Chapter 208 - The New Emperor Ascends the Throne

Jin Feng leaped over swiftly and grabbed hold of his arm. Just as he was about to speak. he noticed Ji Yuxian giving him a darkened gaze, slowly shaking his head.

Ji Feng glanced around the room and remained silent, understanding his intention.

The man’s red robe swayed in the wind like an equinox flower blossoming in silence. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead, slowly trickling down his pale face as he endured the pain with much difficulty. He walked towards the study room. Once he was a distance away from the bedroom, the man’s chest heaved, and he abruptly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.

“Eldest Young Master!” Jin Feng yelled frantically.

Ji Yuxian shut his eyes for a moment. He felt the blood in his entire body regurgitating and closed his eyes from the excruciating pain.

His mind was blank amidst the tremendous pain, but an image of a young woman’s smiling face became clearer and clearer as if she was appearing out of the fog. She shouted his name over and over again.

“Ji Yuxian…

“Ji Yuxian!”

…

The man took a deep breath and continued to walk forward.

Ji Yuxian was unconscious on the bed behind the folding partition in the study room when Doctor Gu arrived.

Doctor Gu’s facial expression changed instantly at the sight of him, hurriedly administering the usual medicine and acupuncture.

Jin Feng stood by the side, his eyes filled with intense worry.

This was the third time in a month that his illness acted up, and it was not even the middle of the month.

Such incidents used to occur once a month, then it came twice a month, and now it was thrice a month. How long would Eldest Young Master be able to keep this up?

Furthermore, there was no news regarding the Half Moon Devourer poison.

They had been searching for more than ten years…would Eldest Young Master be able to wait another ten years for the antidote?

Old Gu only got back up on his feet two hours later. He tidied up his silver needles wearily.

“Is Eldest Young Master…” Jin Feng queried, stepping forward with the doctor.

“Is the little girl coming back tonight?” Old Gu asked all of a sudden.

“Yes,” Jin Feng answered softly.

Old Gu paused for a moment before he said, “It’s best to separate them for this period of time.”

Jin Feng’s brows knitted tightly together. He was afraid that he would not be able to prevent Eldest Young Master from meeting Young Mistress.

“If he’s not agreeable, then ask him to choose between his own life or the woman.” Old Gu snorted.

Jin Feng replied without hesitation, “Eldest Young Master would definitely choose Young Mistress!”

Old Gu was stunned for a moment. Then, he started to chuckle. “That’s right, I’ve forgotten that this rascal is a sentimental man like me! Then I’ll talk to that little girl!”

“Don’t!” Jin Feng hurriedly stopped him. “Young Mistress is not aware of his condition. Eldest Young Master doesn’t want her to be worried!”

“Ha! Trying to be understanding!” Old Gu laughed and sighed wistfully. “This rascal is just like me in the past!”

Jin Feng was speechless.

Was it considered sentimental to be related to eleven women?

“You have to get him to reconsider because there is no way he can have that woman if he’s dead! I’m going to sleep now; he’ll wake up in four hours.” Old Gu yawned. He picked up his medical kit and walked out of the room.

“Doctor Gu!” Jin Feng called out suddenly, but then he hesitated for a moment before asking in a deep voice, “How long…does Eldest Young Master have…if we’re not able to find the cure?”

Old Gu frowned and did not reply. He only sighed again. Finally, he said, “No matter his condition now, if he doesn’t get into a fit of passion, anger, or sadness, he should be able to survive another few months!”

Jin Feng’s throat tightened. He nodded slowly. “I got it!”

It began to rain heavily at 1 am and the rain continued to pour even after dawn broke.

Su Jiu did not get a good night’s sleep. She had been plagued with many strange dreams, fearful for most of the night yet unable to wake up from them.

The sky was already bright when she finally opened her eyes.

It was still pouring outside the window when she woke up, alone in bed. As the rain began to slow into a drizzle, water droplets began to trickle from the roof and dripped onto the ground with a tapping sound.

Su Jiu stared at the window and did not get up for a long time.

Maybe it was too quiet, that’s why she felt a sudden wave of desolation.

She became even more panicked, sitting up abruptly when she recalled some of the dreams she had last night.

Suddenly, the doors were opened, and Mo Yu entered the room, carrying a pile of clothes. She smiled politely. “Young Mistress, you’re awake!”

Su Jiu wrapped the blanket around her body and nodded. “What time is it?”

“It’s almost 9 am!” Mo Yu helped Su Jiu to put on her clothes.

Su Jiu frowned slightly. She had not expected to sleep until such a late hour.

“Where is Ji Yuxian?”

“Eldest Young Master is in the study room!”

