. This way, when fighting breaks out in the capital, the soldiers of the vassal kings and aristocratic families would suffer fewer casualties.
“But where in the court can you find such a person?” Wang Pengyi asked, frowning.
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.
Yes, nowadays, Qin Xiao's capable generals have been sent to various places. The situation in the Sai Kingdom is special, and the army is more useful than the imperial court, so many soldiers have been sent there.
Under these circumstances, the only military general currently available in the capital seems to be General Cheng Shuo, who had previously accompanied him to the Northwest but injured Qin Xiao due to the Gu worm.
However, Cheng Shuo has become increasingly decadent due to his own mistakes, and he must have long since lost his will to live.
Even if we send him there, it might not be able to reverse the decline.
As the Minister of War, Lu Youwei was in charge of military affairs and naturally knew which generals in the capital were capable and which were not.
He suggested several names, but they were all rejected by Chu Jiubian and Wang Pengyi.
Before he could say anything more, Qin Xiao said, "That's enough."
The court was quiet.
Qin Xiao stood up and said, "The Qin family army cannot be moved."
Everyone was startled, even Chu Jiubian looked up at him in surprise.
Qin Xiao did not meet his gaze, but said, "I will personally go to the Northeast."
"The tens of thousands of remnants of the Northeast Army, plus the tens of thousands of city defense troops in the counties along the way, are enough." His tone was calm, but one could hear the arrogance and haughtiness in his words.
"No," Chu Jiubian said, his voice somewhat deep.
Qin Xiao said, "It's settled then."
"Qin Xiao!" Chu Jiubian's voice rose a little.
Qin Xiao turned around and bowed to the dragon throne, saying, "Your Majesty, the court may adjourn if there is nothing else."
Baili Hong was startled by the way the two of them were arguing in public. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Then let's adjourn the court."
Hong Fu glanced at everyone present, frowned slightly, and called out that the court session was adjourned.
Lu Youwei and the others exchanged bewildered glances, unsure whether Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao had genuinely failed to reach an agreement or were simply putting on an act.
But after the court session ended, they left the Fengtian Hall. However, they walked exceptionally slowly today, occasionally turning back to look at the back gate of the Fengtian Hall.
Before long, Chu Jiubian, dressed in a crimson official robe, walked out of the main hall.
His robes fluttered as he strode quickly onto the palace path, heading towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Qin Xiao followed behind him, holding their cloaks in his hand, and said something as he walked behind him.
But Chu Jiubian didn't stop walking, so Qin Xiao reached out to grab his hand, but was shaken off.
Qin Xiao then draped the cloak over Chu Jiubian's shoulders, but Chu Jiubian pushed it away.
The two figures, entangled, quickly disappeared around the corner of the palace road, and Baili Hong, who was wrapped up tightly, finally came out of the hall and sat on the palanquin.
He anxiously urged the palace servants to hurry up and catch up with the two officials ahead.
Even Hong Fu didn't go to the Directorate of Ceremonial, but instead quickly followed beside the palanquin.
The officials watched them leave in a hurry and exchanged glances.
Characters like Wang Pengyi and Lu Yao seemed somewhat worried, knowing the intricacies of the situation, yet each of them acted with increasing realism.
Lu Youwei and Qiu Heng, among others, had inscrutable expressions.
After leaving the palace, some went on duty, while others went home.
Lu Youwei and the others gathered at Qiu's Restaurant to discuss the incident involving Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao that day.
"I think they must have agreed not to send troops, but Prince Ning changed his mind in court today, which is why Grand Tutor Chu was so angry."
Why did Prince Ning suddenly change his mind?
"I think they might be putting on an act for us."
"Why put on this show? In the end, isn't it still about Prince Ning leaving the capital?"
Qin Xiao's departure from the capital alone is fraught with danger. Assassins from all sides will rush towards him, so it's no wonder Chu Jiubian is angry.
Xiao Yao sat at the table and listened for a while, so he knew what had happened at the morning court session. Hearing this, he smiled and said, "You'll find out soon enough."
"Wait for what?"
“It’s news from the palace, of course,” Xiao Yao said.
Everyone was stunned.
Since the Empress Dowager left the capital, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao have rounded up all the spies from various families. Although they were not silenced, they were all driven out of the palace, making it impossible for other forces to find out what was going on in the palace.
Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces, Xiao Yao didn't say anything, just smiled casually.
Having spent so many years in the palace and wielding considerable power, Xiao Ruohan wielded far more influence within the palace than any other faction.
Before she left the capital, she told Xiao Yao about all the secret agents that even the Xiao family members didn't know.
Among the spies that Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao drove out of the palace, there were also a few Xiao family spies who were discovered, but in the end, only three palace servants remained.
These people are usually unknown and inconspicuous.
But now, it has become the only source of information for all factions within the palace.
"Could those spies have managed to get information out?" Lu Youwei frowned. "Could they be a useless piece of chess?"
Xiao Yao just smiled and didn't respond.
Just then, a servant from the Xiao family indeed brought a message.
"Just say it," Xiao Yao said.
The servant acknowledged and then said, "According to news from the palace, Grand Tutor Chu moved back to Yaotai Residence yesterday at noon, and he seemed to be angry. Later that night, Prince Ning went to Yaotai Residence to look for him, but he couldn't even get inside."
The group looked at each other in bewilderment.
It was no secret that Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao were living together, and everyone assumed that the two had maintained their alliance in a closer way.
This is the first time in a long time that I've heard them argue.
The news that spread in the palace today must be because the Xiao family's spies also noticed that the two of them had quarreled yesterday, which was something worth reporting.
"It seems they hadn't reached an agreement beforehand," said Qiu Songbo, Vice Minister of War.
Qiu Heng said, "These two are cunning and scheming. We can't let our guard down. Let's continue to observe them."
Xiao Yao shared the same idea and instructed his servant, "Report back if there is any news."
The next day, Xiao Yao received another message from the palace, saying that Qin Xiao went to Yaotai Residence last night and talked with Chu Jiubian for a long time, but in the end he did not stay overnight, and his expression was not very good when he left.
When the news reached others, everyone had a feeling of "I knew it."
Because during the morning court session this morning, the two of them maintained a calm demeanor, as if they had not argued, but the previous sticky and ambiguous atmosphere was gone.
They're clearly still having a disagreement, but they're trying to keep it a secret from everyone.
On this morning, the matter of supporting the Northeast was finally decided at the imperial court.
Qin Xiao will lead 3,000 Qin family soldiers to the Northeast, while the remaining Qin family soldiers will be under the command of Chu Jiubian.
This must be the result of their discussion last night; they each compromised.
However, Qin Xiao had still put himself in danger, so it would be strange if Chu Jiubian wasn't angry.
"They really are very loyal and devoted." Xiao Yao chuckled softly.
However, Lu Youwei still felt uneasy after seeing the news at home.
Qin Xiao must have had some leverage to keep Chu Jiubian and Baili Hong from leaving. What could it be? It couldn't just be the Qin family army.
What could that be?
Could it be Chu Jiubian, this "deity"?
How many more tricks does he have up his sleeve? Could it be that he truly possesses even more formidable abilities, capable of handling even a multi-front warlord army right before his eyes?
If that's really the case...
Lu Youwei closed his eyes.
There's no need to overthink it; the Lu family has no way out.
Even if Chu Jiubian really did pull off some miracle, they could only accept their bad luck.
Others shared his apprehension, but Chu Jiubian's methods, from ice and salt at the beginning to sweet potatoes and cotton later on, were all aimed at solving the people's difficulties.
Only during that assassination attempt did he demonstrate exceptionally lethal methods.
Therefore, they always felt that Chu Jiubian, this god, or rather all gods, had no right to arbitrarily use their divine power to harm ordinary mortals; their power could only be used to "save people," not to "harm people."
Even during the previous assassination attempt, Chu Jiubian only killed a few people when he retaliated.
When he returned to his official residence, a minor official from the Ministry of Personnel noticed bloodstains on his sleeve, suggesting that he might have been "punished" or something similar.
Isn't that how legends always go?
They had no other choice but to console themselves with this thought.
The gods' "mercy" became their point of attack against him.
The news from the capital quickly spread to the various fiefdoms of the various princes.
That night, in the palace.
Inside the Yaotai Residence.
The lights are off.
Chu Jiubian lay on the bed, his pure white undergarment shimmering in the moonlight.
The back window, which wasn't fully closed, was pushed open, and a dark figure leaped in from outside, then took two steps to the bedside.
