Chapter 174: Encountering a Clear Day Chapter 152: You Calm Down First

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Protagonist:

Shaowei

Liu Qi

Seeing Shaowei fall silent for a moment, Liu Qi went on to explain in detail: "Even if he heeds the tale of the Chi Ba, he has always believed that as the Son of Heaven, nothing under heaven cannot be awed and subdued. Compared to a temporary drought, he cares more about the continuation of his own lifespan and his unfinished grand ambitions."

"Especially since dark water appeared first, and now news of Pengzu Tomb has suddenly reached his ears, he will surely be willing to regard this as a hint from Heaven, and will not hesitate to try it."

This was the judgment he had made.

Shaowei restrained the rage surging wildly in her heart.

From ancient times to the present, these emperors seem to have all been like this; even if they are willing to revere ghosts and spirits, most still choose to lean toward their own private desires.

This sounds contradictory, but just as they begin building their tombs early in their reigns—seeking longevity arts on one hand while anxiously preparing for their own deaths on the other—if anyone dares to utter the word "death" before the Son of Heaven, it is a grave offense, enough to cost them their head.

Plus one more thing: what Liu Qi said was right, especially since dark water had just been discovered, easing the pressure of the drought—

Thus Shaowei's anger inevitably mixed with a cluster of nameless fire: finding dark water was clearly a good deed of saving lives, but at this moment, to her, it had become a bad thing, actually allowing the Emperor to choose to spare Chiyang without any psychological burden.

Jiang Fu had once discussed military strategy and schemes with Shaowei; Jiang Fu had said that the most practical scheme in the world is to see who lives longer—the Emperor is clearly a firm supporter of this plan.

Jiang Fu had also said that the difficulty of strategy lies in the fact that its implementation is full of variables; a single breeze stirring the grass, a single change in human hearts, could turn the situation around—finding dark water was not Shaowei's scheme, but the good and bad fortune within it had already given Shaowei quite a lesson.

After gritting her teeth in silence for a while, she finally spoke: "So-called secretly sparing him is nothing but guarding the storehouse to steal from it."

This evaluation was especially fitting; Liu Qi couldn't help but nod: "Indeed, it is the act of a thief."

Shaowei's eyes clearly showed her unwillingness; the Emperor stealing the whole world was beyond her control, but Chiyang was prey she had finally cornered with great difficulty, and no matter what, she would not let him go.

Liu Qi looked at the person before him; even though she had walked deep into this imperial city, she still had not a shred of awe or superstition toward imperial power. She did not do it for others, only for herself; anything she wanted to hunt, anyone who coveted it, even the Emperor could be a thief.

Along the way, she had changed quite a bit; she could now first calm down to verify the truth of the news and the direction of events, and at this moment make an inference: "The day after tomorrow is the final deadline for Chiyang's rain prayer; the Emperor will likely help him use fire to burn a false facade and escape, to go solve whatever Pengzu Tomb is."

And after calming down, she still revealed her true nature by going all in: "If that is the case, I will definitely abduct Chiyang."

Almost at the final step—how could she let Chiyang just escape like that?

She had diligently accumulated "nails" all the way; the Lingxing Terrace was originally supposed to become Chiyang's coffin, but the Son of Heaven had long been unwilling to close the coffin lid, and now he wanted to reach down a giant hand from the sky to quietly lift Chiyang out of the coffin—such unreasonableness.

The corners of Shaowei's eyes were slightly red, caused by anger; Liu Qi remained silent for a moment, then asked her: "You want nothing at all?"

A Ya and her younger brother had already withdrawn; there was no third person in the room. Shaowei looked up at Liu Qi: "I came to find someone; I originally had nothing."

Meeting those eyes, Liu Qi said instead: "Not so; you now have many things, and they all belong to you."

Shaowei pressed her lips to one side, thinking he was going to preach some lofty principle from on high; before she could bristle, she heard him say: "I know, it's not that you are impulsive; it's that someone has gone too far, and you had only to abandon the present."

Immediately after, he said: "I will help you abduct him back together."