Su Jiu nodded. He was most likely in the study room at this time of the day.

The rain had already stopped by the time she washed up and headed out. The wind was humid as it combed through the air.

Jin Feng walked over and with his head lowered, said, “Breakfast is ready in the dining hall. I will send Young Mistress back after Young Mistress has had your breakfast.”

Su Jiu looked at him calmly. “Is Ji Yuxian still busy?”

“There is a ledger from the bank that needs to be clarified. Eldest Young Master is currently working on it,” Jin Feng replied respectfully.

Su Jiu glanced at the door of the study room and remained silent.

“Young Mistress, it’s the Lantern Festival tomorrow, but Young Master will not be free to accompany Young Mistress. He hopes you will be understanding,” Jin Feng told her apologetically.

“It’s alright!” Su Jiu smiled, turning to head to the dining hall.

Su Jiu went to the bodyguard agency early on the day of the Lantern Festival, releasing Ah Shu home to accompany and celebrate the occasion with Zhao Shan. She occupied herself with work in the agency for the entire day.

She was empathetic towards the bodyguards who had to work during the festival and rewarded every one of them with a hefty sum of money.

Su Jiu only headed back home in the evening. The streets were already packed with people lighting up lanterns. Young couples walked along the streets, laughing, deeply immersed in the joyous atmosphere.

The happy and auspicious mood could even be felt even with the cold wind blowing.

Eldest Mistress and Nanny had made glutinous balls, waiting for Su Jiu to join them for dinner.

The osmanthus fillings had gardenia mixed in it, and the texture of the glutinous balls was sweet but not astringent. It was Su Jiu’s favorite flavor.

During dinner, Su Jiu asked, “Did Ji Yuxian…come over today?”

Eldest Mistress shook her head. “No.”

She paused, contemplating that question, and frowned. “Did you and Ji Yuxian quarrel?”

“No, we didn’t!” Su Jiu said immediately. She smiled. “He’s been busy these two days!”

“Oh!” Eldest Mistress nodded slightly and ordered Nanny, “Pack up the leftover glutinous balls and have Jiu’er bring them to Ji Yuxian later on.”

Su Jiu raised her brows. “I didn’t say I’ll be going to Ji Manor. I’m going to accompany you tonight to celebrate the Lantern Festival and enjoy the full moon!”

“I don’t need you to accompany me. You go ahead and look after Ji Yuxian,” Eldest Mistress chirped.

Su Jiu had nothing to say.

Eldest Mistress urged Su Jiu to hurry back to Ji Manor after dinner. Su Jiu seemed to have also gotten used to her mother chasing her out of the house these days and decided to head out without making a fuss, armed with the glutinous balls.

When the horse carriage reached the street, Er Mao asked, “Young Master, where are we going?”

“Ji Manor.”

“Noted!”

It was crowded on the streets and the horse carriage only arrived outside Ji Manor two hours later. The gates to the manor were tightly shut and the lights outside the gates remained dim. It was quiet, without a hint of any celebratory mood within the manor.

Su Jiu recalled Jin Feng’s words the day before and guessed that Ji Yuxian might have already gone to bed by this time.

After a moment of hesitation, she left the glutinous balls outside the gate and headed back to the horse carriage.

Su Jiu decided to go watch the lantern exhibition by herself, not wanting to face her mother’s nagging by returning.

It was bustling on Zhuque Street with all kinds of vendors touted for sales on both sides of the road. Young women held onto a variety of lanterns, weaving through the crowd. The lanterns gave the crowd a colorful light. Children gathered in groups to set off fireworks and Su Jiu heard joyful laughter all around her.

The strains of opera singing could be heard a distance away, the voices traveling with the wind. One’s heart felt soft as soon as they heard the voices accompanied by slow and gentle music.

Fireworks burst with a loud bang, far away, lighting up the night sky. It was a gorgeous and bedazzling scene.

Su Jiu stood in the crowd, looking up at the fireworks. Her eyes sparkled on her delicate face, just like the stars in the night sky.

On the roadside, a stall selling sugar figurines was crowded with children. A few of them were too poor to afford the candy and could only enviously watch at the other children enjoying these treats as they swallowed their longing.

Su Jiu walked over and handed over a silver ingot to the vendor. She smiled. “Let them have their fill.”

“Sure, sure!” The vendor kept the money and nodded repeatedly.

“Thank you, Sister!”

“Sister, you’re such a nice person!”

A few children smiled shyly as they gave their respects to Su Jiu.

“You’re welcome!” Su Jiu patted a girl’s head and laughed. She took a sugar tiger figurine and got up to leave.