The newcomer grabbed Chu Jiubian's wrists with one hand and pressed them above his head, while the other hand reached inside his clothes, the cool hand touching the young man's warm and soft skin.
Chu Jiubian trembled and subconsciously grabbed his arm, trying to push him away with some force, but he didn't really use any force.
It's like playing hard to get.
"Don't move, be good." The man's voice was flippant. "I only rob women, I don't hurt anyone."
Chu Jiubian looked up at the man's smiling eyes, then kicked him in the waist: "Whose father is he?"
Qin Xiao smiled and leaned down to kiss his lips.
Forceful and impatient, that's Qin Xiao's usual demeanor.
Chu Jiubian closed her eyes, parted her teeth slightly, and let the man's breath penetrate deeper.
Qin Xiao continued kissing, but then took out a long red ribbon from his pocket.
He opened his eyes and could see the young man's long eyelashes so close to his face.
A deep lust flashed in Qin Xiao's eyes. He released the young man's wrist and carefully tied the red ribbon around the young man's eyes.
Chu Jiubian paused, his hands instinctively rising, but he only managed to grab Qin Xiao's hard arms.
"What are you doing?" he asked softly, his voice hoarse.
Qin Xiao tied the ribbon and got up from Chu Jiubian.
A chill ran down her upper body. The darkness prevented Chu Jiu from discerning Qin Xiao's location, and she was unaware of how alluring her clothes were, with the red silk covering her face.
He instinctively tried to pull the blanket over himself, but Qin Xiao grabbed his outstretched hand, and then the man tied his wrists together with another red ribbon.
"Qin Xiao." Chu Jiubian was somewhat afraid.
"I'm here," Qin Xiao replied gently, but with a little force, he flipped Chu Jiubian over, making him kneel on the bed.
Her waist slumped softly, the beautiful lines of her lumbar spine outlining a sunken curve that extended beneath the fabric.
The familiar sound of tearing fabric made Chu Jiubian's ears turn bright red, and even his body blushed slightly.
Qin Xiao's breath hitched, and he rubbed his palm against the man's crotch.
Deprived of his sight and with his hands bound, Chu Jiubian seemed to have lost all power to resist, being tormented by the man over and over.
The red silk covering her eyes was stained with tears, and Chu Jiubian's body was covered with spots of kiss marks.
From the Adam's apple to the chest, from the shoulders to the lumbar spine, and then to the legs...
“Qin Xiao…” Chu Jiubian’s voice was choked with emotion as he spoke, “That’s enough.”
"No, I don't want it."
His mind was hazy, and he didn't know how many times he said "no," but Qin Xiao would only kiss him gently each time, replying "okay, right away," but it never ended.
Chu Jiubian was just talking; he didn't really want to resist.
Tomorrow is a day off from court, so he can rest properly. It wouldn't hurt for him to cause a little trouble.
Moreover, Qin Xiao will be "setting off" early the day after tomorrow. Although it's just for show and he won't actually be far from the capital, they won't be able to see each other for at least a month after this separation.
It's understandable that Qin Xiao would go crazy like this.
Chu Jiubian himself was naturally also concerned.
The first time, he experienced pleasure beyond pain. Now, time after time, Qin Xiao became more and more skilled, using all sorts of methods, making him more and more addicted to it.
At this moment, Chu Jiubian was held in the man's arms, his entire weight resting on the man's palm.
It was both deep and heavy.
Chu Jiubian clung tightly to Qin Xiao's neck, feeling as if he were about to be "killed" by him.
After an unknown amount of time, Chu Jiubian's hair was soaked with sweat and stuck pitifully to his face. He lay on the bed, unable to move even a finger.
The muscles in his legs were spasming involuntarily, and his breathing was sometimes shallow and sometimes heavy.
Qin Xiao removed the red silk from his eyes and gently kissed his damp brow, with the utmost tenderness.
But the thing he had buried inside the young man was still moving, very roughly.
Chu Jiubian slowly opened his eyes and saw the man's eyes, which were filled with deep affection and piety.
He was a little slow to react.
Qin Xiao had never looked at him with such eyes before, as if he were looking not only at his beloved, but also at a god whom he dared not profane.
Yet, under such a gaze, the man's actions had nothing to do with "not daring to desecrate."
She elevates him emotionally and makes insatiable demands on him physically.
