Chapter 81: Shattered Dreams

A snowy night.

Sheng Yuanyao, who had just cracked a shocking major case, was too lazy even to participate in the follow-up discussion and returned to Xiazhou overnight through the snow.

She had ridden her horse at a gallop with high spirits when she came, but now she led the horse on foot, her face grim.

Behind her followed a group of Xiazhou Demon Suppression Bureau subordinates, each bearing injuries, all silent as they watched her back.

No matter how this incident is ultimately defined, everyone's merit will be significant, and it seems everyone will generally be promoted a rank. But in reality, everyone basically knew nothing about this matter, fighting and getting injured blindly, only realizing the truth at the very end, as if they had stumbled upon it by chance.

Then they also knew that the dreams of this young commander, who held dreams in her heart, were almost shattered.

Lu Xingzhou had been accompanying her, strolling along the official road outside the city, just like accompanying her on a post-meal walk.

Only after they had gone several li out of the city did Sheng Yuanyao finally speak: "Can your feet really walk for so long without issue? I saw that during the battle you tried your best not to move."

"Walking now is fine; I should say I need to walk as slowly as possible... As for fighting, unless pushed to that point, I try not to move at all."

Sheng Yuanyao nodded: "Regardless, thank you for this time."

"I did not achieve the result you wanted."

"... That is not your problem. What you did long ago exceeded the scope of an assistant; it would not be an exaggeration to say you led it." Sheng Yuanyao thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "You were the same with Shen Tang... Is this your usual style of conduct?"

Lu Xingzhou had never thought deeply about this aspect; asked, he reflected on himself for a moment and nodded, saying: "Perhaps, I seem to always be like this."

Sheng Yuanyao laughed: "Has anyone ever told you that you are too domineering, that even when playing the role of an assistant, you act like the one in charge, and that you need to be restrained?"

Lu Xingzhou paused, fell silent, looked down at his legs, and only after a long while said: "Shen Tang won't."

Sheng Yuanyao snorted, saying leisurely: "Then I'll just wait and see."

Lu Xingzhou did not reply to that.

The two walked silently for a while longer before Sheng Yuanyao spoke softly of the main topic: "When you said the clues were to be found in the commandery, I agreed in my heart, thinking that my failure to uncover Xiazhou demon clues was likely because someone in the commandery was covering them up. So as soon as you said that, I immediately planned to come to the commandery to look... But even so, I never suspected the Commandery Governor, not only because that was too horrifying, but also because his official reputation was very good."

Lu Xingzhou knew what she meant; Hao Jingchuan's official reputation was indeed very good; he had never heard of anything like corruption or bullying men and women, and many of his administrative measures had contributed quite a bit to the prosperity of Dongjiang Commandery, making him truly a good official. Compared to the Huo family's reputation in Xiazhou back in the day, it was worlds apart, and much better than Xu Bingkun's reputation.

Without evidence, you could not even conclude that because he was a demon, he must have blood sacrifices behind the scenes... It was highly likely he truly did not, because large-scale blood sacrifices would be hard to escape the suspicion of the Dongjiang Commandery Demon Suppression Bureau; he could not hide it for so many years.

Of course, being this good did not mean he was a good demon; such large-scale infiltration only proved deep planning, not wanting to be pushed out of power for making some mistake. Perhaps he even wanted a promotion; if so, he could do even more then.

Sheng Yuanyao smiled self-mockingly: "Now I cannot distinguish whether all local officials are human or demon... Look, when a demon case arises, the demon wants to cover it up, and humans also want to cover it up; how ridiculous."

It was one thing for the demon to want to cover it up, but precisely because humans also wanted to cover it up, and this was the general belief, it completely shattered the young girl's dream.

Sheng Yuanyao continued: "I cannot even distinguish whether it would be better if they were human or demon; Hao Jingchuan is a better official than many bureaucrats."

"There is no need to elaborate on that." Lu Xingzhou finally responded: "Regardless of what demons do now, their ultimate goal is still to take you and me as food. Even when I was in the Yanluo Hall, during the period of my most demonic thinking, I never intended to have any dealings with demons, because we have the most fundamental differences... The Yan Lord is the same; he slaughters demons like dogs. Even the demonic path is like this; do you, people of the imperial court, still want that?"

"Mm, I know; I was just saying that." Sheng Yuanyao stretched: "Sigh... Anyway, it's very meaningless... We uncovered the case, but dare not pursue it, and even dare not speak of it; what meaning is there in doing this job? If we say it will be better once we climb to higher positions, well, even my father couldn't do it; I don't know if I'll ever reach half of my father's level in this life. It would be better to go back and be a useless official's son, harassing common girls."

Lu Xingzhou said: "This is an environmental problem, not dependent on your Sheng family; no need for self-inflicted internal friction."

"Anyway, I really don't want to stay in the local areas; I'm afraid that every time I arrive somewhere, I can't help but want to uncover these foundations... You know me; my curiosity is too great; sooner or later I'll uncover something." Sheng Yuanyao turned and smiled at him: "In the future, Xiazhou will be missing an assistant you can use; who the next City Lord and Demon Suppression Bureau Commander will be, you solve it yourself. Mm... I believe that won't be a problem for you, Young Master Huo."

Sheng Yuanyao was actually already quite certain that Lu Xingzhou was not Huo Shang, but she also knew he was guiding people to think that way, so she simply helped him solidify it: "I see that even Wan Cheng listens to you now; in the future, with support in the commandery, Xiazhou won't matter much. When I return to the capital, do you need me to help you solidify Huo Shang's identity?"