Su Jiu continued to walk as she chewed on her sugar figurine.

The stall in front of her was crowded with people participating in riddle guessing games. Su Jiu thought that the shop assistant looked familiar and hence, she squeezed through the crowd to take a closer look. She remembered that it was the same shopkeeper of the riddle guessing game stall that Ji Yuxian and herself had participated in last year.

A nearly two-feet tall nine-sided glazed lantern hung in the middle of the stall. The lantern was made of carved redwood while its lamp cord was weaved with gold and silver threads. It was beautiful and bedazzling.

The rest of the lanterns in the stall were overshadowed by this palace lantern.

“As everyone can tell, this palace lantern is the grand prize for tonight. To be honest, this lantern was from last year, not given to anyone as nobody lasted until the end of the game. A young woman had won the year before that, and if there is still no winner this year, it will show that all the talented men present cannot even be compared to that young lady!” the shopkeeper said and laughed.

Everyone was thrilled by this challenge and became ambitious, eager to participate, and determined to win.

Su Jiu watched the game for a while and realized that there was a young couple among the participants. They had solved the greatest number of riddles and they were the fastest. Within a short time, they had already solved five riddles, cheered on enthusiastically by the spectators.

Su Jiu shoved the last of her sugar figurine into her mouth and squeezed herself out of the crowd.

She reached the riverbank after walking for a while more, staring at the boathouses along the river, their lights sparkling across the waters in the dark of the night. Laughter and melodious music from string instruments could be heard over the water and the river bustled with more activity than in the daytime.

Many people released floating river lanterns along the shore. The lotus lanterns floated along the river one by one, sparkling and creating ripples in the water. It was like the galaxy had come to earth.

“Lady! Come here, release a floating lantern and make a wish for your family and your loved ones!” a young man touted, holding several lotus lanterns as he smiled.

Su Jiu raised her brows and nodded slowly.

“Is my lady wishing for peace or marriage?” The young man smiled.

“I’m wishing for peace.” Su Jiu said.

“Sure!” The young man picked out a lantern for Su Jiu.

Su Jiu walked to the side of the river and placed the lantern on the water, she ran her hand through the water and the lantern immediately floated away with the wave she created.

Su Jiu only got up when the lantern had floated to a distance away and she could only make out a speck of light coming from it. Suddenly, she chuckled and shook her head. She couldn’t believe she fell for such nonsense!

The opera was still going on when she turned and headed back. The willow tree was still there.

Su Jiu bought a devil facemask and put it on as she climbed the tree to watch.

The opera had a different batch of singers this time and were performing a different story. But the story was still talking about the joy, sadness, reunion, and separation of a love relationship. The spectators were absorbed in the story as they hushed one another, laughed, and became sad as the storyline unfolded. It was as if the opera performance told the story of a real-life event.

Su Jiu wore her facemask the whole time, only her eyes shone from behind it. She enjoyed the opera thoroughly.

A full moon hung in the sky, shining on top of the tree as it silently watched the busy and bustling streets, like a privileged spectator given a superior position to view the pairs of couples desperately in love.

Su Jiu leaned against the tree branch and watched the opera stage lazily.

A tall and lean silhouette appeared under the tree, standing at the back of the chaotic crowd. He had beautiful and delicate facial features, his pair of sparkling eyes gazing tenderly at the young woman on the tree.

They remained this way until the opera performance ended, and the crowd on the streets, other than a few spectators left around the stage, had dispersed.

The moon shone brightly on that night of the 15th, lights waning and waxing on the streets.

Su Jiu came down from the tree and looked behind her subconsciously.

The moonlight was dim and there was no one under the tree.

Su Jiu laughed at herself mockingly, heading home after tipping the opera performers.

After thirty-one years under Emperor Zhao Ping’s reign, the Emperor retired from his position on the second day of the second month. He was succeeded by Crown Prince Xiao Lie who was the fifteenth generation of Daliang Country’s leader. The reigning title was changed to “Qing Wu”.

The country celebrated and cheered the day that he ascended the throne. A general amnesty was given on this special day.

Lanterns filled the streets within Shengjing City once more as the city was immersed in a celebratory mood that lasted for ten days.

Xiao Lie had shifted to Qingxin Hall in the palace and had granted Secondary Consort Lan the residence of Yuming Palace.

The Crown Princess Consort’s title stayed the same and she continued to reside at the previous Crown Prince Manor.

This matter spread across the city and everyone talked about it. But they were all aware of the previous incident where Yu Long had harmed Xiao Lie’s child, hence nobody dared to voice their opinion even though the decision seemed unfair.