Chu Jiubian really liked Qin Xiao's appearance.
"The wind rises." He spoke, addressing Qin Xiao by his courtesy name for the first time.
"Hmm." Qin Xiao's Adam's apple bobbed, and he slowed his movements.
Chu Jiubian raised his hand to stroke his sweaty cheek, his eyes slightly unfocused, and said, "Are you scared?"
"I'm afraid." Qin Xiao replied almost without hesitation.
"What are you afraid of?"
Qin Xiao looked at him intently and said softly, "I'm afraid you have someone you like, I'm afraid you don't think I'm good enough, I'm afraid..."
"I'm afraid you'll leave."
Qin Xiao rarely showed weakness like this.
Even when he asked Chu Jiubian to help him earn money and resolve the disaster, he always used appropriate things in exchange. Even when he "asked," he asked for it properly and did not appear humble.
Qin Xiao knew that even if Chu Jiubian didn't help him, he could handle those things himself, but it would be more strenuous, more difficult, and would take up more time.
He would have to pay a higher price to do it all on his own, but he was certain that he could accomplish it, and that was his confidence.
But facing Chu Jiubian now, he had no confidence at all.
He couldn't sense how much Chu Jiubian cared about him, and he was even more afraid that the other party would disappear in the blink of an eye and return to the "Immortal Realm," or that the High Priest would suddenly appear and take Chu Jiubian away from him...
He has too many fears.
Chu Jiubian stared at him intently, his slightly unfocused eyes regaining their sparkle.
"Qin Xiao".
Countless words piled up in his heart, but in the end, he swallowed them all.
He reached out and hugged the man's neck, then kissed him.
This was the second time he had truly taken the initiative; none of the times Qin Xiao had tricked him into taking the initiative counted.
Qin Xiao kept his eyes closed, not daring to move.
She was afraid that if she moved, she would disturb this hard-won kiss.
Only when he sensed that Chu Jiubian was about to back off did he regain the initiative.
After tossing and turning until dawn, Chu Jiubian fell into a deep sleep in his arms.
Before going to sleep, the young man mumbled, "Qin Xiao, you've always liked me, haven't you?"
Qin Xiao stroked his head, left a gentle kiss on his brow, and said, "Okay."
==
Chu Jiubian barely got out of bed the next day, staying in the room all day.
Baili Hong thought the master was ill and came to visit, but Qin Xiao coaxed him away.
Chu Jiubian tried to get out of bed and walk around, but his legs went numb as soon as they touched the ground, and he had no strength at all.
However, perhaps the ointment Qin Xiao used had a special effect; despite all the commotion last night, he only felt something there today and didn't feel uncomfortable.
That morning, Qin Xiao went out to arrange some things, and then spent the rest of the afternoon with Chu Jiubian in the house.
The two did nothing, not even discussing the impending war.
They only talked about the future of Da Ning and Chu Jiubian's description of the "Immortal Realm".
Qin Xiao listened carefully.
He said there are flying iron birds in the sky and carts on the ground that don't need to be pulled by animals.
They say it takes only two hours to travel from the capital to the northeast in the celestial realm, and that buildings there can reach dozens of stories high, where a small square box can allow one to speak face-to-face with someone thousands of miles away.
Listening to his description, Qin Xiao vaguely felt that he could imagine what those things looked like, but it was very blurry.
Chu Jiubian also said that if he had the chance, he really wanted to take Qin Xiao back for a few days.
However, he didn't want to stay there; he still preferred Da Ning.
Qin Xiao knew that Chu Jiubian had many unpleasant experiences in the Immortal Realm, but since the other party didn't say anything, he didn't press for details. He simply said, "If you like those things, then let's work harder and turn Da Ning into an 'Immortal Realm' as well."
Chu Jiubian laughed.
It didn't say that it would take hundreds or thousands of years for the world to become like that; it only said, "Then we need to do things faster."
Early the next morning, Qin Xiao led his troops out on another expedition.
This time, he's going to Northeast China.
Two days later, Chu Jiubian met Si Tu Zhaoling in the Divine Realm.
The little girl said that after her mother returned to southern Xinjiang, she had been studying those Gu worms and discovered that once these Gu worms entered the human body, they would begin to control the person's nerves, but after all, they were animals and would have their own nature.
As long as they smell a scent they like, they will control their host to approach that scent.