The candle flame flickered once, the lamp shadow swayed; Shaowei couldn't react in time and blurted out: "You help me like this, but after this matter, I will most likely not be able to help you anymore."

If they were to abduct Chiyang, they would face the unknown faction behind Chiyang, as well as the Emperor. Whether they could survive was still uncertain; even if they succeeded, there would be endless pursuit, and it would be hard to find a place to settle. She could escape, but what about him?

Perhaps she should ask him: does he want nothing at all?

And what earth-shattering crazy talk was he saying?

His expression was especially serious: "If you and I join forces, our chances of victory are greater, and it is more convenient to act in secret. Perhaps we can even complete it without gods or ghosts knowing; then you can continue to hide your secrets and also keep everything you have now."

Shaowei immediately retorted: "You yourself said 'perhaps'; what's even more uncertain is that everything you have now would be buried along with it. For you, the harm outweighs the benefit; this is definitely not worth it."

"I think it is worth it," Liu Qi said with a calm smile. "Whether I can still help you is too early to say now; the road ahead is long. One must first have a future."

Shaowei stared at him; in a flash of lightning and stone fire, she suddenly understood a layer of his intention: he did this because he wanted her to definitely have a future.

Wanting her to have a future, he firmly chose to stand with her.

Shaowei's understanding had always been straightforward, and her current state—only such straightforwardness could jolt her into a bit of emotion. The situation arose suddenly, her mind was in turmoil, with crisis at hand; his firm choice to go against his usual way of doing things was understood by her, and a nameless, formless bond suddenly occurred.

The bond and the support of human strength also awakened more human care.

For the first time in her life, Shaowei actually turned it around and said: "You calm down first. I'm only saying that if it truly comes to that step, this is a last resort of last resorts; we still have two days."

The worst plan must be made, but the last effort cannot be abandoned. She had painstakingly made it to today, not just to wait to carry out this unwilling last resort.

Hearing these proactive words from her mouth, Liu Qi dared to nod along: "Alright, I'll listen to your arrangement."

Shaowei spoke first, and the two then conversed under the lamp.

After roughly settling things, before Shaowei got up to leave, she saw a faint blue tint in Liu Qi's eyes, and couldn't help but look at his legs. She spoke seriously to him: "Anyway, the Imperial Guard takes turns patrolling at night; you sleep first, and continue searching during the day. If a person never sleeps, their brain becomes dull, and they will miss important clues."

Liu Qi, who had not rested properly since returning to the city with injuries, nodded in agreement.

Shaowei said one thing to others but did another herself. After leaving the Sixth Prince's Residence, she ran about at night everywhere, as if a drum were beating in her heart, reminding her that little time remained.

But where exactly was it hidden? Whether it was Jiang Fu's whereabouts or Chiyang's shady dealings, where were they hidden in the end?

Shaowei sat on a high terrace, looking at the vast imperial city, wishing she could grow a sky-toppling giant claw to uproot it and shake out the truth.

It wasn't that she hadn't tried to analyze it, but no matter how she speculated, there were no actual clues to rely on; everything was just empty guesswork that came to nothing. Just like when they had targeted the Immortal Master's Mansion before and gained nothing in the end, they could only search over a wide area. However, just as she was about to use outside help to plan things out, she was forced by this suddenly approaching deadline to become a headless fly buzzing around in a panic.

Shaowei had this metaphorical inspiration; precisely because a fly was buzzing around in front of her and wouldn't leave, she couldn't bear it anymore and reached out to grab it, but caught nothing. That fly had one more head than her, so naturally it dodged nimbly.

Her heart was burning with fire; everything she heard sounded like a fly buzzing. Even being summoned into the palace the next morning to receive rewards, and hearing Guo Shi proclaim the edict of praise, was no exception.

The flower fox had found the dark water treasure spring and was for a time infinitely glorious. In the great hall, she received the edict, kowtowing to thank the imperial grace with an attitude of being unmoved by favor or disgrace.

Countless gazes in the hall looked at this special female official, the Tai Puzhe. By now, no one could deny that she truly possessed mysterious mechanisms.