Lord Yun Nan, Xia Cang, had entered the palace consecutively to meet the new Emperor but was faced with Xiao Lie’s outright refusal.

Xia Cang had no choice but to look for the Emperor Emeritus. However, he was informed that the Emperor Emeritus had not been feeling well and required rest without any disturbance.

This time, even Imperial Concubine Rong, the new Empress Dowager Rong, who used to dote on Yu Long, refused to speak up for her as well.

Yu Long knelt outside the Royal Study and requested to meet Xiao Lie. She had been kneeling for an entire day when the new Chief Eunuch, Eunuch Yuan, came out and told her, “The Emperor has said that since you fancied being the Crown Princess Consort, he will let you retain this title forever.”

Yu Long’s face was sickly and pale in the cold wind, her loose clothing fluttering in the strong gusts of wind, wrapped around her skinny body. She looked like she was about to be knocked down by the wind anytime.

“I want to meet the Emperor. I plead with Eunuch Yuan to convey my request to him!”

“The Emperor refuses to meet you, Crown Princess Consort. Please head back!” Eunuch Yuan persuaded.

” I plead with Eunuch Yuan to convey my request to him!” Yu Long persisted.

“Well…” Eunuch Yuan frowned. He was put in an awkward predicament.

“Eunuch Yuan, please head back. Let me speak to Crown Princess Consort.” Lan Zhihui smiled, walking over slowly.

The woman was dressed in a pleated imperial costume with gold-threaded long sleeves, her hair accessorized with a phoenix hairpin, and a dark-colored mesh embroidered with peony patterns draped around her arms. She had put on makeup and red lipstick, and this made her appear more elegant and noble than ever.

Her charisma had changed as her status transformed.

Yu Long did not look up at Lan Zhihui but remained emotionlessly fixated on the Royal Study.

“The way I see it, Crown Princess Consort shouldn’t be so persistent because the Emperor had just ascended the throne and is preoccupied with numerous affairs in the imperial court every day. How will he have the time to meet Crown Princess Consort now? You will only make the Emperor detest you more if you continue to behave this way.” Lan Zhihui persuaded gently with a smile.

Yu Long’s posture remained stoic, and her face maintained its sickly pale shade while she stayed silent.

“I am being considerate to Crown Princess Consort as well, so please head back to Crown Prince Manor for the time being. Maybe the Emperor will let you come and stay in the palace after his hatred and anger for you subsides. You just need to wait for a maximum of three to five years before the Emperor remembers you exist!”

Yu Long looked up coldly at her. “No matter what, I’m still the main consort of the Emperor. A lowly person like you is not qualified to add insult to my injury!”

Lan Zhihui raised her brows. “I speak with good intentions, so it doesn’t matter if Crown Princess Consort does not accept my words, but you do not have to insult me.”

Yu Long glared at her in disdain. “A filthy sl*t like you is not qualified to speak to me!”

Lan Zhihui clenched her fists tightly within her sleeves though her expression remained calm. She curled her lips into a smile and said, “In that case, then Crown Princess Consort may remain kneeling. Don’t blame me for not warning you when the Emperor’s wrath is incurred!”

The secondary consort took a glance at Yu Long as she spoke and turned to walk through the door.

Yu Long knelt for an entire day and night outside the Royal Study. When Hong Xiu rushed over with Lady Yun Nan, Yu Long had fallen unconscious on the ground before getting a chance to see the Emperor.

Lord Yun Nan entered the palace early the next day and stood outside the Royal Study, waiting for Xiao Lie to return from a meeting.

Xiao Lie did not mention Yu Long this time when he met Lord Yun Nan. Instead, he told Lord Yun Nan that he had been in the city for some time and that it was time for him to return to Diannan City.

“Emperor, please forgive me for being unable to accede to your request. I cannot return to Diannan City when Yu Long’s matter is not yet settled!” Xia Cang spoke forcefully, a hint of threat in his voice, his expression ghastly.

However, Xiao Lie was not bothered by this at all. He smiled. “Your royal highness may continue to stay, but there should still be someone guarding Diannan City, don’t you think? If Your royal highness is not willing to leave the city, then let your crown prince return instead!”

This suggestion was aligned with Xia Cang’s intention to get Xia Huan to return to Diannan City.

If Xia Huan could return, they would not need to worry about him left behind in Shengjing City as a hostage. Moreover, it was a good opportunity for Xia Huan to return to Diannan City.

After all, he was the future leader of Diannan City. He could not stay in Shengjing City forever.

“Noted, I will obey your decree,” Xia Cang said.

“I still other matters to attend to. Your royal highness is dismissed,” Xiao Lie said, holding up a memorandum in his hand.

