Chapter 162: Fifteen Years Ago, Heartbroken and Disillusioned

The entire hall fell into sudden silence, stunned.

This unexpected grand gesture left everyone unprepared.

Only one sentence:

"Dai Zhong, pays homage to the Shaobao."

And that smile.

These six simple words, though spoken softly, exploded like thunder in every heart.

Accompanied by that unprecedented laugh, it added an even greater sense of impossibility.

At such a critical moment, the Dalisi stormed the Imperial City Bureau.

Dai Zhong, the Dalisiqing known for his swift, decisive actions and stern demeanor, unexpectedly knelt in obeisance.

This act was not merely a physical bow—it was a profound expression of reverence and submission from the depths of the soul, an unparalleled respect for the Shaobao before him.

Remember this:

Dai Zhong's current status meant that even before the Son of Heaven himself, he needed only bow slightly in respect—why such an extraordinary gesture? This level of homage far exceeded convention, leaving all baffled.

Lu Shenzhou is merely a Lu family Shaobao, a Daoist who has cultivated on Mount Zhongnan for fifteen years!

Is this worth it?

The Dalisi 's sword-bearing guards, witnessing this, stared in open-mouthed shock, their astonishment plain to see.

Many of them had served under Dai Zhong for years, yet had never seen him show such humility, nor dared imagine he would extend such deep respect to a stranger.

As for Yu Chen, the Dalisishaoqing, he felt an unprecedented shock.

He could hardly believe his eyes as his own Dalisiqing, Dai Zhong, knelt before "Lu Chen"—this scene shattered his entire understanding.

Having weathered the court for decades, he had long mastered the art of concealing his emotions, yet now his heart churned violently, unable to settle.

He knew Dai Zhong's act was no mere formal gesture; its deeper meaning could only be grasped by a select few.

This was a salute more reverent than that offered to the Emperor!

Yu Chen, his eyelids sagging with age, suddenly snapped open.

This is!

The Dalisi had received the imperial edict to arrest Lu Chen, and outside, a vast net had already been cast—how could he possibly understand Dai Zhong's actions?

What is Dai Zhong doing?

As a seasoned court official, Yu Chen confidently judged Lu Chen to be "at the end of his rope," which is why he dared to speak disrespectfully.

The Emperor's decree, the Empress Dowager's golden arrow—two heavy, unyielding orders.

Lu Chen had only one path: death. He had nowhere left to run!

Yet Dai Zhong, the Dalisiqing famed for his incorruptibility and iron-fisted impartiality, now knelt before a man soon to be a prisoner—what could this possibly mean?

Yu Chen knew the Emperor had ordered Dai Zhong to arrest Lu Chen precisely because Dai Zhong feared no reputation.

No ordinary man would dare come to arrest the Shaobao.

This was a matter meant to shake the entire realm!

Yu Chen was a "pawn" planted by Zhou Zhen in the Dalisi, tasked with oversight; over the years, he had witnessed Dai Zhong's deeds and had long been sincerely convinced of his ability and character.

Wang Shian's emotions were equally complex.

He had always regarded Dai Zhong as his role model, admiring his fairness, integrity, and exceptional ability.

Yet now!

He had just witnessed Dai Zhong bow before Lu Chen—and especially that unprecedented smile on Dai Zhong's face—leaving him utterly unable to accept it.

His fists clenched tightly, his face twisted with anger and confusion.

Lu Chen—how could he possibly deserve this?

Zhang Lin, the burly man, stood with his mouth half-open, his face filled with disbelief.

He recalled how he himself had once knelt before the Shaobao; now seeing even Dalisiqing Dai Zhong do the same, a sense of relief arose in him: "Not shameful!"

Zhang Lin couldn't help but smile faintly, feeling a quiet pride.

Then he suddenly remembered—the Heavenly Drum had been destroyed; the Imperial City Bureau was likely doomed—and his face darkened with sorrow.

Xie Ling's confusion deepened; he gripped his chin, lost in thought.

What is the Dalisi playing at?

The three women behind the screen.

Zou Shuning was stunned, recalling the moment on Yuetangjiang when the man rode across the river on the wind.

One man crossing the river, his bearing like a divine being.

What manner of man was this legendary Shaobao Lu?

Zou Shuning pondered silently.

She remembered her father, Zou Lin, who for years had never forgotten this Shaobao; whenever anyone spoke ill of "the Shaobao," her father would fiercely defend him.

A gentle, kind old man—who had never before shown such fury over anyone.

Lu Chen, Lu Shenzhou!

Zou Shuning whispered the name softly.

Tao Jiamin's gaze was strange; this Shaobao seemed even more extraordinary than legend claimed.

This Shaobao of Daqing, fifteen years ago.

She had been young then, only hearing whispers from the older generation.

Eight thousand crushed forty thousand!

Eighty thousand annihilated three hundred thousand Northern Wind Iron Cavalry, marched north to the Yellow River, stormed the Yellow Dragon Fortress.

"It's easier to shake mountains than to shake the Lu family army."

In the northern lands, every household hung portraits of the Shaobao, erected shrines to his living memory.

She had always thought it mere legend, wild tales!

But now!

On Yuetangjiang, ten thousand bowed as the Shaobao led his horse across the river.

Suddenly, everything felt real.

What kind of man could this be?

What kind of tumultuous life had moved grown men, men who had built families and careers, to weep like children at just the sight of the Shaobao?

Tao Jiamin looked again at the plain-looking middle-aged man.

Lu Yu's face held a faint smile.

You looked down at Dai Zhong kneeling.

"Get up. You know I hate all this bowing and kneeling."

Dai Zhong quickly rose to his feet; remembering the Shaobao's old temper, he was still a little afraid.

His smile remained.

You looked at the present-day Dai Zhong and smiled.

"You've actually started looking like a proper official!"

Back then, when Dai Zhong fled south with his mother, you saw at once his exceptional character—filial, resourceful, and resolute.

You took him under your wing, put him in charge of discipline within the Lu family army—he became one of its most powerful figures.

But when you resigned and withdrew from office, many in the Lu army rebelled; some were severely punished, others scattered.

This journey to the capital, you've met more and more familiar faces.

Dai Zhong belonged to those who had grown heartbroken, and left south again with his mother.

You asked gently: "When did your mother pass?"

Dai Zhong replied, voice low: "She died in the third year after we fled south."

"In the capital, I dared not come see Marshal Lu…"

Lu Yu walked over and patted Dai Zhong's shoulder.

Lu Yu said: "Of all you boys, you're the most stubborn."

PS: Today was too rushed—there are many typos and awkward sentences. Sorry. I'll fix them right after posting.

Tomorrow I'll post more. I've realized myself it's dragging a bit—the capital plot is about to end! Within two days, the bonus chapters will wrap up the capital storyline.



(End of Chapter)