[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-roaring-dragon":3,"chapter-the-roaring-dragon-the-roaring-dragon-chapter-76":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Roaring Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2281932,4463,"Chapter 76: A Season of Troubles","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-76",76,"\u003Cp>\"Oh? Then I won't be polite.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Hongshang, seeing Xie Jinhuan eager to test himself, grew intrigued; her gaze turned sultry, half-smiling, as her pale, jade-like finger slowly traced toward his defined pectoral muscles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan had been unmoved, but immediately realized her finger had actually pressed against his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then her soft, smooth palm glided over his chest and abdomen, sliding down to his abs, reaching toward the source of his joy…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan hesitated, tried to grab her wrist—and actually caught it; instantly, he pulled the warm, soft body closer to his chest!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn’t budge at all…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan tried again, but the plump, beautiful woman before him was like a cast iron statue; no matter how hard he strained, he couldn’t move her arm an inch, forced to lean in himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Hongshang drew back slightly, raising an eyebrow:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm? Didn’t you say you were testing your self-control? Already broken?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan froze, then leaned back against the tub:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That didn’t count. Do it again—I swear I won’t move.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Hongshang leaned forward again, lifting her chest proudly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come, sister’ll let you touch—this time, I won’t tease you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan faced the bulging ghost bride, his gaze as resolute as a Buddha’s holy son:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re trying to trick me—I won’t fall for it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why would I trick you? I’m letting you touch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she took one of Xie Jinhuan’s fingers and gently pressed it down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fingertip sank slightly, feeling like a cloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan hadn’t expected the great demoness to be so honest—she actually let him touch—so he unleashed a Dragon’s Claw!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, he passed right through…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey?! You…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Hongshang looked down at him, her eyes tinged with mild disdain:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh my~ With this kind of self-control, you shouldn’t even show up tomorrow—save yourself the humiliation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You said you wouldn’t trick me, so I just touched once…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn’t you touch? A poke counts! Who told you to be greedy and want to squeeze?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan realized he truly couldn’t resist the ghost bride’s charms—he grew serious:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do it again. This time, I swear I won’t react.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Last chance~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go ahead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Ye Hongshang spoke, she pressed forward until their faces were inches apart, her rosy lips nearing Xie Jinhuan’s—so close he could feel her warm breath!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the breathtaking beauty so near, Xie Jinhuan knew it was fake—but the distance was barely a pinch away…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if the ghost bride didn’t react?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking he had nothing to lose, Xie Jinhuan first leaned back to dodge, then, as the ghost bride lunged, shot forward with lightning speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his neck locked stiff—like a ghost was sitting on his chest…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh my~ Trying to feint? Naughty boy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Jinhuan, relentlessly teased by this legendary beauty, had no strength left to fight—he surrendered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright, I’ll rest up—I’ve got to earn money later, don’t make me choke.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the window, the silver moon hung high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Gongpu, dressed in a sleeping robe, sat behind the Eight Steeds screen, a soft blanket draped over his shoulders, two maids massaging his shoulders and pounding his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the screen, Han Jingchuan, Battalion Commander of the Crimson Lin  Guard, sat beside the tea table, a golden Buddha statue beside him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Years ago, thanks to your help, Master Li, I escaped blame in the Imperial Palace haunting case. Now that I hear your birthday is near, this golden Buddha…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Gongpu half-closed his eyes, his tone impatient:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just say it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Er… You’ve surely heard about Xie Wen’s son. Three years ago, I made Xie Wen take the blame, sending his family to the southern frontier—they were ambushed and killed en route. Now that Xie Jinhuan has returned, he’ll surely settle old scores. I suspect he’s behind the deaths of the three Crimson Lin  Guards in Danyang, though I have no proof.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jingchuan paused, then continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A man of his stature shouldn’t trouble you, Master Li. But lately, this boy has achieved remarkable feats; the Dan Prince treats him like his own. I fear…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Gongpu opened his eyes, his gaze filled with deep displeasure:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You failed to suppress the Sanhe Pavilion incident, and now all your men are dead in Danyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just today, three memorials accusing me have reached the Censorate. Are you asking me, in the midst of this storm, to help you eliminate this hero who rid the people of evil?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jingchuan knew the task was difficult, and bowed respectfully:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xie Jinhuan’s momentum is too strong, and with the Dan Prince’s backing, he’ll soon settle old accounts—possibly threatening you, Master Li. Now that he’s still weak, this is the perfect moment to eliminate him. I’ve come to ask for your advice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Gongpu was furious over the Sanhe Pavilion incident and the buried gamblers, and had little desire to deal with this useless man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xie Jinhuan’s rise was undeniable, and he was clearly an enemy; after a brief silence, Li Gongpu said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Imperial Palace haunting case involved too many powerful figures—it’s already settled. If Xie Jinhuan wants to settle old scores, he’ll have to play outside the rules.