Xia Cang had wanted to discuss Yu Long, but he had no choice but to postpone that discussion in the end and ultimately retreated out of the Royal Study without having mentioned her.

Back at Lord Yun Nan Manor, Xia Cang hesitated to broach the topic of returning to Diannan City to Xia Huan.

It was only after dinner that Xia Cang asked Lady Yun Nan, “Did Huan’er leave the manor these few days?”

Lady Yun Nan shook her head. “No, he’s always been in the manor.”

“Is he still in contact with the rest of the Dragon Conqueror Gang?”

“He shouldn’t be. Huan’er has been hanging out with the sons and relatives of the imperial officials during this period of time.”

Xia Cang nodded and told her about the Emperor’s suggestion of letting Xia Huan return to Diannan City.

“Then I’ll go back with Huan’er!” Lady Yun Nan said immediately.

“What will Yu Long do if you return to Diannan City?” Xia Cang frowned.

Lady Yun Nan was worried to hear this and sighed. “How about we let the Emperor divorce Long’er, then we can all return to Diannan City as a family. Wouldn’t that be good?”

Xia Cang laughed coldly. “Return to Diannan City? Don’t you realize that the Emperor had a stronger will to withdraw the power of his vassal states as compared to Emperor Emeritus? It’s very obvious the moment he refused to grant Yu Long the title of Empress! As such, I’m determined not to leave Shengjing City. Diannan City is guarded by Liu Feng’s army and is in safe hands, it will be easier for me to pre-empt anything if I am staying in Shengjing City where I can get hold of news quickly.”

“Then what should we do about Yu Long?” Lady Yun Nan asked with concern.

“Long’er cannot leave Crown Prince Manor or all her past sufferings will go to waste! Xiao Lie will definitely make Long’er the Empress!” Xia Cang said with resolve.

“What if he never does?”

Viciousness flashed across Xia Cang’s darkened gaze. “Then he cannot blame me for neglecting my duty towards him as a subject. The new Emperor who has just ascended the throne will not have a day of peace in the country!”

Lady Yun Nan was shocked at what he said. “Are you thinking… No way! Daliang Country is enjoying prosperity right now and has a strong military, we won’t be able to win!”

“Lord Yun Nan Manor owns half the of Daliang Country. I will get back this half of the country even if I cannot win!” Xia Cang declared coldly with confidence.

Lady Yun Nan remained nervous. “Must we do this? Long’er will be caught in a difficult position!”

“Xiao Lie has left us with no choice!” Lord Yun Nan snorted. “Xiao Lie has already given up on Yu Long, what is there for us to get attached for?”

Lady Yun Nan gave out a sigh. “Well, we should worry about persuading Huan’er to leave Shengjing City first!”

“Yes, I’ll go right now.”

Xia Huan was reading on the couch when Xia Cang entered his room. He wore a loose robe and did not look up even though he heard someone approaching.

“Huan’er, what are you reading?” Xia Cang looked benevolent as he sat in a chair across from him.

Xia Huan’s gaze remained fixed on the book as he asked flatly, “What’s the matter?”

Xia Cang watched his son’s aloof and distant expression but did not dare to be infuriated. He kept his voice friendly as he spoke, “I entered the palace today and the Emperor had issued a decree for you to head back to Diannan City on behalf of your father because Diannan City should not be left this long without a leader.”

Xia Huan’s eyes remained calm. He raised his brows. “Must I be the one to go back?”

“Yes, it’s the Emperor’s decision,” Xia Cang said.

Xia Huan frowned and said in a low voice, “I don’t want to go back.”

“Huan’er, you’re the crown prince of Lord Yun Nan Manor and you will inherit my position in the future and become Diannan City’s leader. You will have to go back sooner or later,” Xia Cang reasoned patiently.

Xia Huan finally looked over, his lips curling into a smile. “I’m Diannan City’s leader? Then will I be able to make decisions when I return to Diannan City?”

“Of course, you can! I will write to General Liu Feng and declare your status as Lord Yun Nan’s crown prince to Diannan’s citizens. Also, you will return to Diannan City with the jade seal that symbolizes Lord Yun Nan’s power,” Xia Cang said.

Xia Huan frowned. He stared out of the window as if having difficulty in making a decision.

“Huan’er, you will have to lead Diannan City in the future. Now that I’m unable to go back, it’s the right time for you to manage Diannan City on my behalf and prepare yourself in advance.”

“You’re Lord Yun Nan’s crown prince. This has been your responsibility since you were born!” Xia Cang continued persuading.

Xia Huan nodded slightly. “Fine, I’ll pick a date to return to Diannan City.”