Si Tu Anli then prepared the medicine that could attract the Gu worms, as well as the medicine that would prevent the Gu worms from getting close, and had Si Tu Zhaoling give it to the High Priest.
The believers were well aware that the high priest had a way to contact Chu Jiubian.
Therefore, instead of sending someone to deliver the message at full speed, it is better to report directly to the High Priest in the Divine Realm. The High Priest will then give all the information and materials to Grand Tutor Chu, which is both fast and safe.
Once Chu Jiubian received the medicine, a huge weight was lifted from his heart.
The Gu worms refined by the Gu master under the Prince of Dingbei could not be detected by the system after entering the human body and being assimilated. Therefore, he was always worried that the Prince of Dingbei might have released more Gu worms during his time in the capital.
Those Gu worms are hidden inside someone's body, and they could suddenly attack and harm someone at any time.
Now that he has these medicines, he can try to find those Gu worms again.
However, if there really are Gu worms, he will not remove them immediately. Since those Gu worms will not move again, he will just have someone keep an eye on them to avoid alerting the Prince of Dingbei.
Meanwhile, inside the Prince Dingbei's residence.
Baili Yu sat in the head seat, holding a letter in his hand.
The letter was sent by the Prince of Huguang, telling him to be prepared. Whether he could contain Chu Jiubian after entering the capital depended on his methods.
Previously, Baili Yu had said that he had a way to restrain Chu Jiubian. When the time came, as long as someone captured or killed Baili Hong, the throne would be vacant.
Baili Yu looked up and saw a figure standing on the ground directly in front of him, completely covered up.
"Are those Gu worms alright?" Baili Yu asked.
"Your Highness," the Gu Master said in his androgynous voice, "there is nothing unusual, and there is no unusual activity in the palace either."
Baili Yu left two Gu worms in the palace. One was eliminated, and the other is still alive and well.
In addition, there are even more Gu worms in the imperial city.
Those Gu worms reside in the bodies of ordinary people, and when necessary, they can be very useful "weapons" that can definitely restrain Chu Jiubian, this compassionate and benevolent deity.
Baili Yu stood up, walked to the Gu Master, and gently stroked the pale face hidden under the hood.
"Once it's done, you'll be my greatest contributor." He said gently with a smile, "Then I'll give you whatever you want."
The Gu Master slowly raised his head, his androgynous face pale and sickly.
"Can the Empress also do it?" the Gu Master asked softly.
Baili Yu's smile deepened: "I already said, anything is fine."
==
On the fourth day after Qin Xiao led his army away from the capital, Chu Jiubian sprinkled the protective powder sent from the southern border on the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and also put it in a purse for Baili Hong to carry with him.
Afterwards, he ordered his guards to secretly sprinkle powder that could attract Gu worms in several specific places in the city.
These are places that no one would normally pass by, let alone go to on purpose.
The next day, the guards saw thirty civilians deliberately go to those places and wander around the areas where the powder had been sprinkled. Some of them even dipped their fingers in the powder and put it in their mouths before leaving satisfied.
Perhaps influenced by Cheng Shuo's incident, this new batch of Gu worms is even more sinister and incurable.
Once parasitized, it will become a container for the life of the Gu worm.
Only death brings an end to it.
Chu Jiubian ordered his guards to keep an eye on these people and kill them without mercy if anything seemed amiss.
Meanwhile, in the palace, Chu Jiubian also sent people to sprinkle powder that attracted Gu worms in a hidden corner, and sure enough, they caught one that had escaped.
The guards did not alert the enemy; they simply drew a picture of the person and investigated his identity before handing it over to Chu Jiubian.
Chu Jiubian stared at the unfamiliar yet familiar face on the paper, remaining silent for a long time.
Finally, he folded the two pages and placed them in the firelight to burn.
The firelight reflected off his face, flickering on and off.
cause and effect.
Chu Jiubian thought of those two words again.
Perhaps all of this was predetermined.
The paper burned to ashes. Chu Jiubian closed his eyes, and when he opened them again after a long while, he had regained his composure.
==
That night, Chu Jiubian met Qin Chuan again in the Divine Realm and listened to his report on the recent developments.
After Qin Xiao left the capital, various forces prepared to assassinate him, but none of the assassins were as good as Qin Xiao's bodyguards. They all died before they could even appear in front of Qin Xiao and his three thousand Qin family soldiers.