Liu Cheng's gaze passed over the flower fox, then secretly looked toward his uncle.

Rui Ze had a bellyful of questions to ask, but at this moment he could only hold them in.

The Emperor was also looking at the person giving thanks in the hall. He still clearly remembered what this child looked like when she first appeared in Weiyang Palace.

At that time, she had successfully predicted the collapse of Changling. Later, the drought also occurred as predicted under her prophecy. But in his private view, she was still an existence of uncertain good or ill fortune.

When Immortal Master Chiyang preached, he once mentioned a type of yin-evil incarnation. Such yin-evil beings would carry out curses in the name of prophecy; seemingly the prophecy was effective, but in fact it was the result of their curse.

As the Son of Heaven who deeply detested the art of witchcraft curses, he had harbored suspicion and murderous intent that he had never revealed. And in his observation and discernment, everything about this child was transcendentally spiritual, including her Nuo dance.

But speaking of a true change of perception, it was this escape from death and discovery of the Dark Water. Throughout history, ominous people bring calamity to the world; it is absolutely impossible for them to find the world-saving Baoquan. By this point, Huali's fortune or misfortune was beyond doubt.

The Emperor's gaze upon Huali was full of appreciation and regard, as if looking at an auspicious treasure vessel.

Huali also had a new view of him; at this moment in her heart she called him: a thief who steals while on guard duty.

The Emperor, knowing nothing of this, was still asking about Huali's experience in the mountains that day.

Huali only said it might be due to fright and injury; her memory was fragmented now. She only remembered being assassinated by many people, fleeing in panic, and at the point of exhaustion seeking water, guided in the dark, she chanced upon the water-hidden place.

The so-called Divine Descent Body originally has greater fluctuations of mind and spirit than ordinary people; fright and injury momentarily hindering memory is very plausible.

This was a foolproof temporary explanation; Rui Ze heard it and was reluctantly satisfied.

The Emperor was now very tolerant toward Huali; moreover the assassination matter had no great doubts, so he did not press further, only instructing Huali to rest well and nurture her spirit.

Additionally he said: "The Tai Puzhe persuaded the plague-stricken commoners outside the city to accept Court treatment; this too is a great merit. When the disaster relief ends, We will have further rewards."

Shaowei perfunctorily bowed her thanks while thinking: that depends on seeing what relationship the two of them have then — sovereign and minister, or Emperor and rebel.

The Emperor on the dais spoke of the Nanshan god-offering matter, and also said: "Yesterday We sent someone to fetch Baoquan Water from Nanshan; it is truly clear and cold like a heavenly gift. Recently there have also been occasional plague outbreaks in the city; after Jiang Qing rests a bit, We will send people to fetch water again, for Jiang Qing to use in driving out plague in the city."

The plague source outside the city has been controlled; most sufferers have voluntarily gone to the nunneries, the Officials have also published preventive decoction formulas; the city plague will not spread wildly. Using Baoquan Water to have the Great Witch God drive out plague is more to soothe the people's hearts.

And Huali, loyal to her duty, immediately accepted the command: "Driving out plague should be early not late; this minister wishes to go at once."

A minister so brooking no delay — how could the Emperor refuse? He agreed on the spot and had people prepare the matter.

As Huali rose to take leave, her gaze silently met Rui Ze's, exchanging a barely perceptible look with him.

The displeased Rui Ze suddenly felt bewildered, completely unable to understand her meaning; what did she want to express?

Where would Shaowei know what she wanted to express? It was merely a perfunctory gesture toward him; let him figure it out himself.

Shaowei stepped out of the hall door.

She did not want to "rest and nurture spirit" now; once she rested, never mind others, Rui Ze or the Empress's people would surely come knocking. Her heart was full of anxiety; she had not a shred of patience to play the dog.

But driving out plague in the city — everything was at her discretion; she could walk openly everywhere, investigating under the guise of public duty.

After a round of preparations, by the time the Great Witch God's plague-driving procession appeared in the city, it was nearly noon.

At this moment Liu Qi was searching inside Xian Tai Gong.