"Vagueness is enough. Because if the real Huo Shang were alive, he would not be willing to acknowledge this bloodline; the vaguer it is, the more real it seems. For me, even if I wanted to use this identity, having myself say I am of the Huo family is quite disgusting; vagueness also makes me feel a bit more comfortable... Although it is also self-deception and meaningless."

"Being able to make oneself feel a bit more comfortable is meaning; it is quite hard for me to make myself feel a bit more comfortable now."

Lu Xingzhou: "..."

Sheng Yuanyao laughed: "You are leaning in this direction now because it benefits Princess Chao Huang?"

Lu Xingzhou said frankly: "Mm... partly. The other part is that this identity is indeed useful for my revenge."

Sheng Yuanyao pouted; Lu Xingzhou treating Shen Tang so well made her, who was often used, strangely a bit jealous, but on further thought, she knew there was nothing to be jealous of; he was her lover, and what were you? Did you really think that when he was groping wildly in the carriage, the dignified Demon Suppression Bureau Commander didn't hear a thing?

But now that Shen Tang was known to be a princess, perhaps this term for lover could be changed; call him a male concubine?

But she heard Lu Xingzhou say: "Actually, regarding your own knot in your heart, have you thought that this might also be a way to solve it?"

Sheng Yuanyao's steps paused for a moment.

Lu Xingzhou's words were very clear: the current Emperor was unreliable, and other Imperial Princes were hard to say about; instead, Shen Tang might be much better in this regard. If she, Sheng Yuanyao, still hoped the Demon Suppression Bureau could do what the Demon Suppression Bureau should do, then her Sheng family should choose Shen Tang.

Sheng Yuanyao stared at his profile: "Is this the meaning of you specifically coming out to see me off? Just to tell me this one sentence?"

Lu Xingzhou shook his head: "No, it's just because my friend is in a bad mood, so I'm accompanying her for a walk. These things were just mentioned in passing; in fact, you cannot change the family's inclination, so telling you this is of little use."

Sheng Yuanyao looked at him for a long while, then revealed a slight smile: "Judging from your choice of the Huo Shang identity, you absolutely will not stay in Xiazhou forever; sooner or later you will use this identity to cause trouble in the capital. Or perhaps you will simply go to the capital with Shen Tang; that will be even more fun... Remember to call me when there is drama; don't let it be that I catch you committing demonic acts."

Lu Xingzhou also smiled: "Definitely."

"Leaving the capital this time was quite unpleasant, but making a friend like you is not a loss." Sheng Yuanyao swung herself onto the horse, turned and smiled: "Tell A Nuo not to let the chubby face thin out too soon; I want to rub it again next time. I'm leaving."

The fine horse galloped away, disappearing in an instant. The Xiazhou Demon Suppression Bureau subordinates hurriedly followed. Lu Xingzhou did not see her off further; watching the red cape disappear into the night from afar, he slowly turned and returned to the city.

A Nuo ran over carrying the wheelchair: "Master, no one is tracking us."

"That's good; it seems I worried too much." Lu Xingzhou sat back in the wheelchair somewhat exhaustedly, took off his mask, and then smiled: "Sheng Yuanyao likes you very much."

"Of course, A Nuo is the cutest." A Nuo pushed the wheelchair back at the speed of a flying bird: "Anyway, even if she likes me, it's useless; I won't go let her rub me."

"How is it over there?"

"Miss Qingli and Yang Dechang are there; this demon, they cannot cover it up even if they want to; it is just like that. Next, they should start a major investigation; at least it can complete what Sister Yao has been longing for."

"What she has been longing for is not just investigating demons in Dongjiang Commandery... Never mind." Lu Xingzhou said no more, and instead asked: "Regarding Hao Jingchuan's final shout about the Incense Burning Tower rebellion, what was the reaction of those present?"

"Everyone knows that old man is a demon now; of course, there was no reaction; right now, their minds are not on these matters."

"I was afraid they would react, using this excuse to push the Incense Burning Tower forward first; then we wouldn't even get a drop of soup." Lu Xingzhou smiled slightly: "Now it is perfect; with Hao Jingchuan's shout, no one will help him make a sound even if we torture the Incense Burning Tower."

While speaking, the wheelchair arrived at a fork in the road outside the suburbs; Shen Tang and others were already waiting there.

Also present was a group of strong men from the Dongjiang Gang, including Shi Tielong.

Seeing Lu Xingzhou arrive, Shi Tielong's expression was extremely grave; he was not too clear on the details of the battle at the Commandery Governor's residence, but the Commandery Governor's words "The Incense Burning Tower has rebelled" had spread like wildfire; he knew the matter was done. Not only was the attack no problem, but afterwards no one would feel sorry for the Incense Burning Tower.

"Heaven's timing, Earth's advantage, and human harmony." Lu Xingzhou glanced into the darkness, as if speaking to someone: "Rest assured; after tonight, the Incense Burning Tower will guarantee it can say nothing."

Yang Dechang smiled bitterly in the darkness; he knew he had been outmaneuvered by Lu Xingzhou tonight, and now he did not know how to explain his relationship with Shen Tang to his superiors.

But then again... Lu Xingzhou's strategy, upon close thought, was stunning; it seemed that apart from being a cripple and unable to keep up in cultivation, none of the other Huo brothers could compare to Lu Xingzhou.

What if he solved this problem?

(End of this chapter)