Chapter 2654

A mature and seasoned ruler will weigh gains and losses against national dignity on a scale, striving to achieve balance.

But sometimes, this scale will tip out of balance.

He Yue, on the other end of the "Thousand Li Ear," clenched his fists: "Then don't just let it go! Jue'er's death, when all is said and done, is ultimately due to Balin's unprovoked invasion!"

If Balin had not launched the first aggressive war, He Changjue would not have personally gone to Heishuicheng, nor would he have died there.

Cause and effect, cause and effect—this is cause and effect.

His anger as a father must be vented.

"That is the principle." He Chunhua could only say, "You and your officers discuss the attack plan, then report to me. But I do not advise you to point directly at the capital— that road is too perilous."

Although He Yue captured Nancheng, he currently lacks a stable foothold and is deep in enemy territory. To put it dramatically, this is a lone army penetrating deep. Given that the military strength of Shen and Balin has not opened a vast gap, his very action is risky.

"Yes." He Yue put away the "Thousand Li Ear" and went to convene an urgent military council.

He Chunhua buried his face in his palms and could not lift his head for a long time.

Besides grief, he also felt a deep sorrow.

He Yue urgently wanted revenge, and he too desired it.

But they could only choose to send troops against Balin, and even dared not mention the possibility that "the enemy might still be Bekka." First, there is no evidence at all; second…… even if the evidence were as solid as a mountain, what then?

Once evidence is produced, the King of Shen must deal with it, must take measures.

Could Shen possibly declare war on Bekka?

Even if He Chunhua were dazed by sorrow, he would absolutely not make this choice. Moreover, there's no need to mention that Naluotian had repeatedly instructed him just two quarters of an hour ago: do not clash with Bekka, absolutely not!

Kshatriya Heaven now struggles to preserve itself, and Naluotian himself is mired in difficulty—where would he find leisure to aid Shen, to aid He Chunhua?

Therefore, Shen can only attack Balin.

If this is a script pre-set by Bekka, then father and son can only follow the script laid out by others.

This is the sorrow of being adjacent to Bekka!

At this moment, He Chunhua once again experienced the indignation and helplessness of Panlong City in years past.

……

Longku West Town.

This town lies west of Kunlong Gully, hence its name.

Indeed, there is still a place east of Kunlong Gully called Longku East. Most places in Balin State take names this simply and crudely.

However, Longjue East is merely a small town of nearly three hundred people, obscure and unknown; while Longku West has over eight thousand residents, and in recent years has been developed with distinction. If its population were a bit larger, it could rival a small city.

Originally, Longku West was as ordinary as Longjue East, with a population of no more than five hundred—after all, with such a huge pit nearby, whoever wanted to conduct business in Longjue East would have to take a very long detour. Without geographical advantage, it is hard to develop.

But Longku West suddenly encountered a turning point three years ago, for no other reason:

First, the official road was actually extended to this place—very flat, very straight, very orderly.

With the road, logistics flowed smoothly, and the town was no longer sealed off from the outside.

Second, two retired high-ranking nobles of the Balin court actually chose to retire in Longku West Town instead of returning to their native homes; moreover, the two most prominent magnates in Balin State, the foremost and second-foremost, did not hesitate to travel several hundred li to Longku West to inspect, and then proceeded to purchase land and establish enterprises there.

Just the relatives, servants, and guards of these four families alone number over three thousand. Not to mention, the industries, merchant guilds, and shops they established here require dedicated management, which again provides over four thousand job positions.

Where these nobles and wealthy merchants gather, their businesses follow—so Longku West Town has welcomed an unprecedented commercial boom, with merchants and caravans becoming regular visitors.

These several thousand people need to eat, drink, and buy things, right? Thus, the supporting catering, inns, entertainment, and bathing services have also emerged accordingly.

No one understands why these people suddenly settled in Longku West. Local residents, curious, went to ask, and received a uniform reply: the elders had taken a liking to the town's clear waters and lush mountains, wishing to come here to cultivate their minds and natures.

The environment here is indeed not bad, the air is fresh. But there are many fine places within Balin territory—why did they specifically come here?

The reason likely only the elders themselves know.

Today, the morning sun shines in myriad rays; Zhao Huanrong rose early and practiced breathing exercises facing east. He was formerly the Vice Chancellor of Balin, having retired only last year.

His cultivation path was also a mid-life departure from secular life; he began practicing only after the spiritual energy of heaven and earth became abundant, yet his results have been remarkable. His colleagues are all greatly surprised, saying that his cultivation over the past ten or so years surpasses that of others over twenty or thirty years.

Indeed, he is now sixty-seven, but his hair, which had turned gray and white after fifty, became jet-black and coarse after he began practicing cultivation, and now not a single white hair remains.

As he just assumed his stance, he heard a soft "xiu" sound—something flew over the wall and then circled him three times.

It was a Qingfu coin.

Has a message arrived?

Among the ten methods, six or seven emphasize morning breath of the rising sun and drinking dew, absorbing the eastern purple brilliance—showing the importance of this moment. Moreover, the past few days have been overcast, and today he finally encountered clear skies. Yet Zhao Huanrong did not hesitate to cease his practice, took down the paper slip on the Qingfu coin, glanced at it briefly, his expression shifted, and he hastily put on his outer robe.

Just as he stepped out of the courtyard, his personal attendant wanted to follow. Zhao Huanrong waved his hand: "You need not come."

He alone walked through the corridor, heading toward the rear estate.

This is his newly built mountain villa in Longku West Town, the grounds are large, divided into front and rear estates.

The front estate is where the Zhao family resides; all affairs and social interactions take place there.

As for the rear estate, it is for honored guests—idle persons must not approach.

Zhao Huanrong's eight-year-old grandson once secretly sneaked to the rear estate to play, but ended up trapped inside, unable to get out.

Two hours later, Zhao Huanrong personally entered to bring him out, and then administered a severe punishment.

After that, a high wall was added between the front and rear estates.

Of course, there is a gate in the wall.

Now Zhao Huanrong stands before this cyan gate, gently tapping the ring.

The beast-head stone carving on the lintel moved, extended its head to glance at him twice, the stone eyeballs flashed a red light, confirming his identity.

This is the gatekeeper beast. Those who fail verification cannot enter, and will also trigger the entire mountain villa's alarm.

Upon seeing Zhao Huanrong, the gatekeeper beast retracted its head, and the cyan gate slowly opened inward.

Inside the gate lies another garden, more refined than the front estate; in this season, the plants remain lush, only a few ginkgo trees have shed yellow leaves, becoming embellishments among the myriad flowers.

A maid flashed into view beside him, smiling at Zhao Huanrong: "Follow me."

Her attire is plain and simple, bearing an air of solemnity that warns strangers not to approach; even though she shows no disrespect toward Zhao Huanrong, she still exudes a silent arrogance.

Zhao Huanrong didn't mind either; instead, she smiled and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Qianqian. You've been coming quite frequently these past few days."

(End of chapter)