“That’s great!” Xia Cang appeared elated in an instant.

He would have one less concern once Xia Huan returned to Diannan City, and he nothing to worry about should he start a revolt in the future.

Lady Yun Nan was waiting anxiously outside the door. She gave a long sigh of relief when she saw Xia Cang exiting the room with a calm expression, knowing it meant that Xia Huan had agreed to return.

Xia Huan left Shengjing City for Diannan City the next day with Xia Cang’s handwritten letter and the jade seal that symbolizes Lord Yun Nan’s power.

Xia Huan looked behind him instinctively as he exited the city gates. Shengjing City was majestic and crowded while it bustled with daily activities. However, he did not see the person that he was looking forward to seeing the most.

It had been more than two years when they had traveled from Yuhu Mountain to Shengjing City. They were no longer who they were then, even though he was leaving.

The only constant was that the Dragon Conqueror Gang was still in existence!

Su Jiu may never forgive him again, but he had to go and do what he had to do!

Goodbye to the woman whom he had sworn with his life to protect!

Xia Huan took a deep breath as he whipped his horse and galloped away, leading the guards behind him out of the city. His gaze was filled with determination as they focused on the road in front of him.

They entered the third month quickly. All living things flourished and it was a scene of prosperity.

The new Emperor had started to get rid of all the personnel who had supported Prince Zhao ever since he ascended the throne. He was quick and swift in his decisions and did not appear to be relenting at all.

The officials had thought Xiao Lie was a warm and nurturing person, but now they saw the ruthless and merciless side of him.

Numerous officials were stripped of their titles and were thrown into jail or evicted, and the city was taken over by a foul wind and a rain of blood. Overnight, everyone who was related to Prince Zhao and even those who had contact with Prince Yu became afraid that they would be implicated.

Regarding the matter of Crown Princess Consort Yu Long being made to stay in Crown Prince Manor, some officials were brave enough to mention that this was not according to the rules. However, they were ignored by Xiao Lie.

Other officials started to submit memorandums requesting Xiao Lie to start his concubine selection, and these were neglected as well.

In the imperial court, Xiao Lie was efficient in understanding his subjects well enough to assign them jobs that would commensurate with their abilities. He showered his citizens with love and concern and was a warmhearted person, but he would respond coldly to anyone who tried to interfere with his private affairs.

Gradually, even the officials with good intentions did not dare to broach the subject anymore.

Yu Long persisted in kneeling outside the palace in a bid to meet the Emperor, but Xiao Lie did not give her any chance to do so.

Empress Dowager Rong felt sorry for her occasionally and sent people to persuade her to go back, but subsequently, she gave up, seeing that Yu Long was unmoved.

Xia Cang did not enter the palace anymore; he was waiting for Xia Huan to reach Diannan City before he prepared for a revolt.

After the routine morning audience on this day, the Minister of Defence requested to meet the Emperor urgently. He quickly reported upon entering the hall, “Emperor, have just received news that Lord Yun Nan has been contacting the Six Tribes in Southern Xinjiang in private. He seems to be planning a revolt.”

The Six Tribes in Southern Xinjiang was located next to Diannan City and hence were in closer contact with Lord Yun Nan as compared to Shengjing City.

Xia Cang was planning to rebel and if he managed to obtain the support of the Six Tribes in Southern Xinjiang, the entire southern Daliang Country would be under his control. This was indeed a difficult challenge for the imperial court.

Xiao Lie knew that Lord Yun Nan intended to force him to grant Yun Long the title of the Empress.

But if one forcefully tightened the string of a bow beyond its tolerance, the string would most likely break before the arrow could be launched.

“We don’t have to be concerned about this. Let him go ahead!” Xiao Lie laughed coldly and threw the memorandum onto the huge table.

Ah Shu’s expression was ghastly early in the morning at Qinglong Bodyguard Agency.

The business of the bodyguard agency had significantly fallen these few days. Upon investigation, he found out that it was Four Seas Bodyguard Agency’s doing.

Four Seas Bodyguard Agency had no business ever since they had been oppressed by Qinglong Bodyguard Agency. As such, they employed a batch of thugs to intentionally show up in the shops that had business relationships with Qinglong Bodyguard Agency. The thugs threatened and coerced these shops to cooperate with Four Seas Bodyguard Agency instead.

Some of the well-established shops had a strong foundation within Shengjing City and were not afraid of them, but most of the shops were ordinary businesses that did not want trouble; hence they had no choice but to comply.

Ah Shu gathered over twenty bodyguards and barged into Four Seas Bodyguard Agency furiously. They broke into the agency without a word and began to smash up everything within!