Although there was no defined search scope, Xian Tai Gong is where Chiyang most frequently enters and exits, so it must be a key target.

Since entering the capital, the household slaves had also sneaked into Xian Tai Gong more than once at night, but this place has Imperial Guards guarding and patrolling; he could not conduct a comprehensive investigation.

Liu Qi entered Xian Tai Gong today; the Imperial Guards opened the door of convenience wide. This was Du Shulin's hint, and also Rui Ze's meaning. Rui Ze has been anxious lately; while keeping a tight watch on Liu Qi, he also wants to find out the other faction's origins early, lest he end up entirely as their scapegoat.

Thus invisibly constrained, Rui Ze was far more polite and yielding to Liu Qi in this matter; he deeply felt that even when he was a horse-slave he had never been this stifled.

Liu Qi expressed no stance, nor showed any signs of targeting Rui Ze; Rui Ze could not fathom him for the moment, and could only guard against him secretly.

Relying on this ambiguous attitude, Liu Qi temporarily balanced the situation, and did not wish to break it. Conflict with the Rui clan pulls the whole body; at this time he should gather all parties' strength and first complete her proper business — this was agreed beforehand.

The Imperial Guards fully cooperated; the Embroidered Uniform Guards followed inside. The Taoists of Xian Tai Gong, however, had many complaints. They are valued by the Son of Heaven; this is the place for divining National Fortune — how could they suffer such rude search?

That Sixth Prince acts wildly and perversely; he searches the Shen Dian above and the Ju Yuan below — truly he has not a shred of reverence for gods or respect for the Dao.

"Perhaps he bears a grudge over that matter, deliberately coming here to vent his spleen..." a Taoist privately disdained, but fearfully whispered.

No one dared reply or discuss; they could only continue berating the Sixth Prince for rudeness and arrogance.

Liu Qi ignored all sounds, earnestly searching every place, searching all the way to the quarters of those so-called Tianji Candidates.

The Embroidered Uniform Guards had already requested all persons out; those same-aged girls and boys wearing Daoist Robes stood anxiously in the courtyard waiting. Seeing Liu Qi arrive with people, some secretly cast glances, some fearfully lowered their heads.

Among the girls, one person drew Liu Qi's attention.

He raised his foot and walked closer.

Several timid girls subconsciously retreated.

Only today, drawing near to look, did they know this Sixth Prince was born dust-transcending and vulgarity-surpassing, extraordinarily beautiful.

Crown Prince Cheng's appearance is also very magnificent, and especially gentle and harmless; the person before them was the opposite — gloomy and sharp, like an extremely aggressive Snowfield Black Eagle.

Ming Dan, her face pale, raised her eyes, originally wanting to take a quick glance and be done, but unexpectedly met the youth's pitch-black pupils. She was held by that gaze; her eyes could neither advance nor retreat for a moment.

Liu Qi took in her brows and eyes clearly.

Ming Dan tried to speak calmly: "Six... Sixth Your Highness..."

Qiao Jiang, serving at her side, also bowed and lowered her head.

Liu Qi glanced at the maidservant, then looked at Ming Dan, and asked: "Daoist, what is your surname and name? Why are you different from the others, having a maidservant in attendance?"

Ming Dan hurriedly answered: "My grandfather is the Lu Hou; my surname is Feng, my name is Shao..."

Before she finished speaking, for some reason that youth who looked hard to deal with suddenly said: "Hmm, sorry to have disturbed you."

Ming Dan could not react in time; she hadn't finished... probably hearing she came from Lu Hou Fu was enough; her name didn't matter.

But that gaze of his just now truly made her uneasy, as if he had seen through her in one look...

After the Embroidered Uniform Guards finished searching and left, Ming Dan returned to her room, still feeling unable to breathe.

Qiao Jiang saw her complexion was poor, and finally spoke to ask: "Miss, your sick body is hard to heal; do you want to move back to the Hou Mansion to stay for a while? We can ask the Shizi to discuss with Xian Tai Gong."

Feng Xuwen's gentle loving face flashed through Ming Dan's mind, but her heart gave a sudden thump.

?? 4300 words, good night!