After that, the Qiu family set their sights on the martial arts world.
Moreover, this time he even contacted Qin Chuan's men directly, saying he wanted to cooperate with the "Martial Arts Alliance Leader".
In the world of martial arts, things are peaceful and uneventful.
The leader of the martial arts alliance forbids people from the martial arts world from participating in the struggles of the imperial court. Previously, the Qiu family had been stopped from asking martial arts forces to do anything.
Therefore, the Qiu family directly approached the leader of the martial arts alliance. If he agreed, the martial arts forces could participate in the assassination of Qin Xiao.
The outstanding disciples of various schools and sects are far more capable than assassins and killers.
Qin Chuan accepted the gold and silver treasures sent by the Qiu family without any hesitation. When he read the letter telling him not to stop them and that it would be best to send someone to assassinate Qin Xiao, he felt even more at ease accepting the money.
He replied to the Qiu family, saying that he would personally lead men to kill Qin Xiao, but the aristocratic families and vassal kings would offer him a more generous reward.
The reputation of the martial arts alliance leader is known to all. If he personally takes action, Qin Xiao is doomed.
The crowd was naturally generous with their money.
Chu Jiubian almost laughed when he heard Qin Chuan finish speaking.
Then he thought again that Grand Commandant Qin was truly an extraordinary figure, and that everyone in the Qin family was incredibly strong, each one capable of being the protagonist of their own book.
"If possible, I humbly request the High Priest to inform Grand Tutor Chu of this matter," Qin Chuan said respectfully.
This way, Chu Jiubian could receive news from time to time and put his mind at ease.
When Qin Xiao is actually "killed" by the leader of the martial arts alliance, the other party will no longer have to worry.
However, Qin Chuan knew how much the High Priest cared about Grand Tutor Chu, so he naturally dared not say these things.
If the gods target Qin Xiao, then it would be a great loss.
However, he also knew that the High Priest was a god with a magnanimous heart, and had not done anything to Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian who were affectionate for so long.
Thinking about it this way, Qin Chuan felt a little sorry for the High Priest.
He had many thoughts in his mind, but his expression remained unchanged, and Chu Jiubian did not investigate further.
"Go, and inform me immediately of any other news about Prince Ning," he said.
"Yes." Qin Chuan was not surprised.
The High Priest was not an omniscient god. He secretly followed Grand Tutor Chu down to the mortal realm, and his magical power was sealed away in much of it, just like Chu's. That's why Qin Chuan had a chance to use his skills.
However, even with just a little bit of magical power, the High Priest and Grand Tutor Chu were far beyond the reach of ordinary people.
As the days passed, everything in the capital and Daning was peaceful, just as Lu Youwei had said before: with external threats looming, internal strife had to be put aside.
But they all knew the truth in their hearts.
Now all they're waiting for is a single command.
Half a month later, Qin Xiao led his army to the border between the northern desert and the northeast, where they were ambushed by martial arts figures.
Qin Xiao's whereabouts were unknown. Deputy General Qin Chaoyang led three thousand soldiers to search the vicinity for three days and three nights without success. He had no choice but to regroup and head northeast again.
After the news spread to various places, the princes raised their banners, shouted the slogan "Purge the emperor's inner circle of corrupt officials," and led their troops toward the capital.
With the fate of Prince Ning unknown, the Grand Tutor Chu held immense power in the court.
He has no relation to Baili Hong, and might lead him astray.
The reason was utterly lame, but the princes couldn't openly admit they wanted to be rebels; they had to raise a banner.
The capital city.
The officials in the court acted as usual, pretending to be doing what was best for Da Ning, asking Chu Jiubian to find a way to suppress the rebellious army of the vassal kings, but they themselves offered no suggestions whatsoever.
Chu Jiubian suddenly thought of when he first came to Da Ning. Qin Xiao was in the court, short of people and money, and must have been forced to do so just like he is now.
However, Chu Jiubian is not alone now.
With his still-childish face, Lu Yao cursed all the people shouting in the room without using a single swear word.
Then he bowed to Baili Hong and Chu Jiubian and said in a serious tone, "Your Majesty, sir, the vassal king's army is coming to the capital. Our soldiers from other places can go to the vassal king's fiefdom and raid their stronghold."
Upon hearing this, everyone present changed their expressions.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com