He was not afraid of legit competition, but he was not willing to accept the use of such tricks and schemes behind his back!

The next day, the chief of Four Seas Bodyguard Agency led over a hundred men to seek revenge.

Ah Shu was naturally unafraid and was the first one to dash forward. He gave the chief a hard punch and both of them were embroiled in a fight soon after.

It was a riotous scene with over two hundred men fighting, the entire street where Qinglong Bodyguard Agency was located erupted into chaos, deafening screams and cries could be heard everywhere.

Some of the spectators crowding around them had gone to report the case. However, nobody responded to the government office’s attendants when they arrived and hollered at them to stop.

The attendants were afraid to step in as they watched the violent and ruthless killing around them.

They had no choice but to call for the Imperial Troops.

When the Imperial Troops arrived and a row of well-trained soldiers drew their bows and arrows at the people participating in the fight, the thugs from Four Seas Bodyguard Agency were the first to surrender and beg for mercy.

The head of the Imperial Troops marched to the front of the army on his high horse and yelled coldly, “These people were rioting in public and have neglected the law, arrest all of them and throw them in jail!”

The men from Qinglong Bodyguard Agency were, however, elated as they saw that the head of the Imperial Troops was actually a member of the Dragon Conqueror Gang, Hu Dapao!

However, they had barely begun to celebrate when they heard Hu Dapao commanding, “Arrest everyone!”

Ah Shu stood there, panting heavily. His clothes had been sliced open by knives even though he was not physically hurt. He appeared to be in a miserable state as he looked up at Hu Dapao and spoke through gritted teeth, “It was Four Seas Bodyguard Agency who threatened and coerced our clients, then sent thugs to create trouble. What wrong have we done?”

The chief of Four Seas Bodyguard Agency immediately knelt on the ground and said, “General, Qinglong Bodyguard Agency brought men to destroy my agency two days ago, I had no choice but to bring my men over here today to seek justification!”

Hu Dapao frowned slightly. He said emotionlessly, “I am not going to listen to any explanations. I only see everyone gathered in a malicious street fight, as such, all of you have to be arrested!”

“Understood!” The Imperial Troop soldiers behind him stepped forward with their swords.

“Hu Dapao, there is right and wrong even in a fight. Four Seas Bodyguard Agency had threatened the shops in the first place, we were just seeking vindication on their behalf!” Ah Shu shielded his men behind him and confronted the Imperial Troops.

“You can report a case to the government office if the shops are being threatened. When did it become your responsibility to take up the cudgels for them?” Hu Dapao demanded grimly.

“These shops are our clients, naturally, we have a responsibility to take care of them!” Ah Shu replied coldly.

Hu Dapao laughed dryly. “Then go take care of them by staying in jail with your men!”

“What if I refuse to let you arrest them?” Ah Shu raised his leg and gave one of the soldiers a hard kick.

The rest of the Imperial Troops surrounded him immediately, aiming their swords at Ah Shu with murderous looks on their faces.

“Ah Shu, do you think you can fight the Imperial Troops with only those few bodyguards of yours?” Hu Dapao said, squinting his eyes coldly.

“Yeah, I do! You should understand me well, I have never been afraid of anyone!” Ah Shu looked into his eyes without a hint of fear.

Hu Dapao’s face was solemn as he gave his orders, “Arrest everyone and kill anyone who objects!”

“Understood!” the Imperial Troops replied in unison and stepped forward with their swords.

Ah Shu and the bodyguards behind him extracted their knives at the same time.

“Wait!”

A yell rang out all of a sudden from a distance away, accompanied by the sound of rapid galloping.

Su Jiu stopped in front of them and leaped off her horse. She looked cold and beautiful as she stood protectively in front of the bodyguard agency. “Hu Dapao, what are you doing?”

Hu Dapao remained on his horse and looked domineering as he said emotionlessly, “Four Seas Bodyguard Agency and Qinglong Bodyguard Agency were involved in a fight, I am arresting all of them and throwing them into jail!”

Su Jiu looked up slightly with a cold stare. “I am the chief of Qinglong Bodyguard Agency and I will be responsible for this matter. If you have to arrest someone, then arrest me!”

“Master Jiu!”

All the bodyguards behind her spoke up frantically, “This has nothing to do with you! We will follow General Hu back; we are not afraid of going to jail. We are not in the wrong anyway!”

Ah Shu stared at Hu Dapao maliciously. “If you dare to touch Chief, don’t blame me for not considering our prior friendship!”

Hu Dapao laughed coldly. “I had not intended to take Su Jiu, but I’ve changed my mind now. What are you going to do to me?”

“You!” Ah Shu’s face turned pale with anguish. He clenched his fists and was about to dash forward.

“Ah Shu!” Su Jiu yelled and stopped him. “There is nothing to be afraid of if we have a clear conscience. I’m not scared of anything even if I have to be thrown into jail! Take good care of the bodyguard agency and don’t create trouble again without my permission!”

“Chief, you cannot go, let them arrest me instead,” Ah Shu pleaded hurriedly.

“Don’t worry, they won’t dare to do anything to me even if they arrest me!” Su Jiu patted Ah Shu on the shoulder. “Listen to me!”

“Capture all of them!” Hu Dapao yelled coldly.

All the men from Four Seas Bodyguard Agency were arrested but only Su Jiu from Qinglong Bodyguard Agency was taken. Nobody dared to restrain her, most likely due to her relationship with Hu Dapao.

Su Jiu followed behind everyone as on her horse. She looked more like a chieftain instead of a convict.

The bodyguards from the agency saw that Su Jiu had really been taken away and began to ask in panic, “Master Shu, what should we do?”

Ah Shu thought about it for a moment but was now much calmer compared to how he had been previously. He said softly, “I will go look for Master An, all of you stay behind in the agency and don’t create trouble. I’ll be back in a jiffy!”

“Understood! Master Shu, please come back quickly!”

Ah Shu mounted his horse and rushed towards Qiao An’s place.

Su Jiu had been sent to the jail of the Ministry of Justice—this was the second time that she had been in jail and the first time was spent in the jail in the city’s government office.

She was indeed the leader of the mountain bandits, having experienced living in all the jails within Shengjing City.

Su Jiu was given a cell separate from the others. Her cell was clean and there was even a mattress laid on top of the hay.

Su Jiu laid down on it and waited quietly.

…

In the Ji Manor.

Jin Feng walked into the study room quickly and reported, “Eldest Young Master, Young Mistress has been thrown into the jail of the Ministry of Justice by General Hu.”

Ji Yuxian looked up abruptly and was stunned for a moment. Very quickly, his facial expression turned calm and composed.

He did not even get up and simply nodded. “I understand!”

“Is Eldest Young Master going to save Young Mistress?” Jin Feng asked hastily.

Ji Yuxian coughed for a while; his pale face immediately turned a few shades lighter. His gaze darkened as he said calmly, “There will be someone saving her.”

Jin Feng frowned. “What is Young Mistress trying to do?”

“You will find out very soon!” Ji Yuxian said flatly.

Indeed, Su Jiu stayed in jail for less than two hours before she was personally invited out of her cell by Zhang Yuan, the Minister of Justice.

Hu Dapao had been summoned into the palace and it was heard that he was lectured by Xiao Lie for an hour before he emerged looking solemn.

The next day, during the routine morning audience in the imperial court, Xiao Lie gave a decree to grant Hu Dapao the position of General-in-Chief who Guards the Army. He was to lead two hundred thousand soldiers to Northern Xinjiang in to conquer the Qiang Clan and the Naye Clan and unify the Northern Desert.

The imperial court was shocked by the decree given.

Those who were unaware of the truth simply thought that Xiao Lie had started a war right after he ascended the throne because he was an arrogant and ruthless Emperor.

Those who were aware of the real reason, including Yao Bing and Zhang Yuan, knew that Hu Dapao had offended the Emperor’s lover and as such, he was publicly being promoted but privately being evicted to Northern Xinjiang.

Hu Dapao accepted the decree happily and even thanked the Emperor.

Lord Yun Nan was euphoric when he received the news. It was a good opportunity to have Hu Dapao lead soldiers to Northern Xinjiang because it meant that there were less than a hundred thousand men left behind to guard Shengjing City.

“I didn’t expect Su Jiu’s matter to help us out in the end!” Lord Yun Nan laughed coldly. “Xiao Lie is still too emotional, he’s venting his frustrations on his subjects and sent off his military without much planning. He is really not qualified to be the country’s leader!”

He thought that Xiao Lie was more mature than Xiao Jing, and on top of that, Yu Long had fancied him. As such, he had chosen to support him. However, it seemed like he had made a mistake now that he thought of it.

He had caused Yu Long to suffer and even groomed a betrayer who planned to conquer Diannan City.

It was not worth it for Lord Yun Nan to continue being loyal to the imperial court, being led by a man with such wild ambitions!

“Is Huan’er back in Diannan City?” Lady Yun Nan was still most concerned about her son.

“Yes, he has arrived.”

The two of them were speaking when the servants came to report that the Crown Princess Consort was here!

Crown Princess Consort…

It infuriated Xia Cang every time he heard this title!

Xiao Lie was too much!