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jingchuan wasn’t afraid of Xie Jinhuan challenging him through connections or lawsuits—he feared this boy would break all rules and just kill him outright:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If he seeks revenge privately, what should I do? Strike first—will the Dan Prince…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s been roaming the land slaying demons and monsters, yet hasn’t come after you. Are you rushing to strike first? Aren’t you just handing him a knife?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Er…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jingchuan thought: \"So… wait and see?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Gongpu silently shook his head, his gaze as if looking at a fool:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A thief can’t guard against being caught every day. Since you have old grudges, why not give him an opening?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once he steps into your trap, the knife is in your hand—how you use it depends entirely on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jingchuan thought carefully, then nodded:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand. I’ve been patrolling Changle Street recently, keeping watch. The Dan Prince’s heir visits Changle Street every night—Xie Jinhuan will surely learn of my whereabouts. If he dares walk into the trap, I hope Master Li…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Assassinating a close imperial guard is treason. If you kill him in self-defense, what can the Dan Prince do? Even if he kills you, I can use this to investigate him—the outcome is the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Jingchuan found this logical, but still worried:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if he’s too cautious and doesn’t come?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If he doesn’t come after you, why are you in a hurry? If the enemy doesn’t move, neither do we. With me holding things down, he can’t rise in the capital.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elsewhere, the Great Qian Imperial Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midnight. The Lizheng Palace study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress He, over fifty, stood behind the chair, massaging the Emperor’s shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Zhao Jin, in a sleeping robe, held a memorial, reading the full account and self-criticism submitted by the Dan Prince regarding the Huaijiang Bay massacre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor and the Dan Prince were biological brothers, but neither was born to the Empress; both had been mere princelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the autumn of Jian’an Eighth Year, the Second Prince staged a coup, murdered the Crown Prince outside Xuande Gate, seized the throne, and ordered the slaughter of all his brothers residing in the Ten Princes’ Mansion—known as the Jian’an Incident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the Emperor and the Dan Prince survived, protected by loyal servants who helped them escape the Ten Princes’ Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after escaping, the Emperor refused to flee as advised; instead, he risked everything, leveraging his father-in-law He Xiu’s influence to gather over a dozen death-soldiers, ambushed the overconfident Second Prince, and was later acclaimed by court ministers, ascending the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the Jian’an Incident, the Emperor suffered severe injuries; though only in his fifties, his temples were already streaked with gray. Though he had long held supreme power, his bearing still carried imperial majesty, yet his voice carried a faint weakness:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Mingshenjiao  has grown increasingly bold in recent years, trying to open the ‘Corpse Ancestor’s Tomb’ and unleash that world-ending demon…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Grand Empress Guo of Bei Zhou seems intent on deposing me and seizing the throne—she watches us with hungry eyes…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jinghuan is too young. I truly fear entrusting him with the throne…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress He comforted: \"Your Majesty is still in your prime—you have time to guide Jinghuan. Besides, the Great Qian has countless talents: Lu Wu, Fan Li, Hou Jiye—all capable ministers. Below them, Zhang Huaiyu, Deng Tingzhu, and others are ready to follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just the other day, a young man named Xie Jinhuan emerged in Danyang—exceptionally gifted in both literature and martial arts. With time, he’ll surely become a pillar of the Great Qian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jinghuan always listens to advice. Even if he can’t expand the realm into a great sovereign, with such capable ministers, he can still be a worthy guardian of the throne…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor shook his head: \"The Great Qian has enjoyed peace for a hundred years, seemingly calm—but beneath the surface, countless sects and schools vie for dominance, while enemies and demons circle like wolves. One misstep, and thirty thousand miles of mountains and rivers become a boiling cauldron, the people reduced to fish and insects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This world doesn’t need a guardian king—it needs a revitalizing sovereign… cough… cough…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, the Emperor suddenly coughed twice, muffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress He’s eyes flickered with urgency; she swiftly pulled out a crimson pill and placed it to the Emperor’s lips, helping him swallow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After taking the pill, the Emperor’s complexion improved, and he sighed softly again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Life and death are destined; I do not know if I can survive this winter. Fortunately, after twenty years of rule, I have paved the way for Jinghuan— even if I cannot hold on, it will not end on his watch...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress He helped him smooth his breath from behind: \"As the common folk say, 'Children have their own fortunes.' Your Majesty must prioritize your imperial health; let Jinghuan handle his own affairs—he must learn to walk his own path someday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph, true enough...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you, Big Boss Tianbao, for your alliance donation!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you, Big Boss Ouren de Yujian, for your ten-thousand-silver donation!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you, all Big Bosses, for your donations, monthly tickets, recommendations, and continued reading support or2!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1731,"2026-06-20T01:38:11.747Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","8e1789341b3770191be9d9f2907ce47b96b5d27ef9281f76afd146009efcc4ab","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-77","the-roaring-dragon-chapter-75",252,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-roaring-dragon-cover.